Behind the Breaks

Matt Hasson and RJ Watters

Welcome to "Behind the Breaks,” a podcast that delves into the dynamic world of trading card breaking, where passion meets profit and community thrives. Whether you're a collector, a seller, or simply curious about the magic behind the cardboard, our podcast is your gateway to the heart and soul of the hobby.

  1. FEB 2

    MLB Network’s “Best Lineup” Is WRONG?! Card Values, Hot Takes & a Wild PSA 1 Strategy

    This time - we react to  @MLBNetwork  's projected “best lineup in baseball” — and let’s just say… we have some strong opinions. From Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Corbin Carroll in the outfield to debates at shortstop, first base, and starting pitcher, we break down who belongs, who doesn’t, and which stars might be getting overlooked.But this isn’t just baseball talk — we connect every take back to the sports card market.We dig into:• How  @MLB  ’s top players impact baseball card values• Which stars we’re actually investing in (Judge, Ohtani, Carroll, Witt, and more)• Why Jose Ramirez and Ketel Marte might still be undervalued in the hobby• A big debate: Paul Skenes vs Tarik Skubal as the best pitcher right nowThen we shift into hobby heat:PSA vs TAG Grading – Is TAG the future of card grading? We compare slab design, display appeal, and why some collectors are moving away from traditional PSA cases.The PSA 1 Collector Strategy – Inspired by a wild PSA magazine article, we talk about collecting low-grade PSA 1 cards of iconic players like Michael Jordan and why ultra-low pop junk slabs might actually be a hidden niche in the hobby.And finally… one of the most ridiculous (and amazing) PC projects we’ve ever heard:Building the full rainbow of Greg Jones  @Topps  Finest cards — including a Superfractor chase. Because sometimes the hobby is about fun, not just flipping.If you love:Baseball debatesMLB player rankingsSports card investingCard grading talkUnderrated player valueCollector storiesYou’re in the right place.Subscribe for weekly episodes covering MLB, sports cards, grading trends, market insights, and collector culture.Drop a comment:Who did MLB Network get WRONG on their “best lineup”? And would you ever collect PSA 1s on purpose?

    32 min
  2. 12/15/2025

    What the Hell Is Going On in the Hobby? PSA Buybacks, Panini Lawsuits & Topps Cuts | E40

    We're back from vacation and stepping straight into hobby chaos. PSA buybacks DRAMA. Lawsuits flying. Products getting worse while prices stay the same. And collectors left asking the same question:What the hell is going on in the hobby?This episode pulls no punches as we break down the biggest stories shaking the sports card world right now — and why none of this should be ignored.In This Episode:PSA Buyback ControversyDid PSA really buy back 9s that later became 10s? We explain what happened, why it matters, and what it means for trust in grading.Topps Museum Collection ChangesSame price. Fewer hits. What Fanatics changed, why collectors are frustrated, and whether this is the new normal for premium products.Panini vs. Fanatics LawsuitPanini claims collapse in court while telling buyers everything is fine. We unpack the contradictions and what this legal fight means for the future of licensed cards.MLB Winter Meetings FalloutDodgers dominance, Mets frustration, Cubs trade rumors, and how offseason chaos impacts card values and collector sentiment.NFL Overreaction CycleBears heartbreak, Justin Fields uncertainty, Kyler Murray questions — and how fast the hobby turns on players.A Hobby Reality CheckWhy breakers screaming at buyers, forced hype, and manufactured urgency are bad for the long-term health of the hobby.This isn’t rumor chasing. It’s context, perspective, and straight talk for collectors trying to make sense of a hobby that feels increasingly unstable.Drop your biggest “WHAT THE HELL?” moment in the comments — we’ll read the best ones next episode.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music.Subscribe for unfiltered hobby conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

    32 min

About

Welcome to "Behind the Breaks,” a podcast that delves into the dynamic world of trading card breaking, where passion meets profit and community thrives. Whether you're a collector, a seller, or simply curious about the magic behind the cardboard, our podcast is your gateway to the heart and soul of the hobby.