Perspective and Pokemon: Recent Episodes
Ulysses Balanzategui
Perspective and Pokemon is all about two things: Improving our perspective on life and enjoying Pokemon (and other "nerdy" things).
On the perspective side, we get into mindset, learn from other people's experiences and stories, empathy, business, etc.
On the Pokemon side, we get into collecting, investing, selling, and just appreciating the hobby.
All in all we have a lot of fun here.
Hosted by Ulysses Balanzategui
Ulysses is a husband and father first, marketer, and Pokemon enthusiast.
Formally called, "Perspective with Ulysses Balanzategui"
On today's episode I talk with Manny Simone, a content creator and artist who has grown his TikTok account to over 100,000 followers. We talk about growing on social media, the adjustments you need to constantly make, and much more in this very insightful interview!
Manny's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mannysimonecards?lang=en
Short and sweet Q&A video this month. Get into what collectibles I'd save in a fire, my favorite gym, and more!
Had the chance to sit down and talk to PokeNav about common mistakes Pokemon card investors make, getting back into the hobby, and starting PokeRealm.
Had a blast sitting down with Omaash to talk about growing as a content creator, the new TCG's he's been getting into, and why empathy and compassion are so important.
In today's Q&A I get into whether or not Celebrations will be hard to find after release, biggest mistake of new sellers, resources for learning about cards when you're new, and several other questions!
Evolving Skies has only been out for about two weeks and booster boxes are already on the rise. Whether you're a collector or investor, is now the time to buy? Let's discuss it.
Had the pleasure of having Tim (aka Goatbreakers) on the latest episode of Perspective and Pokemon! We talked about his recent massive growth on TikTok, educating people, and enjoying the hobby.
Tim is a great guy to connect with! You can catch him on TikTok, Instragram, Twitter, and just about everywhere else as Goatbreaker.
I had such a fun time on this episode of Perspective and Pokemon talking to Randrell from FireTypeEnergy. We talked collecting, making YouTube videos, and just enjoying the journey.
Randrell is a great guy to follow! Check him out on social media:
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/FireTypeEnergy
Instagram: @firetype_energy TikTok: @firetypeenergy
In this episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I had so much fun sitting down with Cool Squirtle Gaming and talking about the hobby, his history with Pokemon, and getting to know him better.
Check out CSG's channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHm3...
You can also catch him on Instagram (@coolsquirtlegaming) and Twitter (@CoolSquirtleYT)
I had the pleasure of talking to Megan (aka @hugamouse.art) on the latest episode of Perspective and Pokemon. We talked about how she got into art, Pokemon, and talked about her awesome artwork!
You can catch Megan on Instagram and Tiktok as @hugamouse.art
In today's episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I sat own with Isaac Nay, aka the Poke Man! We talk collecting, starting a YouTube channel, and why you need to have fun in the hobby.
You can connect with Isaac on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaac.nay.79
Instagram: @thepokeman_44
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIuq...
In today's episode I got to talk with PJ Lewis from Kollectible Kings. PJ talks about how they got started, and gives advice for those wanting to start a collectibles shop.
*PLEASE NOTE the giveaway mentioned already ended.
Go follow PJ on Instagram: @kollectiblekings
And check out his store: https://kollectiblekings.com/
On this episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I got to talk with Ryan, aka Minivan Dad! Among other things, we talk collecting as adults, affording cards on a budget, being a dad, and creating Tiktok.
You can catch Ryan on Tiktok as @minivandad_
On this episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I had the privilege of talking with Jess (ask Eeveegirl98 as she's known on Instagram).
We talked about Pokemon collecting as adults, the importance of fitness, and growing on Instagram, among other topics. It was a really enjoyable conversation.
You can find Jess on IG as eeveegirl98
In today's episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I got to sit down with Devan Bosch, a Life Coach who spent 12 years in deep depression.
We talk about how he came out of his depression, his change in perspective, and the power of reaching out to others.
To get in touch with Devan, go to http://segolilymentoring.com/
In today's episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I sat down with rpsdutch to discuss Pokemon, investing, collecting, and why fitness and health are so important.
To get in touch with rpsdutch, hit him up on social media!
Twitter and Instagram: @rpsdutch
In this episode of Perspective and Pokemon, we get into some Yugioh talk with Robert.
We talk about investing/selling cards and why Yugioh could very well have a similar boom as Pokemon.
To get in contact with Robert, follow him on twitter: @rodrox_gifts
Get his ebook here: gumroad.com/l/xdSnI
Interview originally recorded in Dec 2020
On this episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I sat down with Shaen Avendano, founder of 23k Pokeshop.
