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Stacking Slabs

Brett McGrath·975 episodes

LeisureHobbiesSports

Welcome to the Stacking Slabs, a podcast for sports cards collectors. There's been a tremendous amount of change to our Hobby over the last few years and the one constant has been the passion from the collecting community. Stacking Slabs is built by the collector and lives to tell stories for the collector.

Episodes

1 hr 31 min
Jun 5, 2026Episode 978
The Football Card Podcast #50: Linebacker Summer, Myles Garrett to LA, and Can Old-School Collectors Learn to Love Prizm?

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 ★

49 min
Jun 4, 2026Episode 977
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Being Known as a Buyer with Drake (@drakes_pc)

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 ★

34 min
Jun 3, 2026Episode 976
The Hobby Needs More Than Highlights: Why Long-Form Content Matters

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 ★

1 hr 6 min
Jun 2, 2026Episode 975
The WNBA Card Podcast: Team Collecting the Mercury, Diana Taurasi, and WNBA Fandom with Gavin (@card_collecther)

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 ★

48 min
Jun 1, 2026Episode 974
Passion to Profession: Inside PSA’s Athlete Strategy with Ryan Greene

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 ★

23 min
May 31, 2026Episode 973
Hobby Jobs: The Future of Working in the Sports Card Industry

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 ★

1 hr 12 min
May 30, 2026Episode 972
Booked to Last: Simple Questions. Complex Answers. The Future of Wrestling Cards

What happens when you stop reacting to the wrestling card market and start thinking about where it's headed?This week, Adam and Ryan tackle a series of big-picture questions facing wrestling card collectors.Will there be more six-figure wrestling card sales by 2028?Has Topps Royalty already become the most important wrestling card release of the Fanatics era?Will WrestleMania moving to Saudi Arabia impact the hobby?Who will define wrestling cards in 2027?The conversation moves from Oba Femi and Stephanie Vaquer to WrestleMania Patch Autos, celebrity collectors, Topps Chrome, Cosmic Chrome, and the future of the category.The goal isn't predicting the future.It's thinking about the hobby differently.Plus: Clash in Italy preview  Logan Paul's injury and The Vision curse  Danhausen's rise in mainstream sports culture  Cosmic Chrome WWE checklist reactions  Major Hulk Hogan and Stephanie Vaquer sales  Wrestling Card Takeover updates A conversation built around the questions collectors will be debating for years.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 ★

1 hr 31 min
May 29, 2026Episode 971
The Football Card Podcast #49: The $1.3M Josh Allen Card, Gambling Culture, and the Fight for Independent Taste

John and Brett open the episode talking Indy 500 stories, McDonald’s nostalgia, and why modern experiences feel overbuilt before diving into one of the biggest football card sales in years.The guys break down the $1.3M Josh Allen NFL Shield Auto and what the sale says about Fanatics shaping collector attention in real time. They discuss why this card matters beyond Josh Allen, how manufactured prestige is changing the hobby, and which quarterbacks they believe are next in line for a million-dollar football card.Later in the episode, they react to The Athletic’s recent story on gambling culture in sports cards and discuss accountability, breaking culture, dopamine chasing, and how collectors can build healthier habits inside the hobby.They also tackle a big question from the audience:Are collectors losing the ability to have independent taste?Other topics include:2025 Finest Football reactionsThe Des Bryant 2012 Prizm Black Finite saleTom Brady Topps Chrome Superfractor pricingWhy projects matter more than trendsCards they would keep foreverWhy collecting should leave you fulfilled instead of emptyPlus:Nebula pickups, linebacker summer talk, and another vintage football card lesson from Episode 49.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 ★

27 min
May 28, 2026Episode 970
The Reward of Mystery in Collecting Sports Cards

What happens when the value of your card turns from mystery into responsibility?In this flagship episode, Brett explores one of the tensions at the center of collecting.The longer you own a unique card, the more meaning it absorbs. The chase. The story. The memory. The identity tied to it. But eventually every collector runs into a hard question:At what point does ownership become a decision?This conversation digs into the difference between lived value and liquidation value. Why some cards become more meaningful when they are difficult to price. Why constant comp checking changes collector behavior. Why monster sales create permission structures across the hobby. And why mature collecting requires knowing when to hold onto mystery and when to face value with intention.Brett also shares personal reflections on evaluating his own collection, balancing family and business responsibilities, and the emotional reality behind deciding whether a card still belongs.Topics include:• Why mystery is part of the reward of owning unique cards• How ownership changes the way collectors value cards• The psychology behind selling decisions• Why public auctions create emotional pressure• The difference between optimization and conviction• A framework for evaluating whether a card still fits your collection• Why selling is sometimes part of preserving collecting integrityIf you’ve ever stared at a card and thought “I have no idea what this is worth and I’m not sure I want to know,” 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 ★

24 min
May 27, 2026Episode 969
Can Collectors Ever Separate Emotion from Financial Decisions?

Every collector talks about value.But what happens when the card means more to you than the market says it should?In this flagship episode, Brett explores one of the hardest truths in collecting:Can collectors ever fully separate emotional attachment from financial decision making?This conversation digs into the tension between memory and money. Between identity and allocation. Between the card you want and the story you tell yourself about why you want it.Brett breaks down:• Why ownership changes how we value cards• The role identity plays in collecting• How emotional attachment impacts buying and selling• Why collectors blur the line between investment and personal collection• The danger of unexamined emotion• A system to help collectors make cleaner decisions without losing the passion that makes the hobby matterThis is not an episode about removing emotion from collecting.It’s about understanding it before it controls you.If you’ve ever overpaid for a card because it felt important…Held onto something longer than you should have…Or convinced yourself a purchase was “smart” when it was really personal…Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Check out the Northeast Sports Card Expo in Marlborough, Mass June 26-28, 2026Sign 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 ★

1 hr 7 min
May 26, 2026Episode 968
Card Ladder Confidential Episode #20: Wemby Hype, Million Dollar Cards, and the Psychology of Repricing

A million dollar Josh Allen card.A nearly $200K Wemby Gold Refractor.A Dennis Rodman PMG Green pushing nearly $350K.The hobby keeps moving higher. But what is really happening underneath the surface?In Episode 20 of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett sits down with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder to break down the latest Premier Auction and the conversations collectors are having right now.The discussion explores:• Why the Josh Allen NFL Shield Auto created mixed reactions• Whether Victor Wembanyama has already reached all-time collectability status• How monster sales impact collector psychology• The difference between broad market strength and concentrated conviction• Why transparency around private sales matters• The role cultural impact plays in long-term collectabilityThe crew also discuss the tension between legacy cards and manufactured modern concepts, the sustainability of current pricing, and why certain cards still feel undervalued despite historic importance.If you care about collector behavior, category shifts, and the stories behind the prices, this episode is for you.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Josh: | InstagramFollow Chris: | InstagramFollow Card Ladder: | Instagram | YouTube | WebsiteFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

56 min
May 25, 2026Episode 967
Passion to Profession: Building Sports Cards Live One Saturday at a Time with Jeremy Lee

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 ★

57 min
May 24, 2026Episode 966
The WNBA Card Podcast: Season 5 Building the Future of Women’s Sports Cards with Great Lakes Trading Card Co. [Live Recording]

Season 5 of The WNBA Card Podcast starts with a live recording from Saint Paul at the All Women’s Sports Card Expo hosted by Great Lakes Trading Card Co.Katelyn sits down with Spencer from Great Lakes to talk about what’s happening in the women’s sports card market right now and why this moment feels different.They discuss: Building a hobby shop centered around community  Why women’s sports collectors operate differently  The rise of PWHL cards and niche collecting  Why legends still matter in women’s sports  The future of women’s sports card shows  What today’s collectors are chasing  Why accessibility and representation matter in hobby spaces The episode also includes live audience Q&A covering Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, JuJu Watkins, Olivia Miles, rookie card trends, and the future of women’s sports collecting.This conversation is about more than cards.It’s about building spaces where collectors feel seen.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 ★

1 hr 41 min
May 23, 2026Episode 965
Booked to Last: WrestleMania Patch Chaos, Cena Bounties, and the Future of Wrestling Card Collecting

The wrestling card market keeps moving faster.Adam and Ryan break down the fallout from the Randy Orton WrestleMania Patch Auto sale and the reaction across the hobby after Randy himself responded publicly.They discuss why these patch autos are becoming wrestling card versions of Logomans and what the John Cena WrestleMania Patch Auto might ultimately sell for.The conversation also explores: Why WWE’s current rookie call-up system feels “sink or swim”  Brock Lesnar’s return and the impact on Oba Femi  Sapphire vs. Logofractor vs. Royalty  Why relationships drive the hobby more than people realize  The emotional side of grail card acquisitions Plus, Mike from MC Sports Cards joins the show to discuss consigning high-end wrestling cards, building trust in the hobby, and why wrestling cards are entering a new era.A loaded episode centered around wrestling, collecting, relationships, and the moments that make this hobby stick with 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 ★

1 hr 24 min
May 22, 2026Episode 964
The Football Card Podcast #48: The Future of Football Card Culture Starts Here

Pack and Brett open the show talking about the NFLPA Rookie Premiere Event and why moments like this matter for the future of football cards. From Caleb Downs sitting with Ryan Johnson talking cards to the growing connection between athletes and collectors, this conversation explores where the hobby is heading and why storytelling around players is becoming part of the product itself. The guys also debate the value of game-used shields versus identifiable patches, discuss how they organize their collections, react to big recent sales from Card Ladder, and talk through why Topps Chrome Football feels different this time around. Plus: Daryl “Moose” Johnston nostalgia  Zach Thomas PMGs  Micah Parsons Black Finite prices  Marshall Faulk Topps Chrome Superfractor  Cam Ward Gold Prizm rookie speculation  Colts and Bears schedule reactions  The psychology behind football card organization If you collect football cards with intention, 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 ★

1 hr
May 21, 2026Episode 963
Show Season Survival Guide with Kevin Randall (@DaCaptain37): Buying Strong, Selling Smart, and Avoiding Regret

Show season is here.Fanatics Fest. The National. Midwest Monster. Local shows packed wall to wall.The energy around cards feels different right now.In this conversation, Brett sits down with Kevin Randall (@DaCaptain37) to talk through the realities of operating in the current market as both a collector and dealer.They discuss: Why rare goat cards continue to separate from the market  The danger of treating every monster sale like a category reset  Why hesitation at shows can cost you the card  The growing divide between online and in-person deals  How Kevin prepares inventory ahead of summer show season  The emotional side of moving PC cards  Why collectors need a game plan before entering Fanatics Fest or The National  The difference between consolidating and escalating  Why “comps” are no longer enough for rare cards This episode is filled with tactical advice for collectors heading into the busiest stretch of the hobby calendar.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 ★

26 min
May 20, 2026Episode 962
Monster Sales and the Psychology of Category Repricing

What happens after a monster sale hits your category?Not just the headline.Not the screenshots.Not the dopamine.What happens inside the minds of collectors?In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett breaks down the psychology behind category repricing through the lens of the Randy Orton WrestleMania Patch Auto sale and why these moments impact collectors far beyond the final hammer price.This conversation explores: Why collectors react emotionally to monster sales  How identity and ownership shape pricing behavior  The difference between a signal and a true market shift  Why niche categories only need a few serious buyers to change liquidity  How collectors confuse attention with actual demand  Why one grail sale does not automatically reprice an entire category  The danger of turning headlines into inventory decisions This is an episode about interpretation.The collectors who win long-term are not the fastest reactors.They are the clearest thinkers.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 ★

26 min
May 19, 2026Episode 961
Consolidation and the Living Collection

There comes a point in collecting when the question stops being “Do I want the card?” and becomes “What am I willing to move to get it?”In this episode, Brett breaks down consolidation through the lens of a living collection. Not the hobby cliché version. The real version. The version tied to timing, sacrifice, identity, liquidity, and conviction.With show season approaching and more major cards surfacing across auctions, trade nights, and show floors, collectors are facing tougher decisions. This conversation explores what consolidation really is, why it matters, where collectors get it wrong, and how to know if the move is making your collection more true or simply more expensive.Topics include: Why consolidation is about depth over breadth  The difference between consolidation and escalation  Judgment Day and deciding what leaves  The psychology of ownership and attachment  Collection equity vs. outside money  Why readiness matters more than collectors admit  The risks of concentration and emotional decision making This episode is for collectors trying to build collections with purpose instead of reacting to opportunity.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 ★

1 hr 1 min
May 18, 2026Episode 960
Passion to Profession: From Collector to Infrastructure Builder with Karn Rai of Slab Sharks

Karn Rai has been around cards since he was ten years old.What started with hockey cards, Pokémon packs, and trips to the Toronto Expo turned into one of the fastest growing consignment businesses in Canada.In this episode of Passion to Profession, Karn breaks down the evolution of Slab Sharks and why the future of the hobby belongs to operators who think beyond cards on a table.We talk about: Building trust through customer experience  Why storytelling matters in auctions and consignments  The shift from “garage eBay sellers” to real infrastructure businesses  How Canada’s hobby market is changing  The role of technology, AI, and reinvestment in scaling a company  Why emotional intelligence matters when handling collections This conversation goes far beyond buying and selling cards.It’s about building systems, earning trust, and understanding the emotional connection collectors have with their cards.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 ★

1 hr 25 min
May 16, 2026Episode 959
Booked to Last Episode: The Randy Orton Sale That Changed Wrestling Cards

This week on Booked to Last, Ryan is joined by Kevin Kulikowski of Roadshow Cards for one of the biggest conversations in wrestling card history.The guys break down the fallout from Backlash, the rise of Jacob Fatu, Bron Breakker’s momentum, and where WWE creative is headed into SummerSlam season.Then the conversation shifts to the card market.Ryan shares an update on the 2025 Topps Royalty Randy Orton WrestleMania Patch Auto that sold for over $42,000. The guys unpack why the card mattered, how the auction unfolded, what the sale means for wrestling cards moving forward, and why this moment feels different than anything the category has experienced before.They also discuss: Sapphire WWE  Garbage Pail Kids Chrome WWE  Jade Cargill market movement  Travis Scott cards  Jey Uso Black Prizm 1/1  Advice for collectors entering high-end wrestling cards This episode is about more than price tags.It’s about connection.It’s about collector conviction.It’s about what happens when wrestling cards stop feeling niche and start feeling important.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 ★

1 hr 21 min
May 15, 2026Episode 958
The Football Card Podcast #47: The Million Dollar Drought and the Truth About “High-End” Football Cards

On Episode 47 of The Football Card Podcast, Brett and Pack Nicholson unpack one of the biggest questions in the hobby right now:Why hasn’t a football card sold for over $1 million in nearly 3 years? The conversation moves from Brady and Mahomes to PMGs, Kabooms, Gold Prizm, and the difference between expensive cards and true high-end cards. The guys challenge hobby language, collector behavior, and the way narratives shape value.They also dig into: Why football still trails basketball and baseball at the top of the market  The difference between institutional cards and collector cards  Why thoughtful collectors operate differently than the masses  Favorite NFL rule changes  Disney character NFL draft talk  New sales featuring Brady, Peyton Manning, Luther Burden, Patrick Willis, Saquon, and more If you collect football cards with intention, 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 ★

48 min
May 14, 2026Episode 957
Beckett’s Next Chapter: Colin Hudson on Trust, Grading, and the Road Ahead

The Beckett brand means something different to every collector.For some, it was the magazine sitting on the counter at the card shop.For others, it was the first slab they chased.For many collectors, Beckett represented authority, trust, and standards.Now the company is entering a new chapter.In this conversation, Brett sits down with Colin Hudson, General Manager at Beckett, to discuss the recent relaunch, updated labels and slabs, customer feedback, technology investments, and the challenge of rebuilding trust in the hobby.Colin shares what surprised him most after stepping into the role, why subgrades remain central to Beckett’s identity, how the company is approaching customer experience, and what collectors should expect over the next 12 to 18 months.This conversation is about more than labels and slabs.It’s about what trust means in a hobby built on opinions, transactions, and reputation.Check out the new updates at BeckettSign 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 ★

36 min
May 13, 2026Episode 956
The Fight for Independent Taste in a Hobby Built on Validation

Do you collect what you like?Or do you like what the hobby already taught you to collect?In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett explores one of the hardest questions in the hobby:Can collectors truly separate personal taste from social influence in a world built around visibility, market validation, and public scoreboards?This conversation digs into the forces shaping collector behavior every day. The crowd. The market. The stage. Social media reward loops. Completion chasing. Ownership bias. The pressure to conform. The desire to feel safe.Brett breaks down how modern collecting environments influence taste without collectors even realizing it and why true independence in collecting is less about rejecting the market and more about building awareness, discipline, and honest reflection.If you’ve ever questioned why you wanted a card, why urgency suddenly appeared, or whether your collection reflects your taste or the room’s approval, this episode is for you.This is a conversation about collector psychology, authorship, conviction, and learning how to hear your own judgment again.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 ★

52 min
May 12, 2026Episode 955
Built for the Hobby: The AI Questions Collectors Are Asking

AI is everywhere right now.Collectors are curious.Dealers are experimenting.Business owners are trying to figure out what matters and what is noise.In this episode of Built for the Hobby, Brett sits down with InfernoRed Technology CEO Scott Lock to answer real AI questions submitted by people inside the hobby. Topics include:• Can AI help price rare cards with little sales history?• Can dealers use AI to source better inventory and improve margins?• What does AI look like for collectors focused on enjoyment instead of profit?• Will AI eventually anticipate opportunities before we even recognize them ourselves?This conversation explores where AI fits into sports cards right now and where the biggest opportunities still exist for collectors, dealers, hobby shops, and businesses trying to build better experiences.If you’ve been wondering where AI is heading in the hobby, this episode is for you.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon TodaySign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

