Hobby Nonsense

Hobby Nonsense is your weekly dive into the weird, wonderful world of non-sport trading cards and pop culture collectibles. Hosted by Jesse Gibson and Ray Solorio, the podcast covers everything from Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars to Garbage Pail Kids, sketch cards, and vintage oddities from the junk wax era.

Each episode features news, market trends, release breakdowns, and interviews with collectors, creators, and industry insiders. Whether you're chasing Charizards, ripping retro wax, or exploring obscure inserts, Hobby Nonsense delivers insight, nostalgia, and a lot of hobby fun.

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34 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 52 min
English

Episodes 34

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June 17 · 2 hr 1 min
Is Disney Lorcana the Next Pokémon? Everything You Need to Know
Disney takes center stage this week on Hobby Nonsense. Jesse and Ray kick things off by discussing the controversy surrounding Disney Chrome breaks happening days before release, with some breakers charging double and even triple what others are asking while allegedly listing characters that don't even appear on the checklist. Is the system being manipulated, or is this simply the cost of being first? The guys then break down what is shaping up to be the biggest non-sport release of the year: 2026 Topps Chrome Disney They cover: Debut characters Major signers Case hits Top chase cards What collectors should be targeting Why Disney Chrome continues to separate itself from other entertainment products Then they're joined by Digital Inkwell for a deep dive into one of the hottest topics in collecting: Is Lorcana the answer to "What's next after Pokémon?" The conversation covers: How Lorcana got to this point Whether the current boom has historical precedent How collectors are reacting to recent set changes The most undervalued cards and sets What new collectors need to know before jumping in Whether you're a seasoned Disney collector or someone curious about Lorcana's future, this episode serves as a complete guide to where these markets stand today—and where they may be headed next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 10 · 1 hr 36 min
Pokémon Singer Drama, LEGO Theft Allegations & the First MrBeast Auto
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray bring the drama. The episode starts with the release of Topps Chrome VeeFriends and the announcement of the first-ever MrBeast autograph card. There's only one, demand is already through the roof, and one card in the set already has a $100,000 bounty attached to it. The guys then discuss the challenges of having so many major non-sport releases packed into a single month, including: Star Wars Masterwork VeeFriends Chrome Disney Chrome Marvel Chrome Next, they take a deep dive into Marvel Chrome Comics, where increased print runs may not tell the whole story. With sketch cards increasing by over 1,000%, the hobby may be overlooking some important details. Then the drama begins. The internet has erupted over accusations involving Jason Paige, the singer behind the iconic Pokémon theme song. After claims surfaced that he took advantage of young collectors in a trade, Jason responded publicly. Jesse and Ray break down the situation and explain why the story may not be as simple as it first appeared. The conversation then shifts to the ongoing Bricks & Minifigs controversy, where allegations involving a franchise owner, a dying man, missing LEGO inventory, mafia, YouTubers, and accusations of theft have spiraled into one of the strangest stories in the collectibles world. Also in this episode: Lorcana sets that may still have room to run WWE Cosmic Lunar Box update And the exact strategy Jesse uses to find deals on cards that normally seem out of reach One of the most drama-filled episodes of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 3 · 2 hr 9 min
Did Topps Hide Taylor Swift Autos? Plus 80 Billion Pokémon Cards Printed
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray tackle one of their biggest episodes yet. They kick things off with reactions to two major releases: 2025 Star Wars Masterwork, where sketch cards are proving to be a massive draw thanks to book sketches, panoramics, and triptychs WWE Cosmic Chrome, where Adam Gellman joins the show to discuss Planetary Pursuit, collector demand, and whether WWE collectors have already exhausted their budgets after a flood of recent releases The guys also break down: Upper Deck Inspirations: The World of DC The surprising new Feline Collection release A major concern with 2026 Disney Chrome, as facsimile autographs raise questions Then the conversation turns to Pokémon. Recently released data revealed that more than 80 BILLION Pokémon cards have been printed over the past two decades. Jesse and Ray discuss what that means for collectors, investors, and the future of scarcity. They also examine: New details about Pokémon's upcoming 30th Anniversary release A brand-new rarity that could become one of the toughest modern pulls yet Cards collectors should be targeting now before demand ramps up Then the guys explore the news about the PSA shutdown of Value submissions. What does it mean for grading, slab values, raw cards, and the future of the hobby? And finally... The guys explore a theory that has started gaining traction: Could Taylor Swift actually have autographs in 2026 Disney Chrome? Plus: Ray's newest grail pickup Cards to target before Pokémon Pitch Black And where they see the biggest opportunities in today's market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27 · 1 hr 18 min
The Pokémon Show That Changed How We View Non-Sport Cards
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined in studio by Matt “Funcle” Hathorn after a huge weekend at Nashville Poké Fest and one of their biggest nights ever on eBay Live. Before diving into the show recap, the guys cover several major upcoming releases, including: 2025 Star Wars Masterwork WWE Cosmic Chrome And the newly announced 2026 Topps Chrome Marvel Comics They also react to some eye-popping recent sales: A $30,000 Woody card from 2025 Topps Chrome Disney And a Disneyland 70th Anniversary Churro card /10 that sold for $560 Then the conversation shifts to Poké Fest itself. As Jesse’s first true non-sport-focused card show experience, the weekend revealed something important: The Pokémon and non-sport markets are MUCH more different than most collectors realize. While Pokémon tables were packed with traffic and activity, many attendees had little awareness of modern non-sport cards at all. At the same time, that lack of knowledge created incredible buying opportunities — including deals that saved the guys hundreds of dollars simply because few people were competing for the same cards. The episode also explores: Ray’s dealer-to-dealer flipping strategy The massive PSA grading gap between Pokémon and non-sport And why the current state of the market may suggest non-sport is still in its early stages A fascinating look at where the hobby stands today — and where opportunity may still exist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 20 · 1 hr 42 min
Are Collectors Starting to Turn Against Grading? $236K Pokémon Sale & WWE $100K Bounties
On this week’s episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray discuss the growing frustration around PSA grading delays, the increasing relevance of grading in the TCG and non-sport space, and why some collectors are now openly pushing for a complete stop to grading altogether. From there, the guys break down: The massive WWE patch bounties, including the $100,000 John Cena WrestleMania patch chase The kindness shown from a Disney card collector to a sketch artist And plans for the upcoming card show they’ll be attending, including giveaways and content ideas The conversation then shifts toward a bigger market question: Can Disney cards attract collectors the same way Pokémon does? Jesse and Ray discuss how Pokémon benefits from decades of games, shows, movies, and TCG infrastructure — and why Disney may need to build stronger collector ecosystems around its cards if it wants to reach that next level. They also cover: The newly announced 2026 Topps Chrome Disney release The record-setting $236K Bubble Mew Black Label sale And why the massive gap between Black Label and PSA 10 prices shows the market is still obsessed with true scarcity To close the show, Ray shares: His top undervalued Pokémon cards And what may be the 25 most popular Pokémon characters in the world A packed episode covering grading, scarcity, Disney strategy, and where the hobby may be headed next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13 · 1 hr 51 min
$680K Luke Skywalker Rookie?! Plus VeeFriends Brings MrBeast Autos & Pokémon’s Rarest Sets
Jesse and Ray kick things off by discussing the recent explosion in high-end 1977 Star Wars card sales, including several record-breaking prices that are bringing renewed attention to vintage non-sport cards. Then they’re joined by Tyler Schmitt and Adam Rips from VeeFriends to break down the upcoming 2026 VeeFriends Topps Chrome release. The conversation covers: New chase cards and inserts Key characters collectors should know And the addition of MrBeast rookie autographs, which could become one of the most talked-about modern creator cards yet After the interview: The guys discuss why the new Dick’s House of Sports locations may be dangerous for uninformed hobby consumers A restaurant introducing Poké Pay as a payment option using Pokémon cards The hidden value in WWE Royalty, especially when it comes to patches The 3 hardest Pokémon sets to find and why their scarcity matters And to close:The newest Lorcana release introduces Pixar characters for the first time, including a certain space ranger already commanding over $1,700 raw. A packed episode covering vintage grails, modern hype, and the increasingly strange ways collectibles are entering everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 6 · 1 hr 36 min
This Feels Like Junk Wax… But Something’s Different | Star Wars Masterwork & Pokémon Plays
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start by reacting to the news of a potential GameStop buyout offer involving eBay, and why the move raises more questions than answers — including what Ryan Cohen’s real intentions might be and how it could impact the hobby. From there, they break down 30 Years of Toy Story and then 2025 Star Wars Masterwork, including: A major increase in top-tier autograph signers A limited case run that could make this one of the most desirable Star Wars products in years The conversation then shifts to a growing concern: With Costco now selling bulk top loaders, are we seeing signs of another junk wax era? The guys discuss why it might feel that way — and the key differences that could make today’s market very different. They also dive into: The difference between TCG vs CCG, and a new CCG pushing hard into collectibility with serialized cards and celebrity autos And a look at Pokémon promo cards that could be easy flips, along with an experiment testing how social media messaging impacts buying behavior A mix of speculation, strategy, and real collector concerns about where the hobby is heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 29 · 1 hr 41 min
Employee-Only PMGs, Forgotten Sets & Inside Upper Deck w/ the President
What actually goes into making a trading card set? This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined by Upper Deck President Jason Masherah for a deep dive into the world of entertainment cards — from the collector perspective and the business side. The conversation covers: How Upper Deck is approaching the modern entertainment card market Why some non-sport products take years (sometimes over half a decade) to reach collectors The challenge of creating products that feel fresh and not just another copy of what’s already out there Along the way, things take some unexpected turns… They uncover older Upper Deck sets that even Jason didn’t realize existed, discuss the idea of employee-only PMGs, and explore the future of Michael Jordan golf cards. They also break down recent successes like Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes, and what made those products connect with collectors. It’s a rare, candid conversation with someone who clearly sees himself as a collector first and a business leader second — and offers a unique look at where the hobby could be headed next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 22 · 1 hr 46 min
Inside a Warehouse of MILLIONS of Collectibles… Hidden Gems Everywhere
On this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start with reactions to the latest releases of Disney Neon and Fantastic Four Finest — including a wild break that produced three 1-of-1 pulls… but still left them feeling like something was missing. Then the show shifts. They’re joined by Mike Wilbur of Warehouse Collectibles, who gives them access to something most collectors never see — a massive warehouse filled with millions of comics, action figures, and trading cards. Think Costco, but every pallet is packed with collectibles. Inside, they’re uncovering: Previously unknown Stan Lee signed comics Todd McFarlane signed Spawn figures And countless items ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars Mike walks through how they’re sorting, valuing, and selling these items — and how collectors can get access. After the interview: A shocking stat on how few non-sport cards have actually been graded, and why that suggests the market is still early A breakdown of the First Partner Pokémon set and why it may be one of the best values right now And a candid conversation about market turbulence and what it means for everyday collectors A mix of discovery, opportunity, and a look at just how much is still out there in the hobby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 15 · 1 hr 17 min
What Topps REALLY Revealed at the Industry Conference + Topps ONLY Marvel Cards?
There’s always something said at conferences… and then there’s what actually matters. On this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse shares his raw reactions coming out of the Topps Industry Conference, including what stood out, what surprised him, and what it revealed about the future of the entertainment card space. The guys break down key announcements and insights, including: Fanatics Four Finest, Star Wars Masterwork, and Disney Chrome New easter eggs and chase elements in upcoming products Why Star Wars Masterwork may include one of the biggest chases ever And how Disney Chrome continues to innovate rather than rely on past success They also touch on: A new Pokémon seller debuting on eBay Live and what that could mean for collectors Early buzz around Fleer Ultra Superman and its standout designs and sketches Then things get interesting… Jesse and Ray discuss a Topps Marvel card almost no one knew existed — originally distributed internally — that is now surfacing on the market at massive prices. To close the show, they share what they’ve been buying and where they’re seeing opportunity in the current market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 8 · 1 hr 29 min
Who’s to Blame for Break Prices? Sticker Autos vs Reality & Nintendo Buys??
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start with one of the most honest conversations in the hobby: why collectors still chase sticker autos and box hits—even when better, guaranteed options exist. That leads into a broader discussion about collector psychology, risk vs certainty, and why the thrill of the chase continues to drive the market. From there: Deadpool Chrome is already surging, with box prices climbing as demand spikes A heated Sports Boi’s Bugga Boos segment tackles whether breakers are making too much money—or if buyers are responsible for their own decisions WWE Chrome returns as a flagship release, but does back-to-back WWE product risk cannibalizing itself? Disney Neon enters as a lower-cost product with strong upside and under-the-radar potential The guys also revisit the 1966 Donruss Marvel set, which has been climbing rapidly since recent spotlight attention, and break down which cards are seeing the most movement. Ray shares a speculative play on a Nintendo character he’s buying heavily, as conversations grow around potential expansion into a Marvel-style cinematic universe. And to close: Which Pokémon sets are going out of print And what collectors should be targeting before prices move A packed episode blending psychology, market trends, and real collector strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 1 · 1 hr 37 min
Why Disney Cards Don’t Care About Comps (w/ Funcle Cards) Plus, McDonald’s KPop Cards, and Deadpool Chrome
Disney is winning the hobby right now — and this episode explains why. Jesse and Ray are joined in-studio by Matt Hathorn of Funcle Cards for a deep dive into how Disney 100 (2023) and Disney Chrome (2024) have separated themselves as the most dominant non-sport products in the modern era. They break down everything collectors want to know: Why comps don’t always matter for Disney cards Which parallels actually hold value Where to grade (and why it matters) The hierarchy of Disney characters and what collectors prioritize How Disney stacks up against Pokémon and other TCGs The conversation also explores a fascinating niche: Cards from the junk wax era of the 80s and 90s. While many were massively produced, surprisingly few exist in high grade — creating opportunities for collectors who know where to look. Matt even shares how he’s turning dollar-bin finds into cards worth hundreds. Also in this episode: McDonald’s K-Pop Demon Hunter adult Happy Meal cards New releases including Topps Chrome Deadpool and WWE Exalted And a friendly competition to see who pulls the biggest card Plus, Matt brings 3 Disney cards to give away to listeners. If you’ve been wondering why Disney cards keep climbing — or how to approach them as a collector or investor — this is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 25 · 1 hr 28 min
Are Pop Century Boxes Losing Value? Star Wars Surprise Hit, Jurassic Park Autos & Pokémon Buying Strategy
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off by recapping Jesse’s first singles show experience and what it revealed about the current state of the non-sport market. From there, they dive into Star Wars: Smugglers Outpost, breaking down why it may be one of the best collector-focused releases in years and what it’s doing right compared to other modern products. Next, the conversation turns to 2026 Leaf Pop Century. While the product still delivers strong celebrity appeal, a closer look at resale data raises an important question: are values trending downward even as box prices continue to rise? They also cover: The long-awaited Jurassic Park trading card set, featuring autographs from Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, and Samuel L. Jackson A new Cardsmiths mini-set tied to the hit film Hail Mary, and whether it could hold long-term value Celebrities entering the hobby through TCG, including Benji Madden investing in One Piece and Timothée Chalamet spotted at a Yu-Gi-Oh event Target expanding its card footprint, potentially creating in-store experiences that resemble local card shops The episode wraps with a debate on Ray’s Pokémon buying strategy, leaving Jesse asking the ultimate collector question: “Is the juice worth the squeeze?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 18 · 1 hr 39 min
Batman Animated Series Cards Already Sold Out?! Whatnot’s Lawsuit Response & $31K Kobe Auto Shock
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start the show by discussing the Whatnot lawsuit currently making waves across the hobby, including Whatnot’s response to the allegations and what it could mean for collectors and sellers going forward. They then follow up on last week’s Topps Disney Neon story with updates on newly revealed IP and signers. The set will feature characters from Gargoyles and Phineas and Ferb, along with exciting new autograph signers — including Owen Wilson signing as Lightning McQueen. Next, Jesse shares a tip on how collectors have been managing to secure Topps presale products early and how others might be able to take advantage of the same strategy. The guys also revisit Leaf Photographic, after a Kobe Bryant autograph unexpectedly sold for $31,000, despite earlier skepticism about the product. The second half of the show features an interview with Grant Sandground of Upper Deck, who walks through everything collectors should know about the new Batman: The Animated Series trading card set. With extremely low print numbers and many retailers already sold out, collectors are starting to feel the FOMO. To close the show: Ray highlights new celebrity interest in Pokémon cards, including Kim Kardashian entering the market And shares valuable tips on what collectors should avoid buying when hunting for Pokémon cards. A packed episode covering controversy, nostalgia, market surprises, and practical collecting advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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