Special Conditions - A Pokémon TCG Podcast

Pickaxe
  • 4.9 (89)
  • GAMES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Special Conditions is a Podcast dedicated to the Pokémon Trading Card Game that brings over 30 years of combined TCG experience to the game table! Hosts Adam Tuttle and Justin Keller bring unique perspectives on collecting, competing, and the current card market in a family friendly environment.

  1. 199. I Iono’d Them to 3… Then Lost Anyway

    5D AGO

    199. I Iono’d Them to 3… Then Lost Anyway

    Episode 199 feels like a classic Special Conditions hang—one part “this card rules,” one part “how did that just happen,” and one part real-life hobby grind. We start with Flamigo as the Card-of-the-Day and why United Wings is such a satisfying little engine when it’s clicking. Then we get into the moment that basically defined the episode: Adam hits an Iono to 3, thinks it’s over… and still ends up watching the comeback line appear anyway. From there we talk what Sydney and Santiago might be telling us with EUIC around the corner, swing behind the booth for the Whatnot recap (wins, losses, lessons), and finish with Justin ramping back into competitive mode for Houston—plus a few budget “sleepers & steals” we like right now and what’s been on our content radar lately. 00:00:30 Patreon + Show Intro 00:03:15 Card of the Day — Flamigo (United Wings) 00:07:45 Burned or Learned (TCG Live story) 00:19:15 Meta Minute — Sydney + Santiago results 00:30:45 Break + Patron shoutouts 00:32:00 Behind the Booth — Whatnot + show plug 00:47:30 Leave it or leave it — Road to Houston / deck choice talk 00:51:30 Sleepers & Steals — budget picks 00:58:15 Pack opening + card talk 00:59:15 Status: Recommended 01:14:15 Wrap 🔗 Connect with us 🌐 Website: pokemonprofessor.com 🎧 Podcast Network: Pokémon Professor Network  🎧 Podcast Host: Pickaxe 💬 Discord: Exclusive access via Patreon 👕 Merch: Available on our site 📞 Call/Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639 ✉️ Email: specialconditions@pokemonprofessor.com https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 16m
  2. 198. Sleepers, Steals, and Binder Deals

    JAN 23

    198. Sleepers, Steals, and Binder Deals

    New year = new segments! In Episode 198 of Special Conditions, we roll out Burned or Learned, Behind the Booth, Sleeve it or Leave it, Sleepers & Steals, and Status: Recommended—plus a festive Card of the Day to kick things off. 🔥 In this episode Card of the Day: Delibird Holiday Calendar promo (snowflake stamp!) Burned or Learned: Light Toxtricity grading gamble (PSA vs CGC talk), Hisuian Growlithe binder copy pickup (customer service win) Sleeve it or Leave it: League Cup recap + Festival Grounds deck talk Sleepers & Steals: budget art rares + a Full Art item pickup Status: Recommended: Britney Spears “Oops” Whatnot swipes + Tricky Gym on Expanded 🗳️ Prompts Delibird: Binder or Pass? Burned or Learned: Burned… or Learned? What are you sleeving up next? What should we watch next? 02:00 Card-of-the-Day — Delibird Holiday Calendar Promo (snowflake stamp) 07:30 Burned or Learned? — Light Toxtricity grading gamble (PSA vs CGC) 13:30 Burned or Learned? — The “just ask” pickup (Hisuian Growlithe binder copy) 16:00 Behind the Booth — NE Card House (Jan 18) + table talk 18:20 Behind the Booth — Whatnot stream: OBS, shipping fixes, and workflow lessons 22:36 Back from break — Delibird canvas + gift/trade stories 28:00 Patron shoutouts + PokemonProfessor.com plugs 28:45 Sleeve it or Leave it — Festival Grounds deck + League Cup recap 36:00 Pack opening break — Twilight Masquerade pulls (Secret Box!) 39:30 Sleepers & Steals — Budget pickups segment intro 40:00 Sleepers & Steals — Ludicolo AR (Phantasmal Flames) 41:10 Sleepers & Steals — Ambipom AR (Phantasmal Flames) 42:30 Sleepers & Steals — Helioptile AR (Mega Evolution) 45:00 Sleepers & Steals — Buddy-Buddy Poffin Full Art 46:35 Status: Recommended — segment intro 47:00 Status: Recommended — Britney Spears / “Oops I did it again” Whatnot swipes 48:15 Status: Recommended — Tricky Gym: “What Happened to Expanded?” Tricky Gym — Expanded video: https://youtu.be/HGCs8nLeThk?si=ZERQ35QMAzFMikPE More links: https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork This episode is brought to you by our Patreon—shoutout to the community that keeps the Pokémon Professor Network rolling. For $1/month, you can support the network and hop into our Patron-exclusive Discord: patreon.com/pokemonprofessor Huge thank you to our Executive Producer Tish Smith, and our Gym Leaders: Ben, Espeon Willow, Herbert, Matthew, and SushiSlayer, as well as the other Executive Producers on the Network: Xander, Monkeybread, and KateTheKonz! Check out PokemonProfessor.com for links to everywhere you can connect with Special Conditions, grab merch, and connect with all the other shows on the Pokémon Professor Network. SpecialConditions@PokemonProfessor.comVoicemail/Text/Pics: 732-835-8639 Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons Intro Music: Trapped In A Pokéball — Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar (GameChops - Ultraball)Break Music: He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix — Dj CutmanOutro Music: Kanto Trainer Battle — Mykah (GameChops - Ultraball) ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾http://instagram.com/GameChopshttp://twitter.com/GameChopshttp://soundcloud.com/GameChopshttp://facebook.com/GameChopshttp://youtube.com/GameChopshttp://www.gamechops.com Adam TuttleJustin Keller Pokémon and all respective names are trademark & © of Nintendo 1996–2024.Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, or Nintendo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    54 min
  3. 197. Taste is Greater Than Value

    JAN 6

    197. Taste is Greater Than Value

    Episode 197 – Special Conditions (Pokémon TCG) This week’s Card of the Day is a full-on vibes pick: Mega Manectric EX full art—loud colors, chaotic Mega-era energy, and the kind of card you love because it rules, not because someone on the internet said it’s “a smart buy.” That “collect what you like” energy keeps showing up all episode: Adam talks card shows, trades, and the kind of personal chase cards that hit harder than market comps—like the Ditto Charmander promo that instantly time-travels you back to your first big events. If your binder’s been drifting into “what’s hot right now,” consider this your reminder to steer it back to you. Build the collection you’d still love if prices didn’t exist. 00:00:00 — Cold open: Delibird show survival + Whatnot glow-up? 00:01:15 — Episode start + what we’re getting into 00:04:30 — Card of the Day: Mega Manectric EX (taste over value) 00:07:45 — Freeport, ME show recap (brewery vibes + room to browse) 00:11:15 — Ditto Charmander promo = core memory collecting 00:19:15 — Why is everyone hunting Mudkip? 00:24:30 — Danvers, MA show recap (New England Cardhouse energy) 00:29:00 — TGA slabs + trade talk 00:30:45 — Prismatic product reality check 00:35:30 — Anime Frontier finds (artist alley Pokémon heat) 00:40:45 — Whatnot learning curve: awkward starts, pacing, bids 00:42:45 — Giveaways + keeping viewers engaged 00:51:00 — Buyers, shipping, and stream momentum 00:58:00 — Holiday stream idea + time management panic 🔗 Connect with us 🌐 Website: pokemonprofessor.com 🎧 Podcast Network: Pokémon Professor Network  🎧 Podcast Host: Pickaxe 💬 Discord: Exclusive access via Patreon 👕 Merch: Available on our site 📞 Call/Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639 ✉️ Email: specialconditions@pokemonprofessor.com https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 3m
  4. 196. This Meta Shouldn’t Be This Open… But It Is

    11/21/2025

    196. This Meta Shouldn’t Be This Open… But It Is

    Episode 196 – Special Conditions (Pokémon TCG) In This Meta Shouldn’t Be This Open… But It Is, Adam, Justin, and Lane dive into how strangely wide-open the Pokémon TCG feels right now—on both the tabletop and Pokémon TCG Live. Lane talks about grinding the ladder while waiting for Phantasmal Flames legality, hunting for underpriced singles, and falling in love with one-prize decks again. Adam shares stories from vending at New England Cardhouse, getting showered in DeliBirds, and chasing graded Mega-era cardboard on a budget, while Justin recaps Collect-A-Con Fort Worth, the surprise dominance of One Piece, and finally snagging a long-time grail Skyridge Arcanine for the binder. From there, the crew breaks down results from the Smart Series charity event and why the top decks prove this meta “shouldn’t” be this open, but absolutely is. They highlight the wild Festival Grounds / Seaking list that surged into third, multiple takes on Goldengo EX (including off-the-wall techs like Picnic Basket), and the brainy Alakazam / Dunsparce Psychic Draw engine that can one-shot while drawing a fresh hand. Lane then spotlights his new favorite rogue: a Conkeldurr “Gutsy Swing” one-prizer that swings for huge damage while effectively ignoring its own energy costs. To close things out, the hosts swap Phantasmal Flames pre-release stories, talk about new event software headaches, and celebrate some seriously spicy Charizard and Toxtricity pulls. They also chat about starter decks, trainer toolkits, and why dollar binders might secretly be the best way into the format right now. If you like card shows, rogue lists, and metas where almost anything feels playable, this episode is your jam. 00:02:15 – Waiting on Phantasmal Flames meta & Live ladder grind00:04:30 – DeliBird cosplay, Mega DeliBird hunt & $2 bird pickups00:08:00 – Vending at New England Cardhouse & ranking local shows00:12:00 – Collect-A-Con Fort Worth: Skyridge Arcanine grail acquired00:18:00 – One Piece everywhere & discovering the Life TCG bird game00:24:00 – Smart Series charity event results & Festival Grounds Seaking00:31:00 – Goldengo EX deck talk: techs, Picnic Basket, and matchups00:36:00 – Alakazam / Dunsparce Psychic Draw engine spotlight00:40:00 – Hydration break & Patreon thank-yous00:41:00 – Conkeldurr “Gutsy Swing” one-prize deck breakdown00:50:00 – Mega Absol toolbox, Monkey Dory spreads & open meta talk00:54:00 – Phantasmal Flames pre-release stories & big Charizard pulls01:00:00 – Starter decks, toolkits, dollar binders & Poké Ball reverses01:04:00 – Charizard UPC, Chinese Arcanine tease & outro 🔗 Connect with us 🌐 Website: pokemonprofessor.com 🎧 Podcast Network: Pokémon Professor Network  🎧 Podcast Host: Pickaxe 💬 Discord: Exclusive access via Patreon 👕 Merch: Available on our site 📞 Call/Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639 ✉️ Email: specialconditions@pokemonprofessor.com https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 7m
  5. 195. TCG Live is actually… fun again?

    11/14/2025

    195. TCG Live is actually… fun again?

    Episode 195 – Special Conditions (Pokémon TCG) Card of the Day: Uxie 43/146 (Legends Awakened) Main Topics: TCG Live is actually… fun again? In this episode, Adam and Justin catch up after a short hiatus to talk about their TCG Live ladder challenge, the current regional meta and online events, and why Mega Absol Box might secretly be the deck to beat. They also dive back into Diamond & Pearl era history with Uxie from Legends Awakened, crack a couple of Journey Together packs on air, and react to those wild early Phantasmal Flames blister leaks.  Whether you’re grinding the Greninja League, brewing rogue decks, or just love old-school card of the day segments, this one’s packed with stories, tech, and plenty of “I did what on ladder?” moments. 00:00 – Back from Hiatus: Patreon shout-out & why life needed a reset 01:00 – Live Pack Opening: Journey Together + a very rude Tyranitar ability 03:00 – Ladder Challenge Check-In: Has TCG Live finally won us back? 05:30 – Festival Grounds Converts a Hater (and how mis-sequencing ruins everything) 09:30 – Sick Day Ladder Grind: 50 matches, rank climbs & deck identity crisis 14:00 – Milwaukee Regionals Recap: Charizard survives, Gardevoir hangs on 16:30 – The Mega Absol Box Breakdown: Towert tech, Precious Trolley & 380 HP Kangaskhan?! 22:00 – 19-Energy Ceruledge & Other Online List Degeneracy (Champions Road results) 24:30 – Fighting Gong Lucario, Gravity Mountain math & Espathra item-lock shenanigans 40:00 – Card of the Day: Uxie LA – the “draw to seven” engine that defined an era 48:00 – Journey Together Pack #2: Lily’s Ribombee and an “inviting wink” 50:30 – Phantasmal Flames Leak Story, Delibird Temptations & New Ladder Goals 🔗 Connect with us 🌐 Website: pokemonprofessor.com 🎧 Podcast Network: Pokémon Professor Network  🎧 Podcast Host: Pickaxe 💬 Discord: Exclusive access via Patreon 👕 Merch: Available on our site 📞 Call/Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639 ✉️ Email: specialconditions@pokemonprofessor.com https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    58 min
  6. 194. The Card Show Playbook: Fair Prices, Fair Trades, Better Community

    10/31/2025

    194. The Card Show Playbook: Fair Prices, Fair Trades, Better Community

    Episode 194 – Special Conditions (Pokémon TCG) Hosts: Adam Tuttle, Justin Keller, and Lane (Good Morning Johto) We get real about the current card show scene—what collectors actually want, what turns people off, and how vendors can raise the bar. From transparent pricing and fair trade values to kid-friendly engagement and better vibes, this one’s part rant, part playbook. Card of the Day: Umbreon ex (Prismatic Evolutions) – SAR Main Topics: 00:08:45 – Pricing tools & reality checks (TCGplayer, eBay comps, apps) 00:18:30 – Trading etiquette: cash %, trade %, slab pitfalls, & nines vs tens 00:20:40 – How to spot green-flag vs red-flag vendor booths 00:21:45 – Sealed product at shows (Walmart/Costco/Sam’s restocks, reprints) 00:28:25 – Smart strategy: benchmark a single card to sample pricing 00:34:50 – Buyouts, table fees, & why some booths price high 00:53:10 – Why staying until close should be standard (deposits help) 01:05:45 – Helping newcomers & kids enjoy the hobby 01:07:50 – Trade-up challenge: wholesome vs abused Community Challenge: We’re racing the Pokémon TCG Live ladder now through November 5—tell us your rank and deck! We want your take: What do you want from a card show, and what would you change? 🔗 Connect with us 🌐 Website: pokemonprofessor.com 🎧 Podcast Network: Pokémon Professor Network  🎧 Podcast Host: Pickaxe 💬 Discord: Exclusive access via Patreon 👕 Merch: Available on our site 📞 Call/Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639 ✉️ Email: specialconditions@pokemonprofessor.com https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 18m
  7. 193. Mega Evolution Madness

    09/30/2025

    193. Mega Evolution Madness

    Special Conditions Podcast Ep. 193 – MEGA EVOLUTION MADNESS In this week’s episode of Special Conditions, Adam and Justin dive deep into all things Pokémon TCG — from nostalgic throwbacks to the latest Mega cards hitting the scene. We kick things off with a look at Mega Audino EX from Fates Collide, comparing the old-school Mega Evolution mechanic to the new flashy versions. From there, we explore the brand-new Mega Pokémon set — analyzing artwork, mechanics, and whether these cards will shake up the meta. Check out the official Mega Evolution hub on Pokémon.com here, Justin Basil’s full visual list here, and PokéBeach’s detailed English card guide here. Of course, we couldn’t ignore some strange news… including how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security used Pokémon branding in an ICE raid campaign. Yes, really. Read more about the story and TPCI’s official response at PokéBeach Article #1 and PokéBeach Article #2. To wrap it up, we cover product news — like the upcoming Lugia EX and Latias EX Premium Collection (plus the Mimikyu EX and Alcremie EX boxes). Curious why these new stamped promos are stirring debate? Read more at PokéBeach’s product preview. 👉 Join the conversation, share your thoughts on Megas, and let us know if you’ve snagged any cool collectibles lately! 🔗 Connect with us 🌐 Website: pokemonprofessor.com 🎧 Podcast Network: Pokémon Professor Network  🎧 Podcast Host: Pickaxe 💬 Discord: Exclusive access via Patreon 👕 Merch: Available on our site 📞 Call/Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639 ✉️ Email: specialconditions@pokemonprofessor.com https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast 02:30 – Fitness, hockey, and life updates 05:00 – Card of the Day: Mega Audino EX (Fates Collide) 12:00 – Delibird collectibles & nostalgic finds 19:00 – The new Mega Pokémon set – designs & mechanics 26:30 – Mega Venusaur, Kangaskhan, and big HP creep 30:00 – More Mega reveals: Camerupt, Manectric, Absol, Mawile 37:00 – Mega Latios & Mega Delibird discussion 40:00 – Supporters & trainers (Lillie’s Determination, Wally’s Compassion, etc.) 45:00 – Stadiums, items, and quirky cards (Repel, Strange Clock, Surfing Beach) 49:00 – Lt. Surge’s Dealings – the strangest supporter yet 52:00 – Forest of Vitality & Grass strategies 55:00 – Housekeeping & community shoutouts 56:00 – Product talk: Lugia EX / Latias EX Premium Collections 01:02:00 – Rant on scarcity, resellers, & Black Friday chaos 01:06:00 – The government “uses” Pokémon?! ICE raid video discussion 01:10:30 – Wrap-up & contact info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 13m
  8. 192. Slabs, Stories, and Farewell: Honoring The Grading Authority

    09/12/2025

    192. Slabs, Stories, and Farewell: Honoring The Grading Authority

    This week on Special Conditions, we step away from the usual gameplay and collecting chatter to honor a community staple—The Grading Authority (TGA). After years of serving the hobby, TGA is officially closing its doors, and with it comes the end of an era in card grading. Adam shares his heartfelt thoughts on what TGA meant to him personally and professionally, from the shows he attended with them to the friendships he made along the way. It’s not just about slabs and grades—it’s about the people, the stories, and the passion for Pokémon that connected everyone at TGA. Adam opens up about his experiences working alongside them, the lessons he learned, and the emotions that come with saying goodbye. While it’s tough to see them go, this episode is as much a celebration of their contributions as it is a farewell. Of course, we still bring the heat with our usual segments—talking about the latest TCG buzz, strategies for the upcoming season, and the art of the game. But at the heart of it all, this episode stands as a tribute to TGA, a company that left a lasting imprint on the Pokémon community. 00:00 – Catching Up & This Week in TCG 04:20 – New Releases & Wild Products Hitting the Market 09:45 – Collector Struggles & Market Surprises 15:30 – Meta Talk & 2026 Rule Changes 22:10 – Strategy Spotlight: Prepping for Events 28:35 – Card Art Favorites & Community Shoutouts 35:50 – Honoring TGA: Impact on the Hobby 43:20 – TGA Memories & Emotional Farewell 57:40 – What’s Next: looking forward in the hobby SpecialConditions@PokemonProfessor.com  Voicemail, Text, and Picture Line - 732-835-8639 https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork  Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons ▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾ http://instagram.com/GameChops http://twitter.com/GameChops http://soundcloud.com/GameChops http://facebook.com/GameChops http://youtube.com/GameChops http://www.gamechops.com Intro Music Trapped In A Pokéball Dj CUTMAN and Belthesar GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMAN http://soundcloud.com/belthesar Break Music He Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix  Dj Cutman http://soundcloud.com/djcutman  http://twitter.com/videogamedj  http://youtube.com/djcutman Outro Music Kanto Trainer Battle Mykah GameChops - Ultraball http://gamechops.com/ultraball/  https://soundcloud.com/mykah Hosts Adam Tuttle Justin Keller Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2024Pokémon Professor and Special Conditions are not affiliated with Niantic Inc., The Pokémon Company, Game Freak or Nintendo #pokemon #pokemontcg #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 27m
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4.9
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

Special Conditions is a Podcast dedicated to the Pokémon Trading Card Game that brings over 30 years of combined TCG experience to the game table! Hosts Adam Tuttle and Justin Keller bring unique perspectives on collecting, competing, and the current card market in a family friendly environment.

Information

  • Creator
    Pickaxe
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pickaxe

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