Sports Cards Nonsense

Papa Gio joins Mike and Jesse this week in the new studio. Mike has an update on a story from last week about a big trade at The National. Why won't Theo Von book Mike on his show? Mike's favorite PC pieces, and Jesse thinks it might be time to take a few wins in the hobby. 0:00 - Athletes joining non-sports breaks and ripping cases.  9:00 - Mike’s update on a trade at The National 24:20 - Mike is trying to get booked on a podcast, and places are trying to charge him 44:00 - Mailbag 51:15 - SCN Buy/Sell/Trade Group coming 57:00 - Mike’s favorite PC pieces 1:04:30 - Jesse would buy Peyton Manning 1:09:00 - Jesse on taking a few wins right now  1:11:20 - People need to be so much smarter with their money in the hobby Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The corporatization of the hobby has its positives, for sure: better products, higher values, etc. However, if big names and bigger money keep coming into the hobby, people will be forced out. Mike and Jesse dive into the latest round of big names with deep pockets entering the space. 0:00 - Intro 4:30 - Big money in the hobby forces more and more people out. 6:00 - Everything is more expensive now 9:10 - This is not a doom-and-gloom situation, but we are reaching a breaking point 12:10 - Is now the time to sell and get money where you can? Can everything keep going up? 24:00 - Cooper Flagg debut patch auto-pulled, and the reactions were priceless.  32:00 - Prison vs. Jail 44:00 - Collectors vs. Speculators  52:00 - Emotional ties to a card Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are joined by Shep in the studio for the first guest on the new set. Football season is almost upon us and Mike and Shep look at what will be a disappointing rookie class for 2026 and where collectors will go. Plus, the new CAP program from Topps for Card Shops and why they need to focus on maintaining a healthy ecosystem for the LCS's. Wrapping up with Good Charlotte and Josh Luber at our SCN studio at The National. 0:00 - Intro 6:00 - Football Season is upon us. When is a good time to sell football cards? 9:30 - Who is a buy/sell before the season, and why does Shep want to sell Joe Burrow now 17:00 - 2026 NFL Rookie Class  27:00 - Theft in the hobby  32:50 - WhatNot raising money 35:10 - Topps’ Retail Reserve is now the Collector Access Program and how it works. 50:10 - The hobby is currently at a crossroads where they need to decide if they want to make as much money now or help the hobby long-term. 55:30 - Will CAP fix things for the LCS vs. corporatization? Mike takes some positives from Topps at least responding to people's concerns.  1:00:00 - Why won’t the market accept multiple high-end grading companies at a time? 1:07:10 - What will the lockout in MLB do to pricing? 1:10:30 - Good Charlotte Joined Josh Luber in the SCN Studio! 1:30:00 - Wrapping up! Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of our favorite moments from The National that didn't make it into other podcasts this week. We have a roundtable with some of the personalities from the network. Interviews with the youngest and oldest new shop owners at The National. Plus, an interview with Adam Ireland and Papa Gio opens a box of mob cards. 0:00 - Intro 2:10 - Roundtable featuring Jesse, Doug Plagens, Alex from CleverCubanCards, and Alex Tressler 31:30 - Mike interviews the youngest and oldest new shop owners at The National 37:30 - Adam Ireland from eBay Collectibles joins Mike to discuss eBay's investment into the space 48:00 - BJ is joined by Papa Gio to open a special box of Mob Cards Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another jam-packed episode of Sports Cards Nonsense with Mike and Jesse. We're live in the new studio and the bounties for the Cooper Flagg Debut Patch are getting higher and higher. Plus, Bryan and Danny from Black & Gold Sports Cards stop by. We also hear from Logan Paul and Gary Vee from Jesse's panel with them and Gronk with Gio at The National. 0:00 - Intro to the new studio 2:30 - Are collectors experiencing post-National FOMO? 8:00 - Cooper Flagg Bounty 12:10 - Market Predictions for the rest of 2026 15:30 - Grading Shutdowns 21:00 - Bryan and Danny from Black & Gold Sports Cards Join the show 22:45 - How did the idea to bring Bart the Robot to The National come up? 43:55 - Gio on comps at The National after pushback from his Bobby Orr video Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was so much to take away from The National, and Mike and Jesse tried to pack it all into one episode. Plus, we got a first-timer's perspective from Mike, who helped film and edit much of our footage from the week. 0:00 - Intro and National Thoughts 5:00 - Favorite pickups at The National 19:45 - The National EQL Packs  29:30 - The viral story of the dad and son who stole a big Mahomes card 33:50 - Gio’s story with Gronk 44:00 - The PSA Experience Mike and Jesse had 48:00 - PSA not getting cards back by the end of the show. Plus, the demand for grading as a whole. 