As The Pokeball Turns

It started with a kid in West Virginia, a copy of Alpha Sapphire, and a feeling that he didn’t quite fit anywhere—until shiny hunting and streaming gave him a home. SwampFactor shares his Pokémon story from discovering Mudkip in Alpha Sapphire to turning late night shiny hunting into a lifeline. He talks about the 10,999 encounter Roggenrola that taught him patience, the janky days of propping his phone on a box of Legos to stream, and how becoming a Twitch streamer gave him life-long friends. Along the way, we explore how simple games create real community, why world-record shiny marathons still feel unreal, and how his charity “Spiced Out Shiny Hunting” streams are helping kids eat this Thanksgiving. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your hobbies, your people, and your nostalgia can keep you going, this one’s for you. Listen now, follow for more Pokémon podcast stories, and remember: your next Pokémon adventure might start with one small “why not?” 🎧 Love Pokémon and Twitch? This playlist is for you. Stream the Live Streamers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What sparks a lifelong bond? For LaserGator, it was the crackle of Electivire on a TV screen and the warmth of cousins huddled around the Sinnoh anime, lightning outside, belonging within. Years later, that same charge pulled him back into the Pokémon GO community, where raid hours turned into real friendships and golden-hour memories at Klyde Warren Park. LaserGator traces his Pokémon story from SoulSilver car rides and Bianca’s courage to say “I’m choosing my own path,” to losing a day-one GO account and starting over, only to find his Pokemon GO community led by Community Ambassador, Starfire. We relive the thrill of rivals like Paul, the lessons that stick, and the simple kindness of celebrating the “little guy” at raid night with a card, a snack, and a shoutout. It’s a love letter to nostalgia that grows up with you and a reminder that the spark you’re chasing might be community all along. 🎧 Celebrate Pokémon through the eyes of Asian Trainers. Tap to explore the Asian Pokémon Trainers playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

He quit Pokémon to fit in. Years later, a single sparkle pulled him back and rewrote what belonging means. For DarthStormy, a lost Game Boy in a bathroom stall became the moment he shelved Pokémon until Pokémon GO brought him back with a new kind of courage. From playground trades in late-90s England to returning as an adult who proudly shiny hunts, DarthStormy shares how letting go to “fit in” cost him joy and how rediscovering it rebuilt patience, community, and self-trust. We trace the long route from Turnback Cave daydreams to a Facebook page built around Marshadow, the spark that made him say, “I’m done hiding.” This is a Pokémon story about acceptance, identity, and the strange power of nostalgia to heal what we abandoned. Listen now and relive the moment you claimed your fandom out loud and follow for more powerful stories like this. Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

Behind every Pokémon story is someone who dared to rewrite the game, not just for themselves, but for others. We chat with CaminoPreacher59, the creator who designed a custom Pokémon ROM hack that gave Harry the Handicapped Hitmonchan, featured in a past episode, the chance to adventure as a Trainer in a wheelchair. What began as a simple request became a heartfelt project, reminding us how games can bring joy, representation, and dignity to fans everywhere. Along the way, CaminoPreacher59 shares his own Pokémon story, from growing up with the classics to shaping alternate perspectives through his hacks, proving how nostalgia and creativity can spark meaningful change. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the love of storytelling, or the inspiration of fans making a difference, this episode will stay with you. Listen now and discover how one fan’s creativity turned limitation into empowerment. 🎧 Listen to heartfelt stories of inclusion, resilience, and connection. Explore the Pokémon & Disability Stories playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

He didn’t plan to become a world finalist. He just wanted to play Pokémon GO with his mom. But one battle led to another and suddenly, Inadequance was standing on the biggest stage in the world, fighting for the title of champion. We explore the rise of a competitive Pokémon GO battler who went from lonely early matches to building a global community. Inadequance shares how childhood games like Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness shaped his love for Shadow Pokémon, why Show 6 formats matter, and how a “spicy” pick like Giratina earned him a reputation and almost the crown. Through food poisoning, broken friendships, and bittersweet finishes, he kept going. Because every battler knows, it’s not just about winning. It’s about believing you could. Listen now to hear the story behind one of the scene’s most dedicated minds and follow for more powerful stories like this. 🎧 Learn how Trainers sharpen their skills and chase mastery. Explore the Competitive Pokémon Trainers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What happens when your childhood save file gets pawned but your Pokémon journey keeps going? Danny Steinbrecher takes us back to a childhood shaped by Pokémon story battles with his brother, a corrupted save file lost to a pawn shop theft, and a WiFi-only start to Pokémon GO in the Arizona heat. But this journey isn’t just about games, it’s about healing old rivalries, trading Yu-Gi-Oh! cards for something more lasting, and finding love through shared gameplay with his fiancée. Through laughter, nostalgia, and a few hard lessons (don’t forget to save before Zapdos), Danny Steinbrecher reminds us why we come back to Pokémon again and again. Listen now and discover how a Squirtle can turn into something you carry with you for life. Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

He was ready to end everything, until one unexpected “new friend” comment changed his life. Eastside Scrafty opens up about how Pokémon became more than a game, it became a lifeline. From a turbulent childhood spent in foster care to a breaking point that nearly ended it all, he shares how a bond with a fictional fighter and a Facebook page born from heartbreak helped him hold on. Discover how his defiance, team loyalty, and a deep-rooted love for black culture gave Eastside Scrafty not only a favorite Pokémon but an identity to embrace. This is a story of survival, connection, and the power of being seen. Listen now and discover why some Pokémon stories don’t evolve. They endure. 🎧 Listen to heartfelt stories of inclusion, resilience, and connection. Explore the Pokémon & Disability Stories playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

Some Pokémon don’t just represent us, they help us become who we are. For Scintilla, that Pokémon was Incineroar, a powerful, misunderstood feline that gave him the confidence to build a new identity, both online and off. We dive into Scintilla’s journey from reluctant art student to passionate Twitch streamer, from teacher to tiger. He shares stories of his grandfather winning Pokémon merch during the Mew craze, how a deaf friend helped him fall in love with the games, and the deep emotional meaning behind characters like Mew, Lugia, and Incineroar. It's a heartfelt conversation about transformation, identity, fandom, and the unexpected power of being seen, even when you’re wearing sandals. Listen now and rediscover how Pokémon can shape more than just a team, they can shape a life. 🎧 Hear from creative minds bringing Pokémon to life in art and story. Start listening to the Artists & Writers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What do you do when your heart belongs to two worlds: Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!? Both! Ruxin34 shares how a surprising rule in his childhood home sent him deeper into the world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, even as his passion for Pokémon endured in secret. From hiding his Game Boy under the covers to launching PokeRux, a second channel built on nostalgic Nuzlocke runs, Ruxin34 opens up about balancing two beloved franchises, the emotional weight of card collecting, and why Pokémon still feels like home, even now. Whether it’s vintage cards, fan-made ROM hacks, or that impossible Radical Red Elite Four, his journey is a testament to play, perseverance, and creative evolution. 🎧 Discover how your favorite YouTubers found their Pokémon path. Check out the YouTubers playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

For Harry the Handicapped Hitmonchan, catching Pokémon meant something most of us take for granted: movement, choice, and belonging. Born with cerebral palsy and bound to a wheelchair since childhood, Harry the Handicapped Hitmonchan shares a deeply personal journey of strength, storytelling, and self-expression through the world of Pokémon. From boxing dreams and custom wheelchair ROM hacks to trading Legendary Pokemon for friendship, Harry’s story redefines what it means to be a Trainer. He opens up about pain, play, purpose and the joy of seeing himself reflected in a game where anything feels possible. Listen now to hear how Pokémon became more than a game, it became freedom. 🎧 Listen to heartfelt stories of inclusion, resilience, and connection. Explore the Pokémon & Disability Stories playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

From a mysterious Tangela to a full-blown Shiny Pokedex goal, GlaxonXIII’s journey is anything but ordinary. A teacher by day and Pokémon streamer by night, he opens up about the long road from childhood card hunts at 7-Eleven to shiny reactions that shake the internet. We explore the stories behind his favorite cards, his emotional shift toward content creation, and the deep pride of being named a Notable Trainer by The Pokémon Company. Whether it’s Shiny Applin serendipity or sleepless GO Fest filming, every step has led to something more than pixels, it’s led to purpose. Listen now for a rare look at how gaming, storytelling, and real connection can shape a life one shiny at a time. 🎧 Love Pokémon and Twitch? This playlist is for you. Stream the Live Streamers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

When you lose everything, what brings you back? For Ginger Jirachi, it was Pokémon and a little wish upon a star. After a painful divorce and losing nearly everything he collected, Ginger Jirachi rebuilt his life one Pokéstop at a time, powered by Pokémon nostalgia, the warmth of community, and the quiet strength of starting over. From sibling memories and clay-art cards to a wish for Worlds and a newfound path in sobriety, his story reminds us that sometimes, wishes really do come true. Listen as he shares how the trading card game, Pokémon GO, and one mythical star brought hope back into focus. This is more than a comeback, it’s a celebration of connection, healing, and holding on to joy. 🎧 Listen to heartfelt stories of inclusion, resilience, and connection. Explore the Pokémon & Disability Stories playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

He just wanted to list it as his job on Facebook. Instead, it became a community. For longtime fan Mr. Zigzagoon, a tiny raccoon Pokemon became the symbol of something much deeper like friendship, passion, and perseverance. We explore how a chance online connection sparked the beginning of a community, how a childhood Mew gifted through kindness shaped a lifetime of giving, and how love and support carry this Trainer forward in both life and Pokémon. From Pokémon cards to late-night launches, power-saving giveaways to quiet moments over a match of the Pokémon TCG, this story reminds us why we stay, even when no one else is watching. Listen now and rediscover why we all chose to press Start. 🎧 Be inspired by the leaders shaping the future of Pokémon. Check out the Community Pokémon Leaders playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

He lost his best friend but every time he taps a PokéStop, it’s like they’re walking together again. We meet Shiny King, the Pokémon GO Community Ambassador in London, Ontario, Canada, whose journey from nostalgic fan to local leader is rooted in love, loss, and legacy. From rediscovering Pokémon through his child to honoring a best friend lost too soon, Shiny King shares how Pokémon GO helped him rebuild connection, purpose, and community after everything felt silent. You’ll hear how one man turned downtown meetups into something closer to a Pokémon festival, all powered by empathy, grief, and the desire to make others feel welcome. 🎧 Experience Pokémon from the north with heartfelt Canadian stories. Listen now to the Canadian Pokémon Trainers playlist! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What if everything you loved about Pokémon was taken away, not once, but again and again? And yet...you kept coming back. The creator behind the Unova Region Champion Black Facebook page shares a powerful journey of resilience, rediscovery, and rebuilding. From having Pokémon taken away by family, to stolen cards, lost consoles, and a shattered childhood, Sharpie found his way back through grit, community, and the comforting chaos of a Sunflora solo run. You'll hear how a stolen Game Boy, a grandfather's support, and a lifelong love for Water-type Pokémon all shaped a voice now heard by over 130,000 fans. Listen now to discover how one Trainer turned heartbreak into healing and why the Pokémon community still means everything. 🎧 Tune into stories that honor Black identity through Pokémon. Start the Black Pokémon Trainers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

She thought her Pokémon days were over…until a Cleffa figurine and a Facebook page brought it all back, and this time, she wasn’t alone. The creator of Cleffa Doing Stuff shares how a lost childhood collection, a supportive partner, and a tiny fairy Pokémon helped her rediscover joy through the Pokemon TCG, social media storytelling, and the magic of everyday moments. From pink sleeves to plush-filled memories, it’s a journey that proves there’s no wrong way to be a fan and no dream too small to matter. Whether you’re into card collecting, daily nostalgia scrolls, or Pokémon-inspired creativity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now and rediscover what it means to belong, one Cleffa photo at a time. 🔗 Women Pokemon Trainer Episodes: Hear how women shape and celebrate Pokemon. Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What if the Pokémon that never got picked...ended up choosing you? For Oshagod, the bond with Oshawott wasn’t just about a favorite, it became a reflection of his perseverance, personality, and purpose. We dive into his journey from a quiet childhood admiration to becoming a Twitch streamer who shares stories, shines light on autism, and reclaims confidence after losing his job during the pandemic. Through shiny hunting, in-game empathy, and lifelong connection to the anime, Oshagod reveals how Pokémon didn’t just shape his past, it helps him stay grounded in the present. Listen now to explore a story full of nostalgia, resilience, and the kind of connection only Pokémon can spark. 🔗 Pokemon Trainers Living With Disabilities Discover more powerful stories from Pokémon Trainers living with disabilities. Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What if your first Pokémon game wasn’t from the '90s…but your art still lived there? For SageDeoxys, a sprite animator inspired by Johto-era pixel art, limitations weren’t barriers, they were invitations. In this episode, we explore how one fan turned a childhood love of the anime and Pokémon cards into a creative journey that bridges generations. From discovering the Gen II aesthetic through ROM hacks to crafting a sprite-based dream Pokédex, SageDeoxys shares how nostalgia, friendship, and a passion for underdog types like Bug Pokémon continue to fuel his artistry. And when your favorite Pokémon are Deoxys, Nihilego, and Shuckle, you know there’s a deeper story behind every choice. Whether you're a longtime fan of pixel art, or just looking for a story that reminds you why you fell in love with Pokémon, this one is for you. Listen now and step into a world where old pixels spark new adventures. Artists & Writers Playlist: 🎧 Hear from creative minds bringing Pokemon to life in art and story. Start listening to the Artists & Writers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

What do Pokémon, cancer recovery, and heavy metal have in common? For PokeCello, the answer is everything. In this heartfelt episode, musician and cancer survivor PokeCello shares how Pokémon Legends: Arceus became a lifeline during recovery and how remixing classic Pokémon music with a cello became a love letter to the community that carried them through. From childhood playground memories to emotional moments with Team Star, this story weaves nostalgia, resilience, and creativity into something unforgettable. We also dive into their viral Area Zero remix, the emotional risks of original compositions, and how a bus ride changed everything she thought she knew about music. Artists & Writers Playlist: 🎧 Hear from creative minds bringing Pokemon to life in art and story. Start listening to the Artists & Writers playlist today! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Pokemon Gold & Silver Pokemon Center Theme Cello Cover (Chill Vibes) - PokéCello Area Zero Music from Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - Cello & Orchestra Arrangement - PokéCello I Wrote My Own Pokémon Battle Theme Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

We dive deep with Kuroblitz, creator of the YouTube channel known for “the lore hub of everything Pokémon-related.” What started as a curiosity about Pokémon lore became a calling for building videos that analyze Pokédex entries, region design, and mythological connections with respect to canon and Pokemon lore. Kuroblitz shares his process for turning ideas into narrative-driven videos, how he balances storytelling with research, and why he believes the soul of the franchise lies in its mysteries. Whether he’s unpacking the tragic past of a Pokémon species or exploring an unsolved regional link, Kuroblitz helps fans see familiar creatures in an entirely new light. Listen now and discover the side of Pokémon that doesn’t show up on the battlefield but lingers in the shadows, waiting to be understood. YouTubers Playlist: 🎧 Discover how your favorite Youtubers found their Pokemon path. Check out the Youtubers playlist now! Sources Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay Send us a text Support the show www.asthepokeballturns.comJoin Our Discord Community! https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!