Stacking Slabs

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Welcome to the Stacking Slabs, a podcast for sports cards investors. Join us to get the latest sports cards investment advice, hear from industry experts that are deep in the trenches, and find out when to turn left when the rest of the market is going right. Get eBay ready. Get PayPal ready. Let’s be students of the game and stack some slabs.

Brett McGrath

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    • Apr 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 934 EPISODES

    4.7 from 123 ratings Listeners of Stacking Slabs that love the show mention: sports card, hobby, cards, passion, talks, advice, great, content, show, good, listen, best, love, brett is very knowledgeable.


    Ivy Insights

    The Stacking Slabs podcast is a fantastic listen for anyone passionate about the sports card industry. Hosted by Brett, this podcast is filled with energy, passion, and an abundance of knowledge that keeps listeners eagerly awaiting each new episode. Whether you're a collector or an investor, this podcast offers a wide range of content that covers all aspects of the hobby. Not only does Brett provide insightful solo episodes, but he also brings on great guest interviews that offer unique perspectives on current hobby topics. The combination of Brett's expertise and his excellent resources make this podcast one of the best in the hobby community.

    One of the best aspects of The Stacking Slabs podcast is Brett's enthusiasm and positive attitude. He truly loves what he does and it shines through in every episode. His passion for the hobby is contagious and it's hard not to feel inspired after listening to him talk about sports cards. Moreover, Brett covers a wide range of cards and sports, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Whether you're interested in basketball, football, baseball, or any other sport, you'll find discussions on various cards and players that cater to your interests.

    On the downside, some listeners may find that Brett uses filler words such as "like" quite frequently throughout his episodes. While this doesn't detract from the overall quality of the content, it can be slightly distracting at times. However, this minor flaw pales in comparison to the wealth of information and entertainment provided by The Stacking Slabs podcast.

    In conclusion, The Stacking Slabs podcast is a must-listen for anyone involved in or interested in getting back into the sports card hobby. Brett's knowledge, passion, and ability to provide valuable insights make each episode enjoyable and engaging. This podcast stands out from others in its field by encouraging listeners to do their own research rather than simply promoting products for profit. If you're looking for a podcast that combines education with entertainment, The Stacking Slabs is the perfect choice for you.



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    Latest episodes from Stacking Slabs

    Passion to Profession: Building What the Hobby Relies On with BCW Supplies CEO Eric Brownell

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 45:42


    What does it take to build a business that the entire hobby depends on?In this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Eric Brownell, CEO and President of BCW Supplies.You've used their products.Top loaders. Sleeves. Storage.But you probably haven't thought about what it takes to keep the hobby stocked when demand explodes.Eric shares the story behind BCW's growth from a small family business into a 100+ person operation that supports collectors, hobby shops, breakers, and distributors across the country. This conversation goes deeper than supplies.It's about: Scaling a business without losing your foundation  Hiring people who push the company forward  Staying disciplined when the market gets hot  Protecting your core customer while still growing Eric also breaks down how BCW thinks about inventory, forecasting, and preparing for moments like the pandemic when demand surged beyond anything the industry had seen.If you care about where the hobby is going, you need to understand the businesses holding it together behind the scenes.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last #15: WrestleMania, Chrome Chaos, and a chat with Bryan (@THZSportscards)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 81:31


    WrestleMania is here.Adam and Ryan break down the matches that matter. Not only for wrestling fans, but for collectors paying attention to where value moves next.They dig into what needs to happen.Who wins matters. But why it matters for cards is the real conversation.Then it shifts.Topps Chrome WWE hits the market and everything changes.The product is getting ripped everywhere.Big cards are moving fast.Some sales make sense. Others don't.This is where collectors get tested.Bryan from THZ Sports Cards joins the show.He shares how he moved from NBA cards into wrestling.Why the community pulled him in.And how he is building around Sol Ruca before the rest of the market catches up.There is a difference between watching and acting.This episode sits right in the middle of that gap.If you care about timing, attention, and where collectors are placing their bets, this one will hit.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #43: Topps Chrome Frenzy, Froth Season, and the Cards That Make No Sense

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 74:38


    Topps Chrome Football is here.And the hobby is already moving fast.We break down what we're seeing in real time. The hype. The pricing. The decisions collectors are making before the dust settles.A Jaxson Dart auto out of /275 sparks a $2K debate. What does that say about where we are right now?We talk through: Why Topps Chrome is built for attention  How Fanatics is changing promotion and demand  What early sales are telling us about collector behavior  The difference between ripping for experience and chasing outcomes We also go deep on: The best and worst years of Topps Chrome Football  Why 2015 might be the worst product ever made  How collectors should think after getting “skunked”  When a card pulls you outside your collecting lane And we close with a new segment:Pairing players with music catalogs.Because collecting is about connection.Not just cardboard.If you're feeling the pull of a new release…This episode will help you slow down and think before you act.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonSign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Finding Your Lane in a Noisy Hobby with James (@madcitycollector)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 51:41


    Brett sits down with James (@madcitycollector), creator of The Soccer Card Collective Podcast, to explore what happens when a collector ignores the spotlight and builds his own lane.James shares why he chose soccer cards over more crowded markets, how nostalgia shapes his decisions, and what he's learned by studying overlooked players, sets, and eras.The conversation digs into: Why modern attention is narrow and where opportunity exists  How to collect with intention instead of following hype  The role of nostalgia, lineage, and discovery in building a collection  What the soccer card community reveals about micro-markets and demand  How disciplined spending and long-term thinking shape better collectors This is a conversation about awareness, patience, and choosing your path in a hobby driven by noise.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon TodayFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    You Don't Have a Collection. You Have a Reflection.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 25:25


