Shohei Ohtani card prices are doing things the hobby rarely sees, and Mike, Jesse, Shep from Shep's Cards & Collectibles break down why the demand keeps rising.The guys react to the recent Ohtani vs. Judge dual Logoman sale and debate why an Ohtani solo card can still outpace a massive dual-player piece. They also dig into the bigger picture around Ohtani?s market, including why his cards keep climbing, why even common and lower-end inserts are getting real attention, and whether collectors should be grading more Ohtani cards from products like Cosmic, Pristine, and other chrome releases.Plus, Tory joins the show to preview DCSports87?s MLB Opening Day eBay Live event, part of eBay Live?s 48 Hours of Drops is taking place Thursday, March 26 & Friday, March 27.The DCSports87 stream will feature Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, with penny drops of his signed memorabilia, and a loaded lineup of baseball singles. Plus, Mike will be joining in-person -- Thursday at 6:30 pm EDT.Later, the conversation shifts to vintage Beckett nostalgia, old-school card values, eBay Live strategy, flipping singles, and a mailbag full of hobby questions.  Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off with promo code NONSENSE at shopmando.com! #mandopod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi takes a deep dive into flipping singles, the rapid growth of SCN?s singles business, what he?s learned from moving serious volume on eBay Live. Plus, why selectivity matters more than ever if you?re trying to build a profitable flipping operation. Then, he's joined by Corey Merriman AKA SlabSquatch to discuss which Topps wax products are actually worth buying right now. The guys take a detailed look at Bowman?s Best, Pristine, Gilded, and other Topps products through the lens of value, odds, resale, and what collectors are really getting for the money. Mike also gives an update on the ongoing Whatnot accountability debate, shares his thoughts on buyer vs. seller responsibility, and answers mailbag questions on where the singles market is headed, whether delayed grading turnarounds are pushing more collectors toward raw cards, and how to think about the best platforms for selling different kinds of inventory. Our listeners get the Harry?s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Gibson and Alex of Clever Cuban Cards break down the explosive allegations involving Whatnot as hobby attorney Paul Lesko joins the show (13:48) to discuss the arbitration currently filed against Whatnot. Lesko, who is representing the plaintiffs, explains that while these are private proceedings rather than a public lawsuit, the stakes are just as high for the hobby. Then, with the Card Ladder 50 Index up 11% since the start of the year, Chris McGill of Card Ladder joins to share which stars are driving the current momentum and which are cooling off. Aaron Judge leads the pack with a staggering 64% increase. High-profile NFL quarterbacks are feeling the out of sight, out of mind effect, with Lamar Jackson down 18% and Jordan Love also seeing a decline. Meanwhile, GOATS like Tom Brady continue to increase in value. Our listeners get the Harry?s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense  #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Jesse and Mike break down a historic week for the hobby. The headliner? The record-breaking $5.2 million sale of Aaron Judge?s 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor 1/1. The guys dive into the implications of this massive sale and debate the "modern vs. ultra-modern" labels in today?s market. The heat isn't just in baseball, though; the guys react to Bam Adebayo?s 83-point performance and the subsequent spike in his card prices. Plus, they address the recent Bowman?s Best release, specifically the technical glitches and "add to cart" frustrations on the Fanatics website that have collectors on edge. Later, Weston Spece of Oak City Sports Cards joins the show to discuss his journey from a 5-year-old "Beckett Almanac" to running successful shops and launching the NextUp Card Show in Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bowman's Best takes center stage as Mike explains why it?s one of his favorite products every year, why this year?s release may actually rise in price after launch, and which names collectors should be watching. Later, Joe Wysmierski of Sports Card Confessions joins for a wide-ranging episode that starts with one of the all-time hobby pain stories: Joe reveals he was a Josh Rosen super collector. From there, the conversation turns into a fun and chaotic mix of hobby confessions, market takes, and the kinds of side roads only this show can take. They also get into how global events can create real card-market momentum, talk about the World Baseball Classic effect, why Shohei Ohtani still towers over almost everyone in the market, whether Juan Soto is being overlooked, and how much personality and fan connection really matter in the hobby. Plus, they dive into people scalping One Piece promo cards outside NCAA basketball games. The crew debates whether sports-only collectors should care, how big the non-sports and TCG crossover has gotten, and what that says about where the hobby is heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Jesse Gibson is joined by Alex from Clever Cuban Cards to dive into the current state of the hobby and the strategies that actually work for collectors today. We kick things off with a deep dive into the "Bin to Binder" challenge, where Alex reveals how he managed to turn a strict $35 monthly budget into a collection currently valued at over $1,100 in just two months. We break down the specific flips, including a massive $60 to $325 move on an Albert Pujols rookie at a recent card show, and discuss the discipline required to keep "PC" cards instead of chasing a quick premium. The conversation moves into the world of low-end slabs and the "15 dollar slab" debate. Jesse and Alex debate whether it makes sense to grade modern cards that return as PSA 9s when they often sell for less than the cost of the grading fee itself. We also tackle the ethics and mechanics of cracking slabs, including Alex?s recent purchase of a PSA 8 Tom Brady case hit with the express intent to sell it raw or regrade it, and whether the hobby is shifting toward a more "pro-restoration" mindset similar to the comic book and Pokemon communities. We also cover the latest headlines, from the "Taco Seasoning Bandit" who used grocery store self-checkouts to steal thousands in sports cards to the recent massive sales volume in February 2026. We wrap up by answering listener questions about the future of Topps, the safety of TCG versus sports cards as a long-term play, and whether card manufacturers should include identification guides on packs to help new collectors navigate the endless sea of parallels and short prints. Check out Clever Cuban's eBay Live tonight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Gibson is back from 18 days abroad and the data he brought back from the London and Dublin card shows is a focus of today's show. While the U.S. hobby is hyper-focused on speculation, we are breaking down the differences in "vibe" and why international shows are attracting a much younger crowd. We also look at the massive organic surge in TCG and sports card interest that feels like the U.S. hobby three years ago. Mike Gioseffi and Jesse also dive into the "Hobby Busts" of the last decade, comparing current hype for current top prospect Konnor Griffin to the massive price drops of guys like Anthony Volpe and Jackson Holliday. We also tackle the "cringe" factor of Kevin O'Leary's latest marketing stunts and debate whether "mega-influencers" are actually helping or hurting the long-term health of the hobby. Finally, we look at the February Gem Rate numbers to see which grading companies?Beckett, PSA, or SGC?are actually gaining ground in 2026. If you want to know where the global market is headed and how to avoid the next prospect trap, you can't miss this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi sits down with Gary and Jason from The Ballcard Show for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed in the hobby, from the grind to the credibility. Gary and Jason break down why accurate data and transparency matter, and how misinformation can erode trust fast. They also dig into the bigger forces shaping the market right now, including consolidation, how content can influence collectability, and why innovation and real competition are good for collectors. The conversation then shifts to the Nashville Card Show, where the guys share what they noticed as Columbus locals working the room: the strength of the Nashville collector base, the different dynamics when you?re dealing with collectors vs. dealers, and the tactics that actually help you buy, sell, and negotiate smarter. Plus, Mike closes with an update on Sports Cards Nonsense?s partnership with The National as the hobby heads toward the biggest show of the summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi breaks down his most successful card show weekend to date at the Nashville Card Show, explaining the "move everything" mindset that allowed him to quickly turn a $15,000 investment into $35,000 in sales , proving that liquidity and volume often beat holding out for top dollar. We also dive into the mindset of dealers who refuse to sell at market comps and why that approach hurts the hobby's ecosystem. The conversation shifts to the business side of the hobby as Mike welcomes Chris Thomas of Ataboy Cards to discuss the difference between treating the hobby as a hobby, and becoming a full-time card entrepreneur. Chris reveals his "5-lane" strategy for maximizing ROI, covering everything from PSA grading and ComC to high-end eBay Live auctions. Plus, Jesse checks in from Europe with an update on the London Card Show , and we analyze the massive market explosion of Upper Deck Young Guns hockey cards following the Olympic gold medal game and Team USA winning gold on a Jack Hughes overtime goal. We wrap things up with a St. Louis Cardinals edition of "Keep or Cut" and discuss the latest product releases, including why Mike gives Tops Pristine an A- but hands Tops Gilded a D-. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike Gioseffi sits down with Chris Thomas of Ataboy Cards to break down a masterclass in scaling the sports card hobby into a high-six-figure empire. Chris isn?t just a collector; he?s a full-time music teacher who has cracked the code on balancing a 9-to-5 with a card business projected to gross $850,000 in 2026.The "Bet on Yourself" Moment: Chris reveals the $1,400 investment that changed everything and how he turned it into $1,000 profit in 24 hours. He also shares how he's 3Xing his business year-over-year by leveraging live selling and community engagement.Plus, he brought a game! Gio brings in Papa Gio for a game of Keep or Cut: Boston Sports Icons featuring Brady, Bird, Ortiz and more.Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with [email protected]? and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code NONSENSE at ?shopmando.com?! #mandopod #adOur listeners get the ?Harry?s Plus Trial Set? for only $10 at ?Harrys.com/Nonsense? - Be sure to use the code Nonsense if it asks where you came from #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi and Adam Gray break down a chaotic week in the hobby, including the mind-blowing $16 million Pokémon card private sale. Is the high-end market completely detaching from reality, or is this just the new normal for "grail" assets? With the Nashville Card Show kicking off this weekend, Mike shares his strategy for the show. He breaks down why he is looking to buy bulk inventory for eBay Live and details the "blind offer" battle he is planning with Alex at the booth. Then, the focus shifts to baseball. The MLB season is around the corner, and the buy window on some top prospects has already slammed shut. Mike explains why he missed the boat on Roman Anthony but is pivoting to buying Travis Bazzana, Max Clark, and Ronald Acuña Jr. instead. Then, Adam Gray joins the show for an NBA Market deep dive. They discuss whether the Pistons and Cade Cunningham are finally a legit playoff threat or just a good story. The conversation heats up around Stephon Castle?s shocking $75k sale, and the guys debate if this is sustainable. Later, they react to Gary Vee?s prediction that Panini inserts like Color Blasts and Kabooms will become the "90s PMGs" once Fanatics takes over. They also tackle the Cooper Flagg?s "First Card" 1/1 from Topps and rank the Top 3 players who will own the next decade of the NBA. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code NONSENSE at shopmando.com! #mandopod #ad Our listeners get the Harry?s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at Harrys.com/Nonsense  #Harryspod #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today?s episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike Gioseffi is joined by Ryan Hoge, President of Grading at Collectors, for an exclusive breakdown of the major changes happening at PSA. Ryan explains exactly why price increases and extended turnaround times were necessary, revealing that the primary goal is to intentionally slow down submissions to manage a massive backlog. They discuss how the explosion of TCG cards is impacting sports card grading, the ripple effects this has on SGC and Beckett, and when collectors can realistically expect turnaround times to improve. Beyond the interview, Mike dives into the current state of the market, analyzing the surprising lack of price movement for new Hall of Fame inductees like Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald. He also breaks down the post-Super Bowl market, looking at prices for Drake Maye and Sam Darnold while highlighting the quiet rise of Kenneth Walker. We also check in with the community on what everyone is buying and selling right now, with a heavy focus on baseball as the season approaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror, Mike and Jesse react to the Patriots' loss and dive deep into five years of historical data to explain why Drake Maye?s market trajectory mirrors Joe Burrow?s 2022 run and what to do with your Maye and Sam Darnold cards. The guys break down exactly why collectors should hold Maye despite the performance, while warning that Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold is likely a "sell" compared to past winners like Matthew Stafford. The guys also recap an incredible week of events in San Francisco, including massive wins for buyers on eBay Live?like a Tom Brady shield selling for a steal?and talk about the Tom Brady-backed "Card Vault" retail experience. Finally, they discusses the controversial "blind boxification" of the hobby, the Topps release schedule and Jesse previews his upcoming trip to London and Dublin. Then, they open the mailbag to answer listener questions about whether high retail prices are stalling the wax market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's jam-packed episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, we're joined by Ryan Spoon, President at Yahoo Media Group to announce a new major partnership between SCN and Yahoo, live from San Francisco, starting during Super Bowl week. The guys discuss the Super Bowl's impact on the hobby, Fantasy vs the hobby - what's the overlap, are gifted a Ghostwrite figure from Ryan, and talk about the state of the hobby. Plus, we preview our major events with eBay Live coming up the rest of the week starting tonight and continuing all day tomorrow as well as Saturday night with PSA Vault and talk about our celebrity encounters on radio row. The episode ends with an interview with expert ticket collector Howard Citron discussing the Tom Brady inscribed Super Bowl ticket available in the PSA Vault Spotlight Auction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from the Mojobreak Shop in Santa Clara, California Jesse and Mike are joined by Mojo's Dan and Doug for part 1 of a two-part show that you'll have to tune into the Mojo The Hype podcast tomorrow for! The guys discuss the Super Bowl conspiracy theory, the latest Fanatics leaks and what makes a breaker successful or.. not. Tune in and keep an eye out for more content from Super Bowl week in the Bay Area! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back to break down the latest movement in the sports card market as we head toward the Super Bowl. First, Jesse shares a "cautionary tale" involving a massive rip of Marvel cards and the hunt for a Hugh Jackman auto. Then, the guys look at the disrespect in the NFL market, specifically comparing Sam Darnold's prices to Josh Allen's. Despite a stellar season and being the NFC Champ, Darnold's cards are a fraction of the price of many other quarterbacks. Are collectors missing the window? They also discuss the "dirt cheap" pricing on Cooper Kupp and the heating-up market for Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Later, they discuss the massive PSA Spotlight Auction starting this week and running through February 7 featuring cards directly from the personal collections of legends like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning. They analyze the value of inscription cards, seeing exactly what Tom Brady wrote on his own rookie card, and debate if provenance from a player's own collection is the new grail for collectors. There are also plenty of other cards in the auction including a special Mewtwo Pokemon card. The auction's final hour will be broadcast LIVE on the SCN eBay Live channel. Finally, they tackle the Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub and answer your mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New England Patriots are going back to the Super Bowl after an improbable run where they'll again meet the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Gioseffi coudn't be more excited as he reflects on the team's 9-0 road record and how this season has reinvigorated his interest in collecting the current roster, specifically MVP candidate Drake Maye. Mike also welcomes Justin Wickizer, the Director of PSA Marketplace, to discuss the highly anticipated PSA Spotlight Auction launching January 28th, which features items from the personal collections of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning. A major highlight of the auction is a unique Eli Manning card featuring a hand-drawn diagram of the Xs and Os from the legendary "Helmet Catch" play, a piece Justin describes as a true one-of-one experience for collectors. Justin also explains the strategic advantages of the PSA Vault, emphasizing how its integration with eBay allows hobbyists to instantly capitalize on "market moments" and player performances. As the crew prepares for Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, they detail their plans for a massive live event on February 7th featuring high-end wax rips and live auction closings for the Manning and TB12 collections. Keep an eye out for much more info on that coming soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back with Papa Gio to take on the viral 2016 vs 2026 challenge by looking back at the state of the sports card hobby exactly ten years ago. They break down the shocking price differences for iconic cards like the Michael Jordan rookie and Tom Brady Bowman Chrome to see just how much the market has exploded since COVID and the pre-investor era. The guys also react to some wild statistics about box prices from a decade ago and debate whether the "pure collector" days of 2016 were truly better than the modern hobby. The crew also breaks some MASSIVE NEWS regarding the upcoming 2026 Topps Series 1 release. They reveal that the product will be the exclusive home for the legendary 1952 design on rookie cards, including Jonah Tong (Mets), Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers), Payton Tolle (Red Sox), Carson Williams (Rays), CJ Kayfus (Guardians) and more. They'll all also have on-card autos. After this, the 1952 design will be gone for good. Later in the show, they discuss the sold-out Disney packs on Arena Club and do a live rip of a $100 slab pack to see if Mike can pull a monster card. Finally, they wrap up with the latest release calendar, a Denver news station contacting the show for Jarrett Stidham analysis, and a mailbag segment featuring selling tool questions and Malik Willis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the NFL playoff market setting a massive trap for collectors? Mike and Jesse are joined by BCW Tim to break down the wildest market spike of the week: Jarrett Stidham rookie cards have skyrocketed over 600% following the news that he'll be quarterbacking the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Base PSA 10s went from $6 to $50 overnight?is this a legitimate buying opportunity or the ultimate "sell the hype" moment? The guys debate whether these prices are fake and what it means for other playoff contenders. Plus, Mike gives a massive update on the $50,000 card collection he bought. He reveals what it?s really like sorting through thousands of slabs, unearthing hidden $800 gems (like a rare Cal Raleigh), dealing with the random cards and his strategy to hit a $60k return. Later, they call a listener, Phil, who just set up at his first local card show with his 10-year-old son. They discuss the reality of selling at tables versus the glamorous "Instagram" version of the hobby. And, we end with a mailbag! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike dropped $50,000 cash on a massive sports card collection to stock up for eBay Live and barely looked through it before buying. In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense Mike and Jesse are joined by Shep as Mike breaks down the deal, how he fit 20,000+ cards into a Suburban, and the huge hidden gems he found including WNBA Prizm and NFL quarterbacks. Plus, the guys discuss the major news from the Topps/Fanatics town hall where they announced they are effectively closing applications for new card shops unless they are already in the process. We debate if this move is truly "doing right by the collector" or if it is hurting new businesses. We also react to the latest updates from PSA President Ryan Hoge regarding the future of SGC and Beckett. The guys also debate the benefits of shared "Pop Report Hygiene" to fix population counts and argue why cross-over grading standards need to change immediately. Then, we tackle the controversy from the Dallas Card Show involving Beckett?s new $65 raw review fee and discuss if it is a strategic move to create "Price Quality Bias". Finally, Jesse rips open the new Arena Club Disney packs live on the show hunting for a grail and hitting an Enchanted card. Plus, we tease some massive high-end cards coming up for our "Big Game" auction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back to recap a wild NFL Super Wild Card Weekend before diving headfirst into one of the biggest baseball releases of the year in Bowman Draft. The guys react to the market fallout from the playoffs, discussing Caleb Williams flipping the narrative to clutch leader, why Jordan Love might be a smart buy with Micah Parsons returning, and why Mike argues you couldn't pay him to touch Justin Herbert cards right now after a pathetic showing. They also touch on Sam Darnold?s potential upside with a matchup against the 49ers coming up and Drake Maye?s debut. Then, Aram Leighton from Just Baseball joins the show to preview 2025 Bowman Draft and explain why the pricing, over $750 for Hobby boxes and nearly $1,000 for the new Breaker?s Delight SKU feels totally out of whack for a class considered weaker than last year?s. Aram and the guys break down the top chases, including Nationals shortstop Eli Willits, high-upside Pirates pitcher Seth Hernandez, and other top prospects like Kade Anderson and Tyler Bremner. They also dive deep into the sleepers and value picks you need to know, such as Blue Jays infielder Jojo Parker, the Cubs' Ethan Conrad, and why the Tigers' trio of Kevin McGonigal, Jordan Yost, and Michael Olavetto might make Detroit the best break value in the product. Finally, the guys wrap up by discussing the unique Sadaharu Oh retrofractor chase, deciphering the confusing new "Super Jumbo" wax configuration. They then open the mailbag to address questions about grading companies, specifically why TAG and BGS still struggle to overtake PSA?s market dominance. They also discuss the impact of LeBron James' new "23rd Season" jersey patch on future card values and whether coaching changes can actually move the hobby needle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today?s episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike and Jesse dive deep into the current state of the card market to answer a burning question: Are we experiencing another high-end bubble? Mike brings the data, comparing current sales of iconic "GOAT" cards like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Mickey Mantle against their peak prices during the 2020-2021 COVID boom. The guys break down why cards like the '89 Upper Deck Griffey and '56 Mantle are actually seeing higher prices now than they did during the pandemic craze. Later, Jesse doubles down on his Carolina Panthers take. After claiming Bryce Young still has potential, Mike challenges him to put his money where his mouth is. Plus, the guys discuss Upper Deck?s major announcement regarding NHL Rookie Debut Jersey cards and how they compare to Topps? recent innovations. They also tackle the frustration of sticker autos versus on-card signatures , the confusing release schedule for upcoming products like "Midnight" , and open up the mailbag to discuss Shaquille O?Neal?s market value and Patrick Mahomes prices following his injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back to break down the NFL playoff picture and what it means for the sports card market. They discuss which quarterbacks have the most price upside heading into Wild Card Weekend (is Bryce Young a buy?!) and which stars they are looking to sell immediately, including Aaron Rodgers and Trevor Lawrence. Later, the guys welcome Aaron Abrams (25:10), Director of Entertainment and Pop Culture Cards at Topps, for a fascinating look into the non-sports boom. Aaron shares the chaotic, cross-country story of how Topps secured the Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman dual on-card autos for Marvel Chrome, discusses the "Product of the Year" success of Disney Chrome, and teases a massive surprise coming in Pixar Gold. The guys close out the episode by looking at the final Gem Rate numbers from 2025, reflecting on surprises in the card grading market from last year. And then answer a bunch of mailbag questions including everything from their favorite products of 2025 to chest bumps in the wild and why baseball got the short end of the stick with Exquisite Collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hobby news cycle is moving fast. Just days after the Collectors/Beckett announcement, a U.S. Congressman has sent a letter to the FTC asking for an investigation into monopolistic practices in the trading card industry. Is this a legitimate legal threat, or just political grandstanding? Plus, the hobby hype for Cooper Flagg has officially reached dangerous levels. With his first licensed Topps Chrome cards hitting the market, collectors are already paying NBA superstar prices for an unproven rookie. Is the hobby losing its mind? In this episode, Mike and Jesse dive deep into the numbers surrounding the Cooper Flagg Topps Chrome release. Mike crushes the math, comparing Flagg's current pre-sale pricing, where base cards are hitting $250-$400, directly against established talent Victor Wembanyama. They discuss why the "new toy syndrome" combined with the return of licensed Topps Chrome basketball has created a market bubble that makes zero statistical sense. If you are thinking about investing in Cooper Flagg right now, you need to watch this market reality check first. Later, they discuss the polarizing tweets of Geoff Wilson (Sports Card Investor). Is he "out of touch," or is he actually the smartest marketer in the room playing the engagement algorithm perfectly? Finally, the guys open up the mailbag to discuss sunk cost fallacies in flipping, why retail pricing is never coming down, and who ranks as the most collectible "bust" in sports history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse debate the massive acquisition of Beckett (BGS) by Collectors, the parent company of PSA. The guys have vehemently different reactions to the deal: Jesse believes Collectors will "save" the brand by leveraging its history and media assets, while Mike argues BGS is destined to be "gutted" like SGC. They discuss what this "monopoly" means for the hobby and whether it will actually improve PSA?s turnaround times. Then, Gordy Bonker joins the show to break down a major shift in the vintage market, with record-breaking sales for Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente cards. He discusses Ken Goldin?s theory about institutional money entering the space and whether hedge funds are finally treating cards like art. Plus, the guys discuss the London Card Show scandal, the new Arena Club "FR34K" packs, and answer a very timely mailbag question about what Collectors might buy next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson are back with the biggest stories in the hobby and on the field. Is now the perfect time to buy Patrick Mahomes (5:05) sports cards at a reasonable price, given his ACL tear and the Chiefs' first losing season with Mahomes as the starter. His pricing has been down for the last year or so, with his 2017 Prism Silver PSA 10 down 16% and his 2017 Optic PSA 10 down 20% on the month. Plus, Bo Nix's play (10:00) has closed the gap with Drake Maye, changing the narrative in the QB market. They also review buying opportunities for quarterbacks like Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence, and Jordan Love. In case you missed it, the Sports Cards Nonsense Fanatics Live channel is now Hobby Nonsense (3:00) and there's a new Sports Cards Nonsense channel on Fanatics Live. Starting this week, the new SCN channel is running huge giveaways so you'll want to head on over to follow the account! The guys also discuss multiple breakers reportedly losing their Fanatics Breaker Program access, possibly due to a low "breaker scores." Plus, this week features the return of the iconic brand, Topps Chrome Basketball, with Hobby cases running about $6,000 and the Breakers Delight cases around $7,500?$8,000. Mike and Eddie are giving away boxes of both Topps Chrome Basketball and Topps Cosmic Baseball on Fanatics Live this week. To close out the episode, today's mailbag questions cover Mike's thoughts on Chrome basketball pricing , the difference in retail blasters and hobby boxes and if you'd rather have 1 $20 card of 4 $5 cards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are back and are joined by attorney Paul Lesko who dissects the Panini-Fanatics antitrust lawsuit, revealing a major conflict: Panini is risking its own court credibility by showing potential buyers documents that claim their unlicensed products can outperform licensed ones, directly contradicting their courtroom defense. He also touches on the related Wild Card lawsuit, where Panini is accused of threatening distributors who worked with Wild Card. Separately, the Nikola Jokic card market is poised for growth as the star is officially signing with Topps. Plus, the guys debate which NFL quarterbacks to buy now and flip before the Super Bowl. Mike argues for Matthew Stafford, who is quietly building an unbelievable Hall of Fame resume, ranking top-10 all-time in major passing stats and is currently a top MVP candidate alongside Drake Maye. The ultimate market wild card is 44-year-old Philip Rivers who is joining the Colts' practice squad and could end up starting for them this season. In the baseball world, it's free agency time and Mike vents about the Red Sox refusing to sign big free agents, like Pete Alonso, despite the team's need for a power bat. Are young Orioles stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunner Henderson sneaky good value buys right now? The episode concludes with a look at the enduring cultural power of Pokémon cards among modern athletes and the high sale prices of crossover collectibles. Plus, upcoming card releases the guys will be breaking over the next few days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson break down Jeff Kent?s selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame and discuss the problematic process behind the committee's choices. The guys also tackle the "PSA Pikachu Scandal"?debating whether there is actual fire behind the smoke of recent conflict-of-interest allegations and if AI grading is the inevitable solution. They also spoke with PSA getting their first-hand reactions and explanation on what happened. Later, the conversation turns to the high-end market, focusing on the Shohei Ohtani Gold Logoman currently up for auction at Fanatics Collect for over $1 million, and why Ohtani remains immune to the off-season dip. They shift to the gridiron talking NFL QBs and "HOF Locks" (Rodgers, Stafford, Mahomes), "Buys" (Stroud, Love) and "Sells" (Maye, Burrow). Finally, Adam Palmer of Daily Nonsense joins the show to explain why you should care about the soccer market right now and the growth of the MLS. The show wraps with a mailbag segment covering the potential of a multi-sport Allen & Ginter set, how a baseball strike could impact card values, why sports cards and TCGs use different methods of pricing and more. Be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you think of today's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse dive into the biggest market movers and the hottest debates?starting with whether Topps' pricing strategy a problem for collectors? They break down the shocking $3,300 starting price and $1,625 final price for the Topps Chrome Basketball Jumbo First Day Issue in a rapid-fire Dutch Auction. They also discuss how these massive price discrepancies impact the hobby and whether it's sustainable. The guys are joined by Tory from DCSports87 to preview a massive 2-night eBay Live event featuring a high-profile lineup of cards, including a Luka Doncic NTRPA and the MJ 1984 Star Rookie card. They also look at comps on the MJ card as well as other highly desired cards like Kobe autos, which will be featured in the live. Be sure to check that out here! In today's mailbag listeners wrote in asking about the current state of 'Whatnot' enforcement, key buying trends and the economics of card grading strategies to maximize profits. Let us know in the comments: Do you think Topps' pricing model is a problem? Our listeners get the ?Harry?s Plus Trial Set? for only $10 at ?https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense? Be sure to use code: NONSENSE #Harryspod #Sponsored Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson open the show with a beginner-friendly guide to entering the sports card hobby. They cover how to approach breaks, what research actually matters, and where the line really is between cleaning a card and altering it. Upper Deck President Jason Masherah then joins the show for an unfiltered conversation about the state of the hobby. He dives into card pricing, how wealthy collectors influence spending, and why manipulation goes far beyond shill bidding. Jason also explains the tension between serving collectors and answering to shareholders, why Upper Deck doesn?t sell hobby boxes direct on its site, the realities behind products like The Cup, and the realities of breaking scams. He sticks around for mailbag questions covering Scotty Scheffler card possibilities, how ePack actually works, and why certain products are designed specifically for hobby-first buyers. After Jason signs off, Mike and Jesse tackle more mailbag questions on anonymous eBay sales, what could spark the hobby?s next downturn, and the long-term impact of high-end releases. Our listeners get the Harry?s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense Be sure to use code: NONSENSE #Harryspod #Sponsored Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi is joined by the controversial yet insightful guest, Nick Andrews, also known as the Boston Card Hunter for today's episode of Sports Cards Nonsense. The conversation explores the current state of the market, the impact of auction houses, and the evolving landscape of card grading. Nick shares his candid thoughts on the recent hobby scandals and his strategic decisions in the hobby, offering a unique perspective on navigating the highs and lows of collecting. From Probstein and Snype to liquidity events and the impact of repacks, plus the most dangerous part of the sports card hobby, this episode has it all. Mike also ends with a mailbag covering some new releases and the cause of GOAT card spikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up for a jam-packed, scandal-filled episode of Sports Cards Nonsense as Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson dive into the latest controversies and updates in the hobby. We start with a discussion on the recent security issues and allegations surrounding Probstein. From a massing shilling scandal to a data breech, it only sounds like bad news when it comes to this story. Topps Chrome Basketball dropped this week and Mike has mixed reactions on the prices. We also talk with the management team of The National Sports Collectors Convention about upcoming changes, vendor expansions, and new features like Pokémon TCG. Thanks to Jim Ryan, Joe Drelich and Brian Coppola for joining us! Later, the guys discuss Geoff Wilson's interview with Dr. Beckett and claims that shill bidding isn't self bidding. *Insert your eye rolls here.* We finish with a Mike vs Jesse Arena Club slab battle giveaway. Tune in to see who wins, hear from The National team and get the latest on the hobby scandals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Mike and Jesse discuss the end of the wax drought and the continued explosion of the grails market, highlighting significant sales and the potential for future investments. The episode also features talk on the MLB MVP buyback program, analyzing the impact of recent pricing changes on card values. Mike and Jesse discuss the intricacies of the buyback process and offer insights into maximizing returns on specific card types. Additionally, they engage in a lively discussion about the latest updates from the Topps townhall meeting, including upcoming product releases and strategic shifts in the collectibles market. Plus, Fanatics Fest prices are out with tickets now available. Are they WAY too expensive? The episode ends with listener questions in the mailbag segment, offering perspectives on everything from saving spots in line at GameStop to the future of eBay's PWE service, and women's basketball's new leagues. Plus, Tory from DCSports87 has an awesome update on their payout rates. Don't forget to vote for SCN for Best Media Platform in the Hobby Awards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense Mike Gioseffi is joined by Joe Wysmierski as they dive into a variety of hobby topics, starting with a heartfelt moment as they address the absence of Jesse due to a personal loss. The conversation transitions into a lively discussion about the intricacies of selling personal collections, with Mike sharing his experiences and strategies for managing and selling sports cards. The episode also covers the excitement and challenges of the sports card market, including the impact of new releases and the dynamics of card shows. Plus. Joe previews some MASSIVE Pokemon releases and the value in Pokemon cases. Additionally, the guys are joined by Morgan Jon Fox to discuss the Mantle Awards, which Sports Cards Nonsense Media Network is nominated for! Morgan is a judge for the awards (and a SCN listener)! Be sure to vote for us for Media Platform of the Year! Don't make Mike break his TV over us losing... PLEASE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse and Mike are joined by Shep of Shep's Cards to talk about the latest sports card and collectibles news, and drama... Shilling is the talk of the hobby right now, which Mike and Shep weigh in on in detail. Plus, Boston Card Hunter has a juicy scoop the guys discuss. Probstein is breaking off from eBay is there more there than meets the eyes? They also talk about the impact on the hobby of players such as Skeens and Yamamoto, and the shifting dynamics in the football market with non-quarterbacks. Jonathan Taylor and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have booming markets right now and other skill players are following suit. Additionally, the guys reflect on the sentimental value of collecting, encouraging listeners to find joy beyond monetary gains. Remember, this is a hobby after all! The episode concludes with insights into upcoming sports card releases and answering mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Gibson is joined by Alex, AKA Clever Cuban Cards as they dive into the frustrations of trying to snag the 2025 Topps Black and White Baseball release, pointing out how poor communication left many collectors in the dark. The conversation heats up with a debate on shill bidding, where they break down the ethics and impact on the hobby. They also chat about how card shows are evolving, wondering if more polished setups could actually help the hobby grow. Meanwhile, they Jesse and Alex open a Costco Bundle of Panini Donruss Football, which Alex does pretty well on. Before answering mailbag questions, the guys also discuss Panini's future without key licenses and the role of non-licensed products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who wants SCN merch? Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi start the show by going off-script with a live contract negotiation for Jesse. Then Adam Ireland, eBay's Vice President and General Manager, Global Collectibles joins the show to talk about all things eBay from sports cards to watches and more. We also dive into what Adam collects including 49ers players and lots of soccer. And, a fan of the show, he knows the guys love a quiz and hosted a round of "Who is the most searched athlete on eBay" guess-off. The guys also make a phone call to the UK before taking a mailbag question on the top NFL rookies this year. It's Jaxson Dart and then everyone else. Plus, which quarterbacks rank top 10 in quarterback ranking this season? Mike tries to guess. Can you do better than he did? Let us know in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PSA and eBay have a new partnership. Is it actually good news for the hobby? Jesse Gibson is joined by Alex AKA Clever Cuban Cards for today's episode and they're joined by Doug Plagens, the radio voice of the Florida Panthers who will be joining the Sports Cards Nonsense Media Network with a new hockey podcast, Nonsense on Ice! Doug shares some expert tips on collecting hockey cards and the Young Guns to be keeping an eye on in the hockey world from Jimmy Smnuggeraud to Zane Parekin. They also talk Bedard, McDavid, Gretzky and more. Plus, the guys talk Shoehei Ohtani (yes, again) and whether a dip is coming for his market, as well as Jesse's MASSIVE Disney pull. After having the biggest pull of his career a few months ago, he topped it this past week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of the Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike and Jesse are joined by Professor Sports Cards, a seasoned collector and YouTube personality known for his candid takes on the hobby. The guys discuss the current state of the sports card market, the impact of overprinting, and the allure of vintage autograph rookies, which Professor enjoys collecting. They also debate the value of modern players like Shohei Ohtani and Patrick Mahomes, and explore the dynamics of card breaking and its influence on prices. Mike also shares his latest PC pickup, why community building is essential for successful card breaking businesses and the challenges faced by breakers in maintaining engagement, as well as the Babe Ruth sale that just lost $3 MILLION.Plus, will Ohtani prices come down or is the current market here to stay? The guys answer that question in today's mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA is back and the first few games have certainly delivered and shaken up the hobby market. Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson are joined by a slew of guests include BCW Tim, Adam Gray, Eddie and Papa Gio to talk about the NBA season and Topps basketball's release. Papa Gio has some mafia intel for us on the bombshell gambling arrests this morning. Tune in for a can't miss episode that talks Luka, Wemby, KD, Steph and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Shohei Ohtani just play the best game of any baseball player in the history of Major League Baseball? Mike and Jesse are back with a new episode of Sports Cards Nonsense that keys in on Ohtani's massive sports card market. Drake Maye and Bo Nix continue to have their markets grow, too. The Hobby Handbook's Clever Cuban Cards joins the show via the phone to join the discussion on the Nashville Card Show, which all three of the guys were at over the weekend. Alex spent $20,000 on 1,700 cards at the show! Mike and Jesse had a great time meeting many of you... And some disrespectful children. Plus, they answer mailbag questions on the decrease in collectors but increase in repackers. And, is PSA all-in on repackers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse analyze the recent trends in the sports card market, focusing on the rising values of iconic players from legends like Kobe Bryant, and Ken Griffey Jr., to Willie Mays. But they're not the only ones whose market is up. The guys also delve into the factors driving these changes. Today's discussion also covers the impact of modern players such as Patrick Mahomes and the role of investment groups in shaping card values. We also take a look at a cool promotion from Arena Club featuring a $100,000 2003-04 Jordan Exquisite patch auto super grail. Be sure to use code SCN20 on your first Arena Club purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse delve into the fluctuating values of quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, as well as recent product releases and the strategies for buying, selling, and grading cards. Special guest Tory Hermens from DCSports87 joins to discuss the latest Bowman Chrome price trends, the impact of international prospects on the market, and leads a 'name the price of that card' game. Don't forget to download the dcsports87 app and check out their eBay Live auctions! Plus, we answer mailbag questions on everything from the MLB pitcher market to Aaron Judge's potential market fall, Whatnot repack policies, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gioseffi is joined by Cut the Nonsense's Joe Wysmierski as he fills in for a recovering Jesse. They discuss the rise of quarterbacks Bo Nix and Drake Maye, Jared Goff's long-term value and what to do with Aaron Judge cards this offseason. Then Matt Varao of Card Vault Breaks joins the show, who shares details on the company's expansion plans and unique collector experiences. The episode also examines the debate over licensed versus unlicensed rookie cards, offering a deep dive into market trends and player valuations. Mike and Joe end by answering your mailbag questions on everything from The Big Dumper to Black and White Shimmer Autos, offseason MLB pickups, breaker pricing and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike joins us from vacation and catches us up on his time off. Jesse details a significant Disney card sale, highlighting the excitement and process behind the Walt Disney 1 of 1 transaction. We also cover the latest news on Card Vault's expansion, discussing the implications of new locations in the sports card market. Additionally, we touch on the current state of market competition -- or lack thereof -- and what it means for collectors. Plus, Mike teases some breaking news coming on Thursday's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse and Mike discuss Whatnot's announcement that they'll be regulating the sale of repacks moving forward. Is this good news? Then, the guys sit down with Brian Lee, founder and CEO of Arena Club, to hear about his journey from being a young collector to a successful entrepreneur. They discuss the innovative use of AI in card grading, transparency of digital marketplaces and how he started Arena Club. They also discuss the booming international market, the intricacies of repacks, and Arena Club's 5-year outlook. Beyond the interview, Jesse and Mike discuss SGC being down big month over month and answer listener questions about the ideal schedule for Fanatics releases, the dynamics of card pricing, card show etiquette and the impact of player performance on card values. They also preview their upcoming live shows, including Jesse breaking WWE Finest on Fanatics Friday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Mike out on the road, Jesse is joined by Alex AKA Clever Cuban Cards to talk about the latest sports card market updates. Grading changes with PSA, expansion into Europe, and Topps' release frequency are all on the docket. PSA's pricing and turnaround times have been a hot topic of conversation over the last week, which Jesse and Alex reflect on. They also discuss the booming market for Pokémon cards, the impact of player likability on card value (Aaron Rodgers), and the challenges of maintaining affordability in the hobby. Be sure to check out Mike's eBay Live tonight with DC Sports 87! And, tune into The Hobby Handbook with Clever Cuban Cards each Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike Gioseffi takes the helm as Jesse recovers from an intense 16-hour card-breaking marathon. Mike dives deep into baseball prospects you need to know as a card collector, discussing the latest trends with special guest Aram Leighton from Just Baseball. They talk Bowman Chrome, early MLB Draft thoughts, and highlight standout players. The conversation also touches on the evolving market for pitchers, the MVP race in the American League, and the nostalgia that keeps collectors engaged. Tune in for a mix of expert analysis, personal reflections, and a look ahead at the 2026 baseball rookie class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It?s a packed week in the hobby. Chris Sewall, the Baseball Card Collector, Investor, Dealer, joins Jesse Gibson and Mike Gioseffi to share stories from the buying side of the business, including his $3,000 purchase of a 3-million card collection that ended up being a money loser, and what lessons he took away from it. He also breaks down the most common types of sellers he encounters and how bulk collections get valued. On the release side, Bowman Chrome is back and after several down years, this year looks loaded. The crew also covers the Disney Topps Chrome drop, featuring autos like Tim Allen and Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear, and Sully from Monsters Inc. And as always, they dig into the mailbag: Is Topps Finest Basketball overpriced? What?s the outlook for ultimate card collecting rooms? And, we'll be breaking with DCSports87 next Monday, which you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jesse are joined by Matt from Slabnomics to talk about Shohei Ohtani's latest accomplishments and why he is the GOAT of the baseball market right now and for the foreseeable future. Plus, there are a ton of big releases coming starting next week, the soccer market is up big, and Bowman Chrome FINALLY has a winner with their latest release. Plus, Matt explains the equilibrium point in sports cards and how that relates to demand for the best players' cards. And don't miss out on Mike's big eBay Live on Friday night with MASSIVE singles starting at $1 - it starts at 7:30 pm ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices