Although not widely recognized, the term "influencer boxes" has gained notation over the past few years in the hobby, centering around the idea that manufacturers intentionally send "juiced" boxes and cases to those who large social followings. Today, we examine this phenomena in a case study between Panini and Backyard Breaks.

JT breaks down how 2021 Panini Select football falls into the same cycle of hype that has played out over the past few years in the hobby.

The art of the autograph and the art of said autograph's acquisition go hand in hand. Despite increasing prices for through the mail (TTM) and in person (IP) autographs, the secondary market prices don't necessarily reflect the costs for entry. JT sits down with Garrett of CardCutter, a lifelong autograph collector, to break down why he enjoys the IP/TTM side of collecting autographs and where he sees the hobby going forward.

One of baseball's brightest young (hobby) stars, Juan Soto, was dealt ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline this week. This trade will undoubtedly leave many collectors, specifically Nationals fans, directionless in their hobby pursuits. Bart of Bart's Cards joins the show to navigate Nationals fandom and the hobby in the post-Soto Era, as well as what we can learn from this blockbuster deal.

JT previews the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) taking place in Atlantic City, NJ.

As a full-time sports card dealer, managing your own collection while balancing an inventory can become a difficult task. JT is joined by Brian of CardSoup to discuss what has changed for him as a collector since he started selling cards full time.

Elevated wax prices have further cemented the notion that opening sealed sports card boxes is an alternative form of gambling. Like sports betting or mobile game spending, addiction can corrupt this normally fun activity. JT compares opening wax to other forms of gambling, how addictions form, and a realistic look at the odds of pulling a "big hit".

In the midst of the NBA Finals and upcoming Stanley Cup Finals, two new Big 4 champions will be crowned. What impact will this have on the hobby, if any at all? JT talks with Mike of Canadian Cards about the relationship between championships and hobby values of individual players.

A rapidly evolving hobby landscape breeds an environment for innovation and ideas to capture the attention of hobbyists. Not all ideas become trends, though, as fleeting interests leaves once red-hot products as a punchline and a fad. JT breaks down the difference between the two and how to spot them when buying/selling cards.

Derek Jeter is unique among the 90's baseball standouts who transcendent baseball into pop culture. JT is joined by Sooz (@yanxchick) to discuss why Jeter is so polarizing, his hobby standing with other Yankee legends, and what lessons from Jeter's career can be applied to present and future Yankee stars.