Hobby Nonsense

What actually goes into making a trading card set? This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined by Upper Deck President Jason Masherah for a deep dive into the world of entertainment cards — from the collector perspective and the business side. The conversation covers: How Upper Deck is approaching the modern entertainment card market Why some non-sport products take years (sometimes over half a decade) to reach collectors The challenge of creating products that feel fresh and not just another copy of what’s already out there Along the way, things take some unexpected turns… They uncover older Upper Deck sets that even Jason didn’t realize existed, discuss the idea of employee-only PMGs, and explore the future of Michael Jordan golf cards. They also break down recent successes like Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes, and what made those products connect with collectors. It’s a rare, candid conversation with someone who clearly sees himself as a collector first and a business leader second — and offers a unique look at where the hobby could be headed next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s always something said at conferences… and then there’s what actually matters. On this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse shares his raw reactions coming out of the Topps Industry Conference, including what stood out, what surprised him, and what it revealed about the future of the entertainment card space. The guys break down key announcements and insights, including: Fanatics Four Finest, Star Wars Masterwork, and Disney Chrome New easter eggs and chase elements in upcoming products Why Star Wars Masterwork may include one of the biggest chases ever And how Disney Chrome continues to innovate rather than rely on past success They also touch on: A new Pokémon seller debuting on eBay Live and what that could mean for collectors Early buzz around Fleer Ultra Superman and its standout designs and sketches Then things get interesting… Jesse and Ray discuss a Topps Marvel card almost no one knew existed — originally distributed internally — that is now surfacing on the market at massive prices. To close the show, they share what they’ve been buying and where they’re seeing opportunity in the current market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney is winning the hobby right now — and this episode explains why. Jesse and Ray are joined in-studio by Matt Hathorn of Funcle Cards for a deep dive into how Disney 100 (2023) and Disney Chrome (2024) have separated themselves as the most dominant non-sport products in the modern era. They break down everything collectors want to know: Why comps don’t always matter for Disney cards Which parallels actually hold value Where to grade (and why it matters) The hierarchy of Disney characters and what collectors prioritize How Disney stacks up against Pokémon and other TCGs The conversation also explores a fascinating niche: Cards from the junk wax era of the 80s and 90s. While many were massively produced, surprisingly few exist in high grade — creating opportunities for collectors who know where to look. Matt even shares how he’s turning dollar-bin finds into cards worth hundreds. Also in this episode: McDonald’s K-Pop Demon Hunter adult Happy Meal cards New releases including Topps Chrome Deadpool and WWE Exalted And a friendly competition to see who pulls the biggest card Plus, Matt brings 3 Disney cards to give away to listeners. If you’ve been wondering why Disney cards keep climbing — or how to approach them as a collector or investor — this is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start the show by discussing the Whatnot lawsuit currently making waves across the hobby, including Whatnot’s response to the allegations and what it could mean for collectors and sellers going forward. They then follow up on last week’s Topps Disney Neon story with updates on newly revealed IP and signers. The set will feature characters from Gargoyles and Phineas and Ferb, along with exciting new autograph signers — including Owen Wilson signing as Lightning McQueen. Next, Jesse shares a tip on how collectors have been managing to secure Topps presale products early and how others might be able to take advantage of the same strategy. The guys also revisit Leaf Photographic, after a Kobe Bryant autograph unexpectedly sold for $31,000, despite earlier skepticism about the product. The second half of the show features an interview with Grant Sandground of Upper Deck, who walks through everything collectors should know about the new Batman: The Animated Series trading card set. With extremely low print numbers and many retailers already sold out, collectors are starting to feel the FOMO. To close the show: Ray highlights new celebrity interest in Pokémon cards, including Kim Kardashian entering the market And shares valuable tips on what collectors should avoid buying when hunting for Pokémon cards. A packed episode covering controversy, nostalgia, market surprises, and practical collecting advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse is back from Europe 🇮🇪🇬🇧 — and there’s a lot to unpack. They kick things off with insights from the Dublin and London card shows, breaking down what the European hobby scene is doing well, where it still needs improvement, and what Jesse bought overseas — and why. Next up is the rise of TCG Rush of Ikorr, including an upcoming Championship featuring a $100,000 prize purse 💰, signaling that competitive TCG is heating up. Then they’re joined by Adam Gellman to talk WWE cards and why WWE Universe is hitting on the right buttons for collectors. They preview upcoming releases including: WWE Royalty WWE Exalted Topps Chrome WWE Adam also shares which undervalued up-and-comers 📈 collectors may be sleeping on. After the interview, Jesse and Ray react to several major record-breaking non-sport sales — including the highest-selling Pixar, Iron Man, Simpsons, and Labubu cards ever recorded — and what those results mean for the broader market 🔥 They close with a breakdown of three upcoming Marvel releases from Topps: Topps Chrome Deadpool (comics + movie focus) Topps Brooklyn Collection – Captain America Topps Finest Fantastic Four And before signing off, Jesse and Ray debate the big question: 👉 Is the hobby healthy right now — and how should collectors be navigating it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray turn the entire episode over to YOU with a full MAILBAG special, answering listener questions, hot takes, and hobby debates. Topics include: 🎨 Are sketch cards everywhere now… and is that hurting demand? 📈 Why does Leaf’s Pop Century sometimes outsell Topps Marvel Studios 20-to-1? 🤔 Are celebrity autograph products priced and structured differently for a reason? 🪀 Could Pogs actually make a comeback in today’s collectible world? 💰 And the big one… what are Jesse and Ray buying right now? From product strategy to market trends to collector psychology, this episode is packed with honest opinions, speculation, and actionable insight for anyone trying to navigate the non-sport hobby in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered what’s hype, what’s value, and what’s actually worth your money — this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray come out firing with one of the wildest episodes yet. They kick things off in the WWE universe, breaking down upcoming releases including Topps WWE Royalty, featuring a Jelly Roll debut patch and some of the most insane relics we’ve ever seen—yes, including pieces of The Undertaker’s casket. From there, the conversation takes a sharp turn into the competitive world of professional darts, where one player is demanding prices far above his peers as he cements himself as the GOAT of the sport. Next up: Upper Deck’s DC x NHL crossover: Fortress of Solitude, placing NHL stars inside Superman’s iconic hideout Marvel “The Collector”, Topps’ most premium Marvel product ever with only 3 cards per box, ultra-high-end sketches, an Infinity Gauntlet chase, and elite autograph talent The surprisingly strong demand for 2025 Topps Disneyland 70th Anniversary Things escalate quickly when Jesse and Ray revisit the One Piece college promo story, as news breaks that roughly $2 million worth of cards were stolen from Rutgers University with no signs of forced entry—leading many to believe it was an inside job. The episode wraps with Pokémon talk, including: A rumored 30th Anniversary Pokémon card featuring a fan-favorite character Ray’s breakdown of the top chase cards in Pokémon Ascended Heroes and their pull rates A must-listen episode covering spectacle, scandal, and some of the biggest releases shaping the hobby right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray tackle one of the most serious and wide-ranging episodes yet. They open with a discussion on the robbery of the Pokémon store PokéCourt, along with several other recent break-ins, raising real concerns about security, vigilance, and safety for both shop owners and collectors as the hobby continues to grow. From there, they cover a new Disney bounty now sitting at $30,000, followed by chaos surrounding Marvel Studios Sapphire, where the biggest card in the product was publicly pulled before most local card shops and breakers even received allocation. The conversation shifts to Tiger Woods, who partnered with Upper Deck and DC Comics to create a custom card given exclusively to guests at his 50th birthday — a fascinating example of where premium collectibles are heading. Next, Logan Paul enters the discussion once again as he prepares to break a 1st Edition Pokémon box. While his involvement continues to push prices higher, Jesse and Ray question whether his influence is ultimately good or bad for the hobby. They then tease an upcoming Jurassic Park card set that could be one of the most nostalgic releases of the year, before diving into One Piece OP-14, which already has raw cards selling for over $2,000. They then share insight from the seller of the $20,000 Red Manga Luffy from OP-13, who believes auction manipulation played a role in the final price. The episode also covers Fanatics’ joint venture with OBB Media, and how it could open the door to more celebrity autographs in future products. They close with an update on LEGO Pokémon, where the end of presales has already resulted in rising prices on the secondary market. A packed episode covering safety, speculation, record sales, and the evolving direction of the hobby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into a wave of new releases—some expected, some complete surprises—that have collectors buzzing. They kick things off with Pixar Gold, releasing this week — including the huge announcement of the first-ever Toy Story dual autograph featuring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as Woody and Buzz, instantly becoming one of the most anticipated chases in the product. Next, they preview Upper Deck’s upcoming Grateful Dead set, which looks like a fun and unique rip for Dead Heads and music collectors alike. Then comes a true surprise: Topps Marvel “The Collector”, a low–print run, high-end product spotlighting some of the biggest names in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jesse and Ray break down