Show Notes
This episode of Card Talk features host Tyler Schmitt providing updates on his recent activities and interviewing two guests, Jonathan and LP, about their roles in the evolving hobby.
Host Update & Industry Insights
London Card Show: The host recently attended the London Card Show with his father, noting the event's evolution from a small, Pokemon-heavy gathering to a professional, "national lite" event with significant industry sponsors.
Market Observations: The hobby is increasingly global, with product distribution and major players expanding across regions like Dubai, Macau, and London. The host emphasizes that businesses must diversify and innovate to survive market shifts, noting that younger collectors and diverse product interests are vital to sustained growth. Personal Projects: The host discusses his professional work building a partnership ecosystem for VeeFriends, including upcoming 2026 Topps Chrome releases, while also preparing for his wedding.
Guest: Jonathan (Co-founder of Got Sole)
Expansion: Jonathan explains that Got Sole, originally a sneaker convention, is expanding into a "culture festival" incorporating five categories: sneakers, sports cards (partnering with Goldin), vintage, streetwear, and luxury. Strategic Collaboration: Jonathan highlights the importance of leading with collaboration rather than competition. He notes that the new card component was finalized quickly through direct, value-driven partnerships with established figures in the hobby. Event Schedule: New York City (June 20), Chicago (July 25), Tokyo (August), Los Angeles (September), and Miami (October) are the inaugural cities for this new format.
Guest: LP (Content Creator & Student) Content Journey: LP, a senior accounting student at the University of Florida, shares his experience building a content creation brand while documenting his journey of flipping cards with limited starting capital. Strategy: He focuses on singles-based flipping, utilizing online platforms like Discord and Instagram for sourcing. He emphasizes that consistent content creation provides accountability and allows him to connect with other creators. Mindset: LP discusses overcoming the fear of public perception, stressing that building a reputation and producing consistent output are more valuable than immediate financial gain.
The host concludes the episode by reaffirming his commitment to using Card Talk as a platform to share inspiring stories, foster connections, and highlight the entrepreneurial spirit defining the current state of the hobby.
More from Card Talk
Card Talk #023 - Mat Sposta on AI Grading, the Future of Collectibles & Building TroveOn this episode of Card Talk, we sit down with Mat Sposta to discuss his journey from Wall Street and entrepreneurship to the collectibles industry. Mat shares the story behind Trove, how AI and computer vision are changing the way collectors evaluate cards, and what the future of grading could look like. We also dive into the growing role of institutional capital in collectibles, the sustainability of repacks, and why data and distribution are becoming major competitive advantages in the hobby. From vintage treasures and Pokémon to the importance of nostalgia and community, this conversation explores where the collectibles market is headed and what it means for collectors, investors, and entrepreneurs. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the intersection of technology, business, and the hobby we love.
Card Talk #022 - Live from New York Comic Con with PSA & Edition One Card Talk takes you to New York Comic Con for a special episode featuring PSA and Edition One! We dive into the growing intersection of comics, collectibles, and trading cards, exploring how iconic characters, exclusive releases, and new innovations are bringing collectors together. From the excitement of NYCC to the evolving collectibles market, join us as we talk with industry leaders about what's next for the hobby. Tune in for another episode of Card Talk, where we discuss the people, products, and trends shaping the collecting world!
Card Talk #021 - Gareb Shamus & ArtPics plus Play of the Week is back!!! Gareb shares his journey creating artpicsCards and his perspective on what makes a card valuable, not only as a collectible, but as a piece of art. The conversation explores how the combination of art and trading cards can create a unique collecting experience and attract collectors from different backgrounds. Plus, Play of the Week is back! We’re bringing back a segment where collectors can share their best recent plays, flips, purchases, and deals. If you have a play you want featured on a future episode, send it our way along with your thought process, purchase price, and sale price.
On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Chuck from Cult of Wax West to dive deep into the rapidly growing world of entertainment cards. Chuck shares his journey from collecting coins, Pokémon, Funko Pops, and sneakers to becoming heavily involved in Marvel and Star Wars cards. The two discuss what makes entertainment cards different from sports cards, how collectors balance the hobby with the business side, and why character-driven collecting can be so powerful. They also break down the current Marvel and Star Wars card landscape, including Topps’ Marvel releases, Star Wars Chrome, first-year products, sketches, inserts, and the potential opportunity in DC cards. Plus, they discuss the impact of major entertainment releases, why Spider-Man is helping drive the broader entertainment card market, the future of Marvel, and what could be the next big area of growth in the hobby. And of course, they finish with a fun Marvel character “This or That” battle and we see the return of Play of the Week! Topics include: • The rise of entertainment cards • Marvel & Star Wars collecting • Sports cards vs. entertainment cards • Balancing collecting and business • Why first-year products matter • Marvel Chrome & Sapphire • The future of DC cards • Spider-Man and the entertainment market • What could be NEXT for the hobby? • Marvel character “This or That” • Play of the Week Thanks for listening to Card Talk! Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what you think is next for the hobby.
Card Talk #019 - The world of Harry Potter with potterrarebooks THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER COLLECTING Harry Potter collecting is a world of its own, and in this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into it with Mike from Potter Rare Books. From the legendary first-edition UK Philosopher’s Stone to incredibly rare proof books, signed copies, print variations, condition, errors, and the differences between the UK and US markets, we break down what actually makes a Harry Potter book valuable. We also talk about the rapid growth of the Harry Potter market, why these books may have been undervalued for years, and what could drive the hobby over the next decade. What makes a book a true grail? How much can the rarest copies be worth? What should collectors look for? How much does a J.K. Rowling signature add? Is Harry Potter the next major collectibles market? If you're a sports card, Pokémon, comic book, or collectibles fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss.