On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with my sons, Alex and Jon Schaeffer, for a deep, and surprisingly eye-opening, conversation about the world of modern-day card collecting. What started as a fun pastime has evolved into a booming, multi-billion-dollar global industry, blending hobby, business, and nostalgia into one frenzied subculture.

Alex began collecting during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, when he stumbled into the hobby through online “breakers”, enthusiasts who livestream the opening of card packs and sell spots for specific teams. Jon joined in shortly after, intrigued by the opportunity to collect cards of athletes he’s covered through his sports broadcasting career. As I tagged along with them to the Capital City Card Convention, I found myself immersed in a world I never expected: part marketplace, part memorabilia mecca, and part time machine back to my youth.

From discussions about the hottest cards like Caitlin Clark’s exclusive Panini autographs, or a one-of-one Shohei Ohtani, to insider tips on PSA grading, we cover it all. We even talk about the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals in college sports and how young athletes are now monetizing their signatures before they even go pro.

Alex shares the thrill (and anxiety) of pulling a high-value Josh Allen downtown dual card and navigating the complex process of grading and selling it. Jon talks about how collecting connects him to athletes he’s covered, and how his wife has started noticing both the joy—and the expense—of the hobby.

It’s not just about money, though. We discuss how the community aspect of collecting—whether trading with other fans, sharing hits on social media, or watching your kids discover it for the first time, keeps the heart of the hobby alive. Along the way, we draw analogies to bourbon hunting, Pokémon scalpers, and even the old-school satisfaction of cardboard and bubble gum.

Whether you’re a longtime collector, a casual fan, or someone who once jammed a Joe Rudi card in your bike spokes, this episode pulls back the foil wrap on a world that’s much more than just sports cards. It’s business, nostalgia, strategy, and joy, all in a single pack.

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Dr. Chris LoRang of Capital Health to dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Known for his integrative approach to care, Dr. LoRang breaks down what this advanced healing modality really is, how it works, and why it's making waves in both conventional and functional medicine circles.

As someone who grew up in an osteopathic household and has long embraced chiropractic care, I’ve always been fascinated by holistic healing approaches. So when Chris told me he was adding a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to his clinic, I was intrigued. What followed was a conversation filled with scientific insights, real-world applications, and a few surprising stories—like the 1960s experiment where pigs survived without red blood cells… thanks to a hyperbaric chamber.

Dr. LoRang explains that HBOT is all about increasing oxygen levels in the body by exposing it to high-pressure environments. Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves not just into red blood cells but directly into the blood plasma, saturating the body at the cellular level. The result? Reduced inflammation, enhanced stem cell production, new blood vessel formation, and faster tissue regeneration.

We explore how HBOT is already FDA-approved for several serious conditions—like crush injuries, radiation burns, and wounds that won’t heal—and how its off-label uses are showing promise for everything from concussions to cognitive decline. “It treats the worst of the worst in hospitals and helps the best of the best in professional sports,” Chris says. “And we’re finding it does a whole lot for everyone in between.”

We also talk about the surprising lack of side effects, the growing body of scientific research, and why it’s crucial to consult knowledgeable providers—because not every physician is up to speed on this evolving therapy. Whether you're a high-performance athlete, recovering from surgery, or simply looking to extend your health span, this conversation just might change the way you think about oxygen.

To learn more CLICK HERE.

To learn more about HBOT, visit iowahbot.com or check out hyperbaricexperts.com for deep dives into current research.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Ross Edwards, a passionate coach and community leader helping breathe new life into the Raccoon Valley Little League—just as the organization celebrates its 70th year. Ross shares his own journey through the league, starting as a three-year-old in T-ball, forging friendships that would last through high school and beyond. Now 31, he’s returned to the same fields with a renewed mission: to help Raccoon Valley not just survive, but thrive.

Ross reflects on the unique place Little League holds in the lives of children and families, recalling the neighborhood energy of earlier years when parents volunteered in droves and the dugouts buzzed with local pride. But the world has changed—families are busier, costs are rising, and mega sports complexes and for-profit club teams have reshaped the landscape of youth athletics. Raccoon Valley, like many traditional little leagues, faced decline, particularly after the pandemic led to board turnover and organizational struggles.

What began for Ross as a simple offer to coach in 2022 quickly turned into a full-on revival effort. "I just looked around one day and realized nothing had been updated since I played here,” he says. That realization led to a conversation with the league president, a seat on the board, and soon after, his first big fundraiser—a golf outing that raised $7,000 and reinvigorated hope within the league. Since then, Ross has helped lead new initiatives, spearheaded field improvements, and built momentum among families and volunteers.

While Raccoon Valley’s budget can’t match the turf fields and elite travel teams, Ross believes Little League offers something just as valuable: community, accessibility, and the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. He’s watched registration numbers climb in the last few years and credits visible improvements, strong word of mouth, and the enduring appeal of playing ball with neighborhood kids for the growth.

Throughout the conversation, Ross and Maxwell share stories of growing up in Des Moines, of the magic of baseball birthdays, championship dreams, and even coaching the next generation of Sandlot-style players. The episode is a celebration of grassroots sports, the power of volunteerism, and the impact one person can have when they say, “I’ll help.”

Whether you're a former Little Leaguer, a parent of a player, or someone who just loves a good Iowa comeback story, this episode will hit home. As Ross puts it, “I thought I was just signing up to coach. But it turned into something a lot bigger—and better—than I ever expected.”

Click HERE for volunteer opportunities!