Sports Cards are Dope

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 content 0:33 – The $12.93M K...

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...

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 dea...

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 Conversations 1:3...

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 Br...

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...

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 show 0:56...

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 comp...

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...

this is crazy to me fr Thanks to our monthly supporters Rob Hefley Klendathu Tatershed Justin Burch Always_Eaton Ryan Bruder Kevin Quiles Evan Hastie Donut Josh Stewart ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

this is a terrible situation for everyone involved. please have patience with people as they try to navigate this.  Thanks to our monthly supporters Rob Hefley Klendathu Tatershed Justin Burch Always_Eaton Ryan Bruder Kevin Quiles Evan Hastie Donut Josh Stewart ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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...

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 bu...

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...

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, Chicke...

What up chicken nuggets! I just got back from Fanatics Fest with my son Finn and we’ve got thoughts. Big ones. We talk about the real purpose of this event, the strategic media machine behind it, and why sports cards may just be the Trojan horse of the whole thing. We also break down what Fanatics got right… and where they totally dropped the ball by not using card creators to host athlete experie...

What’s up, chicken nuggets! In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope , I open up about the biggest loss I’ve ever taken on a sports card — a 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron James. It’s a tale of crossover grading, market timing, and a $1,500 dip in value. Learn what happened, what I’d do differently, and why I’m still happy to own the card. 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & group therapy vibes 1:30 – Mou...

Description: What up chicken nuggets! In today’s episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, we’re talking vintage cards—specifically, the unspoken red flags when dealers price raw cards based on “what they’ll grade.” I share a few personal mistakes, like the infamous Jackie Robinson color-added situation, and break down how YOU can avoid the same traps. 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & why vintage still r...

Description: What’s up, chicken nuggets? In this episode, I break down the three biggest lessons I wish someone told me when I got back into collecting sports cards. If you’re new to the hobby, THIS is the episode you need. 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome, chicken nuggets 1:12 – Why COMPS are wild and unreliable 5:03 – The importance of finding your people in the hobby 8:03 – Collect what you LIKE (...

In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope , Dr. Tyler Tarver shares the intense rollercoaster of chasing one of the rarest Kobe Bryant rookie cards — the 1996 EX Credentials. From a beach bid gone wrong to suspicious $15K sales, Tyler breaks down the emotional and market chaos of finishing a grail set. Was it shill bidding or real demand? And what can we learn from this rise in value? Timestamps: 0...

In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope , Dr. Tyler Tarver talks with Adam Gray (Real 27 Guy) — a collector so knowledgeable, he makes Indiana Jones look like a rookie. They swap autograph-chasing stories, from courtside dad energy to Kobe Bryant kindness, and even unpack a binder full of NBA history. Whether you’re into collecting, culture, or nostalgia, this episode is a love letter to why we c...

In this episode, I sent two massive boxes of sports cards to eBay consigner DC Sports87 (not sponsored, just honest). Did I cash in or crash out? Let’s break down my full experience — from shipping costs to which cards flopped and which surprisingly popped. I also dive into Arena Club vs Fanatics Collect and talk about the underrated power of Magic: The Gathering cards. Spoiler alert: I made $2,70...

Hey chicken nuggets! Today I’m diving into that new Complex show where athletes hit the card shop — and it’s already such a fun concept. I love seeing cards get the spotlight, and it got me thinking… what if we added a few elements to take it to another level? Here are 5 things I’d try if I got the call to collaborate. Hit the comments with your dream additions too! Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome &amp...

just my opinion. what you think? Thanks to our monthly supporters Rob Hefley Klendathu Tatershed Justin Burch Always_Eaton Ryan Bruder Kevin Quiles Evan Hastie Donut Josh Stewart ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

PSA just brought back the minimum grade submission option for higher-tier grading — but why would anyone want a card graded if it might not even get a number? In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope , Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the pros, the cons, and the strategy behind this polarizing option. Could it actually help your bottom line? Let’s find out. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro + PSA's announcemen...