POPULARITY
What does "rare" actually mean in the sports card hobby anymore? A Michael Jordan Molten Metal Fusion Titanium numbered to just 40 copies reportedly sells privately for nearly $1 million, sparking a fascinating debate. To an ultra-modern collector accustomed to cards numbered to 10, 5 or even one-of-ones, is /40 really rare? To a 90s collector, /40 can be extraordinarily rare. And to a vintage collector, rarity may have an entirely different meaning. Chris McGill of Card Ladder brings the question to the Sports Cards Live panel and we go deep. We discuss manufactured scarcity versus organic rarity, print runs versus actual surviving populations, how often a card actually becomes available, and the enormous difference between a card being technically rare and being truly scarce. We also explore the importance of substitutes. There may only be 40 copies of one particular Michael Jordan card, but how many other desirable Jordan cards exist from that same season? Compare that to vintage icons where collectors may have far fewer alternatives. Then we add condition and eye appeal to the equation. Can an otherwise common card become effectively rare simply because exceptionally attractive copies almost never surface? Joe Poirot explains why owning a one-of-one has changed his entire perspective on rarity, while Jeff Hart, David Chase, Joshua Adams and Jeremy Lee bring their own collecting philosophies into the debate. Then we make it personal: What is the one card you simply wouldn't sell? From a Roberto Clemente rookie purchased as a teenager to an in-person Luka Doncic autograph tied to a special memory, a playing-era autographed Bill Russell rookie and Jeremy's Superman, Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio cards, everyone has a different reason why certain pieces become irreplaceable. Plus, we discuss the psychology of "not-for-sale" prices, Michael Jordan cards reaching astonishing new levels, whether collectors should actually WANT card prices to fall, and why sometimes loving the card matters more than loving the money. Featuring Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot, David Chase, Jeff Hart, Chris McGill and Joshua Adams.
Why does a card sit relatively unnoticed for years and then suddenly explode? And more importantly, can you spot it before everybody else does? In Part 3 of our Sports Cards Live conversation, Jeff Hart joins Jeremy Lee and David Chase to explore the idea of a card having its "moment." Sometimes it's an influencer bringing attention to something overlooked. Sometimes it's a record sale. Sometimes collectors get priced out of one card and start looking for the next logical alternative. And sometimes a sleeping giant simply reaches the critical mass required for the hobby to finally notice it. We get into the cards and categories we believe could still be hiding in plain sight. Jeremy explains why he recently bought the 1977 Star Wars Princess Leia, why he believes vintage Exquisite football featuring all-time greats like Peyton Manning and Barry Sanders may be dramatically underappreciated compared to basketball, and how getting priced out of one card can lead collectors toward the next opportunity. David takes the same approach to Larry Doby, Satchel Paige, Sandy Koufax and Roberto Clemente, and explains why he believes Diego Maradona may be lagging behind the other giants of soccer collecting. We also discuss the rise of 1935 Mickey Mouse and 1940 Superman, Jackie Robinson and the growing importance of eye appeal, the role of social media and influential collectors, and whether it's actually possible to identify these hobby movements before the masses arrive. Then Chris McGill and Josh Adams join the panel and we return to the National pricing debate from a different perspective. Are collectors complaining about high prices actually a healthy sign? Why do collectors hold tighter when markets are rising? And when a truly rare card finally becomes available, does the last comp even matter? Ultimately, it leads to a very simple question: Do you like the cards more than you like the money? Featuring Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Jeff Hart, Chris McGill and Joshua Adams.
What happens when you discover a vintage card you believe has been overlooked, buy it, and then one of the biggest voices in collectibles suddenly calls out the exact same thing? In Part 2 of our post-National Sports Cards Live conversation, Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot and David Chase are joined by Leighton Sheldon of Just Collect and Auction Wire for a deeper look at pricing, buying and negotiating at the 2026 National. Leighton gives us the dealer's perspective on the "overpriced National" debate and explains what he saw from both sides of the table. We dig into the difference between commodity cards and genuinely scarce cards, when comps matter, when they don't tell the whole story, paying premiums for exceptional eye appeal, and why building rapport can make a real difference when trying to get a deal done. Then things take an unexpected turn. Jeremy reveals the 1935 Mickey Mouse card he had identified months earlier as a new personal grail, along with an extremely scarce O-Pee-Chee variation he discovered through Auction Wire. David had also started buying cards from the set at the National. Then, almost immediately afterward, a video surfaced of Gary Vaynerchuk specifically calling out 1935 Mickey Mouse and 1940 Superman as vintage fictional cards he believes have significant potential. Within days, available examples began disappearing and asking prices jumped dramatically. Coincidence? The Gary Vee effect? Or an overlooked segment of vintage collecting finally starting to get attention? We also get the incredible story behind Leighton's 1948 Leaf Hal Newhouser deal with David, discuss why relationships still matter in the hobby, and look at how tools like Auction Wire are changing the way collectors discover cards they might otherwise never find. Featuring Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot, David Chase and Leighton Sheldon.
Was the 2026 National really overpriced, or were collectors simply experiencing the realities of a rising sports card market? In Part 1 of our post-National Sports Cards Live conversation, Jeremy Lee is joined by Joe Poirot and David Chase to break down what they actually saw on the show floor. Were dealers asking too much? Were there still deals to be found? And how much does your approach to a dealer affect the price you're ultimately able to negotiate? We get into comps, "not for sale" pricing, why dealers may be reluctant to sell at the last recorded sale, and the lost art of actually talking to people before asking, "What's your best price?" We also discuss the enormous demand for grading at the National, PSA and Beckett being overwhelmed, whether collectors should simply wait to submit their cards, and the growing fascination with MBA stickers and fourth-party card assessment. Plus, some National stories, the aftermath of a marathon week in Chicago, and plenty of interaction with the Sports Cards Live community. Featuring Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot and David Chase.
