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

Description:
What’s up, chicken nuggets? In this episode, I break down the three biggest lessons I wish someone told me when I got back into collecting sports cards. If you’re new to the hobby, THIS is the episode you need.

🕒 Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome, chicken nuggets
1:12 – Why COMPS are wild and unreliable
5:03 – The importance of finding your people in the hobby
8:03 – Collect what you LIKE (not what’s hot)
12:15 – My $3,500 LeBron mistake
15:20 – Wrap-up and call for community advice

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — The card that got away
• 1:30 — Why this Kobe card is the one
• 2:58 — My $5.7K bid failed
• 4:05 — Suspicious sales at $12K, $15K
• 5:40 — Are these shill bids or real heat?
• 6:50 — Set completion psychology
• 8:00 — What I think really happened

In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver talks with Adam Gray (Real 27 Guy) — a collector so knowledgeable, he makes Indiana Jones look like a rookie. They swap autograph-chasing stories, from courtside dad energy to Kobe Bryant kindness, and even unpack a binder full of NBA history. Whether you’re into collecting, culture, or nostalgia, this episode is a love letter to why we collect in the first place.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 0:00 – Why Adam’s the Indiana Jones of sports cards
• 2:00 – Tyler’s story: getting Grizzlies players to sign jerseys
• 5:00 – Adam on early autograph hunting in the ‘90s
• 9:00 – The Kobe Bryant Marriott story
• 15:00 – Autograph regret vs collector satisfaction
• 18:00 – How tragedy changed Adam’s view on Kobe collecting

In this episode, I sent two massive boxes of sports cards to eBay consigner DC Sports87 (not sponsored, just honest). Did I cash in or crash out? Let’s break down my full experience — from shipping costs to which cards flopped and which surprisingly popped. I also dive into Arena Club vs Fanatics Collect and talk about the underrated power of Magic: The Gathering cards. Spoiler alert: I made $2,700, but it didn’t come easy.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Intro & why I used a consigner
• 1:30 — Shipping cost realities
• 2:50 — What types of cards I sent
• 4:10 — Auction process breakdown
• 5:45 — Why some sales stung 💸
• 7:00 — What actually sold well (spoiler: Magic cards!)
• 8:20 — Final profit & reflections
• 9:30 — Would I do it again?

Hey chicken nuggets! Today I’m diving into that new Complex show where athletes hit the card shop — and it’s already such a fun concept. I love seeing cards get the spotlight, and it got me thinking… what if we added a few elements to take it to another level?
Here are 5 things I’d try if I got the call to collaborate. Hit the comments with your dream additions too!

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Welcome & quick Complex show summary
• 1:25 – Why I’m loving this idea already
• 2:00 – Tip #1: Let super-collectors host key episodes
• 3:40 – Tip #2: Add a Top 5 player card countdown
• 4:50 – Tip #3: Have athletes guess card values (fun!)
• 6:00 – Tip #4: Card career crossovers and behind-the-scenes stories
• 7:10 – Tip #5: Let fans show off their “grails” to the player
• 8:30 – Wrap up + invite Complex to collab if they’re down 🙌