Stacking Slabs

Nostalgia runs deep in the hobby.

It influences the cards we chase, the collections we build, and the emotions we attach to pieces of cardboard. But how does nostalgia actually impact our collecting habits?

In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, I break down what nostalgia means in collecting, why it’s such a powerful force, and how it can shape our decision-making—for better or worse.

I share personal stories, including how an Andrew Luck interview sent me on a nostalgia trip, and discuss how nostalgia affects everything from market trends to our own ability to evolve as collectors.

• What’s the most nostalgic card in your collection?
• What’s that one card you’d never sell, no matter the market?

Let’s talk about it. Tag me @StackingSlabs and share your story.

Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand

Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page

[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

In this episode of Passion to Profession, a new series sponsored by eBay, I sit down with Tait, the owner of Hoody’s Collectibles, one of the top eBay sellers in the hobby. From flipping cards in a college apartment to running two successful retail locations, Tait shares how he turned his collecting passion into a thriving business.

We talk about:

• The early days of Hoody’s, starting with a small consignment operation
• How word-of-mouth and local shops helped grow his business
• The challenges of scaling a consignment and retail operation
• Why game-used memorabilia still holds value for collectors
• What makes eBay the best marketplace for high-end cards
• The moment a 1917 Shoeless Joe Jackson walked into his store

We also dive into some incredible cards ending at auction—including a 1998 Skybox Noyz Boyz Michael Jordan PSA 10 that almost stayed in a screwdown forever.

If you’re a collector who’s thought about making a business out of your passion, this episode is for you.

Tune in, and don’t forget to follow Hoody’s Collectibles on eBay to stay up-to-date with their latest auctions.

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

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
Follow Mike: | Instagram | eBay Store | Website

This week on Stacking Slabs, I’m joined by Sean, better known on Instagram as @victoryinvestments. Sean is a die-hard Chiefs fan, collector, and one of the most entertaining content creators in the hobby.

We cover:

• His journey from collecting as a kid to building a high-end Mahomes PC.
• What it’s like to navigate the Mahomes market as a collector vs. investor.
• The evolution of card shows, trading culture, and his recent trip to Dallas.
• Balancing passion with strategy—when to hold, when to sell, and how collecting tastes change over time.
• The role of content in the hobby and how Sean approaches creating for collectors.

With the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl, there’s no better time for this conversation. Whether you collect Mahomes, love vintage, or appreciate great hobby storytelling, this one’s for you.

Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand

Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page

[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 Sean: | Instagram

Auction Talk 50 is here, and we’re celebrating 50 episodes of breaking down the biggest sales and trends in the hobby.

Super Bowl week means big moves in the football card market, and we dig into what’s happening with high-end football, how collector sentiment is shifting, and what it all means for future pricing.

We talk about:

• The rise of ultra-high-end football cards and why they’re gaining traction
• How basketball collectors continue to drive the market differently
• Prizm’s staying power and the looming impact of Topps taking over
• The biggest auctions of the week, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Patrick Mahomes, and a record-setting Iverson
• Super Bowl predictions, what’s at stake, and how the outcome will impact card values

Plus, we dive into the mailbag to answer your questions on non-playing-day cards, the gap between PSA 9s and 10s, and what Luka’s shocking trade to the Lakers means for his market.

A massive episode for number 50, thanks to everyone who’s been along for the ride. Enjoy, and let’s keep it rolling!

Don't forget to check out The Wharf Sports Cards for all of your consignment and card funding needs.

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

Buy some fresh Stacking Slabs Merch

[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 Nic: | Instagram | Website | #NORECENTCOMPS Newsletter

Collecting is personal, but it’s also powered by relationships. This week, I’m sharing a real moment that reminded me why community is the foundation of the hobby. A fellow collector sent me a link to a card I would have otherwise missed. In this episode, I break down what real community looks like in the hobby, why looking out for other collectors always pays off, and how sharing knowledge, deals, and insights makes collecting better for everyone. If your collecting circle doesn’t help you grow, you’re in the wrong one.

Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand

Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page

[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

Speed and transparency. That’s the foundation of dcsports87 one of the largest eBay consignment businesses in the hobby.

In this episode of Passion to Profession, I sit down with Tory and Zach, the duo behind dcsports87, to break down their journey from group breaks to running a powerhouse consignment business. We talk about:

• How a 2012 Bryce Harper pull sparked the business
• Scaling from a side hustle to over 5.5 million items sold on eBay
• The systems and technology they’ve built to handle 50,000 listings per week
• Why they treat every customer the same, from $5 cards to $10,000 cards
• The future of hobby marketplaces and how they’re adapting

If you’ve ever bought or sold a card on eBay, there’s a good chance dcsports87 was involved. This episode is packed with insights for collectors, sellers, and anyone looking to turn their passion into a profession.

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

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

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

Some collectors chase the biggest names. Others focus on rare inserts or specific sets. Adam (@ajmcards94) takes a different route, he collects his hometown.

In this episode, Adam shares how growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, shaped his collecting, why he prioritizes athletes who walked the same streets he did, and how his collection is an extension of his connection to home. We talk about the players that define his collection, the nostalgia that fuels his approach, and why collecting is more than just buying cards, it’s about remembering where you came from. Enjoy this conversation with a collector who turned his hometown pride into a passion project.

Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand

Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page

[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 Adam: | Instagram

Paul Skenes' debut patch card is one of the most talked-about auctions in the hobby, but is the noise around it justified? This week on Auction Talk, Nic is back in the saddle, and we’re diving into the speculation, skepticism, and trust issues collectors have with manufacturers.

We also get into:

• The latest auction results and what they say about the state of the market
• Why rare cards showing up in private hands make some collectors uneasy
• The psychology of hobby hype, from Prizm Nebula to MLB Debut Patches
• The ongoing mystery of why some of the greatest players’ cards remain underappreciated

Plus, we answer your mailbag questions on pricing multiples, private sales, and how taxes work with hobby funding.

If you want to get smarter about auctions, buying, and selling, this one’s for you

Don't forget to check out The Wharf Sports Cards for all of your consignment and card funding needs.

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

Buy some fresh Stacking Slabs Merch

[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 Nic: | Instagram | Website | #NORECENTCOMPS Newsletter

In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett breaks down strategies for acquiring sports cards across different buying formats. From navigating auction dynamics to building relationships for 1:1 deals, Brett shares practical insights and personal experiences to help you become a more confident and strategic collector. Learn how to balance emotion with rational pricing, avoid lowball offers, and create meaningful connections with other collectors. Plus, an exciting announcement about Patreon free trial – now is the perfect time to join the Stacking Slabs community!

Start your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today

Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand

Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page

[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

"Passion to Profession," a new Stacking Slabs series sponsored by eBay, kicks off with a conversation featuring Mike, Owner of MC Sports Cards. From starting as a 12-year-old collector in 2006 to building one of the most trusted consignment businesses in the hobby, Mike shares the story behind his journey. We discuss key moments like launching MC Monday, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and maintaining trust in a competitive space. Hear how Mike turned his passion for sports cards into a thriving profession, and learn practical insights for anyone looking to make their mark 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

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
Follow Mike: | Instagram | eBay Store | Website