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Welcome to the Sports Cards Are Dope podcast, hosted by Dr. Tyler Tarver (@tarvercards), an aggressively average dude with an above-average obsession for those glorious, four-cornered lil treasures we call sports cards!
This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a celebration of sports, pop culture, and the universal joy of pulling a card so dope you immediately start calculating how many shares of Apple you can buy with it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a curious rookie, or someone who just wants to hear how Michael Jordan, Marvel movies, and Saved by the Bell all connect through cardboard, you’ve found your proverbial home.
Here, we keep it (mostly) positive as we dive into the wild world of collecting: rookie chases, market trends, and how these little slices of nostalgia tie into fandom, investing, and, yes, incredible relationships! Also, expect plenty of stories, pop culture tangents, and more than a few questionable analogies.
So grab your penny sleeves, settle in, and let’s talk sports cards more than your spouse would ever allow! SPORTS. CARDS. ARE. DOPE. (and so are you 🎧✨)!
Now quit reading, hit follow, and let’s dance you beautiful chicken nugget.
This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a celebration of sports, pop culture, and the universal joy of pulling a card so dope you immediately start calculating how many shares of Apple you can buy with it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a curious rookie, or someone who just wants to hear how Michael Jordan, Marvel movies, and Saved by the Bell all connect through cardboard, you’ve found your proverbial home.
Here, we keep it (mostly) positive as we dive into the wild world of collecting: rookie chases, market trends, and how these little slices of nostalgia tie into fandom, investing, and, yes, incredible relationships! Also, expect plenty of stories, pop culture tangents, and more than a few questionable analogies.
So grab your penny sleeves, settle in, and let’s talk sports cards more than your spouse would ever allow! SPORTS. CARDS. ARE. DOPE. (and so are you 🎧✨)!
Now quit reading, hit follow, and let’s dance you beautiful chicken nugget.
70 Episodes
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We break down how real‑life trades ripple through the sports card market: the instant attention spike, the new fanbase effect, and why jersey/legacy still drive long‑term value. We run scenarios around Micah Parsons, Jordan Poole, Lakers‑centric hype cycles, Brady’s uniform shift, and more. Entertainment + education; not financial advice.Timestamps: 00:00 Cold open chaos & setup 00:36 Why trades move prices (attention > performance) 01:02 Jordan Poole to Pelicans mention 05:29 Immediate Hype vs. Long‑Term Value framework 07:54 Lakers/Westbrook case study 10:54 New Fanbase Effect explained 12:20 Legacy/Jersey & narrative shifts (Brady, Haliburton) 14:18 Young‑star trade scenario talk (Parsons/Luka hypotheticals) 17:28 Fun run: iconic players in weird uniforms (AI Grizzlies, Hakeem Raptors, GP Heat/Lakers, MJ Wizards) 21:01 Wrap + audience prompt
Sports cards just had their BIGGEST month ever — $421M in sales! Tyler Tarver breaks down why August was such a record-setting month, from Kevin O’Leary’s $13M Kobe/Jordan grail to Caitlin Clark’s cultural impact. We’ll talk investors, the National, NFL kickoff, WNBA cards, and how community energy is reshaping the hobby.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – $421M in one month!1:17 – Why August sales exploded3:56 – Investors, The National & NFL kickoff6:32 – Sports cards as mini stock portfolios7:08 – Caitlin Clark & WNBA cards go mainstream9:53 – The “Matrix effect” on women’s sports13:28 – Card creators & live streams fueling growth17:53 – Communities forming around breaks & streams19:56 – Top 5 takeaways from August’s record month29:10 – Why mid-tier cards matter most30:19 – Wrapping up + hobby outlook
