The Collector's Compass

In this episode of The Collector's Compass, we sit down with @Denny_Cards, to unpack where the collecting world stands—and where it might be heading.

We talk about the highs and lows of the modern hobby, the mental health impact of compulsive collecting, what accountability really looks like, and why the current system feels so broken to so many.

This isn’t just a conversation about cards—it’s a conversation about clarity, purpose, a...

In our debut episode of The Collector's Compass, we’re joined by Kevin, a Licensed Gambling Counselor and Drug & Alcohol Counselor with a deeply personal story. Kevin doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s walked the walk. Having overcome his own struggles with addiction and gambling, Kevin has now been sober for 7 years and uses his experience to help others.

In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from battling addiction to becomin...

In this episode of The Collector's Compass, we sit down with licensed therapist Dayae Kim for a heartfelt conversation about mental health, identity, and the emotional toll collecting can take when passion turns into pressure.

Dayae shares her clinical perspective and personal connection to the hobby, breaking down how therapy can help collectors reconnect with their values, set healthier boundaries, and navigate stress, burnout, an...

In this episode of The Collector's Compass, we sit down with Andrew Smith—better known in the hobby as @TecmoCards—for a raw, honest conversation about mental health, depression, anxiety, and how collecting helped him rediscover connection, community, and purpose.

Andrew opens up about his experiences with therapy and medication, shares how the hobby became a lifeline during dark times, and reflects on the harm caused by predatory b...

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with therapist-in-training Traylor Disbrow to explore the connection between mental health and the sports card hobby. From his own wake-up call in 2020 to his work with people in addiction recovery, Traylor brings a unique clinical perspective on how collecting can shift from passion to compulsion — and how we can recognize the signs before it’s too late.

Our conversation dives...

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with Dr. Aakar (Rick) Shah, D.O., to explore the medical and psychological layers of compulsive collecting. As a physician, Dr. Shah offers an informed perspective on how the same mechanisms that drive gambling behaviors — dopamine spikes, reward loops, and risk-reward psychology — are often at play in the hobby.

Our conversation digs into how the brain responds to breaks, repa...

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we’re honored to spotlight Travis LaVanway—better known in our community as @MontanaNorseman.

Travis first joined Collectors MD after winning our second Collector Appreciation Giveaway, but it didn’t take long for him to become a cornerstone of our community. Since then, he’s been a constant presence—attending every peer support meeting, contributing daily in our group chat, lending his ti...

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we’re honored to welcome Chris “HOJ” McGill—co-founder of Card Ladder and one of the most respected voices in the sports card hobby.

Chris’s journey started like many of ours: chasing his childhood grail, the 1993-94 Ultra Scoring Kings Michael Jordan. That passion evolved into content creation with House Of Jordans and eventually into Card Ladder, a platform built on data, transparency, a...

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we continue our conversation with Chris “HOJ” McGill—co-founder of Card Ladder and one of the most respected voices in the sports card hobby.

In Part I, Chris shared his collecting journey, the origins of House of Jordans, and how Card Ladder was built on data and transparency. In Part II, we go deeper into the culture, language, and future of the hobby.

Chris shares openly about:

-The newly...

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with Tyler Santiago—owner of Santiago Sports and one of the most recognizable voices in the New Jersey card scene.

As the owner of a thriving LCS in Matawan, NJ, Tyler has built Santiago Sports into both a local hub and a respected name nationally. From brick-and-mortar to Instagram sales, card shows to community building, Tyler has carved out a path that balances tradition wi...