50:45 - Trade Nights at The National 58:00 - Mike joins after helping with The National Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Rubin joins Sports Cards Nonsense for an extensive conversation about Fanatics Collectibles, Topps, the future of sports cards, rising card prices, breakers, hobby shops, global expansion, and the changing collector experience. Recorded at The National, this interview examines Fanatics’ claim that it may have multiplied the size of the hobby, the company’s plans to grow collecting internationally, the success of its London store, and how athletes such as Lewis Hamilton, Tom Brady and LeBron James are helping introduce sports fans to trading cards. The conversation also covers Fanatics Fest, Topps’ direct hobby-shop accounts, entry-level versus premium-product pricing, sports-card supply and demand, celebrity collectors, non-sports cards, FIFA and the global future of the hobby. Topics: Fanatics Fest versus The National Fanatics’ growth in sports cards Global expansion and the London store Lewis Hamilton and celebrity collectors How Fanatics measures success Fanatics’ celebrity-authenticity rule Is the sports-card boom sustainable? Breakers versus hobby shops Card-shop pricing and allocations Why sports-card prices rise Topps direct accounts and distribution Is Fanatics making too much product? What Fanatics still needs to fix Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse and Gio kick off their Day 2 recap with voices that are almost gone after the MojoBreak x SCN party the night before, doing karaoke. Plus, Gio is joined by Doug Plagens of Nonsense on Ice on the SCN Media Network for a sit-down interview with Upper Deck President Jason Masherah to discuss Upper Deck's deal with Michael Jordan, the incredible run of rookies in the NHL, the Debut Patch project, and more. Follow Doug Plagens on Instagram: @DougPlagens Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gio is joined by Dalen from Junk Wax Vintage and Doug from MojoBreak as we look back at the first day of The National. Gio opens with some initial thoughts from the first day, including the incredible lines to get in. Plus, we touch on the PSA news from The National and more! Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Training Camps are starting across the NFL, and we welcome Joe Bartel from RotoWire to the show to look at the 2026 NFL Draft class as the season is on the verge of starting. Plus, an update on the eBay report from last week and looking ahead to The National. 0:00 - Update on eBay Patch Scammers, including trying to call one of the bad actors 12:00 - Gio responds to Darren Rovell's hot take 17:55 - How Fantasy Football can translate to cards with Joe Bartel 23:20 - How Fantasy Football differs from the card market34:37 - Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL rookie class for fantasy and cards 55:00 - Looking ahead to The National Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting right into it with a big update on the eBay patch-switching scandal. Plus, with the release of 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball, the big hits are starting to come out. Looking at a local shop near Gio and Jesse that pulled one of the product hits. 0:00 - Intro  2:00 - Gio’s update on the eBay patch-switching scandal 16:00 - Multiple big Ohtani’s have been hit from Chrome so far, including a local Tennessee shop hitting the Ohtani/Judge Dual Logoman auto 24:15 - Jesse is joining Logan Paul and Gary Vee 35:00 - PSA Grading University Boot Camp 38:00 - Interview with The National 46:25 - Mailbag Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse gives his recap from his time at Fanatics Fest and what his highlights were from his time in New York. Plus, an incredibly awkward story about meeting our social media manager. We are joined by Joe Drelich, Brian Coppola, and Jim Ryan from The National to preview the show. Plus, a very important message for those on social media about why the two shows aren't competitors and why they actually need each other for both to thrive. Also, Tim from BCW stops by to discuss all the happenings in the hobby. Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're attending The National for the first time or you're a seasoned collector, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of the biggest sports card show of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has never been a better time to sell a card, but there has also never been a worse time to open a box of cards. Gio and Jesse look at the reality that as things go up, it will price people out of the hobby. How much more expensive have hobby boxes gotten in comparison to other things we buy regularly? 0:00 - Jesse is back and feeling better 9:30 - Goodwin Champions has an interesting numbering scheme 15:00 - The state of the market 32:00 - Looking at the Brady market and how things have exploded 43:00 - How the market has moved over the last year, and could we see a correction at some point? Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gio is rolling somewhat solo as Jesse is out, but Adam Gray stops by to discuss his PC and the cards he regrets selling the most. Plus, Brendan joins to discuss the latest news with Upper Deck and Topps. 0:00 - Intro for Adam Gray 8:50 - Adam discusses his PC collection 12:10 - The one card Adam regrets selling the most 18:25 - His best piece of advice for collecting 23:00 - Upper Deck/Jordan Announcement  30:15 - Topps Announcement on Retail  40:30 - Mailbag Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shep joins the show with Jesse on the shelf sick. Gio and Shep dive into a conversation about the pricing of GOATs in the hobby and if they can all keep going up. Plus, are there any guys who still seem underpriced. 0:00 - Intro, and Shep is joining the show with Jesse out sick today.  7:00 - Someone brought in a collection to Shep, including some incredible pieces from the late 90s and early 00s.  15:30 - The National will be a great buying opportunity for dealers to find unique cards no one has seen before.  17:50 - Shep on why owning a shop is so fun for him 19:40 - Nothing gets Gio more excited than buying a big lot 29:30 - Will things slow down after The National? It’s been such a unique year in the hobby.  39:45 - Looking at GOATs and why they are gaining value 43:30 - Eventually the GOATs will drop down, but there is still a lot of room for growth for a lot of guys 51:00 - Looking at case hits from Topps and which will be the preferred ones like the Kaboom, Downtown, Color Blast, etc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lance Fensterman from Fanatics, the head of Fanatics Fest, joins Gio and Jesse to discuss the 2026 version of Fanatics Fest. Plus, a major announcement about the future of Fanatics Fest. We also get into the mailbag a bit, including the card you regret selling and much more! Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gio is back from vacation and discusses some pickups from his time on the road. LeBron is leaving the Lakers and looks set to head to the Warriors. What could it mean for the market? Plus, a recent release has had some serious issues for Jesse. 0:00 - Intro and Mike’s Vacation Recap  12:00 - LeBron announces he’s leaving the Lakers 15:30 - What team would help LeBron’s market most? 18:50 - Cosmic Football is the best set of the year for football 23:00 - Soccer Gio and the Soccer market in general with Brendan 42:40 - An issue with Topps Chrome Disney? 52:40 - Mailbag Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The card market shows no signs of slowing down, and Gio and Jesse discuss what to do in this market. Should you move PC pieces and buy back later? What about the cards you've been holding of liquid players? Plus, we hit the mailbag! 0:00 - AI Mike Reviews are rolling in 3:45 - When to sell a PC card or a card you were holding long-term 8:30 - General dynamics of the card market 19:00 - Giannis trade and what happens with his market now that he’s in Miami and not Boston 21:50 - Gio is interested in Lamelo Ball now that he’s in Minnesota 26:25 - Mailbag - No. 1 - buying older wax and what to avoid Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A busy weekend has Gio and Jesse recording at different times. Gio recaps the Nashville Card Show. Jesse interviews AI Mike about a wide variety of topics. Plus, a World Cup update, and how is Mike's Messi investment looking? 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Nashville Card Show Review 13:15 - Jesse Interviews AI Mike 29:20 - Jesse and Alan on the World Cup 44:00 - Wrapping Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special episode of SCN as Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, joins Gio and Jesse to discuss buying ONIT, the state of collecting, his journey from collector to business owner in the hobby, and more! 0:00 - Intro and setting up Alexis and his joy from the Knicks championship 5:00 - Alexis’ collecting background and how he got started 7:30 - The Nostalgia of Collecting 11:50 - Why buy ONIT, the ONIT model, and wanting to make the price point attainable for everyone. 28:50 - Advice Alexis has for people entering the hobby and looking to start a business 30:10 - The Importance of cardboard in a digital age 41:30 - Alex Tressler joins to recap his trip to Freedom 250. 56:30 - What Alex is seeing at card shows across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gio opens the show by gloating just a tiny bit about being right about the Wemby market and just how cheap you can grab a Silver Prizm PSA 10 now that the Knicks won the Finals. Plus, some speculation about PSA and Chris Thomas (Ataboy Cards) stops by! 0:00 - Intro/Time to talk sports cards 2:00 - NBA Finals recap, starting with Gio gloating about the Wemby pricing 12:00 - A PSA debate about when, if ever, we see PSA open up their value and bulk tiers again for grading. 24:40 - Chris Thomas from Ataboy Cards joins the show, and they discuss his background as Gio tries to convince him to quit his job. 36:10 - What Chris is working on now and how he’s setting up leaving the teaching world. 44:45 - How Chris goes about sourcing his cards and how he focuses on what to buy  50:00 - Discussing the business of sports cards and how to maximize your time  Recording 2 1:03:45 - The correlation between Instagram followers by league and popularity in the card market.  1:09:00 - Mike’s eBay Live card show this week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike opens with a discussion about Mike Trout that is really about Wemby. Plus, the latest on the NBA Finals after the Knicks epic comeback. 0:00 - Welcome to the card coaster 9:30 - Is it safe to buy Mike Trout right now? 16:20 - The Knicks Epic Comeback 23:40 - A debate about where to grade now? 27:20 - Entertainment Card Update 40:40 - World Cup Buy or Sell with Brendan 1:03:00 - Arena Club Bet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we go through the latest values of Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama, and other guys in the NBA Finals. Plus, Gary Vee joins the show to discuss 2026 Topps Chrome VeeFriends and also has a major announcement about the product. Wrapping up with a deeper dive on the market as a whole as we head into the summer. Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New people join the hobby every single day, and they need help. In this episode, Doug from MOJOBREAK joins to offer up some advice. Plus, is it time to buy or sell Jalen Brunson? 0:00 - Intro with Doug from MojoBreak 6:00 - Buy/Sell/Hold with Jalen Brunson 11:30 - Secondary wax prices seem to be leveling off.  14:50 - The entertainment section of the hobby is starting to really take off 17:20 - 1/1 Chases and should you grade a 1/1 22:20 - Grading mistakes new people make 39:00 - We are all nerds at heart, and while making money in the hobby is a business, we are all kids at heart chasing the players we love. Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the latest on Victor Wembanyama and his market after the Spurs upset the Thunder and are now the favorites over the Knicks in the NBA Finals. Who else could be a buy in the NBA Finals? Plus, what the Myles Garrett trade means for the hobby! 0:00 - Intro and why Boston Card Hunter is coming on today.  1:35 - Re-Visiting Mike’s Wemby Sale and why taking wins is important in this hobby 6:20 - Why Wemby feels different right now than other guys in the past, like Soto, Acuna, Giannis, etc.  9:00 - NBA Finals Best Buys 15:00 - Boston Card Hunter - Nick Andrews - joins the show! 24:00 - An unfortunate situation at a recent card show, which needs to be addressed, and how shows need to be a safe place for kids. 30:00 - When to take your wins and buying/selling active players 37:55 - Reaction to the Myles Garrett Trade Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we'll go through the latest on what we've heard about PSA pausing grading for lower tiers of grading. Which tiers are still available? Plus, what does it mean for the rest of the grading companies? 0:00 - PSA Pausing Value & Bulk Tiers of Grading 4:00 - The impact of TCG Grading on the market 5:50 - Grading won't stop, but where will people go? 32:50 - New Releases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke from Card Czar in New Hampshire joins to discuss what's going on in the hobby. Are we in a bubble? How do you manage a shop in 2026? Breaking vs. In-Store sales. Plus, how do you keep singles stocked in the store? 0:00 - Why is the studio a mess, but only on Mike’s side 5:15 - Making money at card shows right now.  18:00 - Mike's Wemby Update 26:00 - Luke from Card Czar joins the show.  35:40 - How social media is helping grow his business.  41:00 - Why the business is not just a breaking operation and the importance of getting the product in the hands of locals.  47:05 - Are we in a bubble? Luke certainly doesn’t think so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Gio and Jesse discuss how the hype around Wemby is at a fever pitch and that it might be time to sell. Also, why is Wemby vs. SGA close on the court but a landslide off the court? 0:00 - Intro/SCN Rewatchables 4:30 - Why you should sell your Wemby cards now 12:00 - Why SGA is a great player and on an all-time track, but his hobby relevance is significantly below Wemby 23:15 - Jeff Roberts joins to discuss the rise of local card shows around them.  39:00 - How hype and popularity will drive the NBA market more than skill and winning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are in Boston for Jack's Memorial. Brendan provides a quick intro, including details on Topps Chrome Sapphire Football dropping this week. We catch up on: Bowman Baseball with Aram Leighton Gordy's Unusual Collection and why he is a LeBron guy Doug from The Hobby Handbook on what is moving at card shows right now Plus, Mike and Jesse discuss secondary wax prices dropping into a more manageable range for consumers, and if it will continue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wax Prices have been going up, but Mike and Jesse have noticed that things are finally starting to level off on the secondary market. The lone exception is 2025 Topps Chrome NFL. Will 2026 Bowman buck the recent trend like NFL Chrome, or has the market completely settled down? In this episode, we cover: Papa Gio sits in for some fun on Jesse's latest injury woes 2025 WWE Topps Royalty bounties How high will the John Cena bounty go? Zach Stanley from We the Hobby joins Mike and Jesse We the Hobby's transition to eBay and how the relationship with Topps and Fanatics has remained strong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2026 Bowman Baseball is finally here and the prospect market is already going crazy! In this episode, Aram Leighton joins the show to break down the biggest names in the new Bowman release, the teams worth chasing, and the prospects that could explode in value over the next few months. We talk about players like Ethan Holliday, why certain teams are skyrocketing in price, and whether the hype is actually justified. We also dive into sleeper prospects, pitching talent, and the current state of the baseball card market heading into one of the biggest releases of the year. This episode covers: Which Bowman prospects are worth holding Which cards should probably be sold immediately The biggest value teams in the product Why prospecting is changing in baseball cards How the hobby is reacting to the 2026 Bowman checklist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PSA President Ryan Hoge joins the crew! This week, we’re going deep with the President of PSA to discuss their new fraud protection program, authenticity guarantees, and the future of the grading giant. Is PSA’s massive submission volume a sign of market health or a warning? The crew debates. Also in this episode... Fanatics x FIFA: What the massive new licensing deal means for the future of soccer cards and international collecting. Gear Up: A look at BCW’s new graded storage tech and the cold, hard realities of the hobby business. The Chaos: Plenty of market arguments and Sports Cards Nonsense energy. If you care about the market, the business, or just a good hobby debate, this one is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could compete against pro athletes and walk away with $1,000,000? In this episode, we sit down with Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, to break down Fanatics Games. This is an amazing competition where everyday fans go head-to-head with some of the biggest names in sports for a $2,000,000 total prize pool. We cover everything you need to know: The Road to Fanatics Games: We discuss how the qualifiers work and which cities are hosting challenges. How to Enter: Your guide to getting in on the action and securing your spot. Going Against the GOATs: What it is like competing against legends such as Tom Brady. Fanatics Fest NYC: What to expect at the premier sports fan festival in the world. This is not just another event. It is one of the most ambitious fan competitions ever created, and it is open to you! Learn More: https://www.fanaticsfest.com/road-to-games/knoxville Waitlist (for fans who’d like to show interest in participating in the Games Qualifier challenge): https://tickets.fanaticsevents.com/tickets/RTG-Knoxville-adfadsf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jesse and Alex take a real look at the current state of the sports card hobby and ask the question many collectors are starting to feel: Is this still fun? From rising prices and changing collector habits to the growing gap between casual collectors and big spenders, we break down what is actually happening right now and what it means for the future of the hobby. Whether you’re ripping wax, buying singles, or just trying to keep up, this is an honest conversation about where things stand and what might be coming next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upper Deck President Jason Masherah joins the show to break down one of the biggest moments in hobby history, the $4.25M Michael Jordan card sale. We dive into what makes this card so iconic, why it continues to set records decades later, and what it says about the current market. Jason also pulls back the curtain on sports memorabilia authentication, including how to spot real from fake, why authentication matters more than ever, and the risks collectors are taking without even realizing it. Plus, we get into: The most undervalued areas of the hobby right now How Upper Deck approaches scarcity, pricing, and collectors Why some memorabilia may actually be a better value than cards today And what the future of the hobby could look like If you collect cards or memorabilia, this is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we take a moment to honor Mike's stepfather, a true Boston sports fan, a family-first guy, and someone who left a lasting impact on everyone around him. This is a personal send-off filled with stories, laughter, and the moments that mattered most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topps Chrome Football is here, and the hobby reaction has been even crazier than expected. Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson break down the insane launch of Topps Chrome Football after a record-setting day that saw Sports Cards Nonsense generate nearly $197,000 in sales, shattering our previous high. They get into the real reasons demand exploded, why breakers and collectors may have underestimated the market, and whether these prices are a sign of a new level for the hobby or the peak before things come back down.They also talk through the product itself, including early reactions to inserts like Kaiju, Tecmo and Genie, huge sales for stars and rookies, and why cards for players like Jaxson Dart, Josh Allen and Tom Brady are already commanding massive prices. Plus, they debate whether Topps Chrome Football is simply too expensive, what this release says about hobby demand right now, and why some of the biggest breakers are furious about pricing and release-day strategy. Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/NONSENSE #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson are back from the Topps Industry Conference and joined by Jason Shepherd of Shep’s Cards to break down all the news out of Arizona, as well as one of the biggest release weeks in the hobby. They dive into the top takeaways from the conference, including what Topps revealed about the future of football products, the conversation around wax pricing, and what all of it means for collectors and shops. The episode also covers a packed product calendar, from Topps Chrome Football to Marvel Finest and Disney Neon, along with a bigger-picture discussion about hobby growth, market demand, and whether the release schedule is starting to feel too crowded. Later, they’re joined by Steve from Filthbomb Breaks to talk about Filthbomb’s expansion to eBay Live, why the platform is a major opportunity for singles, and the launch of Filthbomb’s first official sports break on eBay Live, Monday night at 6 pm ET. Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at Harrys.com/NONSENSE #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topps is bringing serious heat with Bowman Basketball, Cosmic Basketball and the return of Topps Football, but Mike Gioseffi has a big problem with how it’s all being rolled out. He opens the show with a rant on Topps flooding the market all at once after long gaps with almost no major releases, and explains why the timing is brutal for collectors trying to plan around multiple expensive product drops. At the same time, he gives Topps credit for what looks like a loaded stretch of releases, from Cosmic’s massive chase potential to Bowman Basketball’s return and the inserts that could help Topps Football be a major success. Then the episode shifts into a fun deep dive on underrated 90s inserts with Lane Dukart, including Penny Hardaway, Platinum Medallions, Flair Row 0 and other nostalgic cards that still feel under-appreciated in today’s market. Later, Gordy Bonker joins to break down what’s happening in vintage, why top-tier names like Mantle, Ruth and Jordan keep rising, and why he’s making the move from TikTok to eBay Live for his live selling show. Join Gordy's debut on eBay Live Sunday at 8 pm ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back as Mike shares the story of the biggest and most valuable sports card collection he's ever seen in person. The collection includes six-figure Shohei Ohtani cards, 1/1 autos, high-end Mike Trout, Bobby Witt Jr., Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Pujols and more, along with what Mike actually bought and how a deal like that comes together.From there, they get into the reality of moving big cards through eBay Live, why some cards make more sense for consignment, and what stood out after handling that much high-end inventory at once.Later in the episode, they react to the ongoing Topps website issues and ask a question a lot of collectors are asking right now: if regular buyers still cannot get product at launch, what does that mean for the long-term health of the hobby? And does Topps have any reason to change a system that keeps frustrating collectors?They also talk Fanatics Fest and the new Game Plan crossover bringing business and celebrity names into the space, then close with a fun mailbag covering modern parallels, favorite card colors and refractors, and whether 1990s inserts still have room to grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Jesse Gibson is joined by Joe Wysmierski for a mix of Opening Day baseball talk, hobby debate, and complete nonsense. Jesse rips 2025 Topps Update, 2025 Stadium Club, and 2026 Series 1 blasters while Joe breaks down what collectors should actually be hunting for, including Stadium Club image variations, green parallels, and the upside of ripping retail on a day like Opening Day. The episode also dives into the buzz around Select Football packaging and whether certain boxes really give away where the case hits are hiding. Beyond that, Jesse and Joe get into the Fanatics monopoly lawsuit being dropped, the state of eBay Live, why soccer cards could have a real runway with the World Cup coming, and Joe’s very honest thoughts on card shows. It’s a fun (and totally nonsensical) episode with a little bit of everything: opening day energy, hobby opinions, retail ripping, and the kind of banter that makes this show what it is. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off with promo code NONSENSE at ⁠shopmando.com⁠! #mandopod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani card prices are doing things the hobby rarely sees, and Mike, Jesse, Shep from Shep's Cards & Collectibles break down why the demand keeps rising.The guys react to the recent Ohtani vs. Judge dual Logoman sale and debate why an Ohtani solo card can still outpace a massive dual-player piece. They also dig into the bigger picture around Ohtani’s market, including why his cards keep climbing, why even common and lower-end inserts are getting real attention, and whether collectors should be grading more Ohtani cards from products like Cosmic, Pristine, and other chrome releases.Plus, Tory joins the show to preview DCSports87’s MLB Opening Day eBay Live event, part of eBay Live’s 48 Hours of Drops is taking place Thursday, March 26 & Friday, March 27.The DCSports87 stream will feature Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, with penny drops of his signed memorabilia, and a loaded lineup of baseball singles. Plus, Mike will be joining in-person -- Thursday at 6:30 pm EDT.Later, the conversation shifts to vintage Beckett nostalgia, old-school card values, eBay Live strategy, flipping singles, and a mailbag full of hobby questions.  Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off with promo code NONSENSE at shopmando.com! #mandopod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi takes a deep dive into flipping singles, the rapid growth of SCN’s singles business, what he’s learned from moving serious volume on eBay Live. Plus, why selectivity matters more than ever if you’re trying to build a profitable flipping operation. Then, he's joined by Corey Merriman AKA SlabSquatch to discuss which Topps wax products are actually worth buying right now. The guys take a detailed look at Bowman’s Best, Pristine, Gilded, and other Topps products through the lens of value, odds, resale, and what collectors are really getting for the money. Mike also gives an update on the ongoing Whatnot accountability debate, shares his thoughts on buyer vs. seller responsibility, and answers mailbag questions on where the singles market is headed, whether delayed grading turnarounds are pushing more collectors toward raw cards, and how to think about the best platforms for selling different kinds of inventory. Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Gibson and Alex of Clever Cuban Cards break down the explosive allegations involving Whatnot as hobby attorney Paul Lesko joins the show (13:48) to discuss the arbitration currently filed against Whatnot. Lesko, who is representing the plaintiffs, explains that while these are private proceedings rather than a public lawsuit, the stakes are just as high for the hobby. Then, with the Card Ladder 50 Index up 11% since the start of the year, Chris McGill of Card Ladder joins to share which stars are driving the current momentum and which are cooling off. Aaron Judge leads the pack with a staggering 64% increase. High-profile NFL quarterbacks are feeling the out of sight, out of mind effect, with Lamar Jackson down 18% and Jordan Love also seeing a decline. Meanwhile, GOATS like Tom Brady continue to increase in value. Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense  #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Jesse and Mike break down a historic week for the hobby. The headliner? The record-breaking $5.2 million sale of Aaron Judge’s 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor 1/1. The guys dive into the implications of this massive sale and debate the "modern vs. ultra-modern" labels in today’s market. The heat isn't just in baseball, though; the guys react to Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance and the subsequent spike in his card prices. Plus, they address the recent Bowman’s Best release, specifically the technical glitches and "add to cart" frustrations on the Fanatics website that have collectors on edge. Later, Weston Spece of Oak City Sports Cards joins the show to discuss his journey from a 5-year-old "Beckett Almanac" to running successful shops and launching the NextUp Card Show in Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bowman's Best takes center stage as Mike explains why it’s one of his favorite products every year, why this year’s release may actually rise in price after launch, and which names collectors should be watching. Later, Joe Wysmierski of Sports Card Confessions joins for a wide-ranging episode that starts with one of the all-time hobby pain stories: Joe reveals he was a Josh Rosen super collector. From there, the conversation turns into a fun and chaotic mix of hobby confessions, market takes, and the kinds of side roads only this show can take. They also get into how global events can create real card-market momentum, talk about the World Baseball Classic effect, why Shohei Ohtani still towers over almost everyone in the market, whether Juan Soto is being overlooked, and how much personality and fan connection really matter in the hobby. Plus, they dive into people scalping One Piece promo cards outside NCAA basketball games. The crew debates whether sports-only collectors should care, how big the non-sports and TCG crossover has gotten, and what that says about where the hobby is heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Jesse Gibson is joined by Alex from Clever Cuban Cards to dive into the current state of the hobby and the strategies that actually work for collectors today. We kick things off with a deep dive into the "Bin to Binder" challenge, where Alex reveals how he managed to turn a strict $35 monthly budget into a collection currently valued at over $1,100 in just two months. We break down the specific flips, including a massive $60 to $325 move on an Albert Pujols rookie at a recent card show, and discuss the discipline required to keep "PC" cards instead of chasing a quick premium. The conversation moves into the world of low-end slabs and the "15 dollar slab" debate. Jesse and Alex debate whether it makes sense to grade modern cards that return as PSA 9s when they often sell for less than the cost of the grading fee itself. We also tackle the ethics and mechanics of cracking slabs, including Alex’s recent purchase of a PSA 8 Tom Brady case hit with the express intent to sell it raw or regrade it, and whether the hobby is shifting toward a more "pro-restoration" mindset similar to the comic book and Pokemon communities. We also cover the latest headlines, from the "Taco Seasoning Bandit" who used grocery store self-checkouts to steal thousands in sports cards to the recent massive sales volume in February 2026. We wrap up by answering listener questions about the future of Topps, the safety of TCG versus sports cards as a long-term play, and whether card manufacturers should include identification guides on packs to help new collectors navigate the endless sea of parallels and short prints. Check out Clever Cuban's eBay Live tonight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Gibson is back from 18 days abroad and the data he brought back from the London and Dublin card shows is a focus of today's show. While the U.S. hobby is hyper-focused on speculation, we are breaking down the differences in "vibe" and why international shows are attracting a much younger crowd. We also look at the massive organic surge in TCG and sports card interest that feels like the U.S. hobby three years ago. Mike Gioseffi and Jesse also dive into the "Hobby Busts" of the last decade, comparing current hype for current top prospect Konnor Griffin to the massive price drops of guys like Anthony Volpe and Jackson Holliday. We also tackle the "cringe" factor of Kevin O'Leary's latest marketing stunts and debate whether "mega-influencers" are actually helping or hurting the long-term health of the hobby. Finally, we look at the February Gem Rate numbers to see which grading companies—Beckett, PSA, or SGC—are actually gaining ground in 2026. If you want to know where the global market is headed and how to avoid the next prospect trap, you can't miss this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi sits down with Gary and Jason from The Ballcard Show for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed in the hobby, from the grind to the credibility. Gary and Jason break down why accurate data and transparency matter, and how misinformation can erode trust fast. They also dig into the bigger forces shaping the market right now, including consolidation, how content can influence collectability, and why innovation and real competition are good for collectors. The conversation then shifts to the Nashville Card Show, where the guys share what they noticed as Columbus locals working the room: the strength of the Nashville collector base, the different dynamics when you’re dealing with collectors vs. dealers, and the tactics that actually help you buy, sell, and negotiate smarter. Plus, Mike closes with an update on Sports Cards Nonsense’s partnership with The National as the hobby heads toward the biggest show of the summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices