Wax Museum: A Basketball Card Podcast
269 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 12 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 108 ratingsA basketball card podcast that discusses the hobby's past, present, and future.
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Episodes
Episode 69: A Hedge Fund Attempts to Fix PSA
June 24, 2020 23:58 - 26 minutes - 30.9 MBIn this episode, Kyle discusses a recent letter Alta Fox Capital sent to CLCT (PSA) shareholders.
Episode 68: Conversation with Jim Esker, the Co-Creator of Chromium Cards
June 18, 2020 02:19 - 47 minutes - 50.1 MBIn this episode, Kyle chats with Jim Esker, the former Art Director at SGW/Chromium Graphics and co-creator of the chromium process. Topics covered include Jim's professional career, pitching chromium printing to card companies, and working with Topps to refine the chromium process (and greening!) in the years that followed. If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to share on your social media!
Episode 67: My First (Ever) Grading Experience
June 11, 2020 02:29 - 31 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, Kyle talks listeners through his first grading submission. Along the way, he explains why he's never graded, why he chose the cards he did, and what he hopes to gain from this experience.
Episode 66: NT FOTL, 1957-58 Topps, and the Maurice Stokes/Jack Twyman Story
June 04, 2020 20:55 - 45 minutes - 51.4 MBThis week, Panini attempted to sell National Treasures FOTL with a ceiling of $30,000 and a floor of $7,500. What happened? Also, Kyle takes a look back at the 1957-58 Topps set and the lives of two extraordinary men featured in that set, Maurice Stokes and Jack Twyman.
Episode 65: The Athletic Spotlights Recent Hobby Fraud
May 28, 2020 03:26 - 33 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, Kyle provides updates on the Luka Doncic autograph controversy and a pair of hobby-related class action suits. In the show's main feature, he breaks down a hobby-related article that was published this week by The Athletic.
Episode 64: 1998 Bulls’ Challengers (Pacers/Jazz convo with Adam)
May 21, 2020 02:52 - 1 hour - 108 MBAdam makes his return to the show to chat about two of the 1998 Bulls' most challenging opponents: the Pacers and the Jazz. In this episode, Kyle and Adam discuss the hobby landscape in the late '90s, their memories of the Bulls' final two opponents, and some of their favorite cards that feature these subjects.
Episode 63: Hobby Happenings and LeBron RPA Updates
May 14, 2020 01:40 - 36 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Kyle updates listeners on the status of the National, COMC, PSA, and more. Additionally, he lays out new details regarding several LeBron James Exquisite RPAs.
Episode 62: Investor Content Cycles
May 07, 2020 00:21 - 33 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode, Kyle examines a popular model of card investment content and the ripples this model can unknowingly create.
Episode 61: Conversation With an Industry Employee Part 2
April 30, 2020 02:32 - 51 minutes - 46.5 MBKyle and Tone (www.gameusedtone.com) continue their conversation about the inner workings of the sports card industry. Topics discussed include Kobe's signing sessions, mailing cards to players, the "Shaq situation," and more.
Episode 60: Conversation With an Industry Employee Part 1
April 23, 2020 01:20 - 46 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode, Kyle chats with former Upper Deck/Panini employee Tone Stakes (www.gameusedtone.com) about his memories from working in the sports card industry. Topics discussed include purchasing jerseys for retired players, player worn vs. game worn, Panini's plans for a patch database, rookie photoshoot logistics, and more.
Episode 59: Matching Panini’s ‘90s Patches to Source Material
April 16, 2020 00:43 - 34 minutes - 37.7 MBHave you ever wondered how Panini acquires game-worn jerseys for retired players? In this episode, Kyle discusses the process he's used to match relic cards to their original source material. Along the way, he recalls the valuable insight he uncovered regarding the logistics that go into filling out a major product release.
Episode 58: Conversation With a Player Collector
April 09, 2020 02:20 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBWhat are some of the benefits and challenges to collecting one specific player? In this episode, Kyle brings Steve (AKA @showley2003) on to discuss his Jae Crowder collection. As a part of this journey, Steve learned how to use different tools and strategies to help his collection grow. Throughout the course of their conversation, Kyle and Steve discuss these strategies and more.
Episode 57: COVID Thoughts and #WMPHomeDelivery
April 02, 2020 02:08 - 30 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this episode, Kyle provides some thoughts on the Corona Virus and how it could impact the NBA season, collecting, and the National. At the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to mail cards to other collectors and post their incoming "care packages" with the hashtag #WMPHomeDelivery.
Episode 56: Virtual Sports Card Convention 2020
March 26, 2020 04:54 - 55 minutes - 59.4 MBWhat do collectors do when sports card shows are shut down nationwide? In this episode, Kyle and Justin (AKA @610sportscards) discuss the recent Virtual Sports Card Convention (#VSCC2020) that took place on Instagram not long ago.
Episode 55: The History of NBA Cards (2012-Present)
March 19, 2020 00:16 - 49 minutes - 55.2 MBIn this episode, Kyle wraps up his journey through NBA card history (2012-Present). Key topics discussed include the double rookie class, the Wiggins chase, the Ben Simmons exclusive, the emergence of the Prizm silver rookie, the race for retail, and the Zion effect.
Episode 54: The History of NBA Cards (2003-2011)
March 12, 2020 02:23 - 33 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this episode, Kyle continues his journey through NBA card history (2003-2011). Key topics discussed include Exquisite, the Fleer bankruptcy, license exclusives, Panini, the lockout season, and Linsanity.
Episode 53: The History of NBA Cards (Pre-LeBron)
March 06, 2020 03:32 - 42 minutes - 49.8 MBIn this episode, Kyle takes a stroll through NBA card history (prior to 2003). Key topics discussed include vintage releases, 1986-87 Fleer, the "junk wax" era, the birth of refractors, the insert craze, and the emergence of the jersey card.
Episode 52: Evan’s Top 20 Panini Inserts
February 27, 2020 03:06 - 58 minutes - 61.8 MBIn this episode, Kyle chats with Blowout Cards forum member Evan (AKA Geechquest) about his Top 20 Panini inserts.
Episode 51: Optic Thoughts and Trimming Lawsuit
February 20, 2020 22:03 - 33 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode, Kyle addresses the recent Optic chase and the class action suit filed against PSA, PWCC, and Probstein.
Episode 50: Gold Chains and Private Equity Funds
February 13, 2020 04:27 - 32 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode, Kyle covers several wacky social media posts from the week and then weighs the positives and negatives of Blowout's new Modern Wax Private Equity Fund.
Episode 49: Facebook Investor Groups/Lillard Rookie Autos
February 07, 2020 00:53 - 31 minutes - 37 MBIn this episode, Kyle discusses some of the highs and lows of Facebook investor groups. Afterward, he talks some more about the current rookie class, the 2012-13 hobby rookie class, and Panini's distribution of Damian Lillard rookie autographs.
Episode 48: RIP Kobe Bryant
January 29, 2020 21:17 - 49 minutes - 55 MBIn this episode, Kyle is joined by Jake Roy in order to discuss the life, legacy, and cardboard of Kobe Bryant. RIP Mamba.
Episode 47: The Zion Effect Part 3
January 23, 2020 21:09 - 25 minutes - 29.5 MBThe day we've all waited for has come and gone: Zion's official NBA debut. In this episode, Kyle looks back at the conversation he had with Adam in April, he examines the realized effect Zion has already had on the hobby, and he weighs in on how to approach Zion cards going forward.
Episode 46: Six Questions from Social Media
January 16, 2020 10:06 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode, Kyle opens by expressing his newfound love for Panini Status. Shortly after, he tackles six questions that collectors are asking on social media. Stick around for the end, where you might find a...musical number dedicated to a certain PSA President.
Episode 45: Interview with former Pacer David Harrison
January 09, 2020 10:51 - 42 minutes - 46 MBYou've heard the David Harrison Exquisite RPA mentioned on the show before...now hear from the man pictured on the card! In this episode, Kyle talks with former Pacer David Harrison about signing cards, his NBA career, the brawl in Detroit, and perceptions about sports cards in general.
Episode 44: Revolution Preview/Panini Blockchain
January 02, 2020 05:50 - 33 minutes - 39.1 MBIn this episode, Kyle addresses the obliterated Lauri Markkanen Nebula 1/1, the history of Panini's Revolution basketball set (including its Pacific origins), Panini's new blockchain initiative, and the passing of David Stern.
Episode 43: Listener Forum #2
December 24, 2019 05:25 - 40 minutes - 48.4 MBOver the last several years, social media has become an incredible outlet where collectors can let their voices be heard. But sometimes it's nice to hear those voices on a more...literal level. In this episode, Kyle builds on last week's call for listeners to examine their approach to the hobby. A panel of four different collectors weigh in on five questions about collecting and setting hobby goals.
Episode 42: Curry RPA Fallout/Luka and Zion Injury Thoughts
December 19, 2019 21:29 - 31 minutes - 37.2 MBIn this episode, Kyle opens with an explanation for the newest changes to the 16/99 Steph Curry NT RPA. After a brief description of the new Contenders FOTL, he moves into a discussion about injured players (specifically Luka and Zion) and their potential impact on current buying trends in the hobby.
Episode 41: Chatting With the Owner of the Altered Curry RPA
December 12, 2019 03:50 - 37 minutes - 40.7 MBThis episode opens with a quick reflection on Prizm FOTL and then moves into an eye-opening conversation with the owner of the infamous altered Steph Curry RPA.
Episode 40: Prizm Hunting/Analyzing Rookie Production with Jake Roy
December 05, 2019 04:23 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBIn this episode, Kyle recaps his retail Prizm hunt and gives a few quick thoughts about Panini's FOTL "Dutch auction" style release. Afterward, he is joined by Jake Roy from the 90s_bball_cards YouTube channel to talk about rookie card production numbers over the last three decades.
Episode 39: Recovering a Hard Drive From 2005
November 27, 2019 05:46 - 30 minutes - 35.4 MBEarlier this week, Panini revealed that Prizm FOTL would be released with a "Dutch auction" format. On this episode, Kyle gives a quick explanation of that format before taking a deep dive into the contents of a recently recovered hard drive from 2005. This might or might not even include audio of young Kyle and one of his calls to the Rick Carlisle Radio Show.
Episode 38: Restructuring 2019-20 NBA Prizm
November 21, 2019 10:33 - 37 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode, Kyle takes a stab at restructuring 2019-20 NBA Prizm. Proposed changes include increasing the base set to 400, pumping the brakes on endless parallels, and even...an update set or Series 2. Could these changes work in future years?
Episode 37: History of the 3-Point Shot
November 14, 2019 21:36 - 35 minutes - 41.7 MBThe three-point shot has had an undeniable impact on the game of basketball as we know it. In this episode, Kyle examines the shot's origins, talks about how it's forced the game to evolve, and gives some thoughts on how he thinks it has influenced the hobby as well.
Episode 36: 2018-19 Product Wrap-up
November 08, 2019 00:19 - 35 minutes - 40.4 MBIn this episode, Kyle outlines the highs and lows of the 2018-19 basketball card release calendar. He also previews the final product of the season, 2018-19 Panini Flawless.
Episode 35 – PSA/BGS Dialogue and StockX Follow-up
November 01, 2019 15:29 - 14 minutes - 17.3 MBThis week, Kyle gives a quick update on his recent dialogue with PSA and BGS. Additionally, he gives a quick overview of the new StockX IPO offering that has received a lot of attention in the card world.
Episode 34: Enjoying More While Spending Less
October 24, 2019 20:41 - 36 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, Kyle reflects on the recent Zion injury and what that could mean for the hobby. Then, he chats with Mark, a Ron Harper collector, who shares several interesting ways to enjoy the hobby more while at the same time spending less.
Episode 33: Basketball Release Calendar
October 17, 2019 23:35 - 28 minutes - 33.3 MBHold on to your wallets! There are 11 Panini basketball releases that are projected to come out before the end of the calendar year. In this episode, Kyle gives an overview of the release calendar and offers up a few thoughts about Hoops and Prizm along the way.
Episode 32: StockX
October 10, 2019 19:19 - 30 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode, Kyle opens with some thoughts on Immaculate Collegiate and contemplates his purchasing strategy for the coming year. Then, he examines StockX's move into the sports card marketplace.
Episode 31: Listener Forum #1
October 04, 2019 00:56 - 39 minutes - 39.4 MBOver the last several years, social media has become an incredible outlet where collectors can let their voices be heard. But sometimes it's nice to hear those voices on a more...literal level. In this episode, Kyle asks a group of four listeners to answer five hobby-related questions.
Episode 30: Faulty Investment Advice and the #noslabmovement
September 28, 2019 01:02 - 32 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this episode, Kyle addresses the influx of investor advice platforms that have sprouted up on social media over the last year. In the process, he attempts to answer the question: what does misinformation look like and how can one recognize it in order to steer clear? In the second half, he examines the recent #noslabmovement and the collector dialogue that came with it.
Episode 29: What is the True Michael Jordan Rookie Card?
September 21, 2019 00:22 - 38 minutes - 45.2 MBIt might be the most recognizable basketball card in the hobby's history: the 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie. But is this card actually his true rookie? In this episode, Kyle talks about Jordan's place in the hobby. Along the way, he takes a closer look at both the 1984-85 Star card and the 1986-87 Fleer release. This includes a discussion of the logistics of each set and the abundance of counterfeits that come with it. Is there a true Michael Jordan rookie card? Is there one that you f...
Episode 28: Grading Chatter and Zion-Mania
September 13, 2019 01:02 - 31 minutes - 37.4 MBThe call for grading reform is loud and clear. But is any company going to answer? In this episode, Kyle talks about his attempts to have dialogue with PSA and BGS, and then unexpected guest SGC. Additionally, Kyle recaps a crazy week of Zion-mania that followed the release of the #1 pick's first certified autographs in Panini Contenders Draft.
Episode 27: Another Altered Curry RPA and Grading Incompetence
September 04, 2019 11:29 - 30 minutes - 37 MBIn this episode, Kyle talks listeners through the discovery of yet another altered Steph Curry RPA. In the process, he outlines the incompetence of the grading industry that let this particular card slip through the cracks. At the end of the show, Kyle encourages collectors to contact these companies and let their voices be heard.
Episode 26: The 1968 Topps Test Set
August 30, 2019 02:13 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBBasketball cards are insanely popular in 2019, but there was a time when collectors wanted nothing to do with them. In the late 1960s, Topps experimented with a 22-card test issue that played a major role in creating the vintage cards collectors flock to today. This is the story of the 1968 Topps test set.
Episode 25: An E-X Credentials Rundown
August 23, 2019 20:12 - 33 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this week's episode, Kyle takes a look back at one of the most popular parallels from the 1990s: E-X Credentials. As a part of this year-by-year summary, he discusses a couple of 1/1s that vanished and left collectors wondering what happened to them, as well as a Michael Jordan card that ended up in pieces (before later being made whole again).
Episode 24: In-Person Autograph Adventures
August 17, 2019 02:55 - 44 minutes - 53.6 MBWhat's better than a well-designed basketball card? A well-designed basketball card with a nice looking signature. Between 2011-2013, Kyle lived in an NBA city and had the opportunity to see the game up close and personal. A large part of this experience involved trying to get basketball cards signed in-person. In this episode, he recalls a few of the successes, mishaps (LeBron James), and bizarre moments along the way.
Episode 23: The Menendez Brothers Card
August 10, 2019 12:50 - 36 minutes - 43.9 MBAs 2018 drew to a close, countless collectors dug out their old cards in search of one thing: the 1990-91 Hoops Mark Jackson base card. But what caused this to skyrocket in value after all of these years? In this episode, Kyle gives a little background on the set, talks about the Menendez Brothers case, and examines the causes for the card's unforeseen rise to fame.
Episode 22: My 2019 National Recap
August 04, 2019 17:33 - 40 minutes - 48.1 MBIn this episode, Kyle takes listeners through his event-filled two days in Chicago at the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention. At the end of the episode, he discusses three things he thinks he did right, as well as three things he would do differently next time.
Episode 21: Reforming the Grading Industry
July 26, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBEarlier in the week, Joe Orlando of PSA encouraged collectors to help improve the hobby by "engaging in civil discourse." In this episode, Kyle and Adam attempt to do just that with a discussion on possible grading industry reform. As the conversation draws to a close, listeners are encouraged to bring Mr. Orlando into the conversation via his Instagram handle, @joeorlandopsa.
Episode 20: Tracking RPAs for Curry, AD, and Luka
July 18, 2019 19:13 - 30 minutes - 36 MBOver the last week, Kyle has been piecing together RPA trackers for Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, and Luka Doncic. In the process, he scoured thousands of images and message board posts, he studied each print run for patterns, and he uncovered a handful of altered cards in the process. In this episode, he discusses the process and shares his findings with listeners. The online tracker can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/waxmuseumpodcast/