They were once a shy child struggling to find their place in a new city. Years later, Pokémon brought them to New York, surrounded by friends from around the world.

For our milestone 200th episode of As The Pokéball Turns, illustrator PicnicBlanketDoodles shares a journey that began with childhood uncertainty and grew into meaningful friendships, creativity, and unforgettable adventures.

After moving from Alaska to Nevada, they struggled to find their confidence. But rediscovering Pokémon through Pokémon Pearl, choosing Piplup at Lake Verity, and falling in love with Sinnoh opened the door to new possibilities.

From discovering Pokémon fan art to developing their own creativity, they eventually connected with artists and Trainers around the world. Those friendships led to memorable experiences, including sharing homemade Poffins at a Pokémon GO Fest picnic in New York City.

They also reflect on Shaymin, their favorite Pokémon, and how its connection to gratitude reminds them to appreciate life's fleeting moments.

Because sometimes Pokémon doesn't simply give us another world to explore.

It helps us discover where we belong in our own.

Join us in celebrating 200 conversations and the stories that connect us.

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Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

Disclaimer: This podcast is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by The Pokémon Company International.

What happens when something you love becomes something you're afraid to share?

For Emily's Pins and Packs, Pokémon was part of childhood from nearly the beginning. From watching the anime on VHS to playing Pokémon Crystal, her love for the franchise grew through memories shared with her mother and younger brother.

But when classmates began mocking her for enjoying Pokémon, Emily made a difficult decision to step away from something that had always brought her happiness.

Emily's Pins and Packs reflects on those childhood experiences, her love for Spinarak, and how Pokémon GO helped reopen a door she'd once closed.

Today, she's embracing that passion through Pokémon TCG collecting, card shows, and creating content alongside her brother. She's also learning to enjoy the hobby openly, without worrying about what others might think.

Because sometimes growing up isn't about leaving behind the things you loved as a child.

It's about finding the confidence to love them again.

Listen now and discover Emily's Pokémon story.

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Visit our website: www.asthepokeballturns.com

Join Our Discord Community!
https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt

Mailing Address
P.O Box 117
Addison, TX, 75001

Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

Disclaimer: This podcast is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by The Pokémon Company International.

They stole her Game Boy. They stole her Pokémon games. But they never managed to take away her love for Pokémon.

In this episode of As The Pokéball Turns, The Prancing Ponyta, shares a Pokémon journey that began with an unexpected encounter with Jolteon during a difficult childhood.

Growing up through her parents' divorce and experiencing bullying at school, The Prancing Ponyta found companionship, comfort, and friendship through Pokémon. Even when classmates stole her Game Boy and games, her love for the franchise endured.

That passion eventually grew into decades of Pokémon TCG friendships, a shared hobby with her husband, and opportunities to travel internationally as a Pokémon UNITE judge.

The Prancing Ponyta also opens up about losing her mother, stepping away from streaming, and navigating the emotional changes surrounding UNITE's departure from the World Championships.

Through it all, Pokémon has remained connected to the people and memories that shaped her life because sometimes the greatest thing a game gives us isn't an adventure to escape into.

It's a reason to keep connecting with the world around us.

Listen now and discover the experiences behind Laura's Pokémon story.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Visit our website: www.asthepokeballturns.com

Join Our Discord Community!
https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt

Mailing Address
P.O Box 117
Addison, TX, 75001

Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!

Disclaimer: This podcast is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by The Pokémon Company International.