Stacking Slabs

Stacking Slabs

By Brett McGrathSportsLeisureHobbies
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Stacking Slabs episodes

  • When Rookie Cards Aren’t the Best Cards: The Haliburton Hypothesis

    We’re told rookie cards matter most. But what happens when a player writes their legacy wearing a different uniform?


    In this episode, I take a personal and collector-first look at why Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers cards might matter more than his Kings rookies. This isn’t about ignoring the rookie card—it’s about questioning hobby programming, thinking independently, and considering what actually connects you to a card.

    I share the real-time perspective of being a fan during the most meaningful Pacers run of my life and how that clarity has reshaped the way I see Haliburton’s card catalog.


    You’ll hear about:

    • What cards are available and which ones aren’t
    • The difference between collector-controlled and commodity cards
    • Why emotional connection matters more than labels
    • How this applies beyond Haliburton

    It’s not a take—it’s a question. What if the best card isn’t the first one?


    This episode is for anyone looking to find ways to land cards with collectors through trust.

    Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    20 min
  • The Staging Area: Inside the Engine Room of 60,000 Weekly eBay Auctions

    Welcome to the debut episode of The Staging Area, presented by dcsports87  and hosted on the Stacking Slabs feed.


    In this first conversation, Brett is joined by Tory from dcsports87 to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of one of the largest sports card consignment operations in the hobby. They dig into the numbers—over $7 million in monthly sales, 60,000 auctions per week—and explore what it takes to stay ahead during big moments like The National or the NBA Finals.


    Topics include:

    • How dcsports87 preps for The National 
    • The impact of player performance spikes on card submissions and service levels
    • The Trout vs. Ohtani effect in the current hobby
    • A closer look at real-time card trends with the “Most Watched” segment
    • Why knowing when to sell is just as important as what you sell

    This show is for the collector who cares about more than price tags. It's for anyone who wants to understand the full life cycle of a card—from mailbox to marketplace.

    A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night. 

    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  
    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    52 min
  • Passion to Profession: Building 5 Star Cards Around Customer Services with Matt

    In this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, Matt from 5 Star Cards shares how a side hustle turned into a full-time operation. We explore the early grind of weekend shows, how eBay became a backbone for sales, and what it takes to run a consignment business collectors trust.

    Matt gets real about the transition from collector to business owner, how he handles volume without losing his collector-first mindset, and why building relationships is the most important part of staying in the game.

    If you’ve ever thought about scaling your passion or you’re curious how the top sellers work behind the scenes, this conversation will give you a real look at the process.


    A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.

    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
    Follow 5 Star Cards: | Website | eBay 

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    46 min
  • The WNBA Card Podcast #10: Community Wins, Valkyries Rise, and a $11K A’ja Rookie

    The WNBA Card Podcast hits double digits. In Episode 10, Brett and Katelyn unpack what makes the WNBA card community special—from helping fellow collectors build rainbows to celebrating hobby positivity online and in-person.

    They spotlight the white-hot rise of the Golden State Valkyries and what their flawless expansion rollout means for fan engagement and card collecting. The duo also react to the $11K sale of an A’ja Wilson Rittenhouse Platinum rookie and break down what it signals for high-end momentum beyond Caitlin Clark.


    They cover:

    • A collector-to-collector Gold Vinyl deal that shows what trust looks like
    • The Valkyries' breakout moment and how it could spark new collectors
    • Why the Donruss Downtown insert doesn’t connect with real fans
    • What collectors should know about legacy, lineage, and manufactured hype
    • Pickups of the week, market updates, and a collector spotlight

    This episode is all about growing the hobby the right way—and how each collector plays a part.

    Follow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram 


    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
    Follow Katelyn: | Instagram

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    56 min
  • From Mike Conley to A'ja Wilson: A Collector’s Path into the W with Carter (@mcbasketballpc)

    What happens when a lifelong NBA collector opens up space for the W?


    In this Collector Conversation, Carter (@mcbasketballpc) shares his journey from Grizzlies fandom and Mike Conley collecting to building one of the most thoughtful WNBA collections around.


    We talk about:

    • What NBA collectors miss when they ignore the W
    • How Carter built a foundational Mike Conley PC
    • The importance of rarity and card catalogs in WNBA
    • Why Asia Wilson’s cards are still undervalued
    • What newcomers need to know when collecting beyond Caitlin Clark

    This episode is for anyone thinking about expanding their collecting lens—and doing it with intention, joy, and long-term thinking.


    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
    Follow Carter: | Instagram

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    51 min
  • Smashing BIN: Building, Smashing, and Sharing with Tim (@timmerscards)

    In this week’s episode of Smashing BIN, Brett welcomes back his brother Tim (@timmerscards) to talk collecting continuity, 49ers cardboard, and the moments that define BIN smashes. Tim walks us through the process of building a custom display vault for his collection and the mindset behind why the presentation of your cards matters.

    We get into three types of BIN smashes—traditional, social media listing, and private deal—and break down the stories behind some of the most meaningful additions to Tim’s collection. From Alex Smith Superfractors to Randy Moss Black Finite 1/1s, this one’s packed with lessons in timing, trust, and community.

    We wrap with some Card Ladder BIN smash reactions and share thoughts on cards that hit hard—from Montana patch autos to Kittle golds and the underrated power of 2002 Finest X-Fractors.

    This one is for the collectors who care about building the right way.


    Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow Tim: | Instagram
    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    49 min
  • Only to Another Collector: Trust, Psychology, and the Let-Go Moment when Selling Cards to Other Collectors

    What are you doing to become the kind of collector someone else would trust with their favorite card?

    In this week's flagship episode of Stacking Slabs we explore the topic of trust, psychology, and the let-go moment that collectors make when they feel comfortable moving key cards to other collectors. 

    We dig into: 

    • Why Collectors Let Go (Even When They Don’t Plan To)
    • What Does It Mean to Be a Collector Others Trust?
    • Real Strategies to Become a Collector Someone Will Sell To
    • The Trust Loop: How the Right Sale Builds the Hobby

    This episode is for anyone looking to find ways to land cards with collectors through trust.

    Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    21 min
  • Vaulted: How I Sold 14 Cards Through the PSA Vault on eBay

    In this episode of Vaulted, I walk you through the exact process of selling 14 cards straight from the PSA Vault—no packing, no shipping, no scanning, no hassle.

    This episode is for the collector who wants to make moves without giving up weekends to the grind of listings and logistics.

    I break down how I used PSA’s grading and vaulting to streamline selling on eBay, why consolidation matters in my collecting journey, and how this approach gave me more time to focus on what matters most—building a collection that truly reflects who I am.

    If you’re building your collection card by card and move by move, this one’s for you.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA VAULT

    LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA CONSIGNMENT


    A special thank you to PSA for sponsoring Vaulted. PSA is the official grading, authentication, and vault provider of Stacking Slabs.

    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    24 min
  • Passion to Profession: From Working Construction to Building a Scaling Breaking Business with James at Topp Tier Cards

    In this episode of Passion to Profession, presented by eBay, I’m joined by James from Topp Tier Cards and Topp Tier Breaks. James turned his collecting obsession into a full-time operation, and this conversation breaks down how he made it all happen.


    We get into what makes his break room different, why staying true to your style matters, and how building a business on eBay gave him the freedom to focus on collectors—not trends. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever wondered what it really takes to build something sustainable in the hobby.


    A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.

    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
    Follow Topp Tier Cards: | eBay | YouTube

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    1 hr 2 min
  • The WNBA Card Podcast #9: The GOAT Rookie Card, Dream Resurgence, and Advice for First-Time W Collectors

    In Episode 9 of The WNBA Card Podcast, Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett (@stackingslabs) return to talk about why 2004 Ultra is one of the most important sets in WNBA card history. They spotlight the Diana Taurasi Platinum Medallion /25 and explore how a GOAT rookie can elevate an entire product line.


    They also cover:

    • Why attending a WNBA game might be the spark a new collector needs
    • The early dominance of the Lynx and Liberty
    • Bri Jones and the Atlanta Dream’s breakout start
    • Thoughts on the Commissioner’s Cup and what makes it matter
    • A collector spotlight on @giantlegends and her vintage women’s sports card archive
    • A debate on collector legacies, the 2018 A’ja Wilson Platinum Edition, and early 2000s set exploration

    No pickups this week, but plenty of reflection, community love, and education. Whether you’re new to the W or have been collecting since Catchings was on the box, there’s something here for you.


    Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast Patreon

    [Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this link

    Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

    Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
    Follow Katelyn: | Instagram

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    59 min

About Stacking Slabs

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Stacking Slabs, a podcast for sports cards collectors. There's been a tremendous amount of change to our Hobby over the last few years and the one constant has been the passion from the…

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