Fresh off his trip to The National, Jesse sits down with Ray to share his experience hunting for non-sport cards at the largest card show in the world. Despite the continued rise of Pokémon and Topps Entertainment products, Jesse breaks down the surprising lack of non-sport presence—but also highlights the biggest Star Wars card sale in history, a $100,000 monster that stole the spotlight.
They also discuss a moment with Gary Vee, where Jesse had the chance to film some content around the new VeeFriends Super Sticker product and hear Gary’s compelling case for vintage non-sport cards and their place in the long-term hobby conversation.
Later, they welcome guest Mason LaFevre, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Wasatch Pop, to talk all things Funko Pop collecting. Topics include:
Trends in value, scarcity, and licensing
Mason’s best yard sale finds
Where Funko is heading and how collectors can navigate its evolving landscape
From Star Wars grails to garage sale gold, this episode covers the full spectrum of collecting culture.
In this new release packed episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray go all in on the latest hobby news—starting with a recap of some of the wild news coming from San Diego Comic-Con, which now feels like a must-attend event for non-sport collectors.
They break down the exclusive “Fork” redemption card used by “Hangman” Adam Page during AEW All In, which Upper Deck is turning into a real card in an upcoming product. Then they preview the National Sports Card Convention from a non-sport perspective, including how to get the exclusive Star Wars Topps packs being handed out at the show.
Next, they cover:
The upcoming release of Topps Chrome Star Wars, expected to be more affordable than last year while still including major signers like Jude Law and Carrie-Anne Moss
The latest Pokémon release, including new collectible artwork for every Pokémon in the set, and a card that might soon be banned due to controversial artwork
A bold comparison between the Pokémon 151 set and XY Evolutions, and why the “overprinted” argument might not hold up
They also jump into the Marvel universe to talk:
The debut of Marvel Mint at SDCC and initial reactions
Upcoming release announced for 2025 Marvel Topps Chrome Sapphire
Plus, reactions to this week’s Garbage Pail Kids 40th Anniversary set, complete with throwback artwork and original artist autographs. And as they wrap, they realize they forgot to mention a huge one—the upcoming MTG Spider-Man Expansion Set, which is already seeing a spike in prices thanks to its original comic-based art.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray open with breaking news that’s shaking the hobby: reports of hundreds of millions of dollars in forged autographs and fake certificates of authenticity. With autograph collectors now facing serious risks, the team brings on a uniquely qualified guest—Cliff Panezich, a former forger who once ran a multi-million dollar counterfeit autograph operation.
Cliff pulls back the curtain on the forgery world, sharing:
Tips for spotting fake signatures
Which marketplaces and items are most vulnerable
And how collectors can protect themselves from getting burned
Before that explosive interview, Jesse shares how he pulled the most expensive card of his life during a recent break, and explains how non-sport card breaks work for collectors who haven’t tried them yet.
Later in the show, Jesse and Ray break down the biggest chase cards from recent non-sport releases like:
Topps Chrome Marvel
Star Wars Masterwork
Fleer Brilliants Superman and more
The episode wraps with a look at how Labubu’s explosive growth is shaking up the collectible world—its parent company Pop Mart is now reportedly larger than Mattel and Hasbro combined—and an update on an upcoming giveaway from Courtyard.io.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off by recapping the Nash-ional, the booming Nashville Card Show that’s quickly evolving into a Pokémon-focused destination. Ray shares details on a major find and how the vibe of the show has changed for collectors.
Then they’re joined by David Campos to finally dive deep into the world of Disney Lorcana. David breaks down:
What’s currently hot and chase-worthy
How the game is performing in the market
And how changes in the upcoming release could take it mainstream in a big way
Later, Jesse introduces a new segment: Throwback Set, spotlighting 2009 Topps American Heritage—a hidden gem packed with cut autos from U.S. presidents, sports legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, and pop culture icons.
Then in New Releases, Jesse and Ray react to Upper Deck’s Fleer Brilliants Superman drop and discuss the latest Pokémon release, which isn’t wowing collectors.
The episode wraps with Poke Corner, where they dive the latest Pokémon News starting with some eye-popping price jumps, including the surge of 1st Edition Charizard cards and why Pokémon 151 packs could hit $50 and up in the near future.
In this milestone episode, Jesse officially welcomes Ray Solorio as the new co-host of Hobby Nonsense! Ray will bring his expertise on WWE and modern Pokémon, while diving deeper into the world of non-sport collecting alongside Jesse.
They kick things off with a breakdown of the Dodgers' One Piece promo cards, which were handed out at a recent game and are already dominating the resale market. Then they tackle one of the strangest hobby headlines yet—the Pope signing a Pokémon card—and why it might actually be better than having signed one of his own official cards.
Later, Ryan Nolan returns to discuss the rising interest in vintage non-sport, including American History cards, and dives into the niche but growing world of music cards, from Ozzy and Black Sabbath to The Rolling Stones. They explore what card manufacturers need to do to market modern band and performer cards successfully.
The episode wraps with a look at:
Upper Deck’s DC packs at San Diego Comic-Con
The wild rise of Felt Hat Pikachu—now the most graded Pokémon card ever, still fetching over $1,000 a pop
In this week’s episode, Jesse kicks things off with a major update: the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy collaboration is now officially the best-selling MTG crossover to date. He explores what that means for future collaborations—and what it might say about past ones, too.
Then it’s on to a new release from Upper Deck: a Scooby-Doo trading card set, complete with surprising inserts and some serious nostalgic appeal.
Next, Jesse revisits a growing problem in the hobby: CT scanning of sealed packs and boxes. A recent sale of a $30,000 Pokémon pack—advertised as scanned and showing a Base Set Shadowless Charizard—raises huge ethical concerns. Jesse breaks down why this is a slippery slope for the hobby and urges collectors and manufacturers to take a stand against it.
He also speculates on a new force behind Pokémon’s global momentum: the expansion of the TCG into the Chinese market, and how that may be quietly fueling increased demand.
To close the show, Jesse interviews Matt Hathorn, a junk wax collector recently featured in PSA Magazine for his passion-filled collection featuring Steve Urkel, ALF, and the rarest Saved By the Bell card set in existence. They talk 80s/90s nostalgia, obscure sets, and what makes collecting fun again.
Plus, Jesse announces a $300 Comic Book Giveaway courtesy of Courtyard.io, and shares how listeners can win.
In this week’s episode, Jesse is joined by Ray Solorio to unpack Fanatics Fest from the non-sport card collector’s perspective. Jesse shares his thoughts on the card selection compared to last year and what the experience was like for non-sport fans.
Also joining the show is Bryce Joyner, who was set up as a dealer at the event. He shares his firsthand insight on what it’s like to be a Pokémon seller at a largely sports-focused show, whether the event was worth it from the vendor side, and how some social media moments might not have been genuine!
Then the conversation shifts to the massive buzz around the new Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering collaboration. Jesse and Ray break down the most chaseable cards, why prices are exploding, and what it means for both franchises.
They also cover:
-Why Panini’s Rolling Stones set is struggling
-Why 2025 Topps Chrome Marvel is surging in popularity
-A secret trick to finding new Marvel Chrome boxes cheaper than you’ll see anywhere else!
It’s an episode packed with firsthand insights, collector wisdom, and tips you won’t hear anywhere else.
In this week’s episode, Jesse starts with some big hobby news: a VeeFriends Superfractor—ungraded—just sold for $25,000. Is that too high? Too low? Jesse weighs in on the significance of the sale and where it places VeeFriends in the larger card market.
Then, things get a little wild in the world of Pokémon overload. From Hershey’s Kisses with Pokémon wrappers to browser-based Pokémon catching to Happy Meals, toys, and cards—Jesse asks the real question: Is the Pokémon brand being stretched too far?
Next, it’s a quick update on the release of Topps Chrome Marvel, which has been well-received overall, but Jesse flags one glaring issue collectors are noticing.
To close the episode, Jesse is joined by Tim Fraser of The Whiskey Geeks podcast for a refreshing change of pace—collecting whiskey! They discuss:
Whiskey bottles with non-sport themes
What bottles pair perfectly with a night of box ripping or comic reading
Which bottles hold long-term value and which are just hype
Whether you're into Pokémon, Pop Century, or Pappy Van Winkle—this episode has something for collectors of all tastes.
In this episode, Jesse is joined again by Ray Solorio to unpack some of the most buzzworthy topics in the non-sport and pop culture collecting world.
They kick things off with a look at the upcoming 2025 Topps Marvel release, discussing what makes it one of the biggest Marvel card sets ever—from the sheer volume of characters to a wide range of inserts and chases. Jesse shares why he’s especially excited about the Marvel Reflections original art cards and the Frank Miller sketch/autograph cards, and they both weigh in on what Topps could have done even better.
Next up is a surprising topic: Linkin Park’s new Topps Now cards—if only you can actually find them on the website.
Then, the conversation turns to Pokémon, as Jesse and Ray explore the most collectible sets in the Scarlet & Violet era, and break down why Black Bolt & White Flare could be one of the most anticipated releases yet.
Finally, they close the show with a look at one of the fastest-rising collectibles on the market—Pop Mart’s Labubu Blind Boxes. From Spongebob to Goofy plushies and collabs with Pharrell Williams, these designer toys are heating up in a big way, and Jesse and Ray break down why.
In this episode, Jesse kicks things off with a live opening of a Pokémon repack—and absolutely crushes it! From there, he reflects on the current summer lull in non-sport product releases and whether that’s a good or bad thing for collectors. He also dives into the upcoming Rolling Stone card set, analyzing whether it has hit potential or if it might be another swing-and-miss.
Next, Jesse breaks down the surprising attempted comeback of Pogs, exploring how this 90s favorite is borrowing from modern trading card mechanics to create more collectible, chase-based appeal.
Then it’s on to a refreshing collector-to-collector conversation with Lucas Mast, a passionate hobbyist who represents the everyday non-sport card fan. Together, they discuss:
-The charm and simplicity of junk wax era sets
-Why rarer movie cards like Big and Twister still hold appeal
-Thoughts on celebrity autograph products like Pop Century
-How values rise and fall and when to break over buying singles
-Plus: A lively Mailbag segment, including a debate over renaming “non-sport” cards
From rips to real talk, this episode celebrates the everyday collector and the weird, wonderful world of non-sports.
In this episode, Jesse kicks things off by revealing a new personal collection (PC) character he picked up over the weekend, and reflects on the rising popularity of non-sport cards, including a surprising new social media follower who made his day.
Next, Jesse covers some policy changes at GameStop aimed at getting more product into collectors' hands and weighs in on a possible Simpsons trading card set, fueled by sketch card artist teasers and hobby speculation.
Also in the mix:
-News of the highest-selling Elsa card to date
-Excitement surrounding the newly announced 2025 Topps Chrome Marvel release and what Jesse is most looking forward to in the set
Then, artist Eric Medina joins the show for a fascinating look behind the curtain of the sketch card world. Known for his work on Star Wars, Garbage Pail Kids, Scooby-Doo, and more, Eric shares:
-How companies like Topps, Upper Deck, and Dynamite Comics guide (or don’t guide) the creative process
-The time, technique, and effort that go into creating sketch cards
-What new artists should know about entering the hobby
-And how much artists typically get paid for their work
It’s a fun, informative episode packed with hobby insight—from collectors to creators.
In this episode, Jesse and Ray kick things off with a recap of Nashville Poké Fest, a non-sport card-only show that drew an impressive crowd. They break down the turnout, vendor mix, and collector demographics, offering a snapshot of what’s working in today’s hobby events.
Then, Adam Gellman, known as the go-to voice on wrestling cards, joins the show to discuss the explosive growth of WWE in the hobby. The conversation covers:
Celebrity involvement and crossover stars
The rise of reality shows like 'LFG'
The differences between vintage and modern wrestling collectors
International market impact and future investment potential
How storytelling fuels long-term hobby interest
Adam shares predictions for breakout stars and offers a sharp perspective on where wrestling cards are headed next.
To close the episode, Jesse and Ray revisit some hot-button hobby topics including:
Disappointment surrounding Pokémon’s latest release
How VeeFriends cards are still commanding sky-high prices
And how PSA Magazine subscribers could be unknowingly sitting on hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of cards.
In this episode, Jesse opens with a look into why Topps Chrome VeeFriends, the GaryVee-backed product, is seeing a massive surge—boxes have now 4-5x’d in value, and he shares his theory on what’s driving the demand.
Next, Jesse breaks down a troubling update about a fake autograph in last year’s Leaf Pop Century product and what it means for collectors chasing celebrity autos.
Then it’s on to the world of TCGs, as Evan Garrett of Dragon Fire Games joins to discuss what’s hot in the space and why. They dive into:
Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, and One Piece
Why competitive players are struggling to get product
Which TCGs are dominating right now
Whether Lorcana has long-term potential or is a fading trend
Later, Tory Hermens of DCSports87 joins to announce a new TCG community-focused consignment special and what sellers should know.
To wrap it up, Jesse questions his own take from the last episode—are we actually entering a new Junk Wax Era? Especially when multiple companies are now... making Pope trading cards.
In this episode, Jesse kicks things off by sharing his firsthand experience with 2025 Leaf Pop Century, now that he's had the chance to go through the product himself. From surprises to standout autos, he gives his honest thoughts on one of the most anticipated celebrity autograph releases of the year.
Then, Jesse is joined by Stephanie Garcia of Mama Breaks for a deep dive into the huge wave of entertainment product announcements coming out of the recent Topps Conference. They discuss:
Major celebrity signers and Fanatics’ new partnership with a talent agency to secure even more big-name autographs
Why they’re excited about a smaller, more focused Star Wars release slate, especially Meijo and Smuggler’s Outpost
The upcoming Disney sets, including products themed around the rides, parks, and the high-end Disney Vault collection
The Marvel card lineup, featuring Infinity: MCU Phase 1, which might be the most anticipated Marvel product ever
A quick nod to Garbage Pail Kids and the surprise announcement of a Spongebob trading card release
From pop culture giants to theme park nostalgia, this episode is packed with hobby excitement across the galaxy (and under the sea)!
In this episode, Jesse kicks things off with a recap of the Topps announcements from WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, including the introduction of WWE Debut Patches and the buzz around Cactus Jack/WrestleMania boxes, which are already commanding prices north of $1,000 on the secondary market.
Then it’s on to one of the hobby’s biggest celebrity-driven products—2025 Leaf Pop Century. Jesse breaks down this year’s updates, including new signers, design changes, and some wild multi-auto cards that are already generating buzz.
To round out the episode, Jesse sits down with Robin Black, a veteran toy flipper and reseller, for a fun and informative conversation on the non-card side of the collecting world. They discuss:
-Hot toy trends
-Chase pieces driving value
-What to look for at estate sales, thrift stores, and more
Whether you're into wrestling cards, celeb autos, or turning old toys into treasure, this episode has something for every collector and hustler.
In this episode, Jesse brings back Ray Solorio for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from Pokémon market trends to garage sale flipping tips.
The show kicks off with some unexpected WrestleMania weekend energy, as Jesse and Ray acknowledge the hype in the wrestling world. Then it’s on to the latest non-sport releases, with Jesse giving a detailed breakdown of Topps Star Wars Masterwork—highlighting what’s working, what’s not, and why this year’s public release might finally be done right.
Next up: Pokémon. Jesse and Ray react to the latest set, Journey Together, and dig into the current pricing climate—what's stabilizing, what's still inflated, and what feels artificially pumped. They also weigh in on the big news around the 1st Edition re-release and share thoughts on the latest Courtyard.io Weekly Pack Attack.
To wrap things up, the conversation takes a fun detour as Ray shares his second passion: flipping Amazon returns, Goodwill finds, and garage sale scores. He offers up some real-world tips for anyone looking to make a few extra bucks this summer by hunting treasure in unexpected places.
In this episode, Jesse kicks things off with a thank-you to the team at Super Break and announces a Bruce Lee Keepsakes giveaway for users of Courtyard.io. From there, the spotlight turns to some of the latest non-sport card releases, including Topps Stranger Things and a closer look at 2024 Topps Star Wars Masterwork.
But the biggest surprise of the week? 2024 Panini Minecraft—a true dark horse in the hobby. Jesse shares his take on why this release is turning heads and why prices are quickly rising.
Later in the episode, Justin Underwood, known as Spidey Hits on YouTube, joins for an in-depth discussion on Marvel sketch cards. Justin breaks down:
The top artists to watch
The most desirable sketch sets
Whether or not sketch cards should be graded
And how collectors can better appreciate this unique side of the hobby
The episode wraps on a personal note with a heartfelt tribute to Jesse’s father-in-law, Steve Hovies, who passed away just hours before recording. Steve was the one who gave Jesse his first complete card set, and the impact on his collecting journey—and life—won’t be forgotten.
In this episode, we start with some wild hobby news—Pokémon collectors are taking on bots by selling photos of ETBs instead of the actual boxes, in an attempt to tank resale prices. But while it's clever, unsuspecting human buyers might be getting scammed.
Next, we dive into the world of influencer cards with the debut of MrBeast’s first official trading card, and why it could become a major pop culture collectible.
Then, we take a closer look at Courtyard.io, a new platform that's shaking things up in the marketplace space. Find out how it sets itself apart and where it might be heading next.
Finally, I'm joined by Adam Joosten and Raymond Leon of Super Break Products, who share how their company transitioned from a repack brand into a full-fledged card manufacturer. We dive into how their products like Pieces of the Past, The Bar, and Keepsake blend modern design with vintage memorabilia—and why it’s catching the attention of both modern and vintage collectors alike.
Another packed episode full of news, innovation, and hobby evolution!
This episode kicks off with a refreshing look at collecting in its purest form—through the eyes of Atticus Gibson, an 11-year-old Pokémon enthusiast(and Jesse's nephew) who collects not for value, but for the love of the characters and artwork. We dive into what it’s like to be a kid in the Pokémon hobby today, his thoughts on new releases, and whether he’s excited about the first-ever Pokémon + Lego collaboration.
From there, the conversation shifts to where sports and non-sports cards collide, highlighting past sets that have blended the two worlds and how concepts like Baseball x Pokémon could be a major hit in today’s collecting scene.
Finally, vintage non-sport collector Jay Guiliano joins the show for a deep dive into the weird, rare, and absurd world of non-sport cards. We discuss:
-Why rookie card designations don’t carry the same weight in non-sports (Looking at you, Mickey Mouse!)
-Why rarity doesn’t always mean high value in this space
-Some of Jay’s most unique and intriguing pieces
From pure nostalgia to high-end vintage rarities, this episode is packed with unique insights from collectors of all ages!
This episode kicks off on a real note, addressing some of the negativity swirling in the hobby and the impact it can have on collectors. Then, we jump into some wild auction news—Goldin is currently selling a Michael Jordan “Jumpman” Cheeto, and it’s already hit $7,000!
Next, we break down a major controversy in the Pokémon world—MJ Holdings, the largest Pokémon distributor in the U.S., has been caught reselling product for up to 3x MSRP under the name "GT Collectibles." What does this mean for collectors, and will there be any accountability?
Finally, Steve Charendoff, President & Owner of Rittenhouse Archives, joins the show for an in-depth discussion on how he built Rittenhouse into a powerhouse for entertainment trading cards. We dive into how his company pioneered the modern celebrity autograph card market, shaping what we see in the hobby today.
