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

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Episodes

Pokémon Abilities - How to Use Them in Pocket & Tabletop Matches 05.06.2025

In this week’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the world of Pokémon TCG (and TCG Pocket) abilities! They discuss building decks utilizing abilities, pros and cons of building with abilities, and add the reminder to read your abilities all the way through to ensure full understanding before play. They talk about how they’ve used abilities in various decks and traps they have fallen into, so you...

Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Breakdown - Pull Rates, Best Cards & Top Deck Builds 29.05.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the latest Pokémon TCG set - Destined Rivals. If you are a player, this set is exciting, full of hyper-playable cards, and fun trainers. If you are a collector, this set is going to be a difficult one, with a massive card list and low pull rates for the special illustrations and gold rare cards. Getting the full set will be difficult and expensive. Th...

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me and It's Not for the Reason You Think 22.05.2025

In today’s episode, Chelsea and Ezra talk about why Scarlet & Violet saved bank accounts, how a love for Charizard became a full-on card-hunting addiction, and what happens when you have a need to be the very best in a situation where you have no control over pull rates. This episode is NOT clickbait. Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus-action.com   Bluesky: https://bs...

URGENT POKEMON TCG REPORT - Third Party Sellers on Target Online Store & Other Dangerous "Deals" 15.05.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea reiterate what they discussed back on Episode 58: Buying Pokémon TCG in 2025, but delve deeper into pitfalls and things to watch out for when buying from online box store websites. Many box stores these days, including Target, have third-party resellers. They are not always super clear as to who is doing the selling, and it is not always obvious as to the marku...

Pokémon TCG Pocket - Three Reasons To Start Playing Again 08.05.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra touts the benefits of the newest updates in Pokémon TCG Pocket to convince Chelsea to reopen the game for the first time in months. They discuss the new trainer cards (including breaking down the benefit of the Rare Candies), appreciate the better rewards in the Solo Battle events, and, most importantly, mention the introduction of Bewear to the card set (a fact which, fra...

The Switch 2 Is Here - What Does Next Gen Mean For Pokémon Fans? 01.05.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into what we know about the Switch 2 and the increased price for the next Pokémon video game. They discuss the benefits of the Switch 2, as well as the downsides of the newest Nintendo console. They also talk about concerns they have for the fate of well-loved games currently in the Switch store and the concerning statement by Nintendo that “Certain Ninten...

Buying Pokémon TCG in 2025 - How To Support Local While Boycotting Box Stores 24.04.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea dive into the world of buying Pokémon TCG Cards. They do get a little political and break down where to buy your TCG cards when you are supporting the boycotts of big box stores. They discuss the red flags to watch out for when purchasing and the green flags you will likely see at great local card shops. Ez and Chelsea encourage you to shop local, shop smart, a...

Pokémon TCG Journey Together Expansion - Trainer’s Cards, Best Pulls, & Biggest Tips 17.04.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea break down what they know about the Pokémon TCG Journey Together set. They discuss the importance of reintroducing Trainer’s Pokémon cards and how they differ from the Trainer Gallery sets of Sword & Shield. They also discuss the best collector additions and put out a general PSA about not buying from scalpers.     Episode References: Pokémon...

Mega Evolution in Legends: ZA - The History of Megas, How it Could Save the Franchise Again, and Why We Need Mega Eeveelutions 10.04.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra gives the equivalent of a Ted Talk on why Megas are the GOAT and how they actually function. Ez and Chelsea also talk about why you can expect more Mega Evolutions in the new Pokémon Legends: ZA game dropping later this year, speculate on what a Mega Eeveelution might be, and finally, drop their favorite current Mega Evolution forms. Share your favorite Mega forms as you r...

March 2025 Pokémon Legends: ZA Trailer Breakdown - Battles, Catch Mechanics, & a General Lack of Sycamore 03.04.2025

In today’s episode, Ez and Chelsea break down the exciting Pokémon Legends: ZA Trailer from the March 2025 Nintendo Direct. They talk about the excitement around bringing back the Arceus-style catch mechanics, the intrigue around the ZA Royale battling, and hopes and concerns around the wild areas mentioned in the trailer. They also discuss why we need Professor Sycamore and PokéPuffs reintroduced...

Replaying Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Pros, Cons, Best Mechanics, & A Truly Insufferable Shinx Problem 20.03.2025

In today’s episode, Ez and Chelsea dive into their replays of Pokémon Legends: Arceus . They share the things they missed the first time around, what they love about the immersive, intentional world, and the depressing truth of the minimal PokéDex and the unfinished storyline. They also touch on what they want to see from Arceus brought into the world of Pokémon Legends: ZA later this year and the...

Pokémon Legends: ZA Trailer Breakdown - What’s Next For Kalos? 13.03.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea give their initial reactions to the new Pokémon Legends: ZA trailer that dropped at the end of last month on Pokémon Day! They share what they noticed from the trailer that they are most excited about, talk about the Mega Evolutions they would like to see in the game, and warn players not to judge the game before it even drops and to be open-minded. As one last...

Addictive Video Game Recommendations For Pokémon Fans 27.02.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea take a little bit of a left turn from their usual all Pokémon content and discuss some of the games they would recommend for fans of the Pokémon series that aren’t picking up and replaying a Pokémon game (since we’ve already had that discussion…if you missed it check it out below!). They talk about how nobody does Pokémon like Pokémon, but then cover some of th...

Pokémon Day 2025 Predictions - Game Announcements, TCG & Vibes 20.02.2025

After last year’s empty Pokémon Day announcements, Ezra and Chelsea give their predictions and desires for Pokémon Day 2025 on February 27th. They talk about the trend we’ve been seeing with new games coming from AAA games, fears for what may happen with the Pokémon franchise if the upcoming Legends: Z-A game recreates the same lifespan of Scarlet & Violet, and give some excellent game suggest...

YouTube, Streaming, Influencers & Scalpers - The Effect Of Modern Social Media on The Pokémon Franchise 13.02.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea try to break down the insane rise of the scalpers and influencer culture on the world of Pokémon and the Pokémon franchise. They talk about how it has impacted the TCG, the decline in quality of video games, and the rise in “luxury” Pokémon products no longer geared toward who should be their target audience - the 10-year-olds just starting on their own Pokémon...

Spilling the Sinistea’s 1st Anniversary Tea Party! 06.02.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea have a great time discussing the really important question of life: if Sinistea was hosting a tea party, who is invited, who ghosts, who is not going to be invited back, and who is absolutely uninvited to this tea party? They discuss key tea party issues of snacks, drinks, music, friendship, rabble-rousers, and all things necessary for having a great time. Than...

Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Breakdown - Pull Rates, Best Cards, & Availability 30.01.2025

In today’s episode, Ez and Chelsea discuss the latest Pokémon TCG set that everyone has been talking about - Prismatic Evolutions. They talk about the Year of Eevee, the dismal pull rates, and give a sneak preview for the upcoming Episode 50 in regards to scalpers, shortages, and markups. They also talk about the playability of the trainers and the cards they would love to get their hands on when...

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Leaks Breakdown - When Is a Release Date Coming? 23.01.2025

In today’s episode, Ez gives us a breakdown of the current leaks and rumors that are swirling around surrounding the upcoming Legends: Z-A videogame and the Switch 2. They discuss things they’d like to see in the videogame, questions about what may be happening, and what we can expect from the new console.    Episode References: Pokémon Day Recap and Legends ZA Thoughts: https://open.spo...

Pokémon TCG Pocket Needs More Content - Mythical Island, PvP Stagnation, and What The Game Needs To Stay Relevant 16.01.2025

In today’s episode, Ez and Chelsea revisit Pokemon TCG Pocket and chat about the pros and cons of simple gameplay. They discuss what they like, admire awesome deck names, and break down their worries for the future of the game. Is there not enough variety? How can the dev spice up gameplay? Also, where are challenge-style PvP brackets?   Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Website: https://bonus...

Pokémon 2024 Year in Review - Beige and Prepping for Something Bigger 09.01.2025

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea talk about the highs and lows of Pokémon releases in 2024 and touch briefly on what they’re excited about coming up in 2025. While 2024 was definitely a stasis year with minimal action happening, it feels like things are prepping up for big releases in 2025, namely Legends: Z-A . Share your thoughts on your favorites from the previous year with Chelsea & Ez...

Ringing in the New Year With Galar Love & Gen 8 Appreciation 26.12.2024

To end 2024 with a bang, Ez and Chelsea talk about everything Galar (and sprinkle in shout-outs for Arceus, as another Gen 8 game).  They discuss their love of the characters, the Dynamax gimmick, the starters, and everything surrounding this amazing generation. Happy New Year and thanks for listening to Spilling the Sinistea…see you in 2025.    Connect with Ezra & Chelsea: Webs...

Pokémon Holiday Traditions to Make Your Season Bright 19.12.2024

It’s the holiday season, and Pokémon is definitely making it bright. Chelsea and Ez talk about making Pokémon part of your traditions, offer ideas for how to include Pokémon as part of the season, and wax nostalgic about their own relationships with the universe during the chilly time of year. There is also a story about exploding glue that has nothing to do with Pokémon, but everything to do with...

Celebrate the Holidays With Pokémon Movies - Best Picks For Your Winter Break 12.12.2024

Ezra and Chelsea are here to give you the breakdown of the best Pokémon movies to watch this holiday season. From epic classics to modern films that require no knowledge of the franchise, they have breakdowns of which picks will keep you toasty during school break, or at least keep the kiddos distracted while you wrap presents or make dinner.   Episode References: Detective Pikachu: Every Pok...

Holiday Gifts for Pokémon Lovers - What to Buy, What Not to Buy, What We Love 05.12.2024

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea break down Pokémon gift ideas for fans of all ages! From books or plushies for the littlest Pokémon trainers in your life to TCG beginners, video game lovers, or adults who want a little nerdy with their adulting, we’ve got ideas for you! They share some Pokémon gifts they’ve received and given over the years and break down great locations for acquiring authent...

Pokémon TCG Pocket Is Eating Our Lives - Meta Decks, Big Wins, Frustrating Losses 28.11.2024

In today’s episode, Ezra and Chelsea delve deep into their loves and frustrations when it comes to battling in Pokémon TCG Pocket after about 3 weeks with the app. They talk about their feelings on the current meta decks, hopes for the future of the playability in the app, why you can’t play TCG Pocket like you would TCG Standard, and break down some of their best wins…and most frustrating losses...

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