Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

Episode 16: The Easter Episode

In this special episode, Joe steps away from the world of sports cards to share something deeply personal — his faith and the meaning of Easter in his life.
Joe reflects on joyful childhood Easters filled with candy, stuffed animals, and even sports cards. But as he grew older, Easter came to mean much more. He shares the story of a quiet night from his youth when he prayed with his mom and experienced a profound spiritual shift — moving from head knowledge of God to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
He explains why Easter — celebrating Jesus’ resurrection — is, in his view, even more meaningful than Christmas. It’s not just about tradition or religion, but about resurrection: forgiveness, grace, and a life changed forever.
Joe’s story offers listeners a deeper look into the heart behind his values and leadership, reminding us all that while Christians aren’t perfect, they are forgiven — and that makes all the difference.“That night I made the greatest, wisest decision I had ever made, and who I am today is all because of what I did that night.”

Episode 15: The Decision

What do LeBron James and a sports card shop in Georgia have in common? Decisions that change everything.
In this inspiring and candid episode, Joe Davis shares the untold story of how a leap of faith—taken just weeks before his college graduation and wedding—set him on a path that would shape the rest of his life. With zero retail experience, barely a budget, and more passion than sense, Joe stepped into the unknown and opened his very first card store.
Whether you're a longtime collector, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone standing at a crossroads of your own, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons, honest reflections, and encouragement for anyone chasing a dream.
💡 Real talk about risk. Candid insights on the hobby. And the truth about what it takes to make it in the card business—then and now.
Tune in, be inspired, and maybe even start thinking about your own “decision.”

Episode 14: The One That Got Away

What happens when the deal of a lifetime slips through your fingers?
In this episode, Joe opens up about one of the most pivotal — and painful — moments in his career as a sports card dealer. From a mysterious warehouse packed with vintage treasures to a negotiation that didn’t go as planned, The One That Got Away is more than just a story… it’s a turning point.
Joe reflects on the lessons learned from a missed opportunity and how that experience reshaped his entire approach to the hobby — ultimately leading to the creation of a national consignment program that’s helped collectors across the country maximize the value of their collections.
Whether you’re a seasoned dealer, a collector with cards to move, or just someone who loves a good redemption story, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a few hard truths about the business side of the hobby.
Don't miss this one — it's the story that changed everything.

Episode 13: 1980s Football Cards

In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the world of 1980s football cards. With firsthand experience of the era, Joe provides an insider’s perspective on how the market for these cards has evolved — from a time when football cards sat on shelves with little demand, to the booming market we see today.
Joe dives into the key football cards of the 1980s, giving valuable insights on the most sought-after players and rookies from each year. Whether you're an experienced collector or just getting started, this episode offers a mix of history, market analysis, and personal anecdotes that will resonate with fans and collectors alike. From legendary players like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice to rare gems that have gained incredible value over the years, there's plenty of information to keep collectors on the edge of their seats.
If you're curious about which 1980s football cards are truly worth holding onto or want to learn more about the dramatic rise in value for certain cards, this episode is a must-listen. 

Episode 12: Comped Out

In Episode 12 of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe dives into the world of card pricing and the use of "comps" (price comparisons) at trade shows, but with a twist! Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant chase of market values? This episode takes you behind the scenes of a dealer’s experience with buyers obsessed with comps and how it leads to some serious "comp burnout." Joe shares hilarious—and sometimes frustrating—stories from trade shows, where negotiations got heated, and he reveals the real key to making the hobby enjoyable again. If you're looking to break free from the grind of pricing apps and discover a new approach to your collection, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset and find the hidden gems that don’t follow the usual price trends. Plus, some throwback stories from the early days of the hobby will make you smile. 

Episode 11: BUYER BEWARE

In this episode, Joe discusses the growing issue of counterfeit and reprint cards in the sports card industry. He shares a recent experience with a 1969 Topps Mickey Mantle and a rare Michael Jordan insert from the late 90s. Joe explains how counterfeit cards are becoming more prevalent, especially with the advanced printing technology that makes it easier to create near-perfect replicas.
To help prevent others from falling victim to fraud, Joe advises listeners on how to identify counterfeits, explaining techniques like the "feel test" (rubbing the card to check its texture) and the "eye test" (visually inspecting the card, and using magnification to detect subtle differences). He highlights that the best way to ensure authenticity is to buy already-graded cards from reputable grading companies like PSA, SGC, or BGS.
Joe stresses that counterfeits are often hard to spot without professional help, and collectors should be cautious, especially when purchasing high-dollar items from untrustworthy sources. And of course, if you need help decifering, Joe and his team are happy to help. 

Episode 10: To Grade or Not to Grade

In this episode, Joe Davis delves into the complex world of sports card grading, discussing the decision-making process behind whether to grade cards for personal collections or resale. He draws from his vast experience with PSA, SGC, and BGS, reflecting on how the grading landscape has shifted since he began in the hobby.
Joe explains that while grading can add significant value and liquidity to a collection, it’s important to be selective about what gets sent in, especially as grading costs have increased. He stresses that over-grading, particularly of modern cards, can lead to financial loss, as the market for these cards often doesn’t support the grading fees. For vintage cards, however, grading remains an essential tool for authentication and resale, even in lower grades. Joe encourages collectors to think critically about grading decisions, weighing the potential resale value against the costs involved.
He offers advice to both collectors and resellers, advising collectors to grade key cards, especially if they plan to eventually sell or pass them on. For resellers, timing and grading company choice are crucial, as turnaround times and resale values vary by company. Joe also highlights the importance of inspecting cards carefully before submitting them for grading, as even small flaws can impact profitability. Ultimately, Joe recommends thoughtful decision-making and suggests working with experts to ensure that grading submissions are worthwhile.
Listeners are encouraged to enjoy their collections, be cautious with grading, and make wise, informed decisions to avoid disappointment or financial loss.

Episode 9: 1980s Baseball Cards

In this episode, Joe Davis dives into the world of 1980s baseball cards, discussing both the overproduced and valuable gems hidden in the decade’s collections. He starts by addressing the common misconception that 1980s cards are worthless, pointing out that while most of them lack significant value, some key cards have appreciated over time.
Joe walks listeners through the most valuable and sought-after cards from each year, starting with the 1980 Ricky Henderson rookie, which he sold for $8,500 in 2000, only to learn that it would now fetch $144,000 in a PSA 10 grade. 
Throughout the episode, Joe shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in the hobby and how the market has evolved. He emphasizes the importance of high-grade Hall of Fame cards, especially from the early 80s, and offers grading services through GotBaseballCards. 
Tune in for a fascinating and informative rundown of what you need to know about the 80s!

Episode 8: BUY BUY BUY

In episode 8 of Sports Cards and a Cup of Joe, Joe Davis reveals powerful strategies for savvy sports card buyers looking to score deals and maximize their investments.
Whether you're navigating eBay auctions or hunting for international treasures, Joe offers expert tips on timing, buying in bulk, and leveraging lesser-known platforms to find hidden gems. From avoiding inflated prices on newly released cards to mastering international purchases, this episode is packed with insights that could transform the way you collect. Tune in for insider secrets that could give you the edge in your next card-buying adventure.

Episode 7: Collecting Your Childhood

In episode 7 of Sports Cards and a Cup of Joe, Joe takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the world of childhood collecting. As Joe reflects on his own formative years in the 70s and 80s, he shares how his early experiences with collecting baseball cards, memorabilia, and pop culture items like Happy Days, Sesame Street, and Peanuts have shaped his passion for the hobby today.
Drawing from his own collection, Joe encourages collectors to relive their childhood memories by pursuing items they cherished in their younger years. He also talks about how the generational shift in disposable income has led many in his age group to seek out nostalgic treasures, and how the collectibles from these past decades are steadily increasing in value.
Joe discusses the thrill of finding those childhood mementos, whether they’re sports cards or pop culture collectibles, and offers insight into the joy of investing in what brings personal joy rather than just focusing on the market value.
Whether you're a young collector or someone revisiting the hobby after many years, this episode is a reminder that the real value in collecting comes from the memories it creates and the passion it fuels. Joe wraps up by encouraging listeners to cherish their own childhood memories through the items they collect, while reminding everyone that this hobby is about more than just investment—it’s about preserving the many joyful moments of your life.