In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with therapist-in-training Traylor Disbrow to explore the connection between mental health and the sports card hobby. From his own wake-up call in 2020 to his work with people in addiction recovery, Traylor brings a unique clinical perspective on how collecting can shift from passion to compulsion — and how we can recognize the signs before it’s too late.

Our conversation dives into how dopamine and reward loops drive collecting behavior, why compulsive collecting exists in a “gray area” between gambling and other addictions, and the ways marketing and product design can fuel unhealthy habits. We talk about the red flags every collector should be aware of and how peer support and professional therapy can work hand-in-hand to build a healthier and more sustainable hobby.

Whether you’re a collector, a mental health professional, or someone questioning your own relationship with the hobby, this episode offers perspective, practical tools, and a reminder that balance is possible.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: https://www.collectorsmd.com

Socials: https://www.hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Contact Traylor: [email protected]

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Andrew Smith—better known in the hobby as @TecmoCards—for a raw, honest conversation about mental health, depression, anxiety, and how collecting helped him rediscover connection, community, and purpose.

Andrew opens up about his experiences with therapy and medication, shares how the hobby became a lifeline during dark times, and reflects on the harm caused by predatory behavior in the space.

This one goes beyond the cards—it’s about healing, hope, and holding space for others. A must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of mental wellness and collecting.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: https://www.collectorsmd.com

Socials: https://www.hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Follow Andrew:

https://www.instagram.com/tecmocards/

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

In this insightful episode, we sit down with licensed therapist Dayae Kim for a heartfelt conversation about mental health, identity, and the emotional toll collecting can take when passion turns into pressure.

Dayae shares her clinical perspective and personal connection to the hobby, breaking down how therapy can help collectors reconnect with their values, set healthier boundaries, and navigate stress, burnout, and compulsive behaviors.

We explore topics like people-pleasing, anxiety, life transitions, and the power of defining your own path—one step, one word at a time.This episode is about more than collecting. It’s about clarity, intention, and reclaiming joy.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: https://www.collectorsmd.com

Socials: https://www.hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Contact Dayae:

https://dayaekimtherapy.squarespace.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dayaekimtherapy

[email protected]

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

In our first ever official live episode of the Collector's Compass, we’re joined by Kevin, a Licensed Gambling Counselor and Drug & Alcohol Counselor with a deeply personal story. Kevin doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s walked the walk. Having overcome his own struggles with addiction and gambling, Kevin has now been sober for 7 years and uses his experience to help others.

In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from battling addiction to becoming a licensed counselor, providing firsthand insights into the psychology of gambling behaviors and how they relate to the world of collecting. We dive deep into the triggers, emotions, and compulsions that drive gambling-like behavior in hobbies like sports card collecting, TCGs, and more.

But this episode is more than just a story—it’s a conversation filled with practical advice. Kevin breaks down the psychology behind compulsive spending, the importance of understanding your triggers, and how to recognize when a hobby is becoming harmful. He also shares his approach to counseling, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and zero judgment.

If you’ve ever struggled with your own collecting habits, felt out of control, or worried about a loved one, this episode is for you. Kevin’s wisdom and lived experience make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the fine line between passion and compulsion.Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: https://www.collectorsmd.com

Socials: https://www.hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Follow Kevin:

https://www.instagram.com/kjk92_/

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, we sit down with @denny_cards, to unpack where the collecting world stands—and where it might be heading.

We talk about the highs and lows of the modern hobby, the mental health impact of compulsive collecting, what accountability really looks like, and why the current system feels so broken to so many.

This isn’t just a conversation about cards—it’s a conversation about clarity, purpose, and how to collect without losing yourself in the process.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: https://www.collectorsmd.com

Socials: https://www.hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Follow Denny:

https://www.instagram.com/denny_cards/

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

In this episode, we sit down with Mya—a passionate Gen Z collector and early supporter of Collectors MD—to explore what it means to collect with intention. Mya opens up about the sentimental side of the hobby, why she chooses cards that tell a story over ones that just carry a price tag, and how she’s helping carry the CMD mission forward to a new generation of collectors.

We also discuss her Daily Reflection, “Let The Cards Breathe,” the pressure young collectors face in today’s hype-driven space, and how to find meaning, balance, and joy in your collection—without losing yourself in the chase.

Whether you're just starting out or feeling lost in the noise, this conversation is a reminder that collecting can still be personal, purposeful, and healing.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: https://www.collectorsmd.com

Socials: https://www.hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Follow Mya:

instagram.com/bullseye_breaks/

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly