Scams, Scalpers & SpongeBob?! The Hobby Gets Weird
In this week’s episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dig into some of the biggest conversations shaking up the non-sport card hobby:The marketing problem in non-sports cards and why it lags behind sports cards in engagement.The upcoming Pokémon Ultra Premium Collection boxes dropping in November, and why collectors are buzzing about these two massive releases.Scams in the hobby — how vendors are dealing with fake cards, plus reactions to viral social videos exposing the issue.PSA former employee exposes what we all need to STOP doing. Plus, why newer PSA slabs are starting to sell for higher values.The scalper debate: some events are finding ways to stop them, but it raises the question — are scalpers really that bad for the hobby?Finally, the announcement of the Topps SpongeBob Anniversary set, which could be one of the most fun and collectible non-sport products of the year.From scams to SpongeBob, this episode has it all — tune in for real talk on the news, controversies, and products shaping the non-sport world.
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1:19:14
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1:19:14
$200 to Full-Time Pokémon Dealer?! Jonathan Miller’s Journey + HUGE Chrome Disney Hype”
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined by Jonathan Miller of Music City Games, who went from a professional Halo player to a full-time Pokémon dealer in just one year! Jonathan reveals how he flipped a $200 investment into a career, grew a viral social media presence, and built a business out of card shows. He shares the strategies that worked, the pitfalls to avoid, and how YOU can follow in his footsteps.Then, the guys break down one of the most anticipated card products of the year: Topps Chrome Disney 2025. With the inclusion of real actor autographs for the first time, this set is shaping up to be both the most popular AND most expensive Disney release ever.🎴 Pokémon flipping tips, 🔥 Disney Chrome hype, and the stories that fuel the hobby — don’t miss this episode!
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1:17:12
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1:17:12
From Comic Books to Wrestling Rings: Rod Grimes Talks Collecting & Topps WWE Cactus Jack
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into a pop culture collectible they’ve never given enough spotlight—COMIC BOOKS! Guest Rod Grimes, a longtime comic collector and flipper, joins to share everything you need to know about the comic book world:What’s hot in comics right nowHow modern issues gain valueTools to help collectors track down key booksHis pick for the next big series to watchBut that’s not all. Rod sticks around to help break down the brand-new Topps Chrome WWE x Cactus Jack release—a product that’s already being called one of the most popular wrestling sets of the year. With his background as a former minor league pro wrestler, Rod brings unique insight into why wrestling cards connect so strongly with fans, the carnival roots of the sport, and why it remains so captivating today.The episode closes with the Spider-Man comic giveaway winner announcement and a quick look at a surprising dark horse non-sport product release that collectors are already calling above average.
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1:24:50
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1:24:50
New Star Wars Heats Up, Pokémon Worlds Flip Frenzy & PSA vs GameStop Showdown
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray break down the new Star Wars Topps Chrome release, covering fresh autos, inserts, and why prices are already rising. Then they dive into Pokémon Worlds 2025, from exclusive product scalping to new TCG rarities. Next, it’s PSA vs GameStop buybacks—who’s paying more, and what collectors need to know. Finally, a BIG Mailbag segment covers the best Pokémon sets to invest in, the non-sport autographs with the best eye appeal, and much more.
In this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off with a hands-on review of the new VeeFriends Super Sticker product. They share why they like the cards, while also addressing why some retail customers aren’t happy—especially those whose preorders arrived after shops and breakers had already started ripping.Next, they welcome Eric Wagenmaker of Reclaim Customs, who creates custom trading cards for athletes, celebrities, and even kids in little league. Eric shares how he got started, what’s driving the popularity of custom cards, and reveals some of the strangest requests he’s ever received—including one jaw-dropping order.After the interview, the conversation turns to Japan, where a McDonald’s Pokémon pack promotion has collectors and flippers traveling hours and swarming stores to grab packs. The guys compare it to previous McDonald’s promotions and the downsides being seen.Then it’s Marvel time with the release of Topps Marvel Mint—featuring a high-end Gambit insert and a nod to one of the Marvel Universe’s most infamous villains—and Marvel Sapphire, which could be the most expensive non-sport product of the year. But does the resale price actually justify it?
Hobby Nonsense is your weekly dive into the weird, wonderful world of non-sport trading cards and pop culture collectibles. Hosted by Jesse Gibson and Ray Solorio, the podcast covers everything from Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars to Garbage Pail Kids, sketch cards, and vintage oddities from the junk wax era.
Each episode features news, market trends, release breakdowns, and interviews with collectors, creators, and industry insiders. Whether you're chasing Charizards, ripping retro wax, or exploring obscure inserts, Hobby Nonsense delivers insight, nostalgia, and a lot of hobby fun.
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