Poker on The Mind Podcast

24/06/2023

EPISODE 176 - Is This Card Distribution Or Do I Suck?

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts discussed their recent poker escapades including Gareth’s time playing SCOOP and Tricia’s recent visit to The Lodge. Topics discussed include:

- The role of variance in results and how it can be hard to tell if it was just bad luck or if poor play was to blame
- Whether or not Hendon Mob results are an accurate representation of how good & profitable a player is
- Why mental game work is never one and done and why mental toughness is paramount to long-term success

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 176! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts discussed their recent poker escapades including Gareth’s time playing SCOOP and Tricia’s ...

12/06/2023

EPISODE 175 - A Big Bink Doesn't Always Lead To Great Things

Welcome to Episode 175! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we answered a question from several listeners who want to know how to deal with being discouraged and de-motivated by the long journey to becoming a pro (or semi-pro).

Topics discussed include:
- The importance of your ideal self and your real self matching up
- Habits to develop and optimized identity
- Being aware of hedonic adaptation and the role it can play in motivation
- Ways to avoid a bankroll crash (and how to plan for the economics of a transition to full-time poker)

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 175! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we answered a question from several listeners who want to know how to deal with being discouraged and de...

14/04/2023

Episode 174 - Happy Is Now Or Never

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner and I are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we answered an anonymous question from a listener who wants to know how to deal with the let down that can come after doing well in an event.

Topics discussed include:

- What post achievement depression is and reasons why it’s so common
- The underlying neurological reasons for a post achievement let-down
- Being aware of social comparison & how it can steal your joy
- Ways to avoid a let-down and enjoy the ride

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 174! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we answered an anonymous question from a listener who wants to know how to deal with the let down that c...

07/04/2023

Welcome to Episode 173!

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we discussed Gareth’s study plan/strategy for the upcoming SCOOP series.

Topics discussed include:

- What poker immersion can look like and how to implement it
- The best ways to train & study for SCOOP and other events like it
- Avoiding the tactic of “procrasti-planning”
- Ways to train for mindset in addition to just strategy

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 173! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we discussed Gareth’s study plan/strategy for the upcoming SCOOP series. Topics discussed include: - W...

01/04/2023

Welcome to Episode 172 - 80:20!

In this episode, Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner and I are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we discussed a question from Larry who wants to go pro but who suffers from procrastination specifically related to studying.

Topics discussed include:

● The psychological reasons why we procrastinate including fear of failure, fear of uncertainty, fear of looking stupid and fear of success
● The best ways to train & learn using active strategies
● Planning study using the 80/20 rule
● Ways to reduce self-sabotaging behaviors (procrastination, perfectionism, complacency)
● Why it’s important not to lose perspective & to never give up

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 172! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we discussed a question from Larry who wants to go pro but who suffers from procrastination specific...

18/03/2023

Welcome to Episode 170 - Superiority/Inferiority Complex

In this episode, we discussed a question that has been popping off in Tricia’s facebook group about how Phil Hellmuth’s antics affect other players - especially recreational ones.

Topics discussed include:

● How & why Phil uses his personality as a marketing tactic
● A couple of hand examples where players targeted Phil and the reasons given were his
past treatment of them personally or other players
● Definitions of common psychological terms that get thrown around like narcissism and
delusions
● The difference between a superiority complex and an inferiority complex
● Why it’s important to keep in mind how another person perceives a situation

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 170! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we discussed a question that has been popping off in Tricia’s facebook group about how Phil Hellmuth.....

11/03/2023

Welcome to Episode 169!

In this episode, we talked about Gareth’s recent trip to play live poker before answering a listener question about hand ranges for the final table/stages of a tournament.

Topics discussed include:

● An update on the events Gareth played and the one he won at the Dublin Poker Festival
● Why final tables are unique and what this means for our starting ranges
● How risk premiums affect play
● Ways to study for and improve final table play

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 169! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we talked about Gareth’s recent trip to play live poker. Then we answered a listener question about ha...

03/03/2023

Welcome to Episode 168 - Longevity in Poker

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we answer a question from Paul who wants to know our opinion on how long someone can expect to play at a high level with good results as he has noticed that there are not too many older players that fit this criteria.

Topics discussed include:

● The difference between crystallized and fluid intelligence and the role they play in poker
● How to keep your brain healthy
● Tips for keeping your mind fit (including suggestions for brain enhancing activities)

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 168! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, we answer a question from Paul who wants to know our opinion on how long someone can expect to play at a...

10/02/2023

Episode 166: Improving Your Physiology for Better Performance (Eat/Move/Sleep)

The hosts answer a question from a listener called Pat who wants to know if he should change his strategy in response to being tired at the table during live events.

Topics discussed include:

● The answer to the question of whether or not your strategy when you’re tired
● How to identify and respond to the root causes of fatigue
● Tips for improving your physiology (eat,move,sleep) so that you can focus for longer
periods of time
● How to prepare for live events in advance so that fatigue is less of an issue

Listen to the full episode here:

Welcome to Episode 166! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener called Pat who wants to know if he should change his strateg...

09/02/2023

Welcome to Episode 165!

In this episode, Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner and MTT Coach Gareth James are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset.

In this episode, we answer a question from a listener who wants some advice on how to remain calm in big hands especially because his symptoms are so noticeable & uncomfortable.

Topics discussed include:

● The physiological reasons why it’s likely that arousal will be heightened during big hands
● How to quickly calm down using principles of physiology & psychology
● Why it’s useful to practice relaxation on a daily basis
● How using a process cue can help you calm down

Want us to answer your poker question?

Listen here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/52628690

29/01/2023

Episode 164 - The Peak Poker Performance Formula

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener who wants some advice on how not to lose focus deep in a MTT. Topics discussed include:

- Fitness updates and tips for sedentary players as well as Gareth’s upcoming book release The Final Table
- The peak performance formula: Potential + Training - Interference
- Why it’s useful to take a nonjudgmental and gentle approach with yourself & strategies for dealing with burnout
- Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday & how it relates to the topic at hand

Welcome to Episode 164! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener who wants some advice on how not to lose focus deep in a MTT...

20/01/2023

Episode 163 - Satellite Stress

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener who wants some advice on how to cope with your KK getting cracked by a fishy player. Topics discussed include:

- A quick discussion on WSOP dates and Gareth’s upcoming book release The Final Table (preorder here! - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1912862352?crid=2WHOYJO71U28D&keywords=the+final+table+gareth+james&sprefix=the+final+table+gareth+james,aps,109&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&language=en_US&sr=8-1&linkCode=gs2&linkId=553488f5814eb90ddfb0acd01be8c0be&tag=drcard-21 )
- Whether or not open-jamming T7o (in a satellite) with 34bb is ever a good idea
- Why it’s useful to take a range perspective instead of focusing on a singular hand
- How to use the Occam’s razor to simplify assumptions

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/52494282

Welcome to Episode 163! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener who wants some advice on how to cope with your KK getting cr...

23/12/2022

Episode 162 - Americans vs Europeans

In this episode, Tricia and Gareth went over a hand history and did a deep dive into bet sizing and range analysis on all streets when stacks are relatively deep. Topics discussed include:

- An update on Gareth’s upcoming book release & Tricia’s initial reactions to it as a reviewer
- How to bet size on paired boards when relatively deep stacked versus the BB
- Why it’s important to consider what hands we can get value from before we bet, whether or not we have blockers and what better hands a bet can get to fold
- How to decide whether or not to bet the river and what size to use when we do

Welcome to Episode 162! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener who wants some advice on how to control emotions and improve...

17/12/2022

Episode 161 - You Need This Book!

In this episode, Tricia and Gareth went over a hand history and did a deep dive into bet sizing and range analysis on all streets when stacks are relatively deep. Topics discussed include:

- An update on Gareth’s upcoming book release & Tricia’s initial reactions to it as a reviewer
- How to bet size on paired boards when relatively deep stacked versus the BB
- Why it’s important to consider what hands we can get value from before we bet, whether or not we have blockers and what better hands a bet can get to fold
- How to decide whether or not to bet the river and what size to use when we do

Welcome to Episode 161! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts went over a hand history and did a deep dive into bet sizing and range analysis on all streets...

09/12/2022

Should you quit the corporate grind & go pro!? Listen in as we discuss the pros & cons as well as how to make the transition!

Welcome to Episode 160! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

09/12/2022

Episode 160 - Eyes Wide Open

In this episode, Tricia and Gareth answer the following listener question: I really hate my corporate job and fantasize about quitting and playing poker professionally. Is this just a mid-life crisis or should I go for it? Topics discussed include:

- A brief discussion on the psychology behind a midlife crisis
- How to weigh the pros and cons of leaving a corporate job versus playing professionally
- Why playing professionally can be just as stressful as a corporate job
- How to plan out a 12 month transition

Welcome to Episode 160! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

02/12/2022

Episode 159 - You Could Be Wrong

In this episode, Tricia and Gareth discuss a hand history question that focused on the dynamics between ICM, open-mindedness, and mindset. Topics discussed include:

- A brief discussion on the pain of losing versus the pleasure of winning
- How to embrace and learn from mistakes
- Why it can be difficult to receive feedback
- Bankroll considerations and how they can affect the mental side of the game

Welcome to Episode 159! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

25/11/2022

Episode 158 - What Is Risk Premium?

In this episode, Tricia and Gareth answer a stream viewers question about risk premiums. Topics covered in this episode include:

- A brief discussion on the Pomodoro technique and how it relates to the concept of deep work
- An update of Gareth’s upcoming book: The Final Table
- Why ‘risk premium’ is an important theoretical ICM concept for players to understand
- What risk premiums are and how to account for them when making decisions

Welcome to Episode 158! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

18/11/2022

Episode 157 - Monitor Your Thinking

In this episode, Tricia & Gareth answer the question “how do you know when to give up on a session where nothing has been going your way?” Topics covered in this episode include:

- A discussion of the proper definition of the mental game
- Why thinking on purpose is critical to winning poker
- The best ways to use self-awareness and observation to improve your game
- How to use the WDEP system to redirect your thoughts and actions

Welcome to Episode 157! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

11/11/2022

Episode 156 - The Difference Between Study and Training

In this episode, Tricia and Gareth answered the question: what are the top essential tools for players looking to improve their MTT strategy? Topics covered in this episode include:

- A discussion of why it’s important to train in the right way & tips on how to use the various recommended tools
- Why you need tracking software - PokerTracker was recommended for this
- The best preflop solver - HRC Beta was recommended
- The best postflop trainer - DTO is our pick

Welcome to Episode 156! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

04/11/2022

Episode 155 - Track The Outputs, Not The Inputs

In this episode, the hosts answered an anonymous listener who wanted feedback on the proper ways to improve his mental game. Topics covered in this episode include:

- A rundown of the common tilt triggers
- The role self-control and instant gratification play in the tilt response
- How to increase your awareness of tilt triggers
- Specific steps/strategies for dealing with tilt in-game

Welcome to Episode 155! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

28/10/2022

Episode 154 - Make Sure You're Not Over-Folding

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answered a listener question from Peter who wanted to find out if he played his hand well - particularly on the river. Topics covered in this episode include:

- A rundown of the hand as well as the factors that influence bet sizing
- The best sizing to use on jack and ten-high flops
- How to think about the hands that villain is most likely calling flop and turn with
- Assessing how value heavy opponent is on the river to determine the best play

Welcome to Episode 154! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

21/10/2022

Episode 153 - Best Personality for Poker?

In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answered a listener question from Neil about the best personality type for poker. Topics covered in this episode include:

- What personality is and how it influences behaviour
- The big 5 personality categories
- How personality type may determine the type and format of poker that is preferred
- The difference between a “good” personality and the dark triad

Welcome to Episode 153! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

23/09/2022

Episode 152 - Talking About The Turn

In this episode, Gareth announced that he has a new book coming out next summer called The Final Table. Then the conversation turned to a listener question on the best way to study turn strategy in position. Topics covered in this episode include:

- Gareth’s book writing workflow & some of the topics he will be covering in his new book (ICM, BB defense, equity realization, short-handed play, HU play and more!)
- How flop play influences turn play
- The importance of categorizing turn cards (Gareth offered 6 categories)
- How to use drilling tools like DTO to practice a ton of turn spots

Welcome to Episode 152! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

09/09/2022

Episode 151 - Don't Forget To Breathe!

In this episode, Gareth & Tricia answered a question from a listener who wants to know how to deal with nerves at the table. Topics covered in this episode include:

- Why self-awareness & self-observation are important to mental training
- The 6-2-7 breathing technique: what it is & how to use it
- The importance of meditation and exercise to improved mindset
- How to use progressive relaxation exercises to train yourself to calm down & release tension immediately - here’s a link to one of Dr. Tricia Cardner’s youtube videos that will walk you through a short progressive relaxation exercise - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBbuwcFbfFA&feature=youtu.be

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/51198352

Welcome to Episode 151! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach D

29/08/2022

Episode 150 - Our Favourite Episodes

In this extended episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner take a walk down memory lane in celebration of 150 episodes! They took turns talking about their favourite episodes from 2017 to now. The episodes mentioned (which you can check out here) were:

- Episode 36: Staying motivated after winning
- Episode 01: Anger management and AQs
- Episode 49: Pull the trigger: Fear of failure, perfectionism and resilience
- Episode 36: Staying motivated after winning
- Episode 18: Deliberate practice
- Episode 57: We’ve finished the book!
- Episode 82: Run bad mindset & the role of luck
- Episode 46: A Las Vegas recap
- Episode 111: Dealing with ADHD as a poker player
- Episode 26: Dealing with sleep issues
- Episode 69: The effects of sleep on poker performance
- Episode 74: Can we retrain the brain for better sleep?
- Episode 121: Respect the mental game
- Episode 122: Our friend won a bracelet

Welcome to Episode 150! In this extended episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindse