Episodes

Oct. 29, 2019

079 - Origin: Kevin Isaacson (industry consultant)

We trace Kevin's hobby journey from Krause Publications up through his many consultant engagements, including a long stint with eBay.

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Oct. 28, 2019

078 - Interview: Emily Kless (Topps Communications Manager)

Emily and I have a phone conversation about her background and important role at Topps.

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Oct. 25, 2019

077 - Interview: James C.M. Beckett (My 13-year-old nephew)

A first-person (past) hobby experience from my very sharp nephew.

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Oct. 24, 2019

076 - Set: 1970 Topps Baseball (with Rich Klein)

See Topps.com for more info.

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Oct. 23, 2019

075 - Then and Now: Pepper Hastings

Pepper and I talk about the early days of Beckett Publications contrasted with later days, spanning more than two decades, including the true story of the midnight disposal of damaged copies of the inaugural issue #1 of Beckett Baseball Card …

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Oct. 21, 2019

073 - Player: John Elway (with Tracy Hackler)

Tracy Hackler's favorite football player is discussed - his cards, memorabilia, and peers.

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Oct. 18, 2019

072 - Then and Now: BGS with Jeromy Murray, VP of Grading

We discuss Jeromy's career over 19 years at Beckett Media, culminating in his current leadership of BGS, BAS, and CBCS (their newest service with comic books).

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Oct. 17, 2019

071 - Set: 1990 Upper Deck Baseball

See upperdeck.com for more info.

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Oct. 16, 2019

070 - Interview: David Poole, BGS Grader Trainer

David and I discuss the enjoyment of his career over the past twenty years at BGS, including his current role training the new potential graders coming in to help with the huge demand for grading.

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Oct. 15, 2019

069 - Tribute: Dan Dischley, Founder of The Trader Speaks

Dan Dischley was the Founder, Editor, and Publisher of The Trader Speaks, the leading monthly publication in the hobby beginning in 1968. Dan was also one of the co-founders of SABR )Society of American Baseball Research).

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Oct. 14, 2019

068 - Sponsor Review: Fat Packs Sponsors (with Eric Norton)

Eric and I discuss podcast sponsorship, especially his sponsors and how they work well together.

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Oct. 11, 2019

067 - Tribute: Ace Marchant (with Rich Klein)

Ace Marchant, college professor (Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology) and National sports collectibles dealer, passed away a few years ago. Rich and I discuss our interesting, intellectual interactions (especially about reading books) with Ace over a coupl...

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Oct. 10, 2019

066 - Origin: Pepper Hastings

Pepper was one of the first full-time non-family employees for Beckett Publications, coming in summer of 1986, and served well in a multiplicity of leadership roles for more than two decades. We discuss those early days - how he got …

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Oct. 9, 2019

065 - Hockey Box Reviews: 2019-20 Upper Deck Artifacts and 2019-20 Up…

2019-20 Upper Deck hockey products are opened and discussed - Artifacts and O-Pee-Chee - contrasted and evaluated. Plus a conundrum: buying a young hockey star's house.

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Oct. 8, 2019

064 - Interview: Heritage Sports Auctions (with Chris Ivy)

Chris and I discuss the growth and success of Heritage Sports Auctions.

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Oct. 7, 2019

063 - Pre-Tribute: Jane Beckett (my mom)

I have an unscripted and unedited conversation with my outstanding 94-year-old mom on her birthday.

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Oct. 4, 2019

062 - Pre-Tribute: Diane Beckett (my awesome wife on her birthday)

I discuss the many wise ways my wonderful wife Diane has contributed to this podcast, especially in its formation, structure, and delivery.

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Oct. 3, 2019

061 - Interview: Panini (with Tracy Hackler)

A discussion with Tracy Hackler about Panini's sports card products and philosophies.

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Oct. 2, 2019

060 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 039-058

We recap and comment on our episodes 039-058 incorporating listener feedback and my second thoughts over the past four weeks.

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Oct. 1, 2019

059 - Player: Albert Pujols (with Rich Klein)

A look at Albert Pujols career and cards.

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Sept. 30, 2019

058 - International Podcast Day: Other Sports Card Podcasts

Free-lance writer Brian Flinn and I discuss the other excellent sports card podcasts being produced - as podcasting in general continues to increase and expand in exposure and popularity.

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Sept. 27, 2019

057 - Interview: Chris Ivy, Heritage Sports Auctions

A discussion with Chris Ivy, how he got started in this industry, and how he spearheaded the move of coin auction giant, Heritage, into sports cards and collectibles in a big way.

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Sept. 26, 2019

056 - Interview: Tracy Hackler, Panini

Tracy Hackler sits down and discusses his hobby history including two stints at Beckett Publications, now the digital face of Panini America Sports.

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