The Collector's Compass

The Collector's Compass

di Collectors MD

Salute mentale Hobby

Stagione 1

#51: Conversations That Shape The Hobby | Pang, Courtside Investor

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Pang Ming Wee—aka @TheCardBoss2021—the creator and host of Courtside Investor‬, one of the fastest-growing long-form podcast platforms in the hobby. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Pang has built a global audience by sitting down with collectors, dealers, entrepreneurs, content creators, hobby historians, investors, and industry personalities from around the world. Through thoughtful conversations with guests including Chris Hoj, Adam Gray, Jeremy Lee, Sports Card Dad, Dan The Card Man, T-Pott, and many others, Courtside Investor has become one of the hobby's most respected interview-driven podcast shows. Before fully immersing himself in the hobby, Pang spent 20+ years in accounting and finance while simultaneously competing professionally in Magic: The Gathering, representing Malaysia internationally and capturing a National Championship. What separates Courtside Investor from many hobby platforms is the focus on people rather than transactions. While much of today's hobby content revolves around prices, hype, breaking, and market movement, Pang has built a platform centered around stories, philosophies, collecting journeys, and the lessons that shape collectors. Alyx and Pang discuss his collecting origins, his competitive Magic: The Gathering career, the transition from corporate into full-time hobby entrepreneurship, and what originally inspired him to launch Courtside Investor. They also explore the realities of building a global hobby audience from Malaysia, the evolution of content creation, what makes a great podcast guest, and the lessons Pang has learned from conducting 50+ long-form interviews with some of the hobby's most respected voices. The conversation dives into insights gathered from the guests Pang has had on his podcast, highlighting common themes surrounding collecting philosophy, hobby longevity, personal fulfillment, and what separates healthy collecting from endless chasing. Pang also shares his perspective on the current state of the hobby, including social media's influence on collecting culture, the growing focus on money and investing, hobby hype cycles, content creator responsibility, and how collectors can maintain perspective in an increasingly fast-moving environment. Other topics include collecting philosophy, grail cards, meaningful cards, the future of the hobby, opportunities that many collectors may be overlooking, and the long-term vision for Courtside Investor. At its core, this episode is about collecting, storytelling, community, content creation, and lessons learned. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can collect isn't a card - it's a lesson. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, intentional collecting, and building a healthier relationship with the hobby. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Follow Pang Ming Wee & Courtside Investor: Website: courtsideinvestor.com YT: ‪@courtsideinvestor‬ IG: @thecardboss2021 | @courtside_investor Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #CourtsideInvestor | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

#52: The Hidden Psychology Behind Whatnot | Michael, CHIJAYcards

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Michael, a Whatnot seller who goes by CHIJAYcards. Michael is also a lifelong collector and a member of the Collectors MD community. Like many hobbyists, Michael's journey began with a genuine love of collecting. Over time, however, he found himself increasingly immersed in the world of live-streaming, breaks, auctions, and the constant activity that platforms like Whatnot make possible. As both a buyer and seller, Michael has experienced firsthand the excitement, entertainment, community, and opportunity that live-selling platforms can provide. At the same time, he's also become increasingly aware of the challenges that can come with being connected to the hobby 24/7. Michael recently made the decision to step away from streaming for a month, creating an opportunity to reflect on his relationship with collecting, Whatnot, and the role the hobby plays in his life. Alyx and Michael discuss how his collecting journey began, what originally drew him to Whatnot, and how he eventually transitioned from buying cards to running his own streams on the platform. They also explore the hidden psychology behind live-selling platforms, including instant gratification, FOMO, entertainment, community, the constant temptation to buy or sell, and why so many collectors find themselves spending far more time and money than they originally intended. The conversation examines Whatnot from both sides of the screen, discussing what Michael observed as a seller, the behaviors that stood out most, and the similarities that can sometimes exist between live-selling platforms and other forms of high-stimulation entertainment. Michael also shares the story behind his recent decision to take a break from streaming, the challenges of stepping away, the role accountability and family support played in that decision, and what he learned by creating distance from the hobby for a period of time. Alyx and Michael discuss what a healthier relationship with collecting looks like, warning signs collectors should pay attention to, practical boundaries that can help prevent hobby burnout, and why maintaining control over our relationship with collecting is ultimately more important than any card we could ever buy. At its core, this episode is about awareness, balance, self-reflection, and understanding the forces that keep collectors coming back long after they intended to log off. If you've ever found yourself opening Whatnot for "just a few minutes" only to realize hours have passed, or wondered why certain hobby platforms can feel so difficult to walk away from, this is a conversation worth listening to. Because sometimes the most important collecting decision isn't what you buy—it's knowing when to step back. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, intentional collecting, and building a healthier relationship with the hobby. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Follow Michael: FB: ChiJay Cards & Breaks WN: @CHIJAYcards Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

#53: Psychology Of Gambling & Hobby Addiction | Lauren Johnson, LCSW

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Lauren Johnson, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, Marine Corps veteran, mental performance coach, and founder of Ascent Wellness Group. Before becoming a therapist specializing in gambling and compulsive behaviors, Lauren experienced many of the same challenges that countless collectors and hobbyists face today. Through her company, The Playing Field, she became deeply immersed in sports card breaks, finding herself taking risks and blurring the lines between business, investing, and compulsion. Despite understanding addiction professionally, Lauren found herself experiencing firsthand just how powerful and deceptive compulsive behaviors can become, particularly within highly stimulating environments designed around constant access, urgency, and dopamine. Alyx and Lauren discuss her journey into collecting, therapy, and recovery, her experience in the Marine Corps, building a sports cards business, and the difficult realization that collecting had evolved into something far different than she originally intended. They also explore the thin line between business, investing, and gambling, examining risk-taking, chasing, sunk-cost fallacy, and why highly functioning individuals are often vulnerable to compulsive behaviors. Lauren shares the cognitive distortions that can keep people leaning further into the chase and why addiction often affects people who appear to have everything together on the surface. They also explore recovery, resilience, and the power of healing in community. Lauren shares what recovery has taught her, why she calls herself a "delusional optimist," and how her military experience shaped her resilience. They also discuss the "dopamine economy" and how today's increasingly stimulating digital environments - from smartphones to live-streaming platforms - shape our behavior, while sharing practical strategies for healthier engagement. At its core, this episode is about awareness, resilience, intentionality, and understanding why healing happens through connection rather than isolation. If you've ever wondered why some hobbies can slowly become all-consuming, questioned where the line exists between passion and compulsion, or struggled to understand why intelligent, high-functioning people sometimes find themselves caught in cycles they never intended to enter, this is a conversation worth listening to. Sometimes the issue isn't the cards, the breaks, or the platforms themselves. It's learning how to navigate environments intentionally when so many systems are designed to keep us chasing more. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, intentional collecting, and building healthier relationships with our hobbies and behaviors. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Contact Lauren: Website: ascent-wellness.co Psychology Today: bit.ly/4vcjZhk Contact: hello@ascent-wellness.co | (303) 550-9757 Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #AscentWellness | #RipResponsibly

#54: A Parent's Journey Through Gambling Addiction | Kim Freudenberg

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Kim Freudenberg, founder of Parents Standing Together, a nonprofit supporting parents and families impacted by gambling-related harm. After experiencing firsthand the devastating effects gambling addiction can have on a family, Kim transformed her pain into purpose. Today, she leads parent support groups, speaks nationally about prevention and awareness, and has become a strong advocate for families navigating gambling-related challenges. Kim has also been an incredible supporter of Collectors MD. She serves on our Advisory Board, has made countless introductions throughout the recovery community, and has consistently recognized the growing overlap between modern collecting and gambling-related behaviors. Alyx and Kim discuss her personal journey and the events that led to the creation of Parents Standing Together. They explore what addiction looks like through a parent's eyes, the fear, confusion, and isolation families experience, and why support for loved ones is often overlooked in recovery conversations. They also examine how gambling has evolved over the past decade and why today's environments have become increasingly difficult for families to navigate. Kim shares what she's hearing from parents across the country, why younger generations face unique challenges, and why activities like sports cards, TCG's, and other gambling-adjacent behaviors are emerging in more family conversations. They focus on the power of community, recovery, and hope. Kim discusses helping families move from isolation to connection, the challenges of supporting someone without enabling harmful behaviors, and lessons she's learned through leading support groups and advocating for parents nationwide. Finally, they discuss prevention, education, and the future of support. They explore the roles schools, treatment providers, and public health organizations can play in raising awareness earlier, why collaboration matters, and what gives them hope as Parents Standing Together and Collectors MD continue to grow. This episode is about family, awareness, prevention, and the reminder that no one should have to navigate addiction alone. If you've ever wondered what addiction looks like from a parent's perspective, questioned how modern environments are shaping risk for younger generations, or wanted to better understand how families can support one another through difficult seasons, this is a conversation worth listening to. Addiction never impacts just one person. It affects entire families. And often, healing begins when people realize they are not alone. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, prevention, family support, and building healthier communities. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Learn More About Parents Standing Together: Website: parentsstandingtogether.org IG: @parentsstandingtogether FB: bit.ly/4oIQcua LI: bit.ly/3T0mMMf Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #ParentsStandingTogether | #RipResponsibly

#55: Inside The Mind Of A Hobby YouTuber | Dylan Genschaw

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Dylan Genschaw, a Wisconsin-based collector and YouTube creator known for documenting new product releases, PSA submissions, and the realities of modern collecting. Like many collectors, Dylan returned to the hobby chasing a favorite player and the excitement of opening packs. But what started as a simple search for an Aaron Rodgers card gradually evolved into spending hundreds of dollars chasing the next hit, the next rookie, and the possibility of a big return. Eventually, he stepped back, recognized how easily collecting had shifted from enjoyment to chasing outcomes, and made the decision to completely rethink his relationship with the hobby. Today, Dylan has become a vocal advocate for intentional collecting, ending each of his videos with a reminder to "Collect with intent & spend responsibly", while encouraging viewers to learn more through Collectors MD. In this conversation, Alyx and Dylan explore what that journey looked like firsthand—from rediscovering the hobby as an adult to recognizing unhealthy patterns before they spiraled further. They discuss the psychology behind ripping sealed product, the temptation to chase return on investment, and why so many collectors unknowingly find themselves caught in cycles driven by excitement rather than enjoyment. The conversation also examines the growing influence of hobby content and livestream culture. Dylan shares his perspective as a creator, discussing the responsibility that comes with producing ripping content, the pressure to keep opening bigger products, and why creators have an opportunity to encourage healthier habits without taking away the fun that makes collecting special. Finally, Alyx and Dylan discuss what intentional collecting actually looks like in practice. They talk about setting boundaries, rediscovering the joy of collecting for personal fulfillment rather than financial outcomes, and why changing hobby culture doesn't require eliminating excitement—it starts with encouraging collectors to become more thoughtful about how they participate. At its core, this episode is about self-awareness, balance, and proving that you can love the hobby while still protecting yourself from the behaviors that can quietly turn collecting into something much different. If you've ever found yourself chasing the next release, buying boxes you never planned on purchasing, or wondering where the line exists between collecting and chasing, this is a conversation worth listening to. Because the goal isn't to stop collecting. It's to collect with intention. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around healthier collecting, hobby culture, and responsible engagement. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Follow Dylan Genschaw: YT: @dylangenschaw⁩ IG: @dylangenschaw X: @dylangenschaw Shop Dylan's Collection: mercari.com/u/dgen42/?sv=0 Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #RipResponsibly

#56: How Addiction Rewires Your Brain | Megan Poliquin, Zepf Center

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Megan Poliquin, LPCC-S, LICDC-GAMB, OCPSA, Manager of Gambling Treatment and Prevention at Zepf Center, to explore how addiction changes the brain—and why modern collecting environments are creating behavioral patterns that increasingly resemble traditional gambling. With nearly a decade of experience treating gambling disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions, Megan brings a unique clinical perspective to a conversation that sits at the intersection of psychology, addiction, recovery, and today's rapidly evolving hobby landscape. Together, Alyx and Megan discuss why modern collecting has changed so dramatically over the past several years. From live breaks and mystery products to constant product releases, scarcity marketing, and social media-fueled hype, they examine how today's collecting environments can activate many of the same psychological mechanisms that drive compulsive gambling. The conversation also explores why so many collectors fail to recognize these patterns until significant financial, emotional, or relational consequences begin to emerge. Megan explains how variable rewards, dopamine, chasing behavior, and emotional avoidance can quietly transform a healthy hobby into something much more difficult to control—and why these behaviors often go unnoticed because they don't resemble traditional gambling. Alyx and Megan also discuss the growing gap between modern collecting and today's behavioral health system. They explore why many clinicians have never been trained to recognize compulsive collecting, why greater awareness is needed throughout the treatment community, and how partnerships between organizations like Collectors MD and Zepf Center can help build stronger pathways for education, prevention, treatment, and recovery. Finally, they discuss harm reduction, intentional collecting, and why the goal isn't to eliminate collecting—but to help people maintain a healthy relationship with the hobby before the chase begins to outweigh the joy. At its core, this episode is about understanding how addiction works, recognizing the warning signs before they escalate, and creating a future where collectors, families, clinicians, and the hobby itself are better equipped to support healthier engagement. If you've ever wondered why it can be so difficult to stop chasing the next card, the next box, or the next release—or if you've watched someone you care about slowly lose control of what started as a hobby—this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around healthier collecting, behavioral health, and responsible engagement. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Learn More About Zepf Center: Website: zepfcenter.org/gambling-treatment YT: ‪@zepfcenter6418‬ LI: Zepf Center Follow Megan: LI: Megan Poliquin Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #ZepfCenter | #RipResponsibly

#57: Family First: Raising Young Collectors | Like Father Like Son

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Ryan and Desiree Knowles, better known as Like Father Like Son, one of the hobby's fastest-growing family brands. As a husband-and-wife team, parents, content creators, breakers, and passionate advocates for responsible engagement, Ryan and Desiree have built a thriving community centered around family, positivity, and teaching the next generation what collecting is truly about. Alyx, Ryan, and Desiree explore what it means to raise children in today's rapidly evolving hobby and why parents play such an important role in shaping healthy collecting habits from an early age. The conversation begins with Ryan's journey into the hobby and how collecting became something his entire family enjoys together. They discuss the life lessons collecting can teach—from communication and negotiation to patience, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility—and why those lessons extend far beyond sports cards. Desiree also shares her unique perspective on entering the hobby from the outside. Unlike Ryan, she didn't grow up collecting and wasn't a sports fan. She simply wanted to spend more quality time with her family by participating in something they genuinely loved. What began as a way to connect with her family gradually became a passion of her own, offering a powerful reminder that collecting isn't just about the cards—it's about creating shared experiences, strengthening relationships, and finding meaningful ways to connect with the people who matter most. They also dive into the realities parents should understand as more children enter today's hobby. From live breaking and social media to influencer culture and highly stimulating hobby environments, Ryan and Desiree share their perspective on protecting young collectors while preserving everything that makes the hobby so special. Fresh off Fanatics Fest and the West Coast Card Show, Alyx, Ryan, and Desiree reflect on the tremendous growth of the hobby, the incredible number of young collectors entering the space, and the opportunities—and responsibilities—that come with collecting becoming more mainstream than ever before. Finally, they discuss #RipResponsibly, the importance of promoting healthier collecting habits, and why creating awareness isn't about discouraging collecting—it's about helping ensure the hobby remains fun, meaningful, and sustainable for future generations. This episode is about family, education, responsibility, and protecting the future of collecting. Whether you're a parent, collector, breaker, hobby business, or simply someone who wants to see the hobby grow in a positive direction, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around healthier collecting, family, community, and responsible engagement. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Follow Like Father Like Son: YT: @LikeFatherLikeSon_Cards IG: @likefatherlikeson_cards FB: Like Father Like Son Cards & Breaks Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #LikeFatherLikeSon | #RipResponsibly

#58: The Healthy Hobby Initiative | Nick Jarman, The CTCA

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Nick Jarman, Founder & CEO of The Certified Trading Card Association (CTCA) and Founder of The Global Trading Card Registry (GTCR), to discuss what it will take to build a healthier, more transparent, and more sustainable future for collecting. Nick brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to The CTCA—a nonprofit trade association exclusively focused on the trading card industry—uniting manufacturers, hobby shops, breakers, grading companies, platforms, and collectors around shared standards, education, trust, and accountability. Alyx is also proud to serve on The CTCA Advisory Board and has witnessed firsthand the collaboration taking place among industry leaders working together to help shape the hobby's future. The conversation explores Nick's journey, the inspiration behind The CTCA, and why the modern hobby needs stronger collaboration, greater transparency, and proactive leadership as collecting continues to evolve. Fresh off Fanatics Fest, Alyx and Nick reflect on the takeaways from connecting with collectors, businesses, manufacturers, platforms, and industry leaders while promoting The Healthy Hobby Initiative and #RipResponsibly. They also explore The Healthy Hobby Initiative, a strategic partnership between Collectors MD and The CTCA designed to promote healthier collecting habits, consumer awareness, transparency, trust, and long-term sustainability. Collectors MD focuses on education, support, awareness, and advocacy for collectors and families, while The CTCA works with industry stakeholders to strengthen standards and confidence across the hobby. Nick also shares the vision behind the Global Trading Card Registry (GTCR), an initiative focused on bringing greater organization, connectivity, and innovation to collecting. Finally, they discuss why collaboration—not competition—will help shape the hobby's future, and why responsible collecting doesn't diminish its excitement—it helps protect it for generations to come. Whether you're a collector, hobby business, breaker, content creator, parent, investor, or simply passionate about the future of trading cards, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around transparency, education, responsibility, and building a healthier hobby. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: collectorsmd.com/peer-support-meetings Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Support The CMD Foundation: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Learn More About The Healthy Hobby Initiative: Website: thehealthyhobby.com Follow Nick: IG: @nickjarman LI: Nick Jarman Learn More About The CTCA: Website: thectca.org YT: ‪@thectca1‬ IG: @thectca FB: The CTCA X: @thectca LI: The CTCA Learn More About The GTCR: Website: thegtcr.com IG: @thegtcr X: @thegtcr Get Help Now: collectorsmd.com/helpnow Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #CTCA | #GTCR | #HealthyHobby | #RipResponsibly

#59: Collecting, Identity, & Finding What Truly Matters | Jared Allen

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Jared Allen, a cornerstone of the Collectors MD community and recent July 2026 Collector Spotlight, for a personal conversation about collecting, identity, recovery, and learning to collect with intention. Since joining Collectors MD in February, Jared has become one of our most consistent members, regularly attending Collectors MD and Unboxed meetings, writing Daily Reflections, welcoming new members, and supporting others navigating complicated relationships with collecting. Jared shares how collecting evolved from a genuine way to explore his interests and connect with others into a cycle where the research, hunt, and purchase could become more exciting than owning the object itself. Alyx and Jared explore how collecting can become intertwined with identity, emotion, control, and escape, and what happens when it begins taking up too much space in our lives. Jared also opens up about his recovery and his decision to abstain from collecting cards until the NBA season begins, when he may return to intentional Orlando Magic pickups. In the meantime, he has found another outlet through building and painting Warhammer figurines. Together, they explore why intentional collecting can sometimes mean knowing when to step away. The conversation also explores Jared’s comparison between meaningful collectibles and the totems from Inception. Collectibles can connect us to identity, relationships, memories, and purpose, but having too many can make it harder to remember what truly matters. Alyx and Jared revisit themes from Jared’s Daily Reflections, Collecting Cards, Collecting Moments and What’s In The Box?, including forgiveness, accountability, appreciating ordinary moments, and letting go. They also discuss how Jared has shifted toward collections rooted in genuine connection, including Star Trek with his family, NASCAR with his wife’s family, and the Orlando Magic. Finally, Jared reflects on what the Collectors MD community has meant to his recovery and his progression from seeking support to becoming someone others can turn to for encouragement, accountability, and perspective. They close with one of the central ideas behind Jared’s writing: life isn’t made up entirely of rare hits. Often, it’s the ordinary moments that fill out the set. Whether you’re working to collect more intentionally, navigating recovery, or trying to better understand the relationship between collecting and identity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around recovery, identity, community, and intentional collecting. Watch The Episode On YouTube Learn More & Join The Movement: Website: collectorsmd.com Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com Weekly Meetings: collectorsmd.com/peer-support-meetings Contact: info@collectorsmd.com YT: ‪@collectorsmd IG: @collectorsmd Support The CMD Foundation: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation Learn More About Jared: July 2026 Collector Spotlight Daily Reflection: What’s In The Box? Daily Reflection: Collecting Cards, Collecting Moments Get Help Now: collectorsmd.com/helpnow Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind. #CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #RipResponsibly

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