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 crave.From Shohei Ohtani’s postseason card spike to Yamamoto and Kershaw’s legacy cards, plus Vlad Jr. and the Blue Jays boom, the guys debate what to buy, what to dump, and what’s next for investors chasing market momentum. They also unpack betting stories, family rivalries, and why Cowboys hate and Bears loyalty never die in this one-of-a-kind hobby podcast.You’ll hear:2025 World Series card values – Dodgers vs. Blue Jays analysisSports card investing & trading tips for the MLB and NFL marketsBuy / Hold / Sell calls on Ohtani, Yamamoto, Kershaw, Vlad Jr., Scherzer, and moreNFL midseason updates: Burrow, Kelsey, Fields, and the wildest football card jumpsReal-world collector strategies and market regrets from two of the most authentic voices in the hobbyThis episode blends entertainment, strategy, and market education — perfect for anyone deep into live breaks, card flipping, or long-term sports card investing. Whether you’re a hobby veteran, collector, or new to sports cards, you’ll walk away smarter, entertained, and ready to make your next move.Behind the Breaks is the go-to sports card podcast for collectors who care about value, culture, and the stories driving the trading card world.

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 viewing for breakers, sellers, and collectors who want to understand exactly how Whatnot’s updated rules will shape the future of live selling, repacks, and trust in the hobby.Eric breaks down:Why Whatnot created this new trust and transparency policyHow third-party audits, seller applications, and identified product lists will protect buyersWhat the changes mean for small sellers, manufacturers, and breakersHow these standards aim to create a safer, more credible collectibles ecosystemHe also shares his personal story — from sneaker reselling in middle school to collecting Jordans — revealing how culture, nostalgia, and community power the collectible world.Then, Matt and RJ take on lightning-round listener questions about:How small and mid-sized sellers can stay compliantWhat third-party audits and enforcement really look likeFuture Whatnot policies beyond repacksAnd yes — the ultimate MLB “Bottom of the 9th” dream lineupIf you buy, sell, or break on Whatnot — or care about where the hobby is headed — this is the must-watch episode that breaks it all down.Tune in, take notes, and learn what this new standard of trust means for the entire collectibles community.Timestamps0:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome2:00 – Eric’s Background & Sneaker Collecting8:00 – Defining Factory Sealed Surprise Products11:00 – Why Whatnot Created the Policy18:00 – The Three-Part Application, Audit & Checklist Process26:30 – Common Misunderstandings & Seller Reactions29:00 – What Success Looks Like Moving Forward35:00 – Listener Q&A41:00 – Fun Segment: “Bottom of the 9th” Lineup

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 custom Three Kings card straight from Topps. Matt and RJ break down what it means for collectors, flippers, and the entire trading card market, from potential price spikes on superfractors to how this could reshape the chase culture.They also revisit highlights from recent episodes, including:• Whatnot’s Head of Collectibles explaining their new repack policy and the future of trust in the hobby.• Johnny the Sports Card Tax Guy sharing crucial tax and accounting tips every seller needs to hear.Later in the show, the guys test how AI tools like Perplexity track real-time sports card value changes across baseball and football — from Ohtani and Julio Rodríguez to Jackson Dart and Baker Mayfield — and wrap with an epic Card of the Week: a redeemed cryptocurrency trading card worth actual Bitcoin.If you’re serious about collecting, investing, or just staying ahead of the next wave in the hobby, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Midweek intro + Whatnot & tax episode recap05:00 – Breaking down Topps’ Three Kings and the chase for 1/1s20:00 – How AI is tracking card price trends in real time30:00 – Card of the Week: the crypto redemption story40:00 – Final thoughts & what’s nextSubscribe for weekly episodes on the business, stories, and strategy behind the hobby.

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 Advisor, and lifelong card collector who grew up running a million-dollar sports card business with his dad.Jonny breaks down how to protect your profits, avoid IRS trouble, and legally minimize your taxes as the new 1099-K thresholds return and the hobby grows more regulated. Whether you’re a full-time breaker, eBay seller, or weekend flipper, this episode will teach you exactly what you need to do before the next tax cycle.In This Episode You’ll Learn:The new IRS rules for 2025 that affect card sellers, breakers, and collectorsWhen your side hustle becomes a real business in the eyes of the IRSHow to choose between an LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or S-Corp — and why it mattersThe most overlooked deductions for card sellers (travel, grading, supplies & more)How to set up audit-proof accounting for your card businessThe truth about 1099-K forms, PayPal, and Whatnot payoutsReal stories of hobbyists who lost — or saved — thousands because of simple tax mistakesAbout JonnyKnown online as @sportscardtaxguy, Jonny combines deep industry roots with professional tax expertise to help hobby entrepreneurs turn their card hustle into a real business. His “Sports Card Tax Pack” and free discovery calls have helped hundreds of collectors and breakers navigate the IRS confidently and keep more of what they earn.Perfect For:Sports card breakers • Whatnot sellers • Collectors scaling up • Hobby shop owners • TCG entrepreneurs • Anyone turning their card hustle into a businessResources & LinksFree Discovery Call & Tax Playbook → https://sportscardtaxguy.com/contact-usFollow Jonny on Instagram & YouTube → @sportscardtaxguySubscribe to Behind the Breaks for more episodes on the business of the hobby.

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 in the hobby.From navigating the 2025 rookie card boom to uncovering trends in fantasy football, prop bets, and grading values, this conversation is full of actionable insights for collectors, bettors, and fans alike. Whether you’re chasing your next big rookie hit or looking to understand the analytics behind the game, this episode has something for every sports card enthusiast.Key SegmentsStephen’s Journey & Wild Card Sports Origin: How the pandemic inspired a stats-first content brand built across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.Fantasy Football & Betting Strategies: Smart hedging, prop bet value, and using analytics to spot market inefficiencies.Sports Card Market Cycles: How player performance, championships, and grading trends drive value—and how to avoid the “junk wax” pitfalls.Live Breaks & Whatnot Tips: Maximizing value in team/player breaks, understanding buy-ins, and chasing big hits.Top 2025 Trends: From F1 Topps Chrome to MLB/NFL rookies and MVP buyback programs shaping the hobby’s future.Hot Takes & Predictions: Hall of Fame debates, top collectible sports, and early calls on the 2025 World Series and Super Bowl favorites.Actionable Tools & TakeawaysTracking Value: Use apps like https://www.cardladder.com/ to follow grading results and market trends.Live Break Access: Learn how to buy into team or player breaks on Whatnot and optimize ROI.Profitability in the Hobby: Combine fantasy, futures, and collecting strategies for long-term returns.Connect with Wild Card SportsFollow Steven and Wild Card Sports for more analytics, fantasy tips, and live insights:YouTube:  @WildCardSportsChannel  TikTok: [@WildCardSportss

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 card breaking, from 14-hour Chrome F1 sessions to testing out Gary Vee’s V-Friends super stickers. Expect war stories, lessons learned, and tips for anyone trying to crack the Whatnot game.What’s InsideNew Studio Vibes: Ribbon-cutting, setup details, and why it feels like an icebox.14-Hour Live Break Recap: Behind the scenes of Topps Chrome F1 and Gary Vee stickers.Auction Formats That Work (and Don’t): Wheel spins vs. pick-your-team formats.Community Power: How regulars and even strangers fuel Whatnot shows.Tech Hurdles: OBS struggles, camera setups, and lessons on streaming.Giveaway Strategy: When to put a big card on the line to drive engagement.Marketplace Realities: Pricing breaks, cancellations, and playing the long game on Whatnot.Graded Wall Segment: The Mickey Hatcher “big glove” card makes its debut story.Growing Trends: From high-end watches to candy shows — Whatnot niches exploding.Breaker TakeawaysPivot formats if pricing flops — flexibility = profit.Consistency and community are more valuable than short-term hype.Giveaways can build buzz, but don’t eat your margins.Learn from other breakers — tech tips, pricing, and engagement tricks.Track data (day, time, fees, margins) to optimize your schedule. We’d love your feedback on the new studio setup, your own breaking stories, and your tips for navigating Whatnot. And don’t forget — join our future breaks for a chance to land on the wall of graded cards.

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 challenge the status quo.👉 What we cover in this episode:Why breakers aren’t the villains—they may actually be the future of the hobbyTransparency, trust, and how pricing could change everythingAI’s role in grading, comps, and tracking hits across productsThe hidden power of PSA (and why they might be bigger than Fanatics)The community side of breaking that most collectors don’t seeBig ideas like breaker associations, tournaments, and even “Breaking Leagues”💬 Whether you love or hate breaking, this episode will get you thinking about where the hobby is heading.📍 Follow & Connect with Ziggy:YouTube:  @ZiggyNo  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziggynoraw/📍 Follow & Connect with Behind the Breaks:Website: https://www.behindthebreaks.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Behind_theBreaks⚡ Drop a comment: Do YOU think breakers need regulation, or are they already the backbone of the hobby?

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 game: great stadium vibes, cool memorabilia, but a frustrating in-stadium card buying experience. $65 blasters and $115 megas? Yikes. His “team pack” buy led to a mix of 10+ year-old paper cards and one refractor — a missed opportunity to hook young fans. But there were some wins: a game-used ball, make-your-own bobblehead, and plenty of family memories.Cards of the Week:Matt’s Pick: Davis Schneider (Blue Jays) – Big bat, big mustache, small prices right now.RJ’s Pick: (Football!) – Chicago roots show in this week’s choice…Plus, hobby talk, dad hacks, stadium gripes, and why MLB’s YouTube highlights might change the way you collect.

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 opens up about:How he got started in the hobby and built Black Gold from the ground upScaling from solo breaks to a full team with 20+ employeesHis philosophy on customer service, shipping, and transparencyThe grind of live streaming 16-hour days and managing multiple platformsTips for new breakers and collectors trying to turn passion into businessWhat’s next for Black Gold: expansion to eBay Live, Loupe, and moreWhether you’re a collector, breaker, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insight into what it takes to succeed in the hobby at the highest level.👉 Subscribe to Behind the Breaks for more stories, strategies, and behind-the-scenes looks at the card world.Black Gold Sports Cards Official Links:Website & Shop: https://blackgoldcards.comWhatnot Breaks: @BlackGoldCards | @BlackGoldSportsCardsFanatics Live: @BlackGoldSportsCardsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhJdE5P_IqKuqoAEOABxGAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackgoldsportscardsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackgoldsportscardsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727212618077780eBay Store: https://www.ebay.com/str/tripledimaondcards

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 this episode of Behind the Breaks, Matt and RJ break down eight key takeaways from The National:The state of the trading card market and signs of a healthy, growing hobbyWhich brands delivered value and fan engagement, and which missed opportunitiesHow live breaks, content creation, and community-driven experiences are reshaping the industryInsights into pricing strategies, informal trading, and collector behaviorA look at the evolving line between hobby and business, especially for younger collectorsTechnology tools that helped navigate the show, like the Ludex appInclusion efforts and charity initiatives from vendors and show organizersBehind-the-scenes stories and what we’ll do differently next year as mediaWe also highlight strong brand performances from Whatnot, eBay Live, Panini, Upper Deck, and more — and where other companies left room for improvement.Whether you're into sports cards, breaking, buying on Whatnot, or just following where the trading card hobby is headed, this episode offers a detailed, honest view from inside the show.Subscribe for upcoming interviews and feature stories from across the hobby.