Grow Up Level Up

🎙️ Welcome to *Sunset Selects*, a podcast series from Grow Up Level Up!In this episode, hosts **Samson** and **Lucas Gates** dive deep into what it’s like enjoying Pokémon as adults in 2025. From nostalgic memories to exciting new games, they explore how the franchise has evolved and why it continues to resonate with millions, especially among adult and neurodivergent fans.

They cover:

- The power of Pokémon nostalgia

- The growing TCG scene

- Community engagement and content creators

- What’s coming next in Pokémon: *Legends ZA* and more!

📌 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pokémon Nostalgia

02:35 The Evolution of Pokémon

05:33 Community and Content Creation in Pokémon

08:22 Exploring Pokémon in 2025

20:27 Evolving Gimmicks in Pokémon

21:17 Cautious Optimism for Upcoming Pokémon Releases

22:24 The Return of Mega Evolutions

24:28 Exploring the Pokémon Trading Card Game

31:28 The Pokémon Community and Its Growth

35:46 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

👇 What keeps YOU excited about Pokémon in 2025? Tell us in the comments!Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

#Pokemon #Gaming #Nostalgia #Pokemon2025 #TCG #PokemonGo #AdultGamers #VideoGames #PokemonCommunity #SunsetSelects #GrowUpLevelUp

Welcome to the next level of Grow Up Level Up!

In this special episode, we're excited to unveil two brand new shows under the GULU umbrella:

How We Play: Dive into engaging conversations with players, creators, and industry professionals about how gaming is an integral part of their lives and identities.

Sunset Selects: Your ultimate guide to the best games, shows, and stories to enjoy in your 5 to 9 after your 9 to 5.

Join us as we break down what these new series mean for the future of Grow Up Level Up and how they align with our mission to explore the intersection of gaming and life.

Subscribe for more updates and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Chapters

00:00 Reintroducing Grow Up Level Up
01:15 The Evolution of the Podcast
02:41 How We Play: The Original Vision
08:05 Introducing Sunset Selects
12:40 Logistics of the New Shows
15:00 Final Thoughts on the Rebrand
18:13 Future Show Ideas
27:11 Mini Sunset Selects Segment
33:27 Exploring Escape Academy
42:11 Fortnite Blitz Royale
45:16 Revisiting Uncharted 4
52:11 F1 Movie Review
55:59 Diving into Throne of Glass

Stay connected:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=en

Follow Samson:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsonxp_

Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5b

Subscribe and follow for more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup

Curious about the next chapter for "Grow Up Level Up" and "Gamers Club"? Join us as we reveal the twists and turns of our podcast journey and hint at a rebrand that could redefine our future. What's in store? Find out now! 🎙️

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Two Years of Growth

02:37 The Origins of Grow Up Level Up

05:11 The Evolution of the Podcast and Transitioning to Gamers Club

10:59 Creative Outlets and Personal Growth

13:34 Building Relationships Through Podcasting

16:25 The Future of Grow Up Level Up

19:14 Reflections on the Podcast's Name

32:49 Exploring New Concepts and Names

38:58 The Challenge of Rebranding

43:26 Future and Summer Plans

Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

In this episode of Grow Up Level Up Gamers Club, Jordan (SirDrJM) hosts from the sidelines as Samson and special guest Kozibear dive into their first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2. They compare it to the original Switch, explore new features like improved Joy-Con connection, mouse support, and the revamped game capture system, and debate handheld vs. docked mode. Kozi shares his deep Nintendo history, while the crew breaks down the Welcome Tour, Zelda, and what games they're most hyped for. It’s a fun, nostalgia-packed look at what the Switch 2 gets right (and wrong) so far.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Nintendo Switch 2

05:30 Kozibear's Nintendo History

15:12 Expectations for the Switch 2

20:30 Performance of Switch 2 Games

27:42 Switch 2 Features and Improvements

30:56 Docked vs Handheld

39:55 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Review

52:28 Anticipating Future Titles on the Switch 2

57:08 Comparing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom

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Connect with Kozibear and  ⁨@respawnaimfire⁩ 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kozibear.bsky.socialRespawn Aim Fire: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/respawnaimfire.bsky.socialTwitch: Twitch.tv/AffableIdiotsYouTube: Youtube.com/@RespawnAimFire

Stay connected:

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Follow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.social

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Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠

Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.social

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

In this episode, Samson and Jordan discuss their experiences with the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2, sharing first impressions, hardware changes, and game features. They explore the launch day excitement, the ease of transferring data from the original Switch, and the new gameplay mechanics in titles like Mario Kart World.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:09 The Hype and FOMO Surrounding the Launch

05:32 The Purchase Experience and Stock Availability

07:10 Samson's Launch Day Story

10:10 First Impressions of the Switch 2

11:30 Hardware and Design Improvements

15:12 System Transfer Experience

17:58 Exploring the Switch 2's Features

19:45 First Impressions of Mario Kart on Switch 2

28:35 Future Game Prospects and Personal Preferences

33:25 Upcoming Games for Switch 2

42:56 Wrap-Up

Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

Did HBO go too far?

In this explosive episode of Grow Up Level Up: Gamers Club, hosts Samsonxp and SirDrJM break down everything that worked—and everything that absolutely didn’t—in The Last of Us Season 2. 🎮📺🔥

We dive into:

- The most shocking changes from the game

- Abby's controversial debut 😬

- The emotional toll of Joel’s death and its aftermath

- Ellie's transformation and moral spiral

- Pacing problems, flashbacks, and unresolved arcs

- Why the Seraphites and WLF felt... off

- What Season 3 must fix

Was it a bold new direction or a complete misstep?

We’re talking deaths, DLC, drama, and what fans really wanted from this season.💬

Drop your hottest take in the comments.👍

Like if you felt anything watching this season.🔔

Subscribe for unfiltered gamer talk every week.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Last of Us Season 2 Review

03:01 Overall Impressions of Season 2

06:01 Character Analysis: Jesse and His Role

08:57 Character Dynamics: Ellie and Dina

12:02 Exploring Abby's Character

15:05 Supporting Characters: Gail and Eugene

17:49 Themes of Death and Morality

20:53 Final Thoughts and Future Expectations

33:40 Character Development and Story Arcs

38:00 Pacing and Flashbacks in Storytelling

49:00 Ellie's Characterization and Moral Dilemmas

50:55 Changes to the Main Story

57:58 Expanded Story Content

01:02:50 Brutality and Morality in The Last of Us

01:10:14 Ending Analysis and Future Implications

01:20:36 Expectations for Season Three and Beyond

Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

In this episode, we dive into the current state of Overwatch 2 in 2025—breaking down what’s changed, what’s improved, and what still needs work. We talk about the new Stadium mode, our personal highs and lows with the game, and how the community and competitive scene have evolved.We also explore the nostalgia that keeps us coming back, plus what potential crossovers could mean for the game’s future. Whether you're a returning player or just curious if OW2 is worth your time again, this conversation has something for you.👉 Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Is Overwatch 2 finally back?📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more from Grow Up Level Up!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Overwatch 2 in 2025

05:41 Personal Histories with Overwatch

11:16 The Evolution of Overwatch and Its Community

17:23 Stadium Mode

40:59 Esports and Overwatch: A Competitive Landscape

43:34 Crossover Potential: Expanding Overwatch's Universe

54:49 Conclusions

Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠#Overwatch2 #GamingPodcast #StadiumMode #OW2Update #IsItGoodAgain #FPSGaming #BlizzardEntertainment #GrowUpLevelUp

In this catch-up episode of Grow Up Level Up, hosts Samson and Jordan discuss various gaming topics, including their thoughts on Claire Obscur, the latest in the Star Wars universe with Andor. They explore the mechanics and narrative depth of Claire Obscur, the evolution of Star Wars media, and the themes of resistance in Andor. They also yap about personal growth through skateboarding, reactions to the GTA 6 trailer, and the challenges of adapting 'The Last of Us' Season 2 from the video game.

Chapters

00:00 Catch-Up and Introduction

03:09 Exploring Claire Obscur

06:03 Diving into Andor Season 2

27:06 Diving into Pokémon TCG: Competitive Spirit vs Casual Play

30:56 New Hobbies: Skateboarding at 33

36:59 GTA 6: Trailer Reactions and Expectations

46:49 Last of Us Season 2

01:01:07 Blue Prince

Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

In this episode of Grow Up Level Up: Gamers Club, Samson sits down with special guest Jerica from JK Games to break down the top Game of the Year picks so far! From indie hits like Blue Prince, Clair Oscur, and REPO to heavyweights like Split Fiction and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, we dive deep into what makes a game stand out in 2025.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:58 Game of the Year Discussion Begins

18:01 Exploring Claire Obscur and Split Fiction

29:01 Blue Prince

41:02 Repo

48:00 Assassin's Creed: Shadows

54:10 Game of the Year Submissions

56:35 Upcoming Releases: Death Stranding 2?

01:00:10 Pokemon Trading Card Game?!

Follow Jerica and  ⁨@jkgamespodcast⁩  and  ⁨@dropindropoutpod⁩  !

Jerkachu: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:jjcnefrlq2hvg4zlr5vdojd2

JK Games: https://linktr.ee/jkgames

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Don’t forget thumbs up and subscribe! Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠

💸 Love gaming but tired of breaking the bank? In this episode of Grow Up Level Up, Enoch Weng—CEO of Rise Above Finance—shares practical tips and smart strategies to help gamers build better budgets without sacrificing fun.Learn how to create a "happiness fund," avoid common spending mistakes, and gamify your budgeting to make saving actually enjoyable. Whether you’re a casual gamer or hardcore collector, these money tips will level up your finances and your gameplay!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Budgeting for Gamers

02:01 Enoch's Gaming Background and Financial Journey

06:18 Common Budgeting Mistakes in Gaming

10:38 Creating a Happiness Budget

14:41 Gamifying Budgeting and Saving

20:06 Tools for Budgeting and Tracking Spending

23:42 Mindset Shifts for Financial Success

30:11 The Influence of Gaming on Financial Habits

36:16 Gamifying Financial Literacy

40:09 Practical Financial Tips for Gamers

43:43 The Future of Gaming Prices and Consumer Choices

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Connect with Enoch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enochweng/Rise Above Finance: https://www.riseabovefinance.com/Stay connected:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/growuplevelup.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growuplevelup/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growuplevelup?lang=enFollow Samson:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/smsn.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsonxp/Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/samsonxp_⁠Follow Jordan: https://bsky.app/profile/sirdrjm.bsky.socialJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/Fmzgcxar5bSubscribe and follow for more: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@growuplevelup⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growuplevelup⁠