Wax On, Wax Off: The Hidden Power of Vintage WaxIn this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes a nostalgic detour from the dojo to the card shop starting with a true (and slightly embarrassing) karate story before kicking things into high gear with an inside look at today’s booming vintage wax market. From certified unopened boxes to factory sets straight out of sealed cases, Joe breaks down real recent sales, why collectors are paying record prices, and what makes unopened wax one of the most fascinating (and fastest-shrinking) sectors in the hobby. Whether you’re sitting on old boxes, hunting garage sale treasures, or just love hearing how an ’80 Topps box now commands over $100 per pack, this episode packs both education and entertainment. Tune in and discover why “wax on, wax off” means something very different in the sports-card world today. 

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes us on a nostalgic journey through the heart of the hobby... the lost art of set collecting. From the joy of building complete sets by hand to the lessons it teaches about patience, focus, and even math, Joe reminds us why the base cards still matter. But before diving into cardboard, Joe kicks off with a powerful Veterans Day tribute, honoring athletes who served, from Ted Williams to Pat Tillman, and reflecting on the freedom their sacrifices protect. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just opening your first pack, this episode will rekindle your love for the hobby, inspire you to dust off those base cards, and maybe even start that set you’ve been putting off. Tune in, get inspired, and remember - collecting is about more than the hits.

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes you on a journey beyond the usual packs and PSA slabs and into the wide world of collectibles that stretch far past the sports card aisles. From unopened vintage boxes and rare ticket stubs to graded magazines, comics, coins, and even cereal boxes (yes, really), Joe breaks down where hidden gems and untapped opportunities might still be waiting for collectors and resellers alike. Hear stories from decades in the hobby, lessons on supply and demand (sorry, Pokémon fans), and a few hilarious memories from the early days of collecting. Whether you’re deep into grading or just love the thrill of the hunt, this episode will remind you why there’s always something new to discover, even beyond sports cards.

What a week in sports and in the hobby! Joe breaks down an unforgettable Game 7 in the World Series, from Yamamoto’s heroic performance to Freddie Freeman’s quest for another ring. Then, Joe shifts gears into the world of sports cards, recapping a record-breaking night of vintage sales, including some jaw-dropping numbers for 1952 Topps classics. Plus, get the inside scoop on all the hottest new card releases coming this November, from Panini Certified Football to Topps Update Baseball, Pro Debut, National Treasures, and more. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just love the stories behind the cards, this episode is packed with insights, passion, and plenty of hobby news you don’t want to miss. Tune in, grab your cup of Joe, and get ready for your weekly dose of baseball, breaks, and collector buzz.

This week, Joe’s back with a little bit of everything, from a record-shattering Star Wars card sale to a heartfelt reminder about staying content in collecting (and in life). Hear his take on Upper Deck’s bold statement about the state of the hobby, the balance between speculation and passion, and why affordable products are keeping the industry grounded. Plus, Joe dives into new releases you won’t want to miss, from Topps holiday boxes to the fresh Bowman Chrome University Football drop, and previews a massive vintage card auction happening this weekend. Whether you’re chasing PSA 10s, stocking up on blasters, or just love hearing about the hobby from someone who’s lived it for 35 years, this episode’s packed with insight, stories, and encouragement. Grab your coffee (or candy...it’s Halloween week!) and settle in for another round of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe.

In this week’s episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe pulls back the curtain on the do’s and don’ts of card grading. From modern hits to vintage treasures, Joe breaks down when grading actually adds value… and when it just drains your wallet. Hear real stories from the shop, insider lessons from decades of experience, and surprising truths about why sometimes the smartest move is not to grade at all. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just getting started, this episode will change the way you look at grading forever. Grab your coffee, grab your cards, and tune in for a masterclass on educated grading, the difference between turning a profit and throwing money away.

Have you inherited a collection? Bought one at a flea market or maybe filled your garage one box at a time? Whether you're a seasoned hoarder (Joe's words...meant with love!) or just picked up your first lot of cards, this episode is your blueprint for what to do next. In this collector's masterclass, Joe shares time-tested strategies for sorting, valuing, and maximizing the potential of any sports card collection, vintage or modern. From hunting rookie cards and Hall of Famers to knowing when not to open that old wax box, Joe breaks down the dos, don’ts, and game-changing tactics he's learned over decades in the hobby. If you're sitting on stacks of cardboard and wondering where to start, this episode is the reset button you’ve been waiting for. Tune in now and learn how to turn your piles into profits, or at least peace of mind.

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes you behind the scenes at Charlie’s Collectible Show in Metro Atlanta where SpongeBob cards stole the spotlight, childhood toys brought back big memories, and a surprise stash of unopened 1970s rack packs walked through the door. Get Joe’s honest take on how the show went, what sold (and what didn’t), and hear the story behind a once-in-a-lifetime trade involving Hall of Fame pitcher autographs and, you guessed it, SpongeBob blasters. Whether you're a vintage die-hard, a modern card flipper, or just love hearing the real stories from the floor, this one’s got something for every kind of collector. Plus, stick around for a preview of what’s coming next: a deep dive into how to process a collection, what to grade, and how to make smarter decisions in today’s evolving card market. Hit play for: A surprising top seller you won’t believe A rare vintage collection find (and what not to do with it) Thoughts on grading, buying, and market trends The power of collecting nostalgia, from Snoopy to Shogun Warriors Subscribe now so you don’t miss next week’s “Collection Processing 101” episode!

From the northern lights of Norway to the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, Joe is back from a breathtaking European adventure, and he’s bringing more than souvenirs. In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe unpacks how travel transformed his perspective and how a shift in mindset can do the same for your card collecting journey. Whether you’re a die-hard vintage collector, a modern card chaser, or just starting out, Joe challenges you to step outside your collecting comfort zone. With stories from the fjords, deep reflections on personal growth, and practical advice on expanding your hobby knowledge, this episode is both inspiring and actionable. New views. Fresh takes. And maybe even a Nutella pancake or two. Tune in and discover how a new perspective might change the value of every card in your collection.

It’s here - your collector’s roadmap! In this episode, Joe pulls back the curtain on the biggest upcoming sports and non-sports card releases, giving you the inside scoop before they hit shelves. From Topps’ triumphant return to basketball to Disney Chrome, UFC Knockout, and must-chase rookie cards like Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers, this is your one-stop guide to what’s hot, what’s rare, and what you’ll want to rip. Joe also shares some exciting consignment news, hobby shop exclusives, and a few products he's personally excited to open (yes, even pros are collectors at heart). Whether you're in it to invest, collect, or just enjoy the hobby—this episode helps you plan ahead without spoiling the surprises. Sneak peek releases. Smart budget tips. A collector-first perspective.Let’s just say… October and November are stacked.

The wait is over. After 15 years, licensed NBA Topps cards are back, and everything is about to change. In this episode, Joe dives deep into the massive shakeup in the trading card industry as Fanatics takes the reins from Panini and reintroduces licensed Topps basketball products for the first time since Steph Curry’s rookie season. What does this mean for collectors? What happens to iconic Panini inserts like Kaboom and Color Blast? And how will this impact the value of cards from breakout rookie Cooper Flagg? Joe also shares key insights on the future of NFL and WNBA trading cards, the ongoing Fanatics vs. Panini saga, and what collectors should watch out for in this high-stakes transition year. Whether you're a long-time hobbyist or just jumping in, this episode sets the stage for the most important NBA card season in over a decade. Big moves. Bold predictions. Must-hear insights.

This week, Joe takes a break from the market talk and deep dives to focus on something we all need a little more of... fun. Whether you've got a full-blown man cave, a cozy corner in your office, or just a spot at your desk, this episode is all about turning your sports card collection into a space that brings you joy. Joe shares personal stories, creative display ideas (from budget-friendly to full-on renovation), and a few laughs along the way, including how his wife’s craft room mysteriously became a second card room. From slab walls to Mickey Mouse cards to Steve Aoki’s jaw-dropping setup, this one’s packed with inspiration to help you bring your cards out of the box and into the spotlight. No analytics, no market trends, just a collector talking to collectors. Ready to rethink how you enjoy your collection? Press play.

Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe just crossed 15,000 downloads! Thank you so much for listening! In this episode, Joe dives into one of the biggest questions facing collectors right now: to grade or not to grade. With PSA’s latest price increase, longer turnaround times, and an evolving market, how do you decide which cards are worth sending in and which aren’t? Joe shares hard-earned insights from decades of submissions (including his own mistakes), explains why even small price changes can drive grading frenzy, and lays out practical tips to help you avoid wasting money in today’s “junk slab” era. He let's you in to all that he is telling people when they walk through the doors. Whether you’re grading for your personal collection or for resale, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and maybe save you a lot of cash. Tune in to get the inside scoop on the grading market right now before you send your next stack of cards off to PSA.

What if the boxes collecting dust in your back room are actually buried treasure? In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes you behind the scenes at the shop for a deep dive into one of the most unexpectedly rewarding projects he’s tackled in a while: turning long-forgotten inventory into real sales. From unopened 80s rack packs and obscure Panini NBA sticker lots, to Domino’s Pizza NFL promo cards and vintage autographed postcards, Joe shares the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly profitable finds he’s been uncovering, some untouched for over a decade. Whether you're a collector, casual seller, or full-time dealer, this episode will get you thinking differently about what’s sitting in your closet, storage bin, or back shelf. If you've got “junk” boxes you’ve ignored for years, this episode just might change the way you look at them. Listen now to get inspired, get organized, and maybe even get paid.

When the market’s hot, so is the risk. In this eye-opening episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe dives into the must-know lessons for collectors, investors, and flippers alike, especially when everything looks like a good deal. From hidden card damage and screw-down disasters to shockingly convincing counterfeits and deceptive auction tactics, Joe shares real-world stories from decades in the hobby that will change the way you buy (and sell) cards. Whether you’re chasing Pokémon, prospecting rookies, or holding vintage heat, this is your essential guide to not getting burned. He goes deep, goes wide, and you're gonna to want to go with him.  If you’re serious about the hobby or just want to protect your wallet, don't miss this one.

Hold on to your top loaders, this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe is a wild ride through some of the most jaw-dropping card sales. Joe takes you inside the Summer 2025 Goldin Auction, breaking down record-smashing results that had even industry insiders guessing (and guessing wrong). From a $793K LeBron James Prism Gold to a quarter-million-dollar Jordan Star rookie, a half-million-dollar Brady auto, and some Caitlin Clark cards fetching eye-popping numbers… this one is packed with heat. Whether you’re a die-hard vintage fan or a modern market maniac, you’ll want to hear what’s moving and what it might mean for your collection. Joe also drops insider insight on grading, the power of rarity, and why this might be one of the best times to sell in recent hobby history. You won’t believe what a Chris Webber card just sold for... Tune in now and see big cards. Bigger sales. Even bigger implications. 

In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, we dive into the ultimate battle you didn't know you needed: Mickey Mantle vs. Mickey Mouse. What starts as a fun "apples vs. oranges" concept quickly turns into a powerful lesson on global recognition, card scarcity, and hidden opportunities in the hobby... Why are vintage Mickey Mouse cards vastly more rare yet significantly cheaper than Mantle’s? What can PSA population reports reveal that most collectors overlook? And where could your next smart play in the market be hiding? Whether you're team sports or team character, this episode will challenge how you think about value, demand, and what really makes a card worth collecting. 

Thinking of selling your sports cards, memorabilia, or autographs but you're not sure where to start? It's an eye-opening episode where Joe breaks down the real truth about consignment in the sports card world. From shady auction house practices to risky 99-cent starting bids, Joe shares the pitfalls that have burned collectors and how to avoid them. Whether you're downsizing your collection or looking to cash in on high-value cards, you'll want to hear Joe’s proven approach to protecting value, maximizing returns, and steering clear of consignment regrets. - Behind-the-scenes consignment insights - Real-world horror stories (and how to avoid them) - What makes Joe’s method different, and why it works Collectors, don’t get burned. Tune in before you consign!

This isn’t your typical episode, but it might be the most important one for you that Joe's recorded yet. If you’ve spent years (or decades) building your collection of cards, coins, comics, or autographs… what happens to it if something happens to you? In this episode, Joe shares real stories from collectors who faced that exact moment and how some were prepared... and some definitely were not. Whether you’re 25 or 75, it’s time to start thinking about the long game: estate planning for your collection. No scare tactics, no sales pitch, just straight talk about protecting the value of what you’ve spent a lifetime building. If you want your collection to be a blessing for your family someday and not a burden, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.