Stacking Slabs

Auction Talk 47 is here despite not getting the episode edition correct during the opening! Brett and Nic dive into another action-packed week of the sports card market, unpacking trends, rare card sales, and collector strategies. From discussing Jaden Daniels’ breakout impact on the hobby to reflecting on the importance of scarcity in collecting, this episode delivers value for every type of coll...

Selling cards can help open up doors, but what happens next is just as important. In this episode, Brett diving into the psychology behind reinvesting after a sale. We'll explore how to avoid impulsive purchases, align spending with your collecting goals, and balance the dopamine rush with discipline. He shares his own experiences, strategies for finding meaningful additions, and the value of pati...

In this edition of SSP Auction Spotlight, I sit down with Nic from The Wharf Sports Cards to discuss five standout cards from the latest Fanatics Collect Premier Auction. These cards are more than collectibles, they’re time capsules of sports history, cultural significance, and collector sentiment. We explore the stories, stats, and context behind each card, including: The 2020 Panini Prizm LeBron...

What drives us to collect? This week, I sit down with Cameron Ross Steiner, the host of Collectors Gene Radio, to explore the psychology of collecting. Cameron shares his experiences interviewing collectors across various niches, from vintage watches to rare art, and we discuss the traits that unite us all. We dive into the thrill of the hunt, the stories behind our collections, and the personal r...

In this episode of Auction Talk , Brett and Nic dig into the nuances of the auction process while snowed in at home. From the emotional rollercoaster of watching your cards sell to the strategic decisions behind pricing and timing, we cover it all. Highlights include a deep dive into some big-ticket cards like Michael Jordan's 1997 Stadium Club First Day Issue PSA 10 from 90s Auctions and Drake Ma...

Letting go of cards is one of the toughest challenges for collectors, but it can also be the most liberating. In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett shares his personal journey of releasing cards, breaking through emotional hurdles, and reframing the act of selling as a step toward progress. Learn how to evaluate your collection with purpose, categorize your cards, and embrace evolution as a col...

In this episode, Brett is joined by huis brother, Kyle McGrath (@mcgrathcards), for a collector conversation filled with nostalgia, personal growth, and hobby evolution. They dive into  childhood memories of trading cards, reflect on our 2024 collecting journeys, and explore how Kyle's interests have shifted towards WNBA cards, including his latest focus on Lexie Hull. Whether you're rethinking yo...

Kick off 2025 with the first episode of Auction Talk ! Brett and Nic reflect on the momentum in the hobby, dig into trends shaping the auction market, and spotlight notable sales from the Goldin Elite auction, including cards like the Josh Allen Gold Vinyl PSA 10. They discuss why certain cards matter long-term and explore shifting collector preferences from NT RPAs to rare and scarce parallels. W...

The first episode Stacking Slabs episode of 2025 dives into setting intentional collecting goals and why it matters for collectors. Brett shares his journey of refining his collection, the power of focus, and lessons from building relationships in the hobby. You'll hear actionable insights on balancing spontaneity with structure, prioritizing meaningful cards, and avoiding the noise. Whether you’r...

Unlock the stories behind the value of your collection in this episode of Stacking Slabs. Brett sits down with Michael Osacky from Baseball in the Attic, a seasoned collector and appraiser, to discuss the ins and outs of appraising sports cards and memorabilia. From the importance of insurance and preservation to the emotional weight tied to rare items, Michael shares his journey and the lessons h...

In this post-holiday edition of Auction Talk, we reflect on some of the latest and most exciting sports card sales, and dive into the dynamics of the sports card market. Nic and I break down the dramatic sale of a 2018 Josh Allen Prizm Stained Glass 1/1, explore the complexities of auction bidding, and chat about the increasing role of card funding services. We also dive into the current state of...

In this special Christmas Day episode of Stacking Slabs, we take a step back to explore the culture of the hobby through its foundational elements. Drawing parallels to hip hop's four pillars, we break down the hobby shop, card show, content, and online platforms as the cornerstones of collecting. These elements shape our experiences and connections in the hobby, providing a foundation for educati...

In this special edition of Stacking Slabs, Brett sits down with Ryan Greene, PSA’s Director of Communications and Social Media, to explore PSA’s 2024 slabbed data and what it reveals about the state of the hobby. They dive into the top graded athletes of the year, surprising trends like the rise of women’s basketball and TCG cards, and what this means for collectors heading into 2025. Whether you'...

In this Collector's Showcase episode, I sit down with Seth (@soccercardcorner) to talk about the evolving world of soccer cards. We explore the nuances of collecting in this growing space, Seth’s journey into soccer cards during the COVID boom, and his dedication to building a complete 2017 Topps Chrome Gold set. Seth also shares stories behind key pieces in his collection, his passion for collect...

Auction Talk is back with a year-end twist! In this episode, Nic and I dive into the 2024 Auction Talk Hall of Fame, celebrating the players and cards that defined the year. From historic sales like Tom Brady’s Immaculate Game-Used Shield Auto to the groundbreaking 2024 Select Caitlin Clark Gold Vinyl, we highlight the moments and cards that shifted the hobby landscape. Tune in as we explore the s...

What makes a card significant to you ? Is it the story, the nostalgia, the aesthetics, or the price? In this episode, Brett breaks down the “significance spectrum” and share what matters most to me as a collector. He talks about his 2012 Prizm Gold Andrew Luck rookie card and how it reshaped his collecting journey. We’re all on different ends of the spectrum. Some of us find significance in rare c...

In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential , Brett sits down with Josh and Chris to unwrap some of the most thought-provoking discussions in the hobby.  We address the complexities of nostalgia-driven collecting, the impact of 90s basketball culture, and what the trends in football card values reveal about prospecting in today’s market. Whether you're dreaming of your own perfect holiday rip or p...

In this episode, John (@packnicholson) returns to Stacking Slabs to share the story of his journey with the 2012 Select Gold LeBron James /10 PSA 9. It’s a conversation about the thrill of the chase, the joy of finally holding a grail, and the unexpected decision to move on from it. John reflects on why he pursued the card, the emotional rollercoaster of acquiring it, and how it ultimately didn’t...

In this week’s Auction Talk , Brett and Nic dive into the fascinating stories behind some of the most exciting cards hitting the auction block. Leading off, they discuss the 2012 Topps Finest Peyton Manning Superfractor 1/1 PSA 8, a card that epitomizes the thrill of eBay seven-day auctions. Other highlights include conversations around Caitlin Clark’s skyrocketing card market and the historic sig...

Why do collectors pair cards? How does it shape our collections, psychology, and connection to the hobby? In this episode of Stacking Slabs, we dive into the concept of pairing cards, exploring its emotional and strategic impacts. Discover why collectors create pairings to tell stories and how this approach reflects a deeper connection to their favorite players, rivalries, and moments. Brett share...

In this Collector Showcase episode, I sit down with Tim, a passionate 49ers fan and collector, to explore the stories behind his favorite pieces. Tim shares how his love for the team shapes his collecting decisions and the strategies he uses to find cards that mean the most to him. This episode highlights the importance of collecting with intention and the personal connections that make this hobby...

In this episode of Auction Talk, Brett and Nic dive into the unique dynamics of December auctions. They break down the opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers during the holiday season, explore how external factors like taxes and holiday spending impact the market, and share strategies for navigating this time of year. From unexpected finds to the evolution of card value trends, this c...

In this episode, Brett dives into the psychology of change in collecting. Why is it so hard to pivot in our collections, and what holds us back? Brett shares personal stories about how professional experiences in tech have influenced his approach to evolving his collection. From letting go of cards that no longer spark joy to embracing new opportunities, this conversation is all about growth, focu...

In this Collector Conversation, Gunther (@guntherscards) shares his approach to finding rare cards that never hit public marketplaces. From meticulous research to leveraging relationships, Gunther explains how persistence, preparation, and creative problem-solving lead to acquiring grail cards. Hear the stories behind some of his favorite finds, his strategies for navigating pop reports and sales...

In this special Thanksgiving edition of Auction Talk, Nic and Brett dive into recent sales from the Fanatics Premier Auction and SSP Auction Spotlight. They discuss key sales, like the Jerry Rice National Treasures Shield Auto, the Griffey PMG, and the LeBron James EX Essential Credentials. Along the way, we explore the current state of the football and basketball card markets, the growing interes...