The Hobby Handbook

Fernando Mendoza: Bust or Breakout? + Trey Yesavage Sparks Hobby Controversy

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

The NFL Draft is Here!

Clever Cuban Cards and Trent dive into the upcoming NFL Draft and take a closer look at Fernando Mendoza. Does he have true franchise potential, or are expectations getting too high?

We also break down the current state of Topps Chrome Football, from skyrocketing box prices to what the singles market is telling us, and whether ripping wax still makes sense right now.

Next, we respond to recent concerning comments from Trey Yesavage, about signing cards for fans, and discuss what that means for collectors in the hobby.

Finally, with less than 100 days until the National, we talk about what you need to do NOW to prepare!

00:00 – Intro 00:45 – NFL Draft preview + Topps activation 01:30 – Should you buy Topps Now cards? 02:45 – Topps Now strategy + BGS 10 chase 04:30 – Topps Now “conspiracy” talk 04:55 – Breaking down the 2026 NFL Draft class 06:00 – Football needs a “Paul Skenes” moment 06:50 – QB comps (Mendoza + others) 09:45 – Sleeper QB to watch (Taylen Green) 11:00 – Topps Chrome Football first impressions 12:30 – “Can this card pay for the box?” game 14:50 – Jackson Dart price crash explained 16:30 – Why singles beat ripping boxes 17:20 – Burrow card comparison (NT vs Topps Chrome) 20:00 – Rookie cards not covering box prices 22:00 – Fanatics pricing + hobby frustration 26:00 – Fixing the hobby (Geoff Wilson idea) 31:10 – Trey Yesavage controversy 36:30 – National prep: what you NEED to do now 47:00 – PSA grading conspiracy + final thoughts

Tune in to Clever Cuban Cards' upcoming ⁠eBay Lives on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm ET⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topps Chrome Football Prices Are Already Exploding

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:55:00 -0000

Topps Chrome Football is finally here, and the hobby is already reacting in a huge way.

Clever Cuban Cards and Trent break down release day prices, early singles sales, Breaker’s Delight buzz, and whether Topps Chrome Football is already getting too expensive for collectors. They talk through hobby boxes vs. Breaker’s Delight, the Fanatics credit card debate, and the bigger question of whether this kind of wax appreciation is actually healthy for the hobby.
They also react to early sales for stars like Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward, discuss whether ripping or selling sealed is the smarter move right now, and look ahead to other major upcoming releases including Bowman Baseball, Topps Chrome Black Baseball, Topps Chrome Cosmic Basketball, Select WNBA, and more.
Later in the episode, they get into eBay and Whatnot policy changes around cancellations, debate Bowman’s new design, touch on Jac Caglianone's slow start, and throw around a fun MLB rule-change idea.

Tune in to Clever Cuban Cards' upcoming eBay Lives on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm ET.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why The Fanatics Credit Card Is Actually a Smart Move for Collectors

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:03:00 -0000

In today's episode of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards breaks down the biggest takeaways from Day 1 at the Topps Industry Conference, including Fanatics’ focus on wax health, more entry-level products, and what a sustainable hobby should actually look like. He also gives his honest reaction to the new #fanatics credit card, why he’s planning to apply, and which perks could actually matter for collectors. From there, he talks through Fanatics Collect’s response to shipping complaints, the frustrating #topps Chrome Football release experience, why EQL may still be the better system, and how his new Ricoh auto-feed scanner setup with Card Dealer Pro could help scale his sports card business. Plus, a quick update on his Arena Club “trade me anything” challenge. Use code SCN for 20% off your first Arena Club Slab Pack. 0:00 - Intro 1:43 - Wax Health 9:55 - Fanatics Credit Card 18:00 - Fanatics Collect DM 23:20 - Topps Chrome Football 28:45 - Ricoh Scanner 36:50 - Arena Club

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin O’Leary Threatens to Sue Over Card Deal + $20K Cash Bag Left Behind

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:59:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards and Trent are back for another wild week in the sports card hobby. They start with Bowman’s Best, including recent pulls, break ROI, standout patch autos, and why the product has been getting so much attention from collectors and breakers.

Then the conversation shifts to the Huntsville card show, where Alex shares an unbelievable story about someone leaving behind a cash bag with more than $20,000 inside. From there, they get into hobby advice on carrying cash, protecting inventory, and avoiding costly mistakes at shows.

They also talk about retail vs. hobby wax, why Topps has done a better job than Panini of keeping retail exciting with real chase cards, and what that means for collectors priced out of more expensive hobby boxes. They also touch on release-day website issues and whether local hobby shops should get more consumer-friendly product allocation.

Later, they discuss the current baseball prospect market, including why some Bowman autos may be peaking before more rookie cards hit the market.

They close with another Kevin O’Leary hobby story, as Mr. Wonderful claims he had a major card deal done before the seller backed out, and says he is ready to sue everyone involved to try to get the card.

⁠Be sure to tune into the next Clever Cuban Cards eBay⁩ Live Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm ET.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bowman Basketball Bot Mess + Inside How a Big Card Show Really Works

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards and Trent break down the Bowman Basketball release chaos, including massive wait times, checkout issues, instant sellouts, and the growing frustration around bots grabbing product before real collectors can get it.

They also dive into the Yoshinobu Yamamoto market debate after a massive recent sale, asking the big question collectors are wrestling with right now: is Yamamoto a buy, a sell, or a hold? The conversation touches on pitcher risk, Dodgers hype, the international market, and whether there’s really that much upside left at current prices.

Plus, they’re joined by Steven Galdis of The Flip Show for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a big card show. From vendor setup and customer service to security, staffing, food options, venue quality, and creating a clean, family-friendly environment, the guys discuss it all. It's a great look at what separates a great show from an average one.

Be sure to tune into the next Clever Cuban Cards eBay Lives Thursday and Friday!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Optic Football Case Hit Controversy + Bowman’s Best Review

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards and Trent break down a huge week in the hobby, starting with the fallout from the World Baseball Classic, including Team USA’s loss, which players could see a card bump, and how collectors should think about selling into short-term hype windows. They also touch on a Jayden Daniels mailbag question and the bigger hold-versus-flip mindset that comes with timing the market. Then they give Bowman’s Best its flowers, explaining why it might be one of Topps’ best recent releases, why the shorter checklist and four-autograph format still work, and why the product has been such a hit with breakers and collectors. They also get into Topps Heritage, Bowman Basketball, and the growing appeal of Bowman case hits like Garbage Pail Kids. From there, the conversation shifts to platform issues across the hobby, including Fanatics Collect’s slow fulfillment, pricing questions across auction platforms, and a longer discussion around Whatnot, breaks, transparency, and buyer protections. They close with one of the strangest stories in the hobby this week: growing chatter around 2025 Donruss Optic Football and whether wrapper orientation may be tipping off which boxes contain case hits. If true, it could have major implications for box buyers and breakers. Join Thursday's eBay Live with CCC at 7:30 pm ET

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which Shohei Ohtani Rookie Card Is Best to Buy? Konnor Griffin Heat + Bowman’s Best

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Hobby Handbook, Alex aka Clever Cuban Cards and Trent aka JetBreakersTrent dig into one of the biggest collector questions in the hobby: if you had real money to spend on Shohei Ohtani, which rookie card would you buy and why? They debate flagship vs. Chrome, paper vs. refractor, pitching image vs. batting image, and which Ohtani cards feel strongest as long-term holds.
They also get into the hobby trends happening right now, including Konnor Griffin’s exploding market, Lucas Ramirez spikes tied to the World Baseball Classic and spring training, whether now is the right time to sell ahead of The National, and why some hot prospect cards are better moved quickly than held too long.
Plus, they talk through Topps Now, the Shohei Ohtani and John Cena card, an Arena Club trade, Topps taking over the football license, concerns around Jayden Daniels autos, and why Bowman’s Best remains one of their favorite baseball releases of the year.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Whatnot Sellers Ruining the Hobby? New Co-Host Reveal + This Week’s Hobby Chaos

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards kicks off a new era of The Hobby Handbook by officially introducing a new co-host: Trent Litjes (AKA JetBreakersTrent)
First, Alex and Trent do a quick Trent deep dive, including his background as an active-duty U.S. Air Force captain, how he got into collecting, and why he keeps cards as a fun side hustle (plus who he’s chasing right now and why).
Then they jump into the hobby chaos of the week, including the latest Whatnot “crashouts” and the bigger conversation around live-selling behavior, misleading comps, and what platforms (and buyers) should learn from it. They break down the Steph Curry 1 of 1 plate situation, the dangers of “value talk,” and why sellers need to control risk with proper starting prices.
Alex also shares a major update: Clever Cuban Cards’ eBay Live debut, plus a promo he’s running to give every buyer a free Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, or Bobby Witt Jr. card with purchase.
From there, they hit more hobby craziness: a retail theft story (involving taco seasoning, yes really), a warning about AI-style Facebook scams claiming you can get a “free sealed case” for a shipping fee, and practical tips to avoid getting burned.
To close, they answer a great listener question: How do you price cards after you comp them? They talk cash-now vs. hold strategies, eBay fees, supply on the market, rare card pricing, and why you can’t get anchored to what you paid if the market moves. Plus, a quick tease for a Hobby Handbook March Madness bracket challenge!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topps Replaced 5 Missing Autos: This Is What They Sent

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards breaks down the Topps Pristine “missing hits” situation and what happened after Topps confirmed five missing autographs and tried to make it right. The turnaround was fast, but the replacement autos and their value raise a bigger question: What does “making it right” actually mean in a $470+ box product?

Then we pivot to a full recap of the Nashville Card Show from both sides of the table: what it’s like as a dealer, how to negotiate as a buyer, and practical habits that help you get better deals without wasting your time. We also get into favorite pickups, the “go find another one” pricing mindset for rare cards, and why checking what’s currently listed matters just as much as checking comps.

To close it out, CCC recaps an Arena Club massive hit, talks through the buyback decision, and teases a big update coming next week. If you're new to Arena Club, use code SCN for 20% off your first purchase.

Drop your take in the comments: If a company shorts guaranteed hits, what’s a fair replacement?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2026 MLB Season Preview: Best Card Buys & Rookie Sleepers

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards is joined by Jetbreakers Trent to break down everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 MLB season. But before we get to the baseball, we have to talk about Clever Cuban's horror story about ripping 2026 Topps Pristine (missing 5 autos in 4 boxes!) and the frustrating state of "insufficient evidence" claims when you get shorted. The duo also dives into the latest news at PSA regarding price increases and slower turnaround times, debating what this means for the bulk submission market and why Clever Cuban canceled his Collector's Club membership. Then, they shift gears to the diamond to preview the World Baseball Classic, identify Spring Training breakout candidates, and discuss which rookie sleepers you should be buying now—including names like Chase Burns, Christian Moore, and Jonah Tong. They also debate whether Pete Alonso to the Orioles is a buy or a bust and if Jackson Chourio can lead the Brewers deep into the playoffs. Finally, Alex and Trent go head-to-head in a "$10 Card Portfolio" challenge to pick their MVPs, Aces, and Top Prospects for the upcoming year on a budget. And, Alex shares his latest Arena Club trade, asking who won and who lost. If you're new to Arena Club, use promo code SCN to get 20% off your first slab pack.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Figure Out the Value of Your Sports Cards

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of the Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards is diving deep into the most common question in the hobby: how do you figure out what your cards are actually worth? He breaks down the difference between list price and sold price, and walks you through the exact tools he uses, like 130 Point and CardLadder, to get accurate numbers for your collection.

We also cover the latest hobby news, including country star Luke Combs' new interest in the hobby and honest thoughts on the frustrating new price hikes and turnaround times from PSA.

Plus, stay tuned for the second half of the video where Clever Cuban comps viewer submissions, hunting down values for rare 1/1s and prospect autos from Caleb Williams, Paul Skenes, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Packman Could Have Avoided CRASHING OUT On-Stream

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on The Hobby Handbook, ⁠ @CleverCubanCards ⁠ is joined by Nick from ⁠ All Day Collectibles ⁠ to break down the biggest story in the hobby: the Packman "Midnight Basketball" controversy (10:59). We look at the situation not to pile on, but to ask the real questions: how did a veteran creator end up "crashing out" on stream, and more importantly, how can sellers handle a dead room without turning on their chat? We also discuss the "guaranteed value" trap, the ethical lines of breaker culture, and why platforms might need to step up their regulations. Plus, we cover the sudden delay of Topps Pristine (1:50), the congestion of the release calendar, and give our predictions for the massive Cooper Flagg Red Geometric Auto hitting the auction block via Sports Cards Nonsense's Mike Gioseffi on Thursday. Today's Episode is presented by Arena Club! Use code SCN to get 20% off your first slab pack.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Topps Just Ruin Stadium Club? (Plus: Hobby Discord Drama)

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week, Clever Cuban Cards comes to you from a frozen Nashville to break down a week filled with broken trust in the Hobby. We dive into the 2025 Stadium Club pre-order fiasco. Topps originally marketed Hobby boxes as containing 9 Chrome cards, only to quietly change the packaging and announce via email that the final product will have zero Chrome base or parallel cards. We also turn our attention to the massive fallout involving the "Ryan's Cards LLC" Discord group, including allegations of unpaid debts, questionable ownership transitions, and lifetime memberships sold by former owners. Finally, we look ahead to the Super Bowl matchup (Seahawks vs. Patriots!) and discuss selling strategies for Drake Maye cards, as well as the cards of other players in the Super Bowl. Plus, a heated defense of why live sellers can’t pay 100% comps when buying collections.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blueprint: How To PROFIT From Bowman Draft Baseball Cards

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards recaps his first eBay Live, sharing insights from his first experience on the platform. He discusses the highs and lows of the event, including unexpected bidding wars and the challenges of extended bidding times. Alex also explores the intricacies of card valuation and the importance of pre-listing items for transparency.

Plus, Montgomery Club is no longer, the best and worst Arena Club trades Alex has received and an early review of his new Haystack Scanner. The episode also features an in-depth conversation with Zach Eustis aka Zack's Bowman Hacks. Zack is a special education teacher and card enthusiast, who shares his journey into the hobby and his strategies for success in the card market. He dives deep into Bowman Draft and how he's profited already from this year's release. He also talks pitchers vs hitters and much more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topps Black & White Scandal? New 2026 Series 1 Design Reveal

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards breaks down a massive potential scandal involving the Topps Black & White set. Following a deep dive investigation by a Reddit user, the data suggests that the highly sought-after "Golden Hour" parallels were virtually impossible to pull from pre-order boxes, while release-day boxes were loaded with them. We look at the staggering math behind these odds and debate whether this was a catastrophic distribution error or a case of false advertising. We also take a broad look at the current state of Topps releases. We give our first impressions of the newly revealed 2026 Topps flagship design for the 75th Anniversary, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. However, not all news is good, as we discuss the disappointing revelation that 2025 Series 1 Jumbo Hobby boxes are cutting down their guaranteed hits to just one auto and one relic, despite maintaining a similar price point. We also touch on the general confusion surrounding the sudden disappearance of pre-orders for upcoming products like Bowman’s Best and Pristine. Finally, we shift gears to market strategy and industry controversy. Alex explains his "zagging" strategy on the NFL market and why he is buying Trevor Lawrence during the current dip. We also dive into the hot topics of grading subjectivity, the risks and rewards of cracking slabs, and the recent, troubling allegations of theft occurring at PSA. Join Alex's SCN eBay Live stream Friday at 8 pm ET Join Clever Cuban Cards on Whatnot on Sundays at 2 PM EST and Wednesdays at 7 PM ET! Sign up now for $15 off.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2026 NFL Playoff Predictions & Sports Card Market Strategy

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

The NFL Playoffs are finally here! In this episode of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards and guest Brendan fill out their 2026 playoff brackets, debate their Super Bowl winners, and break down exactly how you should handle your sports card investments during the postseason. Should you sell into the hype or hold for a Super Bowl run? We discuss the "Zig when they Zag" strategy for maximizing profits on quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, and Trevor Lawrence. Plus, we dive deep whether PSA is or is not a monopoly and whether there's a monopoly problem in the hobby. We also cover some cool partnership news between Arena Club and the San Antonio Spurs. Follow Clever Cuban Cards: https://www.instagram.com/clevercubancards https://www.tiktok.com/@clevercubancards

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Reality of Being Married to a Sports Card Content Creator

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

For this special New Year’s episode of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards is joined by Mrs. Clever Cuban Cards (4:26). We pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like being married to someone obsessed with sports cards. She holds nothing back, sharing her honest perspective on the constant filming, the state of Alex's card "office," and the financial reality of turning the sports card hobby into a business in 2025. Plus, we address the elephant in the room: Does Alex's constant eBay scrolling give her the "ick"? Her answer might surprise you. If you’ve ever wondered what your partner really thinks about the time and money spent on the hobby, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Clever Cuban Cards: https://www.instagram.com/clevercubancards https://www.tiktok.com/@clevercubancards Join Clever Cuban Cards on Whatnot on Sundays at 2 PM EST and Wednesdays at 7 PM EST! Sign up now for $15 off.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLB Offseason Best Buys: Prospects, Rookies & Vets to Target

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Spring Training is less than 90 days away! In this Christmas Eve special of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards breaks down the MLB offseason market and shares his top targets to buy before the baseball hype cycle kicks back into high gear.

From top-tier prospects like Roman Anthony and Walker Jenkins to undervalued rookies like James Wood and vets like Shohei Ohtani, we cover who you should be watching (and buying) right now.

Plus, Alex shares critical market strategies: knowing when a call-up is "priced in," why winning teams matter for card values, and navigating release day hype without getting burned.

Featured Players Include: Roman Anthony, Samuel Basallo, Chase Burns, Walker Jenkins, JJ Weatherholt, James Wood, Dylan Crews, Ben Rice, Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Jackson Chourio, Elly De La Cruz, and more.

Happy holidays and thanks for listening!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big Business Behind Low-End Sports Cards

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards is joined by Alex Biggs (aka @BiggzyRips) to break down the gritty reality—and profitability—of the low-end sports card market (8:40). While everyone is chasing five-figure slabs, Alex explains how he pays the bills with $2 cards by mastering volume and consistency. We dive into the tech that makes it possible, including his investment in a Ricoh scanner (22:50) and using AI software (12:50) like Card Dealer Pro (30:10) to list hundreds of cards in minutes. Before all that, Clever Cuban Cards reacts to Collectors, the parent company of PSA, acquiring BGS (1:00). He shares his unfiltered thoughts on what this consolidation means for the hobby, the "illusion of competition," and why we need to walk the walk if we want alternative grading companies to survive. Finally, Alex officially announces his new collecting challenge for 2026: Bin to Binder (51:15). After learning from the "New Collector Challenge," he is launching a sustainable, budget-friendly series ($35/month) where he flips dollar bin finds to build a massive PC binder—and a second binder to give away to one of you.
Join Clever Cuban Cards on Whatsnot on Sundays at 2 PM EST and Wednesdays at 7 PM EST! Sign up now for $15 off.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Tips for Becoming an Overnight Success Selling Sports Cards

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Hobby Handbook, Alex sits down with Nick Morris, also known as All Day Collectibles, to discuss his meteoric rise in the card trading world. From his early days as a collector in the 80s to building a thriving community on Whatnot, Nick shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of the hobby.

They delve into the intricacies of sourcing inventory, the importance of community engagement, and the strategies behind successful live streams.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building a brand and navigating the ever-evolving card market.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Bold Predictions for The Hobby in 2026

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to The Hobby Handbook with Alex, aka Clever Cuban Cards! In this solo episode, we’re dusting off the crystal ball to look ahead at what 2026 holds for the sports card market. But before we get to the future, we have to look back at the wild ride that was 2025.

From Fanatics' total takeover and the explosion of the high-end market to the "Rise of the Repack" and the unfortunate stumble of SGC, 2025 changed the game. We break down the biggest storylines of the year, including the mainstreaming of collecting and the controversial rise of the "corporate" local card shop.

Then, Alex drops 12 Major Predictions for 2026, covering everything from the race for NIL dominance to the future of Topps Chrome Football pricing. Will we finally see a true competitor to PSA? Is regulation coming to live selling? And who will be The Hobby Handbook's new co-host? Plus, we react to your hottest takes and predictions from social media!

0:00 - Intro & Welcome 0:22 - 2025 in Review 2:10 - The Fanatics Takeover & High-End Market Explosion 3:15 - The Non-Sports Boom: Pokemon, SpongeBob & Disney 4:40 - The Rise of Repacks 5:30 - Corporatization of the Local Card Shop 6:33 - The Shill Bidding Problem 7:02 - The Rise & Fall of SGC 7:47 - Monopolization: PSA & Fanatics 9:33 - Rising Costs Across the Board 10:00 - Prediction 1: The Race for NIL & College Cards 11:56 - Prediction 2: Topps Leaning into 1st Bowman 12:35 - Prediction 3: Regulation is Coming to Live Selling 15:42 - Prediction 4: Case Hit Clarity 17:15 - Prediction 5: Panini Pivots to Entertainment IP? 19:23 - Prediction 6: Live Selling Continues to Grow 21:15 - Prediction 7: No Clear #2 Grading Company Emerges 23:09 - Prediction 8: Serious Product Delays from Topps 23:52 - Prediction 9: Topps Chrome Football Hobby Box Pricing 24:39 - Prediction 10: Doubling Revenue in 2026 25:43 - Prediction 11: Pokemon’s 30th Anniversary Boom 26:25 - Prediction 12: The Search for a Co-Host! 27:50 - Fan Prediction: Topps Football Prices Skyrocket? 29:10 - Fan Prediction: Is Soccer Undervalued? 30:30 - Fan Prediction: Will PSA Volume Decline? 31:34 - Fan Prediction: Mass Boycotts Coming? 36:35 - Fan Prediction: Can BGS Make a Comeback? 37:39 - Fan Prediction: Baseball Market Heats Up 39:56 - Fan Prediction: Losing Trust in Grading Companies 41:53 - Fan Prediction: "The Hobby" vs. The Business 44:38 - Final Thoughts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giving Thanks to the Sports Card Hobby, Probstein Reactions & PSA Changes

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards, AKA Alex, kicks off this week's episode with a discussion on the recent controversies surrounding the Snype auction platform, highlighting the technical glitches and questionable activities that have raised eyebrows in the community. He shares his skepticism about Probstein's future, emphasizing the importance of choosing trustworthy sites for buying and selling cards.

The conversation then shifts to PSA's recent changes in turnaround times and pricing, with personal experiences factored in. Despite all that, he acknowledges the value PSA brings to the market and the liquidity it offers.

CCC also touches on the pricing dynamics of Topps Chrome basketball releases, questioning the impact of high initial prices on resale values.

As the episode concludes, he shares what he's thankful for from the Sports Cards Nonsense Media Network to all of you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hobby Hot Takes: Singles vs Wax, ARod vs Jeter & WWE Disregard

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Hobby Handbook, Joe from Cut the Nonsense, joins host Alex, AKA Clever Cuban Cards, to talk hobby hot takes from singles vs wax, Jeter vs ARod, the relevance of WWE cards, whether the hobby actually wants accurate grading and more.

They also share insights on the rising trends in the baseball card market, focusing on Shohei Ohtani's influence. The conversation shifts to the high-stakes world of high-end card chases and their potential impact on the hobby's future. The guys also discuss brand loyalty and customer service in the hobby when it comes to local card shops.

Tune in and let us know what you think of the episode in the comments!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it Still Worth Grading Cards With SGC?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:59:00 -0000

In this episode of the Hobby Handbook, Alex AKA Clever Cuban Cards dives into the latest happening in the sports card grading market, focusing on the challenges faced by collectors and sellers in choosing between PSA and SGC. The discussion highlights the impact of grading turnaround times, market liquidity, and the strategic decisions by grading companies that affect hobbyists' choices. Alex and guest Cole explore the implications of SGC's shift to a boutique operation and the dominance of PSA in the market. They analyze the profitability of grading with each company, considering factors like grading fees, potential profits, and market demand. Alex also dives into Topps' massive week or pre-releases and releases and the challenges of navigating pre-orders and market pricing, before finishing with a mailbag featuring your questions. Have a question for a future episode? Be sure to leave it in the comments! Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:17 - Topps Release Overload 4:56 - MLB Debut Patches 8:45 - Cosmic Chrome 13:08 - Live Mailbag 14:45 - SGC vs PSA 33:57 - Mailbag Use Code SCN for 20% off your first Arena Club purchase.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building Your Sports Card Hobby Network Like a Pro

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:57:00 -0000

In today's episode of The Hobby Handbook, @CleverCubanCards is joined by Alex AKA @armyatc22 , a great follow in the hobby space who you may have seen going viral on social media. Alex starts the episode by sharing a Learn From My Mistakes episode on timing your sports card pickups wisely and not falling into major hype moments, like right now with the Dodgers and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. How important is community and networking in the hobby? It's been a major tool for Alex whose made some amazing connections in the sports cards world. 0:00 - Buying at the Wrong Tine 3:00 - ArmyATC22 Joins the Show 4:30 - Networking 16:00 - Arena Club Big Pulls 17:50 - Content at Card Shows 19:30 - Going Viral with Ja'Marr Chase 23:40 - Give Small Shows Love 28:40 - Breaking 44:12 - Lightning Round 53:30 - Mailbag

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Grow Your Collectibles Business or Side Hustle

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week's episode of The Hobby Handbook with @CleverCubanCards is a lesson on how to start or grow your hobby business or side hustle. We're joined by Jim AKA THX10SportsCards, who's relatively new to making the sports card hobby his business.

Alex walks him through how he'd recommend growing his hobby business from Whatnot to social media and beyond. Have a question for Alex? Leave it in the comments, or consider booking your own consultation.

Join Clever Cuban Cards on Whatsnot on Sundays at 2 PM EST and Wednesdays at 7 PM EST! Sign up now for $15 off: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/clevercubancards 0:00 - Card Consultations 3:50 - THX10SportsCards Joins the Show 6:00 - Getting to Know Jim 9:00 - Finding Good Deals 12:45 - Sourcing Cards 15:50 - Registering as a Business 21:00 - Market Places 26:45 - Don't Start Cards at $1 27:50 - Getting Caught Up on Comps 32:15 - Hobby Math 38:50 - Stream Pre-Saves 41:00 - Growing on Social

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Timing This PC Pickup PERFECTLY, Nashville Card Show Recap

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Did Alex make a mistake in selling his Shohei Ohtani Rookie Auto in 2023? He shares the epic story of making that sale and reflects on whether he regrets it.

After nearly two years of hunting for a replacement, Alex finally found a replacement Ohtani that he wanted to buy this weekend at the Nashville Card Show. Not only did he buy that Ohtani auto, he spent the most money he's EVER spent at a card show while buying about 1,700 cards at the show.

What's the difference between the BOAT and the GOAT? Clever Cuban Cards shares why he thinks Ohtani is the BOAT right now and likely forever.

Chapters:

0:00 - Learn From My Mistakes

11:40 - Ohtani BEST Buy in Cards Right Now

14:30 - Nashville Card Show

16:20 - Setting Up as a Dealer

20:56 - Buying Strategy

33:00 - Mailbag

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Case Hit Era OVER?!

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:26:00 -0000

Is the case hit era over? Are there too many case hits? Does the hobby know what THE case hit is? This week's episode covers that and more with JetBreakers' Trent who joined us on his day off from the Air Force. Trent also share his hobby history, how he got into breaking, and who he collects, with Pete Alonso top of the list. "This is a hobby, it shouldn't be stressful," is Trent's take on making the hobby a business for him, albeit not his full time job.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avoiding Hobby Burnout as a Diehard Sports Card Collector

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Learn from my mistakes! Clever Cuban Cards talks about holding onto a Shohei Ohtani card that he kept putting off selling and then made a massive profit on in 24 hours. How can you learn from this?

Then, Adam Palmer who creates the Daily Nonsense videos on the SCN channel joins the show to talk all about creating hobby content. Adam went from being a graphic designer to creating daily hobby content. Adam also shares what he collects from Call of Duty to McDonald's toys. The guys also commiserate on the end of the Boston Red Sox's season.

Where does Adam find his hobby news to be able to create daily content on all things sports cards and collectibles? How do Adam and Alex avoid hobby burnout as full-time content creators in the sports card hobby?

0:00 - Intro

1:20 - Learn From My Mistakes

2:49 - Meet Adam Palmer

12:40 - Gary Vee Inspiration

14:33 - Bowling As a Card Alternative

17:15 - Avoiding Hobby Burnout

21:00 - Hard Work in Content

25:30 - Adam's Secret Sauce

29:30 - Goal Setting

33:20 - Alex's Tips For Avoiding Burnout

36:00 - Social Media is Not Reality

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beginner's Guide to Sports Card Grading

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Hobby Handbook, Alex AKA Clever Cuban Cards dives into the MLB playoffs with predictions and insights, sharing his thoughts on the Tigers, Guardians, Red Sox, and more.

He also tackles the controversial topic of PSA's price hikes and grading turnaround times, offering a candid look at the impact on the sports card hobby.

From personal grading mistakes to a comprehensive grading guide, this episode provides valuable tips for collectors looking to maximize their card investments. Clever Cuban Cards details everything from understanding the nuances of grading and choosing the right grading company to grade with, to evaluating the financial and condition aspects of your cards. As always, he adds his personal experiences and insights to help you learn.

This guide to card grading also covers the common pitfalls to avoid, the tools you need, and how to prepare your cards for grading.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL Sports Card Hot Takes and Problems with the Football Market

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Brendan Willis joins the show to talk all things football, from the Titans being in trouble, to the Colts looking like a complete team, and what Joe Burrow's injury means for sports card collectors.

They also discuss whether setting up at cards shows is worth it, the better QB class: 2020 or 2024, thoughts on Fanatics taking over the NFL license and Brendan's rapid fire sports card takes.

Plus, Clever Cuban Cards goes on his latest hobby rant: People complaining about sealed box prices is getting out of hand. On the flip side, are deals on slabs gone? Or where can you find a good deal?

Be sure to check out Brendan's football Whatnot stream tonight at 6 pm CT! He's joining the Clever Cuban Cads team and Alex will be chatting in the comments with everyone tonight.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debating Vintage vs Modern Sports Cards with Gordy Bonker

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vintage vs modern sports cards: what's better? We welcome Gordy Bonker from Bonkers Cards to The Hobby Handbook for an in-depth exploration of the debate between modern and vintage collecting. Clever Cuban Cards and Gordy discuss the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the intricacies of content creation in the hobby industry and how to scale in the business.

Gordy also shares his personal journey, insights into the card market, and the challenges of balancing media presence with business operations. Whether you're a collector, investor, or just curious about the hobby, this episode offers a bit of it all. Beyond the interview, Clever Cuban Cards shares his latest lesson in "Learn From My Mistakes" and went on a bit of a rant about AI usage in sports card advertising.

Plus, are Downtowns over-saturated already?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What No One Tells You About Running a Local Card Shop

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards is joined by John Lontoc, owner of Pretty Cool Cards in Nolensville, TN to talk about the realities of owning a local card shop. John tells us about what a day in his life is like, what cards have been flying off the shelf one week into the NFL season, what’s bigger: pokemon or sports cards? And so much more.

We also get a lightning round of hobby questions with John, his thoughts on market consolidation, and learn how much up-front capital it takes to open a card shop.

Plus, Alex answers your mailbag questions on which cards you should actually submit for grading, where to find information on new releases and at what point are there TOO many parallels.

If you're in Tennessee, be sure to check out Pretty Cool Cards and their October 19th Anniversary Party and rip night, which John tells us all about on today's episode.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Card Buying Strategy Heading into NBA Season, featuring Dr. Tyler Tarver

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards is joined by Dr. Tyler Tarver to preview the 2025-26 NBA season and what it means for your card collection. Who should you be buying ahead of the season? Who should you be selling? Who’s the next face of the NBA? Plus, the guys discuss their biggest lessons learned in the sports card industry. Why does Tyler love Jordan Poole? Which NBA players is he expecting to break out this year? And, how does he use the hobby to fund the hobby?

Alex also brings a great lesson in “Learn From My Mistakes.” And the guys discuss how they integrate their family into content. From Cade Cunningham to LeBron and Steph, you won’t want to miss this NBA season preview if you’re a basketball card collector.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How and Where to Get Good Deals on Collectibles and Sports Cards

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Clever Cuban Cards takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest mistakes in his sports card career. His mistakes become your learnings! Plus, how and where can you find good deals on cards online? From the biggest sites like eBay, to small sites you may never have heard of, Alex shares some of the best places to buy cards online and why you should check them out.

One of the best ways to find a good deal is to put in the work others won’t. But what does that mean and what work do you need to do? Clever Cuban Cards dives into that and more before answering some of your mailbag questions including how much cash to bring to card shows, his preference for PC (personal collection) grading and more.

Join Alex for episode 4 of The Hobby Handbook and reach out on social media @CleverCubanCards to ask your mailbag questions for next week’s episode where we’ll be previewing the 2025-2026 NBA season with Tyler Tarver.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The State of the Collectibles Hobby & How to Avoid Being Scammed

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode of The Hobby Handbook, Clever Cuban Cards (aka Alex) is joined by Sports Card Nonsense’s Mike Gioseffi.

They discuss how Mike got into collecting and some of his favorite players to collect. They also break down the state of the hobby and why Mike thinks sports cards and collectibles are in one of the best states they’ve ever been in, which is great news for collectors.

Mike and Alex also debate some quick-fire collectible hot takes before Alex answers your questions on how to become a full-time collector, the difference between BGS and PSA grading and more.

Join Clever Cuban Cards for episode 3 of The Hobby Handbook and reach out on social media @CleverCubanCards to ask your mailbag questions for next week’s episode.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Sports Card Collection, Your Rules: How to Block Out Hobby Hype

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the second episode of The Hobby Handbook, hosted by Clever Cuban Cards! The Hobby Handbook explores the world of sports card collecting, where passion meets profit and nostalgia meets strategy.

In this episode, Alex shares his background in education and how he quit his full time job to start selling cards and creating content. If you’re looking to become a collector, explore the business side, or use the hobby to fund the hobby, Clever Cuban Cards has you covered.

Today’s episode also explores how to set your goals in the hobby. It can be intimidating to start out, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re into singles, packs, or buying into breaks, after this episode you’ll feel empowered to continue exploring.

Join Alex for episode 2 of The Hobby Handbook and reach out on social media @CleverCubanCards to ask your mailbag questions for next week’s episode.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking Hobby Business at The National w/ Ryan Alford

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:31:17 -0000

Welcome to the debut episode of The Hobby Handbook, hosted by Clever Cuban Cards! This podcast explores the world of sports card collecting, where passion meets profit and nostalgia meets strategy.

In this first episode, Alex sits down with marketing maverick and media disrupter Ryan Alford, who shares how collecting cards with his four sons sparked a deeper dive into the hobby and eventually led to launching a new trading cards podcast with the Sports Card Nonsense Media Network and Collectibles on SI. Ryan opens up about the thrill of ripping packs, the learning curve of grading and value, and how he’s approached the hobby like a business from day one.

They dig into how Ryan’s used his network and marketing experience to create opportunities in the space, and how collectors can flip, trade, and reinvest to use the hobby to fund the hobby. It’s about more than cardboard, it’s community, strategy, and smart moves.

Whether you're a seasoned flipper or just getting your feet wet, this episode kicks off The Hobby Handbook!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices