We're back with a new interstitial season, playing through the second Pokémon Ranger game, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia. Limber up, bugcatchers, cause you're gonna be drawing a lot of little circles if you're playing along. In a truly surprising bit of news, it turns out that there are people in the Pokémon universe who are NOT trainers. In fact, you can be anything you want to be on PokéEarth, as long as it's a trainer, ranger, or operator. For the next four episodes, we'll have our Stylers...
Dec 21, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 12
One of our longest journeys ever ends this week with part two of our Chasing Waterfalls season finale. David Sims of Blank Check (@blankcheckpod) joins us as we tie up all our loose ends in the Unova region before moving on to the next game, where we'll journey through... *checks notes* the Unova region. We tackle the East part of the region where we meet dancing Patrats, terrified villagers, and the Riches from FX's hit series, The Riches. We've got one last challenging match left with an old f...
Dec 14, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 5Ep. 11
The postgame in Black & White is so dang robust that we're doing our first-ever Chasing Waterfalls two-parter. First up, we say hi to mom, and also mom's strange new friend, that old rascal Looker. He's hot on the trail of Team Plasma's Seven Sages, and he—as a member of Interpol, the international police, not the band—naturally needs a young child to do most of the hard work of hunting them down. Joshua & Mr. Keepsies embark on a world tour, revisiting all the sights in West Unova befor...
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 10
We're joined once again by Tony "Brian with an 'I'" Smith (@AnthonyBLSmith) and all of the rampant audio issues he brought with him this week. We journey to Victory Road and make our way to the Elite Four. Only two of the E4 seemed to give any of us any trouble before we took on N in his mighty underground castle. Then we talk about which villainous crime syndicate is the best so far. Spoiler: It ain't Team Plasma.
Nov 30, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 5Ep. 9
With the Elder Juniper's blessing and the Freeze Badge in hand, Joshua & Mr. Keepsies ascend Dragonspiral Tower so that—surprise, surprise—they can hear Team Plasma explain all their plans again. The A-slamming doesn't stop there, though. From throwing new Sages (Giallo, the Italian one) at us to Opelucid City hosting a rally for Ghetsis to give an unhinged rant for hours, this leg is full of exposition. It's also full of legendaries, trainer dangers, and a reveal of Tanner's first-ever desi...
Nov 23, 2021•56 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Round and round and round we go around Twist Mountain, and where we'll stop? Nobody knows! That's not true. We know. We stopped in Icirrus City where we took in the local culture including some playground games, a fun(?) quiz show, the least impressive Pokémon Fan Club to date, and a huge puddle full of gross Pokémon.
Nov 16, 2021•59 min•Season 5Ep. 92
This week is spent almost entirely underground, in the dark depths of Chargestone Cave. But perhaps the darkest aspect of this leg is just how many ugly little Pokémon were in it. It's an onslaught of barf. It's like the River Styx but full of puke. And who is their guide on this journey down that disgusting river? Well, of course, it's none other than a bunch more Team Plasma Grunts... and The Nugget Brothers. After finally breaching the sunlight again days later, Joshua & Mr. Keepsies arri...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Joshua and Mr. Keepsies take a big bite out of a relatively short leg of Pokemon this week, starting with the Route 5, which is teeming with one of the ew-make-me-barfiest little toads the boys have ever seen. Then—of course—it wouldn't be Gen 5 without a big, pointless set-piece that seems to solely exist to show off the new Nintendo 3DS technology. After that, we run the risk of hypothermia in Team Plasma's cold storage facility, because that ol' rascal Ghetsis makes us sit through what feels ...
Nov 02, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Joshua & Mr. Keepsies leave the big, lush city for the sprawling desert hellscape that begins as soon as you head north. They encounter a variety of inexplicably placed trainers, like Fishermen, who seem like Basculin out of water, if you know what we mean. In the Desert Resort, they unite over a particularly barf-worthy 'mon, triggering the first "Our Ew Make Me Barf Pokémon of the Week," as well as one obvious sweetie in the Relic Castle. Once they finally emerge from the sandstorm, they f...
Oct 26, 2021•55 min•Season 5Ep. 4
We hope you missed our segments because this episode's chock full of 'em—and a couple of Seinfjeld "zingers," too. After all, this week our aspiring comedian and aspiring trash collector reach the Big Applin: Castelia City. Will Joshua catch his big break? Will Mr. Keepsies finally pick up enough garbage to fill out his team? Is Burgh a gay icon? And why is the Ranger trainer type so sexy? (Or is that just us?)
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 3
With the Cut HM in hand, Joshua & Mr. Keepsies take down the Team Plasma grunts who were beating up a Munna for its sweet, sweet dream juice. So much for "liberating" Pokémon. From there, they head north and encounter a bunch of little pukes who challenge them to battle, shortly before they once again get accosted by Plasma grunts who've made off with one of Bianca's Pokémon. In hot pursuit, they venture into Wellspring Cave and are bombarded by an astoundingly lazy and ugly new 'mon, many o...
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 2
With the Lillipup days of summer now well behind them, the podcast titans are finally back with a whole new season, a new region, and brand spanking new ‘mon. Find out whose journeys you’ll be following through Unova as Josh & Tanner introduce their new characters, set forth from Nuvema Town, give their first (well, Josh’s second) impressions of the New York-themed landscape, and take on Striaton City’s Gym Leaders: three battling brother-chefs, of course.
Oct 05, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Sauntering out of Professor Oak's Lab, Stanner & Will N. Testament run into a figure of legend, Gringus. David Sims joins to wrap up HeartGold/SoulSilver in a nice bow (and a battle). They chase waterfalls, aka in this gen, climb rocks; rematch against the Elite Four; catch or kill Mewtwo; fight Red/Gary/Bad Josh/Mr. Squirt; and see what happens in the final battle of season four. Who will retain (or obtain) EXP. Share's IP? Notes: Follow Gringus—sorry, we mean—David Sims sharing his experie...
Jul 13, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Stanner & Will N. Testament make their way east from Pewter City to witness the Clefairy blood ritual or whatever over on Mt. Moon before heading south to complete their Kanto gym badge collection. In Pallet Town, they pay tribute to the legendary Captain Mr. Squirt and Joshua, whose absence leads them to search for them on the destroyed Cinnabar Island. There, they find nothing other than a Pokémon Center and Joshua, who is uh, "training deep in the mountains." He won't fight them until the...
Jul 06, 2021•52 min•Season 4Ep. 25
The boys strike out west from Celadon toward Cycling Road, and it's all downhill from there. Tanner's sirens go off right out of the gate, when he encounters a vacationing man with a disturbing message, while Josh faces an identity crisis after meeting Pokéfan Joshua. Oh yeah, and they take on the invisible walls in Janine's gym in Fuchsia City, which were honestly tougher than her and Brock over in Pewter City. Then, Josh & Tanner decide to battle just for the hell of it.
Jun 29, 2021•51 min•Season 4Ep. 24
The recently defeated by Ace Trainer Kevin League Champions finally figure out how to traverse Kanto in the proper order, certainly thanks in part to their friend Anthony Smith coming back on the pod for guidance. The trio takes a bit of a roundabout route to find the Power Plant's Machine Part, along the way discovering that Kanto is maybe a police state and also anti-immigrant. Then, Josh & Tony bumble their way through the Rock Tunnel, while Tanner (smartly) skips it entirely, ending up i...
Jun 22, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Season 4Ep. 23
"We" made a mistake with the Kanto gym order and so this week, we're covering the journey over from Johto on the fast ship S.S. Aqua—where Stanner & Will N. Testament search for an errant girl and lazy sailors. Once back on dry land in Vermilion City, they survey the beautiful harbor but quickly discover that otherwise, the town hasn't changed much in three years. The Machop are still stomping around the empty lot, not building anything, and the Pokémon Fan Club Chairman is still lusting aft...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 22
The boys are back in town—literally, in Josh's case being back on the air, and figuratively as Stanner & Will N. Testament roll into New Bark Town after taking on the slopes south of Blackthorn City. They're joined by Alex Bugg, a Bugg Catcher and host of Gotta Snatch 'Em All, whose character Vino adds some sophisticated commentary on worldly wines, and wine moms. The trio could use a bottle or two after this long leg. They discover a disturbing new fact about Dunsparce; take on the Legendar...
Jun 08, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 21
This week, Josh couldn’t be bothered to show up for the record because he said he had to “carefully” move his “babies” which I think is what he calls his collection of pewter dragons. Instead, Tanner is joined by his OTHER, more reliable co-host, Jack Shepherd, for a discussion of the first Pokémon young readers book, “Pokémon: Journey to the Orange Islands.” Assuming all goes well with Josh’s babies, we’ll be back next week to take on the Elite Four in Pokémon SoulSilver and HeartGold.
Jun 01, 2021•46 min•Season 4Ep. 20
After Josh & Tanner admit they had quite a bit of trouble figuring out exactly where to go next after being deflected by the Rage Candy Bar salesman in Mahogany Town, finally return to Goldenrod to shut down Team Rocket's pirate radio once and for all. They go up down and around all over the city, taking on their rival who now also wants to kiss Lance; a series of well-dressed Rocket Executives; and a man who gets off by bossing Machokes around in a basement. That's all before they skate acr...
May 25, 2021•55 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Fionnuala and her new incarnation joins the boys once again, Stanner & Will N. Testament, on their journey to Mahogany Town. The trio gets into some trouble en route to the Red Gyarados, and Mayor Cheat allegations fly. Notes: Check out Fionnuala's podcast Bandwagons—where they try everything, not just Pokémon—wherever you catch your podcasts, and give her excellent IG a follow @fionnualajay. Features "We Like to Party!" by Vengaboys and "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega....
May 18, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Stanner & Will N. Testament go all the way back to Olivine City to resurrect Amphy the Ampharos, only to find that their next trip will be going all the way back to Cianwood because some game warden won’t stop harassing them until they check out Johto’s new Safari Zone. Both grown men struggle immensely with its mechanics, but ultimately catch some sweet new ‘mon. Oh yeah, and then they go all the hell back to Olivine City to finally take on Gym Leader Jasmine.
May 11, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Stanner & Will N. Testament contend with the mystery of Moomoo Farm and its Miltanks and Tauros, before entering Olivine City where it's apparently fleet week and is stuffed to the gills with hot sailors—but no gym leader in sight. Turns out they have to save "what's her face" Jasmine's Amphy aka Ampharos, and to do so they must heave-ho and head over to Cianwood to find a SECRETPOTION at ye olde pharmacy shoppe. Although they're supposed to be enjoying island time, the pair instead run into...
May 04, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Josh & Tanner are joined by their friend and former colleague Ryan Broderick. After delving into his past experience with the Pokémon franchise, the trio chronicles their journey from Goldenrod to Ecruteak. Along the way, they get a little sidetracked and end up looking into how Incineroar is uh, "appreciated" by the Pokémon artist community, and whether or not Smogon is an authority to be trusted when it comes to Pokémon pronunciations. Eventually, they liberate a Kimono Girl, see what's up...
Apr 27, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Stanner & Will N. Testament venture into the mysterious Ilex Forest to track down a couple of rogue Farfetch-i. Upon returning them, they get HM01 Cut and proceed to hack-and-slash their way through the forest—encountering a bloody-headed Headbutt Move Tutor and a lost Kimono Girl along the way—coming out on the other side to the sights and sounds of Johto's largest city, Goldenrod. There, they visit all the hot spots: the Game Corner, Department Store, the Tunnel, the Radio Tower, and more ...
Apr 20, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Josh & Tanner own up to their own inadequacies and announce a Nuzlocke rules change. Meanwhile their avatars, Stanner & Attorney Will N. Testament, continue their journeys by heading south toward Azalea Town. Along the way, they investigate and litigate the purpose of the Ruins of Alph; pick up Fisherman (and negligent father) Ralph's number who proceeds to call incessantly and talk about his unhealthy relationship with his Goldeen; and finally trudge through Union Cave to come upon Azal...
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 13
In the season 4B premiere, Josh & Tanner introduce the extra spicy rules to this Nuzlocke Run, and then introduce their similarly saucy characters for their return to Johto. Who are their starters? Will they live to see the second gym? And just what IS Mr. Pokémon's deal? It's gonna be one long, wild ride.
Apr 06, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Josh & Tanner sit down with the famous real-life Pokémon researcher, Dr. Lava, who is also a long-time listener and sometimes benefactor (aka with Season 2's "Professor Magma"). We have a late-night/early morning session and talk about his history with Pokémon and the show (00:58); the Pokémon he thinks is "coolest" (09:50); all the Pokémon games he's played (11:30); our thoughts on Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, & Pokémon Legends (14:16); his experiences playing the games again along...
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Season 4A's finale covers all the post-Elite Four content in Pokémon Platinum, from the mainland to Battle Zone. Bree van Durr & Steve Human complete their National Pokédexes, though the latter does it by slaughtering every legendary in Sinnoh—and also welcomes a couple of new... additions to his crew. Meanwhile, Bree atones for her Pokémon-trafficking-related sins in Snowpoint Temple. Then, they try out their DS Lite's dual-slot capability in Pal Park before hopping on Snowpoint's icebreake...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 10
On their way to the Pokémon League, Bree van Durr & Steve Human meet Uwu, a mysterious traveler who turns out to be a fantastically rich Pokémon-eating maniac and also one of Bree's most indulgent clients. HM Friend of the pod Anthony Smith joins us again on a sensual episode where, along with traversing Victory Road and taking on the Elite Four, the trainers also discuss the culinary delights—and best ways to prepare—the Pokémon on their teams. Then, they round out the feast with the spicie...
Mar 16, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 9
