Sports Card Lessons Podcast

Follow Sports Card Lessons Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

A weekly podcast of lesson's I've learned in the Sports Card hobby, card show recaps, and interviews with key people in the hobby.

Ken Cairns


    • Jul 18, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 401 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Sports Card Lessons Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Sports Card Lessons Podcast

    What's More Important... The Cards or the Money?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2026 21:16


    This episode I talk about seeing all the content from Fanatics fest and wonder what is more important to the content creators and the watchers.. The cards or the money? I also share a recent pickup and a few highlighted cards from my National inventory SCL S8E49

    Spend 10K | Mahomes Pricing | Singles | Barry Bonds Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 61:31


    This episode is all listener questions.. How would you spend 10K in the hobby, Mahomes pricing, buying singes, Barry Bonds Market, & more. This Wednesday Night Live 7/15/2026 SCL HC S8E48

    Was it worth it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2026 26:34


    This episode I share some of my inventory for The National and I discuss buying at comps, purchase price, & current value and decide what cards were worth holding and what should have been a quick flip. SCL S8E47

    Getting ready for The National | WC Picks | Zip's PC Pickups

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 58:18


    This episode we deep dive into prepping for The National. Everything you need to know along with some tips, tricks, & good advice. We look at the final 8 teams in WC and make our predictions. Zip also shares some PC pickups. Thursday Night Live 7/9/2026 SCL HC S8E46

    Is PayPal still safe for sports cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2026 23:37


    This episode I deep dive into PayPal G&S purchase protection to see if we're still covered when shipping sports cards. I also share new inventory pickups for The National. SCL S8E45

    Mid Year Hobby Report Card - Winners, losers & 2nd half predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 68:45


    This episode we take a look back the 1st half of 2026 in the hobby. We also look ahead to the 2nd half and make some predictions. Thursday Night Live 7/2/2026 SCL HC S8E44

    Buying Strategies - Risk vs Reward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2026 25:21


    This episode I talk about changing up my buying strategies buying more for quick flips and less to hold for in season selling. I recap a local show and talk about TCG dealers filling up tables at local shows. SCL S8E43

    Hobby Relationships | Lunch break deals | POP or CHOP

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 77:06


    This episode we talk about hobby relationships and how important they are. We talk about Zips lunch break deal & another installment of POP or CHOP. Thursday Night Live 6/25/2026 SCL HC S8E42

    Wax or a Repack?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026 25:07


    This episode I talk about deciding to buy a repack over wax. I also recap the EC3-CON Show at Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. SCL S8E41

    What we're buying | World Cup With @specialonecards | Prospecting Soccer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 89:59


    This episode Big Ken & Zip talk about what we're currently buying. We bring on @specialonecards host of The90 Soccer Podcast to talk world cup, prospecting soccer, & what happens to the soccer market when The World Cup is over. Thursday Night Live 6/18/2026 SCL HC S8E40

    Trading at card shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2026 24:14


    This episode I recap the Causeway Card show and talk about making some trades and how fair should trading be. I also share my show pickups SCL S8E39

    TCG Take Over | Is winter coming | Buying strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 60:43


    This episode we talk about TCG taking over card shows, Gary Vee comments that winter is coming in the hobby, & our current buying strategies. Guest co-host tonight Corey Donahue @Collect4good & Bigger than cardboard Thursday Night Live 6/11/2026 SCL HC S8E38

    No Internet at a card show.. Disaster or Opportunity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 28:58


    This episode I talk about being at a card show with no wi-fi or cell service. I recap 2 weekend shows and share pickups. SCL S8E37

    The Sports Card Hobby Should Be Slowing Down... So Why Isn't It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 70:55


    This episode we talk about what is driving the hobby & why it isn't slowing down. Thursday Night Live 6/4/2026 SCL HC S8E36

    This market is about to explode

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2026 29:33


    This episode I talk about the football card market getting ready to take off. I also recap 2 weekend shows with pickups. SCL S8E35

    PSA Pausing Grading | Have we hit the ceiling on GOATS | TOPPS Case Hits

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 66:21


    This episode we respond to PSA breaking news and we answer listener questions. Thursday Night Live 5/28/2026 SCL HC S8E34

    Does the economy affect the hobby?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2026 23:27


    This episode I talk about the current state of our economy and what affect it has on card shows. I recap the Foxwoods show & share today's pickups. SCL S8E33

