This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse (fighting through a stomach bug) and Ray tackle an off-the-wall episode — packed with industry news, market analysis, and a conversation that collectors won’t forget.
They start with the shocking report that Funko Pop predicts it will be out of business by the end of next year, breaking down what led to the fall, how it affects collectors, and why it might actually be good news for long-term Funko fans.
Next, they reveal new details on Topps Star Wars Galaxy 2025, including one of the strongest autograph checklists in years, and how fans may be able to get full-size posters of their favorite cards.
Then, Jesse and Ray welcome Jeremy Allen, Assistant Director of Pop Culture at Heritage Auctions, who shares an inside look at the explosive rise of non-sport cards — from record-breaking sales of Bart Simpson sketches to Luke Skywalker grails and Batman rookies. Jeremy shares what Pop Culture collectible categories have been performing the best and what his thoughts are for 2026.
After the interview, the guys discuss the latest Pokémon leaks and close with a thought-provoking conversation about gambling in the hobby — from GameStop’s Power Packs to controversial break styles and how they blur the line between collecting and chance.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off by addressing the recent big-pull streak in breaks and the social media chatter accusing Jesse of getting “loaded cases.” They dig into why some people hate seeing big hits and why others think rare cards “should be worthless.”
From there, we cover:
🔥 GameStop reverses course after hobby backlash 🛒 Black Friday Pokémon deals at Target, Walmart, Dollar General & more ✨ Luke Skywalker record sale sparks price bump in lower grades
Then we welcome legendary sketch artist Kevin Graham, whose 20+-year career includes major projects from:
Star Wars
Indiana Jones
Lord of the Rings
SpongeBob
Disney
Game of Thrones …and more!
Kevin talks about: 🎨 Creating sketches that later sold for $5,000 🗂️ His favorite projects and upcoming releases 💡 Budget-friendly collecting using Chinese non-sport options
After the interview, Jesse & Ray debate the big question:
👉 Are we at the peak of the sketch boom — or are sketch cards becoming the new fine art of trading cards?
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray break down a massive week across the non-sport hobby world.
They kick off with an update on Leaf’s $200K celebrity Polaroid purchase, revealing the new Leaf Photographic product — and why the rollout may leave some collectors wanting more. Then, they turn to VeeFriends’ Super Stickers Spectacular Series, a slick new release that looks incredible but raises a few concerns once you dig into the details.
Next up, they dive into the Topps Disney Sapphire and Disney Mint releases, both hitting the market this week. With four major Disney sets released in under two months, Jesse and Ray debate whether we’re seeing the rise of a Disney collecting boom or the first signs of buyer fatigue.
They also preview the upcoming Batman: The Animated Series release from Upper Deck — a nostalgia-packed set sure to excite 90s collectors. Finally, the guys dig into listener’s Mailbag questions including:
Whether collectibles could become a safe haven investment if the AI tech bubble bursts
And if it’s time to stop supporting GameStop after its Pokémon price hikes and focus on local card shops instead
From $200K Polaroids to Disney dominance and AI market strategy, this episode is packed with big news and even bigger questions.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse welcomes Ray back from his trip and the duo dives into one of the busiest hobby weeks in recent memory!
They kick things off with the Topps Chrome Labubu release, which may be even more limited than expected — and has already doubled in price on the secondary market. From there, they share their experiences at The Nashional Card Show in Nashville, where Ray managed to make some quick flips and extra cash on the floor.
Next, the guys discuss one of the biggest headlines of the week — a $10,000 sketch card sale that’s sparked a debate among artists about fair compensation and how rising demand is reshaping the sketch market.
Then, they dig into Disney news, covering Disney Chrome Sapphire and Disney Mint, two premium releases following right on the heels of Disney Wonder and Chrome. With four major Disney products in less than two months, could collectors be hitting a buyer fatigue wall?
Finally, Ray responds to Clever Cuban Cards’ comments from the last episode about a Pokémon “bubble” — and explains why he believes we’re in a healthy market correction, not a collapse.
From Labubu hype to sketch card controversy and Disney oversaturation, this episode has it all.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse is joined by Alex of Clever Cuban Cards while Ray’s out of town, and the two dive deep into a packed week of hobby news and insights!
They start by uncovering hidden gems in recent card releases — and Alex shares a possible reason why some of the best content isn’t being marketed as much as it should be. Then, the guys discuss the new Topps Disney Wonder product, comparing it to the ongoing success of Disney Chrome. While it may seem like another Disney drop, they explain why this one targets a different collector base with its Princess focus and lower entry cost.
Next up, they tackle the SpongeBob card explosion, with over 25 cards already selling for $3,000+ each in the first week! They debate whether SpongeBob could have serious long-term staying power — as long as Topps manages the print run wisely.
Finally, Jesse and Alex break down an incredible $200,000 auction of candid, autographed celebrity Polaroids — featuring actors, musicians, athletes, and politicians — and speculate on what the card manufacturer that bought them might be planning to do with them.
From Disney Princesses to SpongeBob profits and a $200K Hollywood mystery, this episode is packed with non-sport gold.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray cover a packed slate of hobby news and exclusives.
They kick things off with their recent WWE card break experiences, followed by excitement over the massive sale of a unique Walt Disney card that has collectors talking. They also react to leaked Pokémon product sets for the upcoming year, speculating on what’s coming and how it could impact the market.
Then they discuss the new Topps Dune Chrome product, dropping this Friday. Last year’s release skyrocketed to $5,000 a box, and they break down how this year’s edition stacks up — from design and autos to collector hype.
Then, they’re joined by Upper Deck VP Grant Sandground to talk about the brand-new Skybox Metal Universe Batman set. Grant reveals details about Precious Metal Gems, glow-in-the-dark cards, and some truly unique printing technologies that make this one of the most creative products Upper Deck has ever released.
The episode wraps with a look at non-sport market trends, especially around SpongeBob and Disney cards, and what the future might hold for collectors and investors.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray cover a whirlwind of hobby news and trends:
📉 The rise and fall of MTG: Spider-Man pricing — and why gameplay might be playing a bigger role than expected.
🧍♂️🧍♀️ Disney Chrome’s massive success, including surprise celebrity autos that stunned collectors.
🚨 The fake graded card problem continues, and the guys discuss why it keeps happening and what potential solutions could help clean up the space.
🃏 Pokémon Mega Evolutions is heating up — but are some of the price spikes the result of market manipulation?
💪 A quick look at WWE Finest and the latest SpongeBob product drops rounding out an action-packed release calendar.
From surprise autos to Spider-Man’s price crash, this episode hits every corner of the non-sport card world.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse (yes, in a Buzz Lightyear suit) and Ray are joined by Aaron Abrams of Topps to deliver two massive exclusive hobby scoops you won’t hear anywhere else!
First, Aaron reveals embargoed news of an upcoming MLB x Disney collaboration, a groundbreaking partnership that could reshape how licensed entertainment and sports cards are made and collected. Later, Aaron shares another bombshell: the first Topps product in the modern era that will require age-grading. This could mark a major shift in how collectors view grading standards and invest in future releases.
The episode doesn’t stop there:
The growing hype around Disney Chrome and why it’s one of the most anticipated products of the year
Nostalgic excitement for new SpongeBob releases and what they mean for collectors
Listener questions that highlight the rising demand in the non-sport card market
How licensing challenges affect which characters make it into sets
Why there’s a growing push for more original art sets in Marvel and Disney
The ongoing demand for updates on autographs from iconic characters
With Aaron Abrams breaking two massive exclusives plus a deep dive into the evolving non-sport market, this episode might be the most important Hobby Nonsense yet.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray tackle a wave of major new releases! First up: two surprise Topps products—Disney Wonder and Dune Chrome—each loaded with unexpected inclusions that collectors are already buzzing about.
Next, it’s on to the Pokémon Mega Evolutions release and the most collectible cards from the set. That leads into a bigger debate: what’s the smarter long-term investment—Pokémon or baseball cards?
Along the way, Jesse and Ray break down the wild rise of a Pikachu card now worth more than all but three Michael Jordan cards. Could market manipulation be behind the surge? And if so, will collectors even care?
From Disney to Dune, Pikachu to PSA, this episode has something for every non-sport collector.
In this week’s episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dig into some of the biggest conversations shaking up the non-sport card hobby:
The marketing problem in non-sports cards and why it lags behind sports cards in engagement.
The upcoming Pokémon Ultra Premium Collection boxes dropping in November, and why collectors are buzzing about these two massive releases.
Scams in the hobby — how vendors are dealing with fake cards, plus reactions to viral social videos exposing the issue.
PSA former employee exposes what we all need to STOP doing. Plus, why newer PSA slabs are starting to sell for higher values.
The scalper debate: some events are finding ways to stop them, but it raises the question — are scalpers really that bad for the hobby?
Finally, the announcement of the Topps SpongeBob Anniversary set, which could be one of the most fun and collectible non-sport products of the year.
From scams to SpongeBob, this episode has it all — tune in for real talk on the news, controversies, and products shaping the non-sport world.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined by Jonathan Miller of Music City Games, who went from a professional Halo player to a full-time Pokémon dealer in just one year! Jonathan reveals how he flipped a $200 investment into a career, grew a viral social media presence, and built a business out of card shows. He shares the strategies that worked, the pitfalls to avoid, and how YOU can follow in his footsteps.
Then, the guys break down one of the most anticipated card products of the year: Topps Chrome Disney 2025. With the inclusion of real actor autographs for the first time, this set is shaping up to be both the most popular AND most expensive Disney release ever.
🎴 Pokémon flipping tips, 🔥 Disney Chrome hype, and the stories that fuel the hobby — don’t miss this episode!
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into a pop culture collectible they’ve never given enough spotlight—COMIC BOOKS! Guest Rod Grimes, a longtime comic collector and flipper, joins to share everything you need to know about the comic book world:
What’s hot in comics right now
How modern issues gain value
Tools to help collectors track down key books
His pick for the next big series to watch
But that’s not all. Rod sticks around to help break down the brand-new Topps Chrome WWE x Cactus Jack release—a product that’s already being called one of the most popular wrestling sets of the year. With his background as a former minor league pro wrestler, Rod brings unique insight into why wrestling cards connect so strongly with fans, the carnival roots of the sport, and why it remains so captivating today.
The episode closes with the Spider-Man comic giveaway winner announcement and a quick look at a surprising dark horse non-sport product release that collectors are already calling above average.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray break down the new Star Wars Topps Chrome release, covering fresh autos, inserts, and why prices are already rising. Then they dive into Pokémon Worlds 2025, from exclusive product scalping to new TCG rarities. Next, it’s PSA vs GameStop buybacks—who’s paying more, and what collectors need to know. Finally, a BIG Mailbag segment covers the best Pokémon sets to invest in, the non-sport autographs with the best eye appeal, and much more.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off with a hands-on review of the new VeeFriends Super Sticker product. They share why they like the cards, while also addressing why some retail customers aren’t happy—especially those whose preorders arrived after shops and breakers had already started ripping.
Next, they welcome Eric Wagenmaker of Reclaim Customs, who creates custom trading cards for athletes, celebrities, and even kids in little league. Eric shares how he got started, what’s driving the popularity of custom cards, and reveals some of the strangest requests he’s ever received—including one jaw-dropping order.
After the interview, the conversation turns to Japan, where a McDonald’s Pokémon pack promotion has collectors and flippers traveling hours and swarming stores to grab packs. The guys compare it to previous McDonald’s promotions and the downsides being seen.
Then it’s Marvel time with the release of Topps Marvel Mint—featuring a high-end Gambit insert and a nod to one of the Marvel Universe’s most infamous villains—and Marvel Sapphire, which could be the most expensive non-sport product of the year. But does the resale price actually justify it?
Fresh off his trip to The National, Jesse sits down with Ray to share his experience hunting for non-sport cards at the largest card show in the world. Despite the continued rise of Pokémon and Topps Entertainment products, Jesse breaks down the surprising lack of non-sport presence—but also highlights the biggest Star Wars card sale in history, a $100,000 monster that stole the spotlight.
They also discuss a moment with Gary Vee, where Jesse had the chance to film some content around the new VeeFriends Super Sticker product and hear Gary’s compelling case for vintage non-sport cards and their place in the long-term hobby conversation.
Later, they welcome guest Mason LaFevre, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Wasatch Pop, to talk all things Funko Pop collecting. Topics include:
Trends in value, scarcity, and licensing
Mason’s best yard sale finds
Where Funko is heading and how collectors can navigate its evolving landscape
From Star Wars grails to garage sale gold, this episode covers the full spectrum of collecting culture.
In this new release packed episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray go all in on the latest hobby news—starting with a recap of some of the wild news coming from San Diego Comic-Con, which now feels like a must-attend event for non-sport collectors.
They break down the exclusive “Fork” redemption card used by “Hangman” Adam Page during AEW All In, which Upper Deck is turning into a real card in an upcoming product. Then they preview the National Sports Card Convention from a non-sport perspective, including how to get the exclusive Star Wars Topps packs being handed out at the show.
Next, they cover:
The upcoming release of Topps Chrome Star Wars, expected to be more affordable than last year while still including major signers like Jude Law and Carrie-Anne Moss
The latest Pokémon release, including new collectible artwork for every Pokémon in the set, and a card that might soon be banned due to controversial artwork
A bold comparison between the Pokémon 151 set and XY Evolutions, and why the “overprinted” argument might not hold up
They also jump into the Marvel universe to talk:
The debut of Marvel Mint at SDCC and initial reactions
Upcoming release announced for 2025 Marvel Topps Chrome Sapphire
Plus, reactions to this week’s Garbage Pail Kids 40th Anniversary set, complete with throwback artwork and original artist autographs. And as they wrap, they realize they forgot to mention a huge one—the upcoming MTG Spider-Man Expansion Set, which is already seeing a spike in prices thanks to its original comic-based art.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray open with breaking news that’s shaking the hobby: reports of hundreds of millions of dollars in forged autographs and fake certificates of authenticity. With autograph collectors now facing serious risks, the team brings on a uniquely qualified guest—Cliff Panezich, a former forger who once ran a multi-million dollar counterfeit autograph operation.
Cliff pulls back the curtain on the forgery world, sharing:
Tips for spotting fake signatures
Which marketplaces and items are most vulnerable
And how collectors can protect themselves from getting burned
Before that explosive interview, Jesse shares how he pulled the most expensive card of his life during a recent break, and explains how non-sport card breaks work for collectors who haven’t tried them yet.
Later in the show, Jesse and Ray break down the biggest chase cards from recent non-sport releases like:
Topps Chrome Marvel
Star Wars Masterwork
Fleer Brilliants Superman and more
The episode wraps with a look at how Labubu’s explosive growth is shaking up the collectible world—its parent company Pop Mart is now reportedly larger than Mattel and Hasbro combined—and an update on an upcoming giveaway from Courtyard.io.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off by recapping the Nash-ional, the booming Nashville Card Show that’s quickly evolving into a Pokémon-focused destination. Ray shares details on a major find and how the vibe of the show has changed for collectors.
Then they’re joined by David Campos to finally dive deep into the world of Disney Lorcana. David breaks down:
What’s currently hot and chase-worthy
How the game is performing in the market
And how changes in the upcoming release could take it mainstream in a big way
Later, Jesse introduces a new segment: Throwback Set, spotlighting 2009 Topps American Heritage—a hidden gem packed with cut autos from U.S. presidents, sports legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, and pop culture icons.
Then in New Releases, Jesse and Ray react to Upper Deck’s Fleer Brilliants Superman drop and discuss the latest Pokémon release, which isn’t wowing collectors.
The episode wraps with Poke Corner, where they dive the latest Pokémon News starting with some eye-popping price jumps, including the surge of 1st Edition Charizard cards and why Pokémon 151 packs could hit $50 and up in the near future.
In this milestone episode, Jesse officially welcomes Ray Solorio as the new co-host of Hobby Nonsense! Ray will bring his expertise on WWE and modern Pokémon, while diving deeper into the world of non-sport collecting alongside Jesse.
They kick things off with a breakdown of the Dodgers' One Piece promo cards, which were handed out at a recent game and are already dominating the resale market. Then they tackle one of the strangest hobby headlines yet—the Pope signing a Pokémon card—and why it might actually be better than having signed one of his own official cards.
Later, Ryan Nolan returns to discuss the rising interest in vintage non-sport, including American History cards, and dives into the niche but growing world of music cards, from Ozzy and Black Sabbath to The Rolling Stones. They explore what card manufacturers need to do to market modern band and performer cards successfully.
The episode wraps with a look at:
Upper Deck’s DC packs at San Diego Comic-Con
The wild rise of Felt Hat Pikachu—now the most graded Pokémon card ever, still fetching over $1,000 a pop
In this week’s episode, Jesse kicks things off with a major update: the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy collaboration is now officially the best-selling MTG crossover to date. He explores what that means for future collaborations—and what it might say about past ones, too.
Then it’s on to a new release from Upper Deck: a Scooby-Doo trading card set, complete with surprising inserts and some serious nostalgic appeal.
Next, Jesse revisits a growing problem in the hobby: CT scanning of sealed packs and boxes. A recent sale of a $30,000 Pokémon pack—advertised as scanned and showing a Base Set Shadowless Charizard—raises huge ethical concerns. Jesse breaks down why this is a slippery slope for the hobby and urges collectors and manufacturers to take a stand against it.
He also speculates on a new force behind Pokémon’s global momentum: the expansion of the TCG into the Chinese market, and how that may be quietly fueling increased demand.
To close the show, Jesse interviews Matt Hathorn, a junk wax collector recently featured in PSA Magazine for his passion-filled collection featuring Steve Urkel, ALF, and the rarest Saved By the Bell card set in existence. They talk 80s/90s nostalgia, obscure sets, and what makes collecting fun again.
Plus, Jesse announces a $300 Comic Book Giveaway courtesy of Courtyard.io, and shares how listeners can win.