Episodes

Aug. 14, 2024

1260 - Breaking Bad

Dr. Beckett dives into the realm of card breaking, drawing parallels between the process and the hit TV show 'Breaking Bad.' He discusses the economics behind card breaking, the similarities in the speculative nature of both ...

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Aug. 12, 2024

1259 - Wing Men: Ten Suggestions

Dr. Beckett reflects and discusses the importance of having a good wingman in the sports card hobby. He shares stories of his own wingmen, like Rich Klein, Brad Askew, Gabe Haro, Mark Harwell, and Joe Galindo, and offers ten ...

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Aug. 11, 2024

1258A - 2023-24 UD Connor Bedard Collection

Dr. Beckett contrasts the recently received Connor Bedard box set from Upper Deck with the Caitlin Clark product from Panini. He discusses the contents of the Connor Bedard box, including the challenges of obtaining autograph...

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Aug. 9, 2024

1258 - Rushmore Listener Questions

Dr. Beckett addresses listener questions revolving around the concept of a 'Mount Rushmore' for various aspects of the sports card hobby. The discussion includes notable figures such as Ed Broder, Lionel Carter, Charlie Conlo...

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Aug. 7, 2024

1257 - Not All Fans Will Collect

Dr. James Beckett hosts a dinner at his home with 17 passionate baseball fans, primarily non-collectors, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of expanding the sports card hobby by tenfold. The conversation reveals insi...

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Aug. 5, 2024

1256 - Grading Consistency

How to "grade" consistency - what is acceptable? We explore the complexities and challenges of grading consistency in the world of sports cards. Dr. Beckett discusses the variability among graders, the importance of accuracy ...

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Aug. 2, 2024

1255 - Tribute Listener Questions

Listener question episode focused on tributes affecting the sports card collecting community. He discusses past and potential tributes to notable figures such as Jim Otto, Larry Allen, Chet Walker, Bill Walton, Willie Mays, J...

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July 31, 2024

1254 - 2024 Cleveland National Retrospective

Dr. Beckett shares his experience at the recent National at the IX Center in Cleveland. He discusses the logistical challenges and details his experiences and strategies during the event. From traffic woes and huge crowds to ...

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July 29, 2024

1253 - Hostess cards, with Rich Klein

We take a trip down memory lane, discussing the fascinating era of Hostess Baseball Cards from 1975 to 1979. Discover how these cards, found on the backs of Hostess snacks like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, became an entry point f...

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July 26, 2024

1252 - Ten Listener Questions 2.0

Various listener questions accumulated from emails and card shows. Topics range from the importance of card condition, the concept of 'condition splaining,' and the idea of slab sleeves, to broader discussions about market tr...

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July 24, 2024

1251 - Out-Takes on the National from Hobby Hotline 072024

Dr. Beckett reflects on his recent appearance on Hobby Hotline alongside John Newman and Victor Roman. The discussion focuses on the implications for the sports card hobby if Fanatics acquires a grading company and the ethica...

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July 22, 2024

1250 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1226-1249

Dr. Beckett recaps the last 25 episodes, covering his card wall YouTube videos, Darren Rovell's Jordan XRC take, extended interviews with Cage Lawyer and Chris Sewell, and four different father-son episodes from well-known ho...

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July 20, 2024

1249A - UD Hockey Odds Perspectives

Dr. Beckett dives into boxes of 2023-24 Upper Deck Extended and Synergy Hockey hobby boxes, sharing thoughts on young guns, the allure of hobby boxes, and the general landscape of hockey cards. Dr. Beckett also discusses the ...

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July 19, 2024

1249 - Friction at Shows, with Rich Klein

Discussion centers around the evolving security protocols at card shows, driven by recent troubling events. We examine increased security measures, such as heightened police presence and potential use of ID verification and m...

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July 17, 2024

1248 - 2024 National Prep, with Rich Klein

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the upcoming National, sharing their experiences and strategies for maximizing the event whether attending in person or remotely. They also discuss the importance of having a 'wingman,' n...

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July 15, 2024

1247 - Ramblings with Rich Klein 10.0

Various rambling topics including the challenges of customer service in large companies like Beckett Media and COMC.com, the impact of card companies expanding into non-sports products on pricing, and the complexities of deal...

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July 12, 2024

1246 - Ramblings with Rich Klein 9.0

Our first rambling is on the tennis card market, specifically highlighting Ivan Lendl's career and rookie cards. We discuss the history and significance of Lendl's sportscaster and NetPro cards, while providing insights into ...

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July 10, 2024

1245 - Watters Creek Heist Perspective, with Rich Klein

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a significant theft that occurred at last weekend's Dallas Plano Allen Waters Creek bi-monthly card show. They discuss whether the heist was a premeditated crime or a crime of opportunity...

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July 8, 2024

1244 - Ramblings with Rich Klein 8.0

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss their experiences and strategies in the sports card market, the motivations behind setting up at shows, the dynamics of the Dallas card scene, and the differences between high-end and low-en...

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July 5, 2024

1243 - Out-Takes on Grading from Hobby Hotline 062924

We (Danny Black, Horacio Ruiz, and I) dive into PSA's recent introduction of grader notes, discussing the implications and benefits for collectors and the broader hobby. Dr. Beckett shares his insights on the history of subgr...

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July 3, 2024

1242 - National Booth Sub-Leasing, with Rich Klein

Join Dr. James Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the controversial topic of table sharing at major sports card shows, particularly under new rules potentially being enforced by the National's new promoters. They explore ...

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July 1, 2024

1241 - Bronny Hype

Dr. Beckett delves into the hype surrounding Bronny James following his selection by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft. He discusses Bronny's potential, his pedigree as LeBron James' son, his heart scare, and th...

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June 30, 2024

1240A - Tribute: Orlando Cepeda

In this episode, Dr. James Beckett pays tribute to the late baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, discussing his remarkable career and achievements, including comparisons to Albert Pujols and Willie Mays. Dr. Beckett also ta...

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June 28, 2024

1240 - Out-Takes from Hobbypalooza 062224

We reflect on the recent passing of Willie Mays and discuss who now holds the title of the greatest living baseball player, with names like Sandy Koufax, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ricky Henderson featuring prominently...

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