Sports Card Nation Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: John Newman

Centered on the Sports Card hobby/industry. "Sports Card Nation" Friday's a great conversation with a hobby person(s)Alternating Mondays:"Hobby Quick Hits"-one topic, weekly hobby news and new product releases.E-Mail:[email protected]:www.sportscardnationpodcast.co...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.

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Alyx Effron returns! E414
Alyx Effron returns! E414 episode artwork
Today at 8:05 AM

Collectors MD's Alyx Effron returns this week and we tackle many hobby topics and issues.

TALKING POINTS:
*Hobby Role
*Other Addictions parallel to Hobby ones
*Types of Hobby addictions
*Solutions
*CTCA Thoughts
*Hobby Regulation: Needed or no?
*Pet peeves and encouraging hobby things


Follow us on Social Media: 

Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpodcast.com 

https://linktr.ee/Sportscardnation

Merch shop:

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Alyx Effron of Collectors MD E413
Alyx Effron of Collectors MD E413 episode artwork
11/06/2026

Collectors MD's Alyx Effron is our guest this week and we tackle many hobby topics and issues. 


TALKING POINTS:

*Hobby Role

*Other Addictions parallel to Hobby ones

*Types of Hobby addictions

*Solutions 

*CTCA Thoughts

*Hobby Regulation: Needed or no?

*Pet peeves and encouraging hobby things

https://www.collectorsmd.com/



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpodcast.com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardnation


Merch shop:


Philadelphia Eagles Cooper DeJean joins the show E412A
Philadelphia Eagles Cooper DeJean joins the show E412A episode artwork
11/02/2026

Philadelphia Eagles Pro-Bowl Corner Cooper DeJean is our guest for this special episode.

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Kevin Barrows(Former FBI Agent) Returns! E412
Kevin Barrows(Former FBI Agent) Returns! E412 episode artwork
10/30/2026

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Kevin Barrows/Former FBI Agent E411
Kevin Barrows/Former FBI Agent E411 episode artwork
10/23/2026

Former FBI Agent Kevin Barrows is our guest this week and we dive into some hobby topics covered from a different angle than most.


TALKING POINTS:

*How much does the bureau focus on the hobby?

*Personal hobby history

*Should the hobby have government regulation?

*Working with Sports teams

*How much signed memorabilia is fake



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Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpodcast.com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardnation


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New England Card Show/Springfield,Mass Review E238
New England Card Show/Springfield,Mass Review E238 episode artwork
10/19/2026

I recently attended, set up and did content at the New England Card Show in Springfield,MA. I talked about my complete experience there on this episode. I also interview 10 people including two NBA players. Those interviews will air on Sports Card Nation in November.




Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


Brian Pirrip is Back! E410
Brian Pirrip is Back! E410 episode artwork
10/16/2026

There are some great hobby ambassadors and advocates and this week's guest is at the top of that list! Brian Pirrip returns for Part II of our great conversation.


TALKING POINTS:

*Hobby Beginnings

*What's in your PC?

*Junk Wax era wax rising and more difficult to procure.


*Idea to travel to stadiums,events and card shops to spread hobby love.  


*Thoughts on Modern Wax

*M1nt Grading/Encapsulation 

*Grading Discussion

*Celebrities in the hobby thoughts

*Guy who tur...


Brian Pirrip "Spreading Hobby Love" E409
Brian Pirrip "Spreading Hobby Love" E409 episode artwork
10/09/2026

There are some great hobby ambassadors and advocates and this week's guest is at the top of that list! Brian Pirrip makes his 1st appearance on the podcast.


TALKING POINTS:

*Hobby Beginnings

*What's in your PC?

*Junk Wax era wax rising and more difficult to procure.


*Idea to travel to stadiums,events and card shops to spread hobby love.  


*Thoughts on Modern Wax

*M1nt Grading/Encapsulation 

*Grading Discussion

*Celebrities in the hobby thoughts

*Guy who turn all...


"2026 National Post-Mortem" The Cardfellas E2
"2026 National Post-Mortem" The Cardfellas E2 episode artwork
10/05/2026

John Newman and Tony D bring you "The Cardfellas" Two guys "Chopping up" a hobby topic.  We don't have a set schedule but you'll see/hear us when inspiration strikes.  


E2:

Little late to press but Tony and I review our 2026 National experiences in Chicago. The good, bad and ugly. Hope you enjoy!

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Clemente Lisi is back! E408
Clemente Lisi is back! E408 episode artwork
10/02/2026

Clemente Lisi returns for Part II of our conversation. He breakdown's the World Cup, Soccer Hobby market, Messi's announcement, and a discussion about the approaching NHL season.


TALKING POINTS:

*World Cup Review

*Soccer Market

*Messi's Announcement 

*Thoughts on Pocchettino/USA Soccer

*Next World Cup

*NHL Market and Upcoming season.  



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sport...


"World Cup/Soccer Market Review/NHL Hobby Outlook" w/Clemente Lisi E407
"World Cup/Soccer Market Review/NHL Hobby Outlook" w/Clemente Lisi E407 episode artwork
09/25/2026

My good friend Clemente Lisi is back on to breakdown the World Cup, Soccer Hobby market, Messi's announcement, and a discussion about the approaching NHL season.

TALKING POINTS:
*World Cup Review
*Soccer Market
*Messi's Announcement
*Thoughts on Pocchettino/USA Soccer
*Next World Cup
*NHL Market and Upcoming season.


Follow us on Social Media: 

Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 

https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

Merch shop:

https://sports-card-nation.pri...

 

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"SGC Decision and Fairgrounds Show Review" Hobby Quick Hits E237
"SGC Decision and Fairgrounds Show Review" Hobby Quick Hits E237 episode artwork
09/21/2026

On this episode of "Hobby Quick Hits" I discuss the recent SGC Submission price raising, how it affects me and the recent show I did at the New York State Fairgrounds.  


Also:

*New Product Release Schedule


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


"Basketball Card Hall of Fame Pt.2 w/ Ray & Tony" E406
"Basketball Card Hall of Fame Pt.2 w/ Ray & Tony" E406 episode artwork
09/18/2026

Ray Fonio and TJ is Online-the men behind the Basketball Hall of Fame return for part 2 in discussing the candidates in both the Vintage and Modern card class for the 2nd induction. Collectors can vote on their favorites.  I disclose who I voted for this year.  



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sports-card-nation.pri...


 


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2nd Annual Basketball Card Hall of Fame Candidates Part 1 w/Ray & Tony E405
2nd Annual Basketball Card Hall of Fame Candidates Part 1 w/Ray & Tony E405 episode artwork
09/11/2026

Ray Fonio and TJ is Online-the men behind the Basketball Hall of Fame join me in discussing the candidates in both the Vintage and Modern card class for the 2nd induction. Collectors can vote on their favorites.  I disclose who I voted for this year.  



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sports-card-nation.pri...


 


To eliminate pre & post-roll ads


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Steve Grad is Back! E404
Steve Grad is Back! E404 episode artwork
09/04/2026

Steve Grad is back and we cover some hobby ground on this episode.


Talking Points may include:

*Where it all started.

*Whats in his PC, Favorites and selling.

*Secretary and Clubbie autos-What you need to know.  


*Percentage of autos that are fake in the wild.  

*Scenario-You see a slabbed auto but you know it's not legit.


*Most Forged?

*Going completely under his own brand. 


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sports...


"2026 NFL Season & Hobby Preview" Hobby Quick Hits E236
"2026 NFL Season & Hobby Preview" Hobby Quick Hits E236 episode artwork
08/31/2026

The 2026 NFL Season seemed to sneak up upon us.  It's time for annual NFL Season preview where we predict Playoff teams, Award Winners and Who wins the Super Bowl. We are talk some hobby in the process.  Enjoy!

Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


Steve Grad chops it up E403
Steve Grad chops it up E403 episode artwork
08/28/2026

For the first time ever Steve Grad is our guest and we cover sone ground.  


Talking Points may include:

*Where it all started.

*Whats in his PC, Favorites and selling.

*Secretary and Clubbie autos-What you need to know.  


*Percentage of autos that are fake in the wild.  

*Scenario-You see a slabbed auto but you know it's not legit.


*Most Forged?

*Going completely under his own brand. 


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https...


Dave Schwartz returns for Part II E402
Dave Schwartz returns for Part II E402 episode artwork
08/21/2026

Dave Schwartz returns for part 2 of our great hobby conversation. Hope you enjoy!


Talking Points may include:

*Sunsetting "The Shallow End".

*Making content for all.

*Does podcasting change how you colllect.

*Current hobby thoughts.

*Most and least fun of content creation.

*Creators too big for britches.

*Future plans.


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sp...


"2026 National Wrap Up and Review Hobby Quick Hits E235
"2026 National Wrap Up and Review Hobby Quick Hits E235 episode artwork
08/17/2026

The 46th National is in the books.  In this episode i discuss my pickups, experiences and thoughts in candor.  The Great, the not so great and more!


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


Iowa Dave Schwartz "Cutting Back Content" E401
Iowa Dave Schwartz "Cutting Back Content" E401 episode artwork
08/14/2026

Dave Schwartz keeps it real while being one of the nicest guys the hobby has to offer.  He's recently cut back on content and we delve into what led to that decision.


Talking Points may include:

*Sunsetting "The Shallow End".

*Making content for all.

*Does podcasting change how you colllect.

*Current hobby thoughts.

*Most and least fun of content creation.

*Creators too big for britches.

*Future plans.


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://ww...


He's Back! Joe Hollywood Returns E400 (Giveaway Episode)
He's Back! Joe Hollywood Returns E400 (Giveaway Episode) episode artwork
08/07/2026

Joe Hollywood has made a name for himself in the hobby but he also is very philantrophic as well.  I enjoyed getting to know more about him through our conversations for the pod.   I hope you do as well.


Talking Points may include:

*Growing up in NYC & the hobby influence.


*Where the "Hollywood" moniker came from.


*Hustling as a young kid.

*Working on Wall Street and the hobby comparisons. 


*Topps controlling 75%+ of the major sports.  


*Doing 24 live streams. The how and why.<...


Joe Hollywood "Breaking In Big" E399
Joe Hollywood "Breaking In Big" E399 episode artwork
08/03/2026

Joe Hollywood has made a name for himself in the hobby but he also is very philantrophic as well.  I enjoyed getting to know more about him through our conversations for the pod.   I hope you do as well.


Talking Points may include:

*Growing up in NYC & the hobby influence.


*Where the "Hollywood" moniker came from.


*Hustling as a young kid.

*Working on Wall Street and the hobby comparisons. 


*Topps controlling 75%+ of the major sports.  


*Doing 24 live streams. The how and why.<...


Joe Hollywood "Doing Big Things" E399
Joe Hollywood "Doing Big Things" E399 episode artwork
07/31/2026

Joe Hollywood has made a name for himself in the hobby but he also is very philantrophic as well.  I enjoyed getting to know more about him through our conversations for the pod.   I hope you do as well.


Talking Points may include:

*Growing up in NYC & the hobby influence.


*Where the "Hollywood" moniker came from.


*Hustling as a young kid.

*Working on Wall Street and the hobby comparisons. 


*Topps controlling 75%+ of the major sports.  


*Doing 24 live streams. The how and why.<...


"Hobby Money" Hobby Quick Hits E234
"Hobby Money" Hobby Quick Hits E234 episode artwork
07/27/2026

I seen a lot of stuff through the years. Today I talk about the transactions of the hobby on different levels, Is there a Caste System in the hobby and to be careful.  


Also:

*New Product Release Schedule


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


Mike Baker/MBA is back E398
Mike Baker/MBA is back E398 episode artwork
07/24/2026

Most will agree Mike Baker is one of the most experienced people when it comes to the grading space.  He was PSA's 1st employee and now is the force behind MBA.  He returns for the conclusion of our conversation.


Talking Points may include:

*How it all started

*How grading has changed through the decades.


*Junk Slab era?

*Future of SGC

*What's the deal with MBA

*Thoughts on altering and cleaning 

*Do the diamonds make a difference 

*The subjectiveness of grading 
...


"Sharing Grading Expertise" with Mike Baker of MBA E397
"Sharing Grading Expertise" with Mike Baker of MBA E397 episode artwork
07/17/2026

Most will agree Mike Baker is one of the most experienced people when it comes to the grading space.  He was PSA's 1st employee and now is the force behind MBA.  He joins us for the 1st time.


Talking Points may include:

*How it all started

*How grading has changed through the decades.


*Junk Slab era?

*Future of SGC

*What's the deal with MBA

*Thoughts on altering and cleaning 

*Do the diamonds make a difference 

*The subjectiveness of grading 

...


"Current State of Card Shows" Hobby Quick Hits E233
"Current State of Card Shows" Hobby Quick Hits E233 episode artwork
07/13/2026

There are more card shows than ever before and I attend as both a dealer and consumer. On this episode I share my observations and thoughts about the current state of card shows. 


Also:

*New Product Release Schedule

*Hobby News



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/suppo


Matthew & Garrett return! E396
Matthew & Garrett return! E396 episode artwork
07/10/2026

Part II with Matthew and Garrett Weaver. They invented a baseball card game that can be played with your own cards, build your own teams,etc.  It's not just the run of the mill roll the dice type game.  Yes there's dice but built on formulas that should bring similar results to real life matchups. Want Griffey jr to play along side Lou Gehrig.  Now you can! We talk about it.


Talking Points may include:

*Hobby starts and what you enjoy

*Base cards matter!

*Inventing a game with Baseball cards


Matthew & Garrett Weaver "Building a game with Baseball Cards" E395
Matthew & Garrett Weaver "Building a game with Baseball Cards" E395 episode artwork
07/03/2026

Matthew and Garrett Weaver invented a baseball card game that can be played with your own cards, build your own teams,etc.  It's not just the run of the mill roll the dice type game.  Yes there's dice but built on formulas that should bring similar results to real life matchups. Want Griffey jr to play along side Lou Gehrig.  Now you can! We talk about it.


Talking Points may include:

*Hobby starts and what you enjoy

*Base cards matter!

*Inventing a game with Baseball cards

*Getting through 20 versions to...


State of the Grading Space E232
State of the Grading Space E232 episode artwork
06/29/2026

The Grading Space continues to change, evolve, regress all at the same time.  It's been a bit since we checked in and covered it, so let's dive in on this episode.  


Also:

*New Product Release Schedule

*Hobby News


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


Dan Bliss of Front Row Card Show Returns! E394
Dan Bliss of Front Row Card Show Returns! E394 episode artwork
06/26/2026

Dan Bliss returns for part 2 of our conversation. He promotes some of the best card shows this country can offer.  


Talking Points may include:

*Evolution of the Modern Card show

*Too many shows?

*Theft and Safety at shows 

*Working with other promoters

*Where his shows are and expansion?

*Staff and the efforts to put on a great event.


*Making vendors and customers happy

*Content Creation at shows



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


Dan Bliss of Front Row Card Show "Promoting Shows Right" E393
Dan Bliss of Front Row Card Show "Promoting Shows Right" E393 episode artwork
06/19/2026

Dan Bliss promotes some of the best card shows this country can offer.  He's our guest this week and we get some important insights from him.


Talking Points may include:

*Evolution of the Modern Card show

*Too many shows?

*Theft and Safety at shows 

*Working with other promoters

*Where his shows are and expansion?

*Staff and the efforts to put on a great event.


*Making vendors and customers happy

*Content Creation at shows



Follow us on So...


Q & A Episode Hobby Quick Hits E231
Q & A Episode Hobby Quick Hits E231 episode artwork
06/15/2026

We are back with regular programming and we had some questions in the que so why not a Q and A Episode.


Keep your questions coming!


Also:

*New Product Release Schedule

*Hobby News



Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports-card-nation-podcast--4761791/support.


Zack and Porter are back! E392
Zack and Porter are back! E392 episode artwork
06/12/2026

Father/Son Collectors Zach and Porter are back for Part II of our conversation.


Talking Points may include:

*What's New

*Hobby tips for kids

*Changing what you collect


*Hobby Community On-Line and in person.  


*Getting through hobby issues.


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sports-card-nation.pri...


 


To eliminate pre & post-roll ads


Zach & Porter Byrne "Positive Hobby Community" E391
Zach & Porter Byrne "Positive Hobby Community" E391 episode artwork
06/05/2026

It's been 4 years but we caught back up with Father/Son Collectors Zach and Porter Byrnes.


Talking Points may include:

*What's New

*Hobby tips for kids

*Changing what you collect


*Hobby Community On-Line and in person.  


*Getting through hobby issues.


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sports-card-nation.pri...


 


To eliminate pre...


NFL Draft Breakdown Part 3 w/Dan Tortora Hobby Quick Hits E230
NFL Draft Breakdown Part 3 w/Dan Tortora Hobby Quick Hits E230 episode artwork
06/01/2026

I appeared on my friend Dan Tortora's broadcast breaking down the whole NFL Draft team by team.  He was nice enough to let me utilize the audio for "Hobby Quick Hits".  This is the final part 3 of 3.


Thanks:

Dan Tortora Broadcast Media

DBTM Network 


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/pod...


Nick Barton of MeanDaddy Cards returns! E390
Nick Barton of MeanDaddy Cards returns! E390 episode artwork
05/29/2026

Nick Barton of MeanDaddy Cards returns for Part II of our great conversation.


Talking Points may include:

*Where it all began.

*What do you collect?

*Why is nostalgia important to the hobby?


*Where did the name come from?

*Starting out at shows.

*All-Star Card Show-Brand new & different. 


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch shop:


https://sports-card-nation.pri...


Nick Barton/MeanDaddy Cards "Giving Back to the Community" E389
Nick Barton/MeanDaddy Cards "Giving Back to the Community" E389 episode artwork
05/22/2026

Nick Barton of MeanDaddy Cards is doing something never done in the hobby before. He is our guest on this episode.  


Talking Points may include:

*Where it all began.

*What do you collect?

*Why is nostalgia important to the hobby?


*Where did the name come from?

*Starting out at shows.

*All-Star Card Show-Brand new & different. 


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:


https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...


Merch...


NFL Draft Breakdown Part 2 Dan Tortora Hobby Quick Hits E229
NFL Draft Breakdown Part 2 Dan Tortora Hobby Quick Hits E229 episode artwork
05/18/2026

I appeared on my friend Dan Tortora's broadcast breaking down the whole NFL Draft team by team.  He was nice enough to let me utilize the audio for "Hobby Quick Hits".  This is part 2 of 3.


Thanks:

Dan Tortora Broadcast Media

DBTM Network 


Follow us on Social Media: 


Website:

https://www.sportscardnationpo....com 


https://linktr.ee/Sportscardna...

 


E-Mail us at:

[email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sports...


Artist James Fiorentino is back! E388
Artist James Fiorentino is back! E388 episode artwork
05/15/2026

Acclaimed Artist James Fiorentino returns for Part II of our conversation. 


Talking points on this episode potentially include:


*What came first painting or collecting cards.


*When did you know you were a good artist?


*Working with Card companies.

*Does being a good athlete helped you paint them?


*Working with athletes and celebrities.

*Art history and the hobby.

*Why watercolors and favorite athletes to paint.  


*Seeing your work in the Hall of Fame.  

Follow us on So...