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WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute

Mike Sommer·309 episodes

LeisureHobbies

Mike Sommer from the WaxPackHero blog shares all the strategies he uses to create a hobby that pays for itself. Discover how to turn one person’s unwanted cards into treasured additions to your own collection. The podcast will be a combination of both the hobby and business sides of collecting, and ultimately will help you buy, sell, and trade your way into a collection you’ll love. Hit subscribe and get ready to have some fun collecting cards!

Episodes

1 hr 17 min
Jul 24, 2025
Big Shep Speaks His Mind

Big Shep returns to speak his mind about the current state of the hobby. He spent the last few years working full time running a card shop and setting up at some of the biggest shows in the country. He has a lot to say about how things are working behind the scenes.

28 min
Apr 24, 2025
The Diamond King

After two years of work, The Diamond King releases to the public on April 25, 2025. The documentary tells the story of Dick Perez, the artist behind the Donruss Diamond Kings, Hall of Fame Heroes, and the classic Hall of Fame postcards.In this episode I interview Marq Evans, the film maker behind the movie and Dick Perez himself.Check out TheDiamondKingMovie.com for links to all available viewing options!Sponsor of this Episode:COMC.comYou can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!Topps.comSportlots.comeBay.comAmazon.comFanatics.com

13 min
Apr 5, 2025
I Tried Live Selling?

I did it, I tried live selling on DibDitCards.com.Ivan Lovgren @watchthebreaks and Cary from American Arbitrage finally convinced me to give live selling a try. In this episode I discuss how my first few shows went!I also discuss my process of doing some “spring cleaning” in my eBay store.If you want to check out DibDit cards on the District marketplace, you can use my code WAXPAC26 to get $5 off your first order.Sponsor of this EpisodeCOMC.comYou can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!Topps.comSportlots.comeBay.comAmazon.comFanatics.com

16 min
Mar 1, 2025
Barry Sanders: Then and Now

In this episode I cover two topics. 1) I recently bought two collections on two consecutive days. I discuss what they contained.2) I wrote about Beckett's list of the top 20 Barry Sanders cards in 1998 and how those cards rank today. I wrote about this topic on SI.com and at WaxPackHero.com.Sponsor of this Episode:COMC.comYou can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!Topps.comSportlots.comeBay.comAmazon.comFanatics.com

18 min
Jan 29, 2025
College Cards, HOF Autos, and Value Boxes, Oh My!

I discuss some recent cards I purchased of players in their college uniforms. I also rediscovered some on card HOF autos in my collection and I also shared about some of the recent value box finds I had at a local LCS. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

5 min
Dec 31, 2024
This Chapter is Over

In this episode I discuss some changes to the podcast. This will be the last “weekly” release of the podcast. In the future I’ll be releasing them closer to a monthly schedule or when I find a topic or interview guest I’m passionate about. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

15 min
Dec 24, 2024
Random Hobby Thoughts in December

Today I share some of the hobby thoughts on my mind. I discuss a recent collection I purchased, the eBay 2024 Collectibles report, and what this last year has been like after shutting down the physical shop at the end of 2023. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

23 min
Dec 17, 2024
Collectibles on SI.com with Danny Black

Today, Danny Black comes back onto the show to discuss his role with SI.com/collectibles. We talk about what kind of content readers are consuming, where the traffic comes from, and what is next for the future of hobby content on SI.com. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

25 min
Dec 10, 2024
What Sold on eBay: December Edition

I share what sold in my eBay store over the last week. From junk wax era to vintage, basketball to racing, cards to toys, there is a lot of everything going out of the store! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

21 min
Dec 3, 2024
My Thoughts on Grading - WaxPackHero Greatest Hits

The grading episode is the most downloaded episode in the podcast’s five year history. At the end of the episode, I share how my thoughts have changed over the last four years. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

32 min
Nov 26, 2024
Adam Gellman Returns to Discuss the End of Panini WWE

The Panini Era of WWE wrestling cards is coming to a close and Adam Gellman returns to the show to discuss. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

17 min
Nov 19, 2024
Cards Prices are Falling, Burnout, and Norman Smiley

I’ve had some random hobby thoughts on my mind so I thought I’d hit on several topics this week. I discuss a bit about some burnout I’m feeling after working through a large collection over the last 6 months. I also talk about a recent article I wrote for SI.com where I discuss what falling card prices might mean for the overall health of the hobby. I share a bit about my Norman Smiley super collection. Finally, I talk about how I structure my time so I can get everything done. Enjoy! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

14 min
Nov 12, 2024
More Upper Deck Product Reviews

I had a chance to open some Upper Deck Allure and O-Pee-Chee Platinum. I thought I’d talk a little bit about what I found in the boxes and my thoughts on the two products. You can see images of the Allure cards here and the O-Pee-Chee Platinum cards here. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

23 min
Nov 5, 2024
Terry Smith and Fleer Pro Visions: WaxPackHero Greatest Hits

Today, we go back and look at the conversation I had with Terry Smith. He was the artist behind the Fleer Pro-Vision insert cards in the 90s! Sponsor of Today’s Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

22 min
Oct 29, 2024
How I Use Sportlots

I continue to get questions about how to buy and sell on Sportlots. In this episode I take some time to discuss how I use the site. Hopefully you can get some value hearing how I buy and sell there! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

11 min
Oct 22, 2024
WNBA Legend Candace Parker Talks Basketball Cards

I had the opportunity to sit down with WNBA legend Candace Parker to talk basketball cards! She is teaming up with eBay for an upcoming basketball card auction event call “GameTime Gets” which kicked off October 22nd. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

15 min
Oct 15, 2024
Random Hobby Thoughts

This week I left Garage Band open on my Mac and hit record throughout the week as I had random thoughts about the hobby. I cover a variety of different topics that were on my mind! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

8 min
Oct 8, 2024
Clicking the Unsubscribe Button

Sometimes hobby content can be too much. I found that after I started clicking the unsubscribe button, I started to feel better about the hobby… Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

31 min
Oct 1, 2024
Refs in the Back: WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute Greatest Hits

For this month’s greatest hits episode we are going back to January of 2022 and the first super collector conversation we had on the show. @refsintheback joins me to discuss his collection full of basketball cards with referees in the background! It is the most listened to super collector conversation. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

17 min
Sep 24, 2024
What Sold Last Week on eBay - September Edition

I had about 30 eBay sales last week and I discuss every one. A mix of toys, cards, clothes and other items went out the door and a pile of cash went in the bank account! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

43 min
Sep 17, 2024
Building a Community of Collectors with Ivan Lovegren

Ivan, aka @watchthebreaks shares how the District platform is unique by helping marketplace owners build a community of collectors. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Dibdit marketplace which focuses on cards and other pop culture items. I am testing out selling on there! Sponsor of Today’s Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

25 min
Sep 10, 2024
Ivan Lovegren Returns!

Ivan Lovegren aka @watchthebreaks returns to the show to discuss what he’s been up to over the last couple years. He also shares his perspective on the Fanaticsfest event in New York after getting a chance to attend in person. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

14 min
Sep 3, 2024
WaxPackHero Greatest Hits: What I Learned Running a Card Shop

In September of 2020 I opened my physical card shop. A year later, I shared some lessons I learned during my first year. For today’s greatest hits episode, I look back at the lessons I learned! Sponsor of Today’s Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

13 min
Aug 28, 2024
A COMC Mailday

A COMC shipment arrived at my house a few weeks ago and I share some of my favorite additions to the PC! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

10 min
Aug 20, 2024Episode 285
Overspending as Gesture of Goodwill?

In this episode I share a few recent mail day items that have arrived. A 1959 Mantle and Gibson were the highlights! I also discussed the idea of overpaying for a collection to help build a relationship so that it might help me land even better collections in the future. Sponsor of this episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

18 min
Aug 13, 2024Episode 284
2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey Product Reviews

I recently opened up boxes of three different 2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey products and in this episode I share some thoughts on what I found. I opened a 2023-24 Star Rookies box set, a 2023-24 AHL hobby box, and a 2023-24 Upper Deck Allure hobby box. Thanks to Upper Deck for providing the boxes for me to review! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

39 min
Aug 6, 2024Episode 283
WaxPackHero Greatest Hits - One Millions Cubs Beau Is Going Full Time In Cards

Today we look back at my 2022 interview with Beau Thompson about his move from selling cards as a side hustle to selling full time. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

17 min
Jul 30, 2024Episode 282
Garage Sale Gold!

Last weekend, I went digging at a bunch of garage sales. You always hear about some great card finds that turn up at yard sales from time to time, but for me they were elusive. Well, on Saturday I finally struck cardboard gold! Here’s the story of how I picked up a great collection of vintage Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Clemente, Aaron, and more! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

25 min
Jul 23, 2024Episode 281
Stranger Things Cards Conversation with The Sports Card Dad

Dustin from the Sports Card Dad YouTube channel joins me to discuss Stranger Things cards! We both have cards from the hit Netflix series in our collection and we provide an overview of the types of cards fans of the show can collect. Watch his show at the link above, find him on Twitter/X and Instagram. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

23 min
Jul 16, 2024Episode 280
Conversation with The Sports Card Dad: Part 1

Dustin from the Sports Card Dad YouTube channel joins me to discuss his hobby history, his collection, and to share why he had to take a break from buying cards for a while. Watch his show at the link above, find him on Twitter/X and Instagram. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com Episode 280

9 min
Jul 9, 2024Episode 279
Wasting Money in the Hobby?

I want you to buy, sell and trade your way into a collection you’ll love! Part of doing that is getting more cards for less money. In today’s episode I share some thoughts on things some collectors do that waste money. By exercising a little patience, these collectors could get the same cards for a whole lot less money. Sponsor of today’s episode:

51 min
Jul 2, 2024Episode 278
WaxPackHero Greatest Hits - COMC Strategies with Dr. Beckett

Today’s greatest hits episode goes back to 2021 with Dr. James Beckett. We cover a variety of buying and selling strategies on COMC! Sponsor of Today’s Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

19 min
Jun 25, 2024Episode 277
What Sold on eBay This Week?

I had just under 30 orders last week on eBay that covered all kinds of different product categories. Cards, records, collectibles, clothes and more got shipped out! Today, I go through all of them to share what sold, how much it sold for, and what I paid for it. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

10 min
Jun 18, 2024Episode 276
eBay Standard Envelope Shipping Issues?

The eBay Standard Envelope program has been a game changer for low end card buyers and sellers. However, some sellers are running into some issues with the program. In today’s episode I discuss some of those issues and some possible enhancements which could improve things. Sponsor of Today’s Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

29 min
Jun 11, 2024Episode 275
Another Junk Wax Hero

Mike from the Junk Wax Hero YouTube Channel joins me for a conversation about the videos he makes and his collecting focus in 2024! Find his channel here! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

16 min
Jun 4, 2024Episode 274
WaxPackHero Greatest Hits - More eBay Selling Tips

Today we're going back to go back to Episode 87 from Nov 3, 2020 to listen to one of the podcast's most popular episodes. "More eBay Selling Tips" Let's see how many of these tips ring true today, and how many might need some updates based on the current resale environment! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

17 min
May 28, 2024Episode 273
Collecting Kershaw with David Craig

David Craig has over 2,500 unique Clayton Kershaw cards. Today, we discuss his Kershaw collection and a few of his other hobby interestes. You can find David on Twitter @DC_for_3_42. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

37 min
May 21, 2024Episode 272
Matt Felumlee from CardHoundVintage.com

Matt Felumlee has been collecting for over 40 years.  He’s bought, sold, and played an active role in a variety of collecting groups.  He recently launched cardhoundvintage.com, and we discuss what that site is all about in today’s show! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

17 min
May 14, 2024Episode 272
Some Upper Deck Hockey Reviews

I discuss three different Upper Deck Hockey Products from the 2022 and 2023 seasons. I opened 2022-23 Upper Deck Synergy, 2022-23 Parkhurst Champions, and 2023-24 O-Pee-Chee. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

10 min
May 7, 2024Episode 270
The Day Wally Joyner Made Me Cry

It’s story time on the podcast! In last month’s @hobbynewsdaily article I shared the story of the day Wally Joyner made me cry and that is the story I want to tell today. I also shout out a couple Twitter accounts that I’ve been enjoying over the last several weeks. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

19 min
Apr 30, 2024Episode 269
Another Mailbag Episode

It’s time to open the mailbag and answer some of the questions I’ve recently received via email and direct message! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

34 min
Apr 23, 2024Episode 268
Iowa Dave Plays in the Shallow End!

Iowa Dave (@Iowa_Dave_Sportscards) is a card collector and podcaster who focuses on cards in the lower end of the price range. We discuss how he got back into collecting, what his current focus is, and his podcast, The Shallow End. He also has a website www.hobbycontent.com where he highlights the podcasts and YouTube shows of other collectors. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

33 min
Apr 16, 2024Episode 267
Adam Gellman Calls It Like He Sees It!

Adam Gellman has been writing sports card articles on the hobby on his website sportscardsuncensored.com since March 2008. He also releases videos on the Wrestling Trading Cards YouTube Channel. In part 2 of my conversation, I talk with Adam about creating content. We discuss why he started, why his personality rubs people the wrong way sometimes, and his thoughts on how to engage with hobby companies! Follow Adam on Twitter @SCUncensored and on Instagram @wwegellman.

30 min
Apr 9, 2024Episode 266
Adam Gellman is a Baseball Turned Wrestling Collector

Adam Gellman is a long term collector and writer in the hobby. He has been writing articles on the hobby on his website sportscardsuncensored.com since March 2008. A few years ago he made a “heel turn” and ditched his entire baseball card collection to focus on Wrestling Cards. Today, I talk with Adam about his collecting background, and why Wrestling and Wrestling cards are so important to him! Follow Adam on Twitter @SCUncensored and on Instagram @wwegellman. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

35 min
Apr 2, 2024Episode 265
The Six Pack with Brad Balukjian

Brad Balukjian returns to the show to discuss his new book titled The Six Pack. He tells the story of several professional wrestlers who many of us watched throughout the 80s. He traveled the country to meet with them and dig into what life is like outside the ring. You can find the book on Amazon at this link, or wherever books are sold. You can find Brad at TheBradPack.com, and on Twitter/X @bradpackbooks. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

13 min
Mar 26, 2024Episode 264
I Give Up, I Quit!

Sometimes to find enjoyment and success you have to give something up. Today, I take a look back at an article I wrote in 2020 about taking a critical look at what you enjoy about the hobby and what you don’t enjoy. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

12 min
Mar 19, 2024
Building Vintage Sets

There are a few different approaches to vintage set building, and I plan to run through the pros and cons of them here in this episode. At the end I’ll share what has worked best for me. You can find the written version of this episode as well as a few YouTube videos of some of my vintage sets here at WaxPackHero.com. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

1 hr 6 min
Mar 12, 2024Episode 262
Zhan Mourning & Wresting With Cards

A few weeks ago I was a guest on Zhan Mourning’s Wrestling with Cards livestream. I’m sharing that conversation with you today! We cover the recent shift I made from having the physical shop to selling only online, my current collecting focuses, and my approach to super collecting! Follow Zhan on Twitter (@zhanmourning) and find his show on Youtube here. Find more of my audio, video, and written content at WaxPackHero.com Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

22 min
Mar 5, 2024Episode 261
What's Selling on eBay?

In this episode, I share an entire week’s worth of eBay sales! I’ll cover what sold, what it sold for, and the story of how I picked it up. Hopefully, it paints a picture of what a week of reselling on eBay is like for me. You’ll hear a combination of cards, memorabilia, and other miscellaneous items. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

11 min
Feb 27, 2024Episode 260
The Hobby Rejected My Advice

Back in 2018 I wrote a blog post at WaxPackHero.com where I suggested 5 things card manufacturers, collectors, and dealers could do to help grow the hobby. I took a look back at how those suggestions played out in a recent Hobby News Daily article and I am sharing those thoughts today! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com

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