Hobby Nonsense

What actually goes into making a trading card set?

This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray are joined by Upper Deck President Jason Masherah for a deep dive into the world of entertainment cards — from the collector perspective and the business side.

The conversation covers:


How Upper Deck is approaching the modern entertainment card market


Why some non-sport products take years (sometimes over half a decade) to reach collectors


The challenge of creating products that feel fresh and not just another copy of what’s already out there

Along the way, things take some unexpected turns…

They uncover older Upper Deck sets that even Jason didn’t realize existed, discuss the idea of employee-only PMGs, and explore the future of Michael Jordan golf cards.

They also break down recent successes like Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes, and what made those products connect with collectors.

It’s a rare, candid conversation with someone who clearly sees himself as a collector first and a business leader second — and offers a unique look at where the hobby could be headed next.
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On this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start with reactions to the latest releases of Disney Neon and Fantastic Four Finest — including a wild break that produced three 1-of-1 pulls… but still left them feeling like something was missing.

Then the show shifts.

They’re joined by Mike Wilbur of Warehouse Collectibles, who gives them access to something most collectors never see — a massive warehouse filled with millions of comics, action figures, and trading cards. Think Costco, but every pallet is packed with collectibles.

Inside, they’re uncovering:


Previously unknown Stan Lee signed comics


Todd McFarlane signed Spawn figures


And countless items ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars

Mike walks through how they’re sorting, valuing, and selling these items — and how collectors can get access.

After the interview:


A shocking stat on how few non-sport cards have actually been graded, and why that suggests the market is still early


A breakdown of the First Partner Pokémon set and why it may be one of the best values right now


And a candid conversation about market turbulence and what it means for everyday collectors

A mix of discovery, opportunity, and a look at just how much is still out there in the hobby.
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There’s always something said at conferences… and then there’s what actually matters.

On this episode of Hobby Nonsense, Jesse shares his raw reactions coming out of the Topps Industry Conference, including what stood out, what surprised him, and what it revealed about the future of the entertainment card space.

The guys break down key announcements and insights, including:


Fanatics Four Finest, Star Wars Masterwork, and Disney Chrome


New easter eggs and chase elements in upcoming products


Why Star Wars Masterwork may include one of the biggest chases ever


And how Disney Chrome continues to innovate rather than rely on past success

They also touch on:


A new Pokémon seller debuting on eBay Live and what that could mean for collectors


Early buzz around Fleer Ultra Superman and its standout designs and sketches

Then things get interesting…

Jesse and Ray discuss a Topps Marvel card almost no one knew existed — originally distributed internally — that is now surfacing on the market at massive prices.

To close the show, they share what they’ve been buying and where they’re seeing opportunity in the current market.
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This week on Hobby Nonsense, Jesse and Ray start with one of the most honest conversations in the hobby: why collectors still chase sticker autos and box hits—even when better, guaranteed options exist.

That leads into a broader discussion about collector psychology, risk vs certainty, and why the thrill of the chase continues to drive the market.

From there:


Deadpool Chrome is already surging, with box prices climbing as demand spikes


A heated Sports Boi’s Bugga Boos segment tackles whether breakers are making too much money—or if buyers are responsible for their own decisions


WWE Chrome returns as a flagship release, but does back-to-back WWE product risk cannibalizing itself?


Disney Neon enters as a lower-cost product with strong upside and under-the-radar potential

The guys also revisit the 1966 Donruss Marvel set, which has been climbing rapidly since recent spotlight attention, and break down which cards are seeing the most movement.

Ray shares a speculative play on a Nintendo character he’s buying heavily, as conversations grow around potential expansion into a Marvel-style cinematic universe.

And to close:


Which Pokémon sets are going out of print


And what collectors should be targeting before prices move

A packed episode blending psychology, market trends, and real collector strategy.
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Disney is winning the hobby right now — and this episode explains why.

Jesse and Ray are joined in-studio by Matt Hathorn of Funcle Cards for a deep dive into how Disney 100 (2023) and Disney Chrome (2024) have separated themselves as the most dominant non-sport products in the modern era.

They break down everything collectors want to know:


Why comps don’t always matter for Disney cards


Which parallels actually hold value


Where to grade (and why it matters)


The hierarchy of Disney characters and what collectors prioritize


How Disney stacks up against Pokémon and other TCGs

The conversation also explores a fascinating niche: Cards from the junk wax era of the 80s and 90s. While many were massively produced, surprisingly few exist in high grade — creating opportunities for collectors who know where to look. Matt even shares how he’s turning dollar-bin finds into cards worth hundreds.

Also in this episode:


McDonald’s K-Pop Demon Hunter adult Happy Meal cards


New releases including Topps Chrome Deadpool and WWE Exalted


And a friendly competition to see who pulls the biggest card

Plus, Matt brings 3 Disney cards to give away to listeners.

If you’ve been wondering why Disney cards keep climbing — or how to approach them as a collector or investor — this is a must-listen.
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