Pack Fresh Podcast

Cardboard and Wash

Welcome to Pack Fresh Podcast, your premier destination for everything Pokémon ! Join us as we dive deep into the world of Pokémon cards, featuring expert discussions on collecting, trading, market trends, and current news. From vintage WOTC cards to the latest Mega expansions, we've got you covered!

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22 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 45 min
English

Episodes 22

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S1 · E36
September 24 · 52 min
The Pokémon Card Market Just Split in Two | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 36
The Pokémon card market is moving in two completely different directions. Modern prices are correcting and beginning to stabilize, while vintage and mid-era cards are setting extraordinary new highs. In the latest Pack Fresh Pulse, we break down major moves from Base Set Charizard, Southern Islands Mew, and Gengar & Mimikyu GX; examine the latest Ascended Heroes, Black Bolt, and White Flare data; discuss PSA’s changing submission tiers; and share what collectors and vendors are actually buying right now. Question of the Week: Is the modern Pokémon correction creating a buying opportunity, or would you rather put your money into vintage? Download DeckTradr and use code PACKFRESH when you sign up! https://www.decktradr.com/ Our Links! https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E35
August 30 · 1 hr 6 min
Will the Pokémon Card Bubble Pop? Your Biggest Questions Answered | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 35
You asked the questions, and we’re giving you our honest answers. In the first Pack Fresh Q&A, we discuss whether the modern Pokémon card bubble will pop, why collectors are saving for the 30th Anniversary, repetitive Mega Evolution sets, collecting on a budget, the future of card shows and streaming, PSA’s grading shutdown, mystery packs, competing TCGs, shipping six-figure cards, and some of the craziest things we’ve experienced as vendors. Question of the Week: Do you think the modern Pokémon card bubble will pop? What question should we answer in our next Q&A episode? Our Links! https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E34
August 20 · 43 min
Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Set Could Be the Greatest Ever | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 34
Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Celebration could be one of the greatest sets the hobby has ever seen. In this episode, we break down everything we know so far, including the 30 collectible Pikachus, returning Classic Collection, new Futuristic Rares, Day and Night UPCs, product release schedule, potential prices, difficult pull rates, and the mysterious Mew card that has already created controversy before the set has even been released. Question of the Week: Will Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Celebration become one of the greatest sets ever made, or has the hype become impossible to live up to? What card or product are you chasing most? Our Links! https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E33
July 29 · 47 min
The Pokémon Card Market Is Correcting… Where Are the Deals? | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 33
The Pokémon card market is moving in some big ways, but not every part of the hobby is moving in the same direction. In the first Pack Fresh Pulse, we use market data from DeckTradr to break down the biggest gainers and losers, modern cards dropping in value, surprising grading opportunities, the best buys under $50, and what vendors are seeing firsthand as Pokémon’s 30th anniversary approaches. Question of the Week: Is this a healthy Pokémon market correction, or the buying opportunity collectors have been waiting for? What cards or sealed products are you buying right now? Download DeckTradr and use code PACK for two weeks free! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/decktradr/id6748241256 Our Links! https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E32
July 14 · 51 min
The Exhausting Reality of Being a Streamer | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 32
Spotify Description Everyone sees the packed card shows, big Whatnot streams, and crazy Pokémon sales, but most people do not see the inventory grind, cash flow problems, burnout, travel, shipping, and constant pressure behind the scenes. In this episode, we break down the five hardest parts of being a Pokémon streamer or vendor and what it really takes to run this hobby like a business. Question of the Week: If someone handed you $5,000 to start a Pokémon business, would you vend, stream, buy collections, flip singles, or do something else? Our Links! https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E31
July 6 · 30 min
Pitch Black Feels Like Pokémon Is Holding Back | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 31
Pitch Black is here, and we’re breaking down whether Pokémon’s newest Mega Evolution set is actually strong or just being carried by Mega Darkrai. We cover the best cards, sealed products, pull rates, market concerns, and what this set could mean heading into Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. Question of the Week: 🎙️ Is Pitch Black actually strong, or is Mega Darkrai carrying the entire set? 🎧 Available Now on Spotify and YouTube Our Links!https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E30
June 22 · 35 min
The Evolution of Pokemon Cards 1995 to Present | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 30
Pokémon cards have changed a lot over the last 30 years. In this episode, we break down the evolution of Pokémon TCG print runs, errors, rarities, and chase cards. We discuss how Pokémon started with simple print-run differences like 1st Edition, Shadowless, Unlimited, and 4th Print, then evolved into an era built around chase cards, special rarities, alternate arts, stamped promos, Master Ball holos, Pokémon Center exclusives, and modern ultra-rare treatments. If you’ve ever wondered why tiny details like a stamp, copyright date, holo pattern, error, or promo designation can completely change a card’s value, this episode is for you. 🎙️ What is the coolest Pokémon print run, error, or rarity of all time? 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. Our Links!📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E29
June 14 · 58 min
Every Sun & Moon Set Ranked WORST to BEST | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 29
In this episode, we rank every Pokémon TCG set from the Sun & Moon era from worst to best—and our lists disagree more than ever. Sun & Moon introduced alternate arts, Tag Team Pokémon, Rainbow Rares, Prism Stars, the Shiny Vault, and many of the high-end chase cards that shaped the modern hobby. From disappointing early-era sets to powerhouses like Hidden Fates, Team Up, and Cosmic Eclipse, we break down which releases still hold up and which ones missed the mark. 🎙️ Is Cosmic Eclipse really the best Sun & Moon set or does Team Up deserve the top spot? 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. Our Links! 📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E28
May 18 · 47 min
Why Pokémon Collectors Are Giving Up in 2026 | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 28
In this episode, we break down the current state of the Pokémon TCG market and what it means to hit a collecting “midlife crisis.” Moving from the chaotic 2020 boom to the market realities of 2026, we look at why so many collectors are feeling burnt out, how buyer fatigue impacts prices, and the exact paths you can take to reset your collection. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, and YouTube. 🎙️ Why are Pokémon collectors giving up in 2026… or are they just learning to play the cycle? Our Links!📱https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E27
May 3 · 26 min
Is Chaos Rising Actually Worth Ripping? | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 27
In this video, we break down the upcoming Pokémon set Chaos Rising and how it compares to the last set, Perfect Order. Even with smaller sets becoming more common, this Greninja-focused release could have more going on than people expect. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, and YouTube. 🎙️ Is Chaos Rising actually better than Perfect Order… or more of the same? Our Links!📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E26
April 22 · 32 min
Inside the Plan to Build a $10M Pokémon Business | Pack Fresh Podcast Episode 26
In this episode, we sit down with Steve from Soflo Retro to break down how he went from flipping video games at yard sales to building one of the fastest-growing Pokémon businesses in the space. From scaling a massive video game operation to pivoting into Pokémon after a major turning point, Steve shares exactly how he’s approaching growth, capital, and building toward an 8-figure goal in 2026. 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. Our Links! 📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E25
April 7 · 57 min
The BEST Platform for Pokémon Card Streaming | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 25
In this episode, we break down the reality of Pokémon streaming and compare the two biggest platforms: Whatnot and TikTok. Even though streaming looks easy from the outside, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes, from fees and shipping to building an audience and actually making money. 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. Our Links! 📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E24
March 17 · 32 min
Perfect Order Might Be Better Than You Think | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 24
In this video, we break down the upcoming Pokémon set Perfect Order and why it may be performing much better than people expected. Even though the set has been getting written off by a lot of collectors, preorders have been moving fast, and there may be more going on here than people realize. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, and YouTube. 🎙️ Is Perfect Order underrated… or is the market right about it? Our Links!📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E23
February 21 · 1 hr 5 min
Ranking Every Sword & Shield Pokémon TCG Set (Worst to Best) | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 23
Sword & Shield defined modern Pokémon, and now we’re ranking every single set from worst to best. From Rebel Clash’s brick status to Crown Zenith’s absurd hit rates and the Evolving Skies alt-art explosion, Wash and Cardboard break down what made this era legendary. We talk early-era struggles (rainbows and golds), the moment alt arts changed everything, and how Trainer Galleries completely reshaped ripping. Plus: the final showdown between Crown Zenith and Evolving Skies, value vs experience. We cover the hits, the flops, the sleeper sets, and the biggest chase cards of the era, including Moonbreon, Lugia, Gengar, and Giratina, and debate which set truly deserves the #1 spot. Key takeaways: • Evolving Skies is the grail-era heavyweight, but brutal to rip. • Crown Zenith might be the best modern set to open, period. • Brilliant Stars and Astral Radiance are criminally underrated. • Early Sword & Shield sets aged worse than we remembered. • Biggest chase debate: Moonbreon vs Lugia vs Gengar vs Giratina. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📱 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E22
February 6 · 1 hr 25 min
The Reality of Being a Pokémon Vendor in 2026 | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 22
He walked away from industrial sales to sell Pokémon cards full-time… and built a real business doing it. This week, Wash and Cardboard sit down with Swans Emporium to break down his full journey, from selling industrial piping in a traditional sales role to taking the leap into Pokémon full-time. We talk card shows, vendor POV content, early grading mistakes, big losses, burnout, and what it really takes to survive long-term in the hobby. One of our most honest conversations yet about Pokémon as a business, content pressure, sustainability, and why collectibles still matter. Swans Emporium’s Socials: 🌐 https://swansemporium.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/swansemporium/?hl=en 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@SwansEmporium 🛒 https://www.ebay.com/str/swansonsemporium 🎙️ Question of the Week: If you had to make Pokémon your full-time income tomorrow, would you focus on card shows, online sales, or content first? 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. 📱 Join the Community: 👉 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E21
January 26 · 25 min
Ascended Heroes: MASSIVE Mega Chases in a LIMITED Pokémon Set | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 21
In this episode, Wash and Cardboard break down Ascended Heroes, one of the most anticipated Pokémon TCG releases of the year. With more Mega Evolutions returning, massive chase cards, and a surprisingly large set size, Ascended Heroes is already sparking debate across the hobby before pull rates are even known. Cardboard & Wash dive into what makes this set different, why collectors are calling it one of the toughest modern master sets, and how Mega chases, illustration rares, and product structure could impact rip value, sealed strategy, and long-term collectability. Also on the table is the uncertainty around pull rates, how hype compares to past sets, and whether Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be a must-rip, a sealed hold, or a wait-and-see release. 🎙️ Question of the Week: What’s your biggest chase from Ascended Heroes? Are you ripping or holding sealed? 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. 📱 Join the Community 👉 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 Wash: https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 PokeDirect: https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 Cardboard Vault: https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E20
January 4 · 38 min
PSA BOUGHT Beckett! Is This Too Much Power? | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 20
In this episode, Wash and Cardboard break down one of the biggest grading shakeups the hobby has ever seen: PSA’s parent company acquiring Beckett. With PSA, SGC, and now BGS under the same umbrella, collectors are asking the obvious question– is this too much power in one place? The guys dig into what this means for competition, market trust, Black Labels, grading market share, and whether this move actually changes anything for Pokémon collectors and sellers right now. They also unpack the recent PSA buyback controversy, why it raised red flags across the hobby, and how consolidation plus grading incentives can create uncomfortable conflicts of interest, even if no intent is proven. If you grade Pokémon cards, buy slabs, or sell in today’s market, this episode gives you the context you need to make smarter decisions without panic. 🎙️ Question of the Week: Is PSA owning Beckett a real problem for the hobby? Or does nothing actually change? Let us know what you think 👇 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. 📱 Join the Community 👉 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 Wash: https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 PokeDirect: https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 Cardboard Vault: https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E19
Dec 20, 2025 · 29 min
Everything you need to sell pokemon Cards | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 19
In this episode, Wash and Cardboard break down The Collector’s Toolkit: the exact apps, tools, and habits they use daily to price cards accurately, move inventory faster, avoid bad buys, and stay efficient whether they’re vending shows, selling online, or shipping orders. They cover everything from price tracking and comping correctly in a volatile market, to identifying cards and sets, checking pop reports, verifying slabs, grading tools, selling platforms, shipping systems, and the small habits that prevent costly mistakes. If you sell Pokémon cards, or want to — this episode is a practical, no-fluff guide to the tools that actually matter and how to use them properly. 🎙️ Question of the Week: What’s the ONE app or tool you couldn’t live without as a Pokémon collector or seller? Drop it below 👇 🎧 Available now on Spotify and YouTube. 📱 Join the Community 👉 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 Wash: https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 PokeDirect: https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 Cardboard Vault: https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E18
Dec 5, 2025 · 40 min
10 Mistakes New Pokémon Sellers Make (That Cost $$$) | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 18
Whether you’re setting up your first table or you’ve been grinding shows for years, these are the 10 vendor mistakes that can cost you money, reputation, and momentum in the Pokémon hobby. This week, Wash and Cardboard break down everything they wish they knew earlier: avoiding sticky price tags, spotting fake boxes, buying smart so you’re never upside-down on deals, keeping cash flowing in a shifting market, building real relationships with other vendors, and creating systems that keep you profitable long-term. One of our most actionable episodes yet for anyone who sells Pokémon cards—whether online, at shows, or out of a storefront. 🎙️ Question of the Week: If you could give ONE tip to a brand-new Pokémon vendor at their first show… what would it be? 🎧 Available now on Spotify, and YouTube. 👉 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 Wash: https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 PokeDirect: https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 Cardboard Vault: https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault
S1 · E17
Nov 24, 2025 · 57 min
How Running To The Rip Build A Pokémon Empire | Pack Fresh Podcast Ep. 17
He left Big Four accounting to chase shiny cardboard… and it actually worked. This week, Wash and Cardboard sit down with RunningToTheRip to talk about his full journey: walking away from corporate life, the brutal early grind of selling Pokémon cards online, opening a storefront, building a loyal community, taking losses on stream, learning vintage the hard way, and how the Pokémon hobby completely transformed his life. One of our most real conversations yet about the business side of Pokémon, burnout, opportunity, and why this hobby is so special. RunningToTheRip’s Socials: 🌐 https://www.runningtotherip.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/runningtotherip/?hl=en 🔨 https://www.whatnot.com/user/runningtotherip 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/Running-to-the-Rip-61575895092361/ 🎙️ Question of the Week: If YOU went full-time in the Pokémon hobby tomorrow… what’s the first thing you’d focus on? 🎧 Available now on Spotify, and YouTube. 📱 Join the Community: 👉 https://discord.com/invite/aa6XDCm4Zg 🌐 https://pillar.io/washyourrhands 🃏 https://linktr.ee/pokedirect 💼 https://linktr.ee/cardboardvault

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