Auction Talk #54 with Nic (@thewharfsportscards)

Stacking Slabs

#Sports #Lifestyle #Hobbies #Brett McGrath #Sports Cards #Sports Card Invest #Basketball Card #Football Cards

26:46

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about a year ago 1:42:42

MP3•Episode home

This week on Auction Talk, Nic from The Wharf Sports Cards and I go deep into auction trends, and the conversation takes a turn right away. We spend time analyzing a key threshold—$3,000—and what it tells us about the market’s health.

Collectors are making moves, consolidating into bigger cards, and the numbers back it up. We discuss:

The rise in $3K+ sales and what it means
Why GOATs like MJ, LeBron, Kobe, Brady, and Bonds continue to dominate
Set collectors quietly shaping the market (2012 Prizm Gold, anyone?)
The psychology behind moving cards and reworking collections
National Treasures—is the decline happening in real time?

We also hit on the biggest auctions from the past week, including some wild sales that had us scratching our heads.

Listen, subscribe, and if you enjoy the show, tell a damn friend.

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

616 episodes

Auction Talk #54 with Nic (@thewharfsportscards)

Stacking Slabs

22 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Collectors are making moves, consolidating into bigger cards, and the numbers back it up. We discuss:

The rise in $3K+ sales and what it means
Why GOATs like MJ, LeBron, Kobe, Brady, and Bonds continue to dominate
Set collectors quietly shaping the market (2012 Prizm Gold, anyone?)
The psychology behind moving cards and reworking collections
National Treasures—is the decline happening in real time?

We also hit on the biggest auctions from the past week, including some wild sales that had us scratching our heads.

Listen, subscribe, and if you enjoy the show, tell a damn friend.

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

616 episodes

#Sports #Lifestyle #Hobbies #Brett McGrath #Sports Cards #Sports Card Invest #Basketball Card #Football Cards

All episodes

1
Smashing BIN: The $1,500 Gold Prizm Smash That Changed Everything with Drake (@drakes_pc) 58:42

16 hours ago58:42

58:42

In this episode of Smashing BIN , we sit down with Drake (@drakes_pc) to break down one of the most iconic BIN smashes in recent collecting memory: the $1,500 2012 Peyton Manning Gold Prizm. Drake shares the full story—from being nudged by a hobby friend to smash BIN during the pandemic, to watching the market explode around a card he never planned to flip. This conversation is all about the moment a collector acts on instinct, the relationships that make the hobby feel like home, and the lessons learned along the way. We also dive into: How competition in offers can push a collector to smash Wrestling cards as hidden value plays (especially Stone Cold and Rhea Ripley) The psychology behind ultra-modern prospecting vs. proven player collecting Why the story behind a card can make it priceless If you've ever hovered over a BIN button and asked yourself, “Should I?”, this episode is for you. Enoy it? Tell a damn friend. 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 Drake: | Instagram Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Managing the Madness: A Real Talk on Collection Management 25:00

1 day ago25:00

25:00

In this episode, Brett breaks down the personal side of collection management and why it’s the key to staying in the hobby long term. Whether you collect in one lane or across several, managing your focus, budget, and energy helps you build a collection that reflects who you are — and keeps you fired up along the way. Topics covered include: The difference between collection management and portfolio management Budget management as the foundation How engagement shifts over time Narrow vs. multi-lane approaches Why letting go of some cards opens the door to new opportunities If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, or unsure about your next move — this one's for you. Enjoy it? Tell a damn friend. 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…

1
From Convention Floors to Break Room Studios: Mark's Paradise Card Breaks Journey 49:25

4 days ago49:25

49:25

This week’s Passion to Profession features Mark, owner of Paradise Card Breaks, one of the fastest-growing and most community-driven card shops in the hobby. From humble beginnings breaking on Facebook during COVID lockdowns to building a 22-person team in the heart of Las Vegas, Mark shares what it really takes to build a trusted business in today’s sports card industry. We talk about: Building a brand without a bankroll Creating experiences that keep collectors coming back Breaking on eBay Live 18 hours a day Why celebrity involvement in the hobby matters The biggest shift in collector behavior he's seen Preparing to open a second location on the East Coast If you're thinking about turning your hobby into a profession—or are already in the thick of it—this one hits home. 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 Paradise Card Breaks: | Instagram | Website | eBay Store Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
The WNBA Card Podcast #1: Paige Bueckers Finishes Her Story and What That Means for Collectors 1:03:47

6 days ago1:03:47

1:03:47

The debut episode of The WNBA Card Podcast is here. Co-hosts Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett (@stackingslabs) kick things off by unpacking the growing momentum in women’s basketball cards. They react to UConn’s championship run, share thoughts on Sarah Strong’s market spike, and talk about why Bowman Firsts and Prizm parallels are shaping the future of WNBA collecting. The conversation hits everything from the draft to underrated prospects, hobby opportunities, and favorite recent pickups. Whether you're new to WNBA cards or already deep in the market, this episode sets the tone for a show made by collectors, for collectors. Make sure you follow The WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram for the latest news and updates. 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…

1
Online Momentum, Show Reality: What Kevin (@dacaptain37) is Seeing at the Table 53:57

7 days ago53:57

53:57

In this collector conversation, I catch up with my friend Kevin (@dacaptain37) to talk about the current state of the hobby from behind the table. We're hearing a lot about big numbers in online sales, but is that momentum showing up at local and regional shows? Kevin shares what’s moving, what’s not, and how different segments of the market—from Brady rookies to Pokémon to vintage baseball—are performing in-person. We also touch on what the repacker wave means for collectors, and how shows are changing because of it. If you're trying to connect the dots between what you see on IG and what’s happening at card shows, this one's 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 Dacaptain37: | Instagram…

1
Smashing BIN: The BIN You Can’t Let Get Away with John (@packnicholson) 1:01:02

8 days ago1:01:02

1:01:02

What makes a collector hit “Buy It Now” without thinking twice? This week on Smashing BIN , John (@packnicholson) joins the show to break down the psychology behind BIN moments and the 2024 Prizm Jaylon Johnson Black Finite 1/1 as his subject. We talk about the psychology of passing, the weight of regret, and the feeling of relief when the second chance comes around. We explore what it means to stay patient, how to trust your gut, and why some cards deserve to be overpaid for. With help from Card Ladder data, we look at the pricing trends and what this purchase reveals about timing, instinct, and collector identity. Because sometimes, smashing BIN isn’t about being first. It’s about making sure you’re not last. Enjoy it? Tell a damn friend. 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 John: | Instagram Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Why We Smash BIN: The Emotion Over the Data 24:24

9 days ago24:24

24:24

We don’t smash BIN because of comps. We smash because the card hits something inside us. In this episode, I’m talking through the psychology of the BIN smash—the real reasons collectors hit Buy It Now without hesitation. I share my personal process, what I’ve learned from others, and the emotional phases we go through when the right card shows up, and why we created a dedicated show about it. This isn’t about logic. It’s about desire, instinct, and what it means to build a collection that reflects who you are. You’ll hear about my recent BIN smash of the 2022 Prizm WWE Charlotte Flair Gold /10 PSA 10 and why that card had to be mine. Let’s stop pretending all of our decisions are rational. Enjoy it? Tell a damn friend. 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…

1
Passion to Profession: Buying Collections and Building a Business with Curt and Aaron from BBC Emporium 55:45

11 days ago55:45

55:45

In this episode of Passion to Profession , I sit down with brothers Curt and Aaron from BBC Emporium to talk about their journey from passionate collectors to business owners. We go deep into what it takes to run a successful business in today's hobby, how their mindset has shifted from collecting to serving, and what makes BBC Emporium feel like home to the local collector community. We cover: – Why connection matters more than comps – Lessons from the early days of setting up shop – How they think about product selection, pricing, and supporting collectors – Why authenticity always wins in the long run If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for cards into something bigger—or if you’re a collector who values the experience of walking into a great shop—you’re going to connect with this one. 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 BBC Emporium: | Website | eBay Store Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Finding the Pacers Through Haliburton and the Cards That Followed with Rodney (@enjoycards_ig) 1:10:04

14 days ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Rodney (@enjoycards_ig) joins the show for a collector conversation rooted in passion, purpose, and Pacers. We talk about how he became a fan of the Indiana Pacers and why Tyrese Haliburton became his guy. Rodney shares his collecting story, from Duke days and Grant Hill admiration to his gold Halliburton chase. We explore the psychology of choosing a player, committing to a team, and letting aesthetics guide the journey. You’ll hear about: His Halliburton Black 1/1 Prizm and how he landed it The cards that brought him joy in hand Why he chose to focus on Halliburton in a Pacers jersey, not rookie cards Thoughts on the Pacers' playoff potential this year How collecting deepened his connection to the game This one’s for collectors who build meaning through cardboard and fall in love with the game all over again. 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 Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs Follow Rodney: | Instagram Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Smashing BIN #1: Paul (@wardle_kombat) and the Brady Rookie That Changed Everything 51:52

15 days ago51:52

51:52

In this debut episode of Smashing BIN , I sit down with Paul (@wardle_kombat) to break down one of the most legendary Buy It Now moments in recent collecting memory, his late-night Walmart parking lot pickup of a 2000 Bowman Gold Brady rookie /99. We talk about: What made him smash BIN without hesitation How that one decision led to owning three copies Why understanding rarity is more powerful than comp chasing What that card allowed him to do years later (think vacations, a new house, and more) Plus, we dig into three more recent BIN smashes: Shohei Ohtani’s green refractor auto /99 for $24K Aaron Judge’s Bowman Chrome auto selling $1.4K higher than an auction on the same day A sleeper Roethlisberger Rookie Premiere auto /15 for $2,499 We wrap with the question every collector faces: when do you smash BIN , and when do you walk away? This is a show about instincts, collector psychology, and the stories behind sales that don’t wait for the countdown. Enjoy it? Tell a damn friend. 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 Paul: | Instagram Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Letting Go: Why Selling That Card You Just Bought Doesn’t Make You a Flipper 23:36

16 days ago23:36

23:36

Letting go of a card right after you bought it doesn’t make you a flipper. It makes you adaptable. In this episode, Brett breaks down why collectors shouldn't feel guilt or shame for making fast moves. You’ll hear about the mindset shift that helped him stop caring what others think and start building a collection that actually means something. Topics covered: Why intent and transparency matter more than timelines How ego can hold collectors back Why the “flipper” label misses the point The reality of sunk costs and leveling up Stories from Brett’s own quick moves, including selling fresh pickups to land grails If you're making decisions based on your collecting goals, you're not flipping—you're curating. Enjoy it? Tell a damn friend. 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…

1
Card Ladder Confidential #6 with Chris (@chris_hoj) and Josh (cardboard_chronicles) from Card Ladder 1:09:39

17 days ago1:09:39

1:09:39

In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential , Chris and Josh are back to talk cards, collecting strategies, and the psychology behind how we rank and value what we own. We start with a cold open—if your collection was a March Madness bracket, which card cuts down the nets? We dive into: How Card Ladder is improving price prediction with more accurate historical data The fine line between educating vs. pumping on social media Tech enhancements that improve collecting, like PSA to eBay flow and AI-powered search Why Finals MVP matters more than you think How sentiment and scarcity shape card markets over time The froth monsters returning to the hobby Using bounties to track down grail cards The role gambling plays in shaping the public perception of the hobby Plus: card pickups, collecting wide receivers, market movers, and a whole lot more. If you’re a collector who wants to sharpen your edge and stay grounded, this one's for you. Check out Card Ladder the official data partner 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 Josh: | Instagram Follow Chris: | Instagram Follow Card Ladder: | Instagram | YouTube | Website Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Passion to Profession: Building a Business Around Live Selling with Ryan from Ryan's Cardhouse 38:57

18 days ago38:57

38:57

In this episode of Passion to Profession , I'm joined by Ryan from Ryan's Cardhouse, one of the top live sellers on eBay. Ryan turned a childhood love for Pokémon into a full-time business and built a thriving community around ripping, collecting, and live selling. We talk about: How social media drives his business Why entertainment and community are core to what he’s building The current Pokémon boom and what’s driving demand Why live selling is the future of retail Building a trusted brand and team from the ground up His move to eBay Live and what’s next Ryan’s story is about showing up consistently, caring deeply about his audience, and always being ready to pivot. If you're a collector, seller, or entrepreneur in the hobby, there’s a lot to take away from this one. 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 Ryan's Cardhouse | Instagram | eBay Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Unpacking the Challenges of College Collecting with David (@mostly90sbasketballcards) 47:14

21 days ago47:14

47:14

In this episode, I'm joined by David (@mostly90sbasketballcards) for a deep conversation about the often overlooked and underrated world of college card collecting. David is a die-hard Wisconsin Badgers fan who’s built his collection around his love for the team, not the draft picks, not the pro careers, but the players who wore the W. We get into: Why college cards matter What makes college collecting so difficult (and rewarding) The unique challenges with current products like Bowman Chrome U The joy of chasing cards no one else cares about Why “unlicensed” is misunderstood in the college card world This one's for the collectors who follow their hearts. And for anyone thinking about building a collection around their school, this episode will give you the push to start digging. 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 Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs Follow David: | Instagram Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok…

1
Auction Talk #57 with Nic (@thewharfsportscards) 1:37:01

22 days ago1:37:01