Bodnars Bids and Banter

Erica is back, and this episode is all about Disney!

Joe, Maureen, and Erica explore three incredible Disney collections featuring original animation cels, limited-edition artwork, rare bronzes, Disney pins, Big Figs, snow globes, Imagineer memorabilia, and much more.

They also talk Disney collecting, pin trading, Disney World memories, Erica’s upcoming honeymoon, and what makes some of these incredibly limited pieces so difficult to value at auction.

This week, the crew explores how artificial intelligence is changing the auction industry—where it can help, where it can go wrong, and why knowledgeable auctioneers remain essential.

They also preview several upcoming sales featuring vintage Christmas decorations, Christopher Radko ornaments, rare paper collectibles, Disney artwork, Jay Strongwater pieces, and more, while sharing stories from decades in the auction business.

This week, Joe, Maureen, and Christian cover everything from Pizza Hut and jury duty to booming gold prices before diving into several exciting upcoming auctions.

Hear about an incredible collection of nearly 80 vintage guitars, rare audio equipment, jazz memorabilia, historic musical instruments, and one of the largest Shelley china collections Bodnar's Auction has ever offered. Along the way, the crew shares stories about collecting, music, antiques, and the ever-changing auction market.

🎙️ Episode 34: Civil War Letters, Historical Artifacts & Tough Conversations

Joe, Maureen, and Christian preview an incredible historical collection from Ocean City featuring Civil War letters, early maps, military artifacts, and rare paper ephemera.

Along the way, they discuss the importance of preserving history, how personal documents can provide insight into the past, and the role auction houses play in keeping these stories alive for future generations. Add in stories about Catholic school, detention, fast food nostalgia, and auction pickups, and you've got one of the most unique episodes yet.

Joe and Maureen discuss the challenges of estate pickups, cleaning out packed homes, and dealing with last-minute changes during collections.

They also preview an upcoming Americana auction featuring primitives, antique advertising, furniture, Victrolas, thermometers, tin toys, military items, and historical collectibles — before Joe pitches his idea for a Guinness World Record auction marathon.

Joe and Maureen reflect on aging and perspective before breaking down their visit to a New Jersey antique flea market, including pricing trends and dealer insights.

They also discuss how auctions have evolved from large live events to online platforms, and preview an upcoming sale featuring horse racing memorabilia, including Kentucky Derby collectibles and signed items.

Joe and Maureen break down the pros and cons of selling gold — from mailing it to buyers to selling locally — and why auctions can sometimes deliver better results.

They also preview an upcoming sale featuring complete coin collections, stamps, and toys spanning over 100 years, while sharing their first experience using AI to catalog an auction and what it means for the future of the business.

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.