Card Talk

Card Talk #021 - Gareb Shamus & ArtPics plus Play of the Week is back!!!

Gareb shares his journey creating artpicsCards and his perspective on what makes a card valuable, not only as a collectible, but as a piece of art. The conversation explores how the combination of art and trading cards can create a unique collecting experience and attract collectors from different backgrounds.

Plus, Play of the Week is back! We’re bringing back a segment where collectors can share their best recent plays, flips, purchases, and deals. If you have a play you want featured on a future episode, send it our way along with your thought process, purchase price, and sale price.

On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Chuck from Cult of Wax West to dive deep into the rapidly growing world of entertainment cards.

Chuck shares his journey from collecting coins, Pokémon, Funko Pops, and sneakers to becoming heavily involved in Marvel and Star Wars cards. The two discuss what makes entertainment cards different from sports cards, how collectors balance the hobby with the business side, and why character-driven collecting can be so powerful.

They also break down the current Marvel and Star Wars card landscape, including Topps’ Marvel releases, Star Wars Chrome, first-year products, sketches, inserts, and the potential opportunity in DC cards.

Plus, they discuss the impact of major entertainment releases, why Spider-Man is helping drive the broader entertainment card market, the future of Marvel, and what could be the next big area of growth in the hobby.

And of course, they finish with a fun Marvel character “This or That” battle and we see the return of Play of the Week!

Topics include:
• The rise of entertainment cards
• Marvel & Star Wars collecting
• Sports cards vs. entertainment cards
• Balancing collecting and business
• Why first-year products matter
• Marvel Chrome & Sapphire
• The future of DC cards
• Spider-Man and the entertainment market
• What could be NEXT for the hobby?
• Marvel character “This or That”
• Play of the Week

Thanks for listening to Card Talk! Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what you think is next for the hobby.

Card Talk #019 - The world of Harry Potter with potterrarebooks

THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER COLLECTING

Harry Potter collecting is a world of its own, and in this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into it with Mike from Potter Rare Books.

From the legendary first-edition UK Philosopher’s Stone to incredibly rare proof books, signed copies, print variations, condition, errors, and the differences between the UK and US markets, we break down what actually makes a Harry Potter book valuable.

We also talk about the rapid growth of the Harry Potter market, why these books may have been undervalued for years, and what could drive the hobby over the next decade.

What makes a book a true grail?
How much can the rarest copies be worth?
What should collectors look for?

How much does a J.K. Rowling signature add?
Is Harry Potter the next major collectibles market?

If you're a sports card, Pokémon, comic book, or collectibles fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

The Image Matters: What Makes a Card Truly Collectible?

In this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Kaleb to dive into what really drives collectibility in today’s hobby. They break down why the image on a card can have a massive impact on desirability, from iconic moments and image variations to cards that simply don’t capture the player in a memorable way.

The conversation also covers the latest Topps Flagship Football release, the new rookie class, Golden Mirror image variations, and what collectors should be looking for as the NFL season approaches.
Tyler and Kaleb also get into their experiences vending at card shows, the power of value boxes, making money through buying and selling, what is driving the sports card market, and why in-person connections may be one of the most underrated parts of the hobby.
Plus: Pokémon, Disney, digital repacks, upcoming NFL season plays, and how they would approach putting $10,000 into collectibles today.

The image matters. The memories matter. And ultimately, the collectors matter.

On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmitt sits down with Max Norris of Putnam Cards for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating areas of the hobby right now: non-sports and vintage cards.

Max breaks down how his collecting journey expanded from basketball into Larry David, Stranger Things, Disney, Pokémon, historical figures, artists, and much more. The conversation explores why these markets are gaining attention, how collectors can discover overlooked cards, and the importance of doing your own research when there isn't a centralized source of information.

The two also discuss the difference between collecting and investing, how to stay disciplined when the hobby offers endless opportunities, and whether collectors should be looking ahead to upcoming movies, characters, and cultural moments. They dive into examples ranging from Doctor Doom and Spider-Man to Van Gogh, Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and the 1966 Batman card.
One of the biggest themes of the episode is why the actual card matters. Photography, artwork, scarcity, historical significance, and utility can all play a role in creating a truly great collectible. Tyler and Max question whether the hobby can continue to thrive if everything is simply about the latest chase card, and why older cards with a story or purpose may ultimately have lasting power.

Plus, Tyler talks about his recent travels, the London Card Show, the upcoming Card Talk NYC event, and the return of Play of the Week

| Card Talk Card Show | Sept 19th | NYC

On this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into the current sports card market and what makes certain cards true investment pieces. We discuss the massive rise of LeBron cards, the value of scarcity and age, and whether modern case hits like Kabooms, Downtowns, Manga, and Color Blast can stand the test of time.

We also break down the explosive prices being paid for unique crossover cards, including Wemby and Steph Curry Minions, discuss collecting vs. investing, and recap the biggest takeaways from the World Cup and the continued growth of the soccer card market.

Plus: market predictions, cards we'd buy today, the power of nostalgia and pop culture, and what makes the hobby so special.

Card Talk #015- Swish Breaks

On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmitt sits down with the guys behind Swish Breaks for a deep dive into the evolution of one of the fastest-growing brands in the hobby. From the beginnings as passionate collectors to building a powerhouse breaking business with a massive community, the Swish Break Bros break down exactly what it took to scale their operation while staying authentic to the culture of cards.

The conversation covers everything from the early grind of streaming breaks and building trust with collectors to navigating the modern sports card market and creating content that keeps audiences engaged daily. Tyler and the Swish Break Bros get into the realities of entrepreneurship in the hobby, including balancing risk, scaling operations, handling growth, and adapting to an ever-changing marketplace. They also discuss how live selling, social media, and community-building have completely changed the way collectors interact with cards today.

A major theme throughout the episode is consistency. The Swish Break Bros explain how transparency, entertainment, and genuine passion helped them separate themselves in a crowded market. They share lessons learned from building their brand from the ground up, the challenges that came with rapid growth, and why creating an experience matters just as much as pulling massive cards. Whether you’re a collector, breaker, entrepreneur, or someone trying to grow a brand in the hobby, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to turn passion into a thriving business.

Card Talk #014 - Michael Katz talks Trove

This week on Card Talk, we sit down with collector, investor, and Trove co-founder Michael Katz to talk all things soccer cards, collecting culture, and building in the hobby. From chasing massive Lamine Yamal cards to identifying the next breakout football talent, Michael shares what he looks for in players, how he approaches the market, and why timing matters more than ever in soccer collecting.

We also dive into the launch of Trove, the future of collecting apps, the evolution of the global card market, and the relationships that make the hobby special. Plus, stories from card shows, London meetups, ripping wax, and plenty of soccer market talk along the way.

If you’re into soccer cards, prospecting, entrepreneurship, or the future of the hobby, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Card Talk #013 - Rabona Cards

In this episode, we sit down with Rabona Cards (Alex) for an international conversation diving deep into the soccer card market and the broader evolution of the hobby. From building a brand in the space to navigating trends, this episode explores what it really takes to stand out through content, consistency, and passion.

We touch on the growth of global card markets, the differences between soccer and other sports, and how perspective outside the U.S. can shape smarter collecting and investing decisions. Alex shares insights on where the hobby is headed, what’s currently undervalued, and how collectors can position themselves long term.

Whether you’re into flipping, collecting, or building a personal brand in the hobby, this episode brings a fresh perspective and a ton of value from someone who’s been quietly making a big impact.

If you’re serious about cards, especially soccer, this is one you won’t want to miss

Card Talk #012 - Big Slab Daddy

In this episode of Card Talk, we sit down with Big Slab Daddy for a conversation that goes way beyond just buying and selling cards. We dive into his journey in the hobby, how he built his presence, and what separates him from the average collector or flipper. From the outside, it might look like just another success story—but this episode breaks down the mindset, strategy, and calculated risks that actually drive long-term success in the sports card space.

We start by talking about how he got into the hobby and what initially caught his attention. Like many collectors, it began with a passion for cards, but over time that passion evolved into something much bigger. He shares how he transitioned from casual collecting into making serious plays, and what helped him develop the confidence to invest at a higher level.

A big focus of this episode is the concept of “buying right.” We get into how he evaluates cards, what he looks for in deals, and how he balances risk versus reward—especially when it comes to high-end slabs. There’s a lot of insight here for anyone interested in leveling up their approach, whether you’re flipping for profit or building a personal collection.

We also talk about the current state of the hobby. From market shifts to grading trends, and the role of content in today’s card world, Big Slab Daddy gives his perspective on where things are heading. One key takeaway: the hobby is still strong—but the way you operate in it matters more than ever.

Another major part of the conversation is content creation. We discuss how documenting your journey can open doors, build connections, and create opportunities beyond just buying and selling. He shares what’s worked for him, what hasn’t, and advice for anyone hesitant to start posting.

Throughout the episode, there’s a consistent theme of discipline, patience, and understanding the bigger picture. This isn’t about quick wins—it’s about making smart, calculated decisions over time.

Whether you’re new to the hobby or deep into it, this episode offers real insight into what it takes to succeed in today’s card market