Ezra Gray-Holt and Chelsea Sturkie

Spilling The Sinistea

Leisure EN ↓ 114 episodes

Welcome to Spilling the Sinistea, where we are spilling every drop of our fan opinions of the Pokémon franchise. If you are a fan of the TCG, video games, or anime, this is the place to be for the hot gossip.  Each week, listeners can expect in-depth conversations about TCG strategy, emotional nostalgia on Pokémon GO, and our personal opinions about what types make up the best teams - among many other exciting topics. Whether you've been a fan since Red, Blue, and Yellow, or just got your started in Paldea, there is definitely something for everyone.

Author

Ezra Gray-Holt and Chelsea Sturkie

Category

Leisure

Podcast website

turnkeypodcast.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

Pokémon Picks to Celebrate Taylor Swift (and Travis Kelce) 09.07.2026

As long-time Swifties and in honor of the Taylor Swift album, The Tortured Poets Department (and again to celebrate her recent nuptials to Travis Kelce), we decided to revisit each of her Eras and play The Match Game with the Pokémon we think would fit best in each Era. Spoilers: It Gets Deep.  Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: https://bsky.app...

5 Pokémon You Never Want to Find While Camping 02.07.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the creatures they would NOT like to encounter while out camping this summer. They talk about the ghosties, the buggies, the peoples, and everything in between.  Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ba-original.bsky.social   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BonusActionVi...

5 Cozy Games To Try While Waiting for Pokopia DLC & Nostalgic Throwbacks Still Worth it in 2026 25.06.2026

In today’s episode, Chelsea asks Ezra for advice and game recommendations to play while we are waiting for the Pokopia DLC to drop later this year. Ez gives an excellent recommendation list of games that are out now, games that are coming out soon, and games you should just check out for nostalgic purposes. Take a listen and share with us what you’re playing on social media or in a review!  &...

Pokopia Surprised Us With a DLC Expansion Pass - But At What Cost? 18.06.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea discuss the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass that was announced during the June 9, 2026, Nintendo Direct. They talk about the new mechanic - Dive - and about what they are hoping to see from the game, as well as some concerns that it may be another DLC full of nothing but bloat. They’re optimistic but cautious and refer back to the other DLCs that Pokémon has rel...

Pokopia Burnout - How We Crashed On A Cozy Game In Less Than One Month 11.06.2026

***Please Note - This episode was recorded on 6/7/26 before the Nintendo Direct on 6/9/26 was announced or aired. We are aware that there is now a DLC Expansion Pass with 3 New Towns that has been announced, with the first potentially to come with the patch scheduled for August 2026.*** In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea discuss their unintentional burnout on Pokopia after only a month or so of...

Adding Pizzazz To Your Pokémon TCG Decks 04.06.2026

In this week’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the realm of Pokémon TCG deck building - specifically themed decks! Whether you have a favorite Disney character you want to honor, a superhero that’s calling for their own tough-to-beat deck, your favorite meal, or any other theme you can dream up, they’ve got tips for building your perfect deck! Listen in to hear about how we built some of our f...

Is Pokémon GO a Good Introduction to Pokémon Games? 28.05.2026

Have you considered downloading Pokémon Go to play with your friends or kids? Are you interested in the mobile game as a way to jump-start your Pokémon Trainer journey? Listen in to hear our thoughts on why this might not be the best option for you…or maybe it is…   Episode References: Every Pokémon Type Weaknesses Explained: Which Is Best Against Which: https://screenrant.com/pokemon-type-we...

Pokémon That Could Reverse Climate Change 21.05.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea share a giggle and a good message as they break down their top 5 Pokémon to help combat and reverse climate change in our real world. With some obvious choices and some not-so-obvious ones, guided by their lives in the Mountain West of the United States, join in the fun and share your picks. Which Pokémon could help with fires? With glacier melting? With rising...

Introducing My 5-Year-Old to Pokémon - Media Literacy and How to Level Up Young Gamers 14.05.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea talk about the process of introducing children to video games in a healthy, media-literate way. They discuss some of the detriments of introducing content at the wrong age, the benefits of reading and listening comprehension before starting on video games, and how to help your child understand and respect healthy boundaries around video games and media.  &...

Pokémon TCG Pocket & Other App Games - The Good, The Bad, and The Unfortunate 07.05.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the latest in Pokémon TCG Pocket. TCGP also becomes a platform for launching into other topics related to app game monetization, predatory game development, and gambling tactics that are being targeted at players. While not everything about app games is bad (if it brings you joy, it is not a bad thing), they can be dangerous if they’re becoming an add...

Nuzlockes 101 & How Consumption Culture Is Killing Pokémon Game Difficulty 30.04.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea go on a wild journey from Intro to Nuzlockes 101 through how modern culture and consumerism are changing the way players engage with video games and media.     Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ba-original.bsky.social   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BonusActionVide...

Pokopia Dystopia - A Breakdown on The Lore & History of The Ruined Kanto Region 23.04.2026

In this episode, Chelsea and Ezra compare notes on the world they have encountered in Pokopia, discuss the easter eggs in the game, and break down their thoughts on the world state. This includes a breakdown of the big connections between the OG games and what is found in the biomes of Pokopia.   Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: https://bsky.a...

Pokémon Center History & Why They Aren’t in America 16.04.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea discuss the lack of physical Pokémon Center stores in the US, why the one that was here was removed, and if there is ever going to be another in the United States. They also discuss the difference between the Nintendo Store, the Pokémon Center Stores, and the Pokémon licensed merchandise you find at box stores near you.   Connect with Ezra & Chels...

FireRed and LeafGreen Breakdown - All The Best Nostalgic Reasons To Play The Switch 2 Ports 09.04.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into their early play of FireRed (because neither got LeafGreen….and we say early because Brock has not yet let either of us past Pewter City). They talk about all of the amazing things this game has to offer, including amazing childhood nostalgia, remembering how to love the grind, and enjoying the beauty of the sprites.     Connect with Ez...

Nintendo Store San Francisco Breakdown: “Where Was The Pokémon?” 02.04.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into their adventure in the Nintendo Store in San Francisco during GDC week! They talk about the really cool finds for fans of anything Zelda or Mario, and discuss their thoughts about the options for fans of Pokémon. With many, many side tangents into their adventures in San Francisco (and trying to escape at the end of the week), listen in for laughs and...

Bipedal Horrors in Pokémon 26.03.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the world of Pokémon that just give us the ick, particularly bipedal Pokémon who should just not be bipedal. They talk about the pros and the cons (mostly the cons) of super-humanoid Pokémon, Pokémon that appear to be wearing clothes or doing human jobs (for reasons unknown to all), and all others that fit the “that makes me uncomfortable” category. T...

Pokopia First Impressions - Should You Buy It & Is It Worth It? 12.03.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into their first three days with Pokémon Pokopia. They talk about the things they are excited for as they progress further in the game, the longevity they expect to get out of playing this game, and explore a few of the early play (while doing their best to avoid spoilers). With the game full of excellent storytelling, open world exploration, and a whole h...

30th Anniversary Pokémon Day Presents Thoughts - App Games, Pokopia, & Gen 10 Reveal 05.03.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into their initial thoughts and reactions to the 2026 Pokémon Presents for the 30th Pokémon anniversary. They discuss the sheer amount of app games that are referenced in the 24-minute and 44-second video, talk about their excitement for Pokopia (which drops on March 5, 2026), and give their honest opinions on the Gen 10 reveal.   Episode References:...

Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Special Set Release Breakdown - Best Cards, Pull Rates, & Values 26.02.2026

In today’s episode, Chelsea and Ezra delve into the newest (and still releasing) special TCG set - Mega Evolution - Ascended Heroes. This is a set for those who are fans of Dark-type Pokémon and those who love good art. The cards are vibrant and gorgeous, but it may be a struggle to get your hands on the set due to card availability. As always, if you’re going to shop, shop smart and avoid paying...

What Pokémon Characters Would You Trust in Leadership? 19.02.2026

In today’s episode, Chelsea and Ez dive into the world of Pokémon leadership. Which characters would you trust to run a business? To run a school? To run a country? In honor of the upcoming Pokopia game, which Pokémon would you want to have as your professor or running….anything? Listen in for their answers and a conversation full of chaotic twists and turns.       Connect...

How To Delight Your Partner With Romantic Pokémon Cuteness 12.02.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into all things cutesy and lovely with ideas for Pokémon-themed dates, engagements, and weddings. They talk about fun ways you can get creative with Pokémon activities (from cooking/baking to crafting) to ways to bring your favorite starter into your special day.      Episode References: Official Pokémon Cookbook: https://www.pokemoncen...

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Pokémon 1st Stage Evolutions 05.02.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the Stage 1 evolutions - those often overlooked, frequently awkward, and sometimes adorable second Pokémon in a given evolutionary line. They talk about their favorites and the great - including Sylveon and Toxtricity, the ones we don’t want to talk about (Naclstack), and the ones that are just forgotten unintentionally (sorry Drakloak).   &...

Pokémon Mascots - How Sports Teams Would Work in the Pokémon World 29.01.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the world of sportsball and mascots - what would your favorite Pokémon region use as their mascot? Who would be the face of Pallet Town? Of Cerulean City? Of Spikemuth?    Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ba-original.bsky.social   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...

Pokémon 101 - What Are Pokémon Natures & Why Do They Matter? 22.01.2026

In this episode, Ezra and Chelsea talk about Pokémon Natures, what they do, how they work, and why or why not people should pay attention to them. They also give a brief breakdown on how looking at stats and natures can help you identify genuine or fake Pokémon while trading or competing in online battles.   Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: ht...

Where We Are with Pokémon Go and Other Pokémon Mobile Apps? 15.01.2026

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea talk about what they are doing these days with the multitude of Pokémon mobile apps, including TCG Pocket, Pokémon GO, Pokémon Masters EX, and Pokémon Sleep. They talk about their digital detox goals for 2026, how they are managing gaming apps versus screen time, and discuss the good and the bad about the apps in general.   Connect with Ezra & Chelsea:...

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