    Collectors often believe they are building collections.This episode challenges that idea.In this flagship conversation, Brett explores the concept that every collection is a reflection of the person behind it. Drawing from consumer psychology research and personal collecting experience, he breaks down how buying decisions reveal deeper signals around identity, control, risk, patience, and validation.Through real examples and practical questions, this episode pushes collectors to think beyond surface-level decisions and examine why they acquire what they do.Key themes include:• buying certainty vs. buying conviction• the role of status and social comparison• how structure in collecting creates a sense of control• why two collectors with the same resources build entirely different outcomesThis is not an episode about what to buy.It is about understanding what your collection says about you.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeGet your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Topps Chrome Football Has No Competition and What This Means

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 19:56


    Topps Chrome Football is back.But this time it stands alone.No competing brand. No second option. No alternative lane.That changes how you collect.In this episode, I'm not breaking down the checklist or the hits. You can find that anywhere.I'm focused on what this moment reveals about you as a collector.For years, your decisions were shaped by comparison.The question shifts from what do you like more to do you participate at all.That is a different game.We talk about:• why no competition creates pressure on your decisions• how concentrated demand can look like real demand• the difference between collecting and compliance• why this release is a mirror for your conviction• how to slow down and make better decisions in a loud marketThis is one of the most important shifts in football cards in a long time.Not because of the product.Because of what it reveals about the people buying it.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: From Card Breaker to CEO with Ryan Johnson (@cardcollector2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 51:07


    Ryan Johnson didn't set out to build a 35-person company.He wanted to open cards.Share what he was buying.Be the resource he never had.Then the business grew.In this conversation, Ryan walks through the shift from collector and content creator to operator responsible for people, systems, and outcomes.We talk about: The moment decisions started impacting other people  Letting go of control and building a real team  Why communication breaks when you scale  How cash becomes a tool for speed and growth  The hardest lesson he learned about hiring and culture  Balancing being a collector while running a business  Why his “why” for collecting has changed This is a conversation about growth.Not the highlight reel.The real stuff that happens when the hobby turns into a business.If you're building something in this space, this one will hit.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The WNBA Card Podcast: The Weight of Expectations and How Paige Met the Moment with Ryan (@reservoirsportscards)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2026 51:14


    Katelyn sits down with Ryan (@reservoirsportscards), a UConn collector who went all in on Paige Bueckers before the market caught up.This is a conversation about conviction.Ryan didn't start as a collector. He started flipping cards. Watching markets. Chasing value.Then Paige changed everything.What started as an idea turned into a strategy.Then a PC.Then an obsession.We get into: The moment Paige became “the one”  Turning a $19K purchase into a record-breaking sale  Why Bowman Chrome changed WNBA collecting  The shift from flipping to collecting with purpose  How prospecting in women's basketball is changing the hobby This isn't about hype.It's about what happens when you believe early… and act on it.If you've ever thought about going all in on a player, this episode will make you think twice about how you do it.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastFollow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last #14: Topps Chrome Takeover, Industry Secrets, and the Future of Wrestling Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 81:36


    This is one of the biggest weeks wrestling cards has seen in years.Adam and Ryan break down everything happening right now.Topps Chrome WWE is live. Prices are high. Demand is higher. The product feels like a turning point.Ryan shares what he saw firsthand at the Topps Industry Conference. What matters. What doesn't. And what collectors should be paying attention to.They get into:• Why Chrome feels different this year• What the future of Fanatics' ecosystem looks like• How premium products like Royalty and Dynasty will reshape the market• What's happening behind the scenes with dealers, breakers, and distributionThen it all builds to a major announcement.Booked to Last is bringing the wrestling card community together at The National.If you care about where this hobby is going, this episode matters.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #42: Topps Chrome Football Is Back… Now What?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 91:23


    Topps Chrome Football returns and the hobby is already moving fast.In this episode, we break down what this release really means for collectors.Where the hype is coming from.Why positioning matters more than ever.And how to avoid getting caught chasing the wrong things.We also get into:• The reality of breakers dominating early supply• Why “first year” narratives need to be questioned• How to think about parallels when nothing has history yet• The tension between chasing new vs staying focused on your lanePlus:A deep dive into undervalued legends like Ronnie LottA conversation on junk slabs vs real scarcityAnd why some of the best opportunities are still being ignoredIf you're thinking about buying Chrome next week…You need to hear this first.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonSign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Shrink the Sea: Why Niching Down Builds Stronger Collectors

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 20:52


    The hobby isn't one market. It's many.But we still act like everything should live under one roof.In this episode, I push on a simple idea. The hobby gets stronger when we get more focused. Not bigger. Narrower.When everything sits in one place, collectors get lost. They default to the loudest voices and the most visible cards. Depth disappears.When you shrink the sea, something changes.Collectors find their lane.They find people who collect like them.They build identity, trust, and connection.That's where real collecting starts.I break down why micro-markets matter, how structure creates engagement, and what happens when you build around a specific category instead of chasing the whole hobby.We talk about: Why more options leads to less action  How niche communities drive retention  The role of curated auctions, content, and events  What operators, creators, and collectors should do next If you've ever felt like the hobby doesn't speak to you, this episode will help you understand why.And what to do about it.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Patience is the Difference Maker: How to Collect When Everything Tells You to Buy Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 23:57


    There is more money, more cards, and more noise in the hobby than ever before.Over $605M in monthly sales. Every platform is built to keep you moving.Scrolling. Watching. Bidding. Buying.So where does patience fit?In this episode, I slow things down and challenge a hard question.Can patience survive in a system designed to push you to act fast?I break down the forces working against you.Why urgency feels real.Why auctions pull you in.Why losing a card makes you want to buy another.Then I walk through a different way to operate.Not waiting.Not resisting.Building a system.We talk about:How to separate collecting from stimulationWhy patience is not willpowerHow to design rules that protect your decisionsWhat it looks like to collect with intention, not reactionIf you feel like the hobby is speeding up around you, this is for you.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Staging Area #22: The Ohtani Effect, $605M Month, and Why the Hobby Won't Slow Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 47:40


    Brett and Tory break down a record-setting moment in the hobby.Card Ladder reports $605M in monthly sales.dcsports87 hits its biggest month ever.And a Shohei Ohtani All Aces PSA 10 sells for over $15K.This conversation goes deeper than headlines.You'll hear what happens when content drives brand growth.Why niche categories like wrestling and TCG are heating up.How scarcity, demand, and perception collide in today's market.And what Ohtani is doing to rewrite the rules collectors have followed for years.They also unpack the real decision behind selling a card at peak hype.Hold or sell?First to market or long-term bet?If you're trying to understand where the hobby is going next, this is the conversation.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: From Pulling a LeBron Logoman to Running a Breaking Empire with Ethan of Tombstone Collectibles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 44:29


    What happens when a single moment turns into a career?Ethan from Tombstone Collectibles joins Passion to Profession to break down how one pull opened the door… and what it actually takes to build a modern hobby business at scale.This is not a conversation about ripping packs.This is about building infrastructure, managing talent, and operating in a market that moves fast.We get into: Why most breakers fail before they ever get started  The importance of relationships in live selling  How Tombstone scaled from one stream to a multi-location operation  What it takes to manage inventory, shipping, and customer experience at volume  Why talent is the hardest problem in the breaking business  The real opportunity in international markets and where growth is heading Ethan shares what's working, what broke along the way, and what collectors don't see behind the scenes.If you've ever thought about turning your passion into a business… this is a conversation you need to hear.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last #13: Chrome Is Coming… So What Are You Doing With Your Money?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2026 68:51


    Adam and Ryan are back and the timing couldn't be bigger.With Topps Chrome around the corner, the wrestling card calendar is about to hit hard. Exalted is here. Chrome is next. Then more follows.The question isn't what's coming.It's how you're going to handle it.In this episode, they break down: Why Exalted feels mistimed in the current release cycle  The overwhelming momentum building behind Chrome  What collectors are missing when they look at wrestling market data  How private deals are shaping the hobby behind the scenes  A real strategy for navigating multiple releases without blowing your budget They also react to major sales, early product reactions, and what the next 60 days might look like for wrestling cards.If you collect wrestling cards, this is a checkpoint episode.Because the hobby is about to speed up.And you need a plan before it does.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #41: Patience, Pricing, and the Problem with How We Move Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 87:24


    You feel it every time you log in.Everything is moving fast.Listings. Prices. Decisions.The hobby wants you to act now.In this episode, Brett and Pack slow it down and ask a harder question:Can you stay patient when everything around you pushes speed?They get into:How collectors lose control when money moves too fastWhy auctions feel better than direct dealsThe hidden cost of selling your own cardsShipping mistakes that create risk for everyoneWhat “fair value” really looks like in today's marketThere's also a conversation about what's broken.Sticker autos.Fake patches.Repack culture.And what happens when accountability disappears.If you've ever felt pressure to move faster than you should, this one is for you.Because the best collectors don't rush.They understand the environment.Then they operate inside it.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Building in Public: How to Scale a Dealer Business Online and In-Person with Max (@Cardsmax)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 59:09


    What does it look like to go all in on cards and make it work?In this conversation, Brett sits down with Max (@Cardsmax), a full-time dealer who has built his business in the open. He shares how he went from ripping packs as a kid to running a national buying and selling operation driven by shows, eBay, and content.Max breaks down the reality of life as a dealer. The travel. The shipping pressure. The constant decisions around where to deploy capital. He explains why understanding your buyer matters more than chasing the next card.They also get into content. Why documenting your process works. Why polished content often falls flat. And how transparency builds trust in a space that lacks it.You'll hear how Max thinks about: Buying with intent and knowing your exit before you enter  The balance between liquidity and scarcity  Why storytelling and positioning move cards  The difference between dealer shows and collector shows  How content compounds into relationships and revenue This is a conversation about operating in the hobby at a high level. Not theory. Real decisions. Real risk. Real reps.If you've ever thought about turning cards into more than a hobby, this one will challenge how you think.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Discovery Gets Real When You Find the People

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 23:41


    Discovery doesn't end when you find the card.That's where most collectors stop. That's where most collectors miss.In this flagship episode, I take the next step from last week and break down what really drives better collecting. It's not being early. It's not guessing right.It's finding the people who already know what you're chasing.I share a message that stopped me in my tracks and forced me to rethink discovery. Then we get into how community shapes your edge.You'll hear:• Why “being first” is the wrong goal• How niche collectors hold the real information• Why your network determines what you see and what you miss• The role of trust, pricing, and access inside small communities• A simple system to find your people and build real relationshipsDiscovery is not a solo act.It's a shared process.And when you find the right people, everything about your collecting changes.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Card Ladder Confidential #18: Why Patience Wins in a Market That Won't Slow Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 67:30


    The market is running. Prices are climbing. Headlines are everywhere.And yet… the smartest collectors aren't chasing.In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, I sit down with Card Ladder team members Chris McGill and Josh Johnson to break down what's really happening right now.We start with the data.February recorded $481M in online card sales. An all-time high. But numbers don't tell the full story.We get into: Why rising prices without clear reasoning should make you pause  How new collectors are entering fast and burning out faster  Why patience is the edge no one talks about  What experienced collectors are doing instead of chasing  How to think about “zagging” when everyone else is piling in  The strategy behind buying non-rookies, obscure 1/1s, and overlooked sets This isn't a hype conversation.It's a reality check.If you're feeling the pressure to keep up, this episode will help you slow down and make better decisions.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Josh: | InstagramFollow Chris: | InstagramFollow Card Ladder: | Instagram | YouTube | WebsiteFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: How Black Gold Sports Cards Doubled Their Team in a Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 48:33


    On this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Bryan Thiessenhusen, CEO of Black Gold Sports Cards.Bryan didn't start with an advantage. He started with tubs of cards, a full-time accounting job, and a willingness to take risk.What followed was a fast build.He turned grading prep into revenue.Turned live streaming into scale.Turned a side hustle into a 30+ person operation.In this conversation, Bryan breaks down: How he used his accounting background to build systems and track every dollar  Why being early and doing what others avoid created momentum  The role of content in driving growth and attention  What most people get wrong about risk, work ethic, and scaling in the hobby  How culture and trust became the foundation of Black Gold This is a conversation about building something real.If you're collecting, operating, or thinking about turning your passion into a business, this one will make you think.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The WNBA Card Podcast: Everything Feels Different Now — The Caitlin Clark Effect with John Broggi (@johnbroggi)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2026 53:54


    Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastFollow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last #12: WWE Chrome Debut Patch Chase Is Here + The Shop Owner Perspective with Jamison of Port City Sports Collectibles

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2026 75:59


    With Ryan out this week, Adam Gellman is joined by Jamison Long of Port City Sports Collectibles to talk wrestling cards from a different angle.Jamison has built one of the fastest growing card shops in the country. He also collects at a high level. That combination creates a different lens on the hobby.They cover:• What changes when you go from collector to shop owner• Why most collectors misunderstand wax pricing• The importance of community inside a card shop• WWE Chrome debut patches and why they matter• Big recent sales and what they signal about the marketThe conversation also hits WWE storylines, prospecting, and how new stars like Oba Femi are impacting collector behavior.This episode is a reminder that the hobby is not only about big cards. It is about how you show up, what you chase, and how long you can stay in it.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #40: The Briggs Bandit, $31K Gronk, and Why You'll Always Miss Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 84:35


    Pack and Brett open Episode 40 with a real-time hobby mystery.A stolen 2025 Prizm Gold Lance Briggs resurfaces across state lines. The hunt is on. Questions start stacking. How many cards disappear before they ever hit public data?From there, the conversation shifts to what collectors are feeling right now.The pressure.The speed.The constant sense of missing out.They break down why the hobby feels like a sprint even when everyone says it's a marathon.The episode also covers:• The gap between data and decision-making• Why social media is distorting collector behavior• When to sell and how to think about consolidation• Big recent sales including a $31K Gronk Prizm Gold and a $90K Brady They close with a reminder most collectors need to hear:You don't need every card.You need the right ones.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    What 12 Hobby Operators Know That Collectors Can Miss

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 28:34


    Collectors think in comps.Operators think in systems.That gap is where mistakes happen.In this episode, I break down what I learned from 12 hobby operators and how it applies to your decisions as a collector.We cover:• Why trust is the product• Why reacting leads to regret• How operators actually view comps• The role of systems and communicationThe hobby is growing.But the rules are not evenly distributed.If you understand how operators think, you put yourself in a better position to win and avoid mistakes.Ask yourself one question.Do the people you buy from reduce uncertainty or create it?Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon TodayFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Discovery Is the Edge Most Collectors Ignore

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 26:34


    When was the last time you found a card before the hobby told you it mattered?Not after the sale.Not after the post.Not after everyone started chasing it.Before.This episode is about discovery and why it is one of the most powerful advantages you can build as a collector.We are living in a headline-driven hobby.Attention dictates demand.Most collectors are choosing from the same small list of cards.That creates competition.It creates pressure.It turns collecting into reaction.Discovery changes that.In this episode, I break down: Why discovery gives you control over your collecting decisions  The psychology behind why discovery feels so rewarding  How attention drives prices and compresses opportunity  The exact system I use to identify cards before the crowd  A real example of how discovery led to one of my favorite recent pickups This is not about being early.This is not about guessing.This is about building a process that helps you collect with intention.If you want your collection to feel like yours, this one matters.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Staging Area #21: WBC Hype, Opening Day, and The WhatNot of It All

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 44:35


    Opening Day is here.Energy is high. Attention is shifting. And the hobby is reacting in real time.Tory and I dig into what just happened with the World Baseball Classic and what it actually means for you as a collector. Not the surface-level hype. The real takeaway.We talk about:Why moments like WBC create short windows of opportunityWhat happens when demand spikes and how to act on itA Kobe Atomic sale that says more about the market than you thinkWhy Topps Dynasty prices aren't as crazy as they lookThe psychology behind live selling, breaking, and chasingThen we go deeper.We address the Whatnot situation head on. Gambling. Responsibility. And where the line actually is.This is a conversation about awareness.About knowing your tendencies.About deciding what kind of collector you want to be before the moment hits.Because the moment always comes.The question is what you do when it does.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: Husband and Wife. One Business. Fifteen Hires in a Year with Michael and Mikaela from Rated Rips

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 60:46


    What happens when you walk away from stability to bet on cards?Michael and Mikaela did it.Both were CPAs. Both were on a clear path. Then COVID hit. Breaking started. Demand showed up fast. And within months, everything changed.They built Rated Rips from late-night breaks into a full-scale consignment business.They hired 15 people in a year.They shifted from taking money out of the hobby to putting money back into collectors' hands.In this conversation, we get into what it really looks like to build a business in the hobby.The risk.The trust.The systems.The people.We also talk about:– Leaving a stable career to bet on yourself– Why most collectors run businesses like hobbies– How process and data drive their decisions– The shift from breaking to consignment– Hiring, delegation, and buying back your time– Building trust with collectors at scaleIf you've ever thought about turning your passion into something more, this one will hit.Brought to you by eBay.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The WNBA Card Podcast: Panini and Sabrina — The Rise of New Forces with Kyle (@kyle_collects)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2026 52:06


    This episode is about a moment that changed everything.Katelyn sits down with Kyle (@kyle_collects) to break down the shift from 2019 Donruss to 2020 Prizm and why that stretch still shapes how collectors approach WNBA cards today.They talk through what it felt like to discover WNBA cards before the spotlight. Ripping boxes no one wanted. Finding cards that never made it to showcases. Learning the players one card at a time.Then everything changed.Prizm arrived. Sabrina entered the hobby. The world shut down. People started paying attention.This conversation connects the dots between timing, access, and belief. It explains why certain cards feel different. Why some sets get locked away. Why this era still matters.If you collect WNBA cards or are thinking about it, this episode will help you understand where the foundation was built and how to approach it today.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastFollow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last #11: From Blaster Boxes to Building a Collection of 1/1s with Steve (@s.a.m_wwe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 86:03


    Adam and Ryan sit down with Steve(@s.a.m_wwe) , one of the most focused Rhea Ripley collectors in the hobby.The conversation starts with a simple moment. A blaster box in 2022. That moment turns into chasing rainbows, building sets, and eventually acquiring 1/1 cards.This episode is about how that happens.Steve shares how he built his collection from scratch. Why he chose Rhea Ripley. And how relationships helped him land cards most collectors never even see.They also break down what's happening right now in wrestling cards.Prices are rising. Access is getting harder. More people are paying attention.If you're collecting today, you need to understand how to move.This conversation gives you a real look at:• How collectors evolve from ripping to targeting• Why scarcity changes your entire approach• What separates casual collectors from serious ones• How relationships unlock cards you can't find onlineIf you've ever thought about building something meaningful in the hobby, this episode will hit.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #39: Let's Talk About That $162K 2002 Finest Tom Brady Gold Refractor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 88:18


    Pack and Brett  open the episode by unpacking the reaction to a viral take about football collectors and why people struggle when opinions get stated in absolutes.They explore a bigger question beneath the noise.Who is actually collecting versus who is investing?The conversation moves into how money enters the hobby.Million dollar sales.Investor behavior.And why volume of collectors matters more than headline prices.From there, they dig into:Why scarcity does not always mean more valueThe difference between meaning and rarity in cardsPMGs and Rubies versus modern 1/1sWhy some players like Tyreek Hill feel under-collectedSelect vs Prizm vs Optic debates through a collector lensThe episode closes with a breakdown of recent sales, including a $161K Tom Brady that raises more questions than answers about the football card market.This is a conversation about how collectors think.And what actually drives demand in the hobby.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Discovery Is the Edge in Collecting with Max (@putnamcards)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 58:03


    Most collectors spend their time watching big sales. Few spend time learning how to find great cards.That gap matters.In this conversation with Max (@putnamcards), creator of Hoops Collectors, we talk about what actually creates an edge in the hobby.Not headlines.Not hype.Not million dollar cards.We get into:Why most content focuses on cards no one can affordHow research leads to better collecting decisionsWhy overlooked sets and inserts hold real opportunityThe role nostalgia plays in what you chaseWhat happens when you stop following the crowdMax shares how he approaches discovery.How he uses tools like checklists and daily sales to uncover cards others ignore.And why some of the best cards in the hobby are still sitting in plain sight.If you want to build a collection that reflects your taste and not the algorithm, this one will hit.Check out the Hoops Collectors Podcast on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify. Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon TodayFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    When the Card Never Shows Up: A Lesson Every Collector Needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 20:43


    In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett shares a tough experience that every collector fears. A highly anticipated card arrives… but the package is empty.Instead of sitting in frustration, Brett breaks down what happened, what he learned, and what he would do differently moving forward. From shipping decisions to platform protection, this episode focuses on how collectors can reduce risk in a hobby where more value is moving through the mail than ever before.This conversation goes beyond one missing card. It's about trust, responsibility, and how collectors can protect what matters most to them.If you've ever made a deal, waited on a package, or worried about something going wrong, this one will hit home. Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Hobby Jobs: Why the Sports Card Industry Needs Career Infrastructure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 20:02


    Over the past 18 months, Brett has spent time talking with owners, builders, and operators across the sports card industry.More than 60 conversations.Shop owners.Tech founders.Marketplace operators.Auction leaders.A pattern kept showing up.The hobby is growing fast. Online card sales tracked by Card Ladder reached $481M in a single month.Companies are expanding.Infrastructure is growing.New businesses are launching.But the knowledge required to build a business in this space remains scattered.Much of it lives in private conversations.Phone calls.Text threads.Direct messages between operators.There is no central place where industry knowledge, jobs, and operator insight live.That realization led Brett to create Hobby Jobs.In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett explains the thinking behind the launch and why the sports card industry is ready for a new kind of resource.The conversation covers:• Lessons from 60+ conversations with hobby operators• Why trust and relationships drive successful hobby businesses• The growing infrastructure behind the sports card industry• How Hobby Jobs will surface industry roles and business insight• Why the next generation of hobby operators will shape the future of the hobbyStacking Slabs will always serve collectors.But collectors power the hobby while operators build the infrastructure that supports it.Hobby Jobs is Brett's first step toward documenting the business side of the hobby and creating a place where operators can learn from each other.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for free Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon TodayFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: From Facebook Breaks to a 4,800 Square Foot Card Shop with Matt from 941 Sports Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 52:57


    Many collectors think running a card business starts with inventory.Matt from 941 Sports Cards will tell you it starts with people.In this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Matt to talk about how a hobby side project turned into a growing sports card operation built on live breaking, community, and relationships.Matt shares how he moved from ripping boxes in a small room at home to running multiple streaming channels and building a storefront designed to bring collectors together.Along the way he talks about the hard lessons that came with scaling too fast, trusting the wrong people, and trying to operate across multiple states.You will hear how Matt thinks about:• Building trust with collectors through consistent service • Managing allocation and inventory as a breaker • Hiring breakers who represent your brand the right way • Balancing online live streams with the in-store experience • Why mentorship and outside perspective matter for operatorsMatt also shares why community is the real goal behind his next step: a 4,800 square foot card shop designed to host collectors, events, watch parties, and live breaks under one roof.If you care about the future of hobby shops, breakers, and collector communities, this conversation delivers a clear look at what it takes to build something real in the hobby today.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The WNBA Card Podcast: Franchise Players — Stewie, A'ja, and the Power of Dominance with Mike (@mikeksportscards)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 54:20


    What does it mean to collect a franchise player?In this episode of The WNBA Card Podcast, Katelyn sits down with Mike (@mikeksportscards) to talk about building a collection around greatness.The conversation centers on A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. Two players who define the present era of the WNBA. Two players whose dominance shapes how collectors think about cards.Mike shares how he began collecting A'ja Wilson after watching the league in 2021. What started as curiosity turned into conviction. He walks through the mindset behind building a focused player collection and why he aims for cards that represent peak moments.The discussion explores the difference between prospecting and collecting established players. The role of championships and MVP seasons in creating cards that collectors hold long term. And why the best collections often come from patience and intention.They also examine how products like 2020 Prizm helped establish the modern WNBA card market. Which cards from this era carry long term significance. And how collectors can identify the cards that matter before everyone else does.Mike also shares some of the centerpieces of his A'ja Wilson collection and explains the thinking behind each card.This episode is a conversation about dominance. Dominance on the court. Dominance in collecting. And the discipline required to build a collection that reflects both.If you collect the WNBA or want to understand how serious collectors approach franchise players, this episode will give you a clear framework for how to think about the cards you pursueCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastFollow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last #10: WrestleMania Shockwaves, Topps Chrome First Day Issue, and Wrestling Card Shop Owner Chad Weldon Joins the Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 81:54


    Adam and Ryan open Episode 10 with a week that flipped expectations heading into WrestleMania.Cody Rhodes walks away with the championship after a result that few fans expected. The hosts break down the booking decision and what it means for collectors who track championship momentum and long term hobby demand tied to top WWE stars. The conversation then shifts to one of the biggest hobby announcements of the week. Topps revealed that the first ever WWE Topps Chrome First Day Issue release will be sold through a Dutch auction. Adam and Ryan talk through what this format means for collectors, how they plan to approach buying, and why demand for the product will likely be strong.They also spend time discussing the Topps Now dual autograph featuring John Cena and Shohei Ohtani. The hosts explain why crossover cards like this matter and how a card like this could become one of the most important wrestling card sales of the year.Later in the episode they welcome Chad Weldon of Sports Card Junction to the show.Chad shares what he is seeing on the ground from the shop side of the hobby. The conversation covers collector demand for wrestling cards, how modern wrestling products perform at the shop level, and what products collectors are asking for most right now.Topics in this episode includeWrestleMania storylines and their hobby impactCody Rhodes and championship driven demandTopps Chrome First Day Issue auction strategyThe John Cena and Shohei Ohtani dual autograph cardWrestling card sales moving the marketA shop owner perspective with Chad Weldon of Sports Card JunctionCheck out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #38: Free Agency Frenzy, Prizm Year Rankings, and the Million-Dollar Football Card Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 98:11


    Free agency opened the floodgates across the NFL and collectors felt it immediately.On Episode 38 of The Football Card Podcast, Pack and Brett break down how roster moves ripple through the football card market. From Travis Kelce returning to Kansas City to quarterback movement across the league, they explore what actually moves collector demand and why hype often follows opportunity.They also tackle a debate circulating across the hobby.No football card has crossed the one-million-dollar mark since the Tom Brady Contenders Championship Ticket sale in 2023. Does that mean collectors have lost interest in football cards? Or does it reveal something deeper about how the high-end market works across sports?Other topics in this episode include:Ranking every year of Panini Prizm football from 2012 to 2025The free agency moves that matter most to collectorsWhy some collectors sell their player cards when the player leaves their teamThe psychology behind keeping cards tied to memories, not jerseysMarket sales including Randy Moss, Caleb Williams, and Barry SandersThis episode blends the NFL offseason with real hobby insight.If you collect football cards, free agency season tells you one thing.Opportunity creates demand.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    $481 M in One Month: The Trust System Behind the Hobby's Biggest Sales Month

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 20:05


    Card Ladder tracked $481 million in online card sales in one month.Most collectors see the cards.This episode looks at the system behind the number.Brett reverse engineers the $481M month by examining the infrastructure that allows collectors to transact at scale. Marketplaces, pricing data, grading, and vaults all play a role in building the trust required for buyers and sellers to complete transactions online.Collectors chase cards.Operators build the rails.Both rely on trust.This episode explores the infrastructure powering the modern hobby and what it reveals about the future of the market.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Second Chances in Collecting: When a Miss Turns Into a Win

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 24:04


    Every collector has a card that got away.In this episode, Brett shares the story of a card that came back around. Earlier this year he lost the 2020 Crown Royale Crystal Platinum Tyrese Haliburton 1/1 at auction after spending hours researching it and building conviction around the card.Then the card appeared again.A second chance.Brett breaks down what happened next and explores the psychology behind second chances in collecting. Why missed grails stay with us, how auctions influence decision making, and how reference prices shape the way collectors experience wins and losses.The first time the card sold for over $1200.The second time Brett set a max bid of $1701.The auction closed at $775.Sometimes the hobby gives collectors another opportunity.The real question is what that second chance reveals about the collector.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Staging Area #20: Big Sales, Non-Payers, and What It Means for Your Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 46:12


    In Episode 20 of The Staging Area, Brett McGrath and Tory from dcsports87 discuss the current state of the consignment market.The conversation starts with several notable sales across the hobby. A 1954 Bowman Mickey Mantle PSA 8 set an all-time high at $23,700. A 2013 BBM Shohei Ohtani promo PSA 9 jumped from $3,500 to nearly $20,000. An Aaron Judge Bowman Draft Chrome Auto PSA 10 sold for $7,500 as baseball season approaches.The episode then shifts to a topic many collectors experience but rarely discuss openly.Non-paying buyers.Brett and Tory break down what happens when auctions end and buyers fail to pay, how often this occurs, and what steps platforms and consignors are taking to reduce the problem.The episode closes with a look at the scale of the current market, with dcsports87 moving $14M in January and $17M in February.For collectors who buy, sell, or consign cards, this conversation offers a clear look at how the system works behind the scenes.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: Building Lasorda's Card House on Trust, Football, and eBay Live

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 40:06


    Tommy Lasorda didn't inherit a card business.He got fired during the pandemic and decided to bet on himself.In this episode of Passion to Profession, sponsored by eBay, Tommy shares how he went from working as a breaker in someone else's shop to launching Lasorda's Card House in March 2025We talk about:Why he walked away from allocation and buys only what his customers wantHow repacks, done right, protect value and trustWhy football became the focusThe Gold Kaboom Mahomes moment that accelerated growth Why customer care matters more than short-term marginIf you care about trust, reputation, and playing the long game in this hobby, this one is for you.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The WNBA Card Podcast: On Nostalgia with Katelyn (@coldlunchcards)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 21:21


    Season 4 reaches its midpoint with a solo episode from Katelyn (@coldlunchcards). The topic is nostalgia and how it shapes the way collectors approach WNBA cards.Many collectors chase rookie cards. That is a bet on the future.Many collectors chase early legends. That is a connection to the past.But the WNBA sits in a different position than most leagues. The league began in 1997. Many collectors building WNBA collections today did not grow up watching those early seasons.So what creates nostalgia when the memory is not personal?Katelyn explores two forces that drive collecting behavior.Individual nostalgiaThe cards tied to your own life and memory.Collective nostalgiaThe stories a community builds together over time.In a league and card market still under thirty years old, collectors are not only preserving history.They are helping define it.This episode explores how cards connect generations of players, collectors, and moments. And why the present moment in the hobby might be the most important one of all. Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastFollow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last: WrestleMania Momentum, Market Moves, and What Matters in WWE Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 82:22


    WrestleMania season changes everything.On this episode of Booked to Last, Adam and Ryan break down the full impact of Elimination Chamber and the release of 2025 WWE Universe.They dig into:Why Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley winning matters for collectorsThe real hobby impact of WrestleMania storylinesWhether WWE Universe is a true win or just hypeWhy event-worn relics change the long-term value conversationWhat rising wax prices mean for youThis is not surface-level talk.It is a real conversation about how moments on TV turn into momentum in the market.If you collect wrestling cards, this episode will sharpen how you think about:Prospecting young talentChasing event-worn gearNavigating breakers vs ripping waxIdentifying what actually holds valueUniverse is not perfect.But it might be one of the most important wrestling releases in years.Let's talk about why.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #37: Only 3 Football Cards in 54 Six-Figure Sales… What Does That Tell You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 83:25


    On this episode of The Football Card Podcast, Pack and Brett open Season 4 with momentum.Since their last recording, the hobby has seen 54 six-figure sales and two multi-million dollar sales. Only three were football cards. That gap sparks a bigger conversation.They break down massive 1997 Metal Universe PMG Green sales, including Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, and Dan Marino, and what those numbers mean for football long term.They debate Topps Chrome Football and whether it will match Prizm in price and popularity. They discuss what basketball's return to Chrome reveals about photography, scarcity, and the power of the Superfractor. They tackle a listener question about market fatigue. Are collectors chasing gold, Finite, and Kaboom because they love them—or because the market tells them to?They also spotlight recent Finite and Gold Vinyl sales, share updates on their personal collecting projects, and introduce a new Season 4 Card Call Out challenge.If you care about scarcity, psychology, and what really drives the football card market, this one hits.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Collecting Through Injury: Staying Committed When Your Player Is Out with Rodney (@enjoycards_ig)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 55:17


    What happens to your collection when your player goes down?In this Collector Conversation, I sit down with Rodney (@enjoycards_ig) to talk about what it's really like to collect Tyrese Haliburton during a lost season. We revisit the Game 7 injury. The shock. The numbness. The reality of a gap year.Then we dig into the cards.Does an injury change your conviction?Do you slow down or lean in?Are lower prices an opportunity or a warning sign?We talk about market data. We talk about emotion. We talk about why we collect in the first place.Haliburton's index is down while the broader basketball market is up. Sales volume is shifting. Speculators fade. Core collectors stay.This conversation is about risk, loyalty, patience, and perspective.If you've ever collected an active player through an injury, this one will hit home.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Card Is the Object. The Story Is the Asset.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 23:02


    Why do some cards stick with you while others fade?It is not the chrome.It is not the serial number.It is not even the grade.It is the story.In this flagship episode, I break down one core thesis. The card is the object. The story is the asset.We talk about:Why narrative shapes attention, memory, and beliefHow peak moments and ending moments drive remembered valueWhy provenance carries a premiumHow viral sales create availability trapsThe difference between meaningful storytelling and manipulationFrom the T206 Wagner to the 1952 Topps Mantle. From the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey to the Jordan and Kobe Logoman. We look at how narrative turns cardboard into cultural artifacts.But this is not hype.This is a call to think.To separate fact from interpretation.To question scarcity claims.To stress test your own stories.If you collect, you are already living inside narrative. The question is whether you control it or it controls you.Tell a damn friend.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Card Ladder Confidential #17: Looking at Signal vs Substance When Evaluating the Hobby

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 53:58


    Signal vs Substance. What really holds this hobby together?In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett is joined by Kristina and Josh from Card Ladder to talk about what's driving collecting right now and what actually lasts.They unpack the West Coast Card Show and why a sports-only format changed the energy in the room. They talk about why the Card Ladder booth has become a landing spot for collectors. And they dig into what happens when price stops leading.You'll hear:Why moments like Jack Hughes' gold medal can move markets overnightHow Josh thinks about 1/1 football cards and why scarcity still winsHow Kristina builds her Luka and Maxi PCs with checklists and disciplineWhy research still matters in a scroll economy built on speedReal examples of how Card Ladder data helped land a dealThis is a conversation about patience, conviction, and building a collection that reflects you.Not the feed. Not the hype. You.If you care about long-term thinking in a short-term world, this one is for you.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Josh: | InstagramFollow Chris: | InstagramFollow Card Ladder: | Instagram | YouTube | WebsiteFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Passion to Profession: From Bargain Boxes to Building Owner with Ryan Bannister of RBICru7

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 64:22


    Ryan Bannister has been in cards for more than three decades.He opened RBICru7 in 2012 with borrowed money, a small space, and a willingness to grind seven days a week. Fourteen years later, he owns the building his shop sits in and has built one of the most respected brands in the hobby. In this episode of Passion to Profession, Ryan shares:Why character is a business advantageThe sacrifices he made early to keep the doors openHow relationships opened doors he never could have forcedWhat COVID taught him about adaptabilityHow he used LeBron autos to fund real estateWhy community beats competition in the long runIf you've ever thought about turning your side hustle into your full-time work, this is a masterclass in what it really takes.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The WNBA Card Podcast: Rittenhouse Evolves — The Later Years with Joy (@herasportscards)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 59:50


    In this episode of The WNBA Card Podcast, Katelyn is joined by Joy (@herasportscards) to break down the second half of the Rittenhouse era from 2010 to 2018.This was a collector's market.Most years had print runs of 500 cards.One year had only 225 rookie base cards.On-card autos. Limited supply. Minimal hype.Joy shares her journey back into the hobby, how community shaped her collecting, and why Rittenhouse cards were bought by people who never planned to sell.They dig into:What the league looked like during this stretch and how that shaped demandWhy Stewie's rookie and Maya's jersey auto still matterThe A'ja Wilson Platinum /25 and whether the hobby is undervaluing itRookie vs. star psychology then versus nowWhat collectors today can learn from a true collector-driven eraIf you care about context, scarcity, and long-term thinking in WNBA cards, this episode will sharpen your perspective.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastFollow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Booked to Last: Randy Orton at RBICru7, Topps Universe Drops, and the Future of Wrestling Cards with Tim Trout

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 63:26


    This week on Booked to Last, Adam Gellman and Ryan from RBICru7 unpack one of the biggest moments in wrestling card history.Randy Orton walked into RBICru7 for Rip Night and stayed for over two hours. He signed for every fan. He answered every question. He took selfies. He even studied Ryan's personal collection and talked comps.What does it mean when your GOAT shows up at your shop and delivers?The guys break down the full experience and why this wasn't just an appearance. It was validation for collectors.Then Tim Trout, Product Director for WWE at Topps, joins the show to talk:WWE UniverseEvent-worn relicsWrestleMania patch 1/1sInscriptions and on-card autosWhat's coming in 2025 and 2026If you collect wrestling cards, this episode matters.This isn't hype.It's context.And the game is changing.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    The Football Card Podcast #36: Moments Matter More Than Stats The 26K Josh Rosen Sale and Why Football Cards Keep Climbing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 85:15


    The Football Card Podcast is back for the Season 3 finale and this one hits every layer of the hobby.Brett and Pack unpack the $26,400  Josh Rosen Green Kaboom sale and why the reaction misses the point.They break down why football cards are up 33 percent over the last two years according to Card Ladder and what is really driving that growth.They debate Caleb Williams versus Jackson Dart at 48K and why moments matter more than raw stats.They revisit 1994 Joe Montana Sega nostalgia and what 90s scarcity teaches us about today's market.They call out hobby practices that help and hurt the experience.They dig into PMGs, rookie golds, and why collecting priorities shift with the season.If you collect football cards, this episode will make you think harder about what you are chasing and why.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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