Stacking Slabs

What happens when opening boxes leads to becoming a fan?This week, Katelyn is joined by Jason (@notjasondardic), a longtime collector whose path into the WNBA started with cards and evolved into becoming one of the biggest Dallas Wings supporters around. The conversation explores how collecting shaped his connection to the league, why Paige Bueckers has changed the trajectory of the Wings, and what makes building a focused collection more rewarding than chasing everything.They also discuss: Why one great card can be enough for a player collection  The appeal of Logo Women, Gold Vinyls, and cornerstone cards  PSA Authentic slabs and Jason's grading philosophy  Why the Dallas Wings are one of the most exciting teams for collectors today  The opportunity Jason still sees across the WNBA card market Whether you're a longtime WNBA collector or looking for a team to follow, this episode is a reminder that collecting and fandom often grow together.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 ★

What does building Xbox, NASCAR, The Athletic, Mantle, and ONIT Athlete have in common?Community.This week on Passion to Profession, brought to you by eBay, Brett sits down with ONIT Athlete CEO Evan Parker to unpack one of the most unique career paths in the hobby.Evan shares lessons from building brands inside sports, media, and startups before explaining why college collectibles represent one of the biggest opportunities in the industry.They discuss:• Why content shapes the future of collecting• Lessons from NASCAR that apply to today's hobby• Building Mantle from zero• Why collectors need more than hype• How ONIT is creating cards for athletes traditional manufacturers overlook• Why brand takes years to build and moments to loseIf you're interested in where the hobby is headed and what it takes to build a business that lasts, this conversation is for you.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 ★

Fanatics Fest is built on excitement.Big pulls. Big personalities. Big moments.That energy matters. It brings people into the hobby.But what happens after the excitement fades?In this episode, Brett shares why the next generation of sports card businesses will separate themselves by making customers smarter. From Topps, PSA, eBay, and Card Ladder to Mike Inouye's work in Formula 1 cards, this episode explores why education compounds while hype expires.If you run a hobby business, create content, or want to understand where the professional side of the industry is heading, this episode is about building trust that lasts.Also in this episode:• Lessons from Fanatics Fest after Day 1• Why informational content creates stronger customers• The difference between building dependency and building capability• How educational content becomes a competitive advantage• This week's Hobby Jobs spotlight featuring COMC's Corporate Counsel, Commercial & Legal Operations roleEvery business wants attention.The best businesses earn confidence.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 ★

Record sales continue to reshape the wrestling card market.Adam and Ryan break down the Rock and Stone Cold dual Superfractor sale, Bianca Belair's WrestleMania Patch Auto, Rhea Ripley's momentum, and why collectors are chasing wrestlers who have already cemented their legacy.The conversation goes beyond the sales.They discuss why GOAT wrestlers, GOAT sets, and GOAT cards continue gaining strength while many collectors remain focused on the next prospect.They also preview SummerSlam, share updates on Wrestling Card Takeover at The National, and explain how collectors, dealers, and investors should respond when the market reaches new highs.If you're trying to build a collection with a long-term mindset, this episode is for you.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 ★

Every collector has cards they understand immediately.Then there are the cards that take years to appreciate.Pack and Brett explore why some football cards become hobby staples while others never seem to catch on. They discuss the history behind PMGs, why Tom Brady continues to separate himself from every other retired player, and what international NFL legends deserve more attention.They also dive into vintage football cards, linebacker legends, recent Card Ladder sales, and answer listener questions that challenge how collectors think about value and hobby history.Topics include:• Building an all-time international football card starting lineup• Why PMGs still divide collectors• Is Tom Brady in a league of his own?• Vintage football cards worth knowing• The latest market sales• Listener mailbag and collecting philosophyCheck 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 ★

Everyone will be talking about what happens at Fanatics Fest.Brett is more interested in what it means.In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett looks beyond the athlete appearances, product releases, and show floor buzz to examine Fanatics Fest as a signal for where the hobby is headed.He explores how Fanatics has built an ecosystem that connects sports, collecting, commerce, content, and loyalty, and why attention has become one of the most valuable assets in modern collecting. He also shares why he's attending the event as an observer, what he'll be watching on the show floor, and how Fanatics Fest and The National now serve different roles in the hobby.This isn't a preview of the weekend.It's a conversation about the forces shaping the future of collecting.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 ★

