Stacking Slabs

Latest Episodes:

Smashing BIN: Mike Trout Red and the Power of Contrarian Collecting with Jason (@contrarian_cards) May 22, 2025

Show notes

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 chased this year, Jason breaks down his thought process as a collector who stays focused, intentional, and unapologetically contrarian.

If you’re trying to build a collection that reflects your perspective—not the hobby’s hype—this episode’s for you.

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Not All 1/1s Are Created Equal May 21, 2025

Show notes

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 collecting judgment.

This episode challenges the automatic assumption that 1/1 means grail. Brett shares a mental model he uses to slow down purchases and offers a collector-first lens for evaluating rarity, aesthetics, and long-term significance.

This isn’t an anti-1/1 rant. It’s a call for intentionality.

Listen if you’ve ever chased a 1/1.
Listen if you’ve ever passed on one and wondered why.
Listen if you want to make better collecting decisions in an era where scarcity can feel anything but scarce.

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Card Ladder Confidential #8 with Chris (@chris_hoj) and Josh (cardboard_chronicles) from Card Ladder May 20, 2025

Show notes

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 makes a Logoman worth six figures
The allure of a PSA 10 on a one-of-one
Emotional slowdowns in a player PC
The Haliburton heat check, both on-court and in auctions

Plus, we revisit the Giannis Black Mosaic 1/1 sale and unpack what it meant for the hobby—and why it still stirs something in collectors years later.

If you’ve ever struggled with what to chase, when to pivot, or how hype distorts value, this one is worth your time.

Check out Card Ladder the official data partner of Stacking Slabs

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Passion to Profession: 25+ Years of Building a Business in the Hobby with Dave from Sport Card Auctions May 19, 2025

Show notes

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 collector-first, and why being honest with sellers always wins.

This is a real conversation with someone who’s not trying to impress anyone—he’s just trying to do right by the people who trust him with their cards.

If you're curious about the consignment side of the hobby or looking for an honest approach to selling your collection, 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.

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The WNBA Card Podcast #6: Refining Collections and Chasing 1/1 Identity May 17, 2025

Show notes

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, Brett brings the heat on Prizm 1/1 confusion—Black, Gold Vinyl, or Black Finite?—and Katelyn weighs in on why it matters (and doesn’t).

Plus:
– Is Stewie the most underrated card market legend?
– Insert 1/1s: How should we value them?
– Big-time collector spotlight on @reservoirsportscards
– A WNBA fantasy league update you didn’t know you needed
– And a buzzer beater plane ride you’ll wish was real

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When Your Team is Soaring: Collecting Through Knicks Euphoria with Danny (@modestcardcollection) May 16, 2025

Show notes

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 talk Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Panini-era strategy, emotional buys, and the joy of flipping through a binder that means something to you.

This one's for the team collectors, the sentimental buyers, and anyone who’s ever opened eBay after a playoff win.

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

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Smashing BIN: The "Getting Sent An Offer" BIN Smash with James (@madcitycollector) May 15, 2025

Show notes

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 collectors need to trust instincts when there are no comps
How club loyalty and team collectors can change market dynamics
What happens when a card sits and no one bites
The eBay Vault price dilemma
Building intentionality through set collecting

If you've ever stared at a BIN too long and wondered whether to hit it—this one’s for you.

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When the Chase Slows Down: Evolving a Player PC May 14, 2025

Show notes

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 connection can outweigh market logic
Letting go of the player collector label
The quiet freedom in following what moves you

This isn’t about giving up—it’s about collecting with purpose. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “Why am I not chasing this card anymore?”—this one’s for you.

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Passion to Profession: Building a Global Pokémon Business from a Townhome with Gary at Lucky Vault May 12, 2025

Show notes

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 community building, and why consistency and customer care matter more than any marketing play. This episode is a must-listen for collectors, entrepreneurs, or anyone curious about how passion becomes profession.

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 #5: Building PCs with Intention and the Return of Donruss May 10, 2025

Show notes

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 the debut of One and One—and talk preseason standouts like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

They spotlight a standout sale, shout out a collector doing great things in the community, and wrap things up with their weekly pickups and buzzer beaters.

Make sure you follow The WNBA Card Podcast on Instagram for the latest news and updates.

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 ★