Nicholas Hildebrandt, also known as The PokePlumber, is a plumber by trade and a Pokémon influencer by night. He lived what many would consider a normal life until the loss of his biological father triggered a vicious, drug-fueled downward spiral that led to chaos and hopelessness throughout his twenties.

Eventually, Nicholas reached a turning point and made the decision to change the course of his life. A single move to Arizona to get clean proved to be the catalyst that changed everything. It was there that he not only pursued his plumbing career head-on, but also rediscovered his love for Pokémon—something that would rapidly reshape his future.

Today, known as The PokePlumber, he is a well-respected Pokémon collector and content creator, specializing in market analysis and product investing within the Pokémon TCG community, along with pack rips and unboxings. He has a fascinating story, and it was a pleasure getting not only an education in Pokémon that I didn’t have prior, but to also learn about his journey!

*Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )

**Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 )

https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com

I’ve been drawn to graffiti for as long as I can remember. The subway-car era was a little before my time, so most of the work I grew up seeing lived on city walls and highway overpasses. Then one day in high school, I stumbled across a couple of magazines and DVDs that revealed an entirely new world to me: freight train graffiti. That discovery changed everything.

My next guest didn’t just participate in that world—he thrived in it at a level most writers only dream of. James McMenamin, better known as MECRO, began painting in 2006 and quickly became one of, if not my absolute favorite graffiti artists of all time. His range, his style, his technical skill—it's unmatched. His work has not only secured his place in graffiti history, but has also built an incredible life for himself and his family.

In 2008, Jimmy stepped into the mural business, founding Glossblack LLC, which he still runs today. Through it, he’s been able to bring his art to the world legally and professionally, transforming businesses and public spaces with the same level of craft and precision that define his freight pieces. Add to that his studio and gallery work—rare, powerful, deeply expressive—and you start to see the full picture of an artist who keeps evolving, both creatively and personally.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jimmy since 2018, when we collaborated on a limited run of MECRO pins. That project led to two more pin releases—and a friendship I’m forever grateful for. Jimmy isn’t just an incredible artist; he’s a devoted father, a visionary, and a spiritual mentor. You’re going to learn a lot from him.

This episode is a special one, and I’m truly thankful to share it with the world.

*Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )

**Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 )

https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com

If you’ve been following me on social media for the past nine years, you’ve probably noticed my wild obsession with Midway’s last arcade game, The Grid — a title that’s changed my life in more ways than one since I first discovered it upon its release in 2000. I often get asked three main questions about it: “What is The Grid? I’ve never heard of it.” “Where did you get all these machines?” and finally, “Why do you do everything you do for this game?”

To celebrate two years of The Sauce Talk Podcast — and to kick off my newly announced solo episode journey — I figured there’s no better way to start than by diving deep into my obsession and answering all the questions you’ve been curious about. My solo episodes will typically be much shorter than this one, but in true Al Sauce fashion, I had to introduce things in the most grandiose way possible. This episode runs a whopping 3 hours and 14 minutes, and I highlyrecommend watching it, as it’s packed with rare, never-before-seen footage and detailed references chronicling my journey — leaving no stone unturned.

This episode doubles not only as a podcast installment but also as a documentary capturing a small yet powerful chapter of my life — one deeply intertwined with the lasting impact of The Grid. So buckle up and get ready for an onslaught of stories, memories, and passion in honor of both my life and this game.

I proudly present to you: The Grid & Me.

*Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )

**Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 )

https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com