Topps Hobby Rip Night isn’t just another event—it’s the smartest “give back” move Topps makes for collectors.
 Here’s why celebrating the hobby from the inside matters more than chasing new fans from the outside.

Timestamps
0:00 Topps Rip Night vs Fanatics Fest why it matters
1:18 Growing the hobby vs celebrating the hobby
5:03 The real Rip Night experience and why it feels different
7:20 The Tom Brady story and what happened in the crowd
15:10 Creators with athletes the perfect on ramp for new collectors
19:01 Giving kudos when companies actually do it right

What’s the most expensive lesson you’ve paid for in the hobby?
I once traded $1,000 in liquid autos for a sealed promo pack… and ignored every warning sign.

In this episode, we break down the real red flags collectors miss — from subtle pressure tactics to “vibes” that feel off to help you protect your collection without becoming paranoid.

Logan Paul just sold his PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator for $16.5 million — the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. But this isn’t just a record-breaking flip. This is the full evolution of modern collectibles.

In this episode of SCAD, we break down the history of the Pikachu Illustrator, how Logan turned it into a cultural artifact, and what this sale means for the future of the hobby.

Panini lost the license… but does that kill the value?

In this episode, we break down the real debate collectors are facing:
 Does the league logo matter — or does great design win?

From Kabooms to Photoshop disasters to long-term value plays, here’s what could actually happen next.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Panini Loses the License
01:40 – What Licensed vs Unlicensed Actually Means
03:55 – Do Collectors Really Care?
06:16 – The Tyson Beck Example
09:53 – Proof Unlicensed Can Still Hold Value
11:37 – What Happens to Kabooms Long-Term

PSA bumped prices again—and the worst part isn’t just the extra dollars per card.
Here’s what changed, why it keeps happening, and how I’m adjusting my grading strategy.

Timestamps
0:00 PSA raises prices (again) + quick price breakdown
1:58 What the price hike really means per submission
2:34 Why PSA can keep doing this (and they will)
8:05 Anti-PSA vs pro-PSA: the real debate
23:18 My new grading rules: modern, rare, and PC cards

Buying big collections isn’t just about money — it’s about people, emotions, and trust.
 Here’s the exact mindset and process I use to price collections quickly without pressuring sellers.

Timestamps
0:56 Why big collection deals are emotional
2:16 The #1 rule: don’t meet when you’re rushed
4:41 Quantity doesn’t equal value (the story I tell sellers)
14:01 Value vs liquidity (and why “comps” can mislead)
15:11 My pricing formula: 90% for strong stuff, 50–60% for the rest

no timestamps cause i'm tired and wanna go to bed 😂

Buying cards through DMs can feel like a gamble. In this episode, Tyler breaks down where scams happen most and the simple habits that protect you across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord, and eBay.

He shares real stories of getting burned, the red flags he watches for now, and why paying a little extra can be the cheapest insurance in the hobby.

Timestamps
0:00 How people get ripped off in the hobby
1:04 The hobby runs on trust and what happens when it breaks
2:40 Discords: great when accountability is real
9:00 Facebook and Twitter deals pros, cons, and risk
12:57 Instagram: getting scammed and how to spot bad vibes
20:50 eBay: why it’s the default safest option
25:37 Tyler’s rules to avoid getting scammed

Collecting shouldn’t feel stressful or exhausting.
If you want to enjoy the hobby long term, these three collecting lanes make all the difference.

In this episode, I break down how to collect what you love without chasing hype, overspending, or burning out — whether you’re brand new or deep into the hobby.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Why most collectors lose momentum
• 4:15 – Lane #1: Collect the players you genuinely love
• 7:50 – Lane #2: The affordable alternative that changes everything
• 10:55 – Lane #3: Why every collector needs a chase or set
• 12:45 – How these lanes work together long term

Shill bidding is way more common than people want to admit.
 In this episode, we break down what it is, why people do it, and how it quietly destroys trust (and comps) in the hobby.

Timestamps
0:00 What “shill bidding” really means (and why it’s tempting)
2:20 The easiest red flags on auction sites (and what they signal)
6:35 Why “defensive bidding” is still shill bidding
10:10 How shill bidding wrecks comps and pushes collectors out
13:55 The buyer rule that saves you from getting played