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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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Season 3 kicks off with a big question: is A’ja Wilson the undisputed GOAT of the WNBA?Brett and Katelyn break down her three championships, four MVPs, and two Finals MVPs—and ask why her card market still trails her greatness.Using fresh Card Ladder data, they unpack the real story behind A'ja's market growth, supply challenges, and what it means for WNBA cards moving forward.They also explore:How Wilson’s rookie era with Rittenhouse affects long-term valueWhat collectors can learn from Mahomes’ market trajectoryHow the Aces’ dynasty parallels the Warriors’ riseWhy scarcity and history still drive collector opportunityIt’s the start of another collector-driven, data-backed season of the WNBA Card Podcast.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of The WNBA Card Podcast 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 linkFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TiktokFollow Katelyn: | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Pack and Brett  are back to talk about the $45,000 Marshawn Lynch 2012 Prizm Black Finite sale that set the hobby on fire. The guys dig into why collectors get so caught up in prices, what makes a card “worth it,” and why emotion still drives this entire thing.They also react to 2024 Eminence Football returning with a cut auto checklist featuring Queen Elizabeth II and Eminem, discuss whether they'd trade their entire collections for a Super Bowl win, and share current hobby projects (including Brett’s Daniel Jones Prizm Gold /10 pickup).If you love football cards, this one’s for you.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVisit 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 to unpack a year of major shifts in collecting and the market. The trio kick things off with a Mount Rushmore of Panini athletes before diving deep into the emotional and analytical sides of collecting. Chris shares how his approach to collecting Michael Jordan one-of-ones has completely changed his perspective, while Josh talks about why he’s gone all-in on one-of-one football cards. They also break down new data on high-end auctions, explore what the same names at the top really mean for the hobby, and discuss what comes next as Fanatics and Topps take over basketball and football licensing.This one’s loaded with perspective, data, and honest reflection from three people who care deeply about where the hobby is headed.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 ★
The hobby is louder than ever. Record sales, endless opinions, and constant new content make it hard to know what really matters.In this flagship episode, Brett explores how collectors can separate the signal from the noise and make sense of the hobby in real time. He revisits ideas from Collecting for Keeps through the lens of today’s booming market, sharing frameworks for identifying what’s meaningful and filtering out the hype.You’ll hear Brett break down:How to identify true signals in the marketWhy hype will always exist, and how to stay groundedThe role of experience, instinct, data, and community in collectingHis personal three-question filter: connection, curiosity, and sacrificeIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the volume of information in the hobby, this one’s for yoCheck 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 ★
Josh Johnson has been a fixture in the hobby for years—from his early Cardboard Chronicles interviews to co-founding one of the most trusted tech tools in collecting, Card Ladder.In this episode of Passion to Profession presented by eBay, Josh shares how a collector’s curiosity turned into a full-time career. He talks about rediscovering cards through Pokémon, building software that serves every type of collector, and why letting collectors lead is at the heart of Card Ladder’s DNA.Josh also opens up about the early days of building alongside Chris and Kristina, what makes their team different, and how he balances being both a collector and builder in the same space.This is a story about patience, purpose, and finding meaning in the work you love.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 ★
In this special bonus episode, Brett and Katelyn close out Season 2 by getting personal about their own collecting psychology. From Napheesa Collier’s leadership moment to lessons from another emotional WNBA Finals, the two reflect on fandom, team heartbreak, and the cards that keep them connected.Katelyn shares a framework she built to map her PC—breaking down why she collects certain players, how she organizes her cards, and what gaps she’s trying to fill. Brett brings perspective on how collectors can use structure and self-awareness to build collections that truly mean something.This one’s for anyone who’s ever stopped to ask, Why do I collect the players and cards I do?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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Pack Nicholson and Brett  are back breaking down another week in football and collecting.They start with a conversation on staying up late for games, reality TV in the early 2000s, and what makes sports the ultimate drama.Then they get into the big topic of the week — 2025 Impeccable Football — why it’s an underappreciated product, what makes it unique, and how it’s quietly built a ten-year legacy.They also answer collector questions on how long to go between card purchases, when to sell rare pieces, the nostalgia of old NFL gear, and why college cards might finally get their hobby moment.From vintage legends like Concrete Charlie to the final run of Panini Prizm, this episode covers collecting psychology, market trends, and why timing is everything in the hobby.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVisit 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 pays tribute to the brand that defined the modern era of collecting: Prizm.Before the all of the licenses change hands, he reflects on the rise of Prizm from an underdog in 2012 to the flagship product that shaped collector behavior, inspired projects, and connected us across sports.From the first time he chased a Colts Gold Prizm to the moments of reflection on what these cards represent, Brett explores why Prizm grabbed both the heads and hearts of collectors — and why its legacy will outlive the logo on the box.If you’ve ever ripped a pack, chased a color match, or built a gold run, 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Every collector knows the rush of the chase. That pounding heartbeat. The late-night scrolling. The gut pull that logic can’t explain.In this flagship episode, Brett explores The Art of Chasing—a look into the psychology of desire and motivation in collecting. He breaks down why some cards hit harder than others, the difference between surface and core motivation, and how to channel the thrill of the chase with intention.If you’ve ever lost sleep over a card or felt the sting of a missed auction, this one will hit home.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 ★
