Hobby Nonsense
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Hobby Nonsense is your weekly dive into the weird, wonderful world of non-sport trading cards and pop culture collectibles. Hosted by Jesse Gibson and Ray Solorio, the podcast covers everything from Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars to Garbage Pail Kids, sketch cards, and vintage oddities from the junk wax era.
Each episode features news, market trends, release breakdowns, and interviews with collectors, creators, and industry insiders. Whether you're chasing Charizards, ripping retro wax, or exploring obscure inserts, Hobby Nonsense delivers insight, nostalgia, and a lot of hobby fun.
Each episode features news, market trends, release breakdowns, and interviews with collectors, creators, and industry insiders. Whether you're chasing Charizards, ripping retro wax, or exploring obscure inserts, Hobby Nonsense delivers insight, nostalgia, and a lot of hobby fun.
49 Episodes
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This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray open the show by addressing concerns surrounding PSA’s buyback system and whether the issues collectors are seeing are simply flaws — or signs of something more intentional.Then they’re joined by Tory Hermens of DCSports87 for a deep discussion on what truly drives the value of a sketch card: the artist, the character, or the quality of the piece itself. They also debate whether non-sport products should include less popular characters, and which direction the collector migration is moving — are sports collectors entering non-sports, or are non-sport collectors shifting into sports?Tory also breaks down the release of Topps Star Wars Galaxy, explaining what sets this year’s product apart — and reveals a huge announcement: 👉 DCSports87 will be offering a special 95% payout on all Star Wars Galaxy cards consigned to them. A massive incentive for Star Wars collectors looking to move big hits.After the interview, Jesse and Ray discuss a new WWII product from Historic Autographs that takes a very unusual approach to Nazi-related cards. They also touch on the upcoming Leaf Red Carpet release — the most expensive non-sport product ever at $10,000 a box — and whether any box at that price could truly offer a return.The show closes with the wild Kabuto King Pokémon story, and a warning: while the viral moment has positive aspects, many collectors are paying 100x the value of the card and could be left holding the bag.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into one of the biggest release cycles the hobby has seen in months. The episode starts with Jesse breaking down his viral post about clues suggesting a possible Topps x Pokémon 30th Anniversary collaboration set next year — a theory that took off online, even though Ray isn’t convinced it has anything to do with Pokémon (and he might be right).From there, the guys cover a long list of major upcoming releases:✨ Pixar Gold — gaining more hype than expected, but everything depends on the final checklist. 🌌 Star Wars Galaxy 2025 — celebrating 20 years of Revenge of the Sith with new original art and sketches from Lucasfilm animators. 🚀 Star Wars Hyperspace 2025 — already outselling last year’s product before release. 🎬 Topps Marvel Studios — featuring MCU characters, art, and massive autographs including the huge chase: a dual Ryan Reynolds / Hugh Jackman auto from Deadpool & Wolverine. ⛏️ 2025 Panini Minecraft — surprisingly underwhelming and lacking the creativity of last year’s release. 🏆 2025 Topps Allen & Ginter — stacked with monster cut autos like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and John Quincy Adams, plus real prizes including Mitchell & Ness apparel and gift cards.To wrap things up, they issue an important warning for Pokémon buyers on StockX, as reports show authenticated products arriving repackaged and not as described.A packed episode full of speculation, massive releases, hobby insights, and a must-hear consumer alert.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into the world of LEGO collecting — and trust us, it’s way deeper (and more valuable) than most collectors realize.They’re joined by Samuel, the creator behind Rarest Lego Minifigure on Instagram, who has built a million-dollar LEGO collection filled with rare, vintage, and one-of-a-kind pieces.Samuel shares how he started collecting as a kid and never walked away, how LEGO exploded in popularity after COVID, and why conventions like BrickWorld Chicago have become massive events, drawing thousands of fans and some of the most unbelievable builds you’ll ever see.He breaks down: • Why vendors price higher at conventions • How community drives the LEGO hobby • Why some of the most valuable LEGO items are true one-of-ones • How Star Wars saved LEGO and reshaped the brand • The challenges of grading LEGO and why the market is still behind • The rarest and most historic pieces in his collectionIf you’ve ever wondered how deep LEGO collecting goes — or how a minifigure can be worth thousands — this episode is a must-listen.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray (after discovering Ray might have trypophobia) dive into a packed show covering Pixar, coins, and Pokémon.First, Jesse and Ray break down Pixar Gold, the newest Topps release celebrating iconic moments from the Pixar universe. With actor autos and “Golden Moments” chases, the product looks gorgeous — but will collectors buy in if the price is too premium?Then they’re joined by Jeff Starck, market analyst for NumisMaster and host of the Coin Collecting Podcast, to uncover the real truth about coin collecting. Jeff explains why coin collectors can lose money even with “valuable” items, how emotional attachment clouds judgment, how market swings affect values, and why networking and research matter more in coins than almost any other collectible.After the interview, Jesse and Ray talk Pokémon Phantasmal Flames, why it might be the set that finally fixes the supply issue without tanking values, and the surprising pull rates of its biggest hits. They wrap with a wild record sale of a Topps Tekno Mewtwo, proving one of Ray’s recent predictions was dead-on.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse (fighting through a stomach bug) and Ray tackle an off-the-wall episode — packed with industry news, market analysis, and a conversation that collectors won’t forget.They start with the shocking report that Funko Pop predicts it will be out of business by the end of next year, breaking down what led to the fall, how it affects collectors, and why it might actually be good news for long-term Funko fans.Next, they reveal new details on Topps Star Wars Galaxy 2025, including one of the strongest autograph checklists in years, and how fans may be able to get full-size posters of their favorite cards.Then, Jesse and Ray welcome Jeremy Allen, Assistant Director of Pop Culture at Heritage Auctions, who shares an inside look at the explosive rise of non-sport cards — from record-breaking sales of Bart Simpson sketches to Luke Skywalker grails and Batman rookies. Jeremy shares what Pop Culture collectible categories have been performing the best and what his thoughts are for 2026.After the interview, the guys discuss the latest Pokémon leaks and close with a thought-provoking conversation about gambling in the hobby — from GameStop’s Power Packs to controversial break styles and how they blur the line between collecting and chance.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off by addressing the recent big-pull streak in breaks and the social media chatter accusing Jesse of getting “loaded cases.” They dig into why some people hate seeing big hits and why others think rare cards “should be worthless.”From there, we cover:🔥 GameStop reverses course after hobby backlash 🛒 Black Friday Pokémon deals at Target, Walmart, Dollar General & more ✨ Luke Skywalker record sale sparks price bump in lower gradesThen we welcome legendary sketch artist Kevin Graham, whose 20+-year career includes major projects from:Star WarsIndiana JonesLord of the RingsSpongeBobDisneyGame of Thrones …and more!Kevin talks about: 🎨 Creating sketches that later sold for $5,000 🗂️ His favorite projects and upcoming releases 💡 Budget-friendly collecting using Chinese non-sport optionsAfter the interview, Jesse & Ray debate the big question:👉 Are we at the peak of the sketch boom — or are sketch cards becoming the new fine art of trading cards?
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray break down a massive week across the non-sport hobby world.They kick off with an update on Leaf’s $200K celebrity Polaroid purchase, revealing the new Leaf Photographic product — and why the rollout may leave some collectors wanting more. Then, they turn to VeeFriends’ Super Stickers Spectacular Series, a slick new release that looks incredible but raises a few concerns once you dig into the details.Next up, they dive into the Topps Disney Sapphire and Disney Mint releases, both hitting the market this week. With four major Disney sets released in under two months, Jesse and Ray debate whether we’re seeing the rise of a Disney collecting boom or the first signs of buyer fatigue.They also preview the upcoming Batman: The Animated Series release from Upper Deck — a nostalgia-packed set sure to excite 90s collectors. Finally, the guys dig into listener’s Mailbag questions including:Whether collectibles could become a safe haven investment if the AI tech bubble burstsAnd if it’s time to stop supporting GameStop after its Pokémon price hikes and focus on local card shops insteadFrom $200K Polaroids to Disney dominance and AI market strategy, this episode is packed with big news and even bigger questions.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse welcomes Ray back from his trip and the duo dives into one of the busiest hobby weeks in recent memory!They kick things off with the Topps Chrome Labubu release, which may be even more limited than expected — and has already doubled in price on the secondary market. From there, they share their experiences at The Nashional Card Show in Nashville, where Ray managed to make some quick flips and extra cash on the floor.Next, the guys discuss one of the biggest headlines of the week — a $10,000 sketch card sale that’s sparked a debate among artists about fair compensation and how rising demand is reshaping the sketch market.Then, they dig into Disney news, covering Disney Chrome Sapphire and Disney Mint, two premium releases following right on the heels of Disney Wonder and Chrome. With four major Disney products in less than two months, could collectors be hitting a buyer fatigue wall?Finally, Ray responds to Clever Cuban Cards’ comments from the last episode about a Pokémon “bubble” — and explains why he believes we’re in a healthy market correction, not a collapse.From Labubu hype to sketch card controversy and Disney oversaturation, this episode has it all.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse is joined by Alex of Clever Cuban Cards while Ray’s out of town, and the two dive deep into a packed week of hobby news and insights!They start by uncovering hidden gems in recent card releases — and Alex shares a possible reason why some of the best content isn’t being marketed as much as it should be. Then, the guys discuss the new Topps Disney Wonder product, comparing it to the ongoing success of Disney Chrome. While it may seem like another Disney drop, they explain why this one targets a different collector base with its Princess focus and lower entry cost.Next up, they tackle the SpongeBob card explosion, with over 25 cards already selling for $3,000+ each in the first week! They debate whether SpongeBob could have serious long-term staying power — as long as Topps manages the print run wisely.Finally, Jesse and Alex break down an incredible $200,000 auction of candid, autographed celebrity Polaroids — featuring actors, musicians, athletes, and politicians — and speculate on what the card manufacturer that bought them might be planning to do with them.From Disney Princesses to SpongeBob profits and a $200K Hollywood mystery, this episode is packed with non-sport gold.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray cover a packed slate of hobby news and exclusives.They kick things off with their recent WWE card break experiences, followed by excitement over the massive sale of a unique Walt Disney card that has collectors talking. They also react to leaked Pokémon product sets for the upcoming year, speculating on what’s coming and how it could impact the market.Then they discuss the new Topps Dune Chrome product, dropping this Friday. Last year’s release skyrocketed to $5,000 a box, and they break down how this year’s edition stacks up — from design and autos to collector hype.Then, they’re joined by Upper Deck VP Grant Sandground to talk about the brand-new Skybox Metal Universe Batman set. Grant reveals details about Precious Metal Gems, glow-in-the-dark cards, and some truly unique printing technologies that make this one of the most creative products Upper Deck has ever released.The episode wraps with a look at non-sport market trends, especially around SpongeBob and Disney cards, and what the future might hold for collectors and investors.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray cover a whirlwind of hobby news and trends:📉 The rise and fall of MTG: Spider-Man pricing — and why gameplay might be playing a bigger role than expected.🧍♂️🧍♀️ Disney Chrome’s massive success, including surprise celebrity autos that stunned collectors.🚨 The fake graded card problem continues, and the guys discuss why it keeps happening and what potential solutions could help clean up the space.🃏 Pokémon Mega Evolutions is heating up — but are some of the price spikes the result of market manipulation?💪 A quick look at WWE Finest and the latest SpongeBob product drops rounding out an action-packed release calendar.From surprise autos to Spider-Man’s price crash, this episode hits every corner of the non-sport card world.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse (yes, in a Buzz Lightyear suit) and Ray are joined by Aaron Abrams of Topps to deliver two massive exclusive hobby scoops you won’t hear anywhere else!First, Aaron reveals embargoed news of an upcoming MLB x Disney collaboration, a groundbreaking partnership that could reshape how licensed entertainment and sports cards are made and collected. Later, Aaron shares another bombshell: the first Topps product in the modern era that will require age-grading. This could mark a major shift in how collectors view grading standards and invest in future releases.The episode doesn’t stop there:The growing hype around Disney Chrome and why it’s one of the most anticipated products of the yearNostalgic excitement for new SpongeBob releases and what they mean for collectorsListener questions that highlight the rising demand in the non-sport card marketHow licensing challenges affect which characters make it into setsWhy there’s a growing push for more original art sets in Marvel and DisneyThe ongoing demand for updates on autographs from iconic charactersWith Aaron Abrams breaking two massive exclusives plus a deep dive into the evolving non-sport market, this episode might be the most important Hobby Nonsense yet.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray tackle a wave of major new releases! First up: two surprise Topps products—Disney Wonder and Dune Chrome—each loaded with unexpected inclusions that collectors are already buzzing about.Next, it’s on to the Pokémon Mega Evolutions release and the most collectible cards from the set. That leads into a bigger debate: what’s the smarter long-term investment—Pokémon or baseball cards?Along the way, Jesse and Ray break down the wild rise of a Pikachu card now worth more than all but three Michael Jordan cards. Could market manipulation be behind the surge? And if so, will collectors even care?From Disney to Dune, Pikachu to PSA, this episode has something for every non-sport collector.
In this week’s episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dig into some of the biggest conversations shaking up the non-sport card hobby:The marketing problem in non-sports cards and why it lags behind sports cards in engagement.The upcoming Pokémon Ultra Premium Collection boxes dropping in November, and why collectors are buzzing about these two massive releases.Scams in the hobby — how vendors are dealing with fake cards, plus reactions to viral social videos exposing the issue.PSA former employee exposes what we all need to STOP doing. Plus, why newer PSA slabs are starting to sell for higher values.The scalper debate: some events are finding ways to stop them, but it raises the question — are scalpers really that bad for the hobby?Finally, the announcement of the Topps SpongeBob Anniversary set, which could be one of the most fun and collectible non-sport products of the year.From scams to SpongeBob, this episode has it all — tune in for real talk on the news, controversies, and products shaping the non-sport world.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined by Jonathan Miller of Music City Games, who went from a professional Halo player to a full-time Pokémon dealer in just one year! Jonathan reveals how he flipped a $200 investment into a career, grew a viral social media presence, and built a business out of card shows. He shares the strategies that worked, the pitfalls to avoid, and how YOU can follow in his footsteps.Then, the guys break down one of the most anticipated card products of the year: Topps Chrome Disney 2025. With the inclusion of real actor autographs for the first time, this set is shaping up to be both the most popular AND most expensive Disney release ever.🎴 Pokémon flipping tips, 🔥 Disney Chrome hype, and the stories that fuel the hobby — don’t miss this episode!
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into a pop culture collectible they’ve never given enough spotlight—COMIC BOOKS! Guest Rod Grimes, a longtime comic collector and flipper, joins to share everything you need to know about the comic book world:What’s hot in comics right nowHow modern issues gain valueTools to help collectors track down key booksHis pick for the next big series to watchBut that’s not all. Rod sticks around to help break down the brand-new Topps Chrome WWE x Cactus Jack release—a product that’s already being called one of the most popular wrestling sets of the year. With his background as a former minor league pro wrestler, Rod brings unique insight into why wrestling cards connect so strongly with fans, the carnival roots of the sport, and why it remains so captivating today.The episode closes with the Spider-Man comic giveaway winner announcement and a quick look at a surprising dark horse non-sport product release that collectors are already calling above average.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray break down the new Star Wars Topps Chrome release, covering fresh autos, inserts, and why prices are already rising. Then they dive into Pokémon Worlds 2025, from exclusive product scalping to new TCG rarities. Next, it’s PSA vs GameStop buybacks—who’s paying more, and what collectors need to know. Finally, a BIG Mailbag segment covers the best Pokémon sets to invest in, the non-sport autographs with the best eye appeal, and much more.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off with a hands-on review of the new VeeFriends Super Sticker product. They share why they like the cards, while also addressing why some retail customers aren’t happy—especially those whose preorders arrived after shops and breakers had already started ripping.Next, they welcome Eric Wagenmaker of Reclaim Customs, who creates custom trading cards for athletes, celebrities, and even kids in little league. Eric shares how he got started, what’s driving the popularity of custom cards, and reveals some of the strangest requests he’s ever received—including one jaw-dropping order.After the interview, the conversation turns to Japan, where a McDonald’s Pokémon pack promotion has collectors and flippers traveling hours and swarming stores to grab packs. The guys compare it to previous McDonald’s promotions and the downsides being seen.Then it’s Marvel time with the release of Topps Marvel Mint—featuring a high-end Gambit insert and a nod to one of the Marvel Universe’s most infamous villains—and Marvel Sapphire, which could be the most expensive non-sport product of the year. But does the resale price actually justify it?
Fresh off his trip to The National, Jesse sits down with Ray to share his experience hunting for non-sport cards at the largest card show in the world. Despite the continued rise of Pokémon and Topps Entertainment products, Jesse breaks down the surprising lack of non-sport presence—but also highlights the biggest Star Wars card sale in history, a $100,000 monster that stole the spotlight.They also discuss a moment with Gary Vee, where Jesse had the chance to film some content around the new VeeFriends Super Sticker product and hear Gary’s compelling case for vintage non-sport cards and their place in the long-term hobby conversation.Later, they welcome guest Mason LaFevre, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Wasatch Pop, to talk all things Funko Pop collecting. Topics include:Trends in value, scarcity, and licensingMason’s best yard sale findsWhere Funko is heading and how collectors can navigate its evolving landscapeFrom Star Wars grails to garage sale gold, this episode covers the full spectrum of collecting culture.
In this new release packed episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray go all in on the latest hobby news—starting with a recap of some of the wild news coming from San Diego Comic-Con, which now feels like a must-attend event for non-sport collectors.They break down the exclusive “Fork” redemption card used by “Hangman” Adam Page during AEW All In, which Upper Deck is turning into a real card in an upcoming product. Then they preview the National Sports Card Convention from a non-sport perspective, including how to get the exclusive Star Wars Topps packs being handed out at the show.Next, they cover:The upcoming release of Topps Chrome Star Wars, expected to be more affordable than last year while still including major signers like Jude Law and Carrie-Anne MossThe latest Pokémon release, including new collectible artwork for every Pokémon in the set, and a card that might soon be banned due to controversial artworkA bold comparison between the Pokémon 151 set and XY Evolutions, and why the “overprinted” argument might not hold upThey also jump into the Marvel universe to talk:The debut of Marvel Mint at SDCC and initial reactionsUpcoming release announced for 2025 Marvel Topps Chrome SapphirePlus, reactions to this week’s Garbage Pail Kids 40th Anniversary set, complete with throwback artwork and original artist autographs. And as they wrap, they realize they forgot to mention a huge one—the upcoming MTG Spider-Man Expansion Set, which is already seeing a spike in prices thanks to its original comic-based art.
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