In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett chats with Chris (@cardicsportscards), the creator of The Smarter Collector, about building resources for collectors. They dive into the purpose of top-of-funnel content, the motivations behind launching The Smarter Collector, and how it bridges gaps in the hobby.

Chris shares insights on balancing fatherhood, personal health, and collecting, all while producing thoughtful content for the community. They also explore how collectors can navigate challenges like limited budgets, finding joy in the hobby, and using research to uncover hidden gems like vintage and rare cards.

Plus, a heartwarming story about a Red Crusade Nomar Garciaparra card illustrates the power of trust and connection within the collecting community.

Whether you're new to collecting or a seasoned collector, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways to enhance your experience.

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In Episode 39 of Auction Talk, Brett and Nic explore the challenges of navigating auctions as both competitors and collaborators. They kick off the conversation by discussing how to handle anonymous competition in bidding wars, sharing strategies to assess interest and manage anxiety when chasing a card you really want. From there, they tackle the tricky topic of bidding ethics with friends, offering ideas for how to balance personal goals with maintaining relationships when targeting the same cards.

The episode also highlights key recent auctions, including a 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Rookie Auto, a 1998 Metal Universe PMG John Elway, and a Bobby Witt Bowman Paper Auto. Brett and Nic provide insights into what these sales mean for collectors and how to think about value in today’s market. Whether you’re a seasoned auction participant or new to the hobby, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you bid smarter.

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In this episode of Stacking Slabs, host Brett dives deep into the psychology of collecting. Brett explores why collections evolve over time and the emotional and external factors influencing these changes. He shares personal stories and insights, including lessons learned from his own collecting journey. From the nostalgic pull of significant cards to the thrill of the chase, Brett offers a thoughtful perspective on how collectors can navigate their evolving passions while finding contentment in the journey.

If you’ve ever questioned why you hold onto certain cards or felt the urge to chase new ones, this episode will resonate deeply. Brett also touches on the concept of forever cards, the hedonic treadmill of collecting, and why letting go can be as rewarding as holding on. Packed with insights and reflections, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about their collecting journey.

 
Show Notes with Timestamps:

[00:10] - Welcome and intro: Reflections on music, collecting, and personal growth
[02:24] - The unique content focus of Stacking Slabs: Psychology of collecting
[03:46] - The role of the collector in the hobby's foundation and cultural history
[06:15] - Market fluctuations and the resilience of collectors
[09:17] - Storytelling as the heart of the hobby
[12:22] - Personal collecting evolution: From investment to passion-driven collecting
[16:09] - The emotional and nostalgic connections tied to cards
[17:26] - Challenging the concept of "forever cards"
[19:04] - Social comparison, dopamine hits, and the psychology of acquisition
[20:18] - The hedonic treadmill and why collectors constantly seek "the next big thing"
[25:35] - Internal vs. external factors shaping collections
[26:34] - The tension between satisfaction and ambition in collecting
[27:34] - Finding contentment and joy with your collection
[28:46] - Closing thoughts: The deeper meaning of collecting and its impact on the hobby

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Welcome to the second episode of Card Ladder Confidential featuring Chris (@chris_hoj) and Josh (@cardboard_chronicles) from Card Ladder. This series explores how the analytical and emotional side of collection meet. In this month's episode we analyze Prizm Black Finite 1/1 sales from a public and private perspective. Also, we dig into buying format and explore why there's been a rush acquire as many Black Finites as possible. We hit on the proper decorum for posting stats, facts, and other non-card stuff about your PC players on social media and more. 

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Kevin (@DaCaptain37) returns to SSP to discuss Tom Brady collecting in a post-retirement era. He shares what the Brady market has been like and opportunities collectors can look at who want to enter. Also, there's a discussion around card shows and why prospecting ultra-modern QBs has been brutal across the board.

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In this week's episode of Auction Talk we discuss the bidding strategies on various platforms, auctions you might have missed last week on eBay, Card Ladder Headlines, listener mailbag questions, and dig into the auctions that are catching our attention this week. 

Don't forget to check out The Wharf Sports Cards for all of your consignment and card funding needs.

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In this week's flagship episode Brett discusses mindset and approaches when building out the collection of your dreams. He explores topics like the psychology of interacting with other collectors, the psychology of proactively vs. reactivity in card pursuits, and finding happiness in collecting. 

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Brett and Nic (@thewharfsportscards) are back with the third installment of SSP Auction Spotlight where they dig into a small subset of cards that are selling through The Wharf Sports Cards. In these episodes Brett and Nic will be getting into the weeds to discuss specific card's history, appearance, market activity, and current status in the hobby.

This episode features the following cards all available on Fanatics Collect Weekly and Fanatics Collect Premier through The Wharf Sports Cards: 

• 1998 Metal Universe Ken Griffey Jr. Precious Metal Gems BGS 8
• 2017 National Treasures Jerry Rice Colossal Signatures NFL Shield 1/1 PSA 7 / Auto 10 
• 2003 Fleer E-X LeBron James Essential Credentials Now /102 PSA 10 
• 2019-2020 Immaculate Collection Luka Doncic Logoman 1/1 BGS 9 
• 1998 Skybox Premium Kobe Bryant Intimidation Nation PSA 10 

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Joe (@low_pop_papi) is a passionate collector who has boomeranged back to the hobby on a few different occasions. He loves exploring hidden gems from the Panini era through the lens of Stephen Curry and LeBron James collecting. Also, Joe values scarcity and discusses how he thinks about rarity vs. scarcity when making buying decisions. Joe discusses his approach to collecting on the latest Collector Conversation.

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In this week's episode of Auction Talk we discuss trends Nic is seeing with collectors from his seat as the owner of a consignment business. We discuss 5 auctions from eBay that might have been missed this past week, take listener questions, and cover cards that are catching our attention on the auction block. 

Don't forget to check out The Wharf Sports Cards for all of your consignment and card funding needs.

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In this week's flagship episode Brett shares an update about his professional life which impacts SSP moving forward. He digs into the main topic of collecting based on legacy and the impact on long term value. 

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