Tory from dcsports87 returns to The Staging Area for a wide-ranging conversation on everything happening right now in the hobby.We kick off with baseball talk and dive deep into Shohei Ohtani’s market—how it reached this level, what still drives it, and which of his cards Tory finds most compelling as a collector.Then we unpack the live-selling wave. Tory shares lessons from DC’s first eBay Live event, what worked, what didn’t, and how he thinks live selling fits into the broader ecosystem.We close with a look at eBay’s authentication delays, the Disney Chrome craze, and what dcsports87's app launch means for collectors. If you’re serious about understanding where the market is heading and how high-volume sellers think, this is one you’ll want 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, I sit down with my friend Josh from PC Sports Cards to talk about scaling a business during one of the hottest stretches the hobby has seen.We cover:Why the entry-level market is the base that supports the entire hobbyHow grading low-end cards can snowball into bigger opportunitiesWhat it takes to hire, scale, and build trust with customers in a fast-moving marketThe opportunities most sellers are overlooking right nowJosh has built one of the most trusted operations in the space. This conversation will give you insight into how to think about growth, customer relationships, and long-term opportunity in 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 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 are back with another episode of The Football Card Podcast.This week, they cover a lot of ground:The debut of Flawless Football 2024 and where it stacks up in Panini’s high-end historyThe ongoing debate around buying and selling—why it’s a natural part of collecting and why collectors need to stop worrying about what others do with their cardsBuilding trust when buying, selling, and trading on InstagramNFL rookie check-ins, hobby questions from listeners, and key sales shaping the football card marketWhether you’re chasing gold prizms, figuring out how to handle a deal on Instagram, or sweating out your team’s QB situation, this episode is for you.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVisit 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 ★
Built for the Hobby is a new series on Stacking Slabs where we explore the intersection of technology and sports cards. In the debut episode, Brett sits down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-Founder of InfernoRed Technology, to discuss why tech matters in the hobby right now.Scott and his team have built software for some of the biggest names in the space including Upper Deck, Collectors, COMC, and dcsports87. In this conversation, they talk about:How the hobby compares to other industries when it comes to tech adoptionWhy innovation has accelerated over the past few yearsCase studies like dcsports87 and the role technology plays in improving collector experiencesThe future of AI, marketplaces, and live selling in cardsWhy pairing domain expertise with technical know-how is a winning formulaIf you’ve ever wondered where technology fits in the sports card hobby and how it might shape your collecting experience, this is the episode to start with.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 ★
Why do you collect?In this flagship episode presented by InfernoRed Technology, Brett breaks down the inner forces that keep us coming back to the hobby, even when the market is loud and prices are flying.Connection. Escape. Expression.These three forces separate collecting with meaning from collecting until burnout. Brett shares personal stories, market observations, and feedback from other collectors to explore why these drivers matter more than ever during today’s bull market.If your cards bring you closer to your fandom, give you an escape, or reflect who you are, then you’re collecting for keeps.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 edition of Vaulted, Brett sits down with PSA President Ryan Hoge to cover ten key topics shaping PSA and the hobby right now. From turnaround times and submission demand, to PSA’s Vault growth, the eBay partnership, global expansion, offers, repacks, and more—this episode gives collectors a direct line into how PSA is thinking about the future.A special thank you to PSA for sponsoring Vaulted. PSA is the official grading, authentication, and vault provider of Stacking Slabs.LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA 10/10 Day | LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA VAULT | LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA CONSIGNMENTGet 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 ★
In this episode of Passion to Profession sponsored by eBay, I sit down with my good friend Kevin Randall (@dacaptain37). Kevin went from teaching in the classroom to becoming one of the most trusted full-time dealers in the hobby.We talk about his roots as a collector, the decision to leave teaching, building a business plan, the role of specialization, and why trust is everything when dealing cards. Kevin’s story is one of preparation, community, and betting on yourself.If you’ve ever thought about turning your side hustle into your profession, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.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 Kevin: | Instagram  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
It’s the season 2 finale of The WNBA Card Podcast. We’re diving deep into the WNBA playoffs, what championships mean for player collectibility, and how stars like A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Mitchell are shaping the future of the hobby.We talk through the Panini era of WNBA cards, what makes collecting in this moment different, and why long-time collectors are sitting on hidden gems. Plus, we spotlight a dedicated Tamika Catchings collector and close with a collector mailbag that stretches the imagination of what WNBA cards could be.Season two has been about community, consistency, and momentum. Thank you for being part of it.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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Pack and Brett dive into the collector’s side of football. They cover how injuries shape collecting projects, why Jerry Rice stands alone at the wide receiver spot, and the strange case of 2008 Topps Chrome football vs. basketball. You’ll also hear a 'lil vintage talk with Jim Brown, market updates on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, and why smashing BINs sometimes feels like the only move.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVisit 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 the final Cards in Hand episode from The National, brought to you by eBay, I sit down with Joe (@low_pop_papi) to talk Panini era inserts.We get into why inserts from this time deserve more attention, how parallels like gold vinyls and one-of-ones add depth, and what makes Steph Curry’s catalog stand out.Joe shares why Optic inserts might be overlooked, how Prizm Deca brought back old designs in new ways, and why insert collectors should take a second look at Panini’s work.If you collect inserts or want to think differently about what matters in the Panini era, this conversation will give you plenty to consider.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 Joe | Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Collecting is full of choices. What you chase, when you chase it, and how much you’re willing to give up along the way. In this episode, Brett breaks down the importance of prioritization and why it matters for your long-term happiness in the hobby. He shares personal stories about cards he passed on, cards he went after, and the lessons he’s learned about balancing desire with discipline. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions with your collection, this conversation will help you take a step back and refocus on what matters most.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 ★
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