Today we’d like to introduce you to David Hernandez.
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started As The Pokéball Turns because I’ve always believed that the most meaningful stories rarely belong to the loudest people in the room. I grew up using Pokémon as a refuge during periods of instability, loneliness, and uncertainty. Over time, that love turned into a deeper appreciation for storytelling, not just the games themselves, but the people and communities shaped by them. Pokémon became a shared language for connection, resilience, and identity.
The podcast began as a passion project. I wasn’t trying to build a platform or chase numbers. I wanted to create a space that highlighted the leaders doing the quiet, unglamorous work in the Pokémon community ranging from organizers, moderators, community builders, and everyday fans who rarely get the spotlight but hold communities together.
Alongside the podcast, I’ve navigated my own life challenges such as health setbacks, financial instability, rebuilding after major transitions, which only reinforced why this project matters to me. Storytelling helped me survive. Listening helped me heal. And giving others space to share their stories became a way to give back.
Today, the podcast has grown organically through trust, consistency, and relationships. I’ve expanded it beyond interviews into community partnerships, live events, and initiatives that invest directly back into the Pokémon community. What started as a personal outlet has become a long-term commitment to honoring people, preserving stories, and building something meaningful at a local and human level.
I don’t see the podcast as something I’ve arrived at but instead something I’m still building, intentionally and sustainably. At its core, As The Pokéball Turns is about connection, presence, and making sure people know their stories matter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road like most ventures, it’s been a mix of progress and challenges. When I started, there wasn’t really a roadmap for Pokémon-focused interviews. Everyone knows the typical “What’s your favorite Pokémon?” question, but figuring out how to turn that into a full, engaging interview show took time. I had to develop the format organically, borrowing techniques from interviewers in other genres and reframing those ideas through a Pokémon lens.
Another challenge was visibility. I’m not a notable figure or a large creator. I’m just a regular guy from Dallas who was active in the Pokémon GO community with a passion for Pokemon. I started by interviewing people I knew locally, and from there it slowly branched out. Compared to PokéTubers and larger creators, I wasn’t always viewed on the same level, and that affected how both podcasting and I myself were perceived.
A big turning point was learning the importance of self-respect. Early on, I spent time chasing guests or validation, but over time I realized that either someone sees value in what I’m doing or they don’t. I stopped chasing and let my work with As The Pokéball Turns speak for itself. That shift changed everything.
Along the way, I connected with people who understood the struggle both creators and fans who shared the same appreciation for the franchise and similar experiences. The audience I built became more than just listeners; they supported me during some of my hardest moments, including a period when I was facing eviction and a health crisis.
So while the road has been bumpy, it’s been an incredibly meaningful Pokémon adventure, one that’s still growing, and one I’m excited to continue.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a podcast host who interviews people about their personal experiences with Pokémon. What I specialize in is building a story arc in real time. Every episode is driven entirely by what the guest brings to the conversation. I don’t rely on scripted narratives or pre-packaged angles; instead, I listen closely and pull meaning, emotion, and connection directly from their lived experiences.
Before podcasting, I was a Community Leader for Pokémon GO in the DFW area, helping bring people together around the game. While I’m still connected to that community, my primary focus now is the podcast and the deeper conversations it allows me to facilitate.
What I’m most proud of is my persistence. It’s easy to walk away when things get difficult, but when I’m passionate about something, like these Pokémon interviews, I keep going. Even during moments of real struggle, there’s always been something inside me reminding me that this work matters and that this chapter isn’t finished yet.
What truly sets me apart is my life experience, particularly my background as a social worker. On a daily basis, I’ve dealt with heavy topics and difficult decisions, and that perspective carries directly into my work. Because of that, my podcast sometimes explores themes that don’t often have space in fandom conversations. Topics like addiction, suicide, mental health, disability, and how those experiences intersect with Pokémon. Not many creators are willing, or equipped, to have those conversations, and fewer still can do so with care and authenticity.
When people listen to As The Pokéball Turns, they don’t just get nostalgia. They get real life, real people, and real stories. That’s what I’m most proud of building.
Right now, I’m especially focused on giving back to the next generation, building relationships with Pokémon community leaders who are fostering future fans. Being more intentional about that work is a major priority for me this year, and it’s something I’m excited to continue growing.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I like reading biographies. I remember reading Larry King’s Biography and a bit of “Howard Stern Comes Again.” and learning about their approach and their stories. I listen to a motivational music playlist that keeps me focused every day. I like learning from people and I think that is why I’m drawn to reading them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asthepokeballturns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asthepokeballturns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsThePokeballTurns/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ATPTPodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AsThePokeballTurns
Image Credits
All photos are my own.
