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

• Visit our website: www.asthepokeballturns.com
• Join 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

• Visit our website: www.asthepokeballturns.com
• Join 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

• Visit our website: www.asthepokeballturns.com
• Join Our Discord Community!
  https://discord.gg/AqAbD7FbRt
  
  

Your next Pokemon adventure begins here!