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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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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 ★
What would happen if collectors were in charge of Panini?In this episode, Katelyn and Brett put on their CEO hats and share what they’d change to elevate the WNBA card hobby. From transparency in release schedules to better product balance and stronger marketing, they lay out a collector-first roadmap for the future.They talk wins (lean product cycles, legitimacy, stars at the forefront) and misses (timing, pricing, missed opportunities). They also draft their ideal product lineup, reimagine case hits, and question why Panini isn’t using Caitlin Clark to drive the brand.This is the kind of hobby talk you won’t hear anywhere else—direct, collector-driven, and rooted in love for the game.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 with Chris McGill, cofounder of Card Ladder, to talk about the connection between data, emotion, and the collector’s mindset.They break down:The $93,000 Tom Brady Certified rookie sale and what it means for collectorsWhy some cards gain cultural significance while others stay hiddenThe market for Mahomes, NT shields, and why player-worn still mattersThe role of social media in shaping how we collectChris’ McCaffrey Finite chase and how collectors balance logic and obsessionThis one’s packed with insights from one of the hobby’s sharpest minds. Whether you track the numbers or collect from the heart, this episode will hit home.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVote for Heystack for Innovation of the Year Visit 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, Brett shares ten lessons that shaped his perspective on collecting this past month. From emotional connection and nostalgia to the psychology of chasing, filtering noise in a booming market, and why integrity still matters most, this one covers it all.Brett reflects on how personal meaning drives collecting decisions, why dopamine hits from the chase can be both thrilling and dangerous, and how adopting a CEO mindset helps collectors build with intention. He also digs into design, aesthetics, and the power of trust in a growing, often chaotic hobby.Whether you're building your PC, creating content, or trying to stay grounded amid hype, this episode offers clarity for every collector.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 ★
Community sits at the center of collecting. It shapes what we chase, who we connect with, and how we grow.In this episode, Brett explores how relationships define our hobby journey. From DM threads to parking lot deals, he shares stories that show how collectors help each other find meaning and momentum.You’ll hear why trust, communication, and shared passion always win, and how the right people can reignite your love for collecting when motivation runs low. This one’s for every collector who’s ever found friendship through a shared card.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 ★
Most collectors aren’t dropping five figures on a single card. In this episode of The Staging Area presented by dcsports87, Brett and Tory dig into the heart of the hobby — the middle class. They break down what defines the $1–$500 range, why these cards often get overlooked, and how collectors can thrive in this segment. They also cover:The rise of athlete integration in the hobbyEarly takeaways from Topps Basketball and Bowman UniversitySurging goat prices and what’s driving themWhy product pricing is disconnected from singles performanceThis is a grounded look at how most of us collect — smart, intentional, and focused on what truly matters.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 presented by eBay, Brett sits down with Tim Getsch Founder and Chief Product Officer at COMC, to explore how the platform became the home for the $5 card market and what that means for collectors today.Tim shares why COMC’s mission has always been about optimizing joy for collectors, not chasing speculators. He breaks down what’s really happening in the $5 card economy, how COMC is evolving to handle growing demand, and why he believes the future of the hobby depends on collectors—not investors—taking cards off the market.This conversation covers the psychology of collecting, the growth of graded and TCG cards, and how COMC is adapting its infrastructure to serve the next wave of hobby participation.It’s a grounded and insightful look at building in the hobby for the long haul from one of the most consistent operators in the space.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 ★
Bowman Chrome University is back, and this time we’re asking a big question—what would need to be true for women’s Bowman Chrome U cards to mirror Bowman Baseball’s success?Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett dive deep into the rise of college card collecting, the impact of NIL, and how the Bowman “first” tag is changing the women’s basketball market. From Caitlin Clark’s $78,000 Superfractor sale to Juju Watkins’ latest gold refractor, we explore how college fans are turning into collectors, and what this means for the future of the hobby.We close with listener mailbag questions on Paige Bueckers’ rookie status, college vs. pro card value, and collecting lessons learned along the way.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 Nicholson and Brett McGrath are joined by Josh Johnson from Cardboard Chronicles for a packed conversation that covers every corner of the football card hobby. The trio dives into Bowman University Football and the future of college cards in the NIL era, breaks down their collecting updates (including a Bijan 1/1 and a Tyquan Lewis Black Finite), and debates the biggest “what ifs” in NFL history—from Drew Brees’ near-miss with Miami to Andrew Luck’s early retirement.They wrap with a deep market watch featuring 2012 Gold Prizms, 2014 Bowman Chrome Superfractors, and a $40,000 Barry Sanders sale that happened on a casual Wednesday morning on eBay.If you collect, this one will hit close to home.Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking SlabsVote for Heystack for Innovation of the Year  Visit 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 ★
Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the story of Prizm from every angle — its rise, its impact, and its meaning to collectors.In this final episode of the trilogy, Brett brings it all home. He talks about the psychology behind why we chase, the ritual of collecting, and how Prizm became more than a product — it became culture.From the early Silvers and Golds to Black Finites and Gold Vinyl, this conversation is about legacy, community, and the connection that keeps collectors coming back long after the boxes are gone.Prizm might be changing hands, but what it built still lives on every time we flip a card under the light.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 ★
Growth in collecting isn’t only about what you add. It’s also about what you let go of.In this episode, Brett explores the psychology behind selling cards, detaching from pieces you once loved, and how that process shapes the evolution of your collection.You’ll hear how emotional bias, fear of regret, and market conditions can influence your decisions — and why letting go can be the most freeing move a collector can make.If you’ve been wrestling with a card you’re unsure about selling, this episode gives you the clarity and permission to act with confidence.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, Brett sits down with Scott Lock, CEO and Co-Founder of InfernoRed Technology, to talk about how technology can make collecting more personal, not less.They discuss why automation doesn’t have to feel cold, how platforms like eBay Live and dcsports87 are using tech to build real relationships, and why human-centered design should guide every decision hobby businesses make.Scott shares stories from inside InfernoRed’s work with hobby brands, lessons on balancing authenticity and automation, and how simple features—like messaging in an app—can build trust.If you care about where tech fits in the future of collecting, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.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 ★
Mike from MC Sports Cards is back on Passion to Profession, presented by eBay.In this episode, Mike breaks down how the current bull market feels different from 2021 and why focusing on quality over quantity continues to separate his business. He shares his perspective from the front lines of the hobby—running high-end consignments, navigating collector psychology, and adapting to the demands of a growing market.We also talk about the evolution of MC’s business model, the rise of case hits and repacks, why scarcity matters now more than ever, and the mindset it takes to stay consistent through waves of hobby growth.This one’s a masterclass in staying focused when everything around you feels hot.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 ★
Donruss is back in the WNBA for the first time since 2019, and collectors are buzzing.In this episode, Brett and Katelyn talk about what this release means for the WNBA card market, how it lands in the middle of a historic rookie class, and what it teaches us about how collectors approach new products.They discuss Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and how timing shapes collector behavior.If you’ve been thinking about how to handle new releases—or what this moment means for the long game of WNBA collecting—this one’s for you.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 are back for Episode 18 — the Peyton Manning episode. They kick things off with a trip down memory lane, reliving the Sheriff’s impact on football and collecting. Then it’s time to enter the Kaboom Room to unpack updates to 2025 Absolute Football, including new Super Bowl Kabooms, golds, greens, and the new purple parallel.The guys talk about the staying power of Kabooms, the psychology of collecting, and what happens when collectors start thinking about trimming their PCs to focus on what they love most. They close with NFL talk, hobby hypotheticals, and a market watch featuring some standout football cards from Card Ladder data.If you love football cards, this one’s packed front to back with insight, nostalgia, and collector perspective.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 ★
Prizm went from an unknown product in 2012 to the defining set of an entire era.In this episode, Brett breaks down the data, psychology, and collector behavior that fueled Prizm’s rise from underdog to hobby standard. Using insights from Card Ladder, collector conversations, and his own experiences, Brett explores how consistency, accessibility, and collector emotion built one of the most powerful brands in modern collecting.He also looks ahead to what happens next as Fanatics takes over, and why the legacy of Prizm will continue to live on long after the licenses change.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 ★
This week on Stacking Slabs, Brett dives into one of his favorite ideas: You’re the CEO of your PC.In this flagship episode, he explores what it means to build your collection with intention—especially in a bull market full of distractions. From defining a vision and setting strategy to creating personal frameworks that guide your pickups, Brett walks through how to move from reactionary collecting to purposeful collecting. He shares personal stories from his Colts and Pacers projects, lessons from the current hobby climate, and how to apply a CEO mindset to make better collecting decisions.If you’ve been questioning what you’re building with your collection, this episode will help you find clarity and direction.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 ★
The hobby’s never had more data, tools, or transparency. But are we losing something in the process?In this episode, Brett and Tory dig into the launch of the new dcsports87 app and how it’s changing communication between consignors and collectors. Then they explore a bigger question — what happens when the market becomes too efficient?From the $8K LeBron Downtown PSA 10 to the $7,877 1953 Topps Mantle and the timing of that Jackson Dart XRC Gold sale, the guys break down how data, emotion, and timing all intersect in today’s market.You’ll walk away thinking differently about comps, liquidity, and how technology continues to shape the collector experience.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 presented by eBay, I’m joined by Mike and Cameron from Leahi.Mike’s been on the show before, and this time he’s bringing Cameron to share how their team is shaping the way we think about timelessness, supply and demand, and the next generation of collectors.We talk about:The rise of Modern Marvels and why they created the showHow timeless cards outperform hype cyclesThe Ohtani market and what real collector value looks likeWhat history teaches us about sustainability in this current boomHow Leahi’s mindset helps collectors focus on the long gameIf you’re serious about collecting with intention and understanding the market beneath the surface, 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 ★
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 ★
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