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PODCAST

The Collector"s Compass

The Collector’s Compass is the official podcast and video series of Collectors MD, where we explore the stories, struggles, and solutions within the world of collecting. Hosted by Alyx Effron, Founder of Collectors MD, each episode dives into real conversations with collectors, industry experts, counselors, and those directly impacted by compulsive collecting behaviors.From the psychology behind compulsive spending to strategies for finding balance and joy in your hobby, The Collector’s Compass is

health & fitness mental health

All Episodes

88:23

#16: The History & Joy Of Collecting With Brad...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/11/01

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we’re stepping back in time to move the hobby forward—celebrating the stories, history, and humanity behind the cards that built collecting as we know it.Our guest, Brad Sauder (@tradingcardhalloffame)—founder of The Trading Card Hall Of Fame—joins Alyx to explore how storytelling, nostalgia, and preservation can bring balance back to a hobby that’s lost some of its purity.From the 1954 Topps Ernie Banks to the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan, Brad’s project

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81:53

#15: Guardrails, Reform, & Real Change In The Hobby...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/10/21

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass we’re continuing a powerful conversation that began back in August—this time turning awareness into action.Our guest, Alijah (@Hoosier_Pulls), has been one of the loudest and most authentic voices pushing for reform, transparency, and accountability within the hobby. After our first discussion around repacks, short-fuse auctions, and the hidden gambling mechanics shaping collector behavior, we’re bringing it full circle with a deep dive into guardrails,

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57:54

#14: Wife Of A Collector, Support & Perspective With...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/10/17

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we’re honored to share a story rarely told in the hobby—the perspective of the partner.Our guest, Ambre LaVanway, is both a collector and the wife of veteran hobbyist Travis LaVanway (@montananorseman), whose journey we featured in Episode #8. Together, they’ve navigated the highs of connection and the lows of compulsion that so many couples quietly face behind the scenes of collecting.In this conversation, Ambre opens up about what it’s like to love—and

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141:13

The Human Side With Doc Schwartz, ediSportscards

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/10/07

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with Doc Schwartz—educator, government veteran, and creator of ediSportscards. Doc has become one of the hobby’s most honest voices, speaking openly about addiction, overspending, and accountability. From the conversation we had with him on his channel last month titled “What Happens When Your Collecting Turns Into an Addiction?” to his presence in our weekly peer-support meetings, Doc has helped spark conversations the hobby has long avoided

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112:08

The Collector's Compass Episode #12: Smarter Tools &...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/10/01

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we sit down with Chris MacRae—CPA, strategic finance pro, and founder of The Smarter Collector. Chris is building a platform that helps collectors move from impulse to intention—tracking collections, organizing projects, and making better decisions without spreadsheets. From the Collection Sandbox (tiering/keep-vs-available) to a Wantlist with live eBay feed and a consignment fee calculator, Chris pairs thoughtful design with a philosophy that treats the

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75:08

The Collector's Compass Episode #11: The Modern Card...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/09/25

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 with modern presence—without relying on the heavy push of platforms

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62:45

The Collector’s Compass Episode #10: The Future Of...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/09/24

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 announced Collectors MD × Card Ladder affiliate partnership—and what

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62:34

The Collector’s Compass Episode #9: Data, Ethics, &...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/09/12

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, and a vision for long-term hobby sustainability.In this conversation,

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105:46

The Collector’s Compass Episode #8: Collecting For...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/09/06

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 time to help with administrative tasks, and offering encouragement to

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140:11

The Collector's Compass Episode #7: Collecting Or...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/08/19

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, repacks, and high-risk chase products, why compulsive collecting tends to

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98:30

The Collector's Compass Episode #6: Bridging Mental...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/08/13

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 into how dopamine and reward loops drive collecting behavior, why

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96:33

The Collector's Compass Episode #4: Finding Light In...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/08/01

In this powerful episode, 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 behavior in the space.This one goes beyond the cards—it’s about healing, hope, and

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83:01

The Collector's Compass Episode #5: From Burnout To...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/07/31

In this insightful episode, 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, and compulsive behaviors.We explore topics like people-pleasing, anxiety, life

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84:10

The Collector's Compass Episode #1: Gambling & Hobby...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/07/31

In our first ever official live 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 becoming a licensed counselor, providing firsthand

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104:21

The Collector's Compass Episode #2: The Cost Of...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/07/31

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, 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, and how to collect without losing yourself in the process.Subscribe,

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67:49

The Collector's Compass Episode #3: Collecting With...

The Collector"s Compass ·

2025/07/31

In this episode, we sit down with Mya—a passionate Gen Z collector and early supporter of Collectors MD—to explore what it means to collect with intention. Mya opens up about the sentimental side of the hobby, why she chooses cards that tell a story over ones that just carry a price tag, and how she’s helping carry the CMD mission forward to a new generation of collectors.We also discuss her Daily Reflection, “Let The Cards Breathe,” the pressure young collectors face in today’s hype-driven space,

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