The Sports Card CEO Podcast

In this exclusive interview, Big Matt and Little Matt sit down with Brandon Steiner to discuss sports memorabilia, the value of iconic athletes, and the mindset behind building a lasting legacy. Together, they explore entrepreneurship, authenticity, collecting, and the strategies that have made Brandon one of the most influential names in the sports memorabilia industry. Whether you're a collector, investor, or business owner, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on success, leadership, and the future of the hobby.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Current Events in Sports and Collectibles Market

04:07...

In this episode, Ham and Kern break down the latest trends in the sports card market, discussing top prospects, shifting player values, and investment opportunities. They also explore how All-Star selections, market momentum, and timing can influence card prices, helping collectors make smarter buying and selling decisions.

Chapters

03:42 Life Updates and Card Collecting

07:16 Balancing Life and Business

13:15 Market Trends and Card Strategies

17:15 All-Star Selections and Fan Voting

21:48 The Impact of All-Star Selections on Card Values

26:59 Identifying Value in the Prospect Market

In this episode, Big Matt and Little Matt discuss why adaptability is one of the most valuable skills in the sports card hobby. They break down current market trends, identify where new buying opportunities are emerging, and share practical strategies for pivoting when conditions change. From maximizing profits and diversifying your portfolio to staying ahead of the market, this conversation offers actionable insights for collectors looking to make smarter decisions and thrive in an evolving hobby.

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Visit our website: https://thesportscardceo.com/

Email us your questions! thesportscardceo@gmail.com

Join the CEOs as they discuss the current state of the sports card hobby, including navigating the summer slowdown in baseball, emerging opportunities in the market, and the ongoing debate between vintage and modern collecting. The conversation also covers Fanatics' latest content initiatives, the realities of creating content in today's hobby landscape, updates from around the baseball world, and exciting developments surrounding the Prospect Club app. Packed with insights, opinions, and practical takeaways, this episode offers collectors valuable perspective on where the hobby stands today and where it may be headed next.

In this special Big Matt x Little Matt episode, Matthew Ham and Little Matt share their journey in the sports card hobby, lessons learned from building a successful card business, and their perspectives on today's market. Beyond sports cards, they discuss the importance of kids pursuing their passions, the value of hard work and perseverance, and what it takes to turn a hobby into an opportunity. The conversation also offers meaningful advice for fathers on encouraging, supporting, and spending quality time with their children while helping them chase their dreams. Whether you're a collector, parent, or aspiring entrepreneur, this...

In this episode, Matthew Ham and Eric Mandelkern take a deep dive into the current state of the sports card hobby, discussing evolving market trends, grading challenges, and the realities collectors are facing today. From market fluctuations and grading backlogs to staying passionate through the highs and lows, they share valuable insights, personal experiences, and practical perspectives for collectors at every level.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

05:55 Market Pulse: High-End Sports Cards

06:21 Bowman Market Trends and Grading Fatigue

06:57 Concerns Over Market Stability and Grading Backlog

The CEO's sit down with Brent Weyer, Deep Value Investor on Instagram and owner of https://www.weyersports.com/, and share insights on collecting strategies, market trends, and how to identify valuable cards across different eras. They discuss the importance of set significance, risk diversification, and the evolving landscape of sports card investing. Brent Weyer also shares insights on finding undervalued assets, the importance of authentication, and long-term strategies for collectors and investors.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

03:24 Personal Updates and Life Changes

06:13 Sports Card Market Insights

09:01 Building a...

In this episode, host Matthew Ham and Eric Mandelkern break down the current sports card market — from defining what a “bubble” really is to smarter collecting strategies. They share real insights, personal experiences (including losses), and practical tips to help collectors navigate hype cycles and avoid costly mistakes.

Chapters

00:00 Weekly Round Table

06:13 Matt's Journey to a Million

08:42 Navigating Emotional Attachments in Card Collecting

11:48 Understanding the Concept of a Bubble

14:11 Defining a Bubble in the Card Market

16:56 Strategies to Insulate Against Market Bubbles

1...

