Episodes

Sept. 9, 2024

1271 - Out-Takes from Hobby Hotline 083124

Dr. Beckett, alongside Danny Black, Chris Carlin, and John Newman, dive deep in this abridged 14-minute segment from the hour-long live Hobby Hotline. From the excitement and logistics of Fanatics Fest to the evolving landsca...

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Sept. 6, 2024

1270 - Questions from Graig Miller, MidLife Sports Cards

Dr. Beckett recounts how his magazine rapidly gained market share in the 1980s, focusing on customer service and distribution strategies that catered to card shops. The discussion also delves into the challenges of maintainin...

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Sept. 4, 2024

1269 - Terry's Sales Dilemma's

Dr. Beckett shares valuable advice for collectors looking to downsize their collections. He discusses strategies for working with auction houses, the importance of item authentication, and how to maximize your collection's va...

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Sept. 2, 2024

1268 - Star Company's License?

Dr. Beckett addresses criticisms, shares insights, and provides historical context on the licensing and market dynamics of major card companies like Topps and Fleer, contrasted with the Star Company. Using a provocative analo...

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Aug. 30, 2024

1267 - Star Co. Controversies, Final Part 3, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan…

Dr. Beckett concludes his long conversation with Star aficionados Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup. They delve into the intricacies and controversies surrounding the Star Company, its cards, particularly those featu...

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Aug. 28, 2024

1266 - Star Co. Controversies, Part 2, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan Jessu…

Join Dr. James Beckett in the second part of an in-depth discussion with Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup about the Star Company's impact on the hobby. They explore the controversies surrounding the classification o...

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Aug. 26, 2024

1265 - Star Co. Controversies, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan Jessup, and S…

Join Dr. James Beckett in this high-level discussion surrounding the Star Company, featuring passionate insights from Steve Taft, Dave Dzendzel, and Ryan Jessup. We explore the intricacies of the hobby, the historical context...

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Aug. 25, 2024

1264A - Tribute to My Mom, Jane Beckett, 1925-2024

Dr. Beckett pays tribute to his late mother following her recent memorial service. He shares lessons learned from his mom, blending them with insights into the world of sports card collecting. Dr. Beckett reflects on his upbr...

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Aug. 23, 2024

1264 - Questions from Chris Burak, Part 2

They explore the distinctions between the golf and soccer card markets, the evolving landscape of the hobby, and the role of printed price guides versus online tools. Dr. Beckett reflects on his own journey, the challenges of...

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Aug. 21, 2024

1263 - Questions from Chris Burak

Dr. Beckett invites Chris Burak, a dedicated collector, to discuss various topics around sports card collecting. They delve into challenges with subscription copies, frustrations with the junk wax era, and the comparison betw...

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Aug. 19, 2024

1262 - Video Listener Questions

Dr. James Beckett explores the dynamics of sharing his podcast episodes on YouTube, discussing the benefits and challenges of using video and audio formats. He delves into personal stories related to his card collection, incl...

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Aug. 16, 2024

1261 - Ten Listener Questions 3.0

Dr. Beckett tackles ten listener questions sourced from various emails, social media comments, and interactions at shows. Topics range from the appeal of Hostess Cards and the joy of sorting vs. selling to the intricacies of ...

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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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