Today on Sports Cards Are Dope, Tyler breaks down why he spent $1,800 on a Giannis Antetokounmpo auto jersey card from Tyson Beck. Was it a smart investment, a collector’s dream, or just plain crazy? Tyler shares his 5 big reasons — from the art to the long-term value — plus answers live audience questions.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Why I spent $1,800 on a Giannis card4:14 – 5 reasons behind the purchase8:02 – Collecting the NBA Top 75 autos11:03 – Game-used vs. “player-worn”15:21 – Long-term investment potential19:42 – Licensed through the athlete vs. league26:35 – Mailbag: Jordan Poole, grading, profitability34:40 – Balancing passion, collecting, and life
What up, chicken nuggets. We debate NFL rookies and backup QB lottery tickets, why hype moves prices faster than performance, and exactly when to sell after a playoff pop. Names on the table: Jayden Daniels, Cam Ward, Malik Nabers, Jalen Milroe, Stetson Bennett, Joe Flacco, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen. Not financial advice—just cardboard calculus.Timestamps: 00:00 Cold open + Homestar energy 01:41 Why rookie QBs move the market (Cam Ward talk) 03:02 Second‑year leap candidates (Jayden Daniels) 03:29 Malik Nabers heat check 04:14 Veteran attention & the Flacco factor 06:06 Stetson Bennett flip story ($150 → ~$260) 09:12 Playoff spikes: when to sell after a Wild Card win 10:01 Hype vs. reality (Dogecoin analogy) 12:06 Spotting the next pop: rookies & backups 12:40 Under‑the‑radar QB: Jalen Milroe 16:02 MVP chatter: Burrow vs. Allen 18:06 Flacco team confusion resolved 19:26 “Potties” award bit + wrap
Our longest podcast yet — and for good reason. I sat down with Sean, the 19-year-old behind OnCard Autographs, who has turned autograph consignments into a legit business. We talk about his start, how he organizes signings with legends like Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice, which athletes are the nicest, and the future of autographs in the age of Fanatics and exclusivity.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & Sean’s background2:00 – Starting out writing letters as a kid5:00 – First shows, consignments, and snowballing growth10:00 – The process of organizing signings (prep, pens, logistics)13:00 – Barry Sanders stories & why he’s the GOAT off the field too17:00 – Jerry Rice surprises & athlete interactions20:00 – Future of autograph collecting (rookie cards, exclusives, Fanatics)27:00 – Coolest inscriptions & nicknames33:00 – Sean’s white whale: Ronaldo auto40:00 – Storytelling and the value of the signature47:00 – Advice for collectors entering the autograph side of the hobby52:00 – Arkansas card shops I love visiting
Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, joined forces with investors to buy the Kobe Bryant & Michael Jordan Dual Logoman Auto for a staggering $12.93 million.In this episode, I break down why this sale matters, what it means for collectors vs. investors, and how it could shift the future of the hobby.Timestamps:0:00 – Weird intro & authenticity in content0:33 – The $12.93M Kobe/MJ Logoman sale1:00 – Kevin O’Leary and the buyer group revealed2:45 – Why auctions prove real demand4:50 – Sports cards as part of investment portfolios7:30 – Collector vs. flipper vs. investor mindset10:00 – Real estate, 1031 talk, and how money moves into cards15:00 – Building IP in the hobby (media, brands, creators)
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Tyler breaks down the record-breaking sale of the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman Autograph featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant — the most expensive sports card ever sold at $12.932 million.We cover why it went so high, what makes it unique, and what it means for the future of the hobby.Timestamps:0:01 – Welcome + quick recap of the $13M sale2:30 – Why this Jordan-Kobe card is different5:20 – The power of combining two player bases7:40 – The uniqueness of MJ’s 50th Anniversary gold patch10:25 – Autograph scarcity: Kobe gone, MJ rare14:00 – Real scarcity vs manufactured scarcity17:00 – How this sale shapes the hobby20:00 – Top 5 most expensive cards ever sold
Learn how the power of silence can change your negotiations at card shows, shops, or even buying a car. Inspired by Chris Voss’ Never Split the Difference, we explore why silence is uncomfortable, how to use it strategically, and real-world examples of it working in the hobby.Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & Chris Voss inspiration 0:42 – Why humans hate silence 2:30 – Strategic silence in card deals 4:45 – The text message “read but not replied” analogy 6:15 – Counting to seven in your head 7:40 – Using silence after counteroffers 9:10 – Real-life example at The National 11:30 – Silence as your best negotiation weapon
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Tyler dives into the psychology of negotiations at card shows. Inspired by Chris Voss’ Never Split the Difference, he shares practical tactics like mirroring, labeling, and tactical empathy that help you build better relationships with dealers and get the cards you want—without burning bridges.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: Deals Start with Conversations1:30 – Why Reading the Room Matters5:00 – Mirroring Technique (Chris Voss Method)8:00 – Labeling Emotions in Negotiations12:00 – Tactical Empathy with Dealers16:00 – How to Position Yourself “With” the Seller19:00 – Recap & Closing Thoughts
A collector scored autographs from Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Babe Ruth, Lionel Messi, and Wayne Gretzky—on one item. But are those really the greatest of all time, or just his GOATs? Tyler breaks down the story, debates the GOATs across every sport, and shares his own personal dream collectible.Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: The 5-GOAT Autograph Story 1:15 – The Babe Ruth Starting Point 2:40 – How Brady, Gretzky, Messi, and MJ Signed On 4:55 – What’s Your GOAT List? 7:20 – My Picks Across Sports 12:15 – GOATs Outside the Big Leagues 15:05 – Final Takeaways & Community Shoutout
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, I share 5 game-changing tips I learned from completing the legendary 1996 EX Credentials basketball set—the first-ever numbered basketball card set in history. Whether you’re chasing a vintage set or the latest parallel rainbow, these strategies will save you money, speed up your hunt, and keep your collecting fun.Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & backstory on the set 1:12 – Tip 1: The Buy-It-Now Blitz 3:25 – Tip 2: Big Seller Bulk Deal 5:26 – Tip 3: Tracking Your Progress 7:58 – Tip 4: Hit the Bigger Shows 10:15 – Tip 5: Milestone Motivation 13:40 – Recap of all 5 tips
Ever hit a wall at a card show negotiation? Tyler shares his go-to hack for bridging the final gap in deals—and how it scored him a Steph Curry rookie card (basically for free). This is one of those simple negotiation moves that can turn a "maybe" into a "done deal." Tune in, learn the method, and start winning more tableside talks!Timestamps:0:17 — Setting the scene: The National card show0:56 — The offer gap: $1,100 vs $9001:42 — Spotting the Curry rookie2:25 — The “Throw-In” technique explained3:40 — How to scout tables smartly5:00 — The Caitlin Clark example6:38 — Why this trick works psychologically7:30 — Why both sides win8:30 — The used car analogy meets cardboard9:12 — Negotiation stories from the community
Description: In this episode, Tyler spills the tea on a wild experiment: buying up nearly 40 Jared McCain Silver Prizm rookies—and watching the market follow his lead. If you’ve ever asked, “Can one collector really move prices?”... this is the playbook.Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome Chicken Nuggets 🐔 0:30 - Why McCain caught my eye 1:45 - Card strategy: buying low & holding 3:00 - Flipping comps on eBay 6:45 - Setting the tone with Ron Gant nostalgia 9:15 - Niche collectors, niche power 11:50 - Controlling your own market (96 Credentials set) 14:30 - The line between smart buying and fake hype 15:45 - Can YOU do this too?
Tyler Tarver here — and just because I can’t attend The National this year (RIP, my early access ticket), doesn’t mean I’m not going to equip YOU with the best tips in the game. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, these 15 card show tips — from packing a “grind kit” to trade night tactics — could be the difference between a legendary haul and hobby regret.👟 Bonus: I even include weird tricks like how a Jordan Poole jersey got me more deals.Timestamps: 0:00 – What’s Up Chicken Nuggets? 1:03 – Tip #1: Set a Clear Budget 2:34 – Tip #2: Bring Cash & Prep Your Apps 3:36 – Tip #3: Build a Focused Want List 4:38 – Tip #4: Don’t Waste Day 1 5:40 – Tip #5: Pack Snacks, Not Excuses 6:12 – Tip #6: Wear Comfortable Shoes & Deodorant 7:09 – Tip #7: Bring the Right Backpack or Case 8:04 – Tip #8: Scout Instagram at Night 9:24 – Tip #9: Ask Dealers for Hidden Cards 10:50 – Tip #10: Strap Your Case to You 12:26 – Tip #11: Daily Buying Themes 13:53 – Tip #12: Make a “Grind Kit” 14:48 – Tip #13: Crush It at Trade Nights 16:31 – Tip #14: Wear Player Jerseys to Get Offers 18:31 – Tip #15: Visualize the Deal Before You Commit📩 Drop your National pickups in the comments — I want to see what y’all score!
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this is a terrible situation for everyone involved. please have patience with people as they try to navigate this.
Reporting live from a creepy hotel room, Tyler breaks down his personal eBay data and what it reveals about the exploding popularity of WNBA cards — including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. Why are female athletes outselling NBA stars? Let's talk market momentum, culture, and how collectors are driving a shift that might be here to stay.Timestamps:00:45 – Why I was off the grid (Alaskan cruise + eBay settings)1:45 – My exact eBay setup and pricing strategy2:50 – 100% of sales = Female athletes?!4:30 – Asia Wilson, Finn’s wall, and the cultural shift6:15 – Caitlin Clark ≠ Best Player… but she’s the star8:40 – Why narrative > stats in card collecting9:50 – This is a Jordan moment for WNBA cards10:45 – What you should be watching next
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the major shift eBay is making to their auction system: extended bidding. What does it mean for you as a buyer, seller, or investor in sports cards? Is this the end of last-second sniping? Or just the beginning of more fair pricing? Tyler dives deep with analogies, insights, and hot takes that’ll have you rethinking how you buy cards online.🕒 Timestamps:0:00 — What up, chicken nuggets! Why this change matters1:45 — eBay’s extended bidding explained in simple terms3:15 — How this compares to Goldin, PWCC, and other marketplaces5:00 — Why buyers feel betrayed (and sellers don’t trust it either)7:25 — Analogy time: eBay vs. the NBA shot clock9:30 — Will comps even matter anymore?10:45 — Wrap-up: Is this good for the hobby?
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down how to spot players before they explode in value. We’re not chasing hype, we’re finding smart buys before the market catches up. From Cooper Flagg to Jordan Poole, from losing teams to playoff sleepers, we’re talking player movement, market psychology, and real stories from the trenches of the hobby.⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – What up, chicken nuggets0:46 – Why Cooper Flagg may already be overpriced2:15 – The “Young Star Dip” is real (Wemby, Zion, Ja)3:54 – Situation is greater than Talent: The Austin Rivers Rule6:01 – Jordan Poole, Wizards bias & false narratives9:45 – Players to watch after trades (LaRavia, Hachimura)11:00 – Buy these types of players now12:18 – Final thoughts: sleeper teams, your comments matter!
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the Gym Rate data and the crazy grading trends from June 2025. From Pokémon outpacing ALL major sports combined to the possible downfall (and potential Fanatics acquisition) of Beckett—this one’s got it all. Plus, how TCG may be the Fortnite gateway into our sports card Call of Duty world.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome, Chicken Nuggets 🍗1:10 – PSA Still King, But CGC Is Climbing Fast3:00 – Beckett Down BAD: 30% Drop in Grading4:50 – TCG vs Sports Cards: Who's Really Winning?7:15 – Is Pokémon the Taylor Swift of the Hobby?9:00 – Why Fanatics Might Buy Beckett11:45 – Rage Baiting, Social Media, and the Hobby14:10 – How We Should React to the TCG Takeover16:05 – Outro: “Be kind, have fun, and never stop collecting.”
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