This hobby can be so insidious. But that's exactly why Collectors MD exists! 🤍

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, we’re honored to share a story rarely told in the hobby—the perspective of the partner.

Our guest, Ambre LaVanway, is both a collector and the wife of veteran hobbyist Travis LaVanway (@montananorseman), whose journey we featured in Episode #8. Together, they’ve navigated the highs of connection and the lows of compulsion that so many couples quietly face behind the scenes of collecting.

In this conversation, Ambre opens up about what it’s like to love—and live with—a collector. From financial strain and emotional burnout to rediscovering joy and balance, she offers a raw and deeply human perspective on the difference between passion and obsession.

We explore Ambre’s Daily Reflection, “A Shift in Perspective", where she writes, “Not everything that sparkles is valuable". We also dive into her unique approach to collecting, including her thought-provoking “Murder Shelf”—a collection centered on empathy, imperfection, and understanding the stories behind flawed figures.

This episode sheds light on communication, boundaries, and healing—how couples can move from secrecy to teamwork, from guilt to understanding. It’s also about redefining what collecting looks like when it’s shared with love, intention, and accountability.

Whether you’re a collector, a partner, or someone trying to rebuild trust in the wake of compulsion, Ambre’s story reminds us that recovery isn’t just personal—it’s relational.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember to collect with intention, not compulsion.

Watch The Episode On YouTube

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: collectorsmd.com

Socials: hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: info@collectorsmd.com

YouTube: @collectorsmd

Instagram: @collectorsmd

Follow Ambre:

Instagram: @mznapalm_most.hated

Follow Travis:

Instagram: @montananorseman

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly
https://www.youtube.com/live/6y5ETIVEiNk

Just a friendly reminder for those who would like to check it out, the second Unboxed: Powered By Collectors MD meeting will be starting in an hour at 7PM ET.

Scan the QR code or use this link to join!

#CollectorsMD | #PGCC | #RipResponsibly

It’s not about canceling the hobby—it’s about protecting it.

Big thanks to Dan The Card Man for continuing to speak truth and spread awareness around the predatory marketing tactics that are becoming far too common across the industry. From "Spend, Rip, Get Rewarded" promos to "bonus credit" emails meant to lure collectors back into spending, these are the same psychological hooks used in gambling—just rebranded for the hobby.

As Dan points out, the issue isn’t breaking itself—it’s the lack of controls, oversight, and responsibility from platforms that profit off compulsion. Collectors deserve transparency, guardrails, and support systems that prioritize their wellbeing over transaction volume.

This is exactly why Collectors MD exists—to bring awareness, resources, and reform to an industry that’s lost sight of sustainability.

Thank you, Dan, for using your platform to keep these conversations alive. The hobby gets healthier when we do.

#CollectorsMD | #DanTheCardMan | #RipResponsibly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZgP_q6ue1E&t=546s

At its core, this is predatory behavior. In order for the hobby to thrive, Fanatics must acknowledge that Fanatics Live operates as a gambling environment and take accountability by establishing appropriate consumer protections.