Every collector dreams about landing a grail.Very few spend enough time thinking about how to price one.When a card has little or no sales history, the normal playbook breaks down. There are no clean comps. No chart to follow. No market consensus to lean on.That is where your judgment matters.In this episode, Brett shares a framework for evaluating grails when public sales data falls short. He covers how to build a substitute universe, evaluate opportunity frequency, negotiate from a position of strength, know when to walk away, and determine the maximum price you can defend without lying to yourself.A grail is not only a collecting decision.It is a financial decision.It is a psychological decision.It is a test of discipline.If you're heading to Fanatics Fest, The National, or you're chasing a card that rarely surfaces, this episode will help you think through the biggest purchase your collection might ever face.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 ★

What does it take to leave a stable career and build one of the fastest growing card shops in the hobby?Live from Columbus Card Fest, Brett sits down with Garrett Borba, owner of Neighborhood Card Shop, to unpack the decisions behind building a modern hobby business.Garrett shares why he walked away from medical device sales, how relationships became his biggest advantage, what it takes to run a card shop in today's market, and why trust matters more than product.This conversation is about far more than cards.It's about betting on yourself, building something that lasts, and earning the reputation that brings people back.Topics include:• Leaving corporate America for sports cards• Building Neighborhood Card Shop from the ground up• The power of referrals and relationships• Running a modern card shop in the Fanatics era• Breaking, distribution, and building trust with customers• Advice for anyone thinking about turning a hobby into a careerSign 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 ★

Most collectors share what they buy.Mike Inouye shares why.In this episode of Passion to Profession, Mike explains how content became one of the biggest drivers behind the growth of Leahi51513. Instead of telling collectors what card to chase, he walks through the research, context, and decision making behind every recommendation.We talk about why trust is earned through transparency, why process beats predictions, and why the hobby needs more independent thinkers instead of people waiting for the next hot tip.Mike also shares his thoughts on sports card talent, the responsibility that comes with influence, the growth of Formula 1, and an Aaron Judge card he believes deserves far more attention.If you create content, run a business, or want to become a better collector, this conversation is about far more than cards.It's about learning how to 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 ★

Everyone wants repeat business.Few people spend enough time earning it.This week on Hobby Jobs, Brett explores why trust compounds faster than transactions and why the businesses that last are built long before the first sale is complete.Then Brett sits down with Grant Paterson, owner of Total Sports Cards, live from Columbus Card Fest.Grant shares what it takes to build a modern hobby business, from running one of Canada's top hockey card operations to managing breaks, buying collections, hiring the right people, creating content, and making decisions that put relationships ahead of short term revenue.If you're building a card shop, consignment business, breaking operation, marketplace, or content brand, this conversation is packed with lessons on thinking like an operator.Topics include:• Why repeat business starts before the first sale• Building trust through systems and communication• Running a high volume breaking business• Hiring people who strengthen your business• Why content builds more than an audience• The opportunity Grant sees in hockey cardsSign 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 ★

SummerSlam season is taking shape, but the biggest opportunities aren't coming from title changes.Adam and Ryan break down why absent stars like Bianca Belair, Stephanie Vaquer, Bronson Reed, and Rhea Ripley deserve more attention from collectors while everyone else chases the latest storyline.They also discuss what makes a wrestler collectible beyond the ring, why entrance music matters more than most collectors realize, how to prepare for Fanatics Fest and The National, and the buying and selling principles every collector should follow.This episode is packed with practical hobby advice built from years of buying, selling, and collecting at every level.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 National is almost here and football collectors are making decisions.Pack and Brett discuss why major cards are changing hands before the biggest show of the year, what Brett learned after consolidating part of his collection into one grail, and why 2012 Prizm Gold continues to establish itself as one of football's defining modern sets.They also break down one of the biggest steals of the year, revisit linebacker legends during Linebacker Summer, answer listener questions about estate planning for collections, and share another round of notable football card sales.Whether you're buying, selling, or staying patient, this episode is about making better collecting decisions.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 ★

In this episode, Brett sits down with Matthias Peuckert, General Manager of PSA Europe, to discuss what it takes to build PSA's European operation from the ground up and why this launch matters for collectors around the world. Matthias shares why Europe is seeing rapid collector growth, how PSA is preparing for demand, why education is a priority, and what local grading access means for collectors who have faced years of shipping costs, customs delays, and limited access.They also discuss:• Why Frankfurt became the home of PSA Europe• How PSA is building trust with European collectors• What collectors in Europe are buying today• How experience from companies like Amazon applies to collectibles• Why the future of collecting depends on serving the next generationIf you want a better understanding of where the hobby is headed beyond the United States, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the biggest infrastructure investments happening in sports cards today.LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA VAULTLEARN MORE ABOUT PSA CONSIGNMENTPSA is the official grading, authentication, and vault provider of Stacking Slabs.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 ★

Every collector dreams about landing a grail.Few talk about what happens when that opportunity finally arrives.In this episode, Brett explores the decisions that come before a grail enters a collection. Drawing from a real situation he is navigating, he shifts the focus away from the card itself and toward the process behind the purchase.The conversation examines why access is not obligation, how trust influences private deals, the difference between emotion and conviction, and why opportunity cost deserves as much attention as price. Brett also shares the questions every collector should ask before allowing one card to reshape the direction of a collection.This episode is a reminder that the strongest collections are not built by chasing every opportunity. They are built through patience, clarity, and decisions that hold up long after the excitement wears off.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 ★

The best collections start with connection.In this episode, Katelyn is joined by Griff (@rockyscardboard), one of the hobby's most respected WNBA collectors and a passionate New York Liberty fan.They discuss how Liberty fandom shaped his collection, why Sabrina Ionescu became a cornerstone of his PC, and how buying, selling, and collecting all work together to create a more rewarding hobby experience.The conversation also explores eye appeal, collector psychology, the thrill of the chase, and why building relationships often matters as much as building a collection.Whether you're a team collector, player collector, reseller, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what keeps collectors coming back.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 ★

The best businesses in the hobby are not built one deal at a time.They're built one relationship at a time.Mike from MC Sports Cards returns to Passion to Profession to share why trust has become the foundation of one of the fastest-growing consignment businesses in the hobby.We talk about what happens after the first transaction, why honesty wins over short-term revenue, how technology should support relationships instead of replace them, and why saying no has become one of the most important decisions in growing the business.We also discuss the growth of high-end cards on eBay, what serious collectors expect from a consignment partner, how MC Sports Cards approaches customer service at scale, and why every interaction is an opportunity to earn another one.Whether you're building a collection or building a business, this conversation is a reminder that reputation compounds.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 ★

Product knowledge gets you in the door.Systems determine how far you go.In this episode of Hobby Jobs, I break down why the next generation of sports card businesses will be built on repeatable processes instead of founder instinct alone.The hobby is getting bigger. Companies are hiring. Events are growing. Expectations are changing. That means the operators who build training, marketing, hiring, customer experience, and operating systems will have the edge.Then I sit down with Ryan Johnson of Cardcollector2 live at Columbus Card Fest.Ryan shares what it has been like to grow from a collector and content creator into the leader of a company with nearly 40 employees. We talk about launching Columbus Card Fest, building teams, making hiring decisions, balancing content with company building, and why people have become his biggest investment.Whether you already work in the hobby or want to build your career here, this conversation offers a look at where the industry is headed and what skills will matter most.Product knowledge helps you start.Systems help you scale.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 ★

WWE finally gave collectors plenty to talk about.Adam and Ryan break down Night of Champions, Oba Femi's King of the Ring win, Sami Zayn capturing the World Heavyweight Championship, and what those moments mean for the wrestling card market.Then the conversation shifts to something every collector should think about.Are you chasing the biggest cards in the hobby? Building the best player collection? Or collecting the cards that mean something to you regardless of the market?The guys introduce three collector personas that explain how people approach wrestling cards and why understanding your own style can make you a better collector.Later in the episode, Troy from Wax Culture joins the show to share his path from Fanatics Live customer to one of wrestling's top breakers. It's a story about betting on yourself, building relationships, and why the wrestling card community continues to stand apart.Topics include:• Night of Champions reactions• Oba Femi, Sami Zayn and card market impact• The three wrestling card collector personas• Triple H, Alexa Bliss and other recent market sales• Wax Culture's growth on Fanatics Collect• Wrestling Card Takeover at The NationalRSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 ★

Chris Johnson reminded football fans why collecting is about more than championships.After sharing his ALS diagnosis, collectors looked back at one of the most electric careers of the last 20 years. Pack and Brett revisit what made CJ2K special, why his cards matter, and why memorable seasons leave a lasting mark on the hobby.The conversation then shifts into one of the biggest collector debates today.Will vintage football cards ever break through? Why are Topps Chrome Superfractors selling at such a premium compared to Black Finite cards? And why do the biggest sales often come from patch autos while so many collectors chase shiny parallels?Also in this episode: The greatest No. 54 linebackers  Bobby Wagner and Chuck Howley appreciation  Why football history feels overlooked  Wide receiver 1/1 sales from Card Ladder  National preparation and collector strategy If you collect football because of the players and the memories they created, this episode is for you.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 ★

The sports card market keeps reaching new highs.Sales volume continues to climb. Record prices keep falling. New collectors keep entering the hobby.But are collectors making better decisions?In this episode, Brett and Chris McGill discuss what the data is telling us and where they see warning signs. They compare today's market to 2021, break down the record Tim Duncan sale that has everyone talking, and explore why so many collectors wait for validation before making their biggest purchases.They also dive into one of the most overlooked collecting skills and why it will matter even more over the next decade.Topics include:• Why today's market feels different than 2021• The significance of Tim Duncan's record one of one sale• Why social proof holds collectors back• Building conviction before the market agrees with you• The underrated skill that creates long term collecting advantagesCheck 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 ★

You spend years preparing for the grail.You save.You study.You build relationships.You pass on other cards so you're ready when the opportunity comes.Then it happens.The card is finally yours.Now what?This episode explores the part of collecting that rarely gets discussed. What happens after the chase ends.I break down why landing a grail can feel different than you expected. Why ownership is a skill. And how the best collectors turn a major acquisition into something that keeps adding value long after the mail day.We talk about:• Why the chase and ownership are two different experiences• How to keep a grail from becoming another card in the case• Why stories matter more than scans• How community deepens ownership• Why your grail should reorganize your collection instead of ending it• Questions every collector should ask after landing a major cardIf you've ever chased a grail or you're preparing for one, this episode is for you.Happy collecting.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 ★

What does it feel like to collect a team with no history?This week, Katelyn is joined by Mark (@ramjamsportscards / @valkyriescardvault), a collector who has built his collection around the Golden State Valkyries from day one.They discuss what makes expansion team collecting different, why patience leads to a better collection, how emotional connections form without nostalgia, and why documenting the beginning of a franchise feels like creating a scrapbook in real time.If you've ever thought about collecting a team instead of chasing the biggest names, this conversation will change how you think about building your collection.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 ★

What happens when experienced business operators build a sports card company instead of longtime collectors?In this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Gavin Hoover, Chief of Stuff at Tombstone Collectibles, to discuss what happens when enterprise experience meets the hobby.Gavin shares how his background building large retail organizations shaped the way Tombstone approaches breaking, hiring, branding, analytics, customer relationships, and growth. Instead of thinking like a breaker, Tombstone thinks like a business.The conversation covers why trust is the biggest challenge in scaling, how data drives decisions, why great breakers look more like sales professionals than entertainers, and why the future of the hobby depends on keeping collecting at the center of it all.If you've ever wondered where the hobby is heading as more capital and experienced operators enter the space, this conversation will give you a different perspective.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 ★

Growth in the hobby is easy to spot.More inventory.More content.More followers.More customers.The growth that matters is harder to see.As your business expands, your role has to change with it. If every decision, customer issue, hire, and piece of content still depends on you, you've built a bottleneck instead of a company.In this episode, I break down why leadership capacity is becoming one of the biggest competitive advantages in sports cards.I also look at what businesses like Mint Inc, Rare Candy, and Dave & Adam's are hiring for and what those roles tell us about where the hobby is heading.If you own a business, want to work in the hobby, or want to understand where the industry is going next, this episode is for you.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 ★

Who's right?Who's wrong?Adam Gellman and Ryan from RBICru7 put the biggest wrestling card opinions to the test.Are we at the peak of the market?Will Panini-era cards continue to rise?Is 2024 Flawless WWE already an iconic product?Are one-of-ones overrated?Has Topps already changed wrestling cards for the better?Along the way, they break down recent WrestleMania Patch Auto sales, Rey Fenix, Roman Reigns, John Cena, WWE Sapphire print runs, and what makes a great wrestling card breaker.Some takes they agree with.Some they completely reject.Every one of them will make you think differently about wrestling cards. I like this because it tells the listener exactly what they're getting. The title creates curiosity, and the description pays it off. It also mirrors the energy of the episode instead of reading like a standard market recap.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 ★

What makes a football card iconic?This week Pack and Brett McGrath discuss one of the biggest Peyton Manning rookie cards ever to reach the market and why sales like this help define the hobby. From Calvin Johnson and Patrick Surtain to Bronko Nagurski and Mike Ditka, they look at the cards that shape collecting across generations.They also tackle a collector question that sparks a bigger conversation.How should we rank the greatest players of all time?Is it MVPs? Championships? Peak performance? Or something else entirely?Plus:• The Peyton Manning Gem Master 1/1 Heritage auction• Ranking the greatest quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers• Trade night thoughts• Buying cards without buyer's remorse• Calvin Johnson Superfractor sale• Patrick Surtain Honors Shield Auto• New pickups• Cracked Ice Card Call OutCheck 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 ★

