Bodnars Bids and Banter

Joe, Maureen, and Christian discuss upcoming auctions featuring estate jewelry, comic books, and unique collectibles. They break down the work that goes into cataloging large collections, how condition and grading impact value, and why auctions continue to reveal surprising results. From hidden estate treasures to shifting collector trends, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at life inside an auction house.

Gold has skyrocketed to historic highs — and silver isn’t far behind. Joe and Maureen break down what’s driving the precious metals market, why melt value is impacting jewelry auctions, and what it means for sellers right now. They also preview an upcoming 360+ lot jewelry sale, estate coin collections, and a diverse comic book auction — plus the usual behind-the-scenes stories from life at Bodnar’s.

🎙️ Episode 28: Kevin Smith Auction Recap, Bidding Wars & What’s Next Joe, Maureen, and Christian recap an unforgettable live auction at Smodcastle Cinemas, where Kevin Smith joined Joe on stage to sell rare movie props, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind items. They break down why scarcity fuels bidding wars, how emotions drive prices, and what really happens behind the scenes during a high-profile auction. The episode also previews what’s coming next for Bodnar’s Auctions, including Barbie Silkstone dolls, vintage trains, discovery sales, and antiques, as the team looks ahead to a big 2026.

🎙️ Episode 27: Harry Potter Cards, Grading Reveals & Auction Strategy Joe and Maureen sit down with Lisa Singer, a former Warner Bros. writer who worked behind the scenes on Harry Potter consumer products, to discuss an extraordinary Harry Potter trading card collection headed to auction. They break down how the cards were acquired, the grading process, major autograph reveals, and how auction strategy plays a critical role in maximizing collectible value. A must-listen for collectors, Harry Potter fans, and anyone curious about the world of high-end trading cards.

🎙️ Episode 26: Year in Review, Hoarder Houses & Gold Toilets Joe, Maureen, and Christian close out 2025 with a hilarious and honest year-in-review. They cover everything from childhood dog stories, their cat’s meltdown, and a $12 million gold toilet, to massive hoarder house pickups, ancient coins, pop-culture banks, arcade memorabilia, unpaid bidders, and government laws affecting small auction houses. They also talk about the emotional ups and downs of the year, the big wins, the setbacks, and why 2026 is all about prioritizing what truly matters — family, balance, and great collections.

In this hilarious Thanksgiving special, Joe, Maureen, and Matt share stories from band competitions, benefit auctions, and school chaos. Matt talks about becoming a two-time state champion, MetLife Stadium memories, and the unexpected drama behind marching band competitions. Joe and Maureen recount years of benefit auction adventures—from elegant museum galas to small-town fundraisers gone wrong. They also dive into parenting, PTO politics, and the legendary “no-parking sign” saga that proves there’s no drama like elementary school drama. It’s a heartfelt and hilarious mix of auction tales, family banter, and holiday gratitude—with a few rebellious stories thrown in for good measure.

Joe and Maureen share hilarious and heartfelt stories about marching band life, late-night competitions, and the chaos of being band parents. From cheerleading and drumlines to the “hot dog band” debate, it’s nostalgia and noise all rolled into one! Then, they shift gears into the world of hoarding and estate cleanouts, recalling wild finds, packed basements, and the importance of knowing when to sell. Joe wraps with an exclusive preview of the December 10th Art Auction, featuring 500+ pieces of fine art, mid-century works, and the final collection from the Brooklyn Hoard.

Joe and Maureen celebrate 10 years together and share how a casual visit to a produce auction turned into a 400-pumpkin buying spree. From pumpkin bidding wars to a full-blown front-yard pumpkin stand, it’s a hilarious look at the Bodnars’ endless creativity. They also discuss their annual yard sale, upcycling success stories, and how they’ve turned leftovers into profit. Joe breaks down the record highs in gold and silver, explaining what’s driving the market and how collectors can make smart moves.

From auction law debates to flatware fiascos, this episode covers the highs and lows of live auctioneering. The team unpacks Mecum’s controversial “sold then reopened” moment, recalls sterling and jewelry mistakes, and shares fan mail about flipping rare stamps into thousands. Joe tells wild stories of chasing down a buyer at the Golden Nugget flea market and publicly calling out thieves mid-auction. The episode closes with details on the upcoming October two-day sale and Bodnar’s annual toy drive, including the unforgettable Christmas miracle of a little boy’s wish come true.

From over-the-top surprise parties to Cape May near-disasters, this episode is packed with wild stories. Joe and the crew dream up their own Mummers troupe, share hilarious memories of antique shows and video store rentals, and talk about family rivalries at yard sales. They also preview the upcoming two-day October auction featuring the extraordinary collection of Amel Wojcik: Chinese export porcelain, museum-quality antiquities, Mesopotamian relics, Egyptian jewelry, rare watches, and even his 1993 Mercedes-Benz. A legacy sale you won’t want to miss.

In this special family edition, Joe Bodnar welcomes three generations of Bodnars to the mic! Together they share stories of Elvis Presley, Graceland trips, unforgettable weddings, and the golden years of Bodnar’s Auctions. They recall scooters and hoverboards in the Expo Center, VHS recordings of old auctions, and the family’s classic 1996 Lincoln Town Car (complete with a movie cameo). Plus, Joe’s son Matthew “Maddie B” sets his sights on becoming the next Bodnar auctioneer—with plans to call his first items this summer.

This week’s episode goes down the rabbit hole—literally! From planning a surprise Alice in Wonderland–themed party 🎉 to discovering our brand-new auction mascot Gavilton the Bear 🐻, it’s one of the wildest episodes yet. Joe, Erica, Danny, and Tracy dive into everything from furry culture, mascot salaries, and AI creativity to the importance of detailed cataloging in auctions. Plus—get a sneak peek at next week’s incredible 800-piece Wedgwood Jasperware collection that’s packed with rare colors and unusual finds. ⭐ Highlights: Surprise Alice in Wonderland–themed party prep 🎩🐇 The birth of Gavilton the Bear: Bodnar’s official auction mascot 🐻 Furries, mascots, and why being in costume is serious business 🎭 AI tools, photo editing, and how cataloging has changed the auction world 🤖 Lazy auction houses vs. Bodnar’s detailed standards 📸 Upcoming 800-piece Wedgwood Jasperware collection with rare colors 💎 💬 Question for You: If you could design a mascot for your favorite business or hobby, what would it look like? 🌐 Check Out Our Upcoming Auctions: BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

A mascot is born! In this episode, Joe, Erica, Danny, and Tracy unveil the latest (and furriest) member of the Bodnar’s crew: Gavelton the Bear! 🐻 From party prep and pop culture tangents to smart AI tools changing the way they catalog, it's another hilarious and insightful week at the auction house. Also in this episode: AI tools vs. manual photo editing 📸 Why auction descriptions and transparency matter more than ever What 13,000+ deleted photos tell you about their workload A sneak peek at the upcoming 800+ piece Wedgwood Jasperware collection And yes… furries, mascots, and Gavilton’s possible crime-fighting side gig? Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the unpredictable world of Bodnar’s Auctions. 📩 Email your auction stories or mascot suggestions to: [email protected] 🌐 Browse upcoming sales at: www.bodnersonline.com

What happens when you hand the mic to the “rookies”? You get the most chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt episode yet. Joe, Maureen, Danny, Tracy, and Tom dive into: How they ended up at Bodnar’s Why physical therapy is saving Joe’s neck (literally) Confessions about stuffed animals, hoarding pillows, and Star Trek loyalty And yes… multiple stories about nude beaches (again, yep—really) Plus: why vintage books still suck, the psychology of collections, and what it means to auction off someone’s lifetime. 🔥 Topics Covered: Rookie team perspectives after nearly 2 years on the job Stimming with stuffed animals and hoarding childhood comforts Joe’s nudist beach history and running into clients in the buff Evolving photography, auction platforms, and pricing post-pandemic Haunted jewelry, hypnotized bidders, and million-dollar movie posters 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s the one childhood item you'll never get rid of—and why? 📩 @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction  

Snow globes, yard sales, haunted t-shirts, and a whole lot of banter! In this episode, Joe, Maureen, and Erica break down the massive success of the latest Disney auction—complete with $1,100 snow globes and $100-an-inch figurines. We dive into the mystery of why people keep ghosting us on t-shirt lots, share our favorite toy memories (yes, the baby dinosaur from Dinosaurs is back), and get weird with tongue ring mishaps and questionable art. Oh—and Christian still doesn’t know who Balki is. 🔥 Topics Covered: Highlights from the record-breaking Disney auction Dealing with chargebacks, haunted merch, and the return of life-size Yoda A look ahead at the next toy sale featuring rare diecast, Star Wars, and vintage Funkos Hilarious VHS nostalgia and 90s toy talk Favorite toy memories from R2-D2 to Tony Hawk to tabletop Pac-Man 💬 Join the Conversation: What's the most ridiculous toy you still have in your collection? 📩 @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

What do Google reviews, vintage jewelry, and blown-out sound systems have in common? Apparently, everything. Joe, Maureen, Danny, and Janet are back with an unfiltered episode about customer feedback manipulation, tech scams, and the upcoming 500+ lot jewelry sale packed with antique, Deco, and costume pieces. There’s also a lot of reminiscing—from early auction days with 200 jewelry showcases to sound systems that could shake a stadium. Oh, and yes—Joe admits to having FOMO. 🔥 Topics Covered: How Google reviews are holding businesses hostage $850 for a sound bar?! Why retail still stings Upcoming 500+ lot jewelry auction breakdown: Deco, Victorian, Coro, and QVC Social media influencers discovering the auction world Flashbacks to speaker wars, DJ auctions, and warehouse vibes 💬 Join the Conversation: What retail purchase made you question your entire existence? 📩 @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

🎙️ Bodnar’s Bids and Banter Podcast - Episode 15: Live Auctions, Real Estate, and VIP Bidding with Max Spann Jr. In Episode 15, Joe and Maureen sit down with Max Spann Jr.—real estate auction powerhouse, past president of the NJSSA, and longtime friend of the show—for a candid conversation about the future of auctions. They reminisce about auctioning million-dollar farms, launching VIP bidder programs, and the chaotic (but fun) days of live events, crowd management, and coffee-fueled marathon sales. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or just curious about the auction world, this episode will pull back the curtain on what really goes down behind the mic. 🔥 Topics Covered: Real estate auctions vs. personal property sales: the inside scoop How Max and Joe teamed up for massive municipal auctions and private estate deals What bidders really want—and why hybrid auctions may be the future Tales from the auction floor: exhaustion, excitement, and emotional sellers Why trust, transparency, and human connection still matter in the age of AI 💬 Join the Conversation: Would you ever buy a home at auction? Let us know why or why not! 📩 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

The holidays came early in this festive episode as Joe, Maureen, Danny, and Tom break down their visit to an elite vintage Christmas show. We're talking $22,000 snowmen, bottle brush trees, mirrored ornaments, and a tree-spinning Regina music box that blew their minds. They also get serious with a cautionary tale about a client who may have been scammed out of four tackle boxes of gold and Native American jewelry—no contract, no receipts, and lots of regret. From Civil War memorabilia and political buttons to queer history and auction ethics, this episode is packed with emotion, education, and plenty of laughs. 🔥 Topics Covered: Incredible finds from a top-tier vintage holiday collectible show What to look for (and avoid) in estate sales & consignment deals How historic objects help preserve identity and community stories Civil War drums, LGBTQ+ archives, and a Regina music box for your Christmas tree Joe’s origin story: from paperboy to auction pro 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your most valuable or sentimental holiday collectible? 📩 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

Mike Zapcic is back! The comic book guru and Comic Book Men fan favorite joins Joe and Maureen for an hour of pure pop culture auction chaos. From Avengers #151 to a massive multi-day comic sale, this episode dives deep into collecting, nostalgia, and even a moment when Joe and Maureen told each other to go f* themselves**—and why it actually saved the auction. Mike also shares how he cut up comic ads as a kid, why encyclopedias still matter, and what it was like growing up with six older brothers and a mountain of broken toys. 🔥 Topics Covered: The upcoming two-part auction with 144+ long boxes of comics Why Avengers #151 “punched Mike in the face” (in a good way) Auction pickup horror stories—from squatters to drunks and angry landlords Eleanor Roosevelt letters, vintage telephones, and pristine matchbox cars Why hardcover comics are underrated—and also great to drum on 🥁 💬 Join the Conversation: What comic book or childhood collectible still lives in your heart (or attic)? 📩 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

In Episode 12, the Bodnar crew goes off the rails in the best way possible—recapping a chaotic team photo shoot, swapping stories of 90s mall culture, and diving deep into the May 22nd Disney + Collectibles Auction featuring Nightmare Before Christmas, Peter Pan, Snow White, and more. Expect tales of abandoned asylums, creepy estate cleanouts, and the $10,000 Fenton glass piece they accidentally undersold. It’s a wild mix of haunted finds, broken toys, and mall food memories (plus a rant about Ronald Reagan for good measure). 🔥 Topics Covered: Sears photo day chaos & Danny’s perfect poses The ghost of the Woodbridge Mall and 7 witch bumps in the road 🌒 What’s in the May 22 Disney + Collectibles Auction: WDCC, Lladro, Armani, Swarovski Joe’s toy trauma: the fire truck he broke as a kid—and still regrets 🧸 Why people hoard broken collectibles (and what they’re really worth) Pop culture trends that revive the auction market overnight 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s the one toy, movie, or collectible you wish you never let go of? 📩 Send your story to: BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

This episode brings the madness! Joe Bodnar and the team share the highs and lows of auction life, including scoring a suitcase of silver coins, surviving a bedpan fight, and dealing with the rollercoaster of post-pandemic antique and art sales. You’ll hear the real, behind-the-scenes stories of how auctions survive when the market shifts, what happens when customers lose their minds, and the most outrageous dumpster finds we've ever had. 🔥 Topics Covered: Selling a Blue Comet Lionel train set and rare coins How a suitcase of pirate silver made it to auction The time a bedpan became a weapon during an auction fight 🤯 Why art and antiques are a totally different game post-pandemic Tips on how to avoid losing money on collectibles 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s the weirdest (or coolest) thing you’ve ever rescued from being thrown away? 📩 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

This isn’t your average episode—Kevin Smith, creator of Clerks, Mallrats, and Jay and Silent Bob, joins the crew to talk about fandom, nostalgia, and the crazy world of collecting. We relive the auction that changed everything—when Kevin unearthed a forgotten binder of comic art and partnered with Bodnar’s for a six-figure auction. He shares his honest reaction, what it was like seeing Joe in action for the first time, and how that moment inspired him to put Joe in a future film! 🔥 Topics Covered: Kevin’s secret stash: how one dusty binder brought in over $100K Why “loving what you love” can lead to unexpected success SMarction: the Kevin Smith auction event at Smodcastle The art of auctioneering—and why Joe’s voice is movie-worthy Collecting as passion vs. profit: where does the heart lead? 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s one item from your collection that tells a story? Let us know! 📩 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

In this episode, we go deep into the wild world of auctions—featuring smutty comic books that sold for thousands, a $5,000 Star Wars box lost and found a year later, and the team’s honest thoughts on online trolls, negative reviews, and shipping disasters. The crew also opens up about the stress of packing giant pop culture sales, why photographing toys is a nightmare, and how it felt when one of their podcast clips went mini-viral. 🔥 Topics Covered: How "smut sells" dominated the latest comic book sale A shipping horror story from Australia—featuring crushed boxes and happy endings A peek behind the curtain: responding to negative Google reviews & trolls The difficulty of photographing reflective toys and handling angry bidders Why some buyers don’t want others to know about Bodnar’s… and how that affects reviews What’s coming in the final installment of the McFarlane Toys collection sale 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you had a ridiculous customer experience or shipping disaster? Tell us your story at: 📩 [email protected] 🔗 Browse Our Upcoming Auctions: 🌐 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

This week’s episode is a rollercoaster of auction adventures, shocking stories, and real-world tips. Joe, Maureen, Danny, and Tracy dive into the world of scammy art sales, vintage collectibles, and bizarre behind-the-scenes mishaps (including wasp attacks and misplaced orchids!). We also preview our upcoming art auction, spotlighting a wild range of items from high-end lithographs to bronzes and Victorian revival pieces. Plus, don’t miss Joe’s Beyond the Gavel segment—where a broken totem pole shocked everyone with its final bid. 🔥 Topics Covered: The dark side of TV art auctions and how they trick buyers Auction war stories: setup fails, acrylic cases gone wrong, and bee invasions 🐝 Inside GIA: What it’s really like to study diamonds at the Gemological Institute of America Why market manipulation is a real threat—and how reputable auctions do it differently Beyond the Gavel: How a busted totem pole sold for over $2,600! 💬 Join the Conversation: Ever made or missed a big score at an auction? Tell us your story or send it to: 📩 [email protected] 🔗 Explore Our Upcoming Auctions: 🌐 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us: Instagram: @BodnarsAuction Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

This episode is one for the books! Join Joe Bodnar, his father, and his son as they share stories from three generations of auctioneers. From the very first Bodnar sale to the massive auctions of today, we take a look at how the business has evolved—and all the chaos that comes with it! 🔥 Topics Covered: The first-ever Bodnar auction and how it all started 🏛️ Crazy auction memories—from stolen goods to unexpected bidding wars The worst auction fails—including an entire sale ruined by rain 🌧️ Why collecting trains, antiques, and memorabilia runs in the family The strangest customer encounters we’ve ever had 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your most memorable auction experience? Tell us your story in the comments! 🔗 Check Out Our Upcoming Auctions: 🌐 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us on Social Media: 📸 Instagram: @BodnarsAuction 📘 Facebook: @BodnarsAuction  

This episode is jam-packed with some of the craziest stories yet! Joe, Maureen, Erica, and Tracy tackle everything from LEGO and Funko Pop trends to bizarre customer interactions—including a flogging incident that left us speechless! We also break down the latest auction results, discuss why some collectibles are skyrocketing, and share behind-the-scenes moments from our biggest sales. 🔥 Topics Covered: LEGO madness! How some sets are worth $1,000+ Boba Fett & Star Wars auctions—Did this figure go for a fair price? The most insane customer experience EVER… and it involves flogging 😳 Why non-paying bidders hurt auctions—and how we deal with them 🚨 Funko Pop trends—Are they still worth collecting?

This episode is packed with customer chaos! Joe, Maureen, Janet, Tracy, and Erica dive into the wildest stories from the auction world—including fake names, outrageous customer calls, and one hoarder who called three times a day! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming comic book auction featuring rare key issues and collectibles. 🔥 Topics Covered: Who is Dolores? The fake alias used for difficult customers! That time Joe accidentally became "John Bodnar" thanks to a printing mistake. Myrna, the hoarder who made bizarre requests from a nursing home. How customer service in the auction world gets out of control. Preview of our upcoming comic book sale—major key issues and hot collectibles! 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever dealt with a bizarre customer or wild phone call? Tell us your story in the comments! 🔗 Check Out Our Upcoming Auctions: 🌐 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us on Social Media: 📸 Instagram: @BodnarsAuction 📘 Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

This episode is packed with auction-world chaos! Joe, Maureen, Janet, Tracy, and Erica dive into the reality of fire-damaged antiques, extreme hoarder house cleanouts, and the unexpected collectibles that come from it all. From a jaw-dropping Dresden collection to the debate over saving a historic Freehold Raceway program, this episode is full of auction knowledge, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs. 🔥 Topics Covered: What happens when antiques survive a fire? Hoarder house horrors: How do you handle extreme clutter? The Dresden collection that took years to assemble—and minutes to sell! Can modern collectibles, like raceway programs, become valuable in the future? The ongoing evolution of Bodnar’s Auctions and what’s next for the business. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s the most unusual or fire-damaged collectible you’ve ever come across? Share your thoughts in the comments or message us—we’d love to hear your stories! 🔗 Check Out Our Upcoming Auctions: 🌐 BodnarsAuction.com 📲 Follow Us on Social Media: 📸 Instagram: @BodnarsAuction 📘 Facebook: @BodnarsAuction

In this action-packed episode of Bodnar’s Bids and Banter Podcast, Joe, Maureen, Danny, and Tracy share jaw-dropping stories from the auction world. From uncovering haunted items to handling radioactive materials, this episode is full of unforgettable moments. Plus, the team dives into an incredible collection of Star Wars collectibles, including rare graded action figures and autographed items.

In the second episode of Bodnar's Bids and Banter, Joe Bodnar and his team share hilarious stories of auction mishaps and colorful characters, including the memorable antics of their longtime employee, Jeff. With festive holiday vibes and a few surprising revelations, this episode is packed with laughter, camaraderie, and a glimpse into the wild world of auctions.

In the debut episode of Bodnar's Bids and Banter, Joe Bodnar dives into the excitement of a high-stakes auction featuring rare vintage toys and unexpected treasures. Along the way, he shares insider tips for first-time bidders and reveals the surprising story behind a sought-after collectible.