Hobby Nonsense

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray tackle one of the most serious and wide-ranging episodes yet.

They open with a discussion on the robbery of the Pokémon store PokéCourt, along with several other recent break-ins, raising real concerns about security, vigilance, and safety for both shop owners and collectors as the hobby continues to grow.

From there, they cover a new Disney bounty now sitting at $30,000, followed by chaos surrounding Marvel Studios Sapphire, where the biggest card in the product was publicly pulled before most local card shops and breakers even received allocation.

The conversation shifts to Tiger Woods, who partnered with Upper Deck and DC Comics to create a custom card given exclusively to guests at his 50th birthday — a fascinating example of where premium collectibles are heading.

Next, Logan Paul enters the discussion once again as he prepares to break a 1st Edition Pokémon box. While his involvement continues to push prices higher, Jesse and Ray question whether his influence is ultimately good or bad for the hobby.

They then tease an upcoming Jurassic Park card set that could be one of the most nostalgic releases of the year, before diving into One Piece OP-14, which already has raw cards selling for over $2,000. They then share insight from the seller of the $20,000 Red Manga Luffy from OP-13, who believes auction manipulation played a role in the final price.

The episode also covers Fanatics’ joint venture with OBB Media, and how it could open the door to more celebrity autographs in future products.

They close with an update on LEGO Pokémon, where the end of presales has already resulted in rising prices on the secondary market.

A packed episode covering safety, speculation, record sales, and the evolving direction of the hobby.

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into one of the most unpredictable and conversation-starting episodes yet.

They kick things off with the release of LEGO Pokémon, debating where the real value in the set lies. Jesse is all in, while Ray remains far more skeptical about its long-term collectability.

Next, they explore one of the most under-the-radar trends in the hobby: TCG sketch cards. Custom, artist-drawn Pokémon and Lorcana sketches created directly on cards are now selling for over $10,000, despite very few collectors even knowing this market exists.

Then Logan Paul is back in the spotlight, this time introducing a controversial auction tactic known as irrevocable bidding tied to his Pikachu Illustrator card. Jesse and Ray break down how it works and ask the bigger question—is Logan Paul actually good for the hobby?

The discussion continues with:


Live bounties in Star Wars and Disney products


Updates on Topps WWE Universe delays and Marvel Studios Sapphire


A price check on wild Labubu comps

They also react to GameStop announcing the closure of over 400 stores while simultaneously approving a large stock compensation package for its CEO, raising serious questions about optics and leadership.

Jesse then shares a jaw-dropping personal experience meeting a young breaker who, after just 11 months in the hobby, is breaking hundred’s of thousands of dollars worth of product for 1,000+ viewers, all without ANY allocation!

Before wrapping up, the guys discuss the newly announced Rittenhouse Star Trek Connections, a product that could be the best Star Trek release in decades based on early details.

The episode closes with two head-turning stories:


A new One Piece x College Basketball promo being handed out at games

And mystery Pokémon cards surfacing at a North Carolina card show—located suspiciously close to a Pokémon printing facility.

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray dive into a wave of new releases—some expected, some complete surprises—that have collectors buzzing.

They kick things off with Pixar Gold, releasing this week — including the huge announcement of the first-ever Toy Story dual autograph featuring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as Woody and Buzz, instantly becoming one of the most anticipated chases in the product.

Next, they preview Upper Deck’s upcoming Grateful Dead set, which looks like a fun and unique rip for Dead Heads and music collectors alike. Then comes a true surprise: Topps Marvel “The Collector”, a low–print run, high-end product spotlighting some of the biggest names in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jesse and Ray break down the signers, box format, and just how rare this release might be.

From there, the conversation shifts to the TCG market, covering record-setting sales in both One Piece and Pokémon. Ray then dives into Pokémon Ascended Heroes, which will be the largest Pokémon set ever at 295 cards, and explains why — with the 30th Anniversary and two new video games coming — this could be the biggest year Pokémon has ever had.

The episode wraps with a look outside of cards, discussing LEGO’s new Smart Play System, which was just announced at CES and could become one of the company’s most exciting innovations yet.

In the final episode of the year, Jesse and Ray wrap up 2025 in true Hobby Nonsense fashion.
The show kicks off with the big reveal of the inaugural Poppy Awards winners, celebrating the best pop culture, entertainment, and non-sport cards of the year—voted on by the community.
From there, the conversation turns to Logan Paul selling his $5 million Pikachu Illustrator card, and why questions about ownership could complicate the story. Jesse then shares a memorable trip to Texas involving sharks, hippies, and Star Wars cards, before the guys break down the newly revealed McDonald’s 30th Anniversary Pokémon set and debate whether it’s a future hit or just another Happy Meal promo.
Ray recaps a recent local card show, noting a surprising contrast between the sports and non-sports sides of the room, and the discussion shifts to whether Yu-Gi-Oh could be the next breakout, following One Piece’s rise.
The episode closes on a more personal note, as Jesse and Ray reflect on balancing money vs. collecting, what they’ve loved about their first year of Hobby Nonsense, and what they’re excited to build heading into 2026.

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray kick off a packed episode by officially launching the Poppy Awards, celebrating the best in non-sport cards, products, and ideas of 2025. Voting is now open, and the winners will be revealed on the December 31st episode.
Next, they tackle the growing controversy surrounding Collectors’ acquisition of Beckett, including a Congressional FTC letter questioning potential monopolistic practices. Ray gives his unfiltered take as Jesse addresses accusations of being a “shill.”
The guys then break down new releases including Topps Universe WWE, Marvel Studios, and Star Wars Hyperspace, with WWE Universe standing out at just $169 per box and delivering 2 autos plus a relic.
They also discuss the new Pokémon printing facility in South Carolina—could it finally end the card shortage, or will increased supply hurt long-term values?
Finally, the episode closes with one of the most entertaining segments yet: collectors sharing the wildest things they’ve ever traded cards for—from baby formula to cars, weapons, and even kitchens—raising the question: have trading cards officially become a real commodity?