Sports Cards Nonsense

Jesse and Mike discuss Whatnot's announcement that they'll be regulating the sale of repacks moving forward. Is this good news? Then, the guys sit down with Brian Lee, founder and CEO of Arena Club, to hear about his journey from being a young collector to a successful entrepreneur. They discuss the innovative use of AI in card grading, transparency of digital marketplaces and how he started Arena Club. They also discuss the booming international market, the intricacies of repacks, and Arena Club's 5-year outlook. Beyond the interview, Jesse and Mike discuss SGC being down big month over month and answer listener questions about the ideal schedule for Fanatics releases, the dynamics of card pricing, card show etiquette and the impact of player performance on card values. They also preview their upcoming live shows, including Jesse breaking WWE Finest on Fanatics Friday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Mike out on the road, Jesse is joined by Alex AKA Clever Cuban Cards to talk about the latest sports card market updates. Grading changes with PSA, expansion into Europe, and Topps' release frequency are all on the docket. PSA's pricing and turnaround times have been a hot topic of conversation over the last week, which Jesse and Alex reflect on. They also discuss the booming market for Pokémon cards, the impact of player likability on card value (Aaron Rodgers), and the challenges of maintaining affordability in the hobby. Be sure to check out Mike's eBay Live tonight with DC Sports 87! And, tune into The Hobby Handbook with Clever Cuban Cards each Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike Gioseffi takes the helm as Jesse recovers from an intense 16-hour card-breaking marathon. Mike dives deep into baseball prospects you need to know as a card collector, discussing the latest trends with special guest Aram Leighton from Just Baseball. They talk Bowman Chrome, early MLB Draft thoughts, and highlight standout players. The conversation also touches on the evolving market for pitchers, the MVP race in the American League, and the nostalgia that keeps collectors engaged. Tune in for a mix of expert analysis, personal reflections, and a look ahead at the 2026 baseball rookie class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a packed week in the hobby. Chris Sewall, the Baseball Card Collector, Investor, Dealer, joins Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi to share stories from the buying side of the business, including his $3,000 purchase of a 3-million card collection that ended up being a money loser, and what lessons he took away from it. He also breaks down the most common types of sellers he encounters and how bulk collections get valued. On the release side, Bowman Chrome is back and after several down years, this year looks loaded. The crew also covers the Disney Topps Chrome drop, featuring autos like Tim Allen and Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear, and Sully from Monsters Inc. And as always, they dig into the mailbag: Is Topps Finest Basketball overpriced? What's the outlook for ultimate card collecting rooms? And, we'll be breaking with DCSports87 next Monday, which you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are joined by Matt from Slabnomics to talk about Shohei Ohtani's latest accomplishments and why he is the GOAT of the baseball market right now and for the foreseeable future. Plus, there are a ton of big releases coming starting next week, the soccer market is up big, and Bowman Chrome FINALLY has a winner with their latest release. Plus, Matt explains the equilibrium point in sports cards and how that relates to demand for the best players' cards. And don't miss out on Mike's big eBay Live on Friday night with MASSIVE singles starting at $1 - it starts at 7:30 pm ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are joined by Jason Shepherd of Shep's Cards to discuss the crashing NFL quarterback market after Week 2 of the season. Brock Purdy Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Bo Nix are all trending down while it's probably a good time to hold onto Justin Herbert and Jordan Love. Is Mac Jones actually trending up? Probably not. Plus, the guys answer mailbag questions including the best ways to move low-end cards, thoughts on Topps Chrome Baseball MVP buy-backs, which five NBA players would be ideal to start your basketball collection with, and how hard it is (or isn't) to own a local card shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August was a record-breaking month for the sports card hobby, and the guys are here to break it all down. Mike and Jesse are joined by Kristina from Card Ladder to dive into the $416.8M spent online on sports card in August, up from $314M in July, and which athletes fueled the surge. They also cover: Topps Collector Appreciation Day, why collectors are frustrated with card prices, and Card Ladder's August market report and top auction house results. They also play some Trivia with Kristina on the biggest public athlete card sales in August. Plus, thoughts on eBay comps, Fanatics Fest potentially adding another day and answer your mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL Week 1 is in the books, and Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi are here to break down what it means for the hobby. From Aaron Rodgers looking like his 2017 self to Daniel Jones possibly having the best game of his career, the guys sort through which QBs are buys, sells, or completely off the radar (sorry, Cam Ward fans) following Week 1. They also touch on Justin Fields' card market, Fanatics Fest updates, and how Ken Griffey Jr. and Michael Jordan collectors are shaping the hobby as their disposable income grows. Later, Gordy Bonker joins to preview his new podcast, The Gordy Bonker Show, launching next week on the SCN Network. Together, the guys dive into big-picture market trends, including why Willie Mays is still a hold and why Shohei Ohtani might be the only modern baseball player who can keep pace with legends. Be sure to follow Gordy on social and keep an eye out for the first episode of The Gordy Bonker Show, debuting next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi goes solo on today's episode and covers a wide range of hobby talk. Is it time to go sell crazy due to big market moves across the sports card industry? There's never a reason to sell a $2 prospect auto. But what should you be selling? From buy/sell lessons to a rant on ethics in sports cards, Mike breaks down how sustainable today's wax and breaking scene really is. He also dives into singles and trends, buzz around side hustles at card shows, and why “everything is up.” Plus, why can't there always be a checklist released for a new sports card drop? Speaking of, there are a bunch of new releases dropping, which will be featured in our eBay Live shows. Be sure to check that out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson are joined by Papa Gio to break down their Top 10 NFL quarterbacks of all time, through the lens of sports cards. From refusing to debate Tom Brady to weighing in on Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers, the guys explain their rankings and look at recent card sales for each QB. They also spotlight the most underrated NFL sports card GOATs, highlighting players whose cardboard still deserves more love. In hobby news, they cover: Why you shouldn't get swayed by recent record-breaking sales MLB prospect chatter featuring Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle and Mets pitcher Jonah Tong A mailbag on non-quarterbacks who could make a splash this NFL season Plus, a reminder: don't buy what you don't understand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse may be out but we have a jam-packed show today as Mike Gioseffi is joined by Adam Gray (9:43) to discuss his Top 25 Cards of the 2000s list. Not only did experts weigh in on the list, but the community voted, too. Did they agree? Of course not! Mike is then joined by Brian from BWA Cards to preview (44:05) his upcoming live shows on eBay. You're not going to want to miss them! And, we finish with your mailbag questions. Will Fanatics start making Bowman and pro jerseys for the NFL and NBA? With Topps taking over the NBA in October, what does that mean for Panini? Which NBA players need a change of scenery for their sports card markets to bounce back? Are mystery packs worth the money? Will Drake Maye's card market grow? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi is joined by Ryan Alford, the host of the new Collectibles on SI Podcast to discuss the record-breaking Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant sports card that EVERYONE is talking about. Plus, we get to know Ryan who is relatively new to the sports cards space, after recently getting back into it. He cannot believe how much money is in the hobby, for starters. What's the value of an SGC 9 vs a Beckett 9 vs a PSA 9. And why is a 9 not a 10?  Plus, Mike answers your questions on the NFL Topps product he's most looking forward to, how to manage card flipping, his favorite cards right now, and the piece of memorabilia he wants most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson are joined by BCW Tim to talk about the Top 10 NBA players of all time and the value of their sports cards. Is the low-end sports card market crashing? Jesse shares how he scored on some Savannah Bananas trading cards. And, we check in on Mike's latest eBay Live auctions. The guys also answer your mailbag questions including about some of the top card releases coming this fall, driving ROI in collectibles, the most popular NFL player today, and the value of Michael Penix Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In what might be a first, we're actually talking about the Toronto Blue Jays. As Mike says, “Vlad Guerrero Jr. is absurdly cheap.” It's time to buy in on the Jays' stars. We also break down our Top 10 picks to start a baseball franchise, debate whether Drew Brees is one of the most overrated quarterbacks ever, and unleash a full-on YouTube rant. Plus, with NFL season around the corner, we rank the Top 10 QB cards right now and dig into the record-breaking basketball sales and wild auctions shaking up the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports Cards Nonsense is now available on YouTube! In today's episode, Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi preview the 2025 NFL starting quarterbacks and whether it's time to buy, sell or hold on their sports cards and collectibles. Why are JJ McCarthy cards selling for so much money when he hasn't played a snap? Are Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes about to take a big step backward while Joe Burrow takes another step forward? Plus, the guys talk MLB Awards, who's hot in baseball right now (and who's not), as well as answering mailbag questions! Oh, and did we mention - Straight Cash Homies returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back and joined by Jason Shepherd to discuss one of the bigger bad deals that went down recently involving a Tom Brady card. Then, they talk about the news of Topps making new boxing cards for the first time in decades, along with a new trend of testing multiple graders at once. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse GibsonGuest: Jason ShepherdProducer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys are back again to talk about new sets, as well as have a fun chat and game with Tory Hermens to guess some over/unders on cards. Then, they get to your crazy mailbag questions. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guest: Tory Hermens Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The boys are back home from Chicago and here to discuss the best and the worst of their weekend at the National. They discuss the celebrity meetings, all of the new and exciting exhibitors, and the drama. They finish off with your mailbag questions. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse GibsonProducer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are live from Chicago on the show floor of The National with Michel Rubin and Mike Mahan on behalf of Fanatics collectibles to talk about all the news you need to know about the year in collectables. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guests: Michel Rubin and Mike Mahan Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys are back to talk about the things they are excited to see at the National. They exchange tips and tricks on what you should look out for and do to prepare for one of the biggest hobby shows around. They also have a little talk about ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and a few more movies. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse and Mike are here to discuss the major news of Ryan Hoge stepping into an expanded role as president of PSA grading. They discuss what it means for the company and what new directions he is looking to take things. They are then joined by Brian Walders to talk about his ascent in the breaking business and what it takes to start from nothing and make a name for yourself. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse GibsonGuests: Ryan Hoge and Brian WaldersProducer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are joined by Cliff Panezich and Steve Grad to discuss a story that has rocked the hobby, a multimillion-dollar forgery scandal that came out last week. Cliff and Steve offer unique perspectives on both sides of the story to help illuminate where the hobby currently is and how a scam of this scale could possibly be achieved. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guests: Cliff Panezich and Steve Grad Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse report from the road to discuss their journey to Indiana and proclaim their excitement for the National, fun card pulls, top-tier road snacks, as well as in-car entertainment. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Shepherd joins Mike and Jesse to discuss the latest news in the hobby, including new policies and initiatives for sellers on eBay Live, the ongoing preferences of grading in PSA verses SGC, along with your mailbag questions. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guest: Jason Shepherd Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim joins Mike and Jessie this week as they discuss the biggest breaks and pulls from the Panini WNBA Rookie Royalty boxes. They also talk about some mid-year grading stats and how that can reflect future market analysis. They also answer your questions about the new Topps Chrome set, movies, and so much more. Hosts: Jessie Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuests: BCW TimSenior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse and Mike stop in for some news regarding the latest on a record-breaking Jordan card sale (08:02). Later, Mike talks about the near-universal appeal of Shohei Ohtani and what makes him a great card investment. They also talk about Aaron Rodgers (21:59) and get to your mailbag questions (25:49). Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back to talk about some of the newest news in the world of cards, along with a monster Caitlin Clark auction (04:18). Then, they are joined by Adam Gray to revisit his "25 Most Iconic Cards" list, and the guys reveal some of their personal favorites (14:51). Later, Chris McGill joins to talk about market trends, as well as a little game of "Pokemon vs. Athlete" (43:10). Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guests: Adam Gray and Chris McGill Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back from the Fanatics Fest in New York, and discuss the trades, transactions, and scenes from the event (0:00). Tyler Tarver joins the show to discuss the event (29:20). Tyler explains how the majority of complaints were that it wasn't a cards show but really a sports festival. Nate Burns then joins the show. He was a vendor at the festival, and discusses his interaction with Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud for a Kobe Bryant card (41:05). Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guests: Tyler Tarver and Nate Burns Producer: Cliff Augustin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse open up the show with some gold Mike found at a garage sale (0:43). Then, they discuss Marvel 2025 Topps Chrome dropping today (0:00), Shoehei Ohtani returning to the mound and what that could mean for his value (22:23). Later, they discuss a couple of huge moves in sports, including the Red Sox trading Rafael Devers to the Giants (25:40), and the Grizzlies trading Desmond Bane to the Magic (31:34). Later, they do a temperature check on Tyrese Haliburton cards if he leads the Pacers to an NBA championship (38:44). They close out the show answering your mailbag questions. Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse and Mike start the episode by discussing NBA Finals ratings, and Mike admits he was wrong about his prediction that the ratings would be low with two “underdog” teams. Next, they break down the rumors that GameStop may be buying PSA and moving into the collectible space (09:15). They talk about SGC's announcement that it will stop giving discounts for bulk submissions in hopes of slowing submissions down (19:43) before speaking with their guest, Tory Hermens from DCSports87 (23:20). Tory asks Mike and Jesse DCSports87 trivia questions and tests them on what popular cards are worth. Finally, they answer your mailbag questions (52:31). Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi Guest: Tory Hermens Producer: Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse welcome sports shop owner Jason Shepherd, and they kick off the show with a Hulk Hogan Beckett card and how to recognize inauthentic cards (3:55). Then they discuss some of the hottest cards of the moment (17:02). Later, they look at new releases dropping next week (21:37). Jason then takes them through the upgrades he made to his shop and the regulations you may not know about (28:14). They close out the show by answering your mailbag questions (45:35). Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuest: Jason ShepherdProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse begin the show by talking to BCW Tim about the NBA Finals and the overpriced boxes that Topps is selling right now (09:36). Next, they speak with Lance Fensterman, the CEO of Fanatics Events, about Fanatics Fest, which is coming up (29:28). They discuss what Lance learned from last year's mistakes, which athletes will be there signing cards, and the rise of streamers and YouTubers as the stars at Fanatics Fest. Finally, they answer your mailbag questions (53:09), and BCW Tim gives a gift to Jesse. Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi Guests: BCW Tim and Lance Fensterman Producer: Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse starts the show by updating everyone on his planking abilities (00:00). Then, he and Mike call a listener who has quite the story to tell before the guys discuss Aaron Judge's surging card values, Zion Williamson's plunging values, Honus Wagner getting back in the news, and the NBA Finals (04:48). Rene Nezhoda of 'Storage Wars' fame then joins to discuss his love of collecting, his foray into breaking, and his success on YouTube (26:55). And to close out the show, the guys open the mailbag (50:24). Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse GibsonGuest: Rene NezhodaProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back by popular demand, Mike and Jesse begin the show by ripping packs of cards (00:00). Then, the guys discuss Walmart's role in the hobby, and the top 10 greatest Yankees of all time, before Jesse questions why all these women want to go on dates with Troy. After that, Upper Deck president Jason Masherah joins the show to talk about some bad apples in the breaking industry, the future of authentication and grading, and innovation in the hobby (28:52). And to round out the show, the guys open the mailbag (56:24). Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuest: Jason MasherahProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse spontaneously rip packs to begin the episode (00:00). Then, they get to the bottom of a 2007 murder mystery. After that, fan favorite Adam Gray joins to discuss his list of the 25 most iconic cards of the last 25 years (21:46). To close out the show, the guys open the mailbag (56:36), answering questions like: How many GaryVees would it take to beat up Jesse and Mike? And, just hours before his second date in four days, Troy fills the guys in on what's wrong with modern dating. Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuest: Adam GrayProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse and Mike begin the podcast by discussing their thoughts on the GaryVee interview from Tuesday. Then, they welcome Gordy Bonker, a cards content creator, who discusses leaving a financial career behind to go full time in selling vintage baseball cards. He also talks about the current trends in the vintage card market and the role of TikTok in connecting with younger audiences before he and the guys have a candid discussion about what it takes to make it in this business. Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse GibsonGuest: Gordy BonkerProducers: Ben Cruz and Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Vaynerchuk (GaryVee on social media) joins Jesse and Mike IN STUDIO to discuss a number of topics, like the evolution of VeeFriends since launching the series in 2021, how the hobby fan base has responded to him after his recent Topps partnership, the tough part about having a voice in the card market space, how he's creating demand for VeeFriends products, and his big ambitions for VeeFriends. Plus, the guys ask Gary about what motivates him and how he maintains such enthusiasm for the hobby while running all of his other businesses. He also assesses the state of the card industry, and he tells the guys one thing he'd like to change about the hobby. Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuest: Gary VaynerchukProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse begin the show by discussing a new partnership between Complex and Fanatics, whether Pete Rose will make it into Cooperstown, and the possibility that NFL players will participate in flag football in the Olympics soon. Then, fan of the show Abram King of Sports Illustrated talks about his transition from full-time teaching into the hobby, the rise of UFC and WWE cards, and more (22:28). Plus, how many Dick's Sporting Goods stores are there in the U.S.? Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuest: Abram KingProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse begin the show with some bad news. Then, before disappearing from the show, Troy makes Jesse and Mike revisit their old beef. After that, the guys discuss GaryVee's influence in the card market, upcoming NFL products, and their experience last Thursday doing a live event for charity. Plus, some mailbag. Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Jesse start the pod by talking about the big lawsuit Alt filed against PWCC. They're then joined by collectible content creator Adam Gray to discuss the state of the NBA playoffs and debate how Steph Curry's performance in them will affect his overall card value (8:14). Next, friend of the show Tory Hermens joins the fold with new information on the latest Bowman moves and another game for the guys (39:15). Finally, they end the pod by answering some of your mailbag questions (1:00:58). Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse GibsonGuests: Adam Gray and Tory HermensProducer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse and Mike begin the show by talking about their biggest learnings from the Topps Conference in Atlanta. After that, they talk about the incoming NBA rookie draft class, the popularity of UFC and WWE cards, marketing strategies to grow the hobby, and the growth of cards outside of sports (16:00). Plus, they talk about some of the comments they received about their GaryVee interview before closing out the episode with some mailbag questions (01:07:20). Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the Topps Industry Conference in Atlanta, Jesse and Mike talk about their biggest takeaways from day one. Then, entrepreneur, social media star, and card lover GaryVee joins the guys to talk about his new card project, the evolution of VeeFriends, the sports cards market, and more. Hosts: Jesse Gibson and Mike GioseffiGuest: Gary VaynerchukProducer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices