Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

Episode 69: Grading - Why & Why Not

In this week’s episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe pulls back the curtain on the do’s and don’ts of card grading. From modern hits to vintage treasures, Joe breaks down when grading actually adds value… and when it just drains your wallet.
Hear real stories from the shop, insider lessons from decades of experience, and surprising truths about why sometimes the smartest move is not to grade at all. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just getting started, this episode will change the way you look at grading forever.
Grab your coffee, grab your cards, and tune in for a masterclass on educated grading, the difference between turning a profit and throwing money away.

Episode 68: Joe’s Process For Collections

Have you inherited a collection? Bought one at a flea market or maybe filled your garage one box at a time? Whether you're a seasoned hoarder (Joe's words...meant with love!) or just picked up your first lot of cards, this episode is your blueprint for what to do next.
In this collector's masterclass, Joe shares time-tested strategies for sorting, valuing, and maximizing the potential of any sports card collection, vintage or modern. From hunting rookie cards and Hall of Famers to knowing when not to open that old wax box, Joe breaks down the dos, don’ts, and game-changing tactics he's learned over decades in the hobby.
If you're sitting on stacks of cardboard and wondering where to start, this episode is the reset button you’ve been waiting for.
Tune in now and learn how to turn your piles into profits, or at least peace of mind.

Episode 67: Show Report

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes you behind the scenes at Charlie’s Collectible Show in Metro Atlanta where SpongeBob cards stole the spotlight, childhood toys brought back big memories, and a surprise stash of unopened 1970s rack packs walked through the door.
Get Joe’s honest take on how the show went, what sold (and what didn’t), and hear the story behind a once-in-a-lifetime trade involving Hall of Fame pitcher autographs and, you guessed it, SpongeBob blasters.
Whether you're a vintage die-hard, a modern card flipper, or just love hearing the real stories from the floor, this one’s got something for every kind of collector.
Plus, stick around for a preview of what’s coming next: a deep dive into how to process a collection, what to grade, and how to make smarter decisions in today’s evolving card market.
Hit play for:
A surprising top seller you won’t believe
A rare vintage collection find (and what not to do with it)
Thoughts on grading, buying, and market trends
The power of collecting nostalgia, from Snoopy to Shogun Warriors
Subscribe now so you don’t miss next week’s “Collection Processing 101” episode!

Episode 66: Autographs - Collecting, Grading & More

Joe's back from overseas and diving headfirst into one of the most exciting (and often overlooked) corners of the hobby autograph collecting. From chasing signatures at minor league parks to mailing cards to stars, Joe shares creative ways collectors are scoring big, literally and financially.
Whether you're holding a stack of signed cards or dreaming of adding ink to your collection, this episode breaks down the who, what, and how of getting autographs authenticated, graded, and sold. Plus, insider tips on companies like PSA and Beckett, and the real value behind a signature.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with that signed card or how to tell a real auto from a fake, this one’s for you. Pull up a chair and let’s talk autos, nostalgia, and the stories behind the signatures.

Episode 65: Perspective

From the northern lights of Norway to the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, Joe is back from a breathtaking European adventure, and he’s bringing more than souvenirs. In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe unpacks how travel transformed his perspective and how a shift in mindset can do the same for your card collecting journey.
Whether you’re a die-hard vintage collector, a modern card chaser, or just starting out, Joe challenges you to step outside your collecting comfort zone. With stories from the fjords, deep reflections on personal growth, and practical advice on expanding your hobby knowledge, this episode is both inspiring and actionable.
New views. Fresh takes. And maybe even a Nutella pancake or two.
Tune in and discover how a new perspective might change the value of every card in your collection.

Episode 64: Coming Soon

It’s here - your collector’s roadmap! In this episode, Joe pulls back the curtain on the biggest upcoming sports and non-sports card releases, giving you the inside scoop before they hit shelves. From Topps’ triumphant return to basketball to Disney Chrome, UFC Knockout, and must-chase rookie cards like Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers, this is your one-stop guide to what’s hot, what’s rare, and what you’ll want to rip.
Joe also shares some exciting consignment news, hobby shop exclusives, and a few products he's personally excited to open (yes, even pros are collectors at heart). Whether you're in it to invest, collect, or just enjoy the hobby—this episode helps you plan ahead without spoiling the surprises.
Sneak peek releases. Smart budget tips. A collector-first perspective.Let’s just say… October and November are stacked.

Episode 63: NBA & NFL Cards - What’s Next?

The wait is over. After 15 years, licensed NBA Topps cards are back, and everything is about to change.
In this episode, Joe dives deep into the massive shakeup in the trading card industry as Fanatics takes the reins from Panini and reintroduces licensed Topps basketball products for the first time since Steph Curry’s rookie season. What does this mean for collectors? What happens to iconic Panini inserts like Kaboom and Color Blast? And how will this impact the value of cards from breakout rookie Cooper Flagg?
Joe also shares key insights on the future of NFL and WNBA trading cards, the ongoing Fanatics vs. Panini saga, and what collectors should watch out for in this high-stakes transition year.
Whether you're a long-time hobbyist or just jumping in, this episode sets the stage for the most important NBA card season in over a decade. Big moves. Bold predictions. Must-hear insights.

Episode 62: Man Cave Makeover

This week, Joe takes a break from the market talk and deep dives to focus on something we all need a little more of... fun.
Whether you've got a full-blown man cave, a cozy corner in your office, or just a spot at your desk, this episode is all about turning your sports card collection into a space that brings you joy. Joe shares personal stories, creative display ideas (from budget-friendly to full-on renovation), and a few laughs along the way, including how his wife’s craft room mysteriously became a second card room.
From slab walls to Mickey Mouse cards to Steve Aoki’s jaw-dropping setup, this one’s packed with inspiration to help you bring your cards out of the box and into the spotlight.
No analytics, no market trends, just a collector talking to collectors. Ready to rethink how you enjoy your collection? Press play.

Episode 61: PSA Price Increase - How To Respond

Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe just crossed 15,000 downloads! Thank you so much for listening!
In this episode, Joe dives into one of the biggest questions facing collectors right now: to grade or not to grade. With PSA’s latest price increase, longer turnaround times, and an evolving market, how do you decide which cards are worth sending in and which aren’t?
Joe shares hard-earned insights from decades of submissions (including his own mistakes), explains why even small price changes can drive grading frenzy, and lays out practical tips to help you avoid wasting money in today’s “junk slab” era. He let's you in to all that he is telling people when they walk through the doors. Whether you’re grading for your personal collection or for resale, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and maybe save you a lot of cash.
Tune in to get the inside scoop on the grading market right now before you send your next stack of cards off to PSA.

Episode 60: Trash into Cash

What if the boxes collecting dust in your back room are actually buried treasure?
In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes you behind the scenes at the shop for a deep dive into one of the most unexpectedly rewarding projects he’s tackled in a while: turning long-forgotten inventory into real sales.
From unopened 80s rack packs and obscure Panini NBA sticker lots, to Domino’s Pizza NFL promo cards and vintage autographed postcards, Joe shares the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly profitable finds he’s been uncovering, some untouched for over a decade. Whether you're a collector, casual seller, or full-time dealer, this episode will get you thinking differently about what’s sitting in your closet, storage bin, or back shelf.
If you've got “junk” boxes you’ve ignored for years, this episode just might change the way you look at them. Listen now to get inspired, get organized, and maybe even get paid.