Hobby Nonsense

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off with a review of Disney Chrome ✨. While the product was a fun rip overall, Jesse found some of the hit rates surprisingly underwhelming compared to the published odds, leading to a bigger question: are collectors better off buying blasters and megas instead of hobby boxes? Next, they're joined by Nicholas Barton of the All Stars Card Show, a unique event designed specifically to serve disabled children and their families ❤️. Nicholas shares how the show got started, who it benefits, and how collectors can support the upcoming charity auction this Sunday. After the interview, Ray recaps his experience at the Nashville Card Show, and his biggest takeaway is sure to spark debate: 👉 Sports cards may be slowing down while Pokémon continues to thrive. Then Ray discusses the two newly announced Pokémon sets, what excites him most about each release, and which cards collectors should be keeping an eye on. They close out the show with a return to Lorcana, breaking down recent record sales, current market trends, and lessons Jesse learned the hard way after diving deeper into the game and collectible side of the hobby. If you're considering getting into Lorcana, this segment may save you both money and frustration. 🎙️ Plus: Disney Chrome, Pokémon investing, Lorcana market updates, charity auctions, Nashville show observations, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray bring the drama. The episode starts with the release of Topps Chrome VeeFriends and the announcement of the first-ever MrBeast autograph card. There's only one, demand is already through the roof, and one card in the set already has a $100,000 bounty attached to it. The guys then discuss the challenges of having so many major non-sport releases packed into a single month, including: Star Wars Masterwork VeeFriends Chrome Disney Chrome Marvel Chrome Next, they take a deep dive into Marvel Chrome Comics, where increased print runs may not tell the whole story. With sketch cards increasing by over 1,000%, the hobby may be overlooking some important details. Then the drama begins. The internet has erupted over accusations involving Jason Paige, the singer behind the iconic Pokémon theme song. After claims surfaced that he took advantage of young collectors in a trade, Jason responded publicly. Jesse and Ray break down the situation and explain why the story may not be as simple as it first appeared. The conversation then shifts to the ongoing Bricks & Minifigs controversy, where allegations involving a franchise owner, a dying man, missing LEGO inventory, mafia, YouTubers, and accusations of theft have spiraled into one of the strangest stories in the collectibles world. Also in this episode: Lorcana sets that may still have room to run WWE Cosmic Lunar Box update And the exact strategy Jesse uses to find deals on cards that normally seem out of reach One of the most drama-filled episodes of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined in studio by Matt “Funcle” Hathorn after a huge weekend at Nashville Poké Fest and one of their biggest nights ever on eBay Live. Before diving into the show recap, the guys cover several major upcoming releases, including: 2025 Star Wars Masterwork WWE Cosmic Chrome And the newly announced 2026 Topps Chrome Marvel Comics They also react to some eye-popping recent sales: A $30,000 Woody card from 2025 Topps Chrome Disney And a Disneyland 70th Anniversary Churro card /10 that sold for $560 Then the conversation shifts to Poké Fest itself. As Jesse’s first true non-sport-focused card show experience, the weekend revealed something important: The Pokémon and non-sport markets are MUCH more different than most collectors realize. While Pokémon tables were packed with traffic and activity, many attendees had little awareness of modern non-sport cards at all. At the same time, that lack of knowledge created incredible buying opportunities — including deals that saved the guys hundreds of dollars simply because few people were competing for the same cards. The episode also explores: Ray’s dealer-to-dealer flipping strategy The massive PSA grading gap between Pokémon and non-sport And why the current state of the market may suggest non-sport is still in its early stages A fascinating look at where the hobby stands today — and where opportunity may still exist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse and Ray kick things off by discussing the recent explosion in high-end 1977 Star Wars card sales, including several record-breaking prices that are bringing renewed attention to vintage non-sport cards. Then they’re joined by Tyler Schmitt and Adam Rips from VeeFriends to break down the upcoming 2026 VeeFriends Topps Chrome release. The conversation covers: New chase cards and inserts Key characters collectors should know And the addition of MrBeast rookie autographs, which could become one of the most talked-about modern creator cards yet After the interview: The guys discuss why the new Dick’s House of Sports locations may be dangerous for uninformed hobby consumers A restaurant introducing Poké Pay as a payment option using Pokémon cards The hidden value in WWE Royalty, especially when it comes to patches The 3 hardest Pokémon sets to find and why their scarcity matters And to close:The newest Lorcana release introduces Pixar characters for the first time, including a certain space ranger already commanding over $1,700 raw. A packed episode covering vintage grails, modern hype, and the increasingly strange ways collectibles are entering everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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