This week, Justin & Neil dive head-first into the Mantle Hobby Awards — and break down what the hobby got right, what it got wrong, and what made absolutely no sense. From breakers to grading, memorabilia to innovation.    

🎙️ Breaking Platforms — Why Whatnot is unstoppable, why eBay Live feels like an intrusive neighbor.

🏛️ Auction Houses — REA, Sotheby’s, Fanatics Collect, Heritage, Pristine… who deserves a trophy, and who deserves a time-out.

🛒 Hobby Shops — Burbank’s efficiency, CardVault’s branding, Roadshow’s personality, Mintink’s customer experience — and what really matters to collectors.

📦 Products of the Year — The Cup, 50/50 Shohei, NT, Rookie Royalty, and why “best” depends entirely on whether you ripped or held.

📊 Grading Companies — PSA dominance, CGC’s steadiness, SGC’s lane.

📡 Influencers & Creators — The ones who add value, the ones who add noise, and who refuses to be influenced by anyone.

🔍 Innovation of the Year — What actually counts as innovation vs. what’s just a fancy wrapper.

🧢 Execs & Culture — Nat Turner’s calm under pressure, the Fanatics ecosystem, and how leadership shapes collector trust.

⚾ Memorabilia — Babe Ruth’s called shot jersey, the Ohtani 50th home run ball, Kobe, Mantle — and which piece truly deserves the crown.