Explore every episode of the podcast Caffeine and Cardboard
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 17 - To Grade or Not to Grade? The Value of Money - Cards vs Real World... | 18 Oct 2026 | 01:37:29 | |
In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the changing weather patterns affecting their regions to the cultural significance of college football in different areas. They also delve into the current NHL season, discussing team performances, trade rumors, and player dynamics. The conversation delves into the current trends in the hockey card market, focusing on player performances and their impact on card values. It also discusses the challenges of grading cards and the implications of recent market fluctuations. The conversation delves into the evolving dynamics of the sports card market, focusing on how values fluctuate based on player performance and market trends. The participants discuss the challenges of prospecting, grading, and the impact of pop counts on card values, while also sharing personal experiences and community reactions to recent developments. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of card collecting, discussing how jealousy and value perception influence collectors. They also explore budgeting strategies and the impact of unexpected expenses on their hobby. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the balance between the financial aspects of card collecting and the enjoyment it brings. They explore personal experiences at card shows, the importance of discipline in purchasing, and the excitement of opening new products. Takeaways
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| Episode 16 - Our NHL Teams After 4 Games, UD Series 1 Release and More | 11 Oct 2026 | 01:52:41 | |
In this episode, the hosts discuss the current state of hockey, including team performances, player injuries, and the hockey card market. They also delve into the implications of Ovechkin's retirement announcement and the motivations behind collecting hockey cards. The conversation covers various aspects of the current hockey season, including game updates, player performances, injury impacts, and discussions around the Norris Trophy. Additionally, the hosts delve into goaltending challenges and provide insights on the latest hockey card series. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on card photography, the noticeable quality improvements in card images, and the significance of iconic card designs. The participants also discuss market trends, pricing, and the value of rarity in the card collecting community. The conversation delves into the current trends in the hockey card market, focusing on the dynamics of product releases and their impact on card values. The participants share personal experiences with recent products, discuss the quality of card designs, and express concerns about coalition issues in card breaks. The conversation delves into the nuances of card collecting, focusing on recent breaks, player performances, and market trends. Participants share insights on trading strategies, upcoming expos, and the significance of iconic cards in their collections. In this episode, the hosts engage in lively discussions about their recent card openings, fantasy hockey updates, and personal card collections. They also delve into the nuances of card grading, sharing insights on their preferences and experiences. Takeaways
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| Episode 15 - The NHL Season Has Begun! Saskatchewan Card & Collector Experience Recap, UD Splendor | 04 Oct 2026 | 01:49:20 | |
In this episode, the hosts discuss the excitement surrounding the opening of the hockey season, including player performances and trades. They also delve into the impact of these trades on player card markets and the overall media coverage of the games. The conversation delves into the controversial topic of NHL jersey advertisements and the impact on the game, alongside discussions about card collecting experiences at a recent Saskatchewan card show. The hosts share their insights on community engagement, live breaks, and the thrill of discovering vintage cards, while also addressing the nuances of card grading and authentication. The conversation delves into the nuances of card grading standards, community contributions to the hobby, experiences with artists, and highlights from recent shows. The hosts also discuss their future plans for upcoming events and the excitement surrounding new card releases. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the recent launch of Splendor, a high-end hockey card product, and its implications for collectors. They explore the pricing strategies, the quality of the cards, and the evolving landscape of the hockey card market. In this episode, the hosts discuss the emotional aspects of card collecting, including the joy of opening packs and the thrill of trading. They also share their recent card show experiences, highlight some unique pickups, and engage in discussions about player autographs and fantasy hockey insights. Takeaways
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| Episode 14 - The Hockey Season is Almost Here! ...What Are We Buying This Season? | 27 Sep 2026 | 01:43:51 | |
The conversation covers a range of topics including the upcoming NHL season, preseason games, player injuries, and prospecting for hockey cards. The hosts also discuss the preseason fighting in hockey and the excitement around the start of the season. The conversation covers a range of topics related to hockey, including player contracts, team dynamics, and the impact on the hobby and card market. The discussion also delves into the valuation of players and the influence of new collectors on the market. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to sports card collecting, including the value of specific cards, the influence of player performance on card prices, the potential of new inserts, and the impact of trends from other sports on hockey card collecting. The hosts also discuss the availability of older card sets, the influence of weather on card shows, and the challenges of budgeting for card purchases. The conversation revolves around the upcoming card shows in Saskatoon and Expo, as well as the anticipation and expectations for new card products like Splendor. The hosts discuss their strategies, preferences, and concerns regarding the purchase and trading of cards at these events, as well as the features and potential impact of the new card products. The conversation covers a show and tell segment, featuring personal pickups and card reveals. It also includes discussions about a reloaded product, card pulls, and the excitement of finding rare and valuable cards. The hosts encourage engagement on their Discord and Instagram, and express anticipation for an upcoming event. Takeaways
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| Episode 13 - Pre-Season Hockey, Card Show Season Buying Strategies and More | 20 Sep 2026 | 01:19:59 | |
The hosts discuss their experiences at recent card shows, the current state of the hockey card market, and the influence of social media on collector behavior. They also explore the trend of collectors shifting their focus from modern releases to vintage and legendary cards. The conversation delves into the challenges of the sports card collecting hobby, including issues of overprinting, artificial scarcity, and the impact of social media on buying decisions. The hosts discuss the need for a more focused and intentional approach to collecting, as well as the saturation of the market with new product releases. The conversation covers the approach to buying sports cards, the upcoming expo in Saskatoon, and the discussion of a curated repack product. The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic buying, the value of appreciating current collections, and the excitement of attending the expo for the experience rather than just the cards. The conversation covers a variety of topics including upcoming content, personal pickups, and the Toronto Expo. The hosts also discuss the value of damaged cards and their significance in storytelling. They conclude with a call to action for engagement and feedback from the audience. Takeaways
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| Episode 12 - Collecting, Selling on eBay, and Hockey Talk w/ Jon (highglosscbj) | 13 Sep 2026 | 01:43:51 | |
The conversation begins with introductions and personal updates, followed by discussions about the weather, health, and the ongoing football season. The focus then shifts to hockey cards, collectibles, and the Columbus hockey scene. The conversation concludes with player analysis and future predictions for the hockey season. The conversation covers market trends and player value, the transition to a side business, eBay selling and inventory management, live selling and Whatnot shows, and set building and player collectors. The discussion delves into the impact of market trends on player value, the process of turning a hobby into a side business, eBay selling strategies, the emergence of live selling platforms, and the significance of set building and player collectors in the trading card community. The conversation delves into the card collecting community, flipping stories, and card finds, followed by memories of Johnny Gaudreau and discussions about the Blue Jackets and player prospects. It concludes with a discussion about favorite card sets and the use of AI in the hobby. The conversation covers various aspects of card collecting, including the use of AI, iconic hockey cards, specific card acquisitions, and the significance of hockey history in card collecting. Takeaways
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| Episode 11 - PWHL Fleer Ultra with Matt Burrows of Upper Deck | 06 Sep 2026 | 01:45:08 | |
The conversation covers a range of topics, including weather, home heating, and the PWHL league. Matt Burroughs discusses the PWHL Flear Ultra product, its design, and the inspiration behind it. He also talks about the marketing of the women's hockey league and the potential for incorporating women's cards in NHL products. The conversation also delves into the PWHL season, the hot numbers lenticular cards, and the misson scene inserts. The conversation covers the nostalgia and significance of the Fleer Ultra set, the design and uniqueness of the medallion cards, the impact of physical product availability, and the collector experience. It also delves into the history and storytelling aspect of the PWHL franchise and the excitement of opening packs. The conversation covers a detailed discussion of various hockey cards, including their designs, players, and market value. It also delves into the significance of specific card features and the personal experiences associated with them. The conversation revolves around the opening of hockey card packs, showcasing the excitement of discovering rare and valuable cards. The discussion also delves into the impact of tariffs on the card collecting industry and the challenges of shipping and trading cards internationally. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including card collecting, trading, and the excitement of acquiring rare and unique cards. The hosts also discuss the history of hockey cards, the significance of vintage cards, and the anticipation of the upcoming hockey season. Takeaways
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| Episode 10 - Talking w/ Carter and Justin of the Saskatchewan Card and Collector Experience | 30 Aug 2026 | 01:34:21 | |
The conversation covers the upcoming Saskatchewan Card and Collector Experience, including details about the event, its growth, and the unique experience it offers. The hosts and guests discuss the show's features, sponsors, and the impact of in-person interactions in the hobby. The conversation covers the excitement of sharing and appreciating card collections, the unique experiences and connections formed through collecting, and the anticipation of an upcoming card show in Saskatoon. The hosts discuss the passion for collecting, the significance of cards in their lives, and the community aspect of the hobby. The conversation covers the upcoming card show, collecting preferences, and the unique aspects of the show. It also delves into the local beer culture and the anticipation for upcoming card releases. The conversation covers a variety of topics including personal card pickups, the PWHL, and upcoming hockey card releases. The hosts share their recent card acquisitions, discuss the PWHL expansion, and anticipate the release of new hockey card sets. They also touch on the significance of certain hockey cards and the history behind them. Takeaways
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| Episode 9 - Would You Still Collect If Nobody Else Cared?... | 23 Aug 2026 | 02:20:01 | |
The conversation covers a range of topics, including the impact of travel experiences on collecting, the influence of Jeremy Lee's book on collecting decisions, the role of AI technology in collecting and market analysis, and the connection between the card market and larger economic factors. The discussion also delves into market speculation and the potential impact of external factors on the card market. The conversation delves into the transformation of the card market into a commodity, influenced by market movers, indexes, and influencers. It explores the impact of inflated prices, market shifts, and the role of big buyers and influencers. Additionally, it speculates on the next market focus, considering player performance and potential impact on the hobby market. The conversation delves into the strategic selection of cards, balancing personal preference with market value, and the reflection on past collector decisions. The hosts discuss the impact of their choices and the importance of educating oneself before making card acquisitions. The conversation covers the impact of impulse decisions and the importance of educating oneself before making any decision. It also delves into preparing for a card expo, the value of collecting eighties and nineties cards, and the significance of parallel autos in the hobby. The conversation covers breakout player predictions and their impact on the card market, challenges of storing and displaying cards, and the concept of eye appeal and its impact on card value. Takeaways
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| Episode 8 - Hockey Card Auctions, NHL Expansion, Hobby Goals Lists and Missing Food Delivery...? | 16 Aug 2026 | 02:00:17 | |
The episode features a casual conversation between Andrew and Eric, covering topics such as European vacations, movie memories, hobby insights, card auctions, and card collecting. The hosts also discuss their recent experiences, including a kitchen remodel and card bidding experiences. The episode concludes with plans to open 90s hockey card packs. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including hockey card collecting, player performance, expansion of NHL teams, and the impact on the hockey card market. The discussion also delves into the tax implications for players and the potential effects on the hockey card hobby. The conversation covers the impact of sports network subscriptions on viewers, the expansion of streaming services, the affordability of NHL games, and the potential for new teams in the league. It also delves into the creation of a hockey history collection checklist and the significance of specific hockey cards in telling the story of the sport. The conversation covers the selection of modern defensemen for a hockey card collection, the significance of specific players, and the experience of opening hockey card packs. Takeaways
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| Episode 7 - Sitting Down with Jay (TopShelfCookieSniper) and Talking Trade Strategies and Much More! | 09 Aug 2026 | 02:17:10 | |
The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the hobby of collecting sports cards, with a focus on the challenges and changes in the grading process. It delves into the impact of money on the hobby, the frustration with grading inconsistencies, and the shift from a collector's hobby to a commodity-driven market. The conversation delves into the concept of hype and its role in driving interest in the hobby. It explores the impact of hype on card values and the importance of recognizing the stalwarts of the sport and hobby. The discussion also covers the evolving dynamics of card valuation, the influence of online platforms, and the shift in the power to set card values. Additionally, the conversation delves into the nuances of card grading, the significance of eye appeal, and the changing standards for different eras of cards. The chapter concludes with insights into the art of trading, the value of communication in trading, and the approach to card acquisition and collection. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to hockey, player analysis, card collecting, and the future of the NHL. It also delves into the dynamics of the hockey community and the value of different perspectives. A conversation about the passion for hockey cards, learning from each other, and the joy of collecting. The hosts and guest share insights, experiences, and enthusiasm for the hobby, emphasizing the value of respectful discussions and the importance of visual presentation in showcasing card collections. Takeaways
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| Episode 6 - The Stories Worth Collecting - What Matters More Than Market Value? | 02 Aug 2026 | 01:43:15 | |
The conversation covers late-night card ripping, travel plans, the significance of the Macklin Celebrini Outburst Gold One of One, and the emotional attachment to cards. It delves into the essence of hobby stories and the factors that make a card a keeper in a collection. The conversation delves into the strategic approach to card collecting, emphasizing the importance of personal value over market value. It explores the significance of developing a collection strategy and the impact of market trends on card values. The conversation covers market trends, player performance impact, awards and recognition, and the national and market hype. It delves into the influence of player performance on card collecting decisions, the significance of awards and recognition in the hockey card industry, and the impact of market hype on the national event. The conversation delves into the growing divide between the industry and the hobby, highlighting the impact of money and the emergence of new market dynamics. It also explores the support for young entrepreneurs within the hobby, showcasing the creativity and innovation of young collectors. Takeaways
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| Episode 5- Consolidating and Collecting - How Do You Do It? | 26 Jul 2026 | 01:38:33 | |
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including weather and climate, an interview with Matt Burrows, the evolution of collecting mindset, and product pricing and collecting avenues. The discussion delves into the intentional approach to collecting and the distinction between intentional collecting and accumulating. The conversation delves into the contrasting experiences of immediate satisfaction from pulling cards and the long-term fulfillment of acquiring cards through other means. It also explores the challenges of organizing and managing card collections, as well as the emotional connection individuals have with their cards. The conversation delves into the emotional attachment collectors have to certain cards, as well as the importance of purposeful and intentional collecting. It explores the significance of personal stories behind cards and the impact of emotional connections on the hobby. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for collectors to be intentional and purposeful in their collecting, focusing on the value of the cards and the stories they tell. The conversation delves into the vibrant card collecting community, the use of technology in card collecting, the excitement of mail day and show-and-tell, the stories behind the cards, the fascination with PMGs, and concludes with a call to action for engagement and feedback. Takeaways
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| Episode 4 - Sitting Down with Matt Burrows of Upper Deck | 19 Jul 2026 | 01:25:48 | |
The conversation begins with an introduction and a discussion about the passion for collecting cards. It then transitions into a detailed exploration of the transition from teaching to working at Upper Deck. The conversation delves into the significance of red outbursts as a modern staple chase card, with collectors expressing their admiration for the card's design and desirability. Additionally, the discussion explores the design inspiration behind the Pathway to Gold card, drawing from childhood memories and personal experiences. Finally, the conversation highlights the unique features of the Blue Liners and Clear Cut Winners inserts, providing insights into their design and appeal. The conversation covers topics related to pack odds, card design, autograph inspiration, card framing, legends and technology, and chase cards and grails. The discussion delves into the challenges of obtaining specific card images, the inspiration behind autograph designs, and the pursuit of chase cards in the collecting community. The conversation delves into the intentional approach to collecting, emphasizing the significance of curating a story through cards and the value of community collaboration. The discussion also highlights the role of podcasting in sharing insights and fostering a sense of community within the hobby. Takeaways
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| Episode 3 - The Off-Season Game Plan | 12 Jul 2026 | 01:30:32 | |
The NHL off-season is anything but quiet in the hobby. In Episode 3 of Caffeine and Cardboard, we dive into our game plans for the months leading up to the 2026-27 season. We discuss some of our buying and selling strategies, what we're saving for and how we're preparing our collections before the hobby's busiest time of year. We also explore some of our hobby blindspots, all while juggling some technical difficulties as we learn how to make a great show for you. Grab your favourite coffee, pull up a chair, and join us for another conversation about the hobby we all love. | |||
| Episode 2 - Building a Collection with Purpose | 05 Jul 2026 | 01:16:44 | |
In Episode 2 of Caffeine and Cardboard, we dive into the journey of building meaningful hockey card collections. We share how our collecting philosophies have evolved over the years, the lessons we've learned along the way, and the cards we regret buying—or letting go. We also reflect on the insightful message of patience and discipline inspired by Neil (IrishFlyersCollector) and his appearance on Behind the Bench, discussing why collecting with purpose often leads to the most rewarding hobby experience. As always, we wrap up the conversation by enjoying a great cup of coffee and opening a variety of hockey card packs to see what surprises await. | |||
| Episode 1 - Here We Go! | 28 Jun 2026 | 01:12:53 | |
In our debut episode, we're introducing ourselves and sharing the story behind Caffeine and Cardboard. We talk about how three collectors came to be friends through the hobby, what collecting means to each of us, and what you can expect from future episodes. Whether you're a lifelong collector or just getting started, we're glad you're here. Pour yourself a coffee and join the conversation. | |||