Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

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.

Episode 59: Buyer Beware

When the market’s hot, so is the risk. In this eye-opening episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe dives into the must-know lessons for collectors, investors, and flippers alike, especially when everything looks like a good deal.
From hidden card damage and screw-down disasters to shockingly convincing counterfeits and deceptive auction tactics, Joe shares real-world stories from decades in the hobby that will change the way you buy (and sell) cards. Whether you’re chasing Pokémon, prospecting rookies, or holding vintage heat, this is your essential guide to not getting burned. He goes deep, goes wide, and you're gonna to want to go with him. 
If you’re serious about the hobby or just want to protect your wallet, don't miss this one.

Episode 58: Jaw Dropping Auction Results

Hold on to your top loaders, this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe is a wild ride through some of the most jaw-dropping card sales. Joe takes you inside the Summer 2025 Goldin Auction, breaking down record-smashing results that had even industry insiders guessing (and guessing wrong).
From a $793K LeBron James Prism Gold to a quarter-million-dollar Jordan Star rookie, a half-million-dollar Brady auto, and some Caitlin Clark cards fetching eye-popping numbers… this one is packed with heat. Whether you’re a die-hard vintage fan or a modern market maniac, you’ll want to hear what’s moving and what it might mean for your collection.
Joe also drops insider insight on grading, the power of rarity, and why this might be one of the best times to sell in recent hobby history. You won’t believe what a Chris Webber card just sold for...
Tune in now and see big cards. Bigger sales. Even bigger implications. 

Episode 57: Mickey Mantle VS Mickey Mouse

In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, we dive into the ultimate battle you didn't know you needed: Mickey Mantle vs. Mickey Mouse. What starts as a fun "apples vs. oranges" concept quickly turns into a powerful lesson on global recognition, card scarcity, and hidden opportunities in the hobby...
Why are vintage Mickey Mouse cards vastly more rare yet significantly cheaper than Mantle’s? What can PSA population reports reveal that most collectors overlook? And where could your next smart play in the market be hiding?
Whether you're team sports or team character, this episode will challenge how you think about value, demand, and what really makes a card worth collecting. 

Episode 56: Consignment Confusion

Thinking of selling your sports cards, memorabilia, or autographs but you're not sure where to start? It's an eye-opening episode where Joe breaks down the real truth about consignment in the sports card world. From shady auction house practices to risky 99-cent starting bids, Joe shares the pitfalls that have burned collectors and how to avoid them.
Whether you're downsizing your collection or looking to cash in on high-value cards, you'll want to hear Joe’s proven approach to protecting value, maximizing returns, and steering clear of consignment regrets.
- Behind-the-scenes consignment insights
- Real-world horror stories (and how to avoid them)
- What makes Joe’s method different, and why it works
Collectors, don’t get burned. Tune in before you consign!

Episode 55: Planning for the Future

This isn’t your typical episode, but it might be the most important one for you that Joe's recorded yet.
If you’ve spent years (or decades) building your collection of cards, coins, comics, or autographs… what happens to it if something happens to you?
In this episode, Joe shares real stories from collectors who faced that exact moment and how some were prepared... and some definitely were not. Whether you’re 25 or 75, it’s time to start thinking about the long game: estate planning for your collection. No scare tactics, no sales pitch, just straight talk about protecting the value of what you’ve spent a lifetime building.
If you want your collection to be a blessing for your family someday and not a burden, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Episode 54: By Design

It’s been a wild week at the shop! Joe’s been holding hobby history in his hands. We’re talking 1951 Bowman Willie Mays, Mantle rookies, Clementes, and more. But, that’s just the warm-up.
This episode takes you on a deep dive into baseball card design across the decades, starting with the 1950s, rolling through the '60s, and hitting the sweet spot of the '70s. Joe ranks his all-time favorite Topps designs from each era, calling out the iconic, the underrated, and the just plain ugly (sorry, 1974).
Whether you're a vintage collector, a design nerd, or just someone who loves talking cardboard, this one’s for you. Plus, find out which sets tug on Joe’s childhood heartstrings and which ones he’d rather forget.
Which year had the most beautiful cards? The worst? And where does your favorite stack up?

Episode 53: What's In Your PC?

What makes a card collection personal? In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode, Joe dives deep into his own PC (personal collection), sharing iconic stories, collector tips, and a few surprises from his decades in the hobby.
From Hank Aaron to Mickey Mouse, vintage Peanuts cards to NBA legends like Jordan and Maravich, Joe’s collecting journey is anything but typical, and that’s exactly the point. Whether you're a die-hard Braves fan, a set-building purist, or just love the thrill of the chase, this episode will rekindle your passion for the hobby.
Why you’ll want to listen:
Learn how to build (or refine) your own personal collection
Hear stories behind some legendary cards and rare non-sport gems
Get inspired by Joe’s old-school love for the hobby and maybe even rethink what you want in your PC
So… what’s in your PC? Hit play and find out why that question might just change the way you collect.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your hobby fix.