Dan "Jungleman" Cates

I sat down with Cary Katz, the man who quietly built the modern stage of poker. He’s the founder of PokerGO, the one who brought us the Super High Roller Bowl, Poker Masters, US Poker Open, and yes, even the Big Blind Ante. What fascinates me isn’t just his $40M+ in tournament winnings, but his mindset: the shift from frustration to gratitude, from creating a prison with losses to celebrating them. Cary opens up about business risks, how passion projects cost more than you expect, and why he thinks integrity is the only real strategy in life.We also got into health, longevity, and some personal truths: how it took him 55 years to quit sugar, why lifting weights is a cheat code against the “four horsemen,” and how he views the next 30 years of his life as a freeroll. From billion-dollar loans to billions of minutes of poker watched, Cary’s story isn’t just about poker, it’s about building, adapting, and finding perspective through the swings. He also finally lays out who he thinks are poker's true icons... You're not going to want to miss this stunning conversation!CHAPTERS00:00 Cary Katz on being a “copycat” in poker & business00:37 Dan introduces Cary Katz’s impact on poker01:02 Building PokerGO, Super High Roller Bowl & majors02:05 Why Cary prefers tournaments over cash games02:34 Staking, friendships, and instincts in high rollers04:14 Copying great ideas to grow poker brands06:03 Making poker a true spectator sport07:07 Challenges with live broadcasting & delays07:33 Transition from Poker Central → PokerGO08:48 Expanding PokerGO globally (Brazil, Japan, Spanish markets)09:41 Cary’s mindset shift: embracing losses & positivity12:16 Winning his first bracelet with a new mindset13:30 Dan & Cary on gratitude, history, and perspective19:00 Health & lifestyle: fasting, quitting sugar, longevity22:17 Fitness, weightlifting, yoga, and cryotherapy27:01 Fitness vs. business focus – finding balance27:25 Cary’s sales background and path to building College Loan Corp29:04 Scaling from $20M to $3B in student loans33:26 Starting PokerGO as a passion project34:53 The cost of poker productions & why paywalls exist40:17 Online poker challenges vs. live poker instincts43:22 Why Cary supports poker: passion & competition45:16 The invention of the Big Blind Ante48:18 Difficulties of the media business & PokerGO growth50:59 Life balance, gratitude, and slowing down time55:00 Business lessons: revenue, hiring, and integrity58:51 Poker players transitioning into business01:03:40 Cary’s goals: family, longevity, and staying present01:04:09 What’s next for Cary Katz and PokerGO01:04:45 Titles, bracelets, and long-term poker goals01:05:22 Embracing swings & “the wave” in poker and life01:06:12 Closing banter: Negreanu’s influence & poker iconsPINNED COMMENTWho are your top 5 poker icons? Drop em below...

You're about to meet a poker player who might have the strangest pre-game routine I've ever heard of. Global Kenny (@globalkennypoker on Instagram) has some absolutely wild theories about nutrition, energy, and cognitive performance that honestly sound crazy until you see his results. This guy went from complete unknown to playing some of the biggest pots on the West Coast, and his approach to preparation is... let's just say it involves some unconventional choices that most poker pros would never consider. I was skeptical going into this conversation, but his logic actually started making sense by the end.What really caught my attention wasn't just Kenny's rapid rise through the stakes, but how he's navigating the modern poker landscape where everyone's trying to be both a player and a content creator. He's got some strong opinions about the "nit epidemic" in poker and has actually built a movement around it, but more importantly, he's figured out something that most poker influencers haven't: how to actually keep improving at poker while building a brand. We get into some fascinating territory about game selection, the West Coast scene, and why he thinks the path to higher stakes is more accessible than people realize. Plus, he drops some insights about international poker that might surprise you.CHAPTERS00:00:00 - Introduction and Global Kenny's poker background00:03:20 - The anti-knit campaign and converting poker players00:07:00 - Fasting and caffeine preparation routines00:12:00 - Meditation vs morning routine philosophy00:18:00 - Sleep tracking and optimization strategies00:22:00 - Daily poker schedule and session structure00:27:00 - Moving up stakes and bankroll building journey00:32:00 - Building a social media brand in poker00:38:00 - Biggest pots won and lost; the 50k hands00:43:00 - Biggest bluffs and table presence discussion00:47:00 - Future tournament and streaming plans00:52:00 - Education background and investment interests00:56:00 - Content creation challenges and balancing poker01:00:25 - Closing thoughts and social media shoutoutsPINNED COMMENTWhat's your Monster Energy drink of choice?

Xuan Liu just detonated one of poker’s longest-standing glass ceilings—busting a 200-event streak with the first female title in Triton history, taking down the $25 000 WPT Global Slam in Montenegro (155 entries, $860 000 up top). I had to know how she did it, so we sat down to trade war stories: her Yukon bankroll challenge that started with two grand total (flights included), the cliquey staking webs that freeze most women out of 25 Ks, and why she thinks “marketing yourself” is the truest edge in high-rollers.From double-board bomb-pots in the Arctic to four-bet battles on Poker Night in America, we unpack the mind-game, the money game, and the human game... plus a few leaks we’re still plugging.If you’re chasing freedom through cards... or just wondering how a calm Canadian-Chinese grinder became the “Queen of Triton”, hit play, drop a comment, and let’s keep pushing the ceiling higher!CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction & Xuan’s breakthrough Triton win01:45 – Are there other female high-roller champs?03:30 – Where Xuan ranks among the game’s top women05:35 – The real barriers keeping women out of high-stakes poker08:55 – Selling action online as a launchpad to live events11:45 – Why community (and clean staking deals) matter14:30 – Cash-game cred vs. tournament glory18:50 – Stream games, thumbnails & the “female click-factor”22:00 – The $2k cross-Canada bankroll challenge28:15 – Yukon bomb-pots and soft PLO edges33:40 – Wild travel poker tales from Newfoundland to Nunavut38:45 – Couch-surfing, poverty roots & those early $5k shots40:45 – Cutting costs: practical tips for the tour-grind lifestyle43:50 – Re-igniting passion, building brand & fresh content goals46:30 – WSOP plans, mixed-game temptations and China tour50:15 – Dating on pause: focus, independence & life balance52:45 – Growing the women’s game: golf analogy & untapped markets55:40 – Final reflections, bracelet dreams & sign-offPINNED COMMENTWho should I have next on the podcast?

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/junglemanDESCRIPTIONAlright, so I sat down with French OG for this episode of Winning The Game Of Life. This guy's got a wild background – went from grinding poker tables, understanding odds and variance, to coaching guys through the even more complex and sometimes brutal game of modern dating. We didn't waste time on fluff; we jumped straight into the deep end, applying strategic thinking and probability to figure out what actually works with women, relationships, and frankly, just navigating human psychology when the stakes feel high.Expect some takes that might make you uncomfortable. French OG dropped some bombs, like comparing personality to makeup and arguing why chasing commitment can kill attraction. We went back and forth on whether optimizing for 'lays' is a fundamental mistake (a point where I think the Red Pill logic often breaks down), debated the real source of confidence, and even touched on whether my blue hair stunt was a calculated 'polarizing' move. It's raw, unfiltered, and definitely not your standard dating advice. If you're tired of simplistic answers and want to explore the messy variables, the actual 'game theory' behind attraction and connection, then you need to check this out. We dissect common assumptions, challenge popular narratives, and try to find a real edge in understanding this crucial part of life. Hit play, listen close, and then tell me in the comments where you think we got it right or wrong – figuring this stuff out is part of winning the game.CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro: Meet French OG01:35 – Twitter Truths & Trolls04:45 – French OG: Poker Player to Dating Coach09:15 – Poker Strategy Applied to Dating13:47 – Confidence, Uncertainty & Poker Mindset16:10 – Coaching Smart Guys (INTJs)18:20 – Boundaries vs. Ultimatums in Dating20:30 – Dealing with Randomness (Poker & Life)23:34 – Culture Clash: Agency vs. Environment25:05 – Poker Analogy: Know Your Value & Spot27:38 – Jungleman's Blue Hair: Polarizing Works31:39 – Don't Be Average32:10 – Niche Strategy: Poker Tables & Dating Apps34:27 – Red Pill Critique: Optimize LIFE, Not Lays36:16 – Lust vs. Love: Who Secures the Relationship?37:03 – Debate: Leading with Relationship Intent40:05 – Filtering for Partner vs. Max Quantity44:45 – Why Men Shouldn't Chase Relationships45:50 – Red Pill Flaw: Metrics Aren't Everything48:05 – Defining Male Personality48:39 – Coaching Different Men, Different Goals53:40 – Advice for the "Average" Guy58:24 – Looks, Fitness & Self-Care Matter01:00:30 – Ripped vs. Money vs. Confidence Debate01:04:40 – Personality is Male "Makeup"01:07:20 – The "Good Woman" Debate01:12:15 – Compatibility vs. Pedestals01:14:05 – Predictable vs. Exciting Relationships01:20:15 – Control Dynamics & Dealing with Damage01:21:05 – Final Thoughts & OutroPINNED COMMENTFrench OG says that "Personality is makeup for men". Is 'game' the ultimate equalizer, or do looks/status still dominate? Weigh in!

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/junglemanThis week I'm with Wayne Yap, who literally dominated the Asian poker scene as the former #1 in Singapore, stacking up over $1.3M in tournaments and $3M+ in cash games before making a hard left into business. Seriously, why would someone leave crushing it at the tables? We dug into applying hardcore poker thinking – the EV, the polarization – to the business world, and turns out, most business folks are missing this crucial stuff. He breaks down why you actually need to repel some people to attract the right ones, a wild concept that makes a lot of sense once you hear it.Beyond the strategy, we touched on some deep and unexpected territory: intense spiritual journeys, what it's really like buying and running businesses without prior experience, and the brutal lessons about who to trust along the way. If you've ever wondered if poker brains are wasted just playing cards, or how to find leverage and value in unconventional places, this is the conversation.Check out Wayne's X linked below for more unfiltered thoughts.https://x.com/wayneyapCHAPTERS00:00 - Wayne Yap: Poker Pro to Business Guru & Spiritual Explorer01:00 - The Spiritual Rabbit Hole: Meditation & Transcendent Experiences02:26 - Crushing Poker: Singapore's #1 and Big Wins03:08 - Why Leave Poker at the Peak? Climbing a Higher Mountain04:40 - Lessons from Life: Bowling, World of Warcraft & Obsession06:05 - Poker Skills for Business: EV & Polarization08:45 - Why You Need People to Like & Hate You11:24 - First Business Acquisition & Fighting Industry Norms15:19 - Finding & Exploiting Opportunities (Business vs. Poker)19:05 - Bouncing Back: Overcoming Poker & Business Setbacks20:49 - The Leap into Buying Businesses23:16 - Solving Problems & Motivating Teams Without Experience26:48 - Different Types of "Genius" in Life & Work28:29 - The Inner Game: Motivation & Self-Talk29:39 - The "Star Principle": Finding a Winning Market Niche32:42 - If I Started Over: Poker as a Hobby?34:40 - Business vs. Poker: Risk, Rewards & Finding Your Path38:08 - Getting into Business Without Money: Apprenticeship & Acquisitions44:16 - The Dangers of Partnering with the Wrong People45:40 - Is Business for Everyone? Finding Your Archetype50:00 - Deep Dive into Spiritual Experiences & Joe Dispenza55:09 - Experiencing Energy & Questioning Miracles57:25 - Samadhi, Unity, and Out-of-Body States1:01:42 - Integrating Spiritual Insights into Business & Life1:05:35 - Evaluating Tony Robbins: Value, Manipulation, and Ethics1:09:38 - Connecting & Collaborating: Wayne's Community & Future Vision1:12:21 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find WaynePINNED COMMENTWhat do you think of Wayne Yap's decision? Smart? Crazy? Drop your thoughts below...

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/What is justice if we let cheats slide? John Dorsey and I architect the poker justice system... a council sworn to expose fraudsters and hold everyone (including us) accountable. We debate membership criteria, Supreme Court-style verdict drops, and specialized squads to tackle every flavor of wrongdoingBut we’re not all capes and gavels...we also talk Shuffle & Shred, the 60-day, $300 challenge that marries gym gains with poker stakes. Log your workouts, meals, and steps to earn tournament points, then battle your friends at the table for a chance to win cash or lose chips. Sign up now at shuffleandshred.com.As always, don't forget to sign up for the JUNGLEVERSE, your one-stop shop for justice-tracking tools, rake-back insights, and game-finding maps to help you crush it on and off the felt.Drop your Justice League superpower in the comments, smash that subscribe button, and let’s get to work!Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/CHAPTERS00:48 - Introducing Shuffle & Shred: poker × fitness challenge01:29 - How Shuffle & Shred works: incentives & program details04:09 - Jungleverse community launch announcement05:29 - Calling out scumbags & proposing a “Justice League”07:12 - Preventing mistakes with collective judgment09:00 - Quick-fix anecdotes: texting to resolve disputes11:29 - Building the Justice League: membership & transparency13:53 - Defining superpowers & roles within the League17:05 - Formalizing the League: invites, council structure & tools23:02 - Flaking on a tournament26:07 - Fun staking incentives: refining the “cuckoo koochoo” challenge28:46 - Wrap-up & next steps for your own challengesPINNED COMMENTHave you been wronged by someone in the poker world... Let's bring them to justice! My weaponized autism is ready

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/What if the game isn’t solved? What if the best player alive right now… is a 25-year-old Brit who just soul-read me on the river with ace-queen high?In this episode I sit down with Owen “Pr0digy” Messere—aka possibly the #1 heads-up no limit player in the world—and dig deep into the real layers of high-stakes poker. We talk population exploits, psychological warfare, the art of range betting vs chaos, and what actually separates the elite from the elite-elite.Also… we go off-script. Spiritual scripts. Life as a game. EV as a compass for living. The war between safe strategy and liberating aggression—on and off the felt.There’s a lot in here. The poker world may never be the same. But maybe that’s the point. Let the real games begin.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Meet Owen 'Pr0digy' Messere & His Dominant Win02:00 - Owen's Edge: Exploiting Players & Why Tricks Have Long Shelf Lives03:22 - Legendary Hand: Owen's Ace-High Soul Read on Jungleman08:14 - Deep Diving on Opponents: Studying Stefan, Solti & Berri Sweet15:06 - Battling the Aggro Kings: Davy Jones & Flushy19:21 - Playing Linus: A More "Sensible" (Boring?) Game21:30 - The Meta Game: Playing Spicy, Getting Action & Private Games24:01 - Poker Mindset: Long-Term Thinking, Calculated Risks & Life Parallels28:40 - Is the Poker Dream Alive? Finding Edges Beyond Solvers33:20 - Exploiting Off-Script Mistakes & Flawed Range Construction41:57 - Strategy Talk: Range Betting vs Polarized & NLHE vs PLO49:10 - Poker Skills in Life & Owen's Coaching for Profit (CFP)55:10 - Sharing Strategy vs Protecting High-Stakes Edges01:00:50 - Dan's Goal: Using Poker for Something Greater01:02:00 - Who is the Best NLHE Player? Owen Names His Rivals01:05:06 - The Spirituality Deep Dive: Logic, Game Theory & Ancient Wisdom01:21:40 - Final Thoughts & The Jungleman vs Pr0digy Challenge!01:22:26 - OutroPINNED COMMENTOwen might be the best in the world right now. What do you think?

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Ever wondered what it takes to crush the toughest poker games on the planet? Dive deep into the mind of Alexander Kostritsyn, a legend who's banked over $10 MILLION playing online poker! Alexander pulls back the curtain on his incredible journey, revealing:Unorthodox study methods that CRUSH solvers.Why he QUIT No-Limit Hold'em (and what you should do).How to exploit *human* weaknesses, not just GTO.The dark side of high stakes & the ethics of the game.Practical philosophy for a better poker & life strategy. This isn't just about cards – it's about thinking differently & achieving peak performance. Unlock Alexander Kostritsyn's secrets now...Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:0:00:00 - Intro: Power, Greed & the Poker Mindset0:00:42 - Meet Alexander Kostritsyn: $10M Winner0:01:16 - High Stakes: Battles & Strategies0:02:17 - Mastering Poker: Unique Study Methods0:05:10 - Reverse Engineering: Analyzing & Exploiting Hands0:05:54 - Why He Quit NLH: The Solver Debate0:07:18 - Advanced Strategy: Deviations & Ranges0:08:38 - Bobby's Room: Inside the Legendary Games0:13:51 - "Stupid Solver People" & the Future of Poker0:15:03 - River Strategy: Bet Sizing & Exploitation0:20:50 - Reading People: Identifying Thought Patterns0:22:37 - Kairos: Perfect Timing & Imperfection0:24:55 - Ethics & Perspective in Poker0:28:59 - Self-Awareness & Emotional Control0:37:17 - The Grand Theory: Combining Philosophy & Poker0:38:29 - Understanding Players and Cooperation0:44:53 - Responsibility & Continuous Improvement0:53:41 - Philosophies & Making Judgements0:57:35 - Alexander's Current Practical Philisophies: Goal Driven Mindset1:02:54 - How He