Card Talk

Tyler Schmitt

This is Card Talk, a podcast hosted by Tyler Schmitt, focused on sports cards, trading cards, and a bit of all things collectibles! Featuring conversations with notable figures within the hobby, from prominent collectors, industry executives, hobby shop owners, and everything in between. Tune in to keep a pulse on the current state of the market and happenings across the industry. Happy collecting!

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Avg 1 hr 1 min
English

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September 23 · 1 hr 5 min
Card Talk #021 - Gareb Shamus & ArtPics plus Play of the Week is back!!!
Card Talk #021 - Gareb Shamus & ArtPics plus Play of the Week is back!!! Gareb shares his journey creating artpicsCards and his perspective on what makes a card valuable, not only as a collectible, but as a piece of art. The conversation explores how the combination of art and trading cards can create a unique collecting experience and attract collectors from different backgrounds. Plus, Play of the Week is back! We’re bringing back a segment where collectors can share their best recent plays, flips, purchases, and deals. If you have a play you want featured on a future episode, send it our way along with your thought process, purchase price, and sale price.
September 9 · 1 hr 1 min
Card Talk #020 - ENTERTAINMENT CARDS ARE BOOMING! Marvel, Star Wars & What’s Next for the Hobby with cultofwaxwest
On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Chuck from Cult of Wax West to dive deep into the rapidly growing world of entertainment cards. Chuck shares his journey from collecting coins, Pokémon, Funko Pops, and sneakers to becoming heavily involved in Marvel and Star Wars cards. The two discuss what makes entertainment cards different from sports cards, how collectors balance the hobby with the business side, and why character-driven collecting can be so powerful. They also break down the current Marvel and Star Wars card landscape, including Topps’ Marvel releases, Star Wars Chrome, first-year products, sketches, inserts, and the potential opportunity in DC cards. Plus, they discuss the impact of major entertainment releases, why Spider-Man is helping drive the broader entertainment card market, the future of Marvel, and what could be the next big area of growth in the hobby. And of course, they finish with a fun Marvel character “This or That” battle and we see the return of Play of the Week! Topics include: • The rise of entertainment cards • Marvel & Star Wars collecting • Sports cards vs. entertainment cards • Balancing collecting and business • Why first-year products matter • Marvel Chrome & Sapphire • The future of DC cards • Spider-Man and the entertainment market • What could be NEXT for the hobby? • Marvel character “This or That” • Play of the Week Thanks for listening to Card Talk! Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what you think is next for the hobby.
September 2 · 48 min
Card Talk #019 - The world of Harry Potter with potterrarebooks
Card Talk #019 - The world of Harry Potter with potterrarebooks THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER COLLECTING Harry Potter collecting is a world of its own, and in this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into it with Mike from Potter Rare Books. From the legendary first-edition UK Philosopher’s Stone to incredibly rare proof books, signed copies, print variations, condition, errors, and the differences between the UK and US markets, we break down what actually makes a Harry Potter book valuable. We also talk about the rapid growth of the Harry Potter market, why these books may have been undervalued for years, and what could drive the hobby over the next decade. What makes a book a true grail? How much can the rarest copies be worth? What should collectors look for? How much does a J.K. Rowling signature add? Is Harry Potter the next major collectibles market? If you're a sports card, Pokémon, comic book, or collectibles fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
August 26 · 38 min
#018- The Image Matters!
The Image Matters: What Makes a Card Truly Collectible? In this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Kaleb to dive into what really drives collectibility in today’s hobby. They break down why the image on a card can have a massive impact on desirability, from iconic moments and image variations to cards that simply don’t capture the player in a memorable way. The conversation also covers the latest Topps Flagship Football release, the new rookie class, Golden Mirror image variations, and what collectors should be looking for as the NFL season approaches. Tyler and Kaleb also get into their experiences vending at card shows, the power of value boxes, making money through buying and selling, what is driving the sports card market, and why in-person connections may be one of the most underrated parts of the hobby. Plus: Pokémon, Disney, digital repacks, upcoming NFL season plays, and how they would approach putting $10,000 into collectibles today. The image matters. The memories matter. And ultimately, the collectors matter.
August 19 · 47 min
Card Talk #017 - Spider-man, Batman, Einstein, Oh My!
On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmitt sits down with Max Norris of Putnam Cards for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating areas of the hobby right now: non-sports and vintage cards. Max breaks down how his collecting journey expanded from basketball into Larry David, Stranger Things, Disney, Pokémon, historical figures, artists, and much more. The conversation explores why these markets are gaining attention, how collectors can discover overlooked cards, and the importance of doing your own research when there isn't a centralized source of information. The two also discuss the difference between collecting and investing, how to stay disciplined when the hobby offers endless opportunities, and whether collectors should be looking ahead to upcoming movies, characters, and cultural moments. They dive into examples ranging from Doctor Doom and Spider-Man to Van Gogh, Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and the 1966 Batman card. One of the biggest themes of the episode is why the actual card matters. Photography, artwork, scarcity, historical significance, and utility can all play a role in creating a truly great collectible. Tyler and Max question whether the hobby can continue to thrive if everything is simply about the latest chase card, and why older cards with a story or purpose may ultimately have lasting power. Plus, Tyler talks about his recent travels, the London Card Show, the upcoming Card Talk NYC event, and the return of Play of the Week
August 14 · 45 min
Card Talk #016 - Summer Recap!!! Investing, Pop Culture & the Future of the Hobby
| Card Talk Card Show | Sept 19th | NYC On this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into the current sports card market and what makes certain cards true investment pieces. We discuss the massive rise of LeBron cards, the value of scarcity and age, and whether modern case hits like Kabooms, Downtowns, Manga, and Color Blast can stand the test of time. We also break down the explosive prices being paid for unique crossover cards, including Wemby and Steph Curry Minions, discuss collecting vs. investing, and recap the biggest takeaways from the World Cup and the continued growth of the soccer card market. Plus: market predictions, cards we'd buy today, the power of nostalgia and pop culture, and what makes the hobby so special.
May 20 · 59 min
Card Talk #015- Swish Breaks
Card Talk #015- Swish Breaks On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmitt sits down with the guys behind Swish Breaks for a deep dive into the evolution of one of the fastest-growing brands in the hobby. From the beginnings as passionate collectors to building a powerhouse breaking business with a massive community, the Swish Break Bros break down exactly what it took to scale their operation while staying authentic to the culture of cards. The conversation covers everything from the early grind of streaming breaks and building trust with collectors to navigating the modern sports card market and creating content that keeps audiences engaged daily. Tyler and the Swish Break Bros get into the realities of entrepreneurship in the hobby, including balancing risk, scaling operations, handling growth, and adapting to an ever-changing marketplace. They also discuss how live selling, social media, and community-building have completely changed the way collectors interact with cards today. A major theme throughout the episode is consistency. The Swish Break Bros explain how transparency, entertainment, and genuine passion helped them separate themselves in a crowded market. They share lessons learned from building their brand from the ground up, the challenges that came with rapid growth, and why creating an experience matters just as much as pulling massive cards. Whether you’re a collector, breaker, entrepreneur, or someone trying to grow a brand in the hobby, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to turn passion into a thriving business.
May 13 · 1 hr 4 min
Card Talk #014 - Michael Katz talks Trove
Card Talk #014 - Michael Katz talks Trove This week on Card Talk, we sit down with collector, investor, and Trove co-founder Michael Katz to talk all things soccer cards, collecting culture, and building in the hobby. From chasing massive Lamine Yamal cards to identifying the next breakout football talent, Michael shares what he looks for in players, how he approaches the market, and why timing matters more than ever in soccer collecting. We also dive into the launch of Trove, the future of collecting apps, the evolution of the global card market, and the relationships that make the hobby special. Plus, stories from card shows, London meetups, ripping wax, and plenty of soccer market talk along the way. If you’re into soccer cards, prospecting, entrepreneurship, or the future of the hobby, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
May 6 · 54 min
Card Talk #013 - Rabona Cards
Card Talk #013 - Rabona Cards In this episode, we sit down with Rabona Cards (Alex) for an international conversation diving deep into the soccer card market and the broader evolution of the hobby. From building a brand in the space to navigating trends, this episode explores what it really takes to stand out through content, consistency, and passion. We touch on the growth of global card markets, the differences between soccer and other sports, and how perspective outside the U.S. can shape smarter collecting and investing decisions. Alex shares insights on where the hobby is headed, what’s currently undervalued, and how collectors can position themselves long term. Whether you’re into flipping, collecting, or building a personal brand in the hobby, this episode brings a fresh perspective and a ton of value from someone who’s been quietly making a big impact. If you’re serious about cards, especially soccer, this is one you won’t want to miss
April 29 · 35 min
Card Talk #012 - Big Slab Daddy
Card Talk #012 - Big Slab Daddy In this episode of Card Talk, we sit down with Big Slab Daddy for a conversation that goes way beyond just buying and selling cards. We dive into his journey in the hobby, how he built his presence, and what separates him from the average collector or flipper. From the outside, it might look like just another success story—but this episode breaks down the mindset, strategy, and calculated risks that actually drive long-term success in the sports card space. We start by talking about how he got into the hobby and what initially caught his attention. Like many collectors, it began with a passion for cards, but over time that passion evolved into something much bigger. He shares how he transitioned from casual collecting into making serious plays, and what helped him develop the confidence to invest at a higher level. A big focus of this episode is the concept of “buying right.” We get into how he evaluates cards, what he looks for in deals, and how he balances risk versus reward—especially when it comes to high-end slabs. There’s a lot of insight here for anyone interested in leveling up their approach, whether you’re flipping for profit or building a personal collection. We also talk about the current state of the hobby. From market shifts to grading trends, and the role of content in today’s card world, Big Slab Daddy gives his perspective on where things are heading. One key takeaway: the hobby is still strong—but the way you operate in it matters more than ever. Another major part of the conversation is content creation. We discuss how documenting your journey can open doors, build connections, and create opportunities beyond just buying and selling. He shares what’s worked for him, what hasn’t, and advice for anyone hesitant to start posting. Throughout the episode, there’s a consistent theme of discipline, patience, and understanding the bigger picture. This isn’t about quick wins—it’s about making smart, calculated decisions over time. Whether you’re new to the hobby or deep into it, this episode offers real insight into what it takes to succeed in today’s card market
April 22 · 1 hr 14 min
Card Talk #11 - London Card Show Recap
This episode of Card Talk features host Tyler Schmitt providing updates on his recent activities and interviewing two guests, Jonathan and LP, about their roles in the evolving hobby. Host Update & Industry Insights London Card Show: The host recently attended the London Card Show with his father, noting the event's evolution from a small, Pokemon-heavy gathering to a professional, "national lite" event with significant industry sponsors. Market Observations: The hobby is increasingly global, with product distribution and major players expanding across regions like Dubai, Macau, and London. The host emphasizes that businesses must diversify and innovate to survive market shifts, noting that younger collectors and diverse product interests are vital to sustained growth. Personal Projects: The host discusses his professional work building a partnership ecosystem for VeeFriends, including upcoming 2026 Topps Chrome releases, while also preparing for his wedding. Guest: Jonathan (Co-founder of Got Sole) Expansion: Jonathan explains that Got Sole, originally a sneaker convention, is expanding into a "culture festival" incorporating five categories: sneakers, sports cards (partnering with Goldin), vintage, streetwear, and luxury. Strategic Collaboration: Jonathan highlights the importance of leading with collaboration rather than competition. He notes that the new card component was finalized quickly through direct, value-driven partnerships with established figures in the hobby. Event Schedule: New York City (June 20), Chicago (July 25), Tokyo (August), Los Angeles (September), and Miami (October) are the inaugural cities for this new format. Guest: LP (Content Creator & Student) Content Journey: LP, a senior accounting student at the University of Florida, shares his experience building a content creation brand while documenting his journey of flipping cards with limited starting capital. Strategy: He focuses on singles-based flipping, utilizing online platforms like Discord and Instagram for sourcing. He emphasizes that consistent content creation provides accountability and allows him to connect with other creators. Mindset: LP discusses overcoming the fear of public perception, stressing that building a reputation and producing consistent output are more valuable than immediate financial gain. The host concludes the episode by reaffirming his commitment to using Card Talk as a platform to share inspiring stories, foster connections, and highlight the entrepreneurial spirit defining the current state of the hobby.
April 8 · 38 min
Card Talk #010 - Topps Industry Conference
Recorded live from Topps Industry Conference, Tyler sat with three guests for the episode, including Aaron Amarant from AA Mint Cards, Grayson from Cherry Collectibles in Australia, and Kayla of Kayla Collects
March 25 · 1 hr 22 min
#009 - Card Talk Live 3/24/26
Card Talk Live: Indie Wrestling Promoters and the Franchise Model for Card Shops Join host Tyler Schmitt for an energetic episode of Card Talk Live as he dives into the intersection of modern media, storytelling, and the business of collecting. This episode features two unique perspectives on the hobby: an inside look at the life of independent wrestling promoters and a deep dive into a new franchise model for local sports card shops. Episode Highlights: Host Introduction: Tyler Schmitt broadcasts live from his Tribeca studio, catching up with the community and sharing personal updates, including his upcoming wedding and recent experiences at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles. The World Cup and Modern Media: Tyler discusses upcoming World Cup qualifiers and reflects on how major sports are increasingly adopting entertainment strategies similar to the WWE to ensure baseline engagement for broadcasters. Guest Segment: Labor of Love: Tyler is joined by Shay and Billy from Labor of Love, a Philadelphia-based independent wrestling promotion. Wrestling Promotion: The duo discusses the intricacies of running a monthly promotion, from booking talent like Timothy Thatcher to creating viral storytelling moments like a wrestling "time machine". Collecting Passions: Billy, a "day one" listener, shares a successful "Play of the Week" flip involving a Sopranos cast auto, while Shay showcases high-end, low-population Pokemon grails. Guest Segment: Replay Sports Cards: Mike Martin joins the show to discuss the growth of Replay Sports Cards and their innovative franchise model. A New Business Model: Mike explains how they are helping collectors open modernized, community-focused hobby shops by providing the necessary tools, marketing support, and standardized operating procedures. Community and Content: The Replay team emphasizes building community through initiatives like monthly trade nights and a massive card donation charity program while maintaining a constant digital presence through live-streamed breaking. Closing Thoughts: Tyler and Mike discuss the future of the hobby, emphasizing the importance of non-gatekeeping, authentic interest, and the role of physical shops as a "detox" from the digital world. For those looking for help selling or sourcing cards, connect with the show on Instagram @CardTalkPod or TikTok @sportscards. Happy collecting!
March 18 · 1 hr 6 min
#008 - Card Talk Live 3/17/26
Episode Summary: Diving into Global Hobby Trends and Community Show Growth In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of the trading card hobby, from the burgeoning scene in Scotland to the grassroots growth of local card shows in the American Midwest. We are joined by two guests who offer unique perspectives on collecting, market shifts, and the importance of fostering a local community. Cam (Cam's Cards) - Aberdeen, Scotland The Scottish Scene: Cam discusses the early stages of the sports card hobby in Scotland, noting a current dominance of TCGs like Pokémon and One Piece, with sports-focused events only recently emerging. Market Evolution: He observes a shift in the UK market where collectors are moving away from buying everything to becoming highly selective, focusing on top-tier players, low serial numbers, and graded cards. Football Prospecting: Cam shares his insights on football (soccer) prospects, highlighting Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlović and Lamine Yamal as names to watch. Collector's Choice: For Cam, the 2016-2017 Select series stands as the "goat set" for football. BJ Kroger (Gingerwisdom) - Quincy, Illinois The Gym City Card Show: BJ shares his journey of starting a local card show in the Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri tri-state area, which has grown from 27 tables to an expected 65 for its upcoming event. Community-First Approach: He emphasizes creating an accessible experience by offering free admission and giveaway packs for children to encourage the next generation of collectors. Advice for Aspiring Organizers: BJ believes that any suitable space with tables can host a successful show, encouraging others to start small in community centers or church halls. Traits of Successful Vendors: From his experience, the most effective vendors are those with strong communication skills who remain fair on pricing and generous toward young hobbyists. Beyond the Cards: Outside of show organizing, BJ is a passionate golfer and uses 3D printing technology to create custom golf grips and hobby-related items like card stands.
February 25 · 1 hr 14 min
#007 - Card Talk Live! 2/24/26
Host and Setting: The episode of Card Talk was hosted by Tyler Schmidt and recorded shortly after a blizzard in New York City. Guest: Gregory Cumins of Who Knew? Discussion covered non-sport collectibles, Gregory Cumins' upcoming published book, and the non-sport ecosystem. He also brought items for a "show and tell" segment, including a Black Goliath Marvel superhero comic, a Monopoly silver coin, and a non-sports card called "Alternative Investments" from Keepsake Editions. Gregory is interested in the "why" behind non-sports collectibles, not just the value, and hopes his book will help bring the fragmented non-sports collecting community together. Guest: Paulo (special one cards) Known as "special one cards," Paulo is considered one of the more knowledgeable individuals on proper football ("footy"), covering the game, current events, prospects, and the collecting side. The discussion included deep footy talk in anticipation of the World Cup. Topics covered included the English Premier League title race, players like Yacaré and Matías Fernandez, the upcoming Prism World Cup product, and the collecting of footy cards. Paulo suggested that collectors should keep an eye on Yacaré's cards, particularly the Select product and the rare "peacocks" parallels. Hobby Updates from Tyler Schmitt: The Winter Olympics were "pretty lit," highlighting new superstars Alyssa Liu and Jack Hughes. Alyssa Liu's rookie cards include 2022 Skybox Battle Universe Champions (with parallels, numbered cards, and autos) and 2022 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions (autos); 2026 Topps Chrome US Winter Olympics is also coming soon. VeeFriends Spectacular Series Super Stickers were launched and are carried in up to almost 200 hobby shops around the country. A VeeFriends launch party is scheduled for Monday, March 9th, in London. National Trading Card Day highlighted how much fun people are having in the hobby. Topps Rip Night was on Saturday and was well-executed, benefiting a lot of shops. Tyler Schmitt attended Comics Pro on Thursday and Friday.
February 18 · 1 hr 24 min
#006 - Card Talk Live! 2/17/26
Topics Covered The episode covered various topics, including: Pop culture cards The Super Bowl Ryan’s appearance on Whatnot Reality TV Tyler mentioned that he had recently been up in Stratton, Vermont, on the slopes. Lou joined first, then Ryan and Lou, followed by Max Norris. Ryan and Lou were scheduled to join about 10 minutes after the hour. Max Norris, also known as Putnam Cards, was set to join after Ryan and Lou wrapped up. Max Norris is described as a "real Michigan man" and someone the host was looking forward to speaking with. Lou's dog's name is Asher. New podcast episodes are expected every Wednesday morning on all audio and video platforms. The host announced a March Madness pool would be coming. A "big release day" was scheduled for the day of the video's recording (February 17, 2026), for the "VeeFriends Spectacular Series Super Stickers". The biggest product launch the host had ever worked on, the VeeFriends Spectacular Super Sticker launch, was going live the day after the video's recording. This product is expected to be in 200–250 retail stores across the country, as well as internationally in places like the UK, Dubai, and Australia. A launch event for the VeeFriends Spectacular Series Super Stickers was scheduled for Wednesday night at 6 p.m. in New York City at David Adams (6 to 9 p.m.). The host (Tyler Schmitt) mentioned he brokered Logan Paul's first-ever Pokemon card purchase on August 25, 2020. He is trying to have Logan Paul on the show soon to talk about his new Rip It business. The host offered his services to help people sell cards, noting that he has been seeing success with this, using "Card Talk stories" and other means to help move product. Logan Paul's Pokemon Card: Logan Paul's interest in Pokemon was discussed, including the purchase of a card by AJ Scaramucci, who was in the mix for the purchase. The card's value includes "social capital" and marketing opportunities. Ryan's Whatnot Appearance: Ryan was praised for being the "face in many ways of sports cards on that stream" during a Mr. Beast Whatnot show. He was on a stream with 580,000 people when he walked out. Live Shopping: Live shopping was discussed as a continuing trend, including Mr. Beast's Whatnot show, TikTok Live, and the potential for Instagram and X to integrate live shopping. The host also mentioned that Gary did a segment on CBS Mornings with Nate Burleson about live shopping and AI. X (formerly Twitter): There were "rumblings" about X having crypto and stock trades built into the platform, rolling out over the next few weeks. Tops Chrome Olympics: Ryan commented on the Tops Chrome Olympics product, calling it "not super" hot but a lot of fun because it features many different sports. Autos and patches are included in the boxes. Baseball Season: Lou confirmed that it is "firmly baseball season," with pitchers and catchers having reported and the World Baseball Classic starting soon. MLB Players Union: The resignation of the head of the MLB Players Association due to a federal investigation and an affair was discussed. It is believed that a strike after the current season is nearly guaranteed. March Madness: The host expressed excitement about the upcoming March Madness, predicting a "real big comeback" due to the high quality of NBA prospects in college basketball this year.
February 11 · 1 hr 21 min
#005 - Card Talk Live 2/10/26
FYI - THIS PODCAST IS RECORDED LIVE ON TUESDAY EVENING'S @ 7pm ET!! Tune in :) On this episode, we are joined by 4 different guests from all walks of the hobby. 0:00 - Intro & Monologue 12:20 - Tommy Fallos, The Card Carver. Discussing all things collectible custom card art market. 30:45 - Coby Bull, Edition One. Discussing what Coby is building with Edition One, and the latest on the collecting hobby in the UK/London 49:38 - Danny Tamarkin, Breaking Co. Discussing the life of a young kid running a busy breaking business. 1:05:00 - Ric Ellis, Castro Collects. Discussing Topps Chrome Premier League product and all thats happening during launch week. Thanks for tuning in always! Reach out to @cardtalkpod on IG with any questions. We are here to help you sell your cards!
February 4 · 1 hr 15 min
#004 - Card Talk Live! 2/3/26
On this week's episode of Card Talk Live!, Tyler is joined by two guests, Adam Lister & John Stibich (Pokeradar). Tyler touches on the importance of time as a factor, when contemplating pieces to collect or invest in. He also discusses his thoughts on content being a frame of reference, and why it is more important than ever for driving awareness. Notes below on guests Adam Lister - Recently launched the Card Archive Project - @adam.art.studio on Instagram - adamstudioart.com to commission a piece of work - NY based artist John Stibich - long term Pokemon & Dragon Ball Z collector - discussed topics such as true pokemon grails, the origin story of his Pokemon golf clubs, and goes into the history & lore of hand painted animated cels
January 15 · 1 hr 52 min
#003 - Card Talk Live 1/13/26
Card Talk Live! is back, featuring a multitude of interviews & hobby talk. Kicking off with Ryan and Lou rejoining Tyler to share What's on Your Mind. Followed by appearances from -Eddie Wittner at C3 Grading -Evan Parker from Mantle, -Ric Ellis from Castro Collects - Will Tingle talking Panini Blockchain - Adam Ripps breaking down the latest in product development at V Friends.
#2
Dec 3, 2025 · 10 min
#002 - Updates & Musings on the Market
Episode Description In this episode, Tyler gives general updates on Card Talk, shares some loose thoughts on the current state of the market, and recaps his recent trip to Dubai — including what he learned about the collecting scene, distribution conversations, and why the Middle East might become an interesting region for hobby growth. He also teases Fictional Friday, a new weekly live show kicking off this Friday at 1pm Eastern on Whatnot. Easy, conversational, and packed with small hobby insights. Shoutouts in this episode include: Speedy Comics Vibes Collectibles Trading Cards Middle East Legends of the Game

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