Card Talk

Collecting, investing, and gambling are three different parts of the hobby, but where do we draw the line between them?In this episode of Card Talk, we break down how the hobby is evolving and what it means to be a collector in today's market. We discuss finding opportunities, buying and selling at card shows, building margins, dollar boxes, and knowing when to move on from a card. We also explore the next generation of collectors, the growth of repacks and prediction markets, alternative grading companies, and what trends outside the hobby could tell us about its future.Plus, Kaleb shares the story behind his Ty Jerome collection and faces a tough decision: sell a card for a major profit or hold onto something that means a lot to his personal collection.The hobby continues to grow, but how do we make sure it stays healthy? Tune in as we discuss the business, the culture, and the future of collecting.

What if collecting sports cards was about more than the cards themselves?On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmidt sits down with Brian Pirrip, founder of M1NT, to discuss the future of card collecting, premium presentation, and the stories that make our collections meaningful.Brian shares the vision behind M1NT’s G1 graded card cases, including premium materials, UV protection, anti-tampering technology, and NFC-enabled authentication. He also discusses the company’s plans for future products, its approach to building a long-term brand, and why presentation can add a new dimension to the collecting experience.Beyond the products, Brian opens up about his 23-year journaling habit, using AI to uncover patterns across more than a million words, and the importance of preserving memories through collecting. He also tells the story behind a viral card shop visit that generated 37 million views, and the special card he plans to give the shop’s owner.From protecting valuable cards to preserving personal stories, this conversation explores why the hobby is about so much more than buying and selling.

Card Talk #023 - Mat Sposta on AI Grading, the Future of Collectibles & Building TroveOn this episode of Card Talk, we sit down with Mat Sposta to discuss his journey from Wall Street and entrepreneurship to the collectibles industry. Mat shares the story behind Trove, how AI and computer vision are changing the way collectors evaluate cards, and what the future of grading could look like.We also dive into the growing role of institutional capital in collectibles, the sustainability of repacks, and why data and distribution are becoming major competitive advantages in the hobby. From vintage treasures and Pokémon to the importance of nostalgia and community, this conversation explores where the collectibles market is headed and what it means for collectors, investors, and entrepreneurs.Tune in for an insightful conversation about the intersection of technology, business, and the hobby we love.

Card Talk #022 - Live from New York Comic Con with PSA & Edition OneCard Talk takes you to New York Comic Con for a special episode featuring PSA and Edition One! We dive into the growing intersection of comics, collectibles, and trading cards, exploring how iconic characters, exclusive releases, and new innovations are bringing collectors together. From the excitement of NYCC to the evolving collectibles market, join us as we talk with industry leaders about what's next for the hobby.Tune in for another episode of Card Talk, where we discuss the people, products, and trends shaping the collecting world!

Card Talk #021 - Gareb Shamus & ArtPics plus Play of the Week is back!!!Gareb shares his journey creating artpicsCards and his perspective on what makes a card valuable, not only as a collectible, but as a piece of art. The conversation explores how the combination of art and trading cards can create a unique collecting experience and attract collectors from different backgrounds.Plus, Play of the Week is back! We’re bringing back a segment where collectors can share their best recent plays, flips, purchases, and deals. If you have a play you want featured on a future episode, send it our way along with your thought process, purchase price, and sale price.

On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Chuck from Cult of Wax West to dive deep into the rapidly growing world of entertainment cards.Chuck shares his journey from collecting coins, Pokémon, Funko Pops, and sneakers to becoming heavily involved in Marvel and Star Wars cards. The two discuss what makes entertainment cards different from sports cards, how collectors balance the hobby with the business side, and why character-driven collecting can be so powerful.They also break down the current Marvel and Star Wars card landscape, including Topps’ Marvel releases, Star Wars Chrome, first-year products, sketches, inserts, and the potential opportunity in DC cards.Plus, they discuss the impact of major entertainment releases, why Spider-Man is helping drive the broader entertainment card market, the future of Marvel, and what could be the next big area of growth in the hobby.And of course, they finish with a fun Marvel character “This or That” battle and we see the return of Play of the Week!Topics include:• The rise of entertainment cards• Marvel & Star Wars collecting• Sports cards vs. entertainment cards• Balancing collecting and business• Why first-year products matter• Marvel Chrome & Sapphire• The future of DC cards• Spider-Man and the entertainment market• What could be NEXT for the hobby?• Marvel character “This or That”• Play of the WeekThanks for listening to Card Talk! Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what you think is next for the hobby.

Card Talk #019 - The world of Harry Potter with potterrarebooks THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER COLLECTINGHarry Potter collecting is a world of its own, and in this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into it with Mike from Potter Rare Books.From the legendary first-edition UK Philosopher’s Stone to incredibly rare proof books, signed copies, print variations, condition, errors, and the differences between the UK and US markets, we break down what actually makes a Harry Potter book valuable.We also talk about the rapid growth of the Harry Potter market, why these books may have been undervalued for years, and what could drive the hobby over the next decade.What makes a book a true grail?How much can the rarest copies be worth?What should collectors look for?How much does a J.K. Rowling signature add?Is Harry Potter the next major collectibles market?If you're a sports card, Pokémon, comic book, or collectibles fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

The Image Matters: What Makes a Card Truly Collectible?In this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Kaleb to dive into what really drives collectibility in today’s hobby. They break down why the image on a card can have a massive impact on desirability, from iconic moments and image variations to cards that simply don’t capture the player in a memorable way.The conversation also covers the latest Topps Flagship Football release, the new rookie class, Golden Mirror image variations, and what collectors should be looking for as the NFL season approaches.Tyler and Kaleb also get into their experiences vending at card shows, the power of value boxes, making money through buying and selling, what is driving the sports card market, and why in-person connections may be one of the most underrated parts of the hobby.Plus: Pokémon, Disney, digital repacks, upcoming NFL season plays, and how they would approach putting $10,000 into collectibles today.The image matters. The memories matter. And ultimately, the collectors matter.

On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmitt sits down with Max Norris of Putnam Cards for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating areas of the hobby right now: non-sports and vintage cards.Max breaks down how his collecting journey expanded from basketball into Larry David, Stranger Things, Disney, Pokémon, historical figures, artists, and much more. The conversation explores why these markets are gaining attention, how collectors can discover overlooked cards, and the importance of doing your own research when there isn't a centralized source of information.The two also discuss the difference between collecting and investing, how to stay disciplined when the hobby offers endless opportunities, and whether collectors should be looking ahead to upcoming movies, characters, and cultural moments. They dive into examples ranging from Doctor Doom and Spider-Man to Van Gogh, Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and the 1966 Batman card.One of the biggest themes of the episode is why the actual card matters. Photography, artwork, scarcity, historical significance, and utility can all play a role in creating a truly great collectible. Tyler and Max question whether the hobby can continue to thrive if everything is simply about the latest chase card, and why older cards with a story or purpose may ultimately have lasting power.Plus, Tyler talks about his recent travels, the London Card Show, the upcoming Card Talk NYC event, and the return of Play of the Week

| Card Talk Card Show | Sept 19th | NYC On this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into the current sports card market and what makes certain cards true investment pieces. We discuss the massive rise of LeBron cards, the value of scarcity and age, and whether modern case hits like Kabooms, Downtowns, Manga, and Color Blast can stand the test of time.We also break down the explosive prices being paid for unique crossover cards, including Wemby and Steph Curry Minions, discuss collecting vs. investing, and recap the biggest takeaways from the World Cup and the continued growth of the soccer card market.Plus: market predictions, cards we'd buy today, the power of nostalgia and pop culture, and what makes the hobby so special.