WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute
By Mike Sommer
Mike Sommer from the WaxPackHero blog shares all the strategies he uses to create a hobby that pays for itself. Discover how to turn one person’s unwanted cards into treasured additions to your own collection. The podcast will be a combination of both the hobby and business sides of collecting, and ultimately will help you buy, sell, and trade your way into a collection you’ll love. Hit subscribe and get ready to have some fun collecting cards!
WaxPackHero Sports Card MinuteJan 03, 2020
Adam Gellman is a Baseball Turned Wrestling Collector
Adam Gellman is a long term collector and writer in the hobby. He has been writing articles on the hobby on his website sportscardsuncensored.com since March 2008.
A few years ago he made a “heel turn” and ditched his entire baseball card collection to focus on Wrestling Cards.
Today, I talk with Adam about his collecting background, and why Wrestling and Wrestling cards are so important to him!
Follow Adam on Twitter @SCUncensored and on Instagram @wwegellman.
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
The Six Pack with Brad Balukjian
Brad Balukjian returns to the show to discuss his new book titled The Six Pack. He tells the story of several professional wrestlers who many of us watched throughout the 80s. He traveled the country to meet with them and dig into what life is like outside the ring.
You can find the book on Amazon at this link, or wherever books are sold.
You can find Brad at TheBradPack.com, and on Twitter/X @bradpackbooks.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
I Give Up, I Quit!
Sometimes to find enjoyment and success you have to give something up.
Today, I take a look back at an article I wrote in 2020 about taking a critical look at what you enjoy about the hobby and what you don’t enjoy.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Building Vintage Sets
There are a few different approaches to vintage set building, and I plan to run through the pros and cons of them here in this episode. At the end I’ll share what has worked best for me.
You can find the written version of this episode as well as a few YouTube videos of some of my vintage sets here at WaxPackHero.com.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Zhan Mourning & Wresting With Cards
A few weeks ago I was a guest on Zhan Mourning’s Wrestling with Cards livestream. I’m sharing that conversation with you today! We cover the recent shift I made from having the physical shop to selling only online, my current collecting focuses, and my approach to super collecting!
Follow Zhan on Twitter (@zhanmourning) and find his show on Youtube here.
Find more of my audio, video, and written content at WaxPackHero.com
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
What's Selling on eBay?
In this episode, I share an entire week’s worth of eBay sales!
I’ll cover what sold, what it sold for, and the story of how I picked it up. Hopefully, it paints a picture of what a week of reselling on eBay is like for me. You’ll hear a combination of cards, memorabilia, and other miscellaneous items.
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
The Hobby Rejected My Advice
Back in 2018 I wrote a blog post at WaxPackHero.com where I suggested 5 things card manufacturers, collectors, and dealers could do to help grow the hobby.
I took a look back at how those suggestions played out in a recent Hobby News Daily article and I am sharing those thoughts today!
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Collecting Joe Mauer with Jason Michalicek
What a time to be collecting Joe Mauer!
Mauer gets inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer and our guest today couldn’t be more excited. Jason Michalicek is a fan of Minnesota sports and is a Joe Mauer super collector.
He joins me today to discuss his collection.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Collecting Luis Robert with Shane Tippin
Shane Tippin shares how he became a Luis Robert Supercollector! You can follow along with Shane’s collection on Twitter @stip73.
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Collecting Topps from Scotland
Today, Jason Derr joins me to discuss what it is like collecting baseball cards in Scotland! We discuss the baseball culture in the UK, how he picks up the cards he’s looking for, and the challenges of following your favorite team from across the Ocean!
Jason is the co-host of the Tea and Topps Podcast!
Sponsor of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Drake's Wrestling and Football PC
Drake McGruder has a collection focused on Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and modern wrestling cards.
He joins me to discuss his background and some of the cards that mean the most to him!
You can find Drake on Twitter @DrakeMcGruder and on Instagram @Drakes_PC.
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
It's Hobby Adjacent!
In this episode I do a quick recap of the 2024 S.T.E.A.M. into Star Wars event and I share from an article I wrote for Hobby News Daily.
I share some ways collectors celebrate the hobby through things that aren't purely trading cards, but they are still card related.
Sponsor of Today’s Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Anonymity in the Hobby
Anonymous accounts almost always lead to trouble.
You deserve to know who you're dealing with!
From Cardporn, to CardGraderAI, to Ben Haines aka Eric Whiteback, the hobby is riddled w/people hiding behind fake names, pseudonyms, and anonymous identities.
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Adam Gray and Harry Potter Cards - Part 2
Adam Gray continues to share his extensive knowledge of Harry Potter cards! We explore more of the cards available to collectors and spend some time discussing the relationship between fans of movies and shows and the cards associated with them.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter cards with Adam Gray - Part 1
Entertainment cards have a passionate fan base, and Harry Potter is no exception.
In this episode, Adam Gray (@thereal27guy) joins me to educate us on the history and collectibility of Harry Potter trading cards.
We talked so long that we had to split it up into two episodes!
Sponsor of this episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
And don’t forget to visit WaxPackHero.com for more great hobby content!
Mario Alejandro Part 2
Mario Alejandro returns for part two of our conversation where we discuss why he sees himself as a collector and not an “influencer”. We also discuss his perspective on a few current events in the hobby.
You can follow Mario on Twitter @beisbolcardblog
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
A Conversation with Mario Alejandro - Part 1
Mario Alejandro was one of the original hobby bloggers. His site, Wax Heaven, was one of the most popular sources of hobby content for several years.
In our conversation, Mario shares why he stopped writing for awhile, left social media, and how he came to realize he was being a bit toxic in the community and needed to change.
Enjoy!
You can follow Mario on Twitter @beisbolcardblog
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Too Much of a Good Thing?
I've come to realize that sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.
I share a recent article I wrote for Hobby News Daily where I discuss consolidating my PC into a more focused reflection of cards which have significance to me!
Sponsor of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
10 of My Favorite Cards From the Junk Wax Era
Let’s keep the junk wax era talk going!
I cover 10 of my favorite Junk Wax Era cards that I have in my collection. From Jordan to Griffey, to Billy Ripken, I share some cards which still give me the feels. If you’d like, you can see the cards I’m discussing in this blog article.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Junk Wax Heroes Talks Junk Wax Era
Some collectors create a wide variety of hobby content. Others are ultra-focused. @JunkWaxHeroes is one of the latter. He posts about the junk wax era on his Twitter account and it is one of my go to pages when I get the itch to reminisce about the 80s and 90s.
Sponsor of today’s Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Bobby Burrell from Needuum
Bobby Burrell is a hockey card and collectibles researcher and historian. He’s written multiple books on the topic, and he has recently released Needuum, a new app which helps collectors research and catalog their collections.
Find the Needuum app in the Apple or Google App Stores! You can connect with Bobby on Instagram @bobbyburrellvhc
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Trading into a 1952 Mantle
Trading up or collection consolidation has become a popular topic over the last couple years.
At the 2023 National, my friend Eric (@thosebackpages) was able to trade several cards from his collection for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. Hear the story in today’s episode.
Sponsor of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Reviewing Four Upper Deck Hockey Releases
In this episode I review four different Upper Deck Hockey products.
I cover 2021-22 Upper Deck Premier, 21-22 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection, 21-22 Upper Deck Ice, and 21-22 Upper Deck Credentials.
There four releases come in at a variety of price points, but as you’ll hear, buying singles might be the way to go for some of these.
Sponsor of this Episode:
Discovering a Hobby Passion
I wrote an article for Hobby News Daily discussing my pursuit of a Wrestling Card Super Collection.
I’ve been chasing down as many different Norman Smiley cards as I can find. Hear the story of my collection in this episode.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
It's Time for a Change - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 242
I will be shutting down the physical WaxPackHero card shop at the end of the year. Learn why it’s time to make this change in this episode!
Sponsors of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Huskerhaves Wrestling Card Podcast Interview - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 241
A couple months ago Mike (@mikesupperdeck1) and Anthony (@huskerhav) invited me to join them for an episode of their YouTube show: HuskerHavs Wrestling Card Podcast.
I enjoyed the conversation, so I thought I’d share it as today’s episode.
Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Lou Geneux Part 2 - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 240
Lou is back for part 2 of our conversation!
We discuss how his collection has changed in recent years, his thoughts on some of the recent hobby news, and how the industry changes might impact his collection in the future.
You can find Card Talk on your podcast app of choice or on Instagram. You can find Lou on Instagram as well!
Sponsors of this Episode
Lou Geneux from Card Talk Part 1 - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 239
Today Lou Geneux from the Card Talk podcast joins me!
We discuss his collecting background, why he’s so passionate about the Jets and the Astros, his approach to podcast creation, and how his collecting interests have changed over the last few years.
You can find Card Talk on your podcast app of choice or on Instagram. You can find Lou on Instagram as well!
Sponsors of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
The Hobby is Dead, Long Live the Hobby! - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 238
In these days of polarized headlines, not a week goes by without hearing a bit of hobby news and “expert” analysis that follows. That analysis often points toward two extremes. There is the perception that it is the greatest thing ever, or that it is proof that the hobby is dead, or will be shortly.
In today’s episode I share my opinion on the “Hobby is Dead” mantra. While there may be some truth to that idea, depending on your definition of the hobby, I feel there is an argument to be made that the hobby is alive and well.
Enjoy!
Sponsors of Today’s Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Buying Bulk Collections - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 237
Back in April, I picked up a bulk collection of over 200k cards. In today’s episode I describe my process of breaking down that collection and share how it has worked out financially!
Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
The Rookie Card Specialist - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 236
Victor Roman Sr. (@VictorRomanSr on Twitter and @Tru_RCS on Instagram) has made rookie cards his passion. He has created a website, podcast and YouTube show dedicated to clarifying the definition of a rookie card.
We discuss why he is so passionate about rookie cards, what his collection looks like, and how he got into making content!
Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Upper Deck Box Battle Round 2 - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 235
Upper Deck provided me an opportunity to open a couple hobby boxes of their newest hockey products. In this episode I compare the experience of opening a box of 2022-23 Extended Series and a box of 2023-24 MVP!
You can find the written version of this episode as well as some photos of the cards I received at this link.
Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Cindy Dick (@GiantLegends) - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 234
Cindy Dick goes by @GiantLegends on Instagram. She collects vintage cards featuring female athletes, and she joins me to day to discuss her collection and research into the history of female athletes on cards.
Sponsors of Today’s Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Hi, It's Me. I'm the Problem, It's Me. - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 233
Are you content with your collection?
That’s the question I explore in this episode. I share my perspective on some reasons we may not be satisfied, and how we can shift our perspective!
The written version of this episode can be found in my Hobby News Daily article.
Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Female Athletes on Cards - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 232
Annemarie (@women.on.topps) focuses her collection on cards featuring female athletes! We discuss her collecting background, the approach she takes to tell a story through the cards in her collection, and the role community plays in her enjoyment of the hobby!
Check it out!
Sponsors of today’s Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
2023 National Recap Part 2 - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 231
I finish my wrap-up of the 2023 National by sharing conversations with The Singles Club (@DollarCards), Kyle from the Wax Museum Podcast (@WaxMuseumPC), Dr. James Beckett, and Andy Jones from COMC.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
2023 National Recap Part 1 - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 230
The 2023 National Sports Collectors Convention set all-time attendance records.
In this episode I discuss my experiences from the early part of the show and share conversations with Vintage Dealer Craig Halbig, Tim Virgilio from Signatures for Soldiers (@sigs4soldiers), and John Newman from Sports Card Nation (@sportscardnati1).
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Skybox Autograph Collector pdxGraphin! - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 229
Today @pdxGraphin joins me to discuss his pursuit of a full set of autographed 1991-92 Skybox Basketball cards!
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
I'm Priced Out of the Hobby! - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 228
Today, I discuss the idea of being “priced out of the hobby”. Some collectors have responded to the rising cost to collect by getting discouraged and others have learned to adapt. Which approach will you take?
You can read the written version of this episode at Hobby News Daily.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Andy Broome from CGC - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 227
Today, Andy Broome from CGC Card Grading joins me to discuss his background and the recent announcements from CGC!
You can check out CGC at CGCgrading.com and you can find Andy on Twitter @cardgrader.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Upper Deck Hockey Box Battle - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 226
Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the hobby boxes of 2021-22 SP Authentic and 2022-23 Upper Deck Trilogy.
You can see a full written version of this episode and a YouTube video of every card I received on the blog and YouTube page!
Sponsors of this Episode:
Interview with John Newman of Sports Card Nation - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 225
A couple weeks ago, I had the chance to chat with John Newman for his Sports Card Nation Podcast. We spent an hour discussing a variety of hobby topics. I hope you enjoy it!
You can find John on Twitter @Sportscardnati1 and you can find his show on Apple Podcasts and wherever podcasts are found.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
1960 Topps! - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 224
In this episode I break down the 1960 Topps baseball card set. I share why I enjoy this set so much and what my process was for putting it together.
You can read the written version of the episode on the blog using this link!
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Reselling with Cary Williams from American Arbitrage - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 223
Cary Williams has grown a huge audience on his American Arbitrage profiles from his garage sale, thrift shop picking videos, but he also buys and sells low end sports cards as well! We discuss his background, why he became a full time reseller, and how cards fit into his business.
You can find Cary at the links below:
YouTube main channel, Cards channel
Instagram main profile, Cards profile
Tiktok main profile, Cards profile
Sponsors of Today’s Episode
COMC.com
The Sports Card Shop
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
My eBay Saved Searches - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 222
Today I share the 44 eBay saved searches I use to both find cards for my PC and learn more about certain cards or sets! I share how I use the searches, the stories behind why I have the search, and a bit about the strategy I use in naming the searches themselves.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
A Rewards Club For the Hobby! - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 221
Ed Rose joins me to discuss The Gem Mint Club, a new rewards club for the hobby. We discuss his background, the inspiration for the club, and how it works.
Connect with Ed or The Gem Mint Club on Instagram.
Sponsors of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
The Sports Card Shop Is Expanding! - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 220
Rex from the Sports Card Shop joins me to catch us all up on what’s been going on up in New Buffalo, Michigan! There have been lots of changes since he opened the shop a few years ago.
We talk about the size of the shop, their approach to both acquiring cards and selling those cards, and their use of strategic partners to help grow the shop.
Check them out at thesportscardshop.com
Sponsors of this Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Adam from Heros for Sale - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 219
Adam Palmer from the Heros for Sale podcast invited me on for a conversation a few weeks ago. I thought I’d share it as our episode this week! We talked collecting, buying and selling, and also educating through content creation!
Follow Adam on Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.
Sponsors of this Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Fred McGriff Super Collector Kenny Hillyard - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 218
Today, Kenny Hillyard joins me to discuss his collection of over 47,000 Fred McGriff cards!
You can follow Kenny and see some of his collection on Twitter @ICollectMcGriff.
Sponsors of Today’s Episode:
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!
Dick Perez and Marq Evans - WaxPackHero Podcast Episode 217
If you collected baseball cards in the 80s and 90s, Dick Perez is a name you are very familiar with. His artwork was the basis for the Donruss Diamond Kings subsets, the Hall of Fame Heroes set, the Donruss Puzzles, and later in a variety of Topps sets. His portraits grace the halls of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Marq Evans, is an award winning independent filmmaker from Washington State. Along with his wife and son, they together create film, books, photography, and other creative works and he is currently working on a documentary about Mr. Perez.
Check out the KickStarter campaign here!
Sponsors of the Episode
You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies!