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Stacking Slabs

Author: Brett McGrath

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Welcome to the Stacking Slabs, a podcast for sports cards collectors. There's been a tremendous amount of change to our Hobby over the last few years and the one constant has been the passion from the collecting community. Stacking Slabs is built by the collector and lives to tell stories for the collector.
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You respond to certain cards without thinking. A pattern hits your eye. A refractor shines a certain way.A texture pulls you in. Why?In this episode, we talk about the power of familiarity in your collecting. We explore why your brain gives extra credit to designs you already know and why nostalgia plays a bigger role in your buying than you might admit. From PMG Championship to Scope, from Superfractor to Gold Vinyl, from Atomic to Cracked Ice. These visuals tie generations of collectors together.Brett walks through the psychology, the science, and the moments in your own journey that shaped how you collect today.You hear why brands keep returning to familiar cues and why those cues build trust faster than anything new.This episode aims to help you understand why some cards feel right the second you see them and why the past still shapes the future of collecting.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Brett breaks down the shifts that shaped his collecting in 2025. He talks about moving from player focused to product focused. He shares why Colts Prizm parallels took over his attention. He walks through the questions that helped him sell cards that no longer fit. He talks about the power of clarity, intention, and purpose as a collector. He explains how this focus brought more joy, more energy, and more direction to his hobby life.If you want to think deeper about your own collecting decisions, this episode gives you a clear place to start.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Brett chats with Tory from dcsports87 to walk through the long road to becoming eBay’s highest volume sports card seller. They talk about the early days, the decisions that shaped the business, and why serving every type of collector opened the door for explosive growth.You’ll hear stories about scaling from kitchen-table sorting to a 50-person operation, building internal tools before hiring, and how dcsports87 built a model that works across every price point.Tory shares insight on staffing, technology, the rise in high-end consignment, and the 2025 plans that will shape the next era of the business. A detailed look at how consistency, trust, and an obsession with serving collectors built one of the most important operations in the hobby.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
On this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, Brett sits down with Nick Pivovarnik, Head of Consignment at QuickConsign. Nick brings a clear view of what growth looks like when more cards, more collectors, and more categories hit the market at the same time.They talk about the surge in TCG, the strength of WNBA, the value of speed on new releases, and why collectors want ease above everything else. Nick shares how QuickConsign keeps scaling without losing sight of accuracy, payouts, or customer experience.They also walk through some of the biggest cards sold this year and what those sales say about where the hobby is going next.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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Brett and Katelyn take on the biggest question in the WNBA card space right now.What belongs in the WNBA hobby canon and who gets to decide it?They walk through the Panini license news, the early 2025 Prizm signs, the new Mercury branding, the draft lottery shake-up, and then dig into the cards, players, and moments that shape the foundation of WNBA collecting.Katelyn lays out what she thinks belongs in the early canon and why certain cards stand the test of time.Card Ladder data, collector behavior, player impact, and product history all play a role. They close with pickups, collector spotlight, and a strong round of co-host questions.A collector-driven episode that helps you think about where the WNBA hobby has been and where it’s heading.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastShout out to our good friends at Great Lakes Trading Cards for supporting The WNBA Card Podcast and WNBA collectors worldwide!Follow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Pack and Brett break down episode 23 with new releases, market movement, PC updates, and real NFL talk. They cover surprise listings, big hobby sales, and the dealers who keep cards flowing. Brett shares the story behind landing a new PC pick up. Pack talks through the reality of team collecting and why it leads you to players you never planned to buy. They also hit on Colts and Bears storylines, the schedules ahead, and what the league looks like right now. A full run for football card collectors.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVote for Heystack for Innovation of the YearVisit Heystack to explore their partner breaks. No more waiting. No more blurry screenshots. Just clear, instant access to what you hit.Follow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Brett shares the ten things he is thankful for in the hobby this year. He talks about the collectors who show up every week, the partners who support the mission, and the growth of Stacking Slabs as a platform.He explains why audio matters, why Instagram still plays a role, and why Prism Football will always mean something to him. He reflects on communication, content, cards, diversity, independent thought, and kindness. This episode is a pause from the noise.A moment to look around and recognize the people, products, and experiences that keep the hobby meaningful. A reminder of why collectors stay connected to this space.Support the show and get 25% off at ShinestyI’m testing a fun partnership with Shinesty. They make underwear, loungewear, pajamas, and other comfortable gear. If you want to check them out, use this link for 25% off your order:https://www.shinesty.com/?ref=stackingslabsGet your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Completeness sits at the center of why collectors stay engaged. That final card slotted into a binder or case delivers a feeling that pushes the hobby forward. In this episode Brett explores why the pursuit of complete holds so much power. He breaks down the psychology behind the chase, including data from a University of Arizona study that shows motivation increases as collectors move closer to finishing a project.He explains how completeness brings structure to a chaotic hobby, why it raises the value of certain cards, and how it shapes long term decision making for every type of collector. Brett shares real stories from collectors who chase sets, player runs, rainbows, and team projects.He highlights how each collector defines complete on their own terms and why that freedom is the true foundation of meaningful collecting.If you want to bring intention, focus, and purpose to your collecting, this conversation gives you clarity on what completeness means and why it matters.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In this episode of Built for the Hobby, I sit down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-Founder at InfernoRed Technology, and Ed Snider, Lead Architect and long-time collector. We get into what it feels like to build hobby tech in real time.The day to day. The decisions. The process. The moments when a collector’s instinct adjusts the roadmap. Ed shares what it’s like to build while collecting.Scott talks about why having real collectors in the room changes the outcomes. We walk through discovery, client conversations, pivots, and the influence of AI on how fast ideas become real.If you’ve ever wondered how a hobby idea moves from a conversation to code, this episode gives you a look behind the curtain. If you're building something or thinking about building something, this one speaks your language.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
On this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, I sit back down with Tait, the owner of Hoody’s Collectibles. Our last chat happened in February, and a lot has changed since then.We cover what it takes to run a real sports card business in 2025, why some products fly and others stall, and how Tait navigates the swings of the market while managing stores, consignment, and a nonstop flow of collections.We also walk through several standout cards that moved through Hoody’s this year, from Griffey Superfractors to Jordan inserts to vintage Mantle. If you want an honest look at how a shop owner stays sharp, stays connected, and stays growing, this one will hit you.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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Pack and Brett sit down and talk about the type of collecting that happens when you stop fearing price tags and start trusting your instincts.We get into the mindset shift that lets you land cards you once thought were out of reach. We talk Derrick Henry, early Superfractors, cracked ice autos, Phoenix parallels, and why certain cards feel timeless. We cover auctions, comps, and what these sales say about the football card market right now. We break down why collectors hit turning points when they learn how to maneuver, trade, and sell to chase the right cards. We close by sharing how our collections have evolved this year and what that says about focus, identity, and what you want your box to say back to you.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVote for Heystack for Innovation of the YearVisit Heystack to explore their partner breaks. No more waiting. No more blurry screenshots. Just clear, instant access to what you hit.Follow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
You run into a lot of noise when you collect without intention. Safe searches tell you what to buy.Auctions pull you into impulse mode. Random mail days fill the void. This episode is about going on offense.It’s about taking control of your operation and building a collection that feels like you.I break down the difference between accumulation and curation. I share why curation brings clarity, restraint, meaning, pride, and long term happiness. I highlight some collector examples to explain why their pages carry so much weight. If you want to build something you want to keep, this is the episode.Support the show and get 25% off at ShinestyI’m testing a fun partnership with Shinesty. They make underwear, loungewear, pajamas, and other comfortable gear. If you want to check them out, use this link for 25% off your order:https://www.shinesty.com/?ref=stackingslabsGet your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
This episode closes out the Collecting for Keeps series by focusing on trust, legacy, and the future of your collecting journey.I break down what it means to control what you can control, why responsibility matters in every interaction, and how trust shapes your experience in the hobby. We talk about long term thinking, the value of community, and the story your collection tells about you.If you’re looking to reset, refocus, and move with more confidence in the hobby, this episode will help you step forward with clarity and purpose.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Brett and Tory sit down to talk about shill bidding, trust, and the state of auctions in the hobby. Tory breaks down what DC Sports 87 sees every day, how shill bidding really works, and why defensive shill bidding is not real.This episode gives you the perspective of a seller who runs more auctions than anyone on eBay and cares about protecting the marketplace.If you buy or sell cards, this is a conversation you need to hear.A special thank you to dcsports87 for supporting this series. Check out dcsports87 for your eBay consignment needs and visit the dcsports87 eBay store to find great cards ending every night.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow dcsports87: | Website | eBay | Instagram | Twitter  Follow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, Mike Brown from 4 Sharp Corners joins the show to take you inside one of the most trusted operations in the hobby.We sit down to talk about growth, decision making, and why the right processes build trust.Mike shares how he moved from finance into cards, what he learned from working alongside Stan and Roger, and why focus keeps their business moving in the right direction.You’ll hear how they built their consignment division from the ground up, the impact of Probstein leaving eBay, and why their select showcases have changed how collectors think about selling big cards.If you want a better view of where the hobby is headed and how top sellers think, this episode gives you an honest look under the hood.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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
On this week’s episode of the WNBA Card Podcast, Brett and Katelyn dig into the changing WNBA ecosystem and what it means for you as a collector. They break down the rise of new leagues like Unrivaled and Project B, what Paige Bueckers’ dual deals signal for the card world, why design matters more than ever, and how collectors decide what belongs in the canon.You’ll hear honest talk about trust, continuity, player movement, CBA uncertainty, and how new opportunities shape the cards we chase.They close the episode with market talk, a spotlight on a great collector in the community, a few strong questions from the audience, and some fun new pickups.It’s a thoughtful conversation about where this category is heading and how you can stay grounded as the roads expand.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card PodcastShout out to our good friends at Great Lakes Trading Cards for supporting The WNBA Card Podcast and WNBA collectors worldwide!Follow the WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Pack and Brett sit down and talk through the week in collecting and the week in football. They open with family updates and Colts and Bears storylines, then move into Mosaic Football and why the design hits for some collectors and misses for others.They break down borders, true one of ones, and the mindset behind chasing second-year cards of a quarterback who’s starting to figure it out.The conversation shifts to Card Ladder sales as they highlight vintage, Select Gold, and a wild Drake Maye result that raised eyebrows across the hobby.They close with what makes a grail feel like a grail, why the word gets thrown around so often, and why defensive bidding has no place in the hobby.For collectors who love football and want a conversation that meets them where they are, this episode fits the moment.Vote for Heystack for Innovation of the YearVisit Heystack to explore their partner breaks. No more waiting. No more blurry screenshots. Just clear, instant access to what you hit.Follow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeGet 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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett sits down with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder for a collector’s conversation that hits every corner of the hobby. They start with what they’re thankful for, move into Josh’s viral post about keeping the hobby about cards—not crypto or stocks—and unpack why financial talk often drowns out what makes collecting meaningful.The group explores the long-term health of the hobby, the fine line between investing and collecting, and the growing influence of gambling culture in cards. Chris shares his framework for what helps and hurts the hobby, while Josh calls out the risks of gamification and how it impacts the average collector.They also go deep on one-of-ones, rarity systems, and why the first year matters—using examples like the 1997–98 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Kobe Bryant 1/1 and the 2012 Prizm Black Finite DeMarco Murray. The episode closes with talk about protecting your collecting mindset from negativity online and a few exciting new pickups, including a Jonathan Taylor 1/1 that ties everything together.If you care about the future of collecting and the fundamentals that keep it fun, this one’s for you.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsGet 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 linkFollow Josh: | InstagramFollow Chris: | InstagramFollow Card Ladder: | Instagram | YouTube | WebsiteFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
When prices rise and excitement fills the air, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out.But real collecting isn’t about chasing hype — it’s about making smart moves that stand the test of time.In this flagship episode, Brett breaks down his personal playbook for collecting with purpose in a bull market.He shares how strategy, execution, and adaptation shape long-term success and help collectors stay grounded when things heat up.You’ll hear about:How to think strategically when the market feels chaoticThe difference between emotional and data-driven buyingWhy execution and timing matter more than everHow to read different types of sellers and negotiate the right wayThe importance of adapting while staying true to your collecting purposeThis one’s for anyone trying to make better moves and collect with intention in a time when everyone seems to be running toward the next big thing.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon Today[Distributed on Sunday] Sign up for the Stacking Slabs Weekly Rip Newsletter using this linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In this episode of Passion to Profession, presented by eBay, Brett reconnects with Dave, owner of Sport Card Auctions, who turned his side hustle into a thriving full-time business.Dave shares what it’s like to go all in on the hobby after selling his pizza shop, how he’s navigating a booming 2025 market, and why staying small and remote has helped him grow fast without losing control.They cover everything from eBay’s impact on consignment to why collectors are flocking to Jordan rookies, how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping streamline the work, and why doing the right thing is still the best business strategy in the hobby.If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion into your profession, this one’s for you.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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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