Stacking Slabs

Latest Episodes:

The Unavailable Card: Psychology, Protocol, and the Power of the Strong Offer Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

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 than waiting around for a listing to appear.

We explore:

Why availability doesn’t always mean visibility
The right way to engage with a collector who isn’t selling
How strong offers create tension and signal seriousness
Why going all-in on one card beats scattering pickups across dozens

If you're sitting on the sideline waiting for your grail to hit the market, this episode is for you.

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Passion to Profession: How Z & G Emporium Became a Trusted Name in Graded Pokémon Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

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 focuses only on graded Pokémon cards
The operational systems and discipline behind scaling
His early days on YouTube and how content built trust
Trends in the TCG market—and where money is flowing next

This one’s packed with insights for anyone thinking about turning their side hustle into a business. Whether you collect, sell, or want to scale, James drops practical gems throughout.

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

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The WNBA Card Podcast #8: Finding the Cards Before the Hype May 31, 2025

Show notes

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 access, collector psychology, and the case for building more bridges between sellers and buyers.

Plus:

The rise of Napheesa Collier and the 5-0 Minnesota Lynx
Why Natasha Cloud is changing how we view the Liberty
A Nneka Ogwumike collector spotlight and deep card market dive
A mailbag debate: action shot or photo shoot rookie?
And what would your Triple Logo Woman card look like?

Whether you're tracking the market or trying to find that one card that never seems to pop up, this episode will make you feel seen.

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

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Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

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Collecting Through the Run: A Pacers Fan’s Perspective with Kyle from the Wax Museum Podcast May 30, 2025

Show notes

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 what rules he’s willing to break when the team is winning. We get into the tension between hobby hype and personal preference, talk about rookie cards in the wrong jerseys, and why collecting from the heart always beats following the crowd.

This one’s for the fans who keep collecting win or lose.

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

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Smashing BIN: Finding that BIN Smash Eureka Moment with a 1956 Topps Ernie Banks Auto with Matthew (@1956toppsguy) May 29, 2025

Show notes

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, and how collectors make sense of rarity, condition, and significance. Matthew also breaks down the psychology of BIN smashing with his own system: Steal, Grail, and Eureka.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever seen a card and felt the clock start ticking.

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The Psychology Behind the "One Card Mindset" May 28, 2025

Show notes

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 Arike Ogunbowale, Brett shares personal examples that prove meaning outweighs volume. This episode is an invitation to rethink what it means to collect with intention.

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Vaulted: How the Vault Fits Into Your Grading Strategy May 27, 2025

Show notes

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 your collection with intention, and why a smooth post-grade process saves me time as both a collector and a busy dad.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by stacks of slabs piling up or wondered what the next move should be after your grades pop, this episode is for you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA VAULT

LEARN MORE ABOUT PSA CONSIGNMENT

A special thank you to PSA for sponsoring Vaulted. PSA is the official grading, authentication, and vault provider of Stacking Slabs.

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

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Passion to Profession: Columbia Sports Cards and More's Playbook from Garage to Industry Hub with Steve May 26, 2025

Show notes

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 online scale, and why Columbia isn’t your average card shop.

We also explore:

His personal collecting roots with Tony Gwynn and Sandy Koufax
The real lessons from starting with eBay before opening a shop
How manufacturing and retail feedback loops fuel innovation
Why customer experience—not product—is what separates good from great
The moment a Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig card turned into college tuition and family reconnection

This one's for anyone thinking about turning their passion into something more. Steve’s story is about vision, risk, relationships, and the power of staying adaptable in a fast-changing 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 link

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The WNBA Card Podcast #7: Collect What You Watch and Finding Your Lane in the W May 24, 2025

Show notes

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 saw on the court during opening week, including why the Mystics are the surprise team to watch, how Paige and the Wings are adjusting, and why Napheesa Collier might be the best player in the world right now.

Then, it’s a full spotlight on A’ja Wilson—the player, the cultural force, the card market opportunity—and why her story as a living legend is only just beginning.

Also in this episode:

Market updates on Prism Golds, Color Blasts, and sealed WNBA wax
A shoutout to collector @luvtdadubs for his iconic Rittenhouse posts
Questions from the community on collecting styles, pre-Panini favorites, and which W player our games resemble

Whether you’re deep into the W or starting your journey, this is the show built for you

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 link

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The 1/1 Collector Mindset with Michael (@roundtree13_cards) May 23, 2025

Show notes

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 the emotional pull of cards, the importance of narrative, and the constant refinement that comes with time in the hobby.

This one is for anyone who's ever wondered what makes a card truly worth holding onto.

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 link

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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