Explore every episode of the podcast Global Card Collectors

In this episode John is joined by two of the hobby's most respected baseball collectors: Ryan (@rookiemoonshots), whose Barry Bonds collection has become one of the most admired on Instagram, and Dave (@iowa_dave_sportscards) a familiar voice in the hobby podcasting world, beloved through his podcast The Shallow End and one of the sharpest minds when it comes to the baseball card market.The conversation begins with the recent volatility surrounding Caitlin Clark cards before Ryan shares the story behind an incredible Albert Pujols pickup and discusses his stunning Shohei Ohtani Padparadscha Sapphire 1/1 currently listed through Fanatics Collect. From there, the discussion takes a hilarious turn as the guys compare cards we've sold to ex-girlfriends—once they're gone, you can't help but watch them thrive with someone else while wondering what might have been.From there, the episode dives deep into Barry Bonds and the strength of his market today. Has collector sentiment finally shifted? Can Bonds ever reach—or even surpass—the heights of Ken Griffey Jr.'s market, or will his legacy always place a ceiling on his values?The episode wraps up with a broader conversation about legacy, longevity and how the final chapters of an athlete's career can shape their collectability. Using examples like Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tom Brady and Vince Carter, the guys debate whether stars are better off retiring while still near their peak or continuing to play for as long as they can. Does longevity add to a player's legacy, or can staying too long actually diminish the way collectors remember them?It's a thoughtful, funny and wide-ranging conversation packed with hobby insights, great stories and plenty of debate for collectors of every sport.

In this episode Will and John are joined once again by fan-favourite guest Jon @eurofractor for an episode packed with incredible pickups, NBA draft talk, and the stories that make collecting so rewarding.We open the show by discussing two of Spain's most exciting young NBA prospects. Jon gives his thoughts on what the future could hold for Hugo González following Boston's offseason moves, before sharing his expectations for Oklahoma City's No. 12 overall pick, Aday Mara, and how he thinks the talented big man will fit with the Thunder.Then it's time for everyone's latest pickups!Jon kicks things off with two absolute monsters. First, he unveils a stunning Sergio Rodríguez Essential Credentials Rookie numbered to just /31, one of the hobby's most iconic parallel sets. He follows that with a breathtaking Star Rubies Tariq Abdul-Wahad, a true '90s grail. Jon also shares the story behind why he collects Abdul-Wahad, touching on his European roots, his trailblazing NBA career, and the social activism that has made him such an inspiring figure.John is up next with two incredible additions of his own. He celebrates picking up his very first Exquisite card—a gorgeous Dual Scripted Swatches autograph featuring Peja Stojaković and Mike Bibby—before showing off an absolutely massive 2024 Optic Gold Vinyl Domantas Sabonis, one of the most coveted modern parallels in the hobby.Will rounds out the pickups by explaining why he's recently fallen down the Spectra rabbit hole. From the premium chrome finish and incredible game-used patches to the on-card autographs and consistently low serial numbering, he shares why Spectra has become one of his favourite modern products to collect.To finish the episode, the guys discuss their collecting goals moving forward, what they're chasing next, and where they see their collections heading in the months ahead.If you love basketball cards, rare pickups, international collecting, and hearing the stories behind the hobby, you'll love this episode.Don't forget about signing up to Card Ladder and using the promo code: GLOBAL10.Take care everyone!

In this episode Will sits down with All Black #1085 Scott Waldrom for a fascinating conversation that goes far beyond rugby.Scott reflects on his professional rugby career, including memories from the infamous Munster clash that remains one of the most talked-about matches of his playing days. He shares stories from life at the elite level, what it meant to wear the black jersey, playing alongside Jonah and some of the toughest moments he experienced on the field.The conversation then shifts to another passion that has become a major part of Scott's life: collecting. From building his own card collection to helping former players generate income through the sale of game-used jerseys and memorabilia, Scott has become a key figure in New Zealand's sports collecting community.Will and Scott also discuss the growth of the hobby, the Wellington Cards & Collectables Show, the unique stories behind game-worn items, and why collecting continues to connect fans with the athletes and moments they admire most.Whether you're a rugby fan, a memorabilia collector, or someone who loves hearing great stories from elite athletes, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

The NZ Card Collectors Show is back and bigger than ever.In this episode, Will sits down with one of the show's organizers Keiran to discuss what makes this year's NZ Card Collectors Show one of the most anticipated events on the New Zealand collecting calendar. Run by the NZ Cartophilic Society as a not-for-profit event, the show brings together collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts from across the country for a unique celebration of the hobby.Keiran shares what attendees can expect, including hundreds of tables packed with trading cards, collectibles, and hard-to-find treasures from a wide range of collecting categories. The pair discuss why the show has earned a reputation for offering cards that simply can't be found anywhere else, from affordable bargains to ultra-rare grails.They also reveal details about this year's incredible promotional cards, including an exclusive autographed Christian Cullen card and the show's first-ever Pokémon promo card—two must-have collectibles for attendees.Whether you're a lifelong collector, a sports card enthusiast, a Pokémon fan, or simply curious about the hobby, this conversation offers an inside look at one of New Zealand's premier collecting events.🎟️ Learn what makes the NZ Card Collectors Show special.🃏 Discover the exclusive promo cards available this year.💎 Find out why collectors travel from around the country to attend.🤝 Hear how the show continues to bring the collecting community together.

In this episode, Will sits down with Matt from @mattscardshop for a wide-ranging conversation covering sports cards, content creation, basketball, and the Australian hobby scene.

Matt shares his journey from passionate collector to online card seller, show vendor, and one of the most recognizable card content creators in the hobby. We discuss the realities of building a brand in the card space, creating content consistently, and what it takes to stand out in a rapidly evolving market.

As both of us are basketball stans, the conversation naturally shifts to Matt's favorite NBA team: the Houston Rockets. We break down the disaster of the second half of the year, the team's future, we deep dive the impact of Ime Udoka, and debate whether Alperen Şengün needs a European coach instead of tough love.

We also take a deep dive into the Australian sports card market, how it differs from the United States, and why Australia continues to produce an incredible number of high-level NBA players despite its relatively small population.

Whether you're a collector, basketball fan, content creator, or someone interested in the global hobby landscape, there's something here for you.

Topics Covered:

• Matt's journey from collector to content creator

• Building a brand in the hobby

• Houston Rockets future outlook

• Ime Udoka's coaching impact

• Alperen Şengün discussion

• The Australian card market

• Why Australia produces so much NBA talent

• The future of sports card content

Subscribe for more conversations with collectors, creators, dealers, and hobby leaders from around the world.

In this episode, Will (@kartadami), John (@istanbulcards), and Ryan (@rookiemoonshots) get together for another hobby roundtable to discuss recent pickups, collecting philosophies, and one of the biggest questions facing the modern card market.

We kick things off by sharing our latest additions. Will shows off a 2026 Donruss FIFA World Cup Costco Promo Box featuring a guaranteed Jumbo Kaboom, while John reveals that buying the same box for himself and his son helped reignite his passion for collecting. Ryan then shares a monster Barry Bonds chase card before John tells the story behind acquiring his first-ever Luka Dončić 1/1 and explains why the card means so much to him.

From there, the conversation turns to serial-numbered cards and the true meaning of rarity. Is a 1/1 automatically special? Or can a card be technically unique yet still completely uninspiring? We discuss why the design and significance of a card may matter more than the 1 of 1 stamp.

Finally, we tackle one of the hobby's most controversial but underdiscussed topics: post-playing-day cards. Why are newly created Tom Brady cards selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars? Should collectors be excited-or concerned? If manufacturers can continue producing new "grail" cards of retired legends indefinitely, where does the market eventually find its limit?

Topics covered:
• 2026 Donruss FIFA World Cup Promo Boxes
• Jumbo Kaboom cards
• Ryan's Barry Bonds pickup
• John's first Luka Dončić 1/1
• The true value of 1/1 cards
• Serialization and manufactured scarcity
• The problem with post-career cards
• Are modern Tom Brady grails sustainable?
• When does the hobby reach saturation?

Let us know what you think: What makes a card truly special-a 1/1 stamp, the design, the player, or the story behind it?

What happens when two card collectors from opposite sides of the world discover they share the same roots?In this episode, Will sits down with Berk, better known as  @berktheripper , one of the emerging voices in Turkey's sports card community. What started as following his Turkish-language card education videos on Instagram quickly turned into a fascinating conversation about collecting, culture, and building a hobby from the ground up.Berk shares his journey from growing up in New Zealand after moving there from Turkey as a child, to becoming a passionate NBA card collector with Kevin Garnett and LeBron James as his primary PCs. We discuss how his Kiwi upbringing helped shape his perspective and how that unexpectedly connected us.The conversation dives deep into the realities of the Turkish sports card market, a hobby landscape that still feels like frontier territory. While English-speaking collectors have endless resources, podcasts, videos, and educational content available to them, Turkish sports card collectors have virtually nothing. Berk explains why he decided to start creating beginner-friendly content in Turkish, teaching everything from the absolute basics of collecting to understanding the hobby itself.The two also talk about the surprising questions both receive from newcomers, including the ever-present "How can I get rich from cards?" mentality, and why education is so important for the long-term health of any collecting community.From humble beginnings to rapidly growing an audience of hundreds of followers in just a few weeks, Berk is helping lay the foundations for a new generation of Turkish sports card collectors.Topics discussed:• Growing up between Turkey and New Zealand• How Berk discovered NBA card collecting• Collecting Kevin Garnett and LeBron James cards• The challenges facing the Turkish sports card market• Why hobby education matters• Creating Turkish-language collecting content• The "get rich quick" mindset in modern collecting• Building a community from scratchWhether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about how hobbies grow around the world, this is a fascinating look at what happens when passion meets opportunity.

This week, Will sits down with longtime collector and hobby deep-diver Shannan for a conversation that starts with some classic New Zealand card nostalgia and evolves into a look at a platform that could genuinely change the way collectors connect.

Will shares some awesome NZ basketball pickups featuring legends like Kirk Penney and Steven Adams, plus a stack of quirky early 90s World Wrestling Federation cards that bring back serious childhood memories.

Shannan then takes us down his latest collecting rabbit hole — hunting rare RJ Hampton rookie Flawless patch cards featuring authentic NBL memorabilia, including some uniquely Kiwi Meadow Fresh branding that collectors in New Zealand will instantly recognise.

But the heart of the episode is Hobby Tracker — a new platform/app Shannan has been building for collectors. Think of it as Last Sticker on steroids: a free hub where collectors can catalogue their inventory, track sets, log duplicates, chase missing cards, and eventually trade spares with other users in the community.

More than just an app, Hobby Tracker is about bringing collectors together — helping people complete sets, discover chase cards, make hobby connections, and potentially even meet fellow collectors in real life. Whether you’re into sports cards, wrestling, TCGs, or anything in between, this episode is all about the community side of collecting and why the hobby is stronger when collectors help each other out.

In this episode we sat down with Ryan @rookiemoonshots fresh off meeting at the Istanbul Card Show for one of our most fascinating conversations yet.
We dive into Ryan’s first impressions of the Turkish card market, what makes collecting here unique, and why he believes there are still massive opportunities hiding in overlooked corners of the hobby.
Things get wild when a guest pulls out a Reggie Miller on-card auto that had been stored inside an 80s cassette tape… with NO top loader.
From there, Ryan takes us deep into his incredible personal collection including the story of how he acquired his Barry Bonds Mount Rushmore cards before the market truly understood what they were. We talk about spotting undervalued cards early, staying ahead of hobby trends, and why eye appeal and aesthetics can sometimes matter more than rarity itself.
We close things out discussing the current state of the hot sports card market and the big question everyone’s wondering:
What could eventually bring it all down?
If you’re into sports cards, investing, collecting psychology, hidden gems, or hobby history -this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

John’s Substack: https://substack.com/@energystraits?r=xah83&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=lightThis week’s episode dives into something every collector eventually faces: Why am I doing this, and is it still making me happy? Justin opens up about reevaluating his collecting goals and stepping outside the expectations that can quietly build up in the hobby. Instead of chasing what’s “hot” or what others think he should collect, he’s focusing on what actually brings him joy, and it sparks a bigger conversation about what it really means to collect.We also tackle a question that hits home for a lot of people: How do you budget for cards when real life comes first? From setting aside monthly spending money, to buying and flipping, to selling parts of your collection to fund new pickups- we break down the different ways we approach the financial side of the hobby while balancing family, responsibilities, and everything else life throws at us.Whether you’re deep in the hobby or just starting to question your direction, this episode is all about finding your lane, spending with intention, and remembering why you started collecting in the first place.

Will and John are back for a laid-back but insight-filled catch-up episode that hits on everything happening in their collecting worlds right now.

They kick things off with recent pickups and some honest frustrations-diving into the current state of COMC and what’s really going on with AI-driven decisions at Fanatics Collectibles. From confusing systems to shifting hobby dynamics, nothing is off the table.

Will shares how his focus has been shifting heavily toward the selling side of the hobby. From launching his new online store to hunting for the right inventory and learning lessons at card shows, he breaks down what’s working and what isn’t.

Meanwhile, John has been busy making some major moves of his own. A stunning quad patch card featuring four European basketball mega stars becomes a centerpiece of the conversation, and sparks a deeper debate: would you take a /10 from an ultra high-end set over a 1/1 from a lower-tier product?

It’s a mix of hobby talk, market insight, and plenty of laughs along the way—just two collectors checking in and keeping it real.

In this episode Justin returns to chat with Bernard, a Canadian collector with a passion for hockey and boxing! Bernard starts by discussing how his son's love of Pokemon cards brought him back into the hobby, and continues by discussing and showing off his amazing collection of Steve Yzerman hockey cards! Finally, Bernard and Justin discuss their shared passion for boxing and boxing cards. Bernard's collection is both extremely unique and very extremely thoughtful, so this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode, Will and John jump online for a long-overdue catch-up after some time away from recording together. The two reconnect and dive straight into recent pickups, with both showcasing standout Matas Buzelis cards that have them especially excited.

The conversation then shifts across the pond as Will shares insights into the card collecting scene in England, including a recap of the Birmingham card show and what stood out most while attending the show (hint: there were plenty of small, yellow furry toys all over the place).

They move on to boast about their shared success in their NBA Fantasy Leagues and how it's a great way to wrap up the season.

To wrap things up, Will and John look ahead to Collector’s Fest in Istanbul happening this weekend. While there’s plenty of excitement surrounding the event, they keep things grounded by managing expectations and what they hope to get out of it.

This is a relaxed episode filled with hobby talk, international perspectives, and the shared enthusiasm that keeps collectors coming back.

James  @MadCityCollector  recently launched his podcast, The Soccer Card Collective, a phenomenal survey of the soccer card world and a deep dive into what it means to be an “omniscient collector,” borrowing the phrase from Chris Hoj. In this episode, he and John @istanbulcards discuss 2017 Topps Chrome and 2018 Prizm Landmarks, two iconic sets from what many consider the golden era of global soccer cards. Please come up with ten potentially viral titles for this episode

In this episode, Will sits down with Global Card Collectors regular guest and Pokémon market expert Kieran @shinykiwitcg to break down everything happening in the Pokémon TCG world right now.They cover:• What they’ve both been up to recently• New personal purchases and sales• The current state of the Pokémon market — which continues to surge• Upcoming sets including Ascended Heroes, Perfect Order, Chaos Rising (Greninja), and the highly anticipated Darkrai/Rayquaza set• The approaching 30th Anniversary and why it could send the hobby into overdrive• Ongoing supply issues and the continued lack of booster box reprints• PSA price increases, the Beckett acquisition, and wider grading industry shakeups• The Logan Paul Illustrator Pikachu sale• Growing investor interest and the Liquid Marketplace controversy• Their past predictions — including why they expected a slowdown six months ago• Where they believe the market is heading next• Practical advice for collectors navigating an increasingly competitive and expensive landscapeSix months ago, they thought the bubble might burst. Instead, the market has gone from strength to strength - and with the 30th Anniversary on the horizon, things may only get even more intense.

Will sits down with John again for a brand new episode of Global Card Collectors, and this one is a must-listen for serious hobby heads.The conversation centers around John’s three-year odyssey to acquire his ultimate grail card: the 2015 National Treasures International Treasures Nikola Jokić rookie, numbered to just /85. Ultra-rare, on-card auto, and far from cheap — this is the kind of card that defines an entire collection.From there, Will and John naturally segue into a deep dive on why International Treasures is one of the most underrated sets in the hobby. Incredible photography, massive flag imagery, true limited print runs, and a literal who’s who of international basketball players across eras — all capped off with on-card autographs.John breaks down the International Treasures players he’s already collected, from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Andrei Kirilenko, and shares the key cards he’s still chasing, including Rony Seikaly and Luka Dončić.This is a fun, detailed episode that will especially resonate with card fanatics who love to nerd out over niche sets, grail cards, and thoughtfully built collections.

The PCTR Winter Card Festival in Kozyatağa, Istanbul ended up being one of the most encouraging card shows we’ve attended in Turkey.Going in, expectations were low. The event leaned heavily toward Pokémon and One Piece, and as sports card vendors, we weren’t sure what to expect. What we found instead was real interest, real conversations, and a growing group of collectors who genuinely care about sports cards.In this video, Will sits down with his good friend Berk to review the show from a vendor’s perspective - what went right, what surprised us, and why this event felt like a positive signal for collecting in Turkey.We also talk honestly about the challenges the Turkish card market still faces:- Limited access to product- Price gouging- Heavy and often frustrating taxesBut most importantly, we talk about the people we met — new collectors, passionate hobbyists, and moments that made the day feel bigger than just buying and selling cards.This isn’t hype. It’s just us taking a minute to think about where the hobby in Turkey stands right now - and where it might be going.If you collect, sell, or are just curious about the card scene in Turkey, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Global Card Collectors, Will and John break down one of the biggest moments in Will’s collecting journey: finally landing a Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie autograph with his early, full signature after more than a year of chasing it.They walk through the entire process behind the acquisition, from missed bids and dead ends to offers, counteroffers, and ultimately getting the deal done. From there, the conversation opens up into a broader discussion about how collecting changes over time, moving away from impulse buys and toward patience, intention, and having a clear sense of direction.The episode also dives into one of John’s favorite insert sets, International Treasures, and what makes it resonate with collectors. With its focus on international players and a design that centers on flags, the set stands out as something for collectors who value rarity, context, and storytelling within the hobby, they're also perfect for global citizens.It’s a relaxed, in-depth conversation between friends who know the hobby well and enjoy unpacking the why behind the chase.

In this episode, of Global Card Collectors Will sits down with Kaan, the organizer of PCTR Winter Card Fest, an upcoming trading card event taking place in Istanbul on February 1, 2026The interview starts with Kaan’s personal card collecting origin story—from collecting as a kid, to a life-changing trip to Japan where he opened a pack of Chilling Reign and pulled a chase card that reignited his passion for Pokémon cards.From there, we dive deep into what it really takes to organize a large-scale card show. Kaan opens up about the challenges, stress, and risks involved, and why he believes the effort will be worth it once collectors come together under one roof.We also talk about the explosive growth of the card market in Turkey:-Physical TCG stores growing from just 2–3 to nearly 10 in only two years-Online card shops jumping from 1–2 to over 30-How events like the Istanbul Card Show helped create a real collector community-Why PCTR Winter Card Fest is another important step for the sceneFinally, we share our personal thoughts on the Pokémon card market and sealed products—not investment advice, just honest opinions on what we’re buying and why.Will PCTR Winter Card Fest be a success? Time will tell—but the passion and effort are clearly there. So if you’re into Pokémon cards, TCG events, or the global growth of the hobby, this one’s for you.

This week, John (@istanbulcards) is joined by Conor Sen, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist who loves sports cards like the rest of us, but also brings a sharp understanding of the macroeconomic forces shaping the hobby. Conor discusses how broader economic trends dovetail with the sports card market, reflects on his childhood and young-adult sporting heroes, and shares how he’s thoughtfully re-entering the hobby in recent years alongside his kids.

In this episode of Global Card Collectors, Will, John, and Justin come together to share their Top 5 card pick ups from 2025 which is wide-ranging and engaging collection of cards that spans over 100 years of trading card history.

They showcase an impressively diverse lineup, featuring everything from vintage boxing and vintage football to ultra-modern cards. Across all three Top 5 lists, a few themes quickly emerge:🔥 Patches on every list✍️ Plenty of autographs💎 Significant rarity❤️ Strong personal connections to the cards

Whether the focus is football, boxing, basketball, vintage classics, or modern releases, this episode highlights what makes collecting special — the stories behind the cards, the shared passion, and the connections built through the hobby.

In this episode Will and John sit down to catch up after The Card Clan Trade Day, their final event of the year. While it may not have been the biggest show on the calendar, it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable. As vendors, they had the chance to slow down, reconnect with familiar faces, and spend real time talking about collecting, sports, and the hobby with regulars who make days like this worthwhile.From there, the conversation shifts back to what they’re most excited about in collecting right now: consolidation. Selling bulk and lower-end cards to focus on fewer, higher-end pieces—especially rare cards of players they view as true GOATs. Will dives into his ongoing Giannis rookie auto chase, debating whether now is the time to finally pull the trigger with Giannis’ market sitting near historic lows. John shares his own near-miss story with a Luka Dončić International Treasures, including how close he came to landing a version numbered to just /10.They wrap things up with a discussion on the current state of grading, where it stands today, and how it’s impacting collectors and the hobby moving forward.As always, it’s a laid-back but thoughtful conversation about collecting with intention, enjoying the process, and navigating the hobby as it continues to evolve.

Dive into the world of Spanish sports cards with this special episode featuring Jon @eurofractor a passionate collector, historian, and expert on Spain’s unique place in the hobby. We break down his latest grail pickup (a stunning Sergio Rodríguez card), explore how Spanish collectors approach basketball vs. football, and dig into why teen star Hugo González is generating major buzz among NBA-focused collectors in Spain.

Jon also walks us through the country’s card-collecting culture: the biggest shows, the rise of modern basketball collecting, how Spain’s legendary players are valued in the hobby, and what makes the Spanish market different from the U.S. scene.

Whether you're into European basketball, international markets, or just love hearing collectors talk about their passion, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and hobby wisdom.

In this special **100th episode**, John and Will take a heartfelt (and hilarious) look back at the journey that brought us here. From the moment Will went off and bought microphones for our first episode, to interviewing our first guest outside our circle of friends, it’s been a wild ride—and we’ve loved every minute of it.We reflect on the friends we’ve made along the way, the unexpected opportunities that came with building this channel, and yes… even the awkward moments of rejection when someone said, “Nah, I don’t want to record an episode with you.” 😅Over nearly two years without missing a single week, we’ve gained skills we never imagined -from interviewing, editing, and storytelling to building a community that inspires us to keep creating. This episode is both a celebration and a thank-you to everyone who’s been part of the journey.And because it wouldn’t be a proper milestone without it, we wrap things up by diving into **Mail Day Questions** from our friends:✨ What are our plans for the future?✨ What goals do we have for next year?✨ Where do we hope this hobby takes us next?Whether you’ve been here since Episode 1 or you’re joining us now at Episode 100, we’re grateful you’re part of this adventure. Here’s to the next chapter-and to everything we’ll build together.

Boxing cards are officially back so Justin & Will are coming out swinging in this explosive episode of Global Card Collectors. We break down the long-awaited return of Topps Chrome Boxing, the first Topps boxing set in more than 70 years. What does it get right? Where does it stumble? And is it really the future of the boxing-card hobby?Then we step into the ring with Panini’s Combat Anthology, home of the wildly popular Kaboom inserts — and compare how Panini’s approach stacks up against the Chrome revival.From there, we dive deep into the Bad Boys of Boxing: Jack Johnson, Mike Tyson, and other legendary fighters whose careers - and cards - shaped the sport’s legacy. We explore their stories, their cultural impact, and why their cardboard still matters.We close with a big question: Can boxing cards escape the niche and finally go mainstream? Or will they remain a cult favorite for hardcore fight fans?If you love boxing, history, or the hobby - this one will go the full twelve rounds.

In this episode of Global Card Collectors, John finally lands one of his lifelong grails — an authenticated, on-card Dražen Petrović autograph, the crown jewel of his Balkan basketball PC. We break down why it’s so meaningful, and why it instantly becomes the centerpiece of his collection.

From there, we dive into our biggest hobby wins:
🔥 From John scooping a Megacracks Cristiano Ronaldo PSA 5 at the bottom of the market which is now worth multiples of what he paid.
🔥 To Will landing his ultra rare Card Crazy Jonah Lomu Gold card, a card he once stretched to afford… and which has since skyrocketed over 10x in value.

Then the conversation shifts to fantasy basketball and the surprising renaissance of young white American players in the NBA. What started with names like Tyler Herro and Austin Reaves has turned into a wave of impactful players across the league. Alongside star rookies like Cooper Flagg and early standout Kon Knueppel, we highlight others making noise, including:

• Chet Holmgren

• Ryan Kalkbrenner

• Reed Sheppard

• Donovan Clingan

• Payton Pritchard

• Ty Jerome

• Corey Kispert

…and more emerging talents shaping the NBA’s latest identity shift.

Whether you’re here for the hobby talk, the market analysis, or hoops breakdowns, this episode has everything: grails, flips, future stars, and the wild ride that connects them all.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Omar Khokhar, the founder of Sportsnection, one of the most intriguing new companies in the cricket card hobby.Omar opens up about how Sportsnection began, the challenges they faced with Series One, and the many lessons they’ve carried forward as they plan the next chapter. We talk honestly about criticism, growth, and what it takes to build a collectible brand from scratch.Omar also shares exclusive details about Sportsnection’s upcoming high-end release which continues his aim of celebrating subcontinent cricket legends, why this project matters on a cultural level, and how he wants to elevate cricket cards globally.Whether you’re a collector, investor, or fan of startup stories, this is one of the most candid and insightful interviews you’ll hear about the future of cricket trading cards.

In this episode of Global Card Collectors, Will and John catch up on their latest moves in the hobby—focusing on consolidation, strategic collecting, and tapping into the growing Turkish card market.Will shares his mission to sell off lower-value cards in pursuit of a major grail piece—possibly a Giannis rookie auto—while John adds a massive 1/1 Bogdan Bogdanović to his Balkan Ballers PC. Will also picks up a /99 Al Horford One & One patch auto for his Celtics collection.The duo discuss the unique dynamics of the Turkish market: lots of autos, patches, and serial-numbered cards, but very few slabs. They explore the opportunity to import affordable graded cards from the U.S. to increase supply, help collectors start PC building with graded pieces, and potentially turn a small profit.To wrap up, they touch on early NBA season storylines, the buzz around the new Topps flagship release, and their plans to watch more live hoops.

In this episode, Will sits down with one of his closest friends, Paul, someone he's known for almost 20 years- to talk hoops, card collecting, and how sports (and sports cards) help us build lasting memories with our kids.

What makes this conversation so refreshing is that Paul is deep into the NBA but hasn’t collected cards since childhood. That means his perspective is totally untainted by the modern card market — no hype, no flipping, just pure fandom.

We dive into what really makes cards valuable to a true basketball fan: connection, nostalgia, and storytelling. From the days of trading packs at school to watching games with our own kids, we explore how collecting can bring generations together and remind us why we fell in love with sports in the first place.

If you’ve ever felt burned out by the card market or just want to reconnect with the joy of collecting, this one’s for you.

Basketball cards are exploding across Asia — and Courtside Investor host Pang Ming is at the center of it all. He joins us to talk collecting, investing, and how the Asia-Pacific region is shaping the global hobby.

We also talk about how he first got into collecting, how his finance background shapes his investment strategy, the ASCC and we even debunk some long held beliefs about Asia’s sports card market.

The NBA season is upon us, and Nathanael joins the pod to discuss some recent pickups, how he's navigating the market, and what is new in the land of through the mail autographs. He and John then break down the players they are watching this year both for real and card performance as well as their top three sets of the Panini era.

In this episode, John and Will sit down with Neil @neilcollectscards a die-hard Toronto Raptors superfan on an unbelievable mission — to collect an autograph card from every single player who’s ever worn a Raptors jersey! From obscure one-season players to franchise legends, Neil’s dedication to preserving Raptors history through cards is seriously next-level.But that’s not all — Neil also gives us a look into his incredible Dražen Petrović collection, paying tribute to one of basketball’s most iconic and tragic figures, and we dive deep into his Kyle Lowry PC featuring some truly rare pieces from the Raptors GROAT himself.This was such a fun and fascinating conversation about collecting, passion, and what it means to be a true fan of the game. Whether you’re into **sports cards**, **NBA history**, or just love seeing passionate collectors chase something special, you’re going to love this one.

In this week's episode Justin sits down with his friend of over 20 years, Jason, to discuss his nostalgic approach to the hobby. Also known as "The Godfather" for getting Justin back into the hobby nearly seven years ago, Jason discusses his everything from his early collecting days, to his choice to focus on vintage football, to the experience of introducing his 11-year-old son to the hobby (who just might make a cameo to show a few cards!). The discussion not only focuses on the journey of collecting vintage football cards, but also on the importance of nostalgia and relationships in the hobby.

Paul  @NealSportsCardStories  joins the show again to deep dive a topic that he and John both find fascinating: why Balkan athletes punch so much above their weight in team ball sports, especially basketball and soccer. An episode more about the confluence of sports, history, and culture than sports cards. As always, comments and perspectives are most welcomed.

John and Will sit down to recount their whirlwind weekend as vendors at the Istanbul Card Show 2025. From the early mornings and long hours behind the table to the constant energy of collectors stopping by, they share the real grind of being on the vendor side of a major card event—where fatigue becomes part of the package. But this wasn’t just any show. Selling in Turkey brought its own unique twists, far removed from the classic playbook of card culture in the U.S. or Europe.One highlight? The absolute frenzy around Alperen Şengün cards. Fresh off the Turkish National Team’s EuroBasket success, Turkish collectors have finally gone all-in on Alpy, and John and Will found themselves right in the middle of the mania. They break down what the surge in demand means for the market, and why this feels like a potential launching point for card culture in Turkey.Beyond the sales, the guys rave about the smooth organization, the passion of local collectors, and the way the show felt like a true milestone for the community. Packed with funny vendor stories, cultural surprises, and plenty of hobby talk, this episode is a fun, insightful recap of two unforgettable days in Istanbul.

Join host Will as he chats with Amit—better known as @mr_tradecard_gamer on YouTube and Instagram—a true card enthusiast and a well known collector in the Indian card scene. Amit reveals how he fell into card collecting with a unique origin story, what is driving the rapidly emerging Indian card market, and how his time studying in Otago fueled his love for the Black Caps and Kiwi cricketers. They swap stories about their favorite cricketers and memorable moments from World Cup games, and to end the episode Amit shares a few highlights from his one-of-a-kind card collection. One particular card both Will and Amit are passionate about is the legendary 1996 Futera World Cup Warriors Sachin Tendulkar card—they both consider it a grail card for its stunning design, official Futera branding, serial numbering (it's the only serial numbered Tendulkar card in existence, and Will owns a prized PSA 10 copy of it.

In this episode Will sits down with Turkish card content creator Pokezed to talk about the upcoming 2025 Istanbul Card Show. Pokezed shares what’s in store for collectors this year—from double the number of vendors offering everything from TCG to sports cards and memorabilia, to exclusive giveaways and incredible promo cards that are set to make the show unforgettable.Beyond the event, Pokezed gives a candid look at the state of card collecting in Turkey: the unique challenges local collectors face, but also the passion and persistence that keep the hobby thriving against the odds.Whether you’re curious about the Istanbul show or want to understand the global reach of the card community, this is a can’t-miss conversation.

A few weeks ago, Will interviewed Steve Guinee about the 2025 Auckland Card Show. Now, he’s back—joined by Matt Rogers, the mastermind behind the massive TCG tournaments—to catch up on how it all went down and look ahead to what’s coming next. To begin, Matt talks about what it took to run those epic tournaments—spanning titles like Flesh and Blood, Grand Archive, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Disney Lorcana. Then Steve gives us the full breakdown—how the 2025 show more than doubled in scale, ran across two massive halls, and hosted almost 6,000 attendees and had more than $100,000 in prizes and giveaways.

Steve and Matt don’t just pause to pat themselves on the back though. They’re already unveiling ambitious plans for 2026 that are huge… unbelievable even! After the roaring success of this year’s show, you wouldn’t bet against them pulling it off.

As the curtain falls on the Panini era, Will and John sit down for a reflective farewell before they go. From sticker autos to Gold Prizm and National Treasures RPAs, the boys take a nostalgic stroll through the highs and lows of Panini’s reign from 2009 to 2025. They each reveal their Top 5 Most Iconic or Memorable Cards of the Panini era- some picks are obvious, but the pop reports and long-term impact may surprise you.But this isn't just a greatest-hits parade. Will and John also get real about the lessons learned since their return to the hobby in 2020. The Panini years brought unforgettable moments, but they also came with hype cycles, FOMO, and a few expensive mistakes. For newer collectors, it’s a must-listen warning: do your research, or you’ll be the one holding the bag.A celebration, a cautionary tale, and a personal milestone all wrapped into one episode. Whether you lived through it or are just discovering it, the Panini era was one for the books—and John and Will are here to give it the send-off it deserves.

 In this episode, we sit down with James @cardkiwi, to hear the incredible story of how a $750 card sale in 2020 launched a five-year journey of buying, selling, and grinding his way to an $80,000 boat - all without touching a cent from his day job. James shares how deep market research, disciplined goal-setting, and a love for the hobby helped him turn cardboard into real-life assets.

He then walks us through his carefully curated PC, which features legends from the UFC like Kiwi icon Israel Adesanya, Chuck Liddell, GOAT GSP, Jose Aldo and Anderson Silva. He also shares some incredible low numbered rugby league autos, plus a few standout Pokémon cards that even non-collectors will appreciate. James’ story is a masterclass in patience, passion, and study in the card world.

Tune in for practical insights and some serious inspiration from the Kiwi king of the card grind.

In this episode of Global Card Collectors, Will sits down with our old friend Justin to unpack his experience at the 2025 National Sports Card Collectors Convention in Chicago - and what an experience it was!They kick things off with Justin comparing this year’s show to last year’s, highlighting the major step up in scale, energy, and execution. With Fanatics Fest fresh in the minds of collectors, the National’s organizers clearly brought their A-game- and it showed. From massive crowds to multi-million dollar deals, the hobby today is hotter than ever.Justin shares a deep dive into his two-day adventure at the National, including:-Scoring some grail-level cards 🔥-Hanging out with friends from the vintage boxing collecting community-And finding hidden gems at incredible vintage boxing vendors 🥊But this isn’t just a recap — it’s a masterclass in how to do the National right. Justin drops valuable tips on:-Pre- and post-show strategy: eBay might be your best friend before and after the show-Time management at the event: how to avoid burnout and maximize opportunity-Chasing smart: Go after the rare stuff at the National — the common cards will still be there online (and likely cheaper)So whether you're a seasoned collector or planning to attend your first National, this conversation is packed with insights, strategy, and stories that every hobbyist will appreciate.

In this refreshingly honest episode, we sit down with industry legend Asad, better known as Pokecollection, who has been creating Pokémon content on YouTube for an incredible 16 years—amassing a loyal following of nearly 39,000 subscribers along the way.

From his humble (and admittedly cringeworthy) early videos to interviewing and befriending Veronica Taylor—the original voice of Ash Ketchum—Asad shares his journey through the ever-changing tides of content creation. He opens up about the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned in the long game of YouTube, including the harsh reality of burnout and why staying connected to your "why" is the key to longevity.

Whether you’re just starting your YouTube channel, feeling stuck in the creator grind, or you’re a seasoned veteran in the content world, this episode is packed with real talk, wisdom, and a lot of heart. Asad also reveals the Pokémon characters and cards that mean the most to him—and why his channel remains a celebration of joy, nostalgia, and authenticity.

In this explosive episode, Will sits down with Steve Guinee, the mastermind behind the Auckland Card Show, to talk all things cardboard and collectibles ahead of the 2025 show. And this year? It’s gone from huge to nuclear.

Steve reveals how the show has more than doubled in size, literally- from relocating to the mammoth Auckland Showgrounds to expanding to a two-day event packed with endless vendor tables, an avalanche of cards to buy, sell, and trade, and the first of epic TCG tournaments for Flesh and Blood, Grand Archive and more. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, there’s something for everyone.

Expect exclusive show deals (yes, Pokémon cards at retail prices while stocks last!), ridiculous giveaways from the main stage, VIP goodie bags stacked with value, jaw-dropping exhibits, and surprises around every corner. Steve also shares key tips for guests, like why getting there early is crucial for snagging the best deals before they vanish.

If you're even remotely into trading cards, you won't want to miss this preview of one of New Zealand’s premium collector event of the year.

🎴 Two days. Thousands of cards. One unforgettable show. Don’t miss it.

In this week's episode Justin sits down with a 90s basketball collector that he's known for over 35 years: his brother Nate. In the interview Nate talks about his journey back into collecting, why he chose to focus on 90s basketball, and what players he goes after. The interview also gets into the pros and cons of one of the hobby's most polarizing topics: breaks. Stick around until the end when Nate shows off his favorite cards in his collection, including an icon MJ insert!

In this episode, John and Will sit down to break down their full experience at Card Madness 2025 in Düsseldorf - the highs, the lows, and the downright confusing. After flying in from Istanbul with high hopes, they were met with a show that was… let’s just say, not quite what was promised or expected.From the disorganized entry process and overcrowded venue to the difficult to find layout and lack of clear signage, it was a struggle. But it wasn’t all bad- they also talk about a spontaneous trade night, some standout vendors, and the wild story behind pulling a Sardar Azmoun gold vinyl card.If you’ve ever wondered what happens when expectations meet reality at an international card show, this is a good one to listen to.

Our Pokémon card expert Keiran is back, and this time he’s tackling the big question on every collector’s mind: Is the Pokémon card market cooling off? After the massive boom of the last few months, Keiran explains why a market correction isn't just likely — it's expected. And if you've been in the game a while, you know this isn’t the first time.In this episode, we break down the signs that the hype is fading, what that means for your collection, and how to spot opportunities as prices balance out. Keiran shares his top picks for underrated sets that are getting slept on right now, some sets that he’s holding long term, plus a few sets that might not hold up long-term.Whether you’re into sealed product, chase cards, or just want to make smarter moves as a Pokemon collector, Keiran’s insights are rooted in experience — not hype. If you're serious about the hobby, you won't want to miss this one.

Paul  @NealSportsCardStories  recently started a YouTube channel where he shares his love of sports, cards, and how they draw out history. From his fascination with different eras of baseball, basketball, and football, he also loves soccer and talks about his connections to Bukayo Saka and Arsenal. An American collector with a reverence for global sport, this episode has a little bit of something for every kind of collector.

John and Will are back to break down all the action from their second Trade Day in Istanbul- and what a day it was! From reconnecting with young Turkish legend Ilgaz, the ten-year-old collector who’s gone from humble base cards to three one-of-ones and a stack of autos in just months (seriously, how?!), to running into a group of teen "hustlers" trying to play picker without knowing the difference between Larry Bird and Tony Allen — this one had it all. 😅The guys share the highs, the laughs, and a few head-scratchers from the event before switching gears to a deeper topic inspired by a recent episode of The Shallow End with Iowa Dave- the very real intersection of addiction and card collecting. Can a hobby cross the line? How do we keep collecting fun and healthy?

Seth (@soccercardcorner) returns to GCC to dive into the evolution of his Mohamed Salah collection—and it’s a masterclass in focus and conviction. Despite leading the Premier League in goals and assists during a magical Liverpool season, Salah continues to fly under the hobby radar. Like Nikola Jokic, he checks every box: elite production, leadership, trophies—but lacks the market hype.We explore why players like Salah, especially from non-traditional hobby markets, often don’t get the collector attention they deserve—and how that creates opportunities for savvy collectors. Seth breaks down how he's leaned into this inefficiency, strategically targeting red and gold refractors to build one of the sharpest Salah collections out there. It's a fascinating look at how understanding both market dynamics and player metrics can shape a world-class PC and in Seth's case of arguably the best footballer in the world right now.

A well-known voice in the hobby through his podcast The Hobby With Cage and Lukas, Tigers and Brons before that, Cage Lawyer  @TheHobbyWithCage  joins Global Card Collectors this week to discuss his decades-long collecting journey in cards. It's rare because it's tough to get all the details of his origin story but in this interview Cage is not bashful sharing how he got to where he is today from his Drew Bledsoe collection to baseball and the Yankees with his father to the Oakland Raiders and pee-wee football and eventually to talking Lionel Messi. There’s something for everyone – collector, investor, or anything in between – in this episode. Finally, listen out for the 'One year hold' theory which is something every card collector should consider.