42 min
May 11, 2026Episode 954
Passion to Profession: When the Next Generation Sets the Rules in the Hobby with Michael Osacky

What happens when a new generation of collectors, entrepreneurs, and operators begins shaping the future of the hobby?On this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Michael Osacky to explore the changing dynamics inside sports cards.From social influence and FOMO to trust, reputation, buyer premiums, startups, and manufactured scarcity, this conversation looks at the forces shaping the hobby in 2026 and beyond.Michael shares stories from decades in the industry and explains why understanding cards and understanding the card market are two different things.They also discuss: Why reputation still matters most  How speed and access are changing collector behavior  The dangers of following hype accounts  What newer collectors need to understand about risk  Why patience is becoming rare in the hobby  The future of grading, marketplaces, and trust This episode is for collectors trying to think long term in a hobby moving faster than ever.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 ★

1 hr 23 min
May 9, 2026Episode 953
Booked to Last: WrestleMania Patches and the Royalty Debate

Topps Royalty arrived and the wrestling card community has not stopped talking about it.Adam and Ryan break down the entire product from every angle.The autograph checklist.The WrestleMania patches.The chase cards.The ripping experience.The market reaction.They discuss why Royalty feels different than anything wrestling collectors have seen before and why the product is creating strong reactions across the hobby.The conversation also moves beyond the cards.This episode is about friendship, collecting with people you care about, and why moments attached to cards matter.From massive pulls to community stories to the future of premium wrestling products, this is one of the deepest wrestling card conversations yet.RSVP for Wrestling Card Takeover at The National on July 31 Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

1 hr 26 min
May 8, 2026Episode 952
The Football Card Podcast #46: Your Kaiju, Your Cards, Your Rules

Pack and Brett open with a question that hits deeper than it should.What makes a player feel bigger than the game?The new Kaiju inserts spark a conversation about identity in collecting. Not every player fits the label. Not every card earns the meaning.From there, the conversation moves through the hobby in real time.New releases. Superfractors. College uniform cards. And the tension between what looks good and what feels right.They also dig into the collector mindset. When does a card cross from cool to meaningful  Why some cards feel like the center of your collection  And how personal history shapes what you chase Plus: The reality of posting cards you no longer own  “Hall of Very Good” players and who gets remembered  The kind of card you’d show someone to explain why you care about this hobby This one is part hobby talk, part self-check.Because at some point, you have to decide what matters to 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 ★

27 min
May 7, 2026Episode 951
Returning to a Collecting Lane: The Power of Rediscovery

Rediscovery is part of collecting whether you plan for it or not.There are more lanes in this hobby than any one person can fully explore. Players. Eras. Sets. Parallels. Nostalgia. Upside. Community. Content. All of it pulls at you at the same time.That tension creates movement. But movement is not the same as alignment.In this episode, I break down what happens when you step away from a collecting lane and then find your way back. Why leaving does not mean the passion was never real. Why returning can feel different. And why second runs in collecting often bring more clarity than the first.I share my own experience with wrestling cards. The lane that brought me back into the hobby. The break I took. And what it feels like to return with a new perspective, new standards, and a stronger connection to what matters.This is not about nostalgia for the sake of it.This is about understanding what still belongs in your collection and why.If you have ever stepped away from something you loved in the hobby, this one will hit.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 ★

26 min
May 6, 2026Episode 950
Independent Taste is Earned in Collecting Sports Cards

What does it mean to have your own taste as a collector?In this flagship episode, Brett explores the tension between following the crowd and building your own point of view in the hobby. Most collectors say they want independence. Few are willing to do the work that comes with it.Because independent taste is not about being different. It is about being accountable.Brett breaks down why consensus feels safe and why so many collectors lean on it. He explains how social proof shapes buying decisions and why it often replaces real thinking. Then he offers a clear framework to help you pressure test your own ideas so you can build conviction that holds up over time.This episode covers:• The difference between collecting from conviction and inherited hierarchy• Why validation is not the same as agreement• How to stress test a card before you buy it• The role of taste in building a collection that lasts• The hard truth about wanting independence but needing approvalIf you want your collection to reflect you and not the algorithm, this episode will challenge how you think and how you buy.You are the CEO of your PC.Act like it.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Check out the Northeast Sports Card Expo in Marlborough, Mass June 26-28, 2026Sign 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 ★

49 min
May 5, 2026Episode 949
The Staging Area #24: Inside the Acceleration Era of Card Collecting

The hobby is moving faster than ever.In this episode of The Staging Area, Brett and Tory break down what speed means right now for collectors and operators.They dig into the pressure of rising volume and what it takes to keep up. Tory shares how dcsports87 is handling over 100,000 cards a week and the real decisions behind cutting services, hiring aggressively, and tightening operations to reduce wait times. You’ll hear how speed impacts your strategy as a collector. When to sell. When to grade. When to move on.They also explore: Why new release timing matters more than ever  How breakers, consignment, and marketplaces are collapsing timelines  The rise of moment-based cards and why they hit harder than ever  What operational excellence looks like behind the scenes If you’re trying to keep up, this episode will help you think more clearly about how to move.Because in this environment, slow decisions cost you.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

58 min
May 4, 2026Episode 947
Passion to Profession: Building WeTheHobby — From Collector to CEO with Zach Stanley

What does it take to go from collector to company builder?In this episode of Passion to Profession, I sit down with Zach Stanley, CEO and Founder of WeTheHobby.Zach didn’t stumble into this.He built it from inside the hobby.We talk about: The shift from collecting cards to building a business  Why trust is the foundation of everything in the hobby  The realities of operating in a market driven by hype, speed, and attention  What it looks like to create something that collectors rely on You’ll hear how Zach thinks about long-term positioning in a space that often rewards short-term moves.You’ll also hear the pressure that comes with it.This is a conversation about building something real in the hobby.Not chasing moments. Building systems.If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion into your profession, this one will hit.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

55 min
May 3, 2026Episode 948
The WNBA Card Podcast: Full Court Press — Season 4 Recap

Season 4 closes with a conversation that looks back before it looks forward.After 50 episodes and a season built on collector voices, Brett joins Katelyn to reflect on what this run revealed about the WNBA card market, the people shaping it, and where it goes next.This episode moves across eras, from early history to the Rittenhouse years to today’s surge in attention. It surfaces what collectors missed, what they’re chasing now, and what still feels underappreciated.You’ll hear how perspectives changed through the season.Why certain cards and moments hit harder than expected.And what it means to collect with intention when the market is still forming.There is also an honest conversation about the gap between what collectors want and what manufacturers deliver.If you followed the season, this is the reset.If you’re new, this is the entry point.The goal stays the same.Collect what matters.Understand why it matters.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 ★

1 hr 15 min
May 2, 2026Episode 946
Booked to Last: The Product Flood Test — Can Wrestling Cards Handle What’s Coming?

You’re feeling it right now.More products. More releases. More noise.This week Adam and Ryan sit down and talk through what’s actually happening in wrestling cards… and what it means for you.Topps Chrome is still fresh.Royalty is about to hit.Cosmic is on deck.Sapphire is looming.It’s not slowing down.So the real question becomes simple:Can the wrestling card market handle all of this?They break down the reality collectors are facing right now:• Why the current release schedule is testing budgets and attention• What happens when hype moves faster than collectors can react• How scarcity, demand, and timing are colliding in real time• Why some products are getting ignored… and why that matters• The role of community when things start moving too fastThere’s also a deeper layer in this conversation.You’ll hear stories about collectors helping each other chase cards.Text messages flying during breaks.People looking out for one another in a competitive market.That’s the part that doesn’t show up in sales charts.If you’re trying to figure out how to navigate this moment…This episode will help you slow down, think clearly, and make better decisions.Because the market is moving fast.But you don’t have to.Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

1 hr 33 min
May 1, 2026Episode 945
The Football Card Podcast #45: Post-Draft Hype, Chrome Curiosity, and the Cards We Regret Selling

The draft is over.Now the real game starts.John and Brett break down what happens next for collectors when hype meets reality. New rookies enter the system. Narratives form fast. Prices follow.They talk about why every draft pick looks like a future Hall of Famer right now… and why that feeling never lasts. The conversation moves into collecting decisions that stick.Selling a card you should have kept.Chasing players before they prove anything.Knowing when to ignore comps and when they matter.There is also a deep look at how the hobby has changed.More parallels. More product. More noise.So how do you stay focused?If you collect football cards, this episode will challenge how you think about value, timing, and what actually matters in your 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 ★

22 min
Apr 30, 2026Episode 944
Apex Cards and the Truth About Conformity in Collecting

What makes a card an apex?And who decided it in the first place?This episode started with a simple question coming out of a recent conversation with Card Ladder. But it turned into something bigger.A look at how collectors think.How the market shapes what you chase.And why so many of us follow a path that was already drawn.You’ll hear: Why legacy grails continue to dominate  What it means to buy clarity vs create conviction  The real reason conformity feels good in collecting  How advanced collectors start to move differently  Why most “rare” cards will never matter  What needs to be true for a new apex card to emerge There is tension in this hobby.Between fitting in and standing out.Between buying what is proven and backing what you believe.If you’ve ever questioned your own decisions as a collector, this one will hit.Because the real question is not what the apex is.It is whether you are collecting for approval or for truth.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 TodayFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

25 min
Apr 29, 2026Episode 943
Your Collection, Your Hierarchy

Every card a collector buys is tied to a story.Some come from personal taste.Some come from brands.Some come from the environment around the hobby.In this episode, Brett breaks down how those stories shape what collectors chase.He explores the difference between collector-driven taste and manufacturer-driven narratives.And how inserts, naming, and product design influence perception of importance.He also shares a recent example from 2026 Topps Chrome WWE that challenged his own preferences.The core message is simple:If a collector does not define what mattersThe hobby will do it for themBuild your own hierarchyTrust your own eyeLet the hobby suggestDon’t let it decideCheck 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 ★

57 min
Apr 28, 2026Episode 942
Card Ladder Confidential #19: The Same Apex Cards or a Market Ready for Change?

Big sales hit the timeline all at once.A Kobe Bryant PMG Green.A Michael Jordan game jersey auto.Multiple seven-figure deals in a matter of days.It felt like the hobby stopped and stared.But what did it really mean?In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, I sit down with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder to break it down.We get into the tension every serious collector feels right now.Are these still the cards that define the hobby?Or are we stuck repeating the same story?We talk about:• Why timing of big sales can mislead your perception of the market• The idea that “apex cards” might be both undervalued and stale at the same time• Why discovery matters more than ever when everything feels expensive• How new collectors enter lanes and what respect looks like when they do• The role patience plays when the market is moving fastThis conversation goes deeper than price.It’s about perspective.And how your perspective shapes what you chase next.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Josh: | InstagramFollow Chris: | InstagramFollow Card Ladder: | Instagram | YouTube | WebsiteFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

1 hr 1 min
Apr 27, 2026Episode 941
Passion to Profession: Building a Career on Content and Taking the Leap with John Walaszek

What does it look like to turn your passion into your profession more than once?In this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with John Walaszek, Content Strategist at PSA, to unpack the path from music blogs to the sports card industry.John didn’t wait for permission. He built.He started a blog when no one replied to his emails.He created content when no role existed for it.He followed what held his attention and turned it into a career.Now he’s doing it again. This time in cards.This conversation covers: Why doing the work before the opportunity matters  How building on the internet became his resume  What he learned working inside major media and record labels  Why authenticity still wins, even in crowded markets  The gap between music content and sports card content  Why the hobby still feels early from a content standpoint  What it takes to make the jump into the industry If you’ve ever thought about building something around what you care about, this one will hit.Because the path isn’t linear.It’s built through action.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 ★

1 hr 10 min
Apr 26, 2026Episode 940
The WNBA Card Podcast: The Future Is Already Here: The Next Generation with Christian and Sam from @therookiescorner

The future of women’s basketball cards is not coming. It’s already here.Katelyn is joined by Sam and Christian from @therookiescorner to talk about what it means to collect players before the hobby tells you who matters.This conversation is about the shift happening right now.From reacting to pricesTo forming your own opinionsFrom waiting for consensusTo collecting in uncertaintyThey break down: Why NIL changed everything for collectors  How social media and storytelling are driving demand  The tension between “first cards” and licensed college products  The difference between collecting for belief vs collecting for validation  The next generation players they’re buying before the market catches up They also share how they’re building community through cards and why this era feels more personal than transactional.If you’ve been wondering how to navigate college cards, prospecting, and the explosion of WNBA interest… this episode gives you the framework.Because the collectors who win in this era are not waiting.They’re watching.They’re learning.They’re choosing earlyCheck 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 ★

1 hr 40 min
Apr 25, 2026Episode 939
Booked to Last #16: Oba's Arrival, Roman's Era, and the Card Market Shift

WrestleMania delivered moments that will shape wrestling and the card market for years.Adam, Ryan, and Brett break it all down.They start with the split between Night 1 and Night 2 and why it felt like two different shows. Then they get into the moments that mattered.Oba Femi stepping into the spotlight.Roman Reigns reminding everyone who runs the business.CM Punk proving he belongs on the biggest stage.They also go deeper than the matches.What actually moved the card market.Who gained momentum.Who lost it.Where collectors should be paying attention next.Ryan shares what it was like attending his first WrestleMania with his family and why the experience hits different when you see it through your kids’ eyes.They close with a look at Topps’ biggest week yet in wrestling cards and what it signals for the future.This isn’t a recap.It’s a breakdown of what matters for collectors. Check out RbiCru7 for all your wrestling and sports card needs!Join Adam's Main Event Wrestling Cards group for freeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Ryan: | Instagram | Website | YouTubeFollow Adam: | X | InstagramFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

1 hr 26 min
Apr 24, 2026Episode 938
The Football Card Podcast #44: Temptation, Timing, and the Truth About New Cards

The new release cycle is loud.Prices move fast.Cards show up everywhere.Everyone has an opinion.In this episode, Brett and Pack sit in that tension.They break down what they’re seeing with Topps Chrome Football.The temptation to jump in early.The pressure created by volume, hype, and social feeds.There’s a real story here.A $25 pull turns into a $15K ask overnight.A $1K offer gets ignored.And suddenly you’re asking yourself what any of this is worth.This conversation goes deeper than comps.It’s about patience.It’s about timing.It’s about knowing when to sit still.They also hit: Why early sales rarely tell the full story  How supply reveals itself over time  Why “first” isn’t always what it seems  The difference between watching and acting If you’ve felt the pull of a new product, this one will hitCheck 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 ★

31 min
Apr 23, 2026Episode 937
From Hype to Meaning: How Your Collecting Motivations Change

Last week sparked a wave of reflection.This week goes deeper.If your collection is a reflection of you, then what happens when you change?In this episode, Brett breaks down how collecting motivations shift over time. Not in theory. In real life.He explores why most collectors enter the hobby reacting to hype, momentum, and the promise of fast outcomes… and what happens when that stops working.You’ll hear: Why early collecting is driven by noise and external signals  The moment friction hits and forces real self-awareness  How taste develops through learning, not luck  The shift from accumulation to curation  Why mature collectors focus less on what the market values and more on what they value  How legacy, identity, and meaning start shaping decisions This is a conversation about growth.About moving from unconscious buying to conscious collecting.And about building something that feels like you.If you’ve ever looked at your cards and asked, “What am I really doing here?” 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 TodayFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

29 min
Apr 22, 2026Episode 936
The Psychology Behind New Releases and Why You Keep Chasing

New releases drive the hobby.They grab your attention.They push you to act.In this episode, Brett breaks down the psychology behind new product cycles.From chasing Shaquille O'Neal rookies to the nonstop hype around Topps Chrome, the playbook is the same. The volume is not.FOMO.Anchoring.Narratives.If you collect, you need to understand what is influencing your decisions.Because the collectors who slow down and think build better collections over time.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 ★

52 min
Apr 21, 2026Episode 935
The Staging Area #23: The New Release Trap, eBay Changes, and the Cost of Attention

New releases are everywhere right now.You feel it.The noise.The urgency.The pressure to act.In this episode, Brett and Tory break down what is really happening in the hobby. They start with eBay’s new buyer cancellation policy and what it means for sellers, buyers, and auction integrity. Tory shares what it looks like operating at scale and why this change matters more than people think.Then they shift into the main topic. The new release attention economy.Topps Chrome Football just dropped.$1,000 boxes.Breaks everywhere.Singles flying.But step back for a second.Who is actually making money?What happens after the first 72 hours?And how should you respond as a collector?This conversation is about discipline.It’s about awareness.It’s about protecting your time, your money, and your collection.If you’ve ever felt the pull of a new release, this one is for you.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

45 min
Apr 20, 2026Episode 934
Passion to Profession: Building What the Hobby Relies On with BCW Supplies CEO Eric Brownell

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

1 hr 21 min
Apr 18, 2026Episode 933
Booked to Last #15: WrestleMania, Chrome Chaos, and a chat with Bryan (@THZSportscards)

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

1 hr 14 min
Apr 17, 2026Episode 932
The Football Card Podcast #43: Topps Chrome Frenzy, Froth Season, and the Cards That Make No Sense

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

51 min
Apr 16, 2026Episode 931
Finding Your Lane in a Noisy Hobby with James (@madcitycollector)

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

25 min
Apr 15, 2026Episode 930
You Don’t Have a Collection. You Have a Reflection.

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

19 min
Apr 14, 2026Episode 929
Topps Chrome Football Has No Competition and What This Means

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

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