All In The Mind Why do we love collecting?
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May 17, 2025 
Rose Kerr, a producer passionate about the psychology of collecting, joins experts Nick Neve, a professor studying hoarding behaviors, and Louise Grimmer, who dives into consumer trends. They explore the emotional motivations behind collecting, from childhood nostalgia to adult pursuits, and the social media influences elevating collectible items. The conversation navigates the thrill of the hunt for rare finds and the delicate line between healthy collecting and hoarding, highlighting how personal identity intertwines with consumerism in this fascinating world.
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Collector's Quest for Rare Toy
- Sam Todd, a collector, went on a week-long quest to find rare Le Boo Boo toys around the world.
- Her persistence paid off when she successfully bought six rare toys from a vending machine after waiting in line.
Collecting Boosts Identity and Community
- Collections express identity and boost self-esteem by representing personal meanings.
- Collecting fosters social bonds as enthusiasts share knowledge and engage in friendly competition.
Returning to Childhood Collections
- Sam Todd stopped collecting as a teenager because it felt uncool, even selling her collections for cheap.
- As an adult, she embraced her passions and reintroduced collectibles into her life, accepting her true self.