The Trainer's Guide Rena Taylor, Veronica Taylor

In this week’s episode, Ash and Pikachu kick their training up a notch- Rocky style! The appearance of a supposedly wild Hitmonchan launches our trainers into the world of punching Pokémon. Do Ash and Brock have what it takes to become P1 Champions? Will Anthony ever go home to his family? And what is under Giles’ trench coat???

We discuss stage combat, knowing your limits and when to throw in the towel, and the affect social groups have on your mental health and cognition.

SPECIAL NOTE: Hello from the airport! We're on our way to Cape Town for Comic Con Africa and celebrating the halfway point in the season with a short spring break. We look forward to resuming our regular episode drops next week. Thanks as always for your support!

—Your Pokémon-loving hosts and superfans, Veronica & Rena Taylor

Our friends find themselves on Scissor Street- a place where fashion flourishes and breeders flock! A mysterious salon has just opened and is taking business away from Susie- a very accomplished breeder focused on substance over style.

Can Ash and Brock help Susie prove that it’s what’s on the inside that counts? Or will Misty fall prey to fabulous Salon Rockét, where beauty is more important than brains?

In this episode we discuss the importance of self care, how a life on the road compliments academic achievement, and emulating Team Rocket’s knack for personal flair!

Our trainers “Hop Hop Hop” into town and are met with a mysterious case of disappearing children and lethargic Pokémon. Detective Ash Ketchum takes the lead and, with the help of some brilliant deductions by Brock and Misty, they stumble across a secret society and a very hypnotic culprit!

What will it take to bring order back to Hop Hop Hop Town? Why is there a giant park in the middle of the city? Will Team Rocket ever get a vacation??

In this week’s episode, we discuss indigo children, the Ash Ketchum Workout, and, of course, the awe inspiring Total Solar Eclipse!

Our trainers arrive in Celadon City! While Misty, Brock, and Pikachu are intoxicated by the lovely scents of the perfume shops, Ash only has a nose for the sweet scent of victory that awaits him at the Celadon City Gym! However, his lack of empathy towards the perfume sellers make it impossible for him to enter, and he is forced to work with Team Rocket to sneak into the gym and challenge Erika!

Will Ash get some “scents” and find a way to win the Rainbow Badge? Or will he have to change himself completely to achieve his goal?

In this episode we discuss the importance of being open and respectful of customs and traditions when traveling to new places, how curiosity can help you live longer, and a wild camel ride we took in Egypt that led us to our very own perfume shop!

As our heroes journey toward Celadon City, they encounter a hat stealing Mankey whose antics turn everyone on their heads. How many jelly donuts will it take to stop this unbeatable force? In this episode, we discuss comparing yourself to others, following your own path, and quality vs. quantity.