What does the sports industry see when it looks at the hobby?In this episode of Built for the Hobby, Brett McGrath is joined by Scott Lock of InfernoRed Technology and Dan Kaufman, Managing Director at Sports Business Journal, for a conversation at the intersection of sports, collecting, media, technology, and fan engagement. Dan brings a perspective few people can offer. He's a lifelong collector, a sports business leader, and someone who spends his days talking with executives across leagues, teams, media companies, and technology organizations. Topics include: Why sports cards are becoming a bigger part of fan engagement  How younger fans consume sports differently  The relationship between athlete performance and card values  Premium experiences in sports and collecting  The role of technology and AI in shaping the future of fandom  Why collecting remains one of the strongest emotional connections between fans and sports This conversation offers a look at where sports and collecting are heading and why the connection between the two continues to strengthen.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 TodaySign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett continues the conversation around taste, conviction, and building a collection that reflects your point of view.This is not an episode about what to buy.It is about how to think.Brett walks through the questions serious collectors need to ask before making decisions:How do you spot opportunity before consensus forms?How do you separate overlooked cards from cards that lack demand?How do you balance personal conviction with market reality?What role should community feedback play?How do you know if your collection reflects your own interest or the market's influence?This episode is a call to slow down, build with intent, and audit the decisions shaping your collection.Because the strongest collectors do not need the room to agree first.They know what they notice.They know why it matters.They know where they might be wrong.And they build from there.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 ★

Most collectors focus on the outcome.The card.The deal.The mail day.The auction win.But the best things in this hobby rarely happen overnight.They come from trust built over years.Relationships formed without expectations.Research completed before the opportunity appears.Conviction developed long before consensus arrives.In this episode, Brett explores the power of planting seeds as a collector.Why patience is an active skill.Why clarity creates opportunity.Why trust compounds.And why the collectors who seem to have the best cards, strongest relationships, and deepest collections are often the ones doing the work nobody sees.If you're feeling pulled in too many directions or frustrated by the pace of the hobby, this conversation is for you.Because the best things in collecting don't come from forcing the moment.They come from doing the right work long enough that the moment knows where to find 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 ★

What does it take to build one of the largest hobby businesses in Canada?John Amendola, CEO of Mintink, joins Passion to Profession to share the story behind turning a pandemic-era card business into a national brand.John discusses the early days of Breaks After Dark, scaling livestream commerce, hiring and developing talent, creating community through retail, and why relationships matter more than transactions.We also explore leadership, mental health, customer experience, the future of hobby retail, and the opportunities most businesses still overlook.This conversation is packed with lessons for collectors, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something for the long haul.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 ★

In this episode of Hobby Jobs, Brett breaks down why “building for the hobby” is too vague to guide a real business.The sports card industry is not one customer.It is trust.It is convenience.It is liquidity.It is discovery.It is fandom.It is customer behavior.Brett expands on this week's Operator Note and explains why the best operators in sports cards do not build for a category. They build for a person with a clear problem.This episode also looks at lessons from Bryan Shaffer of THZ Sports Cards, the value of category fluency, and why companies like CardVault show where hobby work is headed.For anyone working in sports cards or trying to find a path into the industry, this episode is about sharpening your thinking, understanding the customer, and creating value that the market remembers.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 ★

Ryan is back in the saddle with Adam for a loaded episode of Booked to Last.This week, they dig into the state of WWE booking, the impact it has on wrestler collectability, and why collectors are trying to make sense of a market that is moving week to week.They break down Topps Cosmic WWE, the ripping experience, the planet odds, and why product structure matters so much in wrestling cards.The main event is a deeper conversation around high-value wrestling cards.With recent WrestleMania patch autograph sales from Tiffany Stratton, Jey Uso, Finn Balor, and Rey Fenix, Adam and Ryan walk through what sellers need to understand before moving a major card.They cover comps, buyer pools, platforms, auctions, private sales, promotion, patience, grading, and reputation.They also discuss the long-term value of event-worn relics, why Universe and Royalty relics might be underappreciated, and how collectors should think about match-used and event-used material before the market catches up.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 ★

One year ago, we launched The Football Card Podcast with a simple idea: create a place where football card collectors could gather every week and talk football cards.Fifty-two episodes later, we're reflecting on what we've learned.Pack and Brett revisit the cards they highlighted in Episode 1, discuss why patience remains one of the biggest advantages in collecting, and explore the growing disconnect between one-of-one sellers and buyers.They also debate whether Ray Lewis is the greatest defensive player of all time, discuss the value of longevity in sports and collecting, examine the rise of Topps NOW, review recent market movers, and answer listener questions about preparing for grails, flag football, and team collecting.The cards change.The market changes.The collectors who stay committed are the ones who get to experience the payoff.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 ★

What makes a card worth chasing?In this episode, Brett breaks down the purchase of one of the most important cards to enter his collection in years: the 2025 Topps Chrome WWE John Cena Superfractor 1/1. But this isn't a story about a big card. It's a story about the process behind the decision.From negotiating against a $10,000 asking price to identifying what makes a card canonical, Brett explores the factors that create conviction in collecting. He discusses scarcity versus significance, the power of personal connection, the role of side collections, using collection equity with intention, and why the best long-term purchases often sit at the intersection of market understanding and lived experience.If you've ever wondered how to separate impulse from conviction when a big card surfaces, this episode is 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 ★

One of the biggest mistakes collectors make has nothing to do with buying the wrong card.It has everything to do with waiting.Waiting for a sale.Waiting for a content creator to talk about it.Waiting for the market to tell you it's safe.In this episode, Brett explores why waiting for validation is rarely about needing more information and often about seeking permission.Using examples from PMG Greens, Michael Jordan 1/1s, Nat Turner's collecting journey, and Chris McGill's pursuit of overlooked lanes, Brett breaks down the psychology behind social proof, regret, independent taste, and conviction.If you've ever felt pulled toward a player, parallel, set, or category that nobody else seems to care about, this episode is for you.The best collections aren't built by following consensus.They're built by collectors who trust themselves enough to do the work before the crowd arrives.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 ★

The Connecticut Sun are entering their final season.For many fans, that means more than a franchise relocation. It means the end of routines, memories, and connections built over decades.In this episode, Katelyn sits down with Steve (@showley2003), a lifelong basketball fan and dedicated Connecticut Sun collector, to explore what made the Sun unique and why this season carries so much emotion.They discuss: How a trip to a Sun game with his daughter changed his collecting life  Why team collecting creates a different kind of connection  The role accessibility plays in building WNBA fandom  Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Jonquel Jones, and the players who defined the franchise  The history of the Connecticut Sun and their tribal ownership  How collectors navigate the loss of a team they love  What the future of WNBA fandom in New England might look like This conversation is about more than cards.It's about the people, memories, and experiences that make collecting matter.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 ★

What does it take to build a sustainable card business in a market that is still finding its footing?This week on Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Bryan from THZ Sports Cards to discuss his path from high-end NBA cards to becoming one of the most recognizable wrestling card dealers in the hobby.Bryan shares how years of buying, selling, and building relationships helped him uncover opportunities that most collectors never see. The conversation explores sourcing rare cards, navigating shows, prospecting WWE talent, building trust with collectors, and why patience remains one of the most important skills in the hobby.They also discuss: Why Bryan moved away from high-end NBA cards  The appeal of the WWE card market  Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Zaria, and the next generation of talent  How super collectors shape the wrestling card community  Why eBay remains the best marketplace for high-end wrestling cards  Mistakes collectors make when selling big cards  The importance of relationships when buying and selling If you've ever thought about turning your hobby knowledge into a business, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes to make it work.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 ★

Most people think opportunity in the hobby comes from knowledge.Know the player.Know the card.Know the market.Those things matter.But as the sports card industry becomes more sophisticated, another asset is becoming more valuable than ever: trust.In this episode of Hobby Jobs, Brett explores why reputation has become one of the most important forms of leverage in the hobby. From eBay authentication  to Veriswap's focus on secure trading, the industry's biggest companies are investing in trust infrastructure because trust drives transactions.Brett breaks down the three ledgers that shape your reputation, why attention and trust are not the same thing, and how the best operators build careers through accumulated proof rather than short-term visibility.The episode also examines what current job openings at Sotheby's, Veriswap, CardCollector2, and Collectors reveal about where the hobby is headed and why the future belongs to people who can translate collector behavior into business value.If you're building a business, pursuing a career in the hobby, or looking for your next opportunity, this episode is for you. 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 ★

Ryan is out this week, so Brett steps into the co-host seat alongside Adam Gellman for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of wrestling cards. Based on the episode transcript. The guys break down WWE's King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, Oba Femi's momentum, the global appeal of WWE, and why international fandom has not fully translated to wrestling card collecting yet.On the card side, they discuss Cosmic Chrome, the early reaction to the Planet chase cards, AJ Lee's return to autograph products, and what the market is telling us about new releases.They also tackle bigger hobby questions: Are wrestling cards truly growing, or are the same cards changing hands?  Does locking big cards into collections make the market stronger or more unpredictable?  Why do so many collectors relist 1/1s at 2-3x the price?  Are great cards always liquid cards?  What opportunities are being missed while everyone chases the newest release? Plus thoughts on the Jey Uso WrestleMania Patch Auto auction, major recent sales, Wrestling Card Takeover at The National, and why relationships remain the most valuable asset in the hobby.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 ★

At some point, every serious collector learns the same lesson:You can wait for the perfect copy.Or you can own the card.This week, Pack and Brett discuss how scarcity changes collecting decisions.When a card only surfaces once every few years, grades start to matter less and ownership starts to matter more.The conversation spans: Rare cards versus perfect grades  The psychology of chasing low-pop football cards  Why some cards never stay available for long  Market observations from the Midwest Monster  Black Finite sales and football card demand  Andre Johnson versus Calvin Johnson  Tom Brady's market strength  Madden nostalgia and football culture The longer you collect, the more you realize that some opportunities don't come around twice.I would lean toward the first title. It has a story built into it and connects directly to the Frank Gore moment, which is the most memorable moment in the episode.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 ★

A Monday morning workout turned into one of the most memorable collecting moments Brett has experienced in years.While checking his saved eBay searches from the treadmill, he stumbled across two cards he had never seen before: a 2015 Prizm Frank Gore Gold Vinyl 1/1 and a 2015 Prizm Frank Gore Gold /10. He didn't check comps. He didn't open Card Ladder. He didn't negotiate. He hit Buy It Now.Twice.But this episode isn't really about Frank Gore.It's about what happens when a card stops being a card and becomes part of a collector's identity.Brett explores why some cards create instant clarity while others sit on watchlists for months. He examines collector psychology, psychological ownership, scarcity, regret, identity, and the invisible work that happens long before a purchase is made.What looks impulsive from the outside is often the result of years of research, focus, and commitment to a collecting lane.The cards collectors never hesitate on might reveal more about who they are than the cards they spend months debating.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 ★

Last week's conversation with Drake (@drakes_pc) sparked a bigger question:What separates collectors who land grails from those who miss them?In this episode, Brett explores the mindset and systems behind successful private market collecting.Topics include: Why patience and urgency are not opposites  Building a readiness stack before opportunities appear  How to think about premiums in private deals  The dangers of anchoring and the winner's curse  Why liquidity matters more than most collectors admit  How to become a trusted buyer in your category  Turning transactions into long-term relationships  Preparing for The National and summer show season The private market rewards preparation.Don't wait until the grail appears to become the collector capable of landing it.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 ★

For Episode 3 of the Team Collector Series, Katelyn sits down with Mitch (@almanacsportscards), a lifelong Indiana Fever fan and one of the hobby's most dedicated collectors of Tamika Catchings and Katie Douglas.Mitch shares what it was like growing up with basketball in Indiana, how the Fever became a centerpiece of his collecting journey, and why community remains the foundation of WNBA fandom.The conversation explores: Building a collection around a team and its legends  Why Tamika Catchings remains one of the hobby's most overlooked players  The evolution of Fever collecting before and after Caitlin Clark  How collectors can find focus in an era of endless releases  The role community plays in the WNBA card hobby  Mitch's personal grail and the story behind acquiring it If you've ever wondered what it means to build a collection around loyalty, history, and connection to a franchise, this episode is for you.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 ★

What does it look like when a lifelong collector turns his hobby into his profession?Adam Gray has spent decades immersed in basketball cards. From launching Basketball Card Fanatic magazine to creating content for some of the biggest companies in the hobby, he has built a career around storytelling, education, and helping collectors understand why cards matter.In this conversation, Adam shares the path from private equity controller to full-time hobby creator. We discuss the rise and fall of Basketball Card Fanatic, building a reputation through consistent work, creating card stories that reach millions of viewers, balancing family and entrepreneurship, and why context is often more valuable than the card itself.Adam also opens up about the challenges of working in the hobby, the opportunities being created by industry growth, and the responsibility content creators have as the line between collecting and gambling continues to blur.If you've ever wondered whether your passion can become your profession, this episode is for you.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 sports card industry continues to break records.Nearly $680 million in online trading card sales moved through the market in May alone.Most people look at those numbers and see cards.I look at those numbers and see problems that still need solving.In this episode, I expand on the central idea from Hobby Jobs #12: the best opportunities in the hobby don't exist yet.They show up as friction.They show up as weak systems.They show up as moments where collectors, businesses, and marketplaces want something better than what currently exists.I discuss:• Why the next wave of hobby careers will be built around solving problems• How growth at eBay, Fanatics, PSA, and major events is creating new demand for operators• What Ryan Greene's career journey can teach aspiring professionals• Why transferable skills matter as much as hobby knowledge• The eBay role that reveals where the industry is headingIf you want to build a career, company, or meaningful role in the sports card industry, this episode is for you.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 ★

Oba Femi beats Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.Then WWE decides to run it back.Adam and Ryan break down why the decision has frustrated wrestling fans and collectors, what it means for Oba's momentum, and how it impacts one of the hottest card markets in wrestling.The guys also discuss: Grande Americano vs. Ludwig Kaiser and a Match of the Year candidate  Early thoughts on Topps Cosmic Chrome WWE  PSA shutting down value submissions  The return of major 2022 Prizm Black 1/1s  Massive sales from Royalty, Chrome, and Universe  Why wrestling card values continue to swing wildly  The growing challenge of pricing true grails in today's market Plus updates on Wrestling Card Takeover at The National and why wrestling collectors are entering a new era.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31Check 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 ★

Episode 50 is here.Pack and Brett kick off Linebacker Summer by celebrating some of the greatest defenders to ever play the game, including Mike Singletary, Mike Vrabel, Ken Strong, and more.They break down the massive Myles Garrett trade to the Rams and what it means for collectors. They discuss why defensive players might be entering a new era of hobby relevance and share some of their favorite Garrett cards making the rounds after the news broke.The mailbag delivers one of the best questions in Football Card Podcast history.Can an old-school collector who grew up building sets and registries find enthusiasm in a world of Prizm rainbows, parallels, and endless inserts?Other topics include: The future of football cards under Fanatics  Why collectors are getting creative with Topps Chrome Football  PSA's grading pause and hobby demand  Breaking up a player collection  The psychology behind buying expensive 1/1s  Recent sales featuring Caleb Williams, Clay Matthews, Marshall Faulk, Rob Gronkowski, and more Plus, Pack shares a new vintage Bears pickup and Brett celebrates the return of a major card to his collection.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 ★

What happens when the hobby knows you'll spend big money on the cards you need?In this episode, Brett sits down with Drake (@drakes_pc) to discuss the realities of being a known buyer in today's sports card market.The conversation explores how visibility attracts opportunities, why private deals have become a major part of Drake's collecting journey, and what happens when sellers assume every Peyton Manning card belongs in his collection.Along the way, Drake shares stories behind some of his biggest acquisitions, including multiple Peyton Manning Superfractors and Prizm Black Finite cards, while offering lessons on patience, reputation, negotiation, and building relationships that lead to cards most collectors never even know are available.Topics include:• Building a reputation as a collector• Why posting your cards matters• The advantages of private deals• Seller tactics and unrealistic expectations• Navigating negotiations without burning bridges• Why relationships matter more than transactions• How serious collectors prepare for rare opportunitiesIf you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of major private deals, this episode provides an inside look.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 ★

Sports cards are competing for attention in a world built on endless scrolling.Every day, collectors are hit with clips, highlights, reactions, reveals, and hot takes. But what happens when the hobby becomes all spark and no substance?In this episode, Brett explores the role long-form content plays in the sports card ecosystem and why it might be one of the most important assets the hobby has.This isn't a debate about podcasts versus reels.It's a conversation about trust.About learning.About community.About why serious hobbies need serious content somewhere in the system.Drawing from industry research, collector behavior, and five years of building Stacking Slabs, Brett shares why long-form content continues to matter, how collectors consume information differently, and what happens when education gets replaced by pure stimulation.If you've ever listened to a podcast while driving, working out, cutting the grass, or sorting cards, this episode is for you.Because the goal isn't to win the scroll.The goal is to matter after the scroll.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 ★

Season 5's team collector series continues with a deep dive into the Phoenix Mercury.Katelyn sits down with Gavin (@card_collecther), a Mercury season ticket holder and dedicated team collector, to explore what makes the franchise one of the defining organizations in WNBA history.They discuss the Mercury's identity, the influence of Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas' place on the hobby's Disrespect Index, the power of the X-Factor fan base, and how team collecting creates a deeper connection to the game.The conversation also explores collecting philosophy, personal grails, community, rivalries, franchise history, and why collecting a team often becomes about much more than the cards.If you've ever built a collection around a team, a city, or a feeling, this episode is for you.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 ★

Athletes have never been more visible in the hobby.From Tom Brady and CardVault to Fanatics Fest, athlete-led content, and players publicly sharing their collections, sports cards have become part of the conversation in a way we haven't seen before.Ryan Greene sits at the center of it.As Director of Athlete + Artist Partnerships at PSA, Ryan works directly with athletes who collect, grade cards, participate in signings, and build collections of their own.In this conversation, we discuss: Why PSA created a role dedicated to athletes and artists  How professional athletes are entering the hobby  The types of cards athletes collect  Why authenticity matters more than sponsorships  The impact Fanatics is having on athlete participation  Stories from working with Mike Trout and other athletes behind the scenes  Where athlete involvement in the hobby is headed next If you've noticed athletes becoming a bigger part of collecting culture, this episode offers a look behind the curtain at what's driving it.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 ★