Welcome to Episode #165 of the Talking Shop Podcast, recorded July 7, 2025.

This week, we start with a real-world hobby reality check: a local shop owner catches a thief stealing Garbage Pail Kids packs, reminding us that theft in the hobby doesn’t just hit shops—it hits families. We share thoughts on shop security, boundaries, and protecting your community.

In Hobby News:

A 2016 Studio Kobe Bryant “From Downtown” PSA 10 sells for a record $8,700, nearly doubling in a year.

A 1997 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Records Collection BGS 9.5 sets a record at $5,400.

Van Gogh Pikachu becomes the most graded Pokémon card ever, surpassing Base Set Charizard, with prices up 344% in a year.

Topps drops a Breaker’s Delight Pack rip with @notsam.

A young collector goes viral with a $20,000 case, sparking discussions about youth in the hobby.

We ask: If you could rip a box with any athlete, who would it be?

We also debate a post asking, “Which masterpiece are you choosing?” and dig into what “grail cards” really mean for collectors.

Plenty to break down this week—because every card has a story.