the signers, box format, and just how rare this release might be. From there, the conversation shifts to the TCG market, covering record-setting sales in both One Piece and Pokémon. Ray then dives into Pokémon Ascended Heroes, which will be the largest Pokémon set ever at 295 cards, and explains why — with the 30th Anniversary and two new video games coming — this could be the biggest year Pokémon has ever had. The episode wraps with a look outside of cards, discussing LEGO’s new Smart Play System, which was just announced at CES and could become one of the company’s most exciting innovations yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick off a packed episode by officially launching the Poppy Awards, celebrating the best in non-sport cards, products, and ideas of 2025. Voting is now open, and the winners will be revealed on the December 31st episode. Next, they tackle the growing controversy surrounding Collectors’ acquisition of Beckett, including a Congressional FTC letter questioning potential monopolistic practices. Ray gives his unfiltered take as Jesse addresses accusations of being a “shill.” The guys then break down new releases including Topps Universe WWE, Marvel Studios, and Star Wars Hyperspace, with WWE Universe standing out at just $169 per box and delivering 2 autos plus a relic. They also discuss the new Pokémon printing facility in South Carolina—could it finally end the card shortage, or will increased supply hurt long-term values? Finally, the episode closes with one of the most entertaining segments yet: collectors sharing the wildest things they’ve ever traded cards for—from baby formula to cars, weapons, and even kitchens—raising the question: have trading cards officially become a real commodity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray open the show by addressing concerns surrounding PSA’s buyback system and whether the issues collectors are seeing are simply flaws — or signs of something more intentional. Then they’re joined by Tory Hermens of DCSports87 for a deep discussion on what truly drives the value of a sketch card: the artist, the character, or the quality of the piece itself. They also debate whether non-sport products should include less popular characters, and which direction the collector migration is moving — are sports collectors entering non-sports, or are non-sport collectors shifting into sports? Tory also breaks down the release of Topps Star Wars Galaxy, explaining what sets this year’s product apart — and reveals a huge announcement: 👉 DCSports87 will be offering a special 95% payout on all Star Wars Galaxy cards consigned to them. A massive incentive for Star Wars collectors looking to move big hits. After the interview, Jesse and Ray discuss a new WWII product from Historic Autographs that takes a very unusual approach to Nazi-related cards. They also touch on the upcoming Leaf Red Carpet release — the most expensive non-sport product ever at $10,000 a box — and whether any box at that price could truly offer a return. The show closes with the wild Kabuto King Pokémon story, and a warning: while the viral moment has positive aspects, many collectors are paying 100x the value of the card and could be left holding the bag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into the world of LEGO collecting — and trust us, it’s way deeper (and more valuable) than most collectors realize. They’re joined by Samuel, the creator behind Rarest Lego Minifigure on Instagram, who has built a million-dollar LEGO collection filled with rare, vintage, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Samuel shares how he started collecting as a kid and never walked away, how LEGO exploded in popularity after COVID, and why conventions like BrickWorld Chicago have become massive events, drawing thousands of fans and some of the most unbelievable builds you’ll ever see. He breaks down: • Why vendors price higher at conventions • How community drives the LEGO hobby • Why some of the most valuable LEGO items are true one-of-ones • How Star Wars saved LEGO and reshaped the brand • The challenges of grading LEGO and why the market is still behind • The rarest and most historic pieces in his collection If you’ve ever wondered how deep LEGO collecting goes — or how a minifigure can be worth thousands — this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse (fighting through a stomach bug) and Ray tackle an off-the-wall episode — packed with industry news, market analysis, and a conversation that collectors won’t forget. They start with the shocking report that Funko Pop predicts it will be out of business by the end of next year, breaking down what led to the fall, how it affects collectors, and why it might actually be good news for long-term Funko fans. Next, they reveal new details on Topps Star Wars Galaxy 2025, including one of the strongest autograph checklists in years, and how fans may be able to get full-size posters of their favorite cards. Then, Jesse and Ray welcome Jeremy Allen, Assistant Director of Pop Culture at Heritage Auctions, who shares an inside look at the explosive rise of non-sport cards — from record-breaking sales of Bart Simpson sketches to Luke Skywalker grails and Batman rookies. Jeremy shares what Pop Culture collectible categories have been performing the best and what his thoughts are for 2026. After the interview, the guys discuss the latest Pokémon leaks and close with a thought-provoking conversation about gambling in the hobby — from GameStop’s Power Packs to controversial break styles and how they blur the line between collecting and chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices