🎙️ 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:

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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]