Dr. Beckett recaps his week at the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, describing the event as maximally crowded, the biggest National ever, with long lines and high energy. He details his buying-focused approach centered on dollar boxes, especially with the Singles Club, noting which days and times produced the best finds and how dealer markdowns shaped his strategy. Beckett shares highlights including a YouTube content creator gathering, meetings (notably with COMC's Tim Getsch), traditional hobby dinners, and Jeremy Lee's well-produced Shark Tank presentation where Dr. Beckett gave brief remarks paying tribute to deceased National co-founder Mike Berkus. He discusses skipping trade nights, signing autographs without charging, losing his voice from the crowd, travel/packing tactics, and returning home tired but enthusiastic about next year's National and the hobby's continued momentum. 01:48 Staying Fueled and Ready 02:28 Wednesday Arrival Plan 02:51 Singles Club Routine 05:52 Best Times to Buy 06:53 YouTube Creator Meetup 08:07 Friday Meetings and OG Dinner 09:48 Saturday Shark Tank Event 12:04 Sunday Deals and Awkward Checkout 13:15 Autographs and Show Observations 15:05 Packing and Card Plans
The tools required to build a product have become available to everyone.That does not mean every product needs to exist.Scott Lock, CEO of InfernoRed Technology, joins Brett to discuss the growth of hobby tech and what separates an idea from something collectors will use.They also preview Enter the Inferno, a pitch event created by Sports Cards Live and InfernoRed Technology for The National. Hobby founders will present their ideas to Scott, Ed Snyder, Jeremy Lee, and Dr. James Beckett on the main stage.The conversation covers collector engagement, founder conviction, product demand, AI, and why the next hobby platform should offer more than another way to check comps.Enter the Inferno takes place Saturday at 3 p.m. on the main stage at The National.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 ★
Jeremy Lee asked me a question on his show- after I said that Fanatics wants to make the hobby better. He asked what that meant- and for who?- SO let's discuss that- and answer the question: Is Fanatics the Bad Guy?
The conversation comes full circle. In the final chapter of this Sports Cards Live discussion, Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Joe Poirot, and Josh Adams reflect on the broader implications of the reconstructed T206 Honus Wagner and what it may mean for the future of sports card collecting. The panel discusses whether restoration will become more accepted, how collectors should think about exceptions, where personal collecting philosophies differ from hobby standards, and why context matters when evaluating altered or restored cards. The episode also includes a fun conversation about LeBron James, player legacies, and whether changing teams affects a superstar's long-term collectibility. In this episode: Has the hobby reached a tipping point on restoration? Can collectors make exceptions for iconic cards? Personal collecting rules vs. hobby standards Does intent matter when a card is altered? Could the FrankenWagner change collecting forever? LeBron James, team loyalty, and hobby legacy Final thoughts from the panel Looking ahead to The National Thank you for listening to Sports Cards Live. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the hobby by supporting the show:
Has the hobby crossed a line, or opened the door to something entirely new? The debate over the reconstructed T206 Honus Wagner continues as Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Josh Adams, and Joe Poirot explore the bigger implications of the now-famous "FrankenWagner." Could this become the template for future restorations? Did CGC make the right call? What should the card actually be called? And perhaps the biggest question of all: if you had the money, would you buy it? The conversation expands well beyond one card and examines what this means for grading companies, restoration standards, collector confidence, and the future of vintage sports cards. In this episode: Did CGC make the right decision? Is the FrankenWagner changing the hobby? What should the label actually say? Would you buy this card over an authentic Wagner? Could this become the new standard for restoration? The cheapest path to owning a T206 Wagner? Where should grading companies draw the line? The panel debates the future of restoration Whether you're fascinated by restoration, passionate about vintage cards, or simply curious where the hobby is headed, this is a discussion you won't want to miss. Please support the show!
The conversation about the reconstructed T206 Honus Wagner takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a debate over one controversial card quickly becomes a broader discussion about grading company transparency, authentication standards, and whether collectors are receiving enough information to make informed buying decisions. Jeremy Lee is joined by David Chase, Joe Poirot, and Josh Adams as they debate whether the famous "FrankenWagner" should really be considered authentic, restored, rebuilt, or something entirely different. More importantly, they ask whether grading companies owe collectors far more transparency than they're currently providing. In this episode: The FrankenWagner debate continues Should grading companies disclose more information? Why "Authentic" may not be enough QR codes, restoration reports, and collector transparency Are grading companies following their own standards? Restoration vs. reconstruction Can collectors truly trust the label? The future of grading and authentication This conversation goes beyond one famous card and explores what collectors should reasonably expect from the companies entrusted to authenticate the hobby's most valuable collectibles. Please support the show!
Some cards are important. Others become hobby history. Jeremy Lee is joined by Leighton Sheldon to examine two extraordinary vintage cards headed to auction: one of the few known signed 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson rookie cards and a remarkable signed 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle with an incredible backstory. The conversation explores rarity, provenance, auction estimates, and why these types of discoveries continue to captivate collectors decades after the cards were produced. Later in the episode, Leighton surprises the Sports Cards Live community with a generous National giveaway before Josh Adams joins the discussion to talk National anticipation and the excitement surrounding some of the hobby's biggest upcoming auctions. Topics include: One of the hobby's rarest signed Jackie Robinson cards The remarkable signed 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle Why provenance matters Estimating the final auction prices National Sports Collectors Convention excitement Leighton Sheldon's $250 National giveaway Josh Adams joins the conversation The cards everyone will be watching this summer Thank you for listening to Sports Cards Live, your hobby headquarters for news, interviews, auctions, and thoughtful conversations about sports cards and memorabilia. Please support the show! ✅ Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. ⭐ If you enjoy the show, leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Has sports card restoration reached a turning point? Jeremy Lee is joined by Leighton Sheldon to examine one of the most controversial cards the hobby has seen in years: the reconstructed T206 Honus Wagner, commonly referred to as the "FrankenWagner." The discussion explores whether this remarkable piece should be viewed as restoration, recreation, fabrication, or something entirely new. They also debate how grading companies should classify reconstructed cards, whether this card's famous story adds to its value, and what precedent it could set for the future of vintage collecting. Topics include: The reconstructed T206 Honus Wagner Restoration vs. recreation Is the "FrankenWagner" still an authentic card? The Tommy Leach background controversy CGC's "Authentic Restored" designation Could this create a dangerous precedent? Where does restoration end? Predicting the final auction price Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation asks one of the biggest philosophical questions facing today's hobby. Thank you for listening to Sports Cards Live. Please support the show: ✅ Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more collectors discover the show.
The hobby's biggest controversy just got even bigger. Jeremy Lee opens the episode with David Chase, discussing National budgeting, the summer auction season, Michael Jordan's renewed partnership with Upper Deck, and the latest hobby headlines before welcoming investigative journalist Darren Rovell for an in-depth conversation about one of the most controversial stories in recent hobby history. Together they unpack the former Collectible fractional assets now being sold through Heritage Auctions, the legal authority behind the sales, the ethical questions surrounding the proceeds, what this means for former investors, and why the story is far from over. In this episode: Heritage's controversial fractional asset auctions Who really owns these collectibles? Can former investors recover their money? Legal rights vs. ethical responsibility Why another major auction house reportedly passed Michael Jordan's new Upper Deck Legacy Partner agreement National buying strategies and managing the hobby budget Whether you're a collector, investor, dealer, or simply passionate about the hobby, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Please support the show!
The conversation doesn't end when the auction begins. Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Joe Poirot, Josh Adams, and Robert Rothenberg wrap up this episode with a discussion about one of the hobby's most talked-about developing stories: the controversy surrounding assets formerly held by Collectible and their appearance in an upcoming Heritage Auctions sale. The panel explores the responsibilities of auction houses, the challenges surrounding ownership and collector confidence, and why transparency matters as the hobby navigates increasingly complex situations. The discussion also revisits restored cards, whether grading companies should encapsulate them with full disclosure, and how collectors should approach cards that have been repaired or conserved. The episode closes with a preview of next week's Sports Cards Live, where Jeremy will continue investigating the Collectible situation with guests who have firsthand knowledge of the story. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with a fellow collector. It really helps more collectors discover the show. Watch Sports Cards Live on YouTube for the full video experience, and follow Jeremy Lee on Fanatics Collect for exclusive live shows, including The Hunt and weekly auction watch parties. Fanatics Collect referral link:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Thank you for listening, and remember... Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every collector's journey eventually changes. Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot, Josh Adams, and Robert Rothenberg discuss what it's like to experience an entire hobby market cycle, from the explosive boom of 2020 through the correction that followed and into today's evolving market. Robert shares how he re-entered the hobby chasing the next superstar before eventually finding his passion in T206 cards, rare backs, and long-term collecting goals. Along the way, the panel discusses grading philosophy, the value of raw versus graded cards, why buying the card instead of the grade still matters, and how experience changes the way collectors deploy their hobby dollars. The conversation closes with an interesting look at set collecting, why it isn't as common as it once was, and whether modern collectors have shifted toward curating personal collections instead of completing checklists. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with a fellow collector. It really helps more collectors discover the show. Watch Sports Cards Live on YouTube for the full video experience, and follow Jeremy Lee on Fanatics Collect for exclusive live shows, including The Hunt and weekly auction watch parties. Fanatics Collect referral link:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Thank you for listening, and remember... Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What actually makes a sports card beautiful? Jeremy Lee is joined by Robert Rothenberg, Josh Adams, and Joe Poirot for a fascinating conversation that challenges one of the hobby's most accepted beliefs: is centering really the most important part of eye appeal? The panel debates whether sharp corners, registration, color, focus, or centering should carry the most weight when evaluating vintage cards, why collectors often value different qualities, and how those preferences shape the way they build their collections. The conversation then shifts to the grading industry as the panel explores whether Fanatics could eventually enter the grading business, which company might make the most sense as an acquisition target, and what another serious competitor could mean for collectors while PSA continues to dominate the market. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with a fellow collector. It really helps more collectors discover the show. Watch Sports Cards Live on YouTube for the full video experience, and follow Jeremy Lee on Fanatics Collect for exclusive live shows, including The Hunt and weekly auction watch parties. Fanatics Collect referral link:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Thank you for listening, and remember... Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is a sports card really worth? Jeremy Lee is joined by David Chase, Robert Rothenberg, Joe Poirot, and Leighton Sheldon for a wide-ranging discussion that begins with PSA's grading guarantee and quickly expands into some of the hobby's biggest unanswered questions. How should collectors interpret comparable sales when buyers and sellers often pay vastly different amounts after premiums, taxes, shipping, and fees? Is "missing out" on a grail card actually a bigger force than fear of missing out? Could future technology eventually detect card restoration that today's grading companies miss? And if that happens, what does it mean for the hobby? The panel also explores collecting philosophy, scarcity, the pursuit of grail cards, and whether collectors would choose more money or more time if it meant enjoying the hobby differently. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with a fellow collector. It really helps more collectors discover the show. Watch Sports Cards Live on YouTube for the full video experience, and follow Jeremy Lee on Fanatics Collect for exclusive live shows, including The Hunt and weekly auction watch parties. Fanatics Collect referral link:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Thank you for listening, and remember... Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is the hobby quietly changing its mind about card restoration? Jeremy Lee, David Chase, and special guest Robert Rothenberg continue one of the most important conversations in today's hobby by examining real-world examples of restored vintage cards, including dramatic before-and-after transformations that have collectors questioning where conservation ends and alteration begins. The discussion explores surprising reactions from experienced collectors and dealers, whether restoration is becoming widely accepted, why grading companies may struggle to detect certain treatments, and what all of this means for buyers trying to build trustworthy collections. If the hobby's standards are evolving, what does that mean for the future of grading, collecting, and confidence in the marketplace? If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with a fellow collector. It really helps more collectors discover the show. Watch Sports Cards Live on YouTube for the full video experience, and follow Jeremy Lee on Fanatics Collect for exclusive live shows, including The Hunt and weekly auction watch parties. Fanatics Collect referral link:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Thank you for listening, and remember... Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The hobby's biggest ethical debate may just be getting started. Jeremy Lee and David Chase dive into one of the most polarizing topics in sports cards today: restoration, conservation, cleaning, and where the line should actually be drawn. Is removing scrapbook residue acceptable? Does soaking a card fundamentally alter it? Is restoration becoming normalized, and if so, what does that mean for grading, authenticity, and collector trust? The discussion explores whether today's hobby is shifting toward accepting card conservation, how disclosure factors into the equation, whether PSA and other grading companies can realistically detect every restored card, and why this conversation could shape the future of vintage collecting. Whether you're a vintage purist, modern collector, dealer, or grader, this is a conversation every collector should hear. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with a fellow collector. It really helps more collectors discover the show. Watch Sports Cards Live on YouTube for the full video experience, and follow Jeremy Lee on Fanatics Collect for exclusive live shows, including The Hunt and weekly auction watch parties. Fanatics Collect referral link:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Thank you for listening, and remember... Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the world becomes increasingly digital, what happens to physical collectibles? Jeremy Lee and Chris Hoge close out the show with a wide-ranging discussion about the future of sports cards, exploring why tangible collectibles may become even more meaningful in an increasingly virtual world. The conversation examines everything from digital collectibles and NFTs to the psychology of collecting, the importance of card shows, and why face-to-face interactions remain one of the hobby's greatest strengths. Jeremy shares a theory that physical collectibles could become even more desirable as everyday life continues moving toward digital experiences, while Chris expands on why authenticity, community, and human connection remain at the heart of the hobby. If you enjoy conversations that go beyond the cards themselves and explore why we collect in the first place, subscribe and join us every week. Watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night, The Hangover every Wednesday, The Hunt on Fanatics Collect, Vintage Spotlight, and our Weekly & Premier Auction Ending Watch Parties. Join Fanatics Collect to watch exclusive Collect Originals content, enter giveaways, and follow Sports Cards Live:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment to discover what type of collector you are:https://thehobbyspectrum.com Grab your copy of Pops & Comps:https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like the video, and leave a comment below. Do you think physical sports cards become more valuable as our world becomes increasingly digital, or will digital collectibles eventually take over? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Has PSA's submission pause unintentionally created an entirely new market? Jeremy Lee, Chris HOJ, and Chad Hawk explore one of the most thought-provoking ideas to emerge from the grading discussion: could the hobby be witnessing the rise of the "soft slab"? With grading companies facing unprecedented demand, the panel discusses whether intermediate services like GCC, Beckett's former Raw Card Review, and other condition assessment products could become a permanent part of the hobby landscape rather than simply filling a temporary gap. The conversation examines how innovation often begins during periods of disruption, why competition ultimately benefits collectors, and whether a new category of grading services could thrive alongside traditional encapsulation. If you enjoy discussions about where the hobby is headed, subscribe and join us every week as we explore the ideas shaping the future of sports cards. Watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night, The Hangover every Wednesday, The Hunt on Fanatics Collect, Vintage Spotlight, and our Weekly & Premier Auction Ending Watch Parties. Join Fanatics Collect to watch exclusive Collect Originals content, enter giveaways, and follow Sports Cards Live:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment to discover what type of collector you are:https://thehobbyspectrum.com Grab your copy of Pops & Comps:https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, like the video, and join the conversation below. Do you think the hobby has room for a permanent "soft slab" category, or will traditional grading always dominate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where is the line between preserving a card and altering it? Jeremy Lee, Chris Hoge, and Chad Hawk tackle one of the hobby's most controversial topics after watching a video that demonstrates the restoration of a valuable LeBron James rookie card. Is restoration simply conservation, or does it fundamentally change what collectors are buying? The conversation expands into the growing challenge of detecting sophisticated alterations, whether restoration could ever become accepted in sports cards the way it has in other collectibles, and how population reports, scarcity, and collector confidence could all be affected if restored cards became commonplace. The panel also discusses counterfeit cards, grading transparency, the importance of experienced authenticators, and why innovation will continue to shape the future of the hobby. If you enjoy thoughtful hobby discussions that challenge conventional thinking, subscribe and join us every week. Watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night, The Hangover every Wednesday, The Hunt on Fanatics Collect, Vintage Spotlight, and our Weekly & Premier Auction Ending Watch Parties. Join Fanatics Collect to watch exclusive Collect Originals content, enter giveaways, and follow Sports Cards Live:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment to discover what type of collector you are:https://thehobbyspectrum.com Grab your copy of Pops & Comps:https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903 If you enjoyed this discussion, subscribe, like the video, and leave a comment below. We'd love to hear your opinion: Should restoration ever become acceptable in sports cards, or should the hobby continue drawing a hard line? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can sports card grading evolve without completely reinventing the hobby? Jeremy Lee and David Chase continue their conversation with Chad Hawk, founder of GCC and former executive at Certified Collectibles Group, exploring whether the industry needs an entirely new approach to condition assessment. The discussion dives into the limits of traditional grading, the promise and challenges of AI, why TAG has struggled to gain widespread acceptance in sports cards despite its consistency, and how GCC hopes to create a lower-cost solution that helps collectors, dealers, and grading companies alike. Chad explains why GCC intentionally avoids assigning fixed numerical grades, instead focusing on condition ranges that keep the emphasis on the card rather than the label. The panel also answers tough questions from the live audience about authentication, guarantees, resale value, and whether collectors will embrace a different model. If you enjoy conversations about where the hobby is headed, subscribe and join us every week for honest, thoughtful discussions with hobby leaders and innovators. Watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night, The Hangover every Wednesday, The Hunt on Fanatics Collect, Vintage Spotlight, and our Weekly & Premier Auction Ending Watch Parties. Join Fanatics Collect to watch exclusive Collect Originals content, enter giveaways, and follow Sports Cards Live:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment to discover what type of collector you are:https://thehobbyspectrum.com Grab your copy of Pops & Comps:https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903 If you enjoyed the discussion, please subscribe, like the video, and leave a comment. We'd love to hear your thoughts: Does the hobby need a new approach to grading, or should today's grading companies simply improve what already exists? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PSA has paused several of its most popular submission tiers, and the ripple effects are being felt across the hobby. Jeremy Lee and David Chase welcome Chad Hawk, founder of GCC and former executive with over two decades of experience at Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), to discuss what this moment means for collectors, dealers, grading companies, and the future of authentication. The conversation explores the challenges of scaling a grading company while maintaining consistency, whether grading mistakes are inevitable, how acceptable error rates should be measured, and whether artificial intelligence can eventually remove subjectivity from the grading process. They also examine a controversial PSA 10 that appeared to have significant damage, discussing what likely happened, why public perception matters, and whether grading companies should also be selling cards through their own marketplaces. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about grading, authentication, and the future of the hobby, subscribe and join us every week. Watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night, The Hangover every Wednesday, The Hunt on Fanatics Collect, Vintage Spotlight, and our Weekly & Premier Auction Ending Watch Parties. Join Fanatics Collect using my affiliate link below to watch exclusive Collect Originals content, enter giveaways, and follow Sports Cards Live:https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment to discover what type of collector you are:https://thehobbyspectrum.com Grab your copy of Pops & Comps:https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903 Subscribe, like, comment, and let us know: What level of grading error is acceptable, if any? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can you really tell someone else how they should enjoy the hobby? This episode begins with a conversation that goes far beyond sports cards. Jeremy Lee and David Chase react to viewer feedback from last week's show and explore one of collecting's biggest philosophical questions: should collectors be concerned with how other people spend their money? The discussion covers funding purchases by selling cards, whether "true collectors" even exist, financial responsibility in the hobby, and why so many opinions may simply be projections of our own collecting experiences. Jeremy also shares details about his upcoming interview with one of the hobby's most recognizable breakers, Joe Hollywood, and discusses why he wanted the conversation to happen before the audience weighed in. If you enjoy thoughtful hobby conversations that go beyond prices and hype, be sure to subscribe and join us every week. Watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night, The Hangover every Wednesday, The Hunt on Fanatics Collect, Vintage Spotlight, and our Weekly & Premier Auction Ending Watch Parties. Join Fanatics Collect using my affiliate link below to watch exclusive Collect Originals content, enter giveaways, and follow Sports Cards Live: https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment to discover what type of collector you are:https://thehobbyspectrum.com Grab your copy of Pops & Comps:https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903 Subscribe, like, comment, and share your thoughts below. We'd love to hear where you stand on these hobby debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The final segment of this special Sports Cards Live discussion brings the art collector versus investor debate to its conclusion as the panel explores what gives cards meaning beyond their price tags. Chris McGill, Joe Poirot, David Novak, Joshua Adams, and Jeremy Lee dive into the emotional, historical, and personal factors that shape collecting decisions and why some cards become far more significant than their market value suggests. Topics include: • Collecting as art versus collecting as investment• Why context matters when evaluating cards• Understanding a card's place within hobby history• Researching players, sets, and card significance• Emotional attachment and collecting satisfaction• Ownership as part of the reward• One-of-one cards and exclusivity• Illiquidity, rarity, and collector psychology• Whether a grail card reduces the desire for accumulation• The role of knowledge, storytelling, and hobby education The episode wraps with reflections on collecting, community, and what truly drives hobby passion, along with final thoughts from first-time Sports Cards Live guest David Novak. Featuring Jeremy Lee, Chris McGill, Joe Poirot, Joshua Adams, David Novak, and a special appearance by David Chase. Sports Cards Live is proudly supported by Just Collect, Auction Wire, Mint Ink, Front Row Card Show, Mr. Minty, Kronozio, Collector Investor Auctions, Upper Deck, Sport Card Expo, Card Ladder, COMC, and Inferno Red Technology. Links & Resources • The Hobby Spectrum: https://thehobbyspectrum.com• Pops & Comps on Amazon• Fanatics Collect Affiliate Link • Share this episode with a fellow collector Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The conversation gets deeper as David Novak joins Jeremy Lee and David Chase for a spirited discussion about sports cards as investments, generational attitudes toward risk, and whether collectors should view cardboard as part of a broader financial strategy. David shares his perspective on why some millennials are more willing to take calculated risks with their investment portfolios, sparking an engaging debate on retirement accounts, diversification, risk tolerance, and the role sports cards can play alongside traditional investments. Topics include: • Are sports cards legitimate investments?• Millennials and risk-taking behavior• Using hobby knowledge as an investment advantage• 401(k)s, retirement planning, and alternative assets• Why some collectors prefer blue-chip cards over prospecting• Vintage versus ultra-modern investing• The dangers of chasing hype• Mahomes, Ohtani, Trout, Judge, LeBron, Crosby, and long-term collectability• Bubbles within the hobby market• Why experience and time horizon matter Jeremy, David Novak, and David Chase bring different perspectives to one of the hobby's most debated topics: whether sports cards belong in an investment portfolio and, if so, how. Links & Resources • The Hobby Spectrum: https://thehobbyspectrum.com • Pops & Comps on Amazon • Fanatics Collect Affiliate Link • Share this episode with a fellow collector Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee and Joe Poirot welcome David Novak of Upstate Sports Cards to Sports Cards Live for a deep discussion on collecting philosophy, consolidation, and the mindset of today's hobbyist. David shares his journey from collecting everything from ultra-modern stars to vintage icons before ultimately narrowing his collection down to just a handful of cornerstone cards. The conversation explores whether millennial collectors are increasingly prioritizing quality over quantity and what drives the desire to own fewer, more significant pieces. Topics include: • The rise of collection consolidation• The psychology of the modern collector• The Pareto Principle and card collecting• Why some collectors are moving toward elite, centerpiece cards• PMGs, Masterpieces, and hobby tier lists• Football card market opportunities• Dallas Cowboys collecting and hobby nostalgia• Whether collector preferences shape long-term card values• The role of competition, status, and personal fulfillment in collecting Plus, Jeremy, Joe, and David debate football cards, hobby trends, and what truly makes a card significant. Links & Resources • The Hobby Spectrum: https://thehobbyspectrum.com• Pops & Comps on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/POPS-COMPS-Insights-Psychology-Numbers/dp/1069808903• Follow Jeremy on Fanatics Collect: Fanatics Collect Affiliate Link • Share this episode with a fellow collector Sports cards are a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee and Joe Poirot kick off Episode 317 of Sports Cards Live with a look at several major developments happening across the hobby. Jeremy shares details on his new exclusive Fanatics Collect Originals series, The Hunt, including what viewers can expect from the live interactive format and why this next chapter is such an exciting opportunity. The conversation then shifts to Enter the Inferno, the new hobby technology pitch competition debuting live on the National Sports Collectors Convention main stage. Jeremy discusses the inspiration behind the event, the judging panel, and what hobby entrepreneurs can expect. The guys also talk about: • The upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention • Joe's first-ever National appearance • Hobby Spectrum developments and discoverability features • Jeremy's latest vintage memorabilia acquisitions, including a Joe DiMaggio game-used piece and a rare Ty Cobb pickup • Golden Auctions highlights, Cracker Jack cards, and vintage market observations • Fanatics Collect, content creation, and the evolving hobby media landscape Plus, plenty of interaction with the Sports Cards Live community throughout the show. Please support the show: Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube Follow Sports Cards Live on Fanatics Collect https://fanaticscollect.onelink.me/xx0N/iyiniif4 Follow Sports Cards Live on Instagram @jlee_sportscardslive Visit The Hobby Spectrum and complete your collector profile hobbyspectrum.com Share this episode with a fellow collector Sports cards is a lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1526–1549 and revisits key themes: defining cash grabs, GOAT's, iconic cards, and then hobby pushbacks on eye appeal, grading consistency, and market manipulation. Dr. Beckett summarizes trips to the Toronto Sports Expo and the Watters Creek show, as well as episodes on lifelong reading/learning and probability/statistics, and the start of his annual father/son episodes with Jeremy Lee and his father Harvey. 00:27 Cash Grabs Debate 02:21 GOAT Meaning Unpacked 03:37 What Makes Cards Iconic 06:14 Ramblings With Rich 06:27 Toronto Show Recap 06:57 BB Card Hall of Fame Voting 07:56 Learning and Hobby Skills 10:56 Oh YAAS Advisory Update 12:07 Show Safety and Hobby Hotline 13:06 Fixing Grading Ideas
Dr. Beckett hosts a Father's Day podcast with Jeremy Lee of Sports Cards Live and his father, Harvey, discussing Jeremy's record-setting purchase of a 1914 Cracker Jack Shoeless Joe Jackson card, why it felt emotional but was later validated by other buyers, and the role of due diligence, intuition, and luck. They explore common beginner mistakes, especially collecting in isolation, and emphasize learning through community, podcasts, and longitudinal, multi-variable thinking. Jeremy explains he has no remorse consolidating over 330 cards to fund the grail, and frames mistakes as “tuition,” noting his book Pops and Comps aims to reduce costly errors. Dr. Beckett advises beginners to “wait” before big buys and to buy with “weight” by acquiring larger lots to spread risk, while also addressing impulsivity, market volatility, risk tolerance, and hobby addiction support via Collectors MD. 00:30 Shoeless Joe Record Buy 01:27 Trusting Your Gut 02:22 Beginner Mistakes 03:47 Long Term Thinking 04:48 Consolidation No Regrets 05:24 Mistakes as Tuition 07:27 Wait and Weight Rule 08:49 Rookies and Risk Balance 10:55 Action Now vs Patience 11:38 Addiction and Self Control 12:58 Hobby Spectrum Types
Welcome NoOffseason.com Family! We are so happy to have you with us to help you make money flipping sports cards using Data Driven Sports Card Investing.On today's show we have a special guest co-host - Jeremy Lee of Sports Cards Live, one of the top entrepreneurs and content creators in the hobby. You can find Jeremy on YouTube at SportsCardsLive and Instagram at jlee_sportscardslive … Author of Pops and Comps on Amazon.We discuss…One of his latest creations - The Hobby SpectrumHobby Greed - A Huge Problem?Fanatics vs. eBay2026 Fanatics Fest - Are you attending? Why? Why Not?Hobby Content Creation Strategy - The Good, The Bad, The UglyInternational Sports Card Market
Jeremy Lee and David Chase discuss a record-setting Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe card sale, the psychology of collecting grail cards, and the prices collectors would demand for pieces they never intended to sell. The conversation then shifts as Diamond Card Collector joins the show to revisit the Tom Brady card deal that stunned the hobby. Steve shares how the opportunity first came together, the trust that had been established beforehand, and why this particular card was impossible for him to ignore. The story is just getting started. Sports cards is a lifestyle. Follow Jeremy on Instagram:@jlee_sportscardslive@jlee_cards Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube. Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment:thehobbyspectrum.com Buy Pops & Comps: Insights, Truths and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market on Amazon. Listen to Sports Cards Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Beckett welcomes guests Jeremy Lee (Sport Cards Live) and his father, Harvey. They reflect on sharing the hobby at events like the Toronto Sports Expo, emphasizing community, diplomacy, and how Jeremy's approach mirrors Harvey's service mindset. Harvey describes supporting Jeremy's shift from accountancy into the hobby despite initial trepidation, while Jeremy explains his growth from content creator to publisher and collaborator came from impulsive ideas rather than a master plan. They compare being Canadian versus American in medicine and the hobby, highlighting technology's global reach and currency impacts. The conversation closes with insights on market hype vs. long-term value, pricing signals, and common buyer mistakes driven by emotion, bias, and risk tolerance. 01:16 Hobby Time with Dad 02:17 Rotary and Community Lessons 04:52 Apple and the Tree 05:43 Pops and Comps 08:58 Building Without a Plan 12:38 Canada and a Global Hobby 16:05 Value vs Hype 16:44 Pricing and Market Signals 17:59 Buyer Mistakes and Bias
On this week's Sports Cards Live, Jeremy Lee and Joe Poirot kick off another four-hour hobby marathon with a discussion that cuts right to the heart of collecting. Should historic jerseys, bats, and memorabilia be preserved intact for future generations, or is there value in transforming them into trading cards that allow more collectors to own a piece of history? The conversation explores preservation, cultural identity, private ownership, museums, memorabilia cards, and what responsibility collectors may have as stewards of the hobby's past. The guys also preview the newly released National Sports Collectors Convention floor plan, and set the stage for the return of one of the hobby's most talked-about stories. Sports cards is a lifestyle. Follow Jeremy on Instagram:@jlee_sportscardslive @jlee_cards Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube. Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment:thehobbyspectrum.com Get Jeremy's book:Pops & Comps: Insights, Truths and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market Available on Amazon. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Jackie Robinson story continues, but the discussion takes an unexpected turn. Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Joe Poirot, and Josh Adams explore one of the most uncomfortable questions in the hobby: where is the line between collecting and gambling? Using the now-famous Jackie Robinson patch card purchase as the backdrop, the panel debates risk, conviction, financial responsibility, debt, marriage, hobby passion, and whether collectors sometimes justify decisions they know they shouldn't make. The conversation also explores card valuation, one-of-one psychology, memorabilia cards, grading, market dynamics, and the challenges of separating emotional attachment from financial reality. Whether you agree with the buyer or not, this discussion touches on something almost every collector has experienced. A card you simply couldn't stop thinking about.
A collector sees the card of his dreams and makes a decision that many hobbyists will understand... and many others will question. Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Joe Poirot, and Josh Adams react to the story of a teacher who stretched far beyond his financial comfort zone to acquire a one-of-one Jackie Robinson game-used patch card he believes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The discussion quickly evolves into a deeper conversation about passion, collecting, financial responsibility, marriage, regret, and the lengths collectors will go to own cards they truly love. Was this an irresponsible purchase? Or was it exactly the kind of conviction that defines great collecting? This episode explores the emotional side of the hobby and asks a question every collector eventually faces: what is your grail really worth to you?
The PSA discussion continues, but this time the focus shifts from grading delays to a much bigger question: How did we get here? Jeremy Lee, David Chase, Joe Poirot, and Josh Adams debate whether PSA's dominance is a company problem, a hobby problem, or some combination of both. Along the way, the conversation explores competition, grading alternatives, market behavior, collector psychology, and why so many hobbyists continue to support systems they openly criticize. The discussion also touches on Beckett's future, TAG's role in the market, grading company competition, and whether collectors should rethink how much power they give third-party grading altogether. Expect strong opinions, disagreement, and plenty of hobby philosophy. Follow Sports Cards Live for new episodes every week featuring collectors, dealers, investors, hobby leaders, and industry insiders. Join The Hobby Spectrum: www.thehobbyspectrum.com Buy Jeremy's book, Pops & Comps: Insights, Truths and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market. Available on Amazon. Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jlee_sportscardslive @jlee_cards Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: Sports Cards Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PSA's decision to pause several grading service levels continues to send shockwaves through the hobby. But is PSA really the problem? Jeremy Lee, David Chase, and Leighton Sheldon explore the impact of PSA's latest move on collectors, dealers, auction companies, and the broader marketplace. The discussion quickly evolves into a larger debate about dependency, entitlement, business risk, and whether the hobby has become too reliant on a single company. Who is affected the most? What happens next? And is this really PSA's fault at all? Expect strong opinions, uncomfortable questions, and a conversation that challenges some commonly held assumptions about grading and the modern hobby. Follow Sports Cards Live for new episodes every week featuring collectors, dealers, investors, hobby leaders, and industry insiders. Join The Hobby Spectrum: www.thehobbyspectrum.com Buy Jeremy's book, Pops & Comps: Insights, Truths and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market. Available on Amazon. Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jlee_sportscardslive @jlee_cards Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: Sports Cards Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could ticket collecting be where sports cards were years ago? Jeremy Lee, David Chase, and Howard Citron dive deep into one of the hobby's most fascinating and fastest-growing categories. From debut tickets and historic moments to full tickets versus stubs, the conversation explores why more collectors are turning their attention toward pieces of history that were never meant to survive. Along the way, the discussion touches on rarity, grading, collecting versus investing, and whether some of the most important tickets in sports history remain dramatically underappreciated. Plus, Howard shares one of the most significant Wayne Gretzky tickets ever discovered and explains why ticket collectors are so passionate about preserving moments rather than simply collecting cardboard. If you've ever wondered what makes a ticket collectible, this episode is for you. Follow Sports Cards Live for new episodes every week featuring collectors, dealers, investors, hobby leaders, and industry insiders. Join The Hobby Spectrum:www.thehobbyspectrum.com Buy Jeremy's book, Pops & Comps:Insights, Truths and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market. Available on Amazon. Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jlee_sportscardslive @jlee_cards Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: Sports Cards Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it look like to build a career in the sports card industry?In the debut episode of Hobby Jobs, Brett McGrath shares the vision behind the platform and why the hobby needs a dedicated place for operators, builders, and aspiring professionals.This episode explores the shift from hobby to industry and why the biggest opportunities often start as repeated friction, not business plans. Brett breaks down the signals coming from companies like PSA, eBay, GameStop, and Card Collector 2 and explains what they reveal about where the hobby is headed.Topics include:• Why Hobby Jobs was created• The growing demand for skilled professionals in the hobby• How to identify opportunity before everyone else sees it• Why proximity is a competitive advantage• Lessons from Jeremy Lee and Sports Cards Live• What hiring trends reveal about the future of the industry• Why content, trust, and systems matter more than everIf you're building in the hobby, looking to break into the industry, or trying to understand where the next wave of opportunity is forming, 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 ★
A freshly graded PSA card sparks a bigger question: how many altered cards are already sitting inside holders throughout the hobby? Jeremy Lee and David Chase react to a fascinating discovery involving a 1959 Topps Mickey Mantle and discuss what it means for collectors, grading companies, confidence in the hobby, and the growing debate around card restoration and alteration. Then Howard Citron joins the show to introduce the world of ticket collecting. From iconic moments and historic events to the emotional connection collectors have with ticket stubs, the conversation explores why more hobbyists are beginning to view tickets as an exciting category of their own. This episode covers grading, authenticity, hobby trust, collecting history, and why some collectors are looking beyond cards altogether. Listen and decide for yourself: where should the hobby draw the line? Follow Sports Cards Live for new episodes every week featuring collectors, dealers, investors, hobby leaders, and industry insiders. Join The Hobby Spectrum:www.thehobbyspectrum.com Buy Jeremy's book, Pops & Comps:Insights, Truths and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market.Available on Amazon. Follow Jeremy on Instagram:@jlee_sportscardslive@jlee_cards Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify:Sports Cards Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot, David Chase, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams close out Sports Cards Live with a deep conversation about the modern sports card market, the Fanatics Collect Premiere auction, autograph culture, and whether modern collecting is becoming too concentrated around a handful of superstar athletes. The panel breaks down the dominance of players like Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wembanyama, Steph Curry, Tom Brady, and Kobe Bryant in major auctions, while exploring whether modern cards are beginning to feel repetitive compared to vintage and 1990s collecting. Topics include:• Reactions to the Fanatics Premiere auction results• The LeBron James Superfractor auto sale• Why Shohei cards seem to dominate modern auctions• Risk versus stability in current player collecting• The evolution of athlete autographs over time• Why certain players become hobby focal points• Modern card saturation and collector fatigue• Vintage versus modern collecting psychology• Why some collectors prefer retired players and legends The episode also includes discussion about The Hangover on Sports Card Clubhouse, upcoming 90s Auctions, the Hobby Spectrum, and the evolving identity of today's collector market. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube for weekly hobby conversations, market discussion, and collector psychology. Take the Hobby Spectrum Assessment and discover your collector archetype:HobbySpectrum.com Get your copy of Pops and Comps on Amazon. Comment below:Do modern card auctions feel exciting to you right now, or are too few players dominating the hobby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot, Chris McGill, Josh Adams, David Chase, and Chris HOJ continue the conversation with a wide-ranging episode covering collector psychology, hidden grails, hobby hype cycles, and the emotional side of chasing cards. The panel discusses what happens when collectors finally identify a true grail card, why some targets are kept secret, and how social media, hype, and market attention can dramatically affect collecting behavior. The conversation also explores the emotional push and pull between passion, greed, scarcity, nostalgia, and fear of missing out. Topics include:• The thrill of identifying a new grail card• Why collectors sometimes hide their targets• Reactions to rising card values and market hype• Vintage versus modern collector psychology• FOMO and hindsight in the hobby• The emotional attachment collectors develop to cards• Why some collectors regret not buying more• The difference between collecting for love versus momentum The episode also features discussion around The Hangover on the Sports Card Clubhouse network, pirate cards, hobby identity, and the evolving ways collectors connect through shared passions and niche interests. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube for weekly hobby conversations, market discussion, and collector psychology. Take the Hobby Spectrum Assessment and discover your collector archetype:HobbySpectrum.com Get your copy of Pops and Comps on Amazon. Comment below:Have you ever identified a grail card and intentionally kept it secret from the hobby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee is joined by Jace, Joe Poirot, Chris McGill, Josh Adams, and David Chase for a deep conversation about one of the hobby's most interesting modern dilemmas: should collectors publicly share their want lists and collecting targets? The panel explores the balance between community and competition in today's social media-driven hobby, including the risks and rewards of broadcasting what you collect. The conversation moves through hobby identity, networking, scarcity, collector psychology, and how relationships inside the hobby can help or hurt your ability to land rare cards. Topics include:• The pros and cons of sharing your want list publicly• Building a collector identity online• How social media changes the hunt for cards• Networking versus competition in the hobby• Why some collectors stay private• Collecting rare cards strategically• The emotional side of the chase• The evolution of collecting tastes over time The episode also features thoughtful discussion around hobby culture, authenticity, privacy, and the value of community within collecting. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube for weekly hobby conversations, market discussion, and collector psychology. Take the Hobby Spectrum Assessment and discover your collector archetype:HobbySpectrum.com Get your copy of Pops and Comps on Amazon. Comment below:Do you publicly share your want list, or do you keep your targets private? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee and David Chase welcome featured guest Jace (@aceofgrades28) to Sports Cards Live for a thoughtful conversation about what it's like finding your way as a younger collector in today's hobby. The discussion explores hobby evolution, mistakes, flipping, prospecting, building a personal collection, and the challenge of narrowing your focus when there are endless cards and sets competing for your attention. Jace shares his collecting journey from Pokémon and early sports cards to navigating modern collecting as a Hybrid Hobbyist on the Hobby Spectrum. The conversation also dives into:• Ranking and prioritizing your want list• Rare cards versus budget limitations• The pressure of chasing ultra modern cards• Why the hunt matters as much as ownership• Learning from hobby mistakes• Taking breaks and avoiding burnout• Living sets, flight collecting, and evolving tastes• Collecting with meaning instead of hype An honest and relatable hobby conversation for collectors at every stage of the journey. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube for weekly hobby conversations, market discussion, and collector psychology. Take the Hobby Spectrum Assessment and discover your collector archetype:HobbySpectrum.com Get your copy of Pops and Comps on Amazon. Comment below:How do YOU prioritize your want list when there are too many cards you want? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy Lee has become one of the most trusted voices in sports card media.But before Sports Cards Live became a Saturday night destination for collectors, Jeremy was balancing a career in finance while building relationships, studying the hobby, and creating content because he loved the cards.In this conversation, Jeremy shares the full story behind Sports Cards Live, the growth of his auction coverage content, and the mindset shift that helped him turn hobby passion into full-time work.We also discuss: Why relationships became the foundation of his business The pressure and uncertainty of becoming a full-time creator What consistency has taught him about community The evolution of hobby media and trust The creation of Hobby Spectrum Why Pops and Comps became a 400-page passion project The role psychology plays in collecting and market behavior This episode is for anyone thinking about building something in the hobby.Collectors. Creators. Operators.Jeremy opens up about all of 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 ★
Jeremy Lee and David Chase kick off Episode 313 of Sports Cards Live with stories from the Front Row Card Show in Pasadena, reflections on The Sandlot, and discussion around the launch of The Hangover on the Sports Card Clubhouse network. The conversation moves through vintage cards, show culture, eye appeal, grading, and the growing tension between collectors and the grading companies that shape so much of the modern hobby. Jeremy also shares a viewer-submitted PSA inconsistency story involving a Nolan Ryan rookie card that sparks a larger discussion about grading reliability, authentication, and hobby trust. Plus:• Front Row Card Show atmosphere and dealer reactions• Why collectors bring cards to Jeremy for review• The rise of raw cards at shows• Thoughts on grading delays and resubmissions• The value of eye appeal beyond the label• Early reactions to The Hangover Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube for weekly hobby conversations, market discussion, and collector psychology. Take the Hobby Spectrum Assessment and discover your collector archetype: HobbySpectrum.com Get your copy of Pops and Comps on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jeremy, Chris McGill, Joe Poirot, David Chase, and Josh Adams explore: Whether GOAT collecting truly reduces hobby risk Why not all GOAT cards are created equal The difference between hobby relevance and on-court greatness Why Kobe Bryant currently commands enormous hobby attention How consensus shapes hobby demand Whether collectors independently arrive at “GOAT” conclusions or inherit them socially Why cultural influence matters as much as statistics and accolades The conversation becomes increasingly philosophical as Chris McGill breaks down: Groupthink and social consensus in collecting Why iconic cards command premiums How collectors identify hidden value before the broader hobby catches on The concept of “iconic traits without the iconic premium” Why some collectors intentionally search for overlooked cards with elite characteristics Jeremy also reflects on eye appeal, low-grade high-I-appeal cards, contrarian collecting, and the importance of applying hobby concepts to your own lane rather than simply copying others. Later in the episode: Josh Adams discusses owning over 100 copies of the 1990 Leaf Frank Thomas rookie The panel talks about eccentric personal collections and hobby identity Jeremy shares his binder collection of hobby creator cards and custom collectibles Jeremy officially closes the episode by discussing the launch of the new Sports Cards Live Hangover series with the Sports Card Clubhouse crew A fittingly thoughtful and entertaining close to one of the most philosophical Sports Cards Live episodes to date.
One of the deepest collector psychology discussions ever featured on Sports Cards Live. Jeremy, Chris McGill, Joe Poirot, David Chase, and Josh Adams continue unpacking the idea of “latent taste” and how collectors discover entirely new lanes over time. The panel explores: Why certain cards suddenly “click” years later How collectors evolve through exposure, research, and experience Whether discovering new collecting lanes is lateral movement or actual growth Why rabbit holes can permanently reshape collector identity The tension between focus and discovery Whether collectors ever truly “arrive” at a final form How collecting tastes mature over time Why some lanes stick while others fade away The conversation expands into philosophy, psychology, music, collecting behavior, and even the emotional architecture behind why collectors chase certain cards. Later in the episode, the panel pivots into another major hobby topic: Does collecting GOATs automatically equal safe collecting? They debate: Whether blue-chip GOAT cards truly protect collectors from risk If financially responsible collecting naturally gravitates toward legends The difference between collecting for enjoyment versus collecting for preservation of capital Why many collectors eventually pivot from prospects toward iconic players Whether “safe collecting” limits hobby excitement and discovery This episode blends hobby philosophy, collector psychology, financial thinking, and pure hobby passion in classic Sports Cards Live fashion.