Dr. Beckett answers more questions from Jason aka Professor Sportscards on navigating the hobby, including the importance of a well-rounded education, recognizing market manipulation, and understanding the ebb and flow of card values. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey from being a hobbyist to running a large company, reflecting on the challenges and joys of managing Beckett Media. Dr. Beckett also provides his perspective on contemporary issues in the hobby, such as the sensationalism in content creation and the economic dynamics of buying and selling cards. Finally, he comments on his enduring passion for the hobby and the need to maintain its charm amidst financial complexities.   00:44 Advice for New Collectors 01:51 Market Manipulation in the Hobby 03:49 Running Beckett Media 06:02 The Evolution of Collecting 12:59 Current Market Trends    

Dr. Beckett delves into the controversial topic of shill bidding in the sports card hobby. He explains the illegal practice, differentiates between defensive and offensive shill bidding, and shares personal insights and anecdotes. The discussion highlights the impact of shill bidding on auction integrity and explores the challenges in detecting and punishing it.   00:29 Understanding Shill Bidding 01:42 Patrick Ryan's Case and Personal Reflections 03:53 Defensive vs. Offensive Shill Bidding 06:34 Auction House Practices and Ethical Concerns 09:03 The Complexity of Shill Bidding Detection 13:07 Legal and Ethical Implications    

Dr. Beckett joins Jason on his Professor Sportscards YouTube channel  to explore Jason's various pressing issues in the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett shares his experience, tracing back to his early days in the 1970s, and discusses his current role as a hobbyist. Key topics include the evolution of conflicts of interest within the industry, the rise of PSA, and concerns about card overprinting. They also explore the challenges and opportunities for new and existing card shops in the current market landscape.   02:09 Conflict of Interest in the Industry 05:00 Market Dynamics and Competition 09:16 Overprinting and Its Impact 11:03 Consumer Choices and Hobby Sustainability    

Dr. Beckett explores the controversial topic of PSA's upcharges for card grading. Offering a unique perspective as a former competitor with foundational experience in grading, he breaks down why these additional fees might actually strengthen PSA's brand by contributing to higher secondary market values. By comparing PSA with BGS and sharing insights from his time in the industry, Dr. Beckett provides a comprehensive analysis of the grading market, including issues of consistency, market value, and the psychological justification behind higher prices for PSA-graded cards.   00:53 Historical Context of Grading 01:42 PSA's Competitive Edge 02:53 Psychological Justification for Higher Prices 03:34 Grading Charges and Market Value 05:59 Consistency and Mistakes in Grading 07:13 PSA's Business Strategy and Criticisms    

Dr. Beckett delves into the definition(s!) and complexities of shill bidding with guest Patrick Ryan. They explore the nuances of what shill bidding entails, its impact on the sports card hobby, and discuss personal experiences and misconceptions. They also touch on issues within the grading industry, the importance of true scarcity versus graded rarity, and the ethical standards of auction houses. This in-depth conversation aims to shed light on critical aspects of the sports card market and offer insights into making informed decisions as a collector.   00:58 Transaction Fees and Fairness in the Hobby 02:08 Auction House Practices and Ethical Concerns 04:08 PSA Grading Controversies 06:57 Collecting Strategies and Scarcity 15:02 Reflections on Mistakes and Moving Forward  

Dr. Beckett talks with Patrick Ryan, who shares his experience of mistakenly bidding on his own item and they discuss the ethics, legality, and nuances of shill bidding. They explore the differences between defensive and offensive bidding, the importance of auction rules, and what constitutes fair practice in the auction world. They also address the broader implications on auction behavior, reserve prices, and the responsibilities of auction houses.   01:00 Understanding Shill Bidding 01:12 Personal Auction Stories and Ethical Dilemmas 04:02 The Role of Reserves in Auctions 12:42 Bidding Strategies and Market Insights 16:14 Historical Context and Price Guide Methodology    

Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom continue their deep dive into the art of designing sports card sets, especially those aimed at kids. They discuss the importance of storytelling through card subsets and the balance between rarity and collectibility. The conversation touches on historical sets like Fleer Teams In Action and Topps Total, as well as the evolution of card designs. The episode also features anecdotes about entrepreneurial endeavors in the sports card industry and the relentless drive needed to innovate and captivate collectors of all ages.   00:30 Designing Card Sets for Kids 01:29 Storytelling in Sports Cards 04:58 Retail and Distribution Challenges 07:28 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Sports Cards 12:21 The Rise and Fall of Card Companies  

Dr. Beckett is joined by Darin Ostrom, aka Sports Card Professor, to delve into the 1990s efforts by companies like Pro Set and Fleer to engage young collectors through educational and community-focused initiatives. They discuss the FACT (Football and Academics) program initiated by the Cincinnati School Board and how Pro Set and Fleer tried to reach kids via collectible card sets. The conversation also explores the challenges and short-lived success of various card initiatives aimed at kids, providing insights into the strategic missteps and eventual downfall of these brands. Additionally, the discussion touches upon the importance of creating kid-friendly environments in card shops and the potential strategies to capture the interest of young collectors today.   00:15 1990s Efforts to Engage Kids in Sports Cards 02:02 Pro Set's Nationwide Expansion and Challenges 06:02 Educational Integration of Sports Cards 08:25 Challenges in Finding 1990 Cincinnati FACT Cards 12:18 Innovative Card Concepts in the 1990s 15:39 Strategies for Engaging Kids in the Hobby 17:09 Creating Kid-Friendly Card Shops and Events  

Dr. Beckett reflects on diverse topics discussed in his last 25 episodes, ranging from interviews with guests like John Keating and tributes to figures such as Lee Roy Jordan and Nacho Arredondo to explorations of the Basketball Card Hall of Fame, eye appeal in card grading, and future trends in card shows. Additional highlights include insights from Hobby Hotline, thoughts on the impact of inflation on the hobby, and the evolving dynamics between sports and non-sports card collecting communities.   01:08 Guest Highlights: John Keating 02:22 Decades Ago: Mark Armour and Jason Schwartz 03:53 Basketball Card Hall of Fame 04:35 Deconstructing Eye Appeal 06:58 Mailbag and Listener Interactions 07:40 Card Shows of the Future 08:29 Tribute to Nacho Arradondo 11:41 Conflict of Interest in the Hobby      

Dr. Beckett joins co-hosts Dan from Vintage Baseball Cards and Orlando from Collector's Dream for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state of the sports card market. They cover topics including industry developments, product pricing strategies, the impact of breakers, overprinting concerns, and the evolving landscape of card collecting.    00:41 Industry Insights: Focus Groups and Parallels 02:27 The High Cost of Modern Cards 03:29 Breakers and the Market Dynamics 07:55 The Appeal of Vintage Cards 11:53 Overprinting and Market Impact    

Dr. Beckett, along with co-hots Dan/Vintage Baseball Cards and Orlando/Collectors Dream, on Hobby Hotline, delve into the surging popularity of grading Pokémon cards, the integration of younger collectors into the hobby, and the evolving landscape of trading card licensing. Discussion includes the burgeoning presence of Pokémon at card shows, the implications of increased Pokémon card grading for the sports card industry, and how nostalgic factors influence collecting behaviors. The episode also explores the significance of Topps regaining the NBA trading card license, historical comparisons of card company competitions, the effects of monopolies versus competition, and concerns over excessive card variations.   00:46 The Rise of Pokemon in Card Shows 02:51 Concerns About Pokemon Grading 03:56 Nostalgia and Market Dynamics 06:43 Topps Regains NBA Trading Card License 08:09 Innovation and Market Competition    

The final segment of Dr. Beckett's Hobby Dinner Conversation delves into the evolving value of 'junk wax' era sports cards, discussing the rising demand for unopened boxes, the difficulty of replacing, and the ongoing interest in vintage sets. The discussion also explores the strategies of modern manufacturers to create demand and the role of card grading in the hobby.   00:37 The Rise of Junk Wax Era Cards 01:09 Challenges in Replacing Old Cards 04:49 Grading and Childhood Collections 06:20 Modern Card Production and Value 11:10 Collector's Mindset and Regrets 17:43 Memorable Hobby Stories    

Join Dr. Beckett and industry experts for an insightful discussion over a private dinner on the changing landscape of perceived conflicts of interest within the sports card hobby. From grading companies like PSA and BGS expanding their services, to the growing impact of companies like Fanatics and the global demand for American-made cards, this episode explores how transparency and trust have adapted over time.    00:38 Evolution of Conflict of Interest in the Hobby 01:55 Transparency and Trust in the Industry 05:13 Global Market and Non-Sport Cards 07:19 Fanatics' Approach and Industry Changes 13:49 Growing Popularity and Inclusivity of the Hobby 18:05 Encouraging the Next Generation of Collectors  

An enlightening Hobby Dinner Conversation featuring a thought-provoking question from Skepi. The discussion explores the impact of macroeconomic conditions, specifically the retreat from the gold standard, on the perceived and actual value of sports cards. Through various examples, the conversation touches upon inflation, overproduction of money versus cards, and how collectors and investors can determine the real value of their collections. Listen in as Dr. Beckett and guests reflect on personal experiences, the intrinsic joy of collecting, and the financial dynamics at play in the world of sports cards.   00:13 Macroeconomic Conditions and the Gold Standard 00:55 Understanding True Value in Sports Cards 02:34 Collector Perspectives and Market Dynamics 06:13 Real-Life Examples and Transactions 11:12 Investment vs. Collecting    

Dr. Beckett shares his experiences and insights in another mailbag episode. He reveals the contents of recent boxes he received, including a 2024-25 Panini Prism Black Hobby Box and a Turn Four NASCAR box. Dr. Beckett discusses the value of the cards, the expected returns, and the enjoyment of the unboxing experience. He also touches on the complexities of card grading and inventory management, and shares stories from his recent hobby dinner and interactions with fellow collectors.   00:40 Panini Prism Black Box Review 03:19 Turn Four NASCAR Box Review 04:37 Tops Archives Box from Dane Coenen 06:43 Mailbag Mishaps and BGS Submissions 08:05 Grading Strategy and Inventory Challenges    

Join Dr. Beckett in the second part of his 'peak' hobby dinner conversation, discussing positive trends and the future of the sports card market, including the surge of young collectors, organic trade nights, the impact of licensing changes, overproduction, the importance of full player statistics on cards, and the burgeoning global market for sports cards.   01:47 Personal Journey in the Hobby 02:39 Card Shows and Community 03:29 Concerns About Licensing Changes 04:57 Overproduction and Market Dynamics 11:49 Global Expansion and Mass Market 15:57 Repacking and Collector Behavior    

Dr. Beckett hosts a hobby dinner featuring prominent figures from the sports card industry including Dave Poole, JJ Arredondo, Leon Luckey, Matt Galvin, Dane Coenen, Skepi, David Porter, Chris Ivy, Keith Hower, Ron Palmer, and Bill Sliheet. The discussion revolves around three key topics: the curiosity piqued in the past year, whether the hobby has peaked, and a peek into 2026. Insightful conversations address the resurgence of Beckett Media, the role of honesty and integrity in grading, the impact of social media and athletes on the hobby, and the importance of creativity and innovation in the future of sports card collecting.   01:41 Discussion on Hobby Peaks 03:26 Beckett's Comeback and Challenges 06:04 Future of the Hobby 08:00 Player Stories and Hobby Growth 13:18 Athlete Involvement in Trading Cards 15:58 Youth Engagement and Market Trends  

Dr. Beckett honors Nacho Arredondo, known for his decades of dedication to Kit Young and significant contributions recently passed away after a long illness. Dr. Beckett reminisces about their 50-year friendship, and the personal and professional impact of Nacho's passing. This tribute underscores the importance of relationships in the hobby and reflects on the legacy of an unsung hero who made significant, behind-the-scenes contributions to the industry.   01:17 Reflections on Longtime Friendships 01:50 Memories of the Hobby and Industry 02:43 The Team Behind the Success 03:18 Nacho's Role and Personal Stories 05:59 The Business of Sports Cards    

Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with Tony Goza, discussing the future of sports card shows. They explore new elements being introduced, including family-friendly experiences, affordable pricing, and innovative concepts like specialized booth areas and integrated digital tools. Dr. Beckett and Tony also talk about the logistics of running a show, the impact of technology, and the balance between physical and digital card trading. The conversation includes plans for charity events, engaging activities for attendees, and strategies to create enjoyable and profitable shows.   00:10 Tony's Upcoming Show Details 00:45 Show Logistics and Marketing 03:02 Innovative Ideas for the Show 05:35 Organizing Dealers and Sections 10:30 Casino and Card Show Synergy 16:03 Future of Card Shows and Technology  

Dr. Beckett interviews Tony Goza, a local card shop owner and new promoter from Durant, Oklahoma, discussing fresh ideas for improving future card shows. Tony shares insights from his diverse background, including promoting casino car and truck shows and owning a car audio business. They explore concepts like integrating multimedia, using QR codes for real-time pricing, and fostering better customer service among vendors. Tony's upcoming event will be during the NFL draft weekend in late April 2026.   01:00 Tony Goza's Background and Experience 02:56 Innovative Ideas for Card Shows 03:39 Technology Integration in Card Shows 06:27 Enhancing Customer Experience 09:35 Future Plans and Vision