The Trainer’s Guide podcast is going LIVE! Join hosts Veronica and Rena, for this premier poké-tastic event as we kick off New York Comic Con week at Caveat in NYC! This week Ash and Pikachu put their skills to the test at Officer Jenny’s Growlithe Police Boot Camp! Do they have what it takes to be the strongest and bravest team in the pack? Or will Team Rocket finally succeed in capturing Pikachu and the entire Growlithe pack before the training is completed? This episode will include the usual recap, personal stories, lessons learned, and, best of all, YOU! Join us for all your favorite commentary and fun, PLUS a live audience and an amazing Poké Wrap-Up!

It’s that time of year again when the Bulbasaur make their pilgrimage to the Mysterious Garden for their evolution ceremony! After battling a mountain man and his Rhyhorn, Ash’s Bulbasaur is forced to confront its own possible evolution. Will it choose to be part of the big evolve-arama? Or will it stay true to itself and follow its own path? Will Team Rocket be joining the Bulbasaur Bonanza or be blasting off again? In this week's episode, we discuss the importance of challenging oneself, evolving at your own pace, and the interconnectedness of the environment, plants, and animals.

After a quick chat with Professor Oak and a Pokédex upgrade, our trio find themselves in a fight for the right to keep the newly hatched Togepi. Will Meowth out ‘mother’ Brock? Does finders keepers work with Pokémon? Is Psyduck really that ticklish? We discuss the storyline that is told from the Book of Solomon to Bertolt Brecht to Pokémon, the importance of asking questions of those who may have answers, and going with the flow.

While taking a break in a meadow, our friends encounter a rare (and possibly delicious) Farfetch’d. This thieving Pokémon and its trainer prey on the weaknesses of others, rather than battling to “win” Pokémon. Will this dastardly duo ever change their ways? Will Team Rocket ever catch a break? Is Psyduck a duck (and equally delicious)?? In this episode, we discuss the importance of staying curious, challenging oneself, and appreciating the talents in others.

It’s double trouble time! After stumbling upon a missing persons poster that strangely resembles James, our trio is whisked away in a limo and entangled in a diabolical plot to get James to tie the knot! Will he succumb to the societal pressure from his parents and marry the controlling Jessibelle? In this episode, we discuss the importance of following your own path, acknowledging the needs of your friends and family, and references to traditional Japanese costumes.

After rushing Pikachu to the hospital for its vocal loss, our trio must help a tired and overworked Doctor Procter with a Pokémon emergency! With their lab coats on, Ash, Misty, and Brock must learn a quick lesson in bedside manner to help care for the injured. Is there enough superglue to put every Pokémon back together? Will anyone accept Dr. Procter’s pizza proposition? In this episode, we discuss the important role of first responders and healthcare professionals, the need for empathy and understanding for all, and how, in this case, an apple a day does not keep the doctor away!

This week, our trio find themselves in Grandpa Canyon in the midst of the Great Fossil Rush with Gary and Jigglypuff digging in to the story. As a result of Team Rocket’s dynamite explosion, ancient fossil Pokemon have been awakened. Can they all work together to avoid becoming extinct? Will Jigglypuff find an audience who appreciates its song? Who is the real loser…Ash or Gary?? We discuss fossil hunting, taking the environment into consideration before disturbing it, and the importance of having supportive cheerleaders by your side.

This episode finds our heroes in Neon Town amidst grouchy, sleep deprived townspeople. They seek solace in the woods and come upon a Jigglypuff who has lost the ability to sing its sleep inducing lullaby. Will the cure be found in medicinal fruit? Will Team Rocket succeed in getting the whole town to nod off? Will the marker ever run out of ink? We discuss the incredible talents of Rachael Lillis as Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff, the importance of acknowledging the talents of others, and how bullying often stems from difficulties at home.

This week, our trainers arrive in Moss Green Village where they encounter Cassandra, a Pokémon herbalist and her incredibly shy Paras. When they learn that Paras is having trouble evolving, Ash, Misty, and Brock do everything they can to help… even Team Rocket arrives to cheer on their Poké-pupil! Can Paras gain enough confidence and experience points to evolve in time? Will Meowth be able to convince Cassandra to let him stay with her? And can Ash ever get enough experience as a trainer to earn Charmeleon’s respect? This week we discussed the power of empathy in healing, allowing others to win, and the small steps toward achieving your goals.

Hello everyone. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories of Rachael Lillis. Please continue to do so. It helps us all navigate this difficult time. Just to let you know, this week’s podcast was recorded last week, before this devastating news. With love, Veronica & Rena Abracadabra! Our heroes find themselves at a carnival with a struggling Magician and his Execute. Will they be able to build his confidence before the Exeggutor stampede crushes the town. We discuss the Poké-fashion choices, coconut trees, and the importance of ancestors and community in achieving your dreams.