Stacking Slabs

In this episode of Passion to Profession , presented by eBay, I’m joined by James from Topp Tier Cards and Topp Tier Breaks. James turned his collecting obsession into a full-time operation, and this conversation breaks down how he made it all happen. We get into what makes his break room different, why staying true to your style matters, and how building a business on eBay gave him the freedom to...

In Episode 9 of The WNBA Card Podcast , Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett (@stackingslabs) return to talk about why 2004 Ultra is one of the most important sets in WNBA card history. They spotlight the Diana Taurasi Platinum Medallion /25 and explore how a GOAT rookie can elevate an entire product line. They also cover: Why attending a WNBA game might be the spark a new collector needs The early...

Ben (@nonsensenamecards) collects stories. And those stories happen to be printed on cardboard. In this collector conversation, we talk about why Ben focuses on historical figures like Geronimo, Einstein, and Amelia Earhart—and what it means to build a collection based on personal curiosity rather than hype. This episode is about connection. It's about how one collector follows his interests, turn...

Jesse (@goat_wr_collector) returns to Smashing BIN to break down the moment he completed one of the most challenging wide receiver projects in the hobby—a full gold Prizm run of Julio Jones playing years. We talk through the psychology of chasing impossible cards, why wide receiver collectors are having more fun than anyone, and how smashing BIN isn’t just about impulse—it’s about obsession, memor...

We all know the feeling—seeing a card that isn’t listed, isn’t available, and isn’t supposed to move. But still, you want it. In this episode, I break down the psychology behind unavailable cards and how to approach them with clarity, curiosity, and conviction. I share stories from my own collection, including the Colts Prizm haul that changed everything, and unpack why strong offers matter more t...

In this episode of Passion to Profession, I’m joined by James from Z & G Emporium—a name you’ve probably seen on nearly every Pokémon card comp on eBay. We talk about the path from flipping childhood binder cards to running one of the most trusted graded Pokémon consignment businesses in the hobby. James opens up about: How a PSA 3 Charizard kickstarted a customer’s journey Why Z & G focus...

This week on The WNBA Card Podcast , Katelyn and Brett unpack a question that every WNBA collector runs into: where are the cards? They share personal stories about missed listings, surprise auctions, and why scarcity in this category isn't always a bad thing. From the idea of a weekly curated WNBA auction to the surprising final prices of Caitlin Clark Gold Prizms, this episode tackles market acc...

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle (@waxmuseumpodcast) to talk about what it's like collecting during a deep playoff run. As lifelong Pacers fans, we get into the emotional roller coaster of this postseason, how it’s influencing our buying decisions, and the cards that mean the most right now. Kyle shares how his Pacers fandom has shaped decades of collecting, why he still chases relics, and wh...

In this episode of Smashing BIN , Matthew (@1956toppsguy) joins the show to share the story behind a BIN smash that still gives him goosebumps. It’s a 1956 Topps Ernie Banks with an in-person autograph and “Let’s Play Two” inscription—one of the most personally significant cards in his collection. We explore what makes 1956 Topps such a magical set, the emotional pull behind card buying decisions,...

We’re conditioned to think more cards mean more value. But what if one card could carry the full emotional weight of an entire collection? In this flagship episode, Brett breaks down the psychology behind the “one card mindset”—why it’s freeing, how it helps cut through the clutter, and how the right card can serve as a personal time capsule. From a Riley Leonard Superfractor to a Gold Vinyl of Ar...

In this episode of Vaulted , I’m sharing how the PSA Vault has naturally become part of my grading strategy—without me even realizing it. From receiving a mixed PSA order to making real-time decisions on what stays and what gets stored, I walk through how grading, vaulting, and selling now all live in the same workflow for me. I talk about the benefits of flexibility, the importance of organizing...

In this episode of Passion to Profession , I sit down with Steve from Columbia Sports Cards and More. What started in a garage is now a powerhouse hobby business that spans retail, ecom, wholesale, and manufacturing. Steve shares how his background in banking and insurance gave way to a life immersed in cardboard. We talk about evolving his business model, blending the storefront experience with o...

