In this episode of Player Worn Podcast (PWP), we dig into some of the most talked-about (and controversial) topics in the hobby right now.

We break down the ongoing “Pac-Man” situation and why so many collectors feel like they’re always one step behind while major platforms and companies seem to be eating first. From there, the conversation turns to Fanatics — including growing frustration around mystery boxes, repacks, and whether the value proposition still makes sense for everyday collectors.

We also get into repacking culture as a whole: who it really benefits, what’s changed recently, and why transparency matters more than ever. On the grading side, we talk PSA, the perception of tougher grading standards, and why it feels like Gem Rates just aren’t what they used to be — especially compared to a few years ago.

The Player Worn Podcast is a sports cards and TCG podcast hosted by Samuel Lawrence (Samuel Lawrence Collectibles) and Jordan Rose. The show covers hobby news, market movement, collecting stories, and conversations across sports cards and trading card games—always with honesty, curiosity, and a real-world perspective.

From seasoned collectors to newcomers, Player Worn is a place for open discussion, learning in real time, and staying connected to what’s happening in the hobby.