1534 - Ramblings with Rich Klein, 14.0

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the intense three-week stretch during the McGwire–Sosa home run chase when Rich was inundated with reporters’ calls, often having to explain the sports card hobby from scratch, and how it gave perspective on the daily strain public figures face; Rich recalls briefly escaping afterwards to Houston for a Cubs–Astrodome weekend. They pivot to Rich’s music hobby—listening to radio airchecks and hosting monthly interactive “music games”—and relate it to collecting as a pursuit or “chase” rather than simply owning a collection, citing examples like Al Rosen and the appeal of finding specific cards such as a 1952 Topps ERR Johnny Sain. The episode also covers bootstrapping hobby businesses, comparing Jeremy’s CIA Auctions garage-based growth to Beckett and others’ gradual expansion, real estate and security needs, and the disruption of frequent moves. 00:41 McGwire Sosa Media Frenzy 02:26 Houston Trip and Hobbies 03:00 Music Collecting and Games 06:09 The Thrill of the Chase 07:47 Vintage Set Talk and Finds 10:06 Bootstrapping Auction Businesses 11:31 Beckett Growth and Space Lessons