As The Pokeball Turns

When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Pokémon GO could have easily been forgotten. Instead, it became something more. It became a lifeline of hope and community for Pokemon Trainers living in Ukraine.

In this episode of As The Pokeball Turns, we meet the Community Ambassadors of Pokémon GO Ukraine as they share how they rebuilt their shattered local communities, found moments of peace during wartime, and used Poké...

WizzlerPlays, creator of Nuzlocke & Load, and Twitch streamer, shares how a childhood love for Pokémon in Hoenn evolved into building one of Twitch’s biggest Nuzlocke tournaments. From Treecko nostalgia and favorite Dragon-types to tournament logistics, streaming breakthroughs, and community-building, this conversation dives deep into both his personal journey and the Nuzlocke format itself. We explore how Wizzler found purpose...

Ricardo, founder of HTXPokeCollectors, shares how flea market toys, Pokémon Yellow, and post-pandemic creativity sparked his journey from nostalgic Trainer to small business owner. We talk about his mission to spotlight Pokemon plushies, Pokemon figures, and authentic Pokemon merch often overlooked in favor of the Pokemon TCG scene. From battling early challenges to navigating import tariffs, Ricardo opens up about the real-life hu...

In this trailer episode, host David Hernandez shares the truth behind As The Pokéball Turns, where it began, what drives it, and why it matters. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a platform built for the everyday Pokémon fan, the overlooked, the underestimated, and those whose stories have never been told.

You’ll hear how one choice to believe in something bigger than himself became the spark for a movement. With music from Pokémon’s ...

MamaTurbo shares the moving story of her son TheTrueTurbo, a passionate Pokémon fan, Shiny Hunter, and Twitch streamer who lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). From childhood memories to his transition into streaming during the pandemic, she reflects on TheTrueTurbo’s resilience, his love for gaming, and the incredible community that rallied around him. The conversation also explores the emotional weight of his passing and the...

Detective Mocha, a Shiny Hunter and Twitch streamer, shares how her Pokémon journey began with the Pokemon anime before transitioning into Pokemon Emerald and how it’s grown into a full-fledged passion for hunting Shiny Pokemon. DetectiveMocha opens up about hiding her love for Pokémon in school, stepping into the world of Twitch streaming, and learning to balance authenticity with community expectations. From nostalgic moments to ...

Bootlegflanders, a visually impaired Pokémon Trainer, shares how he’s navigated the Pokémon world with creativity, resilience, and heart. From his first battles in Pokemon LeafGreen and Pokémon Stadium to adapting to the challenges of modern games like Pokemon Sword and Shield, Bootlegflanders opens up about what the franchise means to him. He also dives into his passion for competitive battling and reflects on how important access...

We sit down with DragonTamerTom, a Pokémon Trainer and Twitch streamer known for his passion for Dragon-type Pokémon and shiny hunting. 

DragonTamerTom opens up about growing up fascinated by dragons, the evolution of his creative interests, and how Pokémon has remained a meaningful thread through it all. He shares heartfelt stories of friendship, especially the lasting influence of his late friend TheTrueTurbo, and reflects on the ...

Meet Boloscar, a shiny hunter, Twitch streamer, and Pokémon GO Community Ambassador with a deep love for costume Pokémon and building community. In this episode, Boloscar chats about growing up with Pokémon, how he got his memorable name, and what it’s really like juggling content creation with community advocacy. It’s a fun, honest look at the highs, challenges, and heart behind being part of the Pokémon world. Tune in and hear ho...

Retro Pokesprites takes us on a journey through his deep-rooted Pokemon passion, starting with the iconic Pokemon Gold and Silver games. He reveals how his career as a veterinary technician and wildlife biologist fuels his creative spark and strengthens his connection with Pokemon. Learn how Retro Pokesprites brings nostalgia to life, reimagining classic Pokemon in Game Boy Color-style sprites. From his early love for pixel art in ...

Dragonfree, the webmaster behind the iconic The Cave of Dragonflies, joins us for a fascinating Pokémon interview about her unexpected journey from Pokémon Yellow to pioneering one of the longest-running Pokémon fan sites online. In this episode, she discusses how she shaped the Pokémon community and reflects on how the online fandom has evolved over the years. Whether you're passionate about the games or the broader Pokémon f...

Lilredwooper, a dedicated Pokémon Twitch streamer and VGC competitor, reflects on her Pokémon journey from opening Pokémon cards to Shiny hunting and engaging with competitive Pokemon. She talks about how Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness shaped her love for the franchise, and how she’s used Twitch to build an inclusive community for people. Don’t miss this Pokémon interview, packed with insights into the world of Pokémon streaming and ...

Join Jim Tickles, a Pokémon Trainer and aspiring biologist, as he takes us through his unique journey in Pokémon Gold and Silver, where he faced off against Gym Leaders and rival trainers with under-leveled Pokémon. In this Pokémon interview, Jim discusses how his background in biology enhances his understanding of the Pokémon world and how Pokémon has played a key role in managing his ADHD. This episode offers an inspiring look at...

Greg Leatherman, a dedicated Pokémon Trainer and host of Very Random Encounters, explores the captivating world of Pokémon, from Roselia in Ruby and Sapphire to the evolving lore across generations. In this Pokémon interview, Greg critiques the franchise’s growth while reflecting on his own journey in podcasting and his commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ visibility in both gaming and podcasting. This episode offers fans a deep dive int...

Reflecting on her first experience with Pokémon Blue, StandardizedBogey reveals how the Pokémon franchise sparked her love for fanfiction writing. With a focus on memorable Pokémon villains like Saturn from Team Galactic and Archer from Team Rocket, she dives into their complexities and motivations. Throughout the episode, she opens up about the influence of Pokémon on her life, from building a family with her shared fandom to how ...

In this deeply personal conversation, AdaEnchilada reflects on her journey with Pokémon, from her early days with Pokémon Blue to the world-building and character creation that shaped her love for the series. She also discusses the emotional toll of losing her dog, Casper, and the meaningful bond between Pokémon and pets. As a Twitch streamer, she highlights the role her community plays in fostering a space for authenticity and cre...

The webmaster of Blue Moon Falls reflects on her deep love for the Generation 1 and 2 Pokémon games and how they sparked her connection to the franchise. She shares the journey from playing Pokémon LeafGreen and FireRed to exploring Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, where she first connected with Pokémon characters in a new way. In this emotional conversation, Blue Moon Falls also opens up about how Pokémon has helped her navigate challenge...

From Pokémon Gold to the immersive world of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, V_Iced_Mocha takes us through his Pokémon journey and how the games resonated with his personal experiences. As a Twitch streamer and active member of the Filipino Pokémon community, he opens up about the barriers fans face in the Philippines and how mobile gaming has made Pokémon more accessible. This conversation highlights the power of Pokémon fandom and how th...

Joey Lopez, co-owner of Rockets Markets, takes us through his unique journey from Pokémon card collecting to creating unforgettable Pokémon events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. From his early days of watching from the sidelines due to his parents' opposition to finally playing Pokémon SoulSilver, his passion for the franchise grew into organizing major events like Trainer Con. Joey shares the lessons learned in entrepreneursh...