The WNBA season has tipped off and and so has our excitement. In the debut episode of The WNBA Card Podcast , Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett (@stackingslabs) get personal about how watching the games impacts what they collect, how they stay focused in a league with so many stars, and the internal questions they’re asking themselves about their collecting identity. They break down what they sa...

Michael (@roundtree13_cards) returns to the show for a deep conversation around the 1/1. We explore what collecting 1/1s means in today’s hobby, how intentionality shapes his pursuit, and why every 1/1 doesn’t carry the same weight. Michael shares the evolution of his collecting approach, how he’s moved away from impulse buys, and why he now seeks cards that fit his bigger picture. We talk about t...

Jason (@contrarian_cards) is back on Stacking Slabs, and this time he’s walking us through one of his boldest Buy It Now decisions: the 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Mike Trout Red /5 PSA 9. We talk through what made this card worth smashing BIN, how it fits into his broader collecting style, and why going against the grain often leads to the most rewarding pickups. From Trout to other cards he's cha...

Not all 1/1s are created equal. In this flagship episode, Brett explores the current state of the 1/1 card in a hobby dominated by parallels and overproduction. He compares the mystique of early ghost 1/1s from the '90s with today’s endless rainbow variations. Brett shares his own experiences researching Tyrese Haliburton rookie 1/1s, the emotional pull of owning a 1/1, and how FOMO can cloud good...

This episode of Card Ladder Confidential is built for the collector who thinks deeply about what matters. Brett kicks things off with a cold open on three rising NBA stars—Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—and how collectors might value their cards differently based on jersey and timing. Chris and Josh offer perspective on: Rookie cards vs. team-defining moments What ma...

In this episode of Passion to Profession , I’m joined by Dave Cook, the founder of Sport Card Auctions, a consignment business built on trust, relationships, and straight talk. Dave shares the story behind starting Sport Card Auctions after years of collecting and helping others sell. We talk about what it takes to build a consignment business the right way, the challenges of scaling while staying...

In Episode 6 of The WNBA Card Podcast , Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett (@stackingslabs) talk about collecting with purpose during the W season, using grading as a tool for clarity, and the start of Katelyn’s Napheesa Collier “six-pack” PC. They share top-of-mind themes like forced patience, evolution of collector taste, and the influence of grading returns on card strategy. In Product Pulse ,...

What happens when your favorite team finally puts it together—and you're holding a stack of their cards? In this collector conversation, Danny (@modestcardcollection) returns to the show as his Knicks are flying high. We dig into what it means to collect during a playoff run, how emotion influences decision-making, and why building a smart PC matters more than chasing the most expensive card. We t...

James (@madcitycollector) is back on Stacking Slabs, and this time we're diving deep into the psychology behind smashing BINs. From watching the watchers to understanding set scarcity, this episode unpacks the decision-making process behind one of James’ biggest buy-it-now pickups: a 2017-18 Topps Chrome UEFA Champion's League Red Refractor Luka Modrić PSA 10. We talk through: Why soccer collector...

At some point in every collector’s journey, the chase changes. This week’s flagship episode explores what happens when your passion for a player PC evolves. Brett shares the personal shift in his Peyton Manning collection—from volume-based buying to a highly focused, intentional pursuit of cards that genuinely matter. You’ll hear about: How collecting maturity shapes your focus Why emotional conne...

In this episode of Passion to Profession , Brett sits down with Gary from Lucky Vault to unpack the story behind one of the fastest-growing businesses in the TCG world. What started as a side hustle between friends quickly evolved into a full-fledged operation built on trust, hustle, and deep love for Pokémon. Gary shares the early days of Lucky Vault, how he balances buying and selling with commu...

In this episode, Katelyn and Brett open up about the evolution of their personal collections, sharing strategies and philosophies behind intentional collecting. Brett explores the idea of a Notre Dame WNBA player PC, while Katelyn unpacks the importance of longevity and cohesion in her approach. The duo also reacts to the latest product release news from Panini—including the return of Donruss and...

In this collector conversation, I’m joined by Tony (@tj.isonline), a Philadelphia-based collector with a lifelong passion for cards, sports, and stories. From walking to games at the Vet as a kid to building a focused run of Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Reggie Jackson, and Moe Berg, Tony shares how his collection bridges generations. We talk about: Growing up next to the Philly stadiums and how th...