Topps x Pokémon Coming?! MASSIVE Release Wave, Star Wars & Marvel MCU Autos + StockX Warning
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into one of the biggest release cycles the hobby has seen in months. The episode starts with Jesse breaking down his viral post about clues suggesting a possible Topps x Pokémon 30th Anniversary collaboration set next year — a theory that took off online, even though Ray isn’t convinced it has anything to do with Pokémon (and he might be right).From there, the guys cover a long list of major upcoming releases:✨ Pixar Gold — gaining more hype than expected, but everything depends on the final checklist. 🌌 Star Wars Galaxy 2025 — celebrating 20 years of Revenge of the Sith with new original art and sketches from Lucasfilm animators. 🚀 Star Wars Hyperspace 2025 — already outselling last year’s product before release. 🎬 Topps Marvel Studios — featuring MCU characters, art, and massive autographs including the huge chase: a dual Ryan Reynolds / Hugh Jackman auto from Deadpool & Wolverine. ⛏️ 2025 Panini Minecraft — surprisingly underwhelming and lacking the creativity of last year’s release. 🏆 2025 Topps Allen & Ginter — stacked with monster cut autos like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and John Quincy Adams, plus real prizes including Mitchell & Ness apparel and gift cards.To wrap things up, they issue an important warning for Pokémon buyers on StockX, as reports show authenticated products arriving repackaged and not as described.A packed episode full of speculation, massive releases, hobby insights, and a must-hear consumer alert.
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into the world of LEGO collecting — and trust us, it’s way deeper (and more valuable) than most collectors realize.They’re joined by Samuel, the creator behind Rarest Lego Minifigure on Instagram, who has built a million-dollar LEGO collection filled with rare, vintage, and one-of-a-kind pieces.Samuel shares how he started collecting as a kid and never walked away, how LEGO exploded in popularity after COVID, and why conventions like BrickWorld Chicago have become massive events, drawing thousands of fans and some of the most unbelievable builds you’ll ever see.He breaks down: • Why vendors price higher at conventions • How community drives the LEGO hobby • Why some of the most valuable LEGO items are true one-of-ones • How Star Wars saved LEGO and reshaped the brand • The challenges of grading LEGO and why the market is still behind • The rarest and most historic pieces in his collectionIf you’ve ever wondered how deep LEGO collecting goes — or how a minifigure can be worth thousands — this episode is a must-listen.
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Pixar Gold First Look, Coin Collecting Truths w/ Jeff Starck & Phantasmal Flames Pull Rates
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray (after discovering Ray might have trypophobia) dive into a packed show covering Pixar, coins, and Pokémon.First, Jesse and Ray break down Pixar Gold, the newest Topps release celebrating iconic moments from the Pixar universe. With actor autos and “Golden Moments” chases, the product looks gorgeous — but will collectors buy in if the price is too premium?Then they’re joined by Jeff Starck, market analyst for NumisMaster and host of the Coin Collecting Podcast, to uncover the real truth about coin collecting. Jeff explains why coin collectors can lose money even with “valuable” items, how emotional attachment clouds judgment, how market swings affect values, and why networking and research matter more in coins than almost any other collectible.After the interview, Jesse and Ray talk Pokémon Phantasmal Flames, why it might be the set that finally fixes the supply issue without tanking values, and the surprising pull rates of its biggest hits. They wrap with a wild record sale of a Topps Tekno Mewtwo, proving one of Ray’s recent predictions was dead-on.
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Funko Pop Going Out of Business?! The Booming Non-Sport Market w/ Jeremy Allen & The Dark Side of the Hobby
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse (fighting through a stomach bug) and Ray tackle an off-the-wall episode — packed with industry news, market analysis, and a conversation that collectors won’t forget.They start with the shocking report that Funko Pop predicts it will be out of business by the end of next year, breaking down what led to the fall, how it affects collectors, and why it might actually be good news for long-term Funko fans.Next, they reveal new details on Topps Star Wars Galaxy 2025, including one of the strongest autograph checklists in years, and how fans may be able to get full-size posters of their favorite cards.Then, Jesse and Ray welcome Jeremy Allen, Assistant Director of Pop Culture at Heritage Auctions, who shares an inside look at the explosive rise of non-sport cards — from record-breaking sales of Bart Simpson sketches to Luke Skywalker grails and Batman rookies. Jeremy shares what Pop Culture collectible categories have been performing the best and what his thoughts are for 2026.After the interview, the guys discuss the latest Pokémon leaks and close with a thought-provoking conversation about gambling in the hobby — from GameStop’s Power Packs to controversial break styles and how they blur the line between collecting and chance.
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Social Media Backlash on Big Pulls, GameStop Policy Reversal, Black Friday Pokémon Deals & 20-Year Sketch Pro Kevin Graham
This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick things off by addressing the recent big-pull streak in breaks and the social media chatter accusing Jesse of getting “loaded cases.” They dig into why some people hate seeing big hits and why others think rare cards “should be worthless.”From there, we cover:🔥 GameStop reverses course after hobby backlash 🛒 Black Friday Pokémon deals at Target, Walmart, Dollar General & more ✨ Luke Skywalker record sale sparks price bump in lower gradesThen we welcome legendary sketch artist Kevin Graham, whose 20+-year career includes major projects from:Star WarsIndiana JonesLord of the RingsSpongeBobDisneyGame of Thrones …and more!Kevin talks about: 🎨 Creating sketches that later sold for $5,000 🗂️ His favorite projects and upcoming releases 💡 Budget-friendly collecting using Chinese non-sport optionsAfter the interview, Jesse & Ray debate the big question:👉 Are we at the peak of the sketch boom — or are sketch cards becoming the new fine art of trading cards?
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.