Stacking Slabs

Season three closes with reflection and a clear look forward. Brett and Katelyn talk through what changed this year, what surprised them, and why this season felt different. More restraint. More conviction. Less chasing. More meaning.

They also pull the curtain back on what comes next. Season four becomes a collector narrated oral history of WNBA cards. Eras over hype. Stories over prices. Community over noise. This episode sets the foundation for where the show is going and why it matters if you care about women’s basketball and the cards that tell its story.

Duration: 00:38:47

The wrestling card hobby is not built like the rest of the card world. It never has been.

In the debut episode of Booked to Last, Adam Gellman and Ryan Bannister sit down to explain why wrestling card collectors move differently, think differently, and collect with a level of loyalty that rarely exists elsewhere in the hobby.

They share their personal collecting journeys, how wrestling cards pulled them back into the hobby, and why relationships matter more than transactions in this space. The conversation spans the Road to WrestleMania, prospecting wrestlers like Bron Breakker...

Episode 29 moves fast and covers a lot of ground, the way real collecting conversations unfold. Pack and Brett open with jersey number 29 legends before shifting into a deeper discussion on defensive players, why they remain undercollected, and how limited card catalogs can create opportunity for collectors paying attention. The conversation then turns to hobby resolutions, slowing down, researching more, and pushing back on the pressure to chase every release as it hits the market.

The episode spends significant time on 2025 Prizm, including reactions to the design, checklist decisions, and the tension between excitement and obligation for...

The sports card space keeps growing. Prices rise. Products multiply. New companies enter every month.

Some collectors say the hobby is gone. Replaced by an industry.

In this episode, Brett argues it can be both. And explains why the difference matters more than ever in 2026.

He shares why 2025 was his best year collecting. Why research is the strongest edge collectors have. Why niche content strengthens the hobby. Why not all one of ones are equal. And why the top of the funnel for new collectors is failing.

This...

In the first flagship episode of 2026, Stacking Slabs explores how curiosity shapes conviction in collecting. The episode centers on a missed card. A 2020 Crown Royale Tyrese Haliburton Crystal Platinum 1/1. The loss was not about price. It was about timing and understanding.

As the research deepened, interest turned into attachment. Learning changed how the card was viewed and why it mattered.

This episode examines the difference between hype and conviction. Borrowed excitement versus earned belief. It challenges the idea that desire starts with price or scarcity. Instead, it argues that understanding creates confidence. The conversation invites...

In this episode of Passion to Profession, presented by eBay, I’m joined by Drew Hester, Chief Operating Officer at Greg Morris Cards.

We talk about what it takes to run a high-volume operation without losing the human side of the hobby. Why trust beats transactions. Why vintage behaves differently than modern. And why consistency and communication still win, even as the hobby moves faster than ever.

Drew shares his path from entrepreneur to operator, what he’s learned studying collector behavior up close, and why Greg Morris Cards has stayed relevant by playing the long...

Episode 28 brings perspective to a loud football card market.

We break down Jonathan Taylor’s real shot at a rushing Triple Crown, what the data says about running backs right now, and how collectors can stay patient as prices rise.

We dig into 1998 Fleer Brilliance 24 Karat Golds and why awareness changed the ceiling on one of football’s most important parallels.

Then we step back into the Kaboom Room. Mahomes. Drake Maye. One of ones. Big money. Bigger marketing forces.

We close with Market Watch, PC updates, and a new...

2025 was not a random spike. It was a convergence.

In this episode, Brett steps back from individual card sales and looks at the forces that pushed the hobby into a true bull market. Online sales hit record highs. Platforms evolved. Corporations moved in. New collectors showed up. The center of gravity shifted.

This is a collector-first breakdown of what drove the growth in 2025 and why it matters when you buy, sell, and hold cards.

Topics covered include
 • Why $422M in online sales in a month matters more than any sin...

This episode is a reflection on Brett’s five favorite pick ups of the year.

Not the most expensive cards. Not the cards that performed the best. The cards that earned their place.

Each one forced a decision. Each one required sacrifice. Each one shifted the direction of his collection.

Brett breaks down why he wanted each card, what he ignored, what he said no to, and what owning it changed. The conversation focuses on timing, relationships, negotiation, and why one of ones continue to matter at this stage of his collecting jo...

This is the final episode of The Staging Area for 2025, presented by dcsports87.

Brett and Tory break down ten cards that sold through dcsports87 this year and use them as a lens to read the market. Not as predictions. As signals.

The conversation spans multiple sports and eras, from early Prizm basketball and vintage baseball to modern football, soccer, hockey, and NIL cards. Along the way, Brett and Tory discuss what these sales reveal about collector behavior, shifting demand, and where attention is quietly moving.

They also dive into the launch of Topps...

Jayne Peressini returns to Passion to Profession for a second conversation. She works on product inside eBay Collectibles and lives this market every day.

This episode focuses on signals that shape the hobby beyond headline sales.

We talk about

This is a collector conversation grounded in product reality.
If you buy, sell, or plan your collection with intent, this...

2025 gave WNBA collectors plenty to react to. New products. Bigger prices. Louder noise.

In this episode, Katelyn and Brett slow it down and reflect on what the year actually taught them as collectors.

They walk through five lessons shaped by real decisions. Cards they chased. Cards they missed. Teams they rode with. Moments that stuck.

You’ll hear why patience is not passive. Why one card can outweigh ten. Why losses can matter more than wins. Why community keeps this space grounded. And why your lane as a collector belongs to you.

In this episode of The Football Card Podcast, Pack and Brett step back and look at the category as a whole.

They dig into recent rookie quarterback classes and what they actually mean long term. They compare Prizm and Topps Chrome and why one still anchors football collecting. They unpack why Kabooms live in their own lane.

This conversation is about context, restraint, and conviction. If you collect football cards and want to feel more confident about what you buy and why, this episode is for you.

Check out Card Ladder the...

In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett reflects on how his relationship with collecting shifted over the past year. The change was not driven by bigger cards, higher prices, or chasing status. It came from slowing down, buying fewer cards, and spending more time with the ones that stayed.

He shares why he stopped explaining cards through history or market logic and started focusing on what they meant to him personally. The episode explores restraint, patience, and learning to trust internal signals instead of outside validation. Brett talks openly about the cards he did not buy...

Trust is the foundation of the hobby. In this episode of Built for the Hobby, I sit down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-founder of InfernoRed Technology, to break down what the Snype shutdown revealed about hobby tech.

We talk about what happens when platforms ship too fast. How security gets missed when no one owns it. And why protecting collector data is a responsibility, not a feature. If you use hobby tech or build it, this conversation matters.

Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.

...

Mike Nett, GM of Trading Cards and Memorabilia at eBay, joins Passion to Profession to share his path from childhood collecting to running the largest trading card marketplace in the world. We talk about how his experiences at Pepsi, Amazon, and PSA shaped the way he thinks about collectors, sellers, and trust at scale. Mike pulls back the curtain on how eBay makes product decisions, why sellers are the engine of the hobby, what 2025 data revealed about collector behavior, and how small experience changes can have massive impact. This conversation is about growth, perspective, and building for collectors without...

The first year of a premium product always carries weight. This week, Brett and Katelyn sit with that moment.

WNBA Impeccable is here.
High price.
Low card count.
On card autos.
Timeless Moments.

But the real question is not whether it looks good. It is what a first like this asks of you as a collector.

We talk through primacy and why firsts matter. The risk of buying without comps. The opportunity created when context does not exist yet. And how collectors decide when to sit out...

In this episode of The Football Card Podcast, Pack Nicholson and Brett dig into one of the hardest questions in the hobby.

Who is the GOAT when it comes to defensive players and their cards? They break down real sales data, look at names like Aaron Donald, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Lawrence Taylor, and Reggie White, and explain why defensive players still lag behind quarterbacks in the market.

You also hear a deep conversation on spending time with your collection, why connecting cards matters, and how meaning forms when cards stop living in cases...

Card Ladder Confidential is back.

This episode sits at the intersection of data, taste, and decision making.

Chris and Josh break down recent football card sales that stopped them in their tracks and explain why some prices make sense while others raise real questions.

You hear how defensive players stack up from a card market view. Why scarcity and set context matter more than hype. This conversation is not about chasing headlines. It is about understanding the signal inside the noise. If you use data to guide your collecting but...

Most collectors chase what other people want. Hot players. Fast flips. Short term noise This episode pushes back. When you narrow your focus and collect for yourself, value follows. Not because you chased it. Because you built with intent.

In this flagship episode, Brett walks through why focus changes outcomes in collecting.

You will hear about

• Why buying fewer cards often leads to better results
• How personal interest sharpens decision making
• The link between patience, restraint, and long term value
• Why end collectors matter more than speculators
• How focuse...

This episode is a look back at the year through the lens of volume, behavior, and decision making.

Tory from dcsports87 joins the show to break down what actually mattered this year and what sellers should pay attention to heading into next year.

We talk through
 • Why volume changed the business
 • How technology shaped the consignment experience
 • What repackers changed in buyer behavior
 • Where demand showed up across sports and non-sports
 • Why certain cards still anchor value across cycles
 • What sellers misunderstand about growth and scale

This is not a h...

In this solo edition of Passion to Profession, Brett shares the full story of how Stacking Slabs moved from a passion project to his profession.

He takes listeners back to his earliest days as a collector, walks through the moment he lost his job, and explains why the search for purpose pushed him to go all in on the hobby.

He breaks down how fifteen years of professional experience shaped the way he built the brand, the challenges of year one, and the lessons that helped him stay aligned with what matters. This episode gives...

This week’s episode centers on one card.
A card that took time, sacrifice, and a lot of reflection to land.

Katelyn walks through her journey to the 2019 Donruss Optic Gold Napheesa Collier Rookie out of 10.
We talk through the delay, the negotiation, the sacrifices she made, and why the moment the card hit her mailbox everything felt worth it.

This conversation goes deep into intention, focus, and the reality of chasing a player you believe in.
We explore why collectors lose their way when distractions take over and how th...

Pack and Brett kick off season three with real talk about the hobby and the season. They break down the Brady Superfractor sale, the Mahomes Gold Vinyl run, and why collectors are giving more attention to early parallels.

They talk through the Colts chaos, the Philip Rivers shockwave, and what it means when a whole fan base goes through it at the same time.

They close with market trends, personal pickups, and this season’s first Card Call Out.

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

Follow Th...

Brett shares the story behind picking up his biggest card of the year. The 2012 Prizm Reggie Wayne Black Finite 1/1.

He walks through the moment the card surfaced, the nerves, the patience, the conversations, the resources, and the sacrifice that follows higher end deals.

This is a look at what happens when a card forces you to make a decision about where your collection is headed and what needs to leave to bring something in.

This is not a playbook. This is one collector talking through a rare moment when preparation and opportunity meet.<...

Brett opens up about the part of collecting that most of us skip. We spend money. We chase. We watch auctions. We plan budgets. We negotiate. We talk about cards all day.
We never sit with the cards we already own. 

This episode breaks down why that gap matters and why your collecting experience shifts the moment you slow down and spend real time with your collection. Brett shares a Saturday night story, the science behind flow states, and the emotional and mental benefits that surface when you sit with your cards on the floor a...

Brett introduces a new format built to help you slow down the week and add context to the moments that shape your collecting.

He walks through the record sale of the 2005 Finest Tom Brady Superfractor, shares why a run of Panini One and One golds pulled him deeper into the product, and talks through the tension between hobby marketing and collector retention.

This episode gives you space to think about what matters and why.
If you want more collector focused content, this format tests a new way to deliver it.

Get your...

Adam from AMT Memorabilia returns to Passion to Profession for a real look at what it takes to grow a consignment and breaking business on eBay.

We talk about the value of domain knowledge, hiring people who know cards, and why trust inside this space matters more than anything. Adam shares why TCG is exploding, why soccer has been a surprise category, and why the vintage segment holds steady.

We also walk through real sales from AMT including Messi, Curry, Judge, Mickey Mantle, and even three cases of Flawless Basketball. He breaks down why he...

New releases are stacking up, and collectors feel the pull.

In this episode, Brett and Katelyn break down how the WNBA release cycle shapes excitement, FOMO, and collecting identity.

They talk through the pressure of new products, the challenge of staying grounded, the role of restraint, and the moments that push a collector toward cards that hold real meaning.

A focused look at how new releases help, distract, and deepen the collecting experience.

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card Podcast

Shout...

Pack and Brett close season two with the type of episode that reminds you why football cards pull you in the way they do.

They talk the weight of number twenty four, the players who shaped our fandom, and the cards that changed how they think about collecting. They get into the PMGs, the Crusades, the modern parallels, and why shine matters more than most collectors admit.

They  walk through the Stafford Superfractor drop, the Gibbs Gold Vinyl run, the Elway PMG Red sale, and the Dickerson rookie that feels stronger every year. They talk w...

You respond to certain cards without thinking. A pattern hits your eye. A refractor shines a certain way.
A texture pulls you in. Why?

In this episode, we talk about the power of familiarity in your collecting. We explore why your brain gives extra credit to designs you already know and why nostalgia plays a bigger role in your buying than you might admit. From PMG Championship to Scope, from Superfractor to Gold Vinyl, from Atomic to Cracked Ice. These visuals tie generations of collectors together.
Brett walks through the psychology, the science, and the...

Brett breaks down the shifts that shaped his collecting in 2025. He talks about moving from player focused to product focused. He shares why Colts Prizm parallels took over his attention. He walks through the questions that helped him sell cards that no longer fit. He talks about the power of clarity, intention, and purpose as a collector. He explains how this focus brought more joy, more energy, and more direction to his hobby life.

If you want to think deeper about your own collecting decisions, this episode gives you a clear place to start.

...

Brett chats with Tory from dcsports87 to walk through the long road to becoming eBay’s highest volume sports card seller. They talk about the early days, the decisions that shaped the business, and why serving every type of collector opened the door for explosive growth.

You’ll hear stories about scaling from kitchen-table sorting to a 50-person operation, building internal tools before hiring, and how dcsports87 built a model that works across every price point.

Tory shares insight on staffing, technology, the rise in high-end consignment, and the 2025 plans that will shape the next era...

On this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, Brett sits down with Nick Pivovarnik, Head of Consignment at QuickConsign. Nick brings a clear view of what growth looks like when more cards, more collectors, and more categories hit the market at the same time.

They talk about the surge in TCG, the strength of WNBA, the value of speed on new releases, and why collectors want ease above everything else. Nick shares how QuickConsign keeps scaling without losing sight of accuracy, payouts, or customer experience.

They also walk through some of the biggest...

Brett and Katelyn take on the biggest question in the WNBA card space right now.

What belongs in the WNBA hobby canon and who gets to decide it?

They walk through the Panini license news, the early 2025 Prizm signs, the new Mercury branding, the draft lottery shake-up, and then dig into the cards, players, and moments that shape the foundation of WNBA collecting.

Katelyn lays out what she thinks belongs in the early canon and why certain cards stand the test of time.
Card Ladder data, collector behavior, player impact, and product...

Pack and Brett break down episode 23 with new releases, market movement, PC updates, and real NFL talk. They cover surprise listings, big hobby sales, and the dealers who keep cards flowing. Brett shares the story behind landing a new PC pick up. Pack talks through the reality of team collecting and why it leads you to players you never planned to buy. They also hit on Colts and Bears storylines, the schedules ahead, and what the league looks like right now. A full run for football card collectors.

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of...

Brett shares the ten things he is thankful for in the hobby this year. He talks about the collectors who show up every week, the partners who support the mission, and the growth of Stacking Slabs as a platform.

He explains why audio matters, why Instagram still plays a role, and why Prism Football will always mean something to him. He reflects on communication, content, cards, diversity, independent thought, and kindness. This episode is a pause from the noise.

A moment to look around and recognize the people, products, and experiences that keep the hobby...

Completeness sits at the center of why collectors stay engaged. That final card slotted into a binder or case delivers a feeling that pushes the hobby forward. In this episode Brett explores why the pursuit of complete holds so much power. He breaks down the psychology behind the chase, including data from a University of Arizona study that shows motivation increases as collectors move closer to finishing a project.

He explains how completeness brings structure to a chaotic hobby, why it raises the value of certain cards, and how it shapes long term decision making for every...

In this episode of Built for the Hobby, I sit down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-Founder at InfernoRed Technology, and Ed Snider, Lead Architect and long-time collector. We get into what it feels like to build hobby tech in real time.
The day to day. The decisions. The process. The moments when a collector’s instinct adjusts the roadmap. Ed shares what it’s like to build while collecting.

Scott talks about why having real collectors in the room changes the outcomes. We walk through discovery, client conversations, pivots, and the influence of AI on how...

On this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, I sit back down with Tait, the owner of Hoody’s Collectibles. Our last chat happened in February, and a lot has changed since then.

We cover what it takes to run a real sports card business in 2025, why some products fly and others stall, and how Tait navigates the swings of the market while managing stores, consignment, and a nonstop flow of collections.

We also walk through several standout cards that moved through Hoody’s this year, from Griffey Superfractors to Jordan inserts to vint...

Pack and Brett sit down and talk about the type of collecting that happens when you stop fearing price tags and start trusting your instincts.

We get into the mindset shift that lets you land cards you once thought were out of reach. We talk Derrick Henry, early Superfractors, cracked ice autos, Phoenix parallels, and why certain cards feel timeless. We cover auctions, comps, and what these sales say about the football card market right now. We break down why collectors hit turning points when they learn how to maneuver, trade, and sell to chase the right...

You run into a lot of noise when you collect without intention. Safe searches tell you what to buy.
Auctions pull you into impulse mode. Random mail days fill the void. This episode is about going on offense.

It’s about taking control of your operation and building a collection that feels like you.

I break down the difference between accumulation and curation. I share why curation brings clarity, restraint, meaning, pride, and long term happiness. I highlight some collector examples to explain why their pages carry so much weight. If you want to bu...

This episode closes out the Collecting for Keeps series by focusing on trust, legacy, and the future of your collecting journey.

I break down what it means to control what you can control, why responsibility matters in every interaction, and how trust shapes your experience in the hobby. We talk about long term thinking, the value of community, and the story your collection tells about you.

If you’re looking to reset, refocus, and move with more confidence in the hobby, this episode will help you step forward with clarity and purpose.

Ge...

Brett and Tory sit down to talk about shill bidding, trust, and the state of auctions in the hobby. Tory breaks down what DC Sports 87 sees every day, how shill bidding really works, and why defensive shill bidding is not real.

This episode gives you the perspective of a seller who runs more auctions than anyone on eBay and cares about protecting the marketplace.

If you buy or sell cards, this is a conversation you need to hear.

A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your...

In this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, Mike Brown from 4 Sharp Corners joins the show to take you inside one of the most trusted operations in the hobby.

We sit down to talk about growth, decision making, and why the right processes build trust.

Mike shares how he moved from finance into cards, what he learned from working alongside Stan and Roger, and why focus keeps their business moving in the right direction.

You’ll hear how they built their consignment division from the ground up, the impact of Pr...

On this week’s episode of the WNBA Card Podcast, Brett and Katelyn dig into the changing WNBA ecosystem and what it means for you as a collector. They break down the rise of new leagues like Unrivaled and Project B, what Paige Bueckers’ dual deals signal for the card world, why design matters more than ever, and how collectors decide what belongs in the canon.

You’ll hear honest talk about trust, continuity, player movement, CBA uncertainty, and how new opportunities shape the cards we chase.

They close the episode with market talk...

Pack and Brett sit down and talk through the week in collecting and the week in football. They open with family updates and Colts and Bears storylines, then move into Mosaic Football and why the design hits for some collectors and misses for others.

They break down borders, true one of ones, and the mindset behind chasing second-year cards of a quarterback who’s starting to figure it out.The conversation shifts to Card Ladder sales as they highlight vintage, Select Gold, and a wild Drake Maye result that raised eyebrows across the hobby.

They cl...

In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett sits down with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder for a collector’s conversation that hits every corner of the hobby. They start with what they’re thankful for, move into Josh’s viral post about keeping the hobby about cards—not crypto or stocks—and unpack why financial talk often drowns out what makes collecting meaningful.

The group explores the long-term health of the hobby, the fine line between investing and collecting, and the growing influence of gambling culture in cards. Chris shares his framework for what helps and...

In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett sits down with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder for a collector’s conversation that hits every corner of the hobby. They start with what they’re thankful for, move into Josh’s viral post about keeping the hobby about cards—not crypto or stocks—and unpack why financial talk often drowns out what makes collecting meaningful.

The group explores the long-term health of the hobby, the fine line between investing and collecting, and the growing influence of gambling culture in cards. Chris shares his framework for what helps and...

When prices rise and excitement fills the air, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out.

But real collecting isn’t about chasing hype — it’s about making smart moves that stand the test of time.

In this flagship episode, Brett breaks down his personal playbook for collecting with purpose in a bull market.

He shares how strategy, execution, and adaptation shape long-term success and help collectors stay grounded when things heat up.

You’ll hear about:

In this episode of Passion to Profession, presented by eBay, Brett reconnects with Dave, owner of Sport Card Auctions, who turned his side hustle into a thriving full-time business.

Dave shares what it’s like to go all in on the hobby after selling his pizza shop, how he’s navigating a booming 2025 market, and why staying small and remote has helped him grow fast without losing control.

They cover everything from eBay’s impact on consignment to why collectors are flocking to Jordan rookies, how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping streamline the work, and wh...

What would happen if collectors were in charge of Panini?

In this episode, Katelyn and Brett put on their CEO hats and share what they’d change to elevate the WNBA card hobby. From transparency in release schedules to better product balance and stronger marketing, they lay out a collector-first roadmap for the future.

They talk wins (lean product cycles, legitimacy, stars at the forefront) and misses (timing, pricing, missed opportunities). They also draft their ideal product lineup, reimagine case hits, and question why Panini isn’t using Caitlin Clark to drive the brand.

Pack and Brett sit down with Chris McGill, cofounder of Card Ladder, to talk about the connection between data, emotion, and the collector’s mindset.

They break down:

This one’s packed with insights from one of the hobby’s sharpest minds. Whether you track the numb...

In this episode, Brett shares ten lessons that shaped his perspective on collecting this past month. From emotional connection and nostalgia to the psychology of chasing, filtering noise in a booming market, and why integrity still matters most, this one covers it all.

Brett reflects on how personal meaning drives collecting decisions, why dopamine hits from the chase can be both thrilling and dangerous, and how adopting a CEO mindset helps collectors build with intention. He also digs into design, aesthetics, and the power of trust in a growing, often chaotic hobby.

Whether you're building...

Community sits at the center of collecting. It shapes what we chase, who we connect with, and how we grow.

In this episode, Brett explores how relationships define our hobby journey. From DM threads to parking lot deals, he shares stories that show how collectors help each other find meaning and momentum.

You’ll hear why trust, communication, and shared passion always win, and how the right people can reignite your love for collecting when motivation runs low. This one’s for every collector who’s ever found friendship through a shared card.

Get yo...

Most collectors aren’t dropping five figures on a single card. In this episode of The Staging Area presented by dcsports87, Brett and Tory dig into the heart of the hobby — the middle class. They break down what defines the $1–$500 range, why these cards often get overlooked, and how collectors can thrive in this segment.
They also cover:

In this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, Brett sits down with Tim Getsch Founder and Chief Product Officer at COMC, to explore how the platform became the home for the $5 card market and what that means for collectors today.

Tim shares why COMC’s mission has always been about optimizing joy for collectors, not chasing speculators. He breaks down what’s really happening in the $5 card economy, how COMC is evolving to handle growing demand, and why he believes the future of the hobby depends on collectors—not investors—taking cards off the market.

Thi...

Bowman Chrome University is back, and this time we’re asking a big question—what would need to be true for women’s Bowman Chrome U cards to mirror Bowman Baseball’s success?

Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett dive deep into the rise of college card collecting, the impact of NIL, and how the Bowman “first” tag is changing the women’s basketball market. From Caitlin Clark’s $78,000 Superfractor sale to Juju Watkins’ latest gold refractor, we explore how college fans are turning into collectors, and what this means for the future of the hobby.

We close with listene...

Pack Nicholson and Brett McGrath are joined by Josh Johnson from Cardboard Chronicles for a packed conversation that covers every corner of the football card hobby. The trio dives into Bowman University Football and the future of college cards in the NIL era, breaks down their collecting updates (including a Bijan 1/1 and a Tyquan Lewis Black Finite), and debates the biggest “what ifs” in NFL history—from Drew Brees’ near-miss with Miami to Andrew Luck’s early retirement.

They wrap with a deep market watch featuring 2012 Gold Prizms, 2014 Bowman Chrome Superfractors, and a $40,000 Barry Sanders sale that happened o...

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the story of Prizm from every angle — its rise, its impact, and its meaning to collectors.

In this final episode of the trilogy, Brett brings it all home. He talks about the psychology behind why we chase, the ritual of collecting, and how Prizm became more than a product — it became culture.

From the early Silvers and Golds to Black Finites and Gold Vinyl, this conversation is about legacy, community, and the connection that keeps collectors coming back long after the boxes are gone.

Prizm might...

Growth in collecting isn’t only about what you add. It’s also about what you let go of.

In this episode, Brett explores the psychology behind selling cards, detaching from pieces you once loved, and how that process shapes the evolution of your collection.

You’ll hear how emotional bias, fear of regret, and market conditions can influence your decisions — and why letting go can be the most freeing move a collector can make.

If you’ve been wrestling with a card you’re unsure about selling, this episode gives you the clarity and...

In this episode of Built for the Hobby, Brett sits down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-Founder of InfernoRed Technology, to talk about how technology can make collecting more personal, not less.

They discuss why automation doesn’t have to feel cold, how platforms like eBay Live and dcsports87 are using tech to build real relationships, and why human-centered design should guide every decision hobby businesses make.

Scott shares stories from inside InfernoRed’s work with hobby brands, lessons on balancing authenticity and automation, and how simple features—like messaging in an app—can build trust.<...

Mike from MC Sports Cards is back on Passion to Profession, presented by eBay.

In this episode, Mike breaks down how the current bull market feels different from 2021 and why focusing on quality over quantity continues to separate his business. He shares his perspective from the front lines of the hobby—running high-end consignments, navigating collector psychology, and adapting to the demands of a growing market.

We also talk about the evolution of MC’s business model, the rise of case hits and repacks, why scarcity matters now more than ever, and the mindset it take...

Donruss is back in the WNBA for the first time since 2019, and collectors are buzzing.

In this episode, Brett and Katelyn talk about what this release means for the WNBA card market, how it lands in the middle of a historic rookie class, and what it teaches us about how collectors approach new products.

They discuss Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and how timing shapes collector behavior.

If you’ve been thinking about how to handle new releases—or what this moment means for the long game of WNBA collecting—this one’s...

Pack and Brett are back for Episode 18 — the Peyton Manning episode. They kick things off with a trip down memory lane, reliving the Sheriff’s impact on football and collecting. Then it’s time to enter the Kaboom Room to unpack updates to 2025 Absolute Football, including new Super Bowl Kabooms, golds, greens, and the new purple parallel.

The guys talk about the staying power of Kabooms, the psychology of collecting, and what happens when collectors start thinking about trimming their PCs to focus on what they love most. They close with NFL talk, hobby hypotheticals, and a market...

Prizm went from an unknown product in 2012 to the defining set of an entire era.

In this episode, Brett breaks down the data, psychology, and collector behavior that fueled Prizm’s rise from underdog to hobby standard. Using insights from Card Ladder, collector conversations, and his own experiences, Brett explores how consistency, accessibility, and collector emotion built one of the most powerful brands in modern collecting.

He also looks ahead to what happens next as Fanatics takes over, and why the legacy of Prizm will continue to live on long after the licenses change.

...

This week on Stacking Slabs, Brett dives into one of his favorite ideas: You’re the CEO of your PC.

In this flagship episode, he explores what it means to build your collection with intention—especially in a bull market full of distractions. From defining a vision and setting strategy to creating personal frameworks that guide your pickups, Brett walks through how to move from reactionary collecting to purposeful collecting. He shares personal stories from his Colts and Pacers projects, lessons from the current hobby climate, and how to apply a CEO mindset to make better collecting deci...

The hobby’s never had more data, tools, or transparency. But are we losing something in the process?

In this episode, Brett and Tory dig into the launch of the new dcsports87 app and how it’s changing communication between consignors and collectors. Then they explore a bigger question — what happens when the market becomes too efficient?

From the $8K LeBron Downtown PSA 10 to the $7,877 1953 Topps Mantle and the timing of that Jackson Dart XRC Gold sale, the guys break down how data, emotion, and timing all intersect in today’s market.

You’ll w...

On this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, I’m joined by Mike and Cameron from Leahi.

Mike’s been on the show before, and this time he’s bringing Cameron to share how their team is shaping the way we think about timelessness, supply and demand, and the next generation of collectors.

We talk about:

Season 3 kicks off with a big question: is A’ja Wilson the undisputed GOAT of the WNBA?

Brett and Katelyn break down her three championships, four MVPs, and two Finals MVPs—and ask why her card market still trails her greatness.

Using fresh Card Ladder data, they unpack the real story behind A'ja's market growth, supply challenges, and what it means for WNBA cards moving forward.

They also explore:

Pack and Brett  are back to talk about the $45,000 Marshawn Lynch 2012 Prizm Black Finite sale that set the hobby on fire. The guys dig into why collectors get so caught up in prices, what makes a card “worth it,” and why emotion still drives this entire thing.

They also react to 2024 Eminence Football returning with a cut auto checklist featuring Queen Elizabeth II and Eminem, discuss whether they'd trade their entire collections for a Super Bowl win, and share current hobby projects (including Brett’s Daniel Jones Prizm Gold /10 pickup).

If you love football cards, this on...

In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett sits down with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder to unpack a year of major shifts in collecting and the market. The trio kick things off with a Mount Rushmore of Panini athletes before diving deep into the emotional and analytical sides of collecting. Chris shares how his approach to collecting Michael Jordan one-of-ones has completely changed his perspective, while Josh talks about why he’s gone all-in on one-of-one football cards. They also break down new data on high-end auctions, explore what the same names at the top really mean fo...

The hobby is louder than ever. Record sales, endless opinions, and constant new content make it hard to know what really matters.

In this flagship episode, Brett explores how collectors can separate the signal from the noise and make sense of the hobby in real time. He revisits ideas from Collecting for Keeps through the lens of today’s booming market, sharing frameworks for identifying what’s meaningful and filtering out the hype.

You’ll hear Brett break down:

Josh Johnson has been a fixture in the hobby for years—from his early Cardboard Chronicles interviews to co-founding one of the most trusted tech tools in collecting, Card Ladder.

In this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, Josh shares how a collector’s curiosity turned into a full-time career. He talks about rediscovering cards through Pokémon, building software that serves every type of collector, and why letting collectors lead is at the heart of Card Ladder’s DNA.

Josh also opens up about the early days of building alongside Chris and Kristin...

In this special bonus episode, Brett and Katelyn close out Season 2 by getting personal about their own collecting psychology. From Napheesa Collier’s leadership moment to lessons from another emotional WNBA Finals, the two reflect on fandom, team heartbreak, and the cards that keep them connected.

Katelyn shares a framework she built to map her PC—breaking down why she collects certain players, how she organizes her cards, and what gaps she’s trying to fill. Brett brings perspective on how collectors can use structure and self-awareness to build collections that truly mean something.

This one’s...

Pack Nicholson and Brett  are back breaking down another week in football and collecting.

They start with a conversation on staying up late for games, reality TV in the early 2000s, and what makes sports the ultimate drama.

Then they get into the big topic of the week — 2025 Impeccable Football — why it’s an underappreciated product, what makes it unique, and how it’s quietly built a ten-year legacy.

They also answer collector questions on how long to go between card purchases, when to sell rare pieces, the nostalgia of old NFL gear, and...

Brett pays tribute to the brand that defined the modern era of collecting: Prizm.

Before the all of the licenses change hands, he reflects on the rise of Prizm from an underdog in 2012 to the flagship product that shaped collector behavior, inspired projects, and connected us across sports.

From the first time he chased a Colts Gold Prizm to the moments of reflection on what these cards represent, Brett explores why Prizm grabbed both the heads and hearts of collectors — and why its legacy will outlive the logo on the box.

If yo...

Every collector knows the rush of the chase. That pounding heartbeat. The late-night scrolling. The gut pull that logic can’t explain.

In this flagship episode, Brett explores The Art of Chasing—a look into the psychology of desire and motivation in collecting. He breaks down why some cards hit harder than others, the difference between surface and core motivation, and how to channel the thrill of the chase with intention.

If you’ve ever lost sleep over a card or felt the sting of a missed auction, this one will hit home.

Che...

Tory from dcsports87 returns to The Staging Area for a wide-ranging conversation on everything happening right now in the hobby.

We kick off with baseball talk and dive deep into Shohei Ohtani’s market—how it reached this level, what still drives it, and which of his cards Tory finds most compelling as a collector.

Then we unpack the live-selling wave. Tory shares lessons from DC’s first eBay Live event, what worked, what didn’t, and how he thinks live selling fits into the broader ecosystem.

We close with a look at eBay’s a...

In this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, I sit down with my friend Josh from PC Sports Cards to talk about scaling a business during one of the hottest stretches the hobby has seen.

We cover:

Josh has built one of the most trusted operations in the space. This conversation...

Pack and Brett are back with another episode of The Football Card Podcast.

This week, they cover a lot of ground:

Whether you’re chasing gold prizms, figuring out how to handl...

Built for the Hobby is a new series on Stacking Slabs where we explore the intersection of technology and sports cards. In the debut episode, Brett sits down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-Founder of InfernoRed Technology, to discuss why tech matters in the hobby right now.

Scott and his team have built software for some of the biggest names in the space including Upper Deck, Collectors, COMC, and dcsports87. In this conversation, they talk about:

Why do you collect?

In this flagship episode presented by InfernoRed Technology, Brett breaks down the inner forces that keep us coming back to the hobby, even when the market is loud and prices are flying.

Connection. Escape. Expression.

These three forces separate collecting with meaning from collecting until burnout. Brett shares personal stories, market observations, and feedback from other collectors to explore why these drivers matter more than ever during today’s bull market.

If your cards bring you closer to your fandom, give you an escape, or reflect wh...

In this edition of Vaulted, Brett sits down with PSA President Ryan Hoge to cover ten key topics shaping PSA and the hobby right now. From turnaround times and submission demand, to PSA’s Vault growth, the eBay partnership, global expansion, offers, repacks, and more—this episode gives collectors a direct line into how PSA is thinking about the future.

A special thank you to PSA for sponsoring Vaulted. PSA is the official grading, authentication, and vault provider of Stacking Slabs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA 10/10 Day | LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA VAULT | LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA CONS...

In this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, I sit down with my good friend Kevin Randall (@dacaptain37). Kevin went from teaching in the classroom to becoming one of the most trusted full-time dealers in the hobby.

We talk about his roots as a collector, the decision to leave teaching, building a business plan, the role of specialization, and why trust is everything when dealing cards. Kevin’s story is one of preparation, community, and betting on yourself.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your side hustle into your profession, this conversation will...

It’s the season 2 finale of The WNBA Card Podcast. We’re diving deep into the WNBA playoffs, what championships mean for player collectibility, and how stars like A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Mitchell are shaping the future of the hobby.

We talk through the Panini era of WNBA cards, what makes collecting in this moment different, and why long-time collectors are sitting on hidden gems. Plus, we spotlight a dedicated Tamika Catchings collector and close with a collector mailbag that stretches the imagination of what WNBA cards could be.

Season two has...

Pack and Brett dive into the collector’s side of football. They cover how injuries shape collecting projects, why Jerry Rice stands alone at the wide receiver spot, and the strange case of 2008 Topps Chrome football vs. basketball. You’ll also hear a 'lil vintage talk with Jim Brown, market updates on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, and why smashing BINs sometimes feels like the only move.

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

Visit Heystack to explore their partner breaks. No more waiting. No more blurry screenshots. Just clear, instant acce...

In the final Cards in Hand episode from The National, brought to you by eBay, I sit down with Joe (@low_pop_papi) to talk Panini era inserts.We get into why inserts from this time deserve more attention, how parallels like gold vinyls and one-of-ones add depth, and what makes Steph Curry’s catalog stand out.

Joe shares why Optic inserts might be overlooked, how Prizm Deca brought back old designs in new ways, and why insert collectors should take a second look at Panini’s work.

If you collect inserts or want to thin...

Collecting is full of choices. What you chase, when you chase it, and how much you’re willing to give up along the way. In this episode, Brett breaks down the importance of prioritization and why it matters for your long-term happiness in the hobby. He shares personal stories about cards he passed on, cards he went after, and the lessons he’s learned about balancing desire with discipline. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions with your collection, this conversation will help you take a step back and refocus on what matters most.

Get yo...

In Episode 8 of The Staging Area presented by dcsports87, Brett and Tory dig into what it means to collect in a bull market. From Daniel Jones speculation to Josh Allen’s rising profile, they look at how player performance shapes demand and where timing matters most.

They cover Bowman Chrome’s overlap with playoff baseball, Satchel Paige vintage sales, and why Yamal continues to drive conversation in soccer. Tory also shares behind-the-scenes data from dcsports87 that highlights true market health, separating perception from reality. Whether you’re chasing prospects, buying vintage, or selling through eBay, this conversation offers...

On this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, Brett sits down with Mike Phillips, EVP of Sales and Marketing at Upper Deck.

Mike has spent 25 years shaping one of the most iconic brands in the hobby. From his early days managing a card shop to creating some of the most legendary parallels at Fleer Skybox, Mike brings a rare perspective on innovation, competition, and building products that stand the test of time.

He shares stories behind sets like Essential Credentials and Fleer Brilliants, reflects on the launch of Exquisite, and talks about what...

Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett sit down for episode 11 of season 2 to talk about one of the most thought-provoking ideas in collecting: the one-card PC. What happens when a single card represents everything you want from a player?

They share personal examples, debate “Would You Rather” matchups featuring iconic WNBA cards, and reflect on how intentionality shapes their collecting styles. You’ll also hear about recent pickups, a spotlight on a dedicated collector, and bold predictions for the next six-figure WNBA card.

If you’ve ever wondered whether one card can be enough, this episode is for y...

We’re back for Season Two of The Football Card Podcast, and this one is loaded. John and Brett fire up fresh segments with new sponsors Card Ladder and Heystack, break down the final Panini Donruss Football release, and talk about what rookies could define the product.

The guys dream up their perfect one-of-one Downtowns, answer listener mailbag questions, and share new pickups—including John's long-awaited 2012 Prizm Jay Cutler Black Finite 1/1.

From underrated sets like Totally Certified to market moves around defensive monsters and Brady’s Mosaic Refractor, this episode is all about the chase, the st...

In this episode of Vaulted presented by PSA, I sit down with Nat Turner, CEO of Collectors, to break down his Top 100 cards graded at The National. Nat shares why he put this list together, what stood out to him, and how these cards connect to the broader story of collecting. We talk through the mix of vintage, modern, and everything in between that made this list so compelling. If you’re a collector who loves history, rarity, and the stories behind big cards, this conversation is for you.

See Nat's Complete Top 100 Items Graded at The Na...

This week’s flagship is all about the long game in collecting. Too often the hobby gets swept up in hype cycles, record sales, and FOMO. But the collectors who stick around for years don’t chase the herd. They think independently, focus on discovery, and build collections that reflect who they are.

In this episode, I share the story of an unexpected Marvin Harrison 1/1 pickup that reminded me why curiosity and exploration matter. We’ll talk about resisting comparison, finding joy in the hidden corners of the hobby, and why turning left when others go right might...

In this episode of The Staging Area presented by dcsports87, Brett and Tory tackle one of the most controversial topics in the hobby: shill bidding. Tory shares how dcsports87 identifies it, why it hurts everyone involved, and what steps they take when they catch it.

The conversation also digs into how football season drives submissions week to week, why certain players see spikes after a single game, and how collectors react when things go south.

They close by looking at the numbers behind the bull run the hobby is experiencing and what’s fueling the gr...

In this episode of Passion to Profession, brought to you by eBay, I sit down with Mikey Osborn, Director of Growth Marketing and Technology at Collectors.

Mikey shares how a love for Randy Moss and nostalgia-driven collecting eventually intersected with his career in technology, leading him to join one of the most important companies in the hobby. We cover his time at Salesforce, the bold DM to Nat Turner that opened the door, and what it’s like to build digital experiences for PSA and Collectors.

We also talk about:

It’s playoff time, and we’re bringing the heat on Season 2, Episode 10 of The WNBA Card Podcast.

Katelyn and Brett dig into the psychology behind collecting WNBA cards—why we buy, what drives us, and how the passion in this niche hobby looks different from other categories.

We cover:

It’s playoff time, and we’re bringing the heat on Season 2, Episode 10 of The WNBA Card Podcast.

Katelyn and Brett dig into the psychology behind collecting WNBA cards—why we buy, what drives us, and how the passion in this niche hobby looks different from other categories.

We cover:

It’s playoff time, and we’re bringing the heat on Season 2, Episode 10 of The WNBA Card Podcast.

Katelyn and Brett dig into the psychology behind collecting WNBA cards—why we buy, what drives us, and how the passion in this niche hobby looks different from other categories.

We cover: