In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople welcomes back Jay Loves Cardboard for another deep dive into the world of trading card games and collecting. A passionate collector, content creator, and card show vendor, Jay shares how his journey has evolved—from collecting raw cards to building a portfolio of graded slabs and eventually turning his hobby into a thriving business.

Carlo and Jay discuss the realities of vending at card shows, buying and selling collectibles, and the surprising experience of selling out inventory in a market driven by both nostalgia and demand. They also talk about the current state of some of the biggest TCGs today, including Pokémon and One Piece, as well as the excitement surrounding Riftbound, one of the newest games generating buzz among collectors and players alike.

Of course, no conversation about modern collecting would be complete without touching on scalpers, market speculation, and the ongoing debate between collecting for passion and collecting for profit. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about the hobby, this episode offers a fascinating look at the business, culture, and community behind today’s TCG boom.