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Brody the Kid a hobby ambassador, role model for young collectors
Brody the Kid's collecting resume reads like a grizzled hobby veteran. He is 15 years old. His passion, drive and work ethic inspire even a lifer like myself.
I became aware of Brody and his social media content in early 2018 and got to know him through online conversations and interactions. Seeing a 9 year old create the hobby content he was doing was beyond impressive. While I was in the hobby at 9 there was no way this shy kid from Brooklyn could've pulled off what Brody was producing, even if social media existed in 1981.
We made plans to meet at the 2018 National Sports Collectors Convention, which was in Brody's backyard of Chicago. I also got to meet his parents, Dennis and Sheri. Many kids would be blessed to have parents as supportive as they are. From travel to itinerary they are on top of things, but they also know the importance of letting Brody be a kid and do everything kids his age enjoy while also maintaining a busy hobby schedule. Brody is also very active in sports with baseball and basketball being his main two.
When I got my first main stage slot at the NSCC for Sports Card Nation I knew I wanted Brody as my guest on-stage. It was a fun half hour. Brody was poised and funny.
Brody got started at the 2017 NSCC. He attended the Topps’ Q&A at 7 years old and asked Topps brass how old he'd have to be to work for the card manufacturer. Just one year later, at the 2018 NSCC, he became the “Topps Kid.” He did interviews, ripped packs and hosted pack wars.
He started his blog, “Riiip with Brody,” and in 2019 he got his NSCC Media credentials and worked directly with The National doing social media and helping promote NSCC's charity partner, Ronald McDonald House. He did pack wars with Alan Narz at the Topps booth. He soon launched both “The Daily Riiip” and his “Hobby Life” show, where he interviews hobby dignitaries.
In 2021 he became the official “Kid” host of the NSCC, a title he was to have the year before until Covid derailed the show. He helped promote ”Signatures for Soldiers,” the official charity of the NSCC, hosted pack wars again for Topps and was involved with the Panini ”Kids break.” He also joined Upper Deck on the main stage, where he was honored with his own ”Heroic Inspirations” card for his work on epilepsy awareness, which he was afflicted with in May of that year.
In 2022, he was the official kid host of the NSCC again and continued promoting “Signature for Soldiers.” He also joined myself and other ”Hobby Hotline” co-hosts on the NSCC Main Stage. I asked him to join “Hobby Hotline” in 2020. Recently he was added to the “Hobby News Daily” writing team.
Brody is a wonderful ambassador and advocate for our hobby. He's passionate and a great example that you can enjoy the hobby and life at the same time.
I've known Brody for five years but it honestly seems longer. I feel like I've watched this young man grow up right before my eyes. At the last NSCC, I had to look up at him as he's taller than me now, and I never thought I was short.
Brody’s resume reads like someone much older. He's in the early innings and I'm excited to watch him continue his hobby journey. Check him out on twitter at @BrodyTk or Instagram at BrodytheKid1.
— John Newman is a collector, dealer and the host of the Sports Card Nation podcast. Catch his Hobby Quick Hits on Monday and his guest interviews on Friday on your favorite podcast platform. You can reach him at sportscardnationpc@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ sportscardnati1
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John Newman is the host of the Sports Card Nation podcast