    Does the hobby have a pricing problem? | Over Priced Cards | TOPPS vs Panini

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 64:52


    This episode we take a look at recent record sales on some ultra modern & modern cards, Are these cards over priced? We compare TOPPS vs Panini QC & Gem Rate. Thursday Night Live 5/21/2026 SCL HC S8E32

    Who gives the best comps?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 27:53


    This episode I ask who do you trust for comps? What sample size do you need in sales to trust the higher comps. I also recap the Mount Kisco card show. SCL S8E31

    PSA's Big Announcement | TOPPS retail Sitting | NFL Schedule Release

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 61:50


    This episode we discuss PSA's big announcement, TOPPS products sitting on retail shelves | and the NFL Schedule release. Thursday Night Live 6/14/2026 SCL HC S8E30

    Buying SSP Low Pop Cards & The North Haven Card Show Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2026 24:27


    This episode I talk about buying an SSP low pop card and ask the question should I ship to PSA for quick partner sale with small profit or bring to shows and swing for the fences.. I also recap The North Haven Card Show my 1st show as a promoter. SCL S8E29

    PayPal G&S Denials | TOPPS Chrome Football | Bowman Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 70:51


    This episode we talk about PayPal G&S high volume denials - POP or CHOP is back with some spicy topics. TOPPS Chrome Football | Bowman Basketball | Fanatics Fest | World Cup Soccer | MJ Cards Thursday Night Live 5/07/26 SCL HC S8E28

    Know the value of your cards

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 31:54


    This episode I recap the Northeast Sports Card Expo, a 2 day 350 table show in Stanford CT. I also talk about knowing the value of your cards if you plan to sell them at card shows. SCL S8E27

    Listener Questions - Thursday Night Live 4/30/2026

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 79:06


    Thursday Night Live 4/30/2026 We put the listeners in the driver seat and decide the topics for tonight. SCL HC S8E26

    Turning Sports card Trash into Cash

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 25:38


    This episode I talk about low end football slabs being a big seller at card shows right now being bought up by re-packers & WhatNot streamers. I also recap the Causeway show in Boston & share pickups SCL S8E25

    Off-season buying strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2026 29:54


    This episode I talk about my strategies buying in the offseason to resell 3-6 months later and how I calculate what I should be paying for maximum profit. I recap 2 weekend shows and share pickups. SCL S8E24

    NFL QB Pre-Season Prices | Multiplier PSA 9 vs PSA 10 | TOPPS Chrome Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 63:31


    This episode we look at pre-season QB prices and take a look at the numbers when it comes to the questionable multiplier between PSA 9 & PSA 10. The release of TOPPS Chrome Football and we both share some big pickups we had during our week off. Thursday Night live 4/16/2026 SCL HC S8E23

    Show Respect

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2026 29:57


    This episode I talk about an attendee that waisted a good amount of my time at a show and walked away without a deal, I also talk about setting up at a mostly Pokemon show and buying sports cards. SCL S8E22

    TOPPS Football Announced - 2025 Rookie Class - Downtowns - Low pop Messi's

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 64:54


    This Live episode we talk about TOPPS Football, the 2025 rookie class and will downtowns hold their value. We also discuss low pop obscure Messi cards. Thursday Night Live 4/2/2026 SCL HC S8E21

    Is the hobby out of control? Quincy Show Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2026 26:52


    This episode I ask are we right back to 2021 in the hobby, out of control and hoping it never ends? I recap my trip to the Quincy Card Show. SCL S8E20

    I Hate TOPPS - Shill Bidding - Bye Panini

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 58:00


    This episode I share my frustration trying to buy Bowman Basketball on pre-order, Too much shill bidding online & we say goodbye to Panini and share what we will & won't miss. Thursday Night Live 3/26/26 SCL HC S8E19

    The National - Calling an audible on inventory

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2026 22:28


    This episode I talk about changing up the game plan on The National inventory. Keeping the original plan but also adding in more raw RPA's, Auto's, and numbered cards with higher value from $50-$350 because the value is there right now and these cards are in abundance.. SCL S8E18

    Bowman Basketball - How this product will change everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 59:42


    This episode Topps announces Bowman Basketball and we talk about what it means for the hobby, WNBA Season on, and Big Ken's Big Announcement Live Thursday Night 3/19/2026 SCL HC S8E17

    Market Correction? Is it coming?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 27:16


    This episode I talk about the last 2 market corrections and in my opinion what prevents it from happening again. SCL S8E16

    Ohtani vs Mahomes - Hobby Winners & Losers - NFL Free Agency

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 71:04


    This episode we debate who's cards we'd want to own Ohtani or Mahomes, We talk about hobby winners & losers when it comes to buying and selling cards, we also talk about whose card markets will see a bump after the dust settles in NFL free agency. Thursday Night Live 3/12/26 SCL HC S8E15

    Absolute Hobby Insanity - Philly Show Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 33:41


    This Episode I recap The Philly Show. Massive attendance, huge sales, & big pickups. SCL S8E14

    March Madness | eBay Fraud | Preparing for the Philly Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 50:23


    This episode Ken talks about preparing all week for the Philly Show, We ask how fraudulent it is when these eBay envelopes never show up, and March Madness is Ken's selling Super Bowl with Bowman Chrome U Basketball.. Live Stream 3/5/2026 SCL HC S8E13

    Stop using bulk at PSA... Do this instead

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 32:29


    This episode I discuss trying different options grading at PSA and share with you how to leapfrog bulk orders for a minimal expense per card. SCL S8E12

    Is the hobby booming or breaking | RPA's or Case hits? | TOPPS Monopoly

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 72:02


    This episode we answer listener questions Live 2/26/2026 SCL HC S8E11

    I'm buying the crap nobody wants

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 26:42


    This episode I recap the Causeway Card Show, I talk about a new strategy building a box for The National buying autographed cards at deep discounts, I share all my pickups from the last week including my Paige Bueckers Downtown PSA 10 that just arrived from PSA. SCL S8E10

    Player predictions for 2026 | Who we're buying | March madness flips | Fanatics Grading Company

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 53:36


    This episode we give our 2026 player predictions, we talk about who we are looking to buy, March madness quick flips, & Is Fanatics shopping or a grading company. SCL HC S8E9

    What the heck is going on in the hobby?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 29:51


    This episode I talk about record breaking attendance & sales at recent card shows. Full recap the EC3CON show at Mohegan Sun Casino. Recent massive grading return SCL S8E8

    TOPPS Chrome Orange vs Gold | PSA Pricing | 15K Panini Points

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 62:43


    This Episode we talk about what is more desirable in the TOPPS Chrome product and back it up with data. PSA raising prices good or bad for the hobby? My 15K surprise inside a case of Prizm WNBA blasters. Thursday night live 2/12/26 SCL HC S8E7

    Are grading delays forcing new money into the hobby?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 23:36


    This episode I talk about grading delays forcing people to continue putting out more money into the hobby waiting for grading orders to return. SCL S8E6

    Ohtani's market surging | Damaged cards selling at auction | SB Predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 59:04


    This Thursday Night Live 2/5/26, we talk abut Ohtani's market surging even higher, should we worry or keep riding the wave to WBC.. Is it fair for auction houses to be selling cards with no flaw descriptions, and our Super Bowl predictions. SCL HC S8E5

    The work it takes to buy & sell Collections

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 31:04


    This episode I talk about the work needed in between the actual buying & the selling of collections and why it's not for everyone. 2 weekend show recaps & pickups SCL S8E4

    Are Ohtani cards a dangerous investment in 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 63:11


    This episode we talk about Shohei Ohtani cards and weather or not they're a bad investment in 2026. SCL HC S8E3

    Building an online hobby community

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 102:38


    This week we bring on Adam & Dan from Cardboard Association talking about what it takes to build an online hobby community, keeping it active, and growing. Their rolls as Admins, and lessons learned and some great stories along the way. Thursday Night Live 1/22/2026 SCL HC S8E2

    White Plains Recap | Called a collector | Share my weekend pickups

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 31:56


    This episode I recap the White Plains Card Show, Talk about being called a collector like it was a bad thing, share my weekend pickups. S8E1

    Best place to sell cards | Listener Questions | NFL Playoff predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 70:37


    This episode we talk about the best place to sell cards, NFL playoff predictions, we answer listener questions & Repack debut Thursday Night live 01/15/2026

    New Buying Strategy | New Collaborations | Hobby Wins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2026 25:54


    This episode I talk about buying cards for a repack with a new buying strategy. Buying with no margins or percentages but for liquidity and value. I also talk about some upcoming collaborations and weekly hobby wins. SCL S7E49

    Claim Sports Card Lessons Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel