Behind the Breaks

Episodes

1. 1

   Welcome to the Sports Trading Card Hobby’s Most Exciting Podcast!

   Welcome to Behind the Breaks, the ultimate podcast for trading card enthusiasts, collectors, and hustlers. Every card tells a story, and we’re here to share them. In this kickoff episode, hosts Matt and RJ pull back the curtain on what makes the trading card community so special and share their...

   Jul 26, 2026

   3m
2. PSA Scores 3.7X the DOJ Monopoly Threshold — Their Lawyers Say It Was All to Help You | E59 Final

   PSA and Collectors Holdings filed a motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit — and their defense? "We did it to meet demand." We break down the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), the actual Department of Justice standard for measuring monopolies, and why PSA's score of 6,728 is 3.7X the federal...

   Jun 15, 2026

   41m
3. PSA: Trusted or Tolerated? The Question Shaping the Sports Card Hobby | E58 BTB

   The sports card hobby never slows down.In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest stories in the hobby: the reported controversy surrounding PSA grading and the growing debate about card cleaning, grading consistency, submission backlogs, and collector trust.We also break down the massive...

   Jun 11, 2026

   1h 03m
4. A $1.35 MILLION Card That Doesn't Exist?! | Hobby Boom or Hobby Bubble? | E57

   The sports card hobby just posted a staggering $606 million month, but is that a sign of a healthy market... or something else?In this episode of Behind the Breaks, we dive into the latest hobby headlines, including:• The massive surge in card sales and what it really means• A Josh Allen…

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   Jun 1, 2026

   41m
5. NO PSA MAY Gets REAL + TAG’s Historic First 1000 Grade | E56

   RJ’s at it again! You have to hear this one! What started as a normal drive from Phoenix to Vegas quickly became an off-road survival story through the Arizona desert after wildfires shut down the highway. Dirt roads. No signal. Google Maps failing. Semi trucks disappearing into the wilderness.…

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   May 18, 2026

   56m
6. Should I Sell My Entire Sports Card Collection Before The Market Crashes? | E55

   RJ is 80% ready to liquidate his entire sports card collection… and we are here for it. The process has already started... but listen to this one and hear his rationale. With fears of an MLB lockout, changing card prices, and too much cardboard piling up, we debate: • Selling grails • Keeping...

   May 15, 2026

   18m
7. PSA Is Being SUED… And Nobody Stopped Submitting Cards | E54 BTB

   The hobby is booming… but something feels off.In this episode, we break down everything happening around PSA right now—from a new antitrust lawsuit to missing high-value submissions, price hikes, and ongoing controversy around grading consistency.Even more surprising? PSA just set a record with...

   May 4, 2026

   56m
8. Should He Sell His Entire Card Collection?! (80% Serious…) | E52

   RJ drops a bombshell—he’s seriously considering selling his entire sports card collection. Years of collecting, rare cards, one-of-ones, and serious value… all potentially gone.Is this a smart move ahead of a possible baseball market dip?Or a decision he’ll regret instantly?We get into:What his...

   Apr 21, 2026

   18m
9. Everything Going On in Sports Cards Right Now | E52

   We kick things off in San Diego with an unforgettable night at a Padres game — insane atmosphere, elite fan experience, and a walk-off grand slam from Xander Bogaerts that had the stadium going crazy.But that’s just the beginning…We dive deep into the Topps Industry Conference in Phoenix — and…

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   Apr 13, 2026

   45m
10. MLB Is BACK… But Are Baseball Cards Just Gambling Now?! | Rookie Hype, $474K Mistake & Wild Prices

    Baseball is BACK—and so is the chaos.In this episode, we dive into the first week of the MLB season, where rookies are exploding, prices are going insane, and the line between collecting and gambling is getting thinner than ever.From a $474,000 card that might already be a regret… to unknown...

    Apr 7, 2026

    40m
11. Sports Card Casino: TAG vs PSA (again), Big Bets, and Opening Day Buys | E50

    We’re back—and this one hits everything happening in the hobby right now.RJ breaks down his recent experience with TAG grading—from hitting multiple 10s to taking a tough (but completely justified) 9—and why the transparency might completely change how collectors think about grading… especially…

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    Mar 31, 2026

    44m
12. Sports Card Chaos: Grading Scandals, AI Takeover, Redemption Ethics & Breaker Hacks (MLB 2026)

    We go deep into the biggest debates shaping the sports card hobby heading into the 2026 MLB season.From grading transparency to AI disruption, redemption card ethics, and even a brand-new breaker strategy that could change the game… this episode covers it all.We kick things off with a hilarious...

    Mar 23, 2026

    49m
13. He Found a $500,000 Aaron Judge Card After 13 YEARS… And Had No Idea | E48

    A collector just walked into a card show with a box of old cards… and walked out sitting on a potential $500,000 monster.In this episode, we break down the insane story of the long-lost 2013 Aaron Judge Bowman Chrome Superfractor that was hiding in a collection for over a decade — and how one...

    Mar 2, 2026

    41m
14. The 1952 Mickey Mantle Chase Is Breaking the Baseball Card World | E47

    Baseball season is heating up and so is the hobby. In this episode, we dive into the biggest story shaking the card world: a redemption for a legendary Mickey Mantle card hidden inside Topps Series 1. We break down what it means, who might pull it, and why this one card could instantly change...

    Feb 16, 2026

    31m
15. The Godfather of Autos: Dennis Sidler on Prospects, Chris Sale & The Secret to the Perfect Pen

    Join us as we sit down with Dennis Sidler, the “Godfather of Ink” and founder of Sid’s Graphs, a legend in the autograph and sports collecting world. From selling his first collection to fund college to signing Miguel Cabrera as his first prospect, Dennis shares his journey, business insights…

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    Feb 9, 2026

    32m
16. Leaked Documents EXPOSE the Card Hobby? Breakers, Fanatics & Grading Drama

    The sports card hobby has been WILD lately — leaked documents, breaker drama, grading company shakeups, and serious questions about whether the playing field is still fair.In this episode, we break down:• The leaked industry documents everyone is talking about• Are big breakers getting better...

    Feb 5, 2026

    11m
17. MLB Network’s “Best Lineup” Is WRONG?! Card Values, Hot Takes & a Wild PSA 1 Strategy

    This time - we react to @MLBNetwork 's projected “best lineup in baseball” — and let’s just say… we have some strong opinions. From Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Corbin Carroll in the outfield to debates at shortstop, first base, and starting pitcher, we break down who belongs, who doesn’t, and…

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    Feb 2, 2026

    31m
18. We're Testing AI Card Grading & PSA Should Be Nervous | E44

    We're back together and diving straight into the biggest conversations in the hobby right now.RJ has been deep in the lab — inspecting cards with a digital microscope, precision tools, and prepping submissions like never before. But this time, it’s not just PSA… we’re talking AI grading, TAG...

    Jan 26, 2026

    37m
19. Buying Cards With Intent in 2026 | Budgeting, Grading, Breaks & the State of the Hobby

    This week on Behind the Breaks, RJ goes solo—broadcasting from the car during track practice—and dives deep into a personal reset for the hobby in 2026.With product releases piling up, grading timelines stretching out, and breaking formats evolving fast, this episode focuses on buying with…

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    Jan 21, 2026

    31m
20. PSA Scandals, Beckett Shock & Grading Chaos — The Hobby Is at a Breaking Point | [E41]

    The final episode of the year — and we couldn’t script this if we tried.In this episode, we break down everything shaking the hobby right now:• The ongoing PSA controversy and why trust is becoming the real issue• The shocking sale of Beckett and what it means for grading competition• SGC’s...

    Dec 23, 2025

    29m
21. What the Hell Is Going On in the Hobby? PSA Buybacks, Panini Lawsuits & Topps Cuts | E40

    We're back from vacation and stepping straight into hobby chaos. PSA buybacks DRAMA. Lawsuits flying. Products getting worse while prices stay the same. And collectors left asking the same question:What the hell is going on in the hobby?This episode pulls no punches as we break down the biggest...

    Dec 15, 2025

    32m
22. MLB WINTER MEETINGS CHAOS: We Predict the First Domino! And what about Bud Selig?! | E39

    Get ready for a fast, funny, unexpectedly deep dive into MLB Winter Meetings, the offseason card market, and PSA’s grading chaos — all while Matt records from “vacation camouflage mode” and RJ slowly loses his mind over Yankees pitching - and BUD SELIG.In this episode of Behind the Breaks, Matt…

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    Dec 8, 2025

    37m
23. Ripping Balls! Chasing the Hidden Elves: 2025 Topps Holiday Ball Break

    We finally got our hands on the new 2025 Topps Holiday Balls and decided to open a couple on camera to see what the buzz is about. We walk through the full checklist, the Hidden Elf variations, and what collectors should expect from these retail balls.The break takes a few funny turns—some oddly...

    Dec 4, 2025

    13m
24. STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND LISTEN TO THIS - And DO NOT try this at home!

    RJ opens a 1987 pack of baseball cards and immediately decides the ancient stick of gum is a good idea. Spoiler: it’s not.But the real chaos starts when he tells the story of how, earlier that same day, he blasted swimmer’s ear solution up his nose thinking it was nasal spray. Burning nostril.…

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    Dec 2, 2025

    5m
25. Find $5 Autos Before They Spike: Pitcher Prospecting, Bowman Paper Value, & Wiffle Ball! | [E38] BTB

    In this episode of Behind the Breaks, Matt and RJ sit down with Zack Eustis — the creator behind “Zack’s Bowman Hacks” on TikTok — for one of the most detailed breakdowns of Bowman prospecting strategy in the hobby today.Zack explains how he identifies undervalued $5–$10 Bowman first autos before...

    Nov 25, 2025

    51m
26. How eBay Live Is Shaping the Hobby with Caroline Pougnier | [E37] Behind the Breaks

    Behind the Breaks sits down with one of the most important voices in the hobby today: Caroline Pougnet, Head of eBay Live. In this rare long-form interview, Caroline gives a detailed inside look at how eBay Live is transforming the trading card and collectibles market and what sellers, breakers,...

    Nov 17, 2025

    22m
27. Panini For Sale? Deep Thoughts On the Hobby’s Biggest Shake-Up | [Midweek] Behind the Breaks

    We’re back with a midweek episode of Behind the Breaks — and this one’s a good one. Matt and RJ break in the new studio, recap recent guests, and tackle the biggest headlines shaking the hobby.From Panini’s rumored sale to Fanatics’ growing monopoly, to World Series free agency, we’re diving deep...

    Nov 14, 2025

    28m
28. NFL Strength Coach Ron McKeefery on Turning $1 Cards into $100 Cards | [E36] Behind the Breaks

    This week, host Ron “Coach Mac” McKeefery — legendary NFL and college strength coach — reveals how he’s applying elite performance principles to the hobby, turning 1,000 one-dollar cards into 1,000 one-hundred-dollar cards.Whether you’re deep into the dollar box hustle or scaling your eBay Live...

    Nov 10, 2025

    50m
29. World Series Card Market Chaos: Otani, Kershaw, Vlad Jr. & NFL Midseason | [E35] Behind the Breaks

    The 2025 sports card market is heating up — and Behind the Breaks is here to break it all down. In this episode, Matt and RJ dive into the World Series frenzy and NFL midseason madness, delivering sharp collector insights, buy/hold/sell picks, and unfiltered hobby talk that serious collectors...

    Oct 27, 2025

    48m
30. Whatnot’s Eric Shemtov on New Repack Policy & the Future of Hobby Trust | [E34] Behind the Breaks

    Behind the Breaks returns with the most critical episode in show history. Matt and RJ sit down with Eric Shemtov, Head of Collectibles at Whatnot, for an in-depth discussion on Whatnot’s new Factory Sealed Surprise Product (Repack) Policy, going into effect November 3rd.This episode is essential...

    Oct 20, 2025

    45m
31. Topps’ Three Kings & the 1/1 Chase: What It Means for Collectors and the Market | Midweek

    This week’s Behind the Breaks midweek drop dives deep into the wildest new development in the hobby — Topps’ “Three Kings” program — where collectors who own all three 1/1s of a player (Bowman First Superfractor, Topps Chrome Rookie Superfractor, and MLB Debut Patch Auto) can claim an exclusive...

    Oct 19, 2025

    16m
32. Sports Card Taxes, IRS Crackdown, & Hobby Business Tips | [E33] Behind the Breaks

    If you sell on @whatnot , @eBay , @Fanatics , or anywhere online, the IRS is watching — and 2025 is bringing the biggest tax shakeup the hobby’s ever seen.In this episode of Behind the Breaks, we sit down with Jonny Petrucco, better known as @sportscardtaxguy an IRS Enrolled Agent, QuickBooks Pro...

    Oct 13, 2025

    1h 01m
33. Hobby Investing, Sports Analytics, & the Next Big Rookies | [E32] Behind the Breaks

    We’re diving deep into the crossover between sports card collecting, fantasy sports, and the futures betting world. In this episode, we sit down with Stephen, the creator behind Wild Card Sports, to unpack how he turned a passion for live sports commentary into one of the most data-driven brands…

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    Oct 6, 2025

    1h 01m
34. Wheel Spins, Big Gloves & Whatnot Chaos: Lessons From the Break Room

    We kick off a new chapter of the show — recording in our freshly built (and freezing) studio, “The Icebox.” For the first time, we’re in the same room, amping up the energy and bringing fresh insights from marathon Whatnot breaks.This episode dives deep into the business, chaos, and fun of live...

    Oct 6, 2025

    58m
35. BREAKERS Are NOT the Problem… They’re the FUTURE: Ziggy on Rules, Trust & AI [E27] Behind the Breaks

    In Episode 27 of Behind the Breaks, we sit down with @ZiggyNo to unpack some of the biggest issues and innovations shaping the hobby today. From calls for breaker regulation to transparency in pricing, the rise of AI in grading, and even PSA pulling in over $57M a month, Ziggy isn’t afraid to...

    Aug 25, 2025

    52m
36. $115 Megas at the Ballpark?! Wall of 50 Slabs, and Hobby Hot Takes

    The National is in the rear-view, but we’re fired up, redesigning the studio, and kicking off something special — our Wall of 50 Slabbed Cards. Twenty-five cards each, all with personal meaning (not just high dollar), and we want you to roast our picks.RJ recaps a recent trip to a Diamondbacks...

    Aug 18, 2025

    34m
37. Building a Sports Card EMPIRE w/ Bryan from Black Gold Sports Cards | [E 26] Behind the Breaks

    From working in a tax business to CEO of one of the fastest-growing breaking empires, Bryan from Black Gold Sports Cards shares his incredible journey. We dug into how he scaled from PSA submissions to running multiple live streams on Whatnot, Fanatics Live, and beyond.In this episode, Bryan…

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    Aug 18, 2025

    50m
38. What Really Happened at The National Card Show? 10 Honest Takeaways | [E25] Behind the Breaks

    We’re back from The National Sports Collectors Convention 2025 in Chicago, and this episode is our full recap and reaction. As credentialed media, not just hobbyists, we walked the floor, interviewed vendors, connected with breakers, and experienced the biggest trading card event in the world.In...

    Aug 4, 2025

    47m
39. 143 Card Challenge, New PSA Grading, & a Shocking Hobby Scandal | [E24] Behind the Breaks

    We’re packing our cases (smart ones, apparently) and heading to The National! In this episode, RJ reveals his insane quest to collect 143 base cards of one single player—Katie Zelem—for Parkside’s Project Purple challenge. Meanwhile, Matt’s hunting vintage Formula 1 and keeping an eye out for…

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    Jul 28, 2025

    41m
40. From Marvel Fan to Whatnot Star – Mar_Breaks Talks Hits, Tips, & Hustle | [Ep 23] Behind the Breaks

    Ever seen someone absolutely crush it in the Marvel card world? In this episode of Behind the Breaks, we sit down with Mary from Mar_Breaks one of the most exciting and high-energy non-sports breakers on Whatnot. Mary brings serious heat to every stream, and today she joins RJ and Matt to talk...

    Jul 21, 2025

    46m
41. 50 Card Hunt, Marvel PC & The Road to The National

    BTB is heading to Chicago with media credentials! We’ll be covering the show, meeting collectors, and dropping content daily. Got a card we should find or someone we should talk to? Let us know.Matt’s “Wall of 50” BeginsMatt’s hunting for 50 cards that mean something. First stop: The National. If…

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    Jul 16, 2025

    14m
42. Epic 20 Million Card Collection?! - The Big League Find | [E 22] Behind the Breaks

    The New York Times called it a "gold mine." We call it one of the most legendary hauls in the hobby. In this episode, Matt and RJ sit down with Tim from The Big League Find to uncover the wild stories, unbelievable pulls, and sheer joy behind one of the most epic sports card collections ever...

    Jul 15, 2025

    51m
43. Card Shipping Hacks, Hype vs. Value, & Boosting Sales: Pro Tips w/ John at Spring Hill Sports Cards

    In this episode of Behind the Breaks, we sit down with John Siebels, owner of Spring Hill Sports Cards and host of the Cycle and Four Downs podcast @SpringHillSportsCards John brings the fire—and the fundamentals—as he shares the passion that fuels his collecting, the mistakes that taught him how...

    Jul 7, 2025

    52m
44. Fake Babe Ruth Cards to Yankees Glory?! Andre Chiavelli's Epic Hobby Legacy!

    In this powerhouse episode of Behind the Breaks, we sit down with Andre Chiavelli, founder of the Vintage Sportscard Club and one of the most trusted names in vintage sports cards. With over 40 years in the hobby, Andre shares legendary stories from his start in 1971 flea markets to selling cards...

    Jun 30, 2025

    58m
45. Locked Out, Loaded Up & Hobby Bombs: Fanatics Fest, MLB Patch, & Vintage Sports Card Club EXCLUSIVE!

    🚨 Midweek Heat Incoming!This quick-hit show is packed with BIG energy, wild behind-the-scenes moments, and a look ahead at what’s coming to Behind the Breaks later this week.⚾️ What’s Inside:🔐 Locked Out During the Show?!RJ finds himself locked out of the studio mid-recording. We're talking...

    Jun 29, 2025

    22m
46. How to Buy Sports Card Collections, Invest in Vintage & Build a Collector’s Legacy

    This week, we sit down with collector and entrepreneur Rick B (Tik Tok @rbennink & IG @rbennink111) whose story captures the heart of the hobby: rediscovery, connection, and the long game of collecting with meaning.From ripping packs as a kid to coaching his son’s Little League team while hunting...

    Jun 23, 2025

    43m
47. MIDWEEK Drop: Topps 2024 Inception & a Wild Freddie Freeman Cloth Card Reveal

    In this week's Behind the Breaks Midweek Drop, Matt and RJ dive into the latest buzz across the hobby. From Topps 2024 Inception to 2025 Topps Series 2 and Bowman Mega Box drops, we’re breaking down what’s worth chasing—and why Inception might be the most underrated release of the year. RJ gets...

    Jun 19, 2025

    17m
48. Whatnot Breaker Shares on Live Hotel Room Breaks, F1 Cards & Building a Trading Card Community

    In this episode of Behind the Breaks, we sit down with Patrick, better known to collectors and Whatnot regulars as @dads_cards. Patrick’s story is one every hobbyist can relate to—what began as a childhood obsession with ‘80s baseball and hockey cards turned into a traveling card-breaking...

    Jun 16, 2025

    44m
49. MidWeek Drop: Giveaways, Prospects & the Yankee Squirrel?!

    🎧 Welcome to Behind the Breaks – Midweek Edition!This is your go-to drop for hobby talk, card chaos, and everything in between. We're back with baseball headlines, prospect hype, mystery cards, and a giveaway that could land you something epic.Here’s what’s inside this MIDweek episode:🔥 Massive...

    Jun 11, 2025

    15m
50. From Hollywood to Hobby Heat: How Jason of Hollywoo Cards Took Over the Breaking Game

    🔥 Ever wonder how a Hollywood TV writer became one of the most explosive live breakers in the sports card world? This week on Behind the Breaks, we sit down with Jason of Hollywoo Cards—now a frontman at Mamba Cards—to hear how he went from writing for MTV’s Ridiculousness and selling shows to...

    Jun 9, 2025

    49m