Mike Baker

Mentioned in 9 analyzed podcast episodes across 4 shows

Authentication and grading expert in the collectibles market with 10+ years as PSA's lead grader. Founder of MBA Diamonds and Mike Baker Authentication, known for advancing grading transparency through heat map technology and detailed authentication notes. Discussed across Collector Nation episodes for insights on card valuation, market dynamics, and authentication of high-value collectibles.

Appears On

Collector Nation Letters from an American The President's Daily Brief The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Episode Appearances

Collector Nation · Mar 27, 2026

The Hobby Is Changing Fast: TCG Boom, New Releases & Card Shop Grand Openings

“Authentication expert and grader who appeared at Collector Station grand opening; known as 'best grader on the planet'”

Trading Card Game Market GrowthOne Piece Card Grading SurgePSA Grading Company Monopoly

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Letters from an American · Mar 13, 2026

Money is Flooding into the Political System

“Co-authored exposé on billionaire corruption of American politics with Stephen Rich”

Billionaire Political Donations and Campaign FinanceTax Policy and Wealth InequalityDark Money in Elections

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Collector Nation · Feb 27, 2026

Are Million-Dollar Cards Actually Smart Investments?

“Authentication expert; examined fake Michael Jordan jersey autograph with partner Damien”

1909 Honus Wagner card $5.2M sale and investment thesisDefinition and debate of 'iconic' versus valuable baseball cardsPaul Skeen rookie card ranking controversy

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Collector Nation · Feb 20, 2026

Understanding Card Value: Grades, Data, and Demand with Mike Baker and Brian Ludden

“Founder of MBA Diamonds; former PSA lead grader for 10+ years; primary guest discussing grading innovation and market dynamics”

Card Grading Standards and TransparencyAI-Assisted Authentication vs. Autonomous AI GradingGrading Company Market Consolidation

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Collector Nation · Feb 17, 2026

What We Learned After 50 Episodes With the Best in the Hobby

“Former PSA head grader launching Mike Baker Authentication with heat map technology and detailed grading notes for market transparency”

Content creation and influencer strategy in collectibles marketGrading transparency and heat map technology in card authenticationProduct-based vs listing-based marketplace models for collectibles

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The President's Daily Brief · Feb 12, 2026

February 12th, 2026: U.S. Positioning Mobile Missile Launchers Against Iran & U.S. Arms Flow to Cartels

“Host and primary analyst providing geopolitical commentary and military analysis throughout the episode”

U.S. Military Posture in Middle EastPatriot Missile System Mobile DeploymentIran Nuclear Negotiations and Diplomacy

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Collector Nation · Feb 6, 2026

$5K LeBron Pull… Then a Jordan Rookie Walked Into the Shop

“Lead grader at PSA; authenticated the 1986 Fleer Jordan rookie card for Ryan; provides expert grading consultation”

Sports card investment strategy and player tier rankingLeBron James vs. Michael Jordan card valuation comparisonDigital pack opening platforms and hybrid physical/digital models

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Collector Nation · Jan 20, 2026

From Plastic Slabs to Fine Art: How M1nt is Revolutionizing Trading Cards | Brian Pirrip

“Head grader and co-collaborator with M1nt; provides alternative grading service with integrity focus”

Trading card display and preservation technologyBlockchain integration in physical collectiblesAnti-counterfeiting measures for high-value cards

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The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett · Dec 15, 2025

Harvard’s Behaviour Expert: The Psychology Of Why People Don't Like You!

“Former CIA spy for 20 years; shared taxi driver listening technique for building trust and understanding motivations”

Conversational Framework (TALK: Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness)Anxiety Reframing and Emotion RegulationQuestion-Asking and Follow-Up Techniques

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