Catching Stories, Not Just Pokemon

Hey there, fellow Pokemon fans! My name is David Hernandez, and if you're reading this, chances are you love Pokemon just as much as I do. But let’s be honest: Pokemon isn’t just a game, a TV show, or a collection of cards. For many of us, it’s a lifelong passion, a bridge to friendships, and sometimes even a source of strength during tough times.

That’s exactly why I started my podcast: As The Pokeball Turns

Why Pokemon Interviews?

Ever since I was a kid, Pokemon has been a huge part of my life. I started out hating Pokemon before my mom gave me a Game Boy Color and Pokemon Red for Christmas. (The audacity!) But as I got older, I realize Pokemon wasn’t just about battling or catching ‘em all. It’s about the stories behind the players. That’s what truly fascinates me.

Since then, I've consistently been a Pokemon fan my entire life. I've played every single main series games, I've played A LOT of Pokemon GO, and I've also collected Pokemon cards. My passion for Pokemon runs deep and I'm always excited to share and hear my guest's experiences every time I press the record button!

With a background in Social Work from UT-Arlington, I’ve always been drawn to people’s experiences. Pokemon interviews give me the perfect opportunity to connect with others, not just about the franchise, but about life itself. I’ve talked with guests about their struggles, their triumphs, and how Pokemon has played a role in shaping their journey. Whether it’s overcoming mental health battles, breaking down social barriers, or just reliving childhood nostalgia, every story is worth sharing.

Oh, and let’s not forget my two awesome co-hosts! My dogs, Dux and Layla. They may not say much, but trust me, they’re always in the room and make sure I touch grass and they get fed! 

What’s As The Pokeball Turns All About?

The podcast is all about people sharing their love for Pokemon, whether it’s through the Pokemon games, Pokemon cards, the anime, or even community events like Pokemon GO. My guests come from all walks of life, but we all share one thing in common: a passion for Pokemon.

My target audience? You! If you’re over 18 and love hearing real, heartfelt stories from fellow Pokemon fans, then you’re in the right place. This isn’t just another “news and updates” podcast — it’s about people, their experiences, and the impact Pokemon has had on their lives.

What Makes This Podcast Unique?

So, why should you tune in?

For starters, As The Pokeball Turns isn’t focused on big-name influencers, although they do show up from time to time. Instead, I interview everyday Pokemon fans! My guest are people with regular jobs, families, and responsibilities. These are the stories that often go unheard, and I’m here to give them a platform. 

Thanks to my Social Work background, I’m not afraid to dive into deeper topics. Some guests share how Pokemon helped them through depression, disabilities, or personal hardships. These moments are raw, real, and incredibly powerful. I also take a different approach to interviews. One of my biggest role models is Larry King, who believed that every guest should be given the spotlight. I tell every guest the same thing:

"This is the one time you get to be on my podcast, while my audience hears me every week."

That means I listen more than I talk. I ask the questions that others might overlook. I let the guests take the lead, which results in some truly meaningful conversations.

How It All Started

I’ve always wanted to create something, but I didn’t know what. I can't draw. I never was able to grasp an instrument. And writing seemed too out of my reach. Not to mention, YouTube felt overwhelming, so I searched for another creative outlet. Then, I stumbled upon "Strong Opinion Sports", which showed me that podcasting was an option.

From there, I went all in. I started researching, planning, and experimenting. My first episodes were focused on Pokemon GO, specifically giving a voice to the people who build and run communities within Pokemon GO. Over time, the podcast grew into a much broader platform for all Pokemon fans to share their experiences whether it's the video games or Pokemon TCG. This podcast is built for any Pokemon fan with any experience to come sand share their story!

What’s Next?

I release new episodes every Monday and Friday (unless otherwise stated). Want to stay in the loop? Make sure to follow me on social media for updates!

I'll also be releasing blogs about past episodes as well as other topics centered around Pokemon! This is anothere way As The Pokeball Turns invests into stories, even ones that are overlooked within the video games or Pokemon media.

Let’s Keep This Conversation Going!

If you love Pokemon and enjoy hearing amazing stories from fans around the world, I’d love for you to join me on this journey.

👉 Subscribe to As The Pokeball Turns
👉 Share the podcast with fellow Pokemon lovers
👉 Leave a review or comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Pokemon has brought us together. Now, let’s share our stories. See you on the next episode where we hear from

More People. More Stories. And More Pokemon!