What up chicken nuggets! I just got back from Fanatics Fest with my son Finn and we’ve got thoughts. Big ones. We talk about the real purpose of this event, the strategic media machine behind it, and why sports cards may just be the Trojan horse of the whole thing.

We also break down what Fanatics got right… and where they totally dropped the ball by not using card creators to host athlete experiences. This episode blends content strategy, card culture, and Kevin Durant dodging my autograph attempt.

Timestamps:

• (0:00) Intro + Kid's POV: Meeting Speed, the Rizzler, and Joey Chestnut
• (1:50) Was this actually a card show?
• (3:40) The genius FOMO social media strategy
• (5:50) “Trojan Horse” approach to card exposure
• (7:30) Missed opportunity: no card creators hosting athletes
• (11:15) The power of collab culture—why cards need a Travis Scott moment
• (13:45) Security drama: Almost met KD, then got kicked out 😂
• (18:00) What Fanatics should absolutely do next year
• (21:30) Final thoughts from Finn + peace out

What’s up, chicken nuggets! In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, I open up about the biggest loss I’ve ever taken on a sports card — a 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron James. It’s a tale of crossover grading, market timing, and a $1,500 dip in value. Learn what happened, what I’d do differently, and why I’m still happy to own the card.

🕒 Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Intro & group therapy vibes
• 1:30 – Mount Rushmore of PC: Jordan, LeBron, Steph, Pool
• 2:30 – Why LeBron has to be in your Top 5
• 5:45 – Buying the card at $3,200
• 7:00 – The failed PSA crossover (+$300)
• 9:00 – Current value = $2,100 🤕
• 10:15 – What I could’ve bought instead
• 11:00 – The real lesson: Buy what you don’t mind keeping
• 12:30 – Wrap-up + call for your worst hobby losses

Description:
What up chicken nuggets! In today’s episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, we’re talking vintage cards—specifically, the unspoken red flags when dealers price raw cards based on “what they’ll grade.” I share a few personal mistakes, like the infamous Jackie Robinson color-added situation, and break down how YOU can avoid the same traps.

🕒 Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro & why vintage still rules

1:33 – My Jackie & Hank personal collection

2:30 – The raw card pricing trap

5:00 – Why grading before selling matters

6:55 – Real SGC grading example: my Hank Aaron “2”

8:45 – Set break vs. comp confusion

9:55 – Final takeaways & call for community advice