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Stacking Slabs

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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On this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, I’m joined by Scott Lock, CEO and Co-founder of InfernoRed Technology. Scott shares how a side business selling cards with his son on eBay turned into a $250,000 operation, and how that same passion for collecting led to building technology solutions for some of the biggest companies in the hobby.We talk about:What he learned building a business with his son through sports cardsHow InfernoRed became the go-to tech partner for leading hobby businessesWhy understanding collectors matters when creating solutions for the spaceThe current state of hobby technology and where innovation is headingIf you want to hear how passion connects with profession and why technology plays such an important role in the growth of the hobby, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.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 Scott: | InfernoRed Technology | LinkedIn
With the playoff race heating up, Katelyn and Brett explore what really drives interest in WNBA cards. Is it all about winning, or are other forces shaping collector behavior?They break down:Why winning doesn’t always lead to hobby heatHow moments, storylines, scarcity, and cultural impact influence card valuesPlayer-to-watch picks from all 9 playoff contendersThe growing importance of Paige, Phee, and A'ja in the hobbyHow new fans are discovering the W and what it means for collectingPlus, they spotlight a standout collector and take your questions in the mailbag.Whether you're watching games or scrolling reels, this episode helps you think differently about what makes players collectible.Shout 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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram
Week 1 is here and so is Episode 11 of The Football Card Podcast with Pack Nicholson and Brett. This week we’re leaning into the season kickoff energy and tackling the topics you, the collectors, sent our way.We start by talking number 11s—Bad Jeff George memories, Larry Fitzgerald’s playoff run, and Julio’s touchdown paradox. Then we dive into listener questions about:The cards that got away and what we learned from those dealsThe balance between chasing hype and staying loyal to your collecting focusThe market outlook for quarterbacks sitting on the Hall of Fame bubble like Eli, Stafford, Rivers, and RyanWe also break down big sales in the football market, including the Barry Sanders PMG Green.This week’s Card Callout is all about the present: show us your favorite current player card you’re most excited to watch this season. Football is back, and football cards are thriving.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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram
Recorded live at The National and brought to you by eBay, this episode of Cards in Hand features Tony (@southerncollector14) sharing one of the most meaningful cards in his collection: a 1954 Topps Jackie Robinson signed in Dodger blue ballpoint pen, graded Auto 10 by PSA. Tony talks about what it means to hold a card Jackie himself once held, the rarity of signed vintage Robinsons, and how collecting autographed Jackie cards deepens his connection to the hobby. We discuss the emotional weight of this piece, Jackie’s enduring legacy, and why cards like this are more than cardboard—they carry history, memory, and meaning.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Cards in Hand. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.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 Tony | Instagram
What makes a player a true hobby GOAT? And why do sets sometimes matter as much as the athletes on the cardboard?In this episode, Brett explores the recipe behind collecting greatness. He breaks down why only a select few players reach GOAT status, the role of cultural impact and iconic moments, and why certain sets, brands, and parallels hold long-term value.You’ll hear stories about Jordan, Ruth, Jackie, Brady, Kobe, Serena, and others who transcend their sports, plus insights into how products like 2003 Exquisite, 2012 Prizm, and 1952 Topps shape the hobby.Whether you’re chasing legends or building around iconic sets, this episode is a guide for thinking long-term, adding stability to your collection, and enjoying the stories behind the cards we all love.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
What does it really take to build a business in the hobby?On this episode of Passion to Profession, I sit down with my good friend Chris McGill, CEO and Co-Founder of Card Ladder. You’ve heard Chris on Stacking Slabs more than anyone else, but this time we go deeper into the business side of his story.We talk about:The decision to walk away from law and go all-in on the hobbyHow content became the backbone of Card Ladder’s growthThe role of trust, community, and timing when building in a niche marketWhy the line between product and content in the hobby is thinner than most people thinkThe importance of surrounding yourself with the right teamIf you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for collecting into something bigger, this conversation will resonate.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.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 | Tiktok
This week on The WNBA Card Podcast, Brett and Katelyn dig into the tension every collector is feeling right now. Demand for WNBA cards has never been stronger. Sales are surging, collectors are engaged, and stars like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are driving attention. But where are the new releases?We unpack the lack of communication from Panini, the mystery behind Donruss and Impeccable, and why this moment feels like a massive miss for the category. We also share our perspectives on recent big sales, what supply and demand means for the market, and highlight some undervalued cards collectors should be paying attention to.From frustrations to silver linings, this episode is about what happens when passion for the WNBA collides with the realities of the hobby.Shout 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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram
Pack and Brett hit a milestone with Episode 10 of The Football Card Podcast. This week is packed with optimism heading into football season and plenty of collecting talk. From Mitchell Trubisky nostalgia to Anthony Richardson’s Nebula, to debating Eli vs. Kurt Warner, the number 10s take center stage.We tackle listener questions on defensive player collecting, patch autos vs. shiny cards, and whether vintage football can ever catch up to vintage baseball. We also break down recent sales like Michael Penix Jr.’s NT Shield, Calvin Johnson’s Finest Gold, Peyton Manning’s Contenders Rookie Ticket, and Charles Tillman’s Chrome Superfractor.We close it out with this week’s Card Callout: show us your favorite pair of cards—teammates, rivals, or anything that fits together. Episode 10 is live and football cards are heating up.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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram
Recorded live at The National and brought to you by eBay, this episode of Cards in Hand features Josh Johnson, co-founder of Card Ladder, with one of the most dominant defensive cards of the modern era: the 2014 Prizm Aaron Donald Black Finite Rookie 1/1 PSA 9. Josh shares why he shifted from chasing LeBron grails to building a Black Finite collection, what makes Aaron Donald’s rookie card stand out, and how he thinks about collecting defense in a hobby that skews offense. We dig into the aesthetics of 2014 Prizm, the impact of Donald’s career and legacy, and why this card is the best representation of one of the greatest defensive players of all time.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Cards in Hand. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.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 Josh | Instagram
We’re in the middle of a bull market. Prices are climbing, demand is high, and collectors are feeling it everywhere they look. That excitement brings opportunity, but it also brings tough decisions.In this episode, I break down the framework I use when thinking about selling without regret:ValuePersonal significanceRarityScarcityI talk through the psychology of letting go, the role of intent, and how to evaluate whether a card still fits your long-term vision. This isn’t about flipping. It’s about collecting for keeps.If you’re wrestling with when to sell and what to do with the proceeds, this one’s 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
Tory from dcsports87 is back for another episode of The Staging Area. We cover it all in this one—big hobby sales, grading shakeups, live selling, and why the bull market is pushing collectors to make quick decisions.We get into the Tim Duncan 2012-13 Prizm Gold sale, McDavid Young Guns High Gloss, and what these cards mean for the long-term value of sets. We also call out one of the worst-looking releases in years and talk about why design matters.Tory shares updates on dcsports87, thoughts on live selling, and his own collecting journey—from chasing Andruw Jones to building a signed 1993 Finest refractor set. We wrap on what collectors need to remember when the market feels like it’s on fire.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
Jayne Peressini has built a career on growth. From early days in gaming and fantasy sports to leadership roles at Reddit, DraftKings, and EA, she’s always taken risks and found new ways forward. Today, she’s applying that same mindset as Director of Product Management at eBay Collectibles.In this conversation, Jayne shares how her collecting roots with her dad shaped her passion, why she values risk and experimentation, and how eBay is working to support collectors, sellers, and shops across the hobby. We cover her professional journey, her perspective on growth, and what excites her most about the future of collecting.This episode is a reminder of what happens when passion meets profession—and why eBay remains at the center of the hobby.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.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 | Tiktok
We’re back on the WNBA Card Podcast with a conversation collectors have been waiting for. Brett and Katelyn revisit women’s college basketball and explore what it means for collectors right now.From Sarah Strong’s rise at UConn to Juju Watkins’ recovery at USC and Azzi Fudd’s surprising absence in Bowman and Topps sets, the focus is on the next wave of stars and how their college cards fit into the bigger picture.We run through a list of 10 players to watch, share thoughts on how collectors should weigh college vs. pro cards, and talk about why women’s college basketball creates some of the most memorable collecting moments.If you’re looking for perspective on where to put your attention before the season tips off, this episode is for you.Shout 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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram
Pack Nicholson is back with Episode 9 of The Football Card Podcast on the Stacking Slabs Network. We’re keeping it all about the collector this week.We start with your questions—the ones that matter most to football card collectors right now. From there, we run through collecting updates, market observations, and the latest chatter around players and sets.With football season right around the corner, the energy in the hobby is building every day. This episode is packed with passion, perspective, and plenty of conversation about why football cards rule.Whether you’re here for the market talk, the collecting journey, or just because you love the game, this one’s for you.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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram
Recorded live at The National and brought to you by eBay, this episode of Cards in Hand features Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) sharing the centerpiece of her collection: the 2014 Allen & Ginter Anthony Bourdain Red Ink Autograph /10 PSA 10. Katelyn talks about her connection to Bourdain, how watching Parts Unknown with her dad as a teenager shaped her worldview, and the winding path that led her to this card. We cover why collecting pop culture icons feels different from sports, the unique appeal of Allen & Ginter, and the lessons learned from chasing a true grail. A powerful story of passion, meaning, and collecting beyond the box score.A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Cards in Hand. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.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
Content is more than background noise in the hobby. It’s the heartbeat.In this episode, I’m reflecting on what content means in this current era of collecting. I’m talking about how it connects us, educates us, and helps shape the way we collect — whether we realize it or not.I spend my days creating content, but I consume just as much. That combination gives me a unique perspective on where content is helping, where it's falling short, and why the best stuff always starts with intention.This isn’t about chasing clicks. It’s about building trust. And if we want a stronger hobby, it starts by supporting the content and creators that make us think, laugh, and stay curious.If you care about the hobby and want to see it grow in a thoughtful way, this one is for youGet 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
In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential, Brett kicks things off with a cold open that puts a $12,000 Jay Cutler card front and center—and opens a bigger discussion about what signals a set is becoming bigger than the player.From there, the conversation spans:Why 1/1s from the Panini era feel different than other iconic setsThe psychology of type collectors vs. set buildersHow “investment” became a dirty word in the hobbyThe $308M July sales number and what’s really driving the marketChris and Josh talk about being overexposed to sports cards, why big fish are making waves again, and why so many collectors are asking for buying advice for the first time in years.Plus, the trio breaks down three crazy sales—from a $400K LeBron Exquisite to a Brady second-year Gold Prizm to a Kobe PMG Red that doubled over four years—and whether these sales reflect a rising tide or something else entirely.And of course, they close with pickups—including a Stacking Slabs-approved run of Totally Certified Jokic 1/1s and a Todd Gurley Black Finite that hits all the right collector buttons.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
In this episode of Passion to Profession (sponsored by eBay), I’m joined by hobby veteran Steve Sloan, CEO of Haystack—a company quietly becoming the go-to infrastructure partner for hobby businesses.Steve’s career path includes stops at Upper Deck, PSA (where he was President), and now Heystack, where he's building tech to solve real pain points in the card ecosystem. We talk about how his love of collecting started with Garbage Pail Kids and a copy of Beckett, and how that evolved into a life and career inside the hobby.Topics covered include:Why Beckett was the original collector content engineWhat Exquisite meant to the hobby—and why innovation at Upper Deck still mattersLessons from PSA during the backlog eraWhy he believes the hobby is an escape and what that means for customer experienceBuilding Heystack to make life easier for sellers, breakers, and marketplacesWhat it’s like going from corporate to startup mode in the hobbyWhat Steve looks for when hiring in the spaceThis is a collector-turned-operator who understands the full picture. Whether you're building a business or building your PC, there’s something in here 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 | TiktokFollow Steve | Instagram | Heystack Instagram | Heystack
Is it possible that PER (Player Efficiency Rating) might influence hobby behavior in the WNBA card space? In this episode, we explore that question—and a whole lot more.Brett and Katelyn break down:Why 6 of the top 20 PER players in WNBA history are still activeWhat collectors might be missing in names like Aliyah Boston and Nneka OgwumikeThe continued dominance of A’ja Wilson—on the court and in collectionsThe rise of Gold Prizms: 127 $500+ sales in 2025, compared to just 109 across the previous four years combinedWhether veteran and legend golds are still undervaluedAlso:A new collector spotlightA 1/1 Marine Johannès pickupStart/Bench/Cut with 2004 Ultra, 2020 Prizm, and 2019 DonrussThe all-important question: is it ever OK for a Lynx fan to collect a Liberty cardShout 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 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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram
Pack Nicholson brings the energy for Episode 8 of The Football Card Podcast. We start with your comments, hit the latest football talk, and dive into the market watch. The big headline? That Jay Cutler conversation that took over the internet. Pack breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what it signals for football card collectors. If you care about the stories behind the sales and where the market is headed, this one’s for you.Follow The Football Card Podcast on Instagram for memes and stuff. 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 linkCheck out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Pack: | Instagram
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