Sports Cards are Dope
43 episodes Last Updated: May 14, 25
Welcome to the Sports Cards Are Dope podcast, hosted by Dr. Tyler Tarver (@tarvercards)—an aggressively average dude with an above-average obsession for those glorious, four-cornered lil treasures we call sports cards!
This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a celebration of sports, pop culture, and the universal joy of pulling a card so dope you immediately start calculating how many shares of Apple you can buy with it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a curious rookie, or someone who just wants to hear how Michael Jordan, Marvel movies, and Saved by the Bell all connect through cardboard, you’ve found your proverbial home.
Here, we keep it (mostly) positive as we dive into the wild world of collecting—rookie chases, market trends, and how these little slices of nostalgia tie into fandom, investing, and, yes, incredible relationships! Also, expect plenty of stories, pop culture tangents, and more than a few questionable analogies.
So grab your penny sleeves, settle in, and let’s talk sports cards more than your spouse would ever allow! SPORTS. CARDS. ARE. DOPE. (and so are you 🎧✨)!
Now quit reading, hit follow, and let’s dance you beautiful chicken nugget.
Episodes
just my opinion. what you think?
PSA just brought back the minimum grade submission option for higher-tier grading — but why would anyone want a card graded if it might not even get a number? In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the pros, the cons, and the strategy behind this polarizing option. Could it actually help your bottom line? Let’s find out.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro + PSA's announcement breakdown1:30 – What the minimum grade feature actually does2:50 – Why some collectors want NO grade at all4:15 – “Low grade” = “low value” (even worse than raw?)5:10 – Pop Report pollution and why it matters6:05 – The resale confidence play7:30 – Cross-grading strategy with other grading companies8:20 – Display aesthetics and the slab flex9:30 – Final take + question to the community
May 07, 2025
If You Could Only Keep ONE Sports Card…
🎙️ What up, chicken nuggets! In this solo episode of "Sports Cards Are Dope," I wrestle with the unthinkable: if I could only keep ONE card in my collection, which one would it be? I walk through three key factors — memory, milestone, and aesthetic vibes — and reveal my five honorable mentions and my final grail pick. Spoiler: it’s not the most expensive card I own, and yes, Steph Curry is involved.🕐 Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: The One Card Question0:42 – Factor 1: Memory (1994 Gold Foil Jordan)2:58 – Factor 2: Milestone (MJ Rookie & EX Credentials)5:56 – Factor 3: Aesthetic Vibes (Rodman Worm & JP RPA)8:05 – The Card I Chose (Steph Curry Tyson Beck Night Night /10)9:33 – Why This Card > The Others10:11 – Call to Action: What’s YOUR one card?
my show notes been trash lately I'LL GET BETTER YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVEEEEE
Adam Gray THE GOAT @thereal27guy joins us to talk about what it's like selling your PC to build back betttttter!!
Apr 18, 2025
The Hack to Get Autographs at NBA Games
Here is what works for me!
Apr 16, 2025
The Best Part of Being a Season Ticket Holder
just some thoughts on being a season ticket holder (half season to be exact, don't lie tyler)
In this episode, we dive deep into why sports card comps are misleading, especially for rare cards. Discover how to navigate tricky pricing scenarios, why comps aren't always reliable, and strategies to maximize card value.Timestamps:0:05 - Why "I need room" is annoying1:36 - High sell-through vs. rare card comps4:19 - How to price cards with no comps6:48 - Immediate regret after selling rare cards10:56 - Buy It Now vs. Auctions: Which is safer?15:42 - How to emotionally gauge a good card deal18:01 - Essential advice when dealing with kids at shows
Can flipping NBA playoff cards really be profitable? Today, I'm sharing my personal, proven method for turning small investments into big gains by targeting underrated playoff contenders. Get my secret sauce on picking the right players, timing your flips, and maximizing profits!(0:01) Intro: Why the NBA Playoffs Matter for Card Flipping(1:01) My $700 Jordan Poole Flip Story(2:08) How to Spot Underrated Card Opportunities(3:38) Targeting the 3rd and 4th Best Players (Why This Works!)(6:36) Maximizing Your Profits with PSA 10 Silvers(8:03) Exactly When to Sell Your Cards for Maximum ROI(8:35) Wrap Up: Your Next Steps for NBA Playoff Card Investing