Business Owners Episodes

Ever felt lost in your job search and wished your love for Pokémon actually meant something in the real world?

Career Coach Jason Hopper (BadHopper) from Jewish Family Services of Great Dallas shares his Pokémon story, from learning the TCG for a relationship to rediscovering it years later through his son, wandering neighborhoods with Pokémon GO and accidentally building a walking habit, a community, and a new sense of purpose. Jason breaks down how the Pokémon GO community can quietly become ...

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, ...

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 t...

It started with one card but became a daily ritual, a time capsule, and a community of people healing, laughing, and remembering how it felt to chase something just for the joy of it.

ShadowlessRed shares how a 500+ day journey to pull a Crown Zenith Deoxys VMAX turned into something far more meaningful. What began as a single Pokémon card chase grew into a tradition that helped viewers through heart attacks, breakups, and burnout. From nostalgic memories of playing Pokémon Crystal with a white...

What if your childhood hobby could become your future? For Cameron and Noah, two high school friends turned business partners, that “what if” became Johto Jems, a heartfelt blend of Pokémon nostalgia, late-night ambition, and vending table hustle.

In this episode, we follow the duo’s journey from a 3AM business plan to their very first card show. They share what it means to grow a brand from scratch, why Pokemon X and Y will always be their favorite era, and how meaningful moments like giving a...

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 hustle of building a Pokémon-centered brand rooted in passion, acce...

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 entrepreneurship, how he connected with his business partner, Caleb Hatfield, and ho...

Discover how Caleb Hatfield’s path as a Pokémon Trainer led him from Pokémon Blue to reigniting his love for the franchise through Pokémon GO. As co-owner of Rockets Markets, he opens up about his venture into organizing Pokémon events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and building Rockets Relics with business partner Joey Lopez. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Pokémon entrepreneurship, Shiny hunting, or the evolving Pokémon community.

🎧 Learn how Trainers turned fandom into ...

From collecting Pokémon Trading Cards with his brother to turning his passion for the Pokémon anime into a successful career as a pixel artist, Pixeladdy shares the evolution of his fandom. He recounts his return to the Pokémon TCG through social media and the growth of his business creating anime-inspired pixel art. Listen in for a story of creativity, perseverance, and the powerful influence of Pokémon on art and entrepreneurship.

🎧 Learn how Trainers turned fandom into business inspiration.
...

I Do The Felting shares her unexpected journey with Pokémon, starting with Pokémon Red and her love for Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. She explores her Pokémon GO experience, from Shiny hunting to participating in Raids and remote events. Most uniquely, she explains her craft of needle felting, where she creates detailed Pokémon figures and reflects on how this art form has become an essential part of her life. Listen for a creative perspective on Pokémon art and fandom.

🎧 Hear from ...

From trading Pokémon cards in school to starting a non-profit, Cards For Kids is on a mission to bring comfort to children affected by abuse. Based in Plano, Texas, his organization provides Pokémon TCG cards to law enforcement agencies helping these children. Tune in to hear how his criminal justice background and love for Pokémon come together to offer healing and hope in a truly unique way.

You can send Card Donations to:
3245 Main Street, Suite 235, Box: 192
Frisco, Texas, 75034

🎧 Learn ho...

B.E. Art, the Best of El Paso Visual Artist 2023, takes us through her colorful journey, from Pokémon fandom to creating impactful art. Learn how Pokémon influenced her artistic path and how her love for the franchise led to her Pokémon-inspired coloring book "Gotta Color'Em All!" Discover the story of a self-taught artist who turned her passion for art and Pokémon into a thriving career, all while connecting with her community in El Paso.

🎧 Learn how Trainers turned fandom into business inspir...

In this heartfelt Pokémon interview, FrostisEpic discusses how his bond with his mother through Pokémon GO led to the rebirth of The Raid Bus in Austin. From attending GO Fest in Seattle and New York City to capturing rare Shiny Pokémon, his journey is filled with family, adventure, and community. Dive into the world of Pokémon GO as he reveals his obsession with collecting rare poses and shiny finds in the game.

🎧 Learn how Trainers turned fandom into business inspiration.
Hit play on the Busi...

Ken Pescatore, founder of the Pokémon Professor Network, dives into his journey from passionate Pokémon GO Trainer to influential content creator. He shares the origins of Lured Up and Gotta Watch 'Em All, exploring how his love for podcasting shaped his career and connections in the Pokémon GO community. With insights from his collaborations with Niantic and events like GoFest Seattle, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at content creation and community building.

🎧 Learn how Trainers...

Join Adam Tuttle, a key figure in the Pokémon GO and Pokémon TCG communities, as he shares his journey from a player to co-hosting Special Conditions and Lured Up podcasts. Discover how his friendship with Ken Pescatore led to their podcasting ventures, as well as his firsthand experience at The Pokémon Company in Seattle. Get an inside scoop on the evolution of Pokémon GO, the Pokémon TCG, and the Pokemon podcasts that continue to inspire fans.

🎧 Hear the voices behind the stories.
Tap into th...

In this episode, PhilofAustin shares his incredible journey of founding the Raid Bus in Austin, Texas, and how it changed the local Pokémon GO landscape. He talks about his approach to connecting with players, running successful Raid Battles, and turning a hobby into a profitable business. Tune in for tips and inspiration on building a community-focused Pokémon GO venture.

🎧 Learn how Trainers turned fandom into business inspiration.
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