Road to the National Ep. 6 - Inside the Hobby Mecca: Chris McGill on Why the National Matters

Chris McGill shares why the National is the hobby’s spiritual center — and how it recharges his passion every year. In Episode 6 of our Road to the National series, we’re joined by Chris McGill, cofounder of Card Ladder and a passionate collector. Chris reflects on his past National experiences, including the unforgettable moment he tracked down a true PC unicorn: the 2017 Select Black 1/1 Christian McCaffrey. We dive into what he's hunting for this year (Jokic 1/1, 90s MJ golds), the value of spontaneity vs. planning, and why trade nights have become vital to the show’s ecosystem. He also offers a glimpse into how Card Ladder views its booth — not as a marketplace, but as a community hub for collectors to connect, charge up, and show off their favorite cards. From tips for first-timers to insights into where the hobby may be headed post-Panini, this episode is packed with thoughtful takes and real collector passion. 🎤 Hosted by Jeremy Lee 📍 Presented in partnership with The National Sports Collectors Convention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices