Episodes

Jan. 10, 2024

1167 - Sensory Challenges

A year ago my parents were doing pretty well - as I look at this year coming - I want full enjoyment of this hobby I love (even as I age slowly and hopefully hold off obvious sensory decline). Optimism!

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Jan. 8, 2024

1166 - RC Ramblings, with Victor Roman, Part 2

Victor and I have been talking about rookie cards for a long time - it is a subject near and dear to both of our hearts - the fact that not everyone agrees on everything is just that, a fact.

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Jan. 5, 2024

1165 - RC Ramblings, with Victor Roman, Rookie Card Specialist

Can't wait for Victor's book on Rookie Cards to come out - a lot of work went into it and he is almost done. I think it's important that RC's be well-defined. Thanks Victor.

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Jan. 3, 2024

1164 - New Year’s Predictions 2024

I have five sports card hobby/industry predictions for this coming year - I don't claim to be clairvoyant, but I do sense some macro trends - enjoy and Happy New Year!

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Jan. 1, 2024

1163 - New Year’s Goals 2024

I have five broad sports card collecting related goals to share for this next year - I don't usually do numerical goals but directional goals - Happy New Year!

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Dec. 29, 2023

1162 - Nine Listener Questions 6.0

I wanted to end the year focused on your questions - looking forward to another great year of hobbying whatever way you like - see you next year!

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Dec. 27, 2023

1161 - Nine Listener Questions 5.0

Nine more questions to answer before the end of the year - thanks and keep them coming to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and Happy New Year!

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Dec. 25, 2023

1160 - Christmas Thoughts: Born a Collector?

I started thinking about today, Christmas Day, and the deeper meaning - and I draw parallels in the way collectors are sometimes "religious" about this sports card hobby.

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Dec. 22, 2023

1159 - Grading Logistics

Besides grading the card, what other logistical concerns arise in the grading process - both internal and external - I try to address some of these concerns for a serious collector who contacted me directly.

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Dec. 20, 2023

1158 - UD Boston Bruins Centennial Hockey

Upper Deck's new complete set in a box (plus five additional parallels or inserts) is perhaps the beginning of an emerging trend in target marketing to teams and cities in hopes of growing the sports card collecting pie. Thanks Upper …

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Dec. 18, 2023

1157 - Holiday Hobby Traditions, with Rich Klein

Lots of hobby celebrations toward the end of the year - Rich is a big fan of Secret Santa promotions as win-win.

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Dec. 15, 2023

1156 - Value Box Etiquette, with Rich Klein

Rich and I sometimes are shoulder-to-shoulder deep in the dollar boxes at shows. Here are our takes on proper etiquette especially when it gets crowded.

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Dec. 13, 2023

1155 - Then and Now: Pricing Techniques, with Rich Klein

Rich and I contrast today with the old days of gathering sports card price info almost exclusively from private sales.

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Dec. 11, 2023

1154 - Out-Takes on Prospect Restraint from Hobby Hotline 120223

When do you give up and cash out on a once-promising prospect? Does it depend on the sport or position or team? Excerpted from last week's Hobby Hotline.

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Dec. 8, 2023

1153 - Out-Takes on eBay/COMC from Hobby Hotline 120223

Last week's live Saturday morning's Hobby Hotline dealt in part with the implications of eBay's significant financial investment in COMC. This is excerpted from that.

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Dec. 6, 2023

1152 - Pro FB Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists for 2024

Just announced were the 25 semi-finalists for the Pro FB HOF. Finalists will be announced in January and then the selectees will be presented on February 8th. If you are interested in one of these players, consider getting ahead of …

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Dec. 4, 2023

1151 - Nine Listener Questions 4.0

More questions from a variety of listeners on a variety of topics. I am enjoying the opportunity to share perspectives and insights that are relevant.

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Dec. 1, 2023

1150 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1126-1149

These recapped episodes cover about two months of three times a week podcasts plus ten YouTube Card Wall videos. Thanks for listening and watching.

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Nov. 29, 2023

1149 - Nine Listener Questions 3.0

Accumulating nine more hobby questions - some newer and some older - thanks for sending in your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com

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Nov. 27, 2023

1148 - Mega-Bids

Mega-Bids can go very wrong - a discussion of the practice and implications of this aggressive bidding technique, which also has the clear effect of increasing prices.

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Nov. 24, 2023

1147 - Thankful for my brother, Chris Beckett

My younger brother Chris is celebrating a milestone birthday tomorrow and I am reminded how blessed I have been to have him as my brother all these years. Plus I think I have finally solved the mystery of his missing …

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Nov. 22, 2023

1146 - Hobby Dinner Convo Feedback

Got a number of questions and comments about last week's episodes on the recent hobby dinner convo - from doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and through YouTube - thanks!

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Nov. 20, 2023

1145 - Card Wall Video Comments

I posted ten short six-minute videos to YouTube last week and got some good feedback that I wanted to share with all my listeners as well as viewers - thanks for your comments!

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Nov. 17, 2023

1144 - Hobby Dinner Convo 110323, Part 3

Rich Klein was my co-host and we were joined by a great and distinguished group: Rob Bernshteyn, Joe Davis, Josh Davis, John Keating, Chris McGill, Mike Moynihan, Victor Roman, Dave Sliepka, Bill Sliheet, Kristina Thorson, and Shane Zaiger.

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