Join the CEOs as they explore the latest trends in sports cards, market dynamics, grading fatigue, and innovative tools for collectors. They share insights on hype cycles, perceived value, and the future of grading services, all while keeping it real about the hobby's current state.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

08:07 The Launch of the Prospect Club App

10:51 Bowman Release and Market Dynamics

16:18 The Influence of Market Players

18:53 Performance vs. Perceived Value

27:50 Understanding Prospect Value and Hype Cycles

30:12 Grading Fatigue and Perceived...

In this episode, special guest Aram Leighton of Just Baseball joins the CEO’s to break down the 2026 Bowman Baseball release and what it means for collectors and investors alike. From top prospects and breakout names to smart investment strategies, we dive deep into player valuations, evolving market trends, and the key indicators driving the hobby right now.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

02:09 Aram's Recent Trading Experience

05:12 The Importance of Timing in Card Sales

09:00 Evaluating Player Prospects and Card Values

12:14 Navigating the Current Baseball Market

14:48 Ev...

This episode delivers a high-level breakdown of the current baseball landscape and its direct impact on the sports card market. The CEO’s dive into emerging prospects, shifting market trends, and the value dynamics surrounding stars like Yordan Alvarez, Elly De La Cruz, and Mike Trout.

From prospecting strategies to timing the market, the hosts share how they evaluate talent, capitalize on hype cycles, and navigate an ever-evolving hobby—giving collectors the edge to think and operate like true CEOs of their portfolios.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Roundtable Kick...

Join the CEO’s as they break down the current sports card market at a high level—from emerging trends and prospecting strategies to the real drivers behind value. We unpack how scarcity, hype cycles, and player performance impact pricing, with sharp, unfiltered insights from seasoned collectors and industry experts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:38 Personal Updates and Life Balance

06:41 Card Collecting Highlights and Business Success

15:07 Investing in Babe Ruth Cards

17:54 Launching the Sports Card CEO Website

21:07 Listener Questions and Insights on Bowman Cards

26:34 The Value of B...

Join the CEO's as they break down today’s stagnant sports card market, uncovering smart investment strategies, hidden opportunities, and ways to manage risk in a volatile hobby landscape. We also dive into how social media, technology, and shifting collector behavior are reshaping the market—featuring valuable insights from industry veterans on how to stay ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

06:26 Personal Experiences and Family Moments

20:01 Navigating the Stagnant Market

29:17 Investing Strategies and Income-Producing Assets

33:45 Investment Strategies: Finding Value in Oversold Cards

40:31 The Wax Market: Oppo...

In this episode, Mat Sposta, CEO of CHCK.AI and Trove, dives into the evolution of the sports card market—from corporate influence to cutting-edge AI grading. He breaks down how storytelling, shifting market dynamics, and new technology are redefining the future of collectibles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

07:25 Welcoming Mat Sposta: Background and Connections

09:57 Mat's Journey in the Hobby and Business Ventures

12:51 Corporate Involvement in the Hobby

13:55 Evolution of Trove and Content Strategy

16:04 Highlighting Collector Stories and Community Impact

18:37 Th...

In this episode, Kern returns as the CEOs break down the current state of Major League Baseball and how player performance is influencing the card market. They explore the hobby’s reactive nature, sharing insights on player development, market timing, and where the real long-term investment opportunities lie.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Nostalgia in Baseball

03:08 Spring Break Adventures and Personal Updates

08:25 Opportunities in the Card Market

14:07 Analyzing Player Performance and Market Reactions

16:45 The Evolution of Hitting in Baseball

19:35 Comparing Modern and Historical Hi...

In this episode, Bubba and Ham kick off the MLB season with a “Who’s Hot, Who’s Not” special—breaking down early standouts and who’s yet to make their mark. They dive into smart sports card investment strategies and explore how the hobby continues to show resilience, even amid broader economic uncertainty.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Morning Routines

03:32 Life as a Travel Sports Parent

06:19 Investment Strategies in Sports Cards

08:58 Who's Hot in Major League Baseball

14:46 Who's Not in Major League Baseball

25:33 Cold Starts...

In this episode, Matthew Ham and Bowman Farmer break down everything you need to know heading into Opening Day 2026—from spring training takeaways and breakout player predictions to how the shifting market is impacting collectors right now.

They dive into key prospects to watch, early-season strategies, and where smart money is moving as the new season kicks off. Beyond the market, the conversation also touches on personal experiences in the hobby, mindset, and the importance of staying grounded through the highs and lows.

Chapters

00:00 Spring Awakening: The Arrival of Baseball Season

03:27 Na...

In this episode, Bubba and Ham analyze the current sports card market, highlighting key trends and insights from recent events like the Dallas Card Show and the World Baseball Classic. With Opening Day approaching, they also discuss how to strategically position your collection — from identifying opportunities to understanding how performance could impact values early in the season. Perfect for collectors and investors looking to stay one step ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement

06:10 Advice for Aspiring Card Sellers

08:52 Market Insights and Trends

11:29 Health and Lifestyle Changes

We sat down with one of the most influential figures in the sports collectibles industry — Brandon Steiner. As the founder of Steiner Sports and now the CEO of CollectibleXchange, Brandon has spent decades building businesses, working with some of the biggest names in sports, and shaping the modern memorabilia market.

In this episode, Brandon shares the life lessons, entrepreneurial mindset, and business principles that helped him build an empire in the collectibles world. From the early days of the hobby to the evolution of the modern marketplace, we dive deep into what it takes to...

In this episode of the Sports Card CEO podcast, host Matt Ham and Bubba Wilson welcome Aram Leighton and dive deep into the world of baseball card collecting, focusing on the future top 20 prospects in baseball. They discuss various players, their potential, and the impact of player development on card values. The conversation is lively, filled with insights, and showcases the hosts' passion for the sport and the hobby. They also engage with their community, encouraging listeners to participate and share their thoughts.

In this episode of the Sports Cards CEO podcast, the hosts welcome back Eric Mandelkern and discuss various topics including personal health updates, insights from the Charlotte card show, and the latest trends in baseball prospects. They dive deep into discussions about Konnor Griffin, market predictions, and the significance of player performance on card values. The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of staying informed in the collectibles market and the excitement surrounding upcoming baseball seasons.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction

05:14 Baseball Season and Family Life

08:13...

In this episode, Matt Ham and Gary discuss the latest trends in the sports card market, focusing on personal stories of redemption in baseball and the importance of community within the hobby. They share their experiences with player performance, market fluctuations, and the significance of personal connections in the sports card world. The episode also reflects on their first year of podcasting and the excitement for future content.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

06:14 Zac Veen's Redemption Journey

09:17 Upcoming Guests and Community Interaction

14:50 Redemption Stories in Major League Baseball

In this episode, host Matthew Ham and Bubba welcome Special Guest Brent Weyer (Instagram: DeepValueInvestor), a knowledgeable investor and educator in the sports card hobby. They discuss the current state of the sports card market and Brent's journey in the hobby. The conversation delves into the significance of rarity, scarcity, and the importance of sets in card collecting. They also explore the evolution of card values, investment strategies, and the future of grail cards, providing listeners with valuable insights into the complexities of the sports card market. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of sports...

In this episode, Big Matt and Bubba discuss various topics related to sports cards and the upcoming baseball season. They delve into market trends, the importance of performance in card collecting, and the impact of events like the World Baseball Classic on card prices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having conviction in collecting, navigating market noise, and the joy of community engagement in the hobby.

Chapters

00:00 Personal Updates

06:16 Baseball Season and Card Market Insights

11:35 Market Dynamics and Seasonal Trends

14:28 Performance vs. Prospecting in Card Collecting<...

In this episode of Sports Card CEO, Matthew Ham and Gary "Bubba" Wilson discuss the current state of the sports card market, personal updates, and their business strategies. They explore the importance of inventory management, grading challenges, and the impact of new players entering the market. The conversation also includes valuable nuggets for listeners to consider over the next 60 days, emphasizing the need for a solid plan and understanding market dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Winter Doldrums

03:39 Personal Updates and Family Dynamics

06:14 The Business of Sports Cards

11:38...

In this episode of the Sports Card CEO podcast, Matthew Ham and Gary "Bubba" Wilson discuss the current state of the sports card market, share personal reflections on health and community engagement, and provide insights into buying strategies and market predictions. They welcome special guest Nick Tucker, who shares his expertise on grading and the impact of market trends. The conversation emphasizes the importance of discipline in collecting and the potential for growth in the hobby.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

03:45 Hobby Insights and Community Engagement

06:19 Personal Reflections and Health Goals<...

In this episode of the Sports Card CEO, Matthew Ham and Gary "Bubba" Wilson dive into the current state of the sports card market, particularly focusing on baseball cards. They welcome Little Matt and discuss the impact of seasonal changes on card values, the importance of timing in buying and selling, and the excitement surrounding new prospects like Konnor Griffin and McGonigle. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on their strategies for navigating the market, including the significance of scarcity and demand in determining card values.

Chapters

02:38 Weekly Recap: Business Growth...

In this episode, the CEO's welcome Aram Leighton, Co-Founder of Just Baseball, for a dive deep into the 2025 Bowman Draft, market insights, and investment strategies in the baseball card world. They analyze top prospects like Eli Willits and Jojo Parker, explore pitching talents such as Seth Hernandez and Kade Anderson, and highlight emerging players like Dax Kilby. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding market trends and making informed decisions when investing in baseball cards. They engage in rapid-fire evaluations of numerous prospects. Key players like Konnor Griffin and Dodgers prospects are highlighted, along with insights into pitching prospects...

In this episode of the Sports Cards CEO, the CEO's welcome special guest Aram Leighton with Just Baseball, to discuss off-season opportunities in the sports card market, focusing on key players like Gunnar Henderson, Corbin Carroll, Kyle Tucker, and emerging talents like Wyatt Langford and Tyler Soderstrom. They explore the dynamics of the card market, including the impact of team performance, player hype, and the concept of 'card fatigue' among collectors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic buying and the potential for significant returns on investment in the evolving landscape of baseball collectibles.

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The CEOs welcome Little Matt for an in-depth discussion on recent collaborations and emerging ventures within the collectibles market. The episode examines current market trends, analyzes player value through a comparative lens, and explores how scarcity impacts long-term demand. The conversation concludes with informed forecasts on the future direction of the collectibles space.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

05:47 Reflections on the Past Year and Gratitude

13:14 Challenges in the Current Card Market

16:17 The Evolving Card Market and Smarter Buyers

19:03 Baseball's Resurgence in the Card Hobby<...

In this episode of SportsCard CEO, the hosts discuss various aspects of card collecting, including personal updates, holiday greetings, and the importance of family. They welcome Joe Christoforo, a dedicated Orioles collector, who shares his journey in the hobby, the value of modern versus vintage cards, and the ongoing debate between superfractors and debut patches. The conversation also touches on strategies for acquiring cards, the role of memorabilia, and Joe's unique approach to collecting. The episode concludes with thoughts on future prospects and a bounty announcement for a sought-after card.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction...

In this episode of the Sports Card CEO podcast, host Matthew Ham, Eric Mandelkern, and Bubba discuss the current state of the sports card hobby, including personal updates and the scarcity of Bowman cards. They delve into the value of raw versus graded cards, the emerging trend of debut patches, and strategies for the off-season as they prepare for future prospects. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics and making informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of sports card collecting.

Chapters

03:15 Card Collecting Updates and Personal Stories

08:27 Market...

In this episode of Sports Cards CEO, Gary “Bubba” Wilson and Eric Mandelkern welcome back their outstanding host, Matt Ham, fresh from his trip to Disney World. The trio dives into the evolving landscape of the sports card market—examining the effects of PSA’s grading practices, the growing importance of proper insurance for collectors, and smart marketing strategies for showcasing personal collections. They also explore pricing, valuation, and the shifting perception of cards as a legitimate asset class, highlighting why strategic buying and selling has never been more essential in the hobby.

Chapters

03...

In this episode, Eric Mandelkern steps in as host for Matt Ham, as he is away on vacation at Disney. They also introduce a special guest and friend, Zach Polen from PC Sports Cards, to discuss the current state of the baseball card market, focusing on the strong performance of baseball cards despite expectations of a downturn. They delve into the value of players like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Ronald Acuna, debating their worth and the impact of performance on card prices. The conversation also touches on trust issues within auction platforms and the importance of timing in...

In this episode, the CEO's discuss Thanksgiving traditions, the current state of the sports card hobby, and the challenges of trust and integrity in card transactions. They share insights on market trends, the emotional aspects of collecting, and the importance of navigating risks in trading and grading cards. The conversation also touches on recent successes in acquiring a Konnor Griffin Superfractor and the frustrations with grading companies like Beckett and PSA. The CEO's emphasize the need for better customer service and communication in the grading industry, while also looking ahead to upcoming card shows and sales strategies.

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In this special in-depth interview, the spotlight turns to our very own host, Matt Ham. We dive into the man behind the mic—his life as a husband and father of five, the role faith plays in shaping his decisions, and the lessons he’s learned building multiple business ventures.

Matt also opens up about the message behind his book Redefine Rich, sharing the personal experiences and mindset shifts that inspired it. This episode pulls back the curtain on Matt’s journey, offering a powerful blend of perspective, purpose, and real-life wisdom you won’t want t...

In this episode of The Sports Card CEO Podcast, the team sits down with Gary “Bubba” Wilson for an in-depth conversation about his journey through the hobby. Bubba opens up about how he got started, the investment strategies that shaped his success, and what drives his vision for the future. The episode wraps with powerful reflections on personal growth, community, and the lasting impact of giving back through the hobby.

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Email us your questions! thesportscardceo@gmail.com

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In this episode, the CEO's kick off Season Two of the podcast with an announcement of their giveaway winner for the 2024 Bowman Sebastian Walcott Auto /150 PSA 10 and a recap of the recent World Series. This episode also features an in-depth interview with Eric Mandelkern, exploring his background, interests, and the nostalgia that brought him back into the card collecting hobby. In this engaging conversation, Eric Mandelkern shares insights on parenting, the joys and challenges of family life, and the impact of sports on personal identity. He discusses the importance of hard work in business ownership, and offers advice for...

In this episode of the Sports Card CEO podcast, the hosts celebrate their 44th week of consistent episodes, reflecting on their journey and the impact of Shohei Ohtani on the sports card market. They share personal updates, discuss the importance of authenticity and community, and emphasize the value of listener feedback. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of scarcity in the card market and the hosts' commitment to providing engaging and educational content for their audience.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

01:56 Celebrating 44 Weeks of Consistency

03:56 Personal Updates and Weekend Activities<...

In this episode of the Sports Card CEO podcast, the CEO's discuss their experiences in the card collecting hobby, including recent purchases, market trends, and the impact of the baseball playoffs. They reflect on a surreal interview with Mike Trout and delve into the controversial Three Kings program introduced by Topps. The conversation also addresses the emotional instability within the hobby community and the importance of pursuing happiness through collecting. As they wrap up the season, the hosts share their excitement for future episodes and the stories they plan to explore in Season Two.

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