Card Adventures

Curtis Forbes

Welcome to The Card Adventures Podcast—an exciting show all about sports cards and the adventures we go on to acquire the pieces that mean the most to us. Every twist, every turn, and every chase in this hobby brings a lesson, a memory, or a story waiting to be told. My name is Curtis, and I'll be your guide on today's adventure. Let's go!

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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 29 min
English

Episodes 20

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#45
Tuesday · 19 min
When Sports Cards No Longer Feel Like a Hobby (And What You Can Do About It)
When sports cards cost so much money, can collecting still feel like a hobby—or does it inevitably become an investment? Opening boxes is expensive. Buying singles of hot players is expensive. Many collectors have thousands of dollars tied up in their collections, making it difficult to ignore card values, market trends, and whether prices are going up or down. In this episode, I discuss why sports card collecting can stop feeling like a hobby when so much money is involved. But more importantly, I also share four practical tips to help collectors focus less on the money and values and more on the cards themselves, so we can keep collecting sports cards fun!
#44
September 1 · 29 min
Who Can You Trust in The Hobby?
Who can you trust in the sports card hobby? Bad deals, stolen packages, dishonest buyers and sellers, and even concerns about transparency within grading companies have caused many collectors to develop serious trust issues. In this episode, I share real-life stories about sports card deals that went wrong with people I couldn’t trust—and also some positive experiences with people I could. In a hobby built on buying, selling, trading, and shipping valuable sports cards, building a reliable circle of trust is more important than ever!
#43
August 25 · 46 min
Frustrations and Concerns in the Sports Card Hobby (With Tyler aka T-Pott)
Is the sports card hobby really in trouble, or are the things that frustrate collectors simply getting more attention? This week, I’m joined by Ty, a.k.a. T-Pott, to talk about some of the biggest concerns we’re hearing from longtime sports card collectors, whether these issues are actually new, and why the biggest concerns may not represent the hobby as a whole. We look at the sports card hobby as a “pie chart” and discuss why there are still plenty of collectors quietly building collections, enjoying their cards, and having fun in the hobby!
#42
August 18 · 46 min
Is the Sports Card Hobby Actually "Booming"? With Jon @Basketballcardguy
The sports card hobby seems to be booming—but is it really? In this episode, I’m joined by Jon (@Basketballcardguy) to break down the recent surge in sports card sales, shows, buying and selling activity, and overall hobby momentum. We ask whether this growth represents more collectors actively enjoying the hobby—or whether much of what we’re seeing is actually transactional activity driven by buying, selling, flipping, grading, and investing. Is the sports card hobby truly growing, or is there something else going on?
#41
August 11 · 22 min
Every Collector Should Be Asking THESE Questions Right Now
In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, I’m doing a Hobby Health Check-Up by asking collectors five important questions about how they are collecting right now. With the sports card market booming, rising prices, FOMO, and constant pressure to chase the next card, it’s easy to lose sight of why we started collecting in the first place. These five questions are designed to help sports card collectors stay focused, spend intentionally, and make sure the hobby is still something we genuinely enjoy. Whether you collect sports cards for fun, investment, or a little of both, maybe it’s time for your own hobby health check-up.
#40
August 4 · 22 min
How to Overcome FOMO and Enjoy Collecting Again
How do you overcome FOMO in sports card collecting? In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, I share my recent struggles with FOMO—from missing the National Sports Collectors Convention, to selling my Kobe Bryant collection too early. We'll discuss how fear of missing out affects sports card collectors and how to enjoy collecting again by focusing on better decisions instead of constant comparison. If you've ever regretted buying, selling, or passing on a sports card, this episode is for you.
#39
July 28 · 26 min
The Risk and Reward of Prospecting
How do you balance the risk and reward of prospecting? In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest decisions in the sports card hobby: investing in prospects. From massive upside to the reality that many prospects never reach expectations, we discuss the rewards, the risks, and how to approach prospecting with a level-headed mindset. Whether you collect for fun, invest for the long term, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you think more intentionally about investing in prospects. Topics covered: - The biggest risks of prospecting - The biggest rewards of prospecting - Managing expectations - Prospecting strategies - Bonus tips BEFORE you start investing in prospects
#38
July 21 · 28 min
It's Getting Really Hard to "Hobby"
Is the sports card market in a bubble? Maybe. But I think we’re asking the wrong question. In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, I share why I’m less concerned about predicting the next market crash and more focused on protecting something far more important—our enjoyment of the hobby. We’ll discuss how to protect your hobby health during a bull market, stay levelheaded when prices are soaring, avoid losing perspective, and remember why you started collecting sports cards in the first place. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or somewhere in between, this episode is about building a mindset in the hobby that can last through any market cycle. Topics covered: - Is the sports card market in a bubble? - Protecting your hobby health - Staying levelheaded during a bull market - Avoiding FOMO and emotional decisions - Remembering why you started collecting
#37
July 14 · 24 min
Why I Sold (Almost) Everything
After almost a decade of building one of my favorite sports card collections, I made the tough decision to sell (almost) everything. In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, I share why I decided to sell my Kobe collection, how I approached the selling process, what I learned along the way, and how I honestly feel now that it’s done. I also talk about what’s next—both as a collector and beyond the hobby. Whether you’re thinking about selling your sports cards, consolidating your collection, or simply wondering when it’s time to move on, I hope my experience gives you a fresh perspective. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I sell my sports card collection?” this episode is for you.
#36
July 7 · 41 min
Fresh Perspectives from a Seasoned Collector with Jason @ contrarian_cards
Are you looking for new ways to enjoy your sports card collection? In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, I sit down with seasoned collector Jason to discuss fresh perspectives on collecting, staying engaged in the hobby, and finding creative ways to appreciate the cards you already own. Whether you’re feeling burned out, looking for a new collecting challenge, or simply want to hear how another experienced collector approaches the hobby, this conversation is packed with ideas that can help you see your collection in a whole new way. Topics include: • Creative ways to enjoy your sports card collection • Exploring new collecting goals and challenges • Finding enjoyment beyond card values and market trends • Fresh perspectives from an experienced collector
#35
June 30 · 22 min
More Cards, Less Money: Collecting on a Budget
Do you need a huge budget to build an amazing sports card collection? In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, we discuss practical strategies for collecting sports cards without overspending. We cover topics such as buying cards of non-GOAT players, the value in raw cards and lower grades, exploring products beyond Prizm, and finding ways to stretch your collecting budget while still enjoying the hobby. Whether you’re new to sports card collecting or a seasoned collector looking to maximize value, this episode is packed with tips to help you collect more cards for less money.
#34
June 23 · 23 min
Making "Bad" Sports Card Investments (Without Regret)
In this episode of the Card Adventures Podcast, we discuss some of the biggest sports card investing mistakes collectors make and why those “bad” investments aren’t always as bad as they seem. From grading cards that never increase in value to holding players who never reach superstar status, we explore the lessons learned along the way and the importance of enjoying the hobby regardless of financial outcomes. We discuss: • Grading the wrong sports cards • Investing in the wrong players • Missing the best time to sell • Sports card market timing • Why enjoyment matters more than profit • Building a collection without regret Whether you’re a sports card investor, collector, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a different perspective on what success in the hobby really means. #SportsCards #SportsCardInvesting #CardCollecting #SportsCardPodcast #TradingCards #SportsCardMarket #CardCollector #SportsCardTips #CardAdventuresPodcast
#33
June 16 · 42 min
Collecting and investing in Kobe Bryant Cards with Max @Hoopscollectors
In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, Curtis and Max take a deep dive into the world of Kobe Bryant cards and discuss why The Black Mamba remains one of the most collectible athletes in the hobby. We explore what makes Kobe Bryant cards so desirable, whether investors are still targeting his market, and if current prices are sustainable or showing signs of a bubble. We also debate where Kobe ranks among the greatest NBA players of all time and highlight some of the most iconic Kobe Bryant cards ever produced. Along the way, we share a few underrated Kobe cards that may be flying under the radar, discuss some personal favorite Kobe cards, and reflect on our favorite memories of one of basketball’s most influential players. Whether you’re a longtime Kobe collector, a sports card investor, or just getting started in the hobby, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and collecting perspectives you won’t want to miss. #KobeBryant #KobeBryantCards #SportsCards #CardCollecting #SportsCardInvesting #BasketballCards #TheCardAdventuresPodcast
#32
June 9 · 25 min
Deciding Which Cards to Sell - The Collector's Delima
Having a hard time deciding which Sports Cards to sell now? In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we dive into one of the hardest parts of the hobby — deciding which sports cards to sell from your personal collection. From emotional attachment and collection goals to long-term investing, we explore the different exercises collectors can use to figure out what stays and what goes when it's time to sell your Sports Cards. Whether you’re trying to consolidate your collection, raise cash for bigger cards or simply refocus your PC, this episode is packed with thoughtful discussion and strategies for sports card collectors and investors alike. Topics include: • How to identify cards to sell • Selling core PC cards (It's not easy) • Emotional attachment vs market value • Utilizing technology and data to make decisions Selling Sports Cards from your personal collection is never easy. But this episode will help you get through the process, without regret.
#31
June 2 · 27 min
Sports Cards Are On Fire - Don't Get Burned!
The sports card market is absolutely on fire right now… but that doesn’t mean every move is a good one. In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we talk about the current state of the sports card hobby, the rapid rise in prices, the hype surrounding modern cards, and why collectors and investors need to be careful not to get burned in this market. Topics include: • Why the sports card market feels “hot” right now • The dangers of FOMO and hype buying • Overpaying during market peaks • Lessons from previous sports card market booms • How to avoid getting burned Whether you’re a longtime collector, sports card investor, or someone getting back into the hobby, this episode is all about navigating a fast-moving market without making costly mistakes.
#29
May 19 · 26 min
A Different Way To Think About Investing In Sports Cards
In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we’re talking about a different way to think about investing in sports cards. Instead of chasing quick flips and short-term hype, what if sports cards were viewed more like a long-term savings account or future asset? We discuss long-term collecting strategies, buying cards you actually believe in, avoiding hype cycles, and why patience may be one of the most underrated skills in the hobby today. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or somewhere in between, this episode explores a smarter and more sustainable approach to sports card investing.
#28
May 12 · 32 min
Is Grading Sports Cards Even Relevant Anymore?
Is it still worth Grading Sports Cards in 2026? Or is the hobby changing right in front of us? In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we discuss the current state of grading sports cards and ask a question many collectors are starting to debate: Is grading even relevant anymore? From long turnaround times to excessive grading fees, resale value, and collector fatigue, we break down what’s happening in the sports card hobby in 2026 and whether grading still truly matters for collectors and investors. Topics covered in this episode include: • PSA vs BGS vs CGC in 2026 • Is grading sports cards still worth it? • Why so many collectors are questioning grading • Raw vs graded sports cards • When grading cards actually makes sense If you are curious about the overall state of grading sports cards in 2026, this episode if for you!
#27
May 5 · 27 min
How to Consolidate Your Sports Card Collection (Without Regret)
Are you thinking about consolidating your sports card collection but worried about making the wrong moves? In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we break down exactly how to consolidate your card collection without regret—whether you’re trying to upgrade into bigger cards, clean up your PC, or just cash out on some cards. You’ll learn: - When to consolidate your sports cards - How to decide what cards to sell vs. keep - How to consolidate your collection without regret Whether you're reorganizing or you’re chasing higher-end cards, this episode will help you make confident, strategic decisions in today’s sports card market.
#26
April 28 · 24 min
The Sports Card Roller Coaster: You Never Know What's Next
The hobby "Roller Coaster" isn’t just about sports card values… it’s about the adventurous ride! In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we explore the sports card roller coaster—the unexpected twists, emotional highs, and unforgettable moments that come with being a collector. Whether it's selling sports cards you were planning on keeping or stumbling across a card that has eluded you for a long time, in this hobby, you just have to expect the unexpected!
#25
April 21 · 31 min
2025 Topps Chrome Football: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
In this episode of The Card Adventures Podcast, we break down 2025 Topps Chrome Football—covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. From standout cards and strong design elements to checklist concerns, overhyped parallels, and what collectors aren’t loving, this is a full honest review of one of the most talked-about football releases of the year. Whether you’re ripping boxes, buying singles, or deciding to stay on the sidelines, this episode will help you understand what’s worth chasing—and what to avoid. Wondering if you buy, sell, or hold? Let's find out!

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