Advertise on podcast: Special Conditions - A Pokémon TCG Podcast

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. [email protected]/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

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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

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 [email protected]  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

Delibird Dreams & Mega Symphonia Screams | Special Conditions 191 In this episode of Special Conditions, Adam and Justin cover a packed week in the Pokémon TCG. We dig into the new Play! Pokémon app — what works, what’s missing, and how it could evolve. We also explore Pokémon TCG Pocket, the latest Play! Series 7 packs, and the incredible Mega Symphonia set, which might feature some of the best artwork we’ve seen yet. Justin shares his experience performing with the 501st at a Weird Al concert, Adam talks about building decks around the newly hyped cards, and together we look ahead to Worlds 2025 with predictions on the meta and the must-watch matchups. Plus, a few grading reveals, recent card finds, and a closer look at the state of the Japanese market. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Patreon shoutout 02:00 – Weird Al concert + 501st backstage story 06:30 – Play! Pokémon App first impressions & frustrations 18:00 – Pokémon TCG Pocket updates (and Delibird hunt!) 21:30 – Plagiarized Ho-Oh card scandal 26:30 – Building decks in TCG Live & the N’s PP Up saga 33:00 – Mega Symphonia set reveal & jaw-dropping artwork 40:00 – Graded card reveals & Dragonite/Kingdra results 44:30 – Collectible finds in Maine 47:00 – Play! Pokémon Series 7 packs preview 49:30 – Worlds hype & travel talk 51:30 – Streaming vs. playing live cards 52:30 – Worlds merch + meta predictions Check us out on the new Pickaxe platform https://www.pickaxe.uk/ppn [email protected] 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 Executive Producer Tish Smith Pokémon And All Respective Names are Trademark and © of Nintendo 1996-2025 Pokémon 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

This week on Special Conditions, Adam, Justin, and special guest Lane from Good Morning Johto dive deep into the highs, lows, and downright strange moments from Collect-A-Con Cleveland. From overpriced cards and Wi-Fi woes to epic deals and Final Fantasy box flips, we cover it all — both from the customer and vendor sides. We also talk about variety at shows, the rising popularity of One Piece cards, and those elusive cards that make our collector hearts race. Plus: TGA raw grading fun, Mega Pokémon card reveals, and a few spicy hobby hot takes. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or just love a good con story, this one’s for you. 00:00 – A warm welcome (and warmer convention halls)00:30 – Meet Lane from Good Morning Johto02:00 – Setting the scene for Cleveland’s Collect-A-Con04:00 – Why Cleveland almost didn’t make the cut05:00 – Hunting deals and dodging scalpers08:00 – The Wi-Fi desert and card show survival10:30 – When price checks fail you14:00 – “Market value” vs. “what I’m charging”15:30 – The $200 booster pack pitch18:00 – A floor full of variety… and a few surprises21:00 – The vendor with the untouchable showcase24:00 – Cash-only lines and an ATM apocalypse28:00 – One Piece takes over the trading floor29:00 – Cleveland’s last Collect-A-Con?30:00 – Vendor life: rules, deadlines, and setup drama33:00 – Racing the clock (and the load-in line)36:00 – Whatnot buyers on the prowl39:00 – Slabs worth cracking open42:00 – The $7,200 Final Fantasy surprise sale45:00 – Buying at shows: tips from the trenches49:00 – Pokémon, Magic, and One Piece sales showdown50:00 – Shoutout to the New England Cardhouse crew51:00 – Patreon thanks and TGA partnership53:00 – Peel to Reveal: a shiny Growlithe moment56:00 – How raw grading really works58:00 – The odd charm of a graded Celebrations coin59:00 – First looks at the new Mega EX cards [email protected]  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 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

Welcome to Episode 189 of Special Conditions, the Pokémon TCG podcast where competing and collecting collide! 🎴 In this episode, Justin and Lane from Good Morning Johto break down the 2026 Pokémon TCG rule changes, including the controversial shift from “+3 turns” to “+1 turn” and what that means for tournament timing and gameplay. We also dive deep into the upcoming Black & White mega set — covering the incredible reprint cards, massive 800+ card set list, and the return of horizontal line holos! 🛍️ Lane gives a behind-the-scenes look at prepping for Collect-A-Con Cleveland, revealing what it takes to vend at a major convention, pricing strategies, and what they're bringing to sell — including $100k in sealed Pokémon product! 🎉 Plus: Sideboards in Pokémon TCG? A dream or the future? TGA grading reveal with a surprise 10! Is NAIC better in Columbus? What Union Arena, One Piece, and Magic: The Gathering can teach us about tournament structure. 🎧 Whether you're a collector, competitive player, or vendor, there’s something for everyone this week! 📌 Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Johto Heatwave 02:30 – Lane’s Store Life & Event Planning 03:00 – 2026 TCG Rule Changes Overview 06:00 – Swiss Rounds & Top Cut Changes 09:00 – Tournament Timing & +1 Turn Reaction 13:00 – Comparing with Magic & Other TCGs 17:00 – Slow Play, Judges, and Strategy 20:00 – Best of 3 vs. Best of 1 24:00 – Sideboarding in Pokémon? 28:00 – TGA Grading Reveal & Partnership 31:00 – Thank You to Patrons 32:00 – Black & White Mega Set Breakdown 37:00 – Reverse Holos, Pull Rates & Predictions 41:00 – Gen 5 Nostalgia & Market Potential 45:00 – Collect-A-Con Cleveland Prep 52:00 – Pricing Challenges & Market Strategy 56:00 – Con Rules, Setup Woes & Rants 57:50 – Final Thoughts & Shoutouts Use code FULLHEAL at https://tgacards.com/ for 10% off your order! [email protected]  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

Special Conditions Podcast Ep. 188 | Rogue Decks & Rage Quits: Top NAIC 2025 Meta Moments! This week on Special Conditions, Adam and Justin take you through the wild ride that was NAIC 2025—from espresso-fueled rants to the rise of rogue decks and the fall of favorites! ☕🔥We dig deep into the meta breakdown, surprising top 32 finishes, and share our personal reactions to Isaiah Bradner's Gardevoir win, the unexpected success of Toedscruel Ogrepon, and why Dragapult variants were everywhere. Plus, we preview some of the adorable merch and art heading into Pokémon Worlds 2025 and end the show with an epic 5-pack opening from Journey Together that may or may not leave us crushed. 💔💬 What was your favorite deck at NAIC 2025? Drop a comment and don’t forget to subscribe for more TCG coverage and collecting chaos!✅ Sponsored by The Grading Authority - TGAUse code FULLHEAL for 10% off your grading order!🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!🔗 Follow us: https://pokemonprofessor.com📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Text/Voicemail: 732-835-8639CHAPTER MARKERS:00:00 – Intro, Espresso Woes & UPS Rage03:00 – Father’s Day Soap & Mario Kart Wins05:30 – Pokémon Go Pikachu Hat Gift Surprise06:30 – NAIC 2025 Recap Begins!08:00 – Mahone vs Tord Breakdown10:00 – Why Tord Reklev is a Machine11:30 – Miradon & Dragapult Tech Talk13:30 – Adam Hates Monkey Dory (And Why)16:00 – Meta Share Breakdown: Dragapult vs Gardevoir18:30 – Grimmsnarl, Rogue Decks, and Spicy Tech19:30 – Toadscruel + Ogrepon Deck Breakdown21:30 – Iron Leaves EX & Energy Switch Usage22:30 – Dragapult Variants Dominate Top 3224:30 – Meta Share: 71% Made Up of 3 Decks?!26:00 – Flareon Deck Frustrations27:30 – Worlds 2025 Hype Begins28:00 – Adorable Junior Finals: Brother vs Sister30:00 – Worlds Merch & Arcanine Fan Art35:00 – Events at Worlds: Cosplay, Collecting, Pin Trading36:30 – Instagram Art Breakdown & Arcanine Spotlight39:00 – Journey Together Pack Opening Begins44:00 – 5 Packs Later: The Pain is Real44:30 – Outro: Don't Forget to Use a Full Heal!https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾http://instagram.com/GameChopshttp://twitter.com/GameChopshttp://soundcloud.com/GameChopshttp://facebook.com/GameChopshttp://youtube.com/GameChopshttp://www.gamechops.comIntro MusicTrapped In A PokéballDj CUTMAN and BelthesarGameChops - Ultraballhttp://gamechops.com/ultraball/ http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMANhttp://soundcloud.com/belthesarBreak MusicHe Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix Dj Cutmanhttp://soundcloud.com/djcutman http://twitter.com/videogamedj http://youtube.com/djcutmanOutro MusicKanto Trainer BattleMykahGameChops - Ultraballhttp://gamechops.com/ultraball/ https://soundcloud.com/mykahHostsAdam TuttleJustin KellerExecutive ProducerTish SmithPokémon 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

Distributors, Scalpers, and GameStop—Oh My! The TCG Crisis Explained | Special Conditions Ep. 187In this explosive episode of Special Conditions, we're diving deep into the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s most heated topic: the TCG distribution crisis. From pre-release chaos to allocation shortages and GameStop lines during tornado warnings, we break it all down with guest Lane from Good Morning Johto (@GMJohto on X.com)We’re pulling back the curtain on:* Why Pokémon TCG allocations are broken* The rising battle between players, collectors, and whatnot streamers* How distributors are choking supply to local game stores* What’s REALLY happening behind the scenes with sealed product and ETB price hikes* Strategies shops are using to protect kids and players from being boxed outSponsored by The Grading Authority (TGA)Use code FULLHEAL at checkout for 10% off your next grading order: [https://tgacards.com](https://tgacards.com)Visit [https://pokemonprofessor.com](https://pokemonprofessor.com) to explore our network, snag merch, and join the Pokémon TCG community.00:00 Introduction and Patreon Shoutout01:03 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest01:50 Destined Rivals Pre-Release Breakdow02:20 Challenges with Tournament Software03:47 Building Pre-Release Decks07:04 Store Management Insights14:00 - Are Distributors the Real Team Rocket?20:00 - How Whatnot Changed the Game (and not in a good way)23:16 Impact on Collectors and Players33:58 New Trading Card Pre-Orders34:31 Importance of In-Store Play37:29 Challenges with Pre-Release Kits42:00 - Pack Openings + TGA Spotlight49:12 Scalpers and Tornado Warnings59:29 Closing Remarks and Q&[email protected] Voicemail, Text, and Picture Line - 732-835-8639https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾http://instagram.com/GameChopshttp://twitter.com/GameChopshttp://soundcloud.com/GameChopshttp://facebook.com/GameChopshttp://youtube.com/GameChopshttp://www.gamechops.comIntro MusicTrapped In A PokéballDj CUTMAN and BelthesarGameChops - Ultraballhttp://gamechops.com/ultraball/ http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMANhttp://soundcloud.com/belthesarBreak MusicHe Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix Dj Cutmanhttp://soundcloud.com/djcutman http://twitter.com/videogamedj http://youtube.com/djcutmanOutro MusicKanto Trainer BattleMykahGameChops - Ultraballhttp://gamechops.com/ultraball/ https://soundcloud.com/mykahHostsAdam TuttleJustin KellerPokémon 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

Welcome to Special Conditions Podcast Episode 186! 🛡️✨ Today, Adam and Justin sit down with Ray from Collectible Tags for an incredible deep dive into the competitive Pokémon TCG scene! We break down: 🛡️ Dragapult ex deck strategy — how to master Itchy Pollen and when to break Trainer Lock 🛠️ Pokémon TCG deck building tips — why you should master the top meta decks before going rogue 🏆 Mindset and preparation for competitive Pokémon TCG tournaments 🎯 How Collectible Tags is growing their local Pokémon TCG scene with awesome events!🎮 Ray’s esports background and his approach to winning more consistently. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to competitive play, this episode is packed with Pokémon TCG podcast insights you won't want to miss. Learn how to level up your game and build better decks today! 🔵 Subscribe for Pokémon TCG news, strategy, and deck building content! 02:25 – Guest Introduction: Ray from Collectible Tags | Pokémon TCG Background 04:42 – Pokémon TCG Tournament Talk: How to Win More Cups and Challenges 08:32 – How to Organize and Run Successful Pokémon TCG Tournaments 15:39 – Competitive Pokémon TCG Tips: How to Improve Your Gameplay Fast 34:29 – Dragapult Deck Strategy and Advanced Meta Discussion 43:11 – How to Master Tournament Play: Smart Strategies and Big Wins 44:01 – Top 4 Misplays to Avoid in Competitive Pokémon TCG 47:57 – The Panda Global eSports Drama Explained (Nintendo vs. Smash Bros.) 54:42 – Deck Building Discussion: Choosing the Right Deck for Pokémon TCG 01:08:09 – Preparing for Pokémon TCG Regionals and International Championships 01:25:09 – Final Thoughts: How to Succeed in Competitive Pokémon TCG + Shoutouts Use code FULLHEAL at https://tgacards.com/ for 10% off your order! [email protected]  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 Executive Producer Trainer Mystic - Michael 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 #PokemonTCG #PokemonTCGPodcast #DragapultDeck #PokemonDeckBuilding #CollectibleTags #PokemonCompetitiveTCG #PlayPokemon #PokemonPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode 185 of Special Conditions, hosts Adam Tuttle and Justin Keller welcome Garrett, the head grader at The Grading Authority (TGA). The show covers various aspects of Pokemon card grading, including the key components of grading, the nuances collectors should be aware of, and the process TGA follows to ensure accurate and consistent grades. The episode also touches on recent market trends, tips for collectors, and Garrett's personal experiences with memorable card submissions. Listeners will learn the importance of using proper card protection techniques, the differences in grading scales, and get insights into what makes a card truly exceptional. 00:00 Introduction to Pokemon Card Grading 03:01 Special Guest: Garrett, Head Grader at TGA 03:34 Garrett's Journey into Card Grading 05:26 Favorite Teams and Pokemon 09:31 Pokemon Card Grading Process 31:30 Common Mistakes in Submitting Cards 36:37 Challenges and Rarity in Card Grading 49:53 Iconic One-of-One Sports Cards 50:23 Pokemon Cards with Exceptional Quality Control 53:27 Understanding the Grading Process 56:51 Handling Disagreements in Card Grading 01:04:09 The Impact of Pokemon's Popularity on Grading 01:12:35 Tips for Protecting and Submitting Cards 01:16:52 Personal Stories and Favorite Cards 01:23:39 Advice for New Collectors https://www.instagram.com/tgacards?igsh=ODE0cThqbXNteTVq Use code FULLHEAL at https://tgacards.com/ for 10% off your order! [email protected]  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

In this exciting episode of *Special Conditions*, Adam and Justin celebrate a major victory — *Special Conditions* won the European International Championship (EUIC)! They break down Ryuki Okada’s winning Brute Bonnet deck, the powerful combos with Sneasler, Bidoof, and Cloth, and how the poison-heavy strategy led to a championship win. Along the way, they share stories about opening Shrouded Fables packs, pulling incredible cards like Iron Leaves, and playing "Guess That Grade" with recent TGA submissions. Plus, a fun detour into Giovanni’s Persian, Pokémon Center promo code struggles, and a double-hit Prismatic Evolutions pack! 00:00 Winning the Tournament01:06 Community Shoutout01:41 Podcast Introduction02:11 Weather and Small Talk03:03 London Tournament and Card Pulls03:26 Best Buy Illustration Packs04:05 Drawing Contest and Delibird04:58 Promo Code Issues07:26 Card Reviews and Purchases10:00 – Prismatic Evolutions pack opening: Eevee, Flareon, and more 19:21 Grading Authority and Guess That Grade21:35 Card Condition Analysis23:13 Guess That Grade24:39 Celebrating a Perfect 1026:27 Patron Shoutouts26:54 EUIC Recap28:43 Deck Strategies and Insights37:48 Pack Opening Finale40:40 Closing RemarksUse code FULLHEAL at https://tgacards.com/ for 10% off your [email protected] Voicemail, Text, and Picture Line - 732-835-8639https://linktr.ee/PokemonProfessorNetwork Music provided by GameChops and licensed through Creative Commons▾ FOLLOW GAMECHOPS ▾http://instagram.com/GameChopshttp://twitter.com/GameChopshttp://soundcloud.com/GameChopshttp://facebook.com/GameChopshttp://youtube.com/GameChopshttp://www.gamechops.comIntro MusicTrapped In A PokéballDj CUTMAN and BelthesarGameChops - Ultraballhttp://gamechops.com/ultraball/ http://soundcloud.com/DjCUTMANhttp://soundcloud.com/belthesarBreak MusicHe Walk - Furret / Accumula Town Remix Dj Cutmanhttp://soundcloud.com/djcutman http://twitter.com/videogamedj http://youtube.com/djcutmanOutro MusicKanto Trainer BattleMykahGameChops - Ultraballhttp://gamechops.com/ultraball/ https://soundcloud.com/mykahHostsAdam TuttleJustin KellerProducerKen PescatoreExecutive ProducerTrainer MysticPokémon 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