Like many people in 2020, Shaen was affected by the global pandemic and lot his job. Then he did something many might not expect- he started a business selling Pokemon stuff. In this interview we talk about how he got started, lessons he's learned, what goes on behind the scenes of a Poke Shop, and how TikTok has influenced his business.
To get in touch in with the shop, check them out online:
Website: 23kpokeshop.com
TikTok: @23kpokeshop
Instagram: @23kpokeshop
Facebook: www.facebook.com/23kPokeShop
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCEtEmWngBQxIimrAY3KxJZw
Twitter: @23kpoke
How often do we put things off because we believe we don't have everything we need to start?
How about just starting to get the reps in?
On this episode of Perspective and Pokemon I had the privilege of talking with Alex Romney, aka Omaash. We talk about how he started his YouTube channel on basically a whim, his love for Pokemon, and what has helped his channel grow to over two thousand subscribers in less than a year.
We also had to have a rematch pack battle! Who do you think won? (Best to watch the pack battle on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5AyBFySWFzU)
Connect with Omaash on social media:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/omaash
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omaash?lang=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/omaash4
Facebook: https://facebook.com/omaashopenings
Email: omaashopenings@gmail.com
On this episode of Perspective and Pokemon I sat down with Zach Brandt, a young entrepreneur who I've been very impressed with. We talk about selling on Amazon and Ebay, sports cards, doing what you love, and why you should always be true to yourself.
Want to connect with Zach?
Hit him up on Social Media:
Twitter: @BrandtZach_
Instagram: @zach_brandt1
FACT CORRECTIONS ON THIS EPISODE:
-There are close to 90 English Pokemon sets in existence as of this recording
-Wizards of the Coast made the first 16 Pokemon Sets
-I called Champion's Path underrated a few times when I meant to say Darkness Ablaze
In this episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I brought Jason Albini back onto the show to talk about what he's learned so far from investing in sports cards. There are a lot of similarities to Pokemon card investing and the conversation quickly turned to Pokemon.
At the end we also opened up Jason's first Pokemon packs ever!
Connect with Jason on social:
Instagram, Twitter, TikTok: @jasonwttw
LinkedIn: Jason Richardson Albini
Podcast: Kickin It With Jason
On this inaugural episode of Perspective and Pokemon, I sat down with Anthony Nunez, aka Vintage Pokemon Hunter, to talk Pokemon.
We discussed the current market growth, what to expect in the future, and why Pokemon isn't going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
Anthony is a wealth of #Pokemon knowledge. Connect with him on social media:
Instagram: @vintagepokemonhunter
Twitter: @NunezGoW
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/anunez326
As some of you know, I got back into Pokemon over a year ago. Since then I've seen demand for the franchise, especially the cards, explode. More and more notable people have been getting into, but perhaps the most notable SO FAR has been Logic, who dropped over $200k on a single card last night!
To be a world champion in any sport requires a TON of work and mental strength. So what kind of perspective does one need to be a SEVEN TIME champ?
In this episode, Kendall gets into her journey and the mindset she's developed to get to where she's at.
Her perspective gives great insight into what it takes to become a champion.
To connect with Kendall follow her on social media:
Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook- Kendall Reusing.
As part of my effort to bring more awareness to businesses, I virtually sat down with a dear friend, Adam Davis, to discuss how his business has had to adjust with shutdown and Covid.
He brings some great perspective as well as details some of the things his business does (and they're pretty awesome!).
At the end of our discussion, Adam extends an invitation for a free copy of How Money Works, a new book on finances that is changing the way people see money. To get yours, be one of the first 5 people to contact Adam after listening to this. (And to be frank, this podcast doesn't currently have a huge audience, so odds are you'll be on of the first ;))
To connect with Adam find him on Instagram at @adamdavisimpact
Or visit his website wealthwave.com/adamdavis
You can also email him at adam.davis@wealthwave.com
I struggled to know what to title this episode.
Not just because we talked about various topics, but I also wanted to do justice to my latest guest, Dr. Gavin Whiting.
I met Dr. Whiting a few months ago after I was in a car accident. From the very first time I met him, I knew there was something special about him. He just rated compassion, caring, and empathy- traits that are perfect for anyone wanting to help others heal.
After a few weeks of working with him I wanted him on the show to share his perspective on life, mindset, and happiness. This has been perhaps my favorite interview to date.
In the end I decided to name this episode what I thought encompasses Gavin- a genuine and positive soul.
You can connect with Dr. Gavin Whiting on Facebook: Gavin Whiting
Or shoot him an email at: gavin_whiting@hotmail.com
Recently I've been checking in on business owners to see how their businesses are going and what they've been doing during this shutdown time.
Absolutely loved this interview with Ben and Courtney Nielsen from Sand and Stone Media!
Their perspective and execution right now is incredible! I can't recommend them enough.
To connect with them go to their website: www.sandandstonemedia.org
Or find them on social media:
Facebook: Sand and Stone Media
Instagram: @sandandstonemedia
YouTube: Sand and Stone Media
We don't often consider the behind the scenes people in a hospital. People usually only interact with nurses and doctors, but there are a whole host of people working around the clock to give the doctors what they need- Luree is one of those people.
In this interview, she shed light on what goes on behind the scenes, why she chose that field, and some of the lessons she's learned.
She also sheds some light on what it's like to be one of the essential workers during a pandemic.
This was a particularly fun interview for me because Luree is my older sister :)
ENJOY!
Pivoting is the word that comes to mind when I think of Curtis. From shifting degrees to moving to China to expanding into the online market, Curtis has had to shift his strategy and well as mindset throughout his business career. He'll be the first to tell you, though, that things don't always go the way you expect, and that isn't a bad thing.
In this value-packed interview, we discuss how Curtis went from wanting to be a high school teacher to growing a massive international business team and some of the lessons he's learned along the way.
You won't want to miss this one!
To connect with Curtis, follow him on Instagram: @curtisharding3
Creativity is the word that comes to mind when I think of Hannah Farr and her company, West Works Theatre. Starting with nothing, she and her team have had to use a ton of innovation and creativity to make their theatre company work.
In this episode we talk about the creativity needed to build a company, where her love for theatre started, and how they are innovating during a time when people literally cannot attend live theater.
This has been one of my favorite interviews so far!
To connect with West Works Theatre visit them at: www.westworks.art
and on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wworkstheatre/
Instagram: @wwtheatre
I had the pleasure of sitting down with James Truong from Sydney Australia. His positive perspective will mean even more as you learn about a challenge health issue he went through.
We got to talk about the power of the mind as well as his side hustle- reselling online.
You're not going to want to miss this.
To connect with James, follow him on social media:
Twitter, TikTok, Instagram: @james_a_tee
Facebook and LinkedIn: James Truong
Lily is a Californian living in Texas, as she says. In this episode we talked about her journey in reselling, the importance of mindset, parenthood, and how she got into fitness.
This is an incredible episode for anyone just getting started in reselling or who just wants to hear some great perspective from a wonderful human being.
Lily is incredibly supportive and willing to impart of her experience. I highly suggest following her, especially if you resell.
Find her on Twitter: @lilyresells
Check out her podcast: Lily Talks and Resells on Spotify and Anchor.
What do you do when you're a personal trainer and your clients literally can't leave their homes? You innovate.
In this episode, I talked with Jason Albini, a personal trainer who has had to do just that.
Among other things, we talked about the innovations he's doing to keep training his clients, his passion for teaching others, and why Pokemon cards could be a great a long-term investment.
Jason is seriously a great, happy guy who I'd recommend connecting with. To connect with him, follow him on social media:
Instagram, Twitter, TikTok: @jasonwttw
LinkedIn: Jason Richardson Albini
Podcast- Kickin It With Jason: https://open.spotify.com/show/4v9Msz75ZninmSfW8U56IS?si=XVZ4NDyOQOKAM0-JiEqOiQ
What kind of perspective does one need to want to end world hunger? How about appreciation.
That is the attitude that Shoney Ivens exemplifies
Shoney spent years learning business and sales through direct marketing. Despite a challenging start, he became one of the top sales reps in his industry. Since then he has moved into real estate investing with a big goal in mind- ending world hunger.
In this episode, Shoney and I talk about his journey, including challenges he's had to overcome to get where he currently is, the importance of mentors, and why he is focused on ending world hunger.
Trust me, this is not an episode you'll want to miss!
To connect with Shoney, visit: www.shoneyivens.com
And catch on social media at:
Twitter, Instagram: @shoneyivens
Facebook: @ivensrealestate
LinkedIn: Shoney Ivens
In this episode I got to jam with Austin Lamm, a 22 year old reseller and basketball lover. We talk reselling online, sports cards, and basketball. Enjoy!
Austin is a super supportive guy. I'd highly recommend following him on his social media platforms:
Twitter: @lamboskrtt
Instagram: @lamboskrtt
TikTok: @lamboskrtt
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/austin-lamm-51693a185/
Snapchat: lamminator15
In this episode, I talk with Mike Carlucci, a 17 year old entrepreneur from NJ. We talk reselling online, creating content, and how he grew to over 30k followers on TikTok in only a few months!
You can find Mike on social media here:
TikTok: @mikecarlucci_
Twitter: @mikecarluccifit
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-carlucci-74b1a3186/
Instagram: @mikecarlucci_
Snapchat: @mikecarlucci20
Byte: @themikecarlucci
YT: www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_rkcmhJ-vovkMz7Y0elQA
And check out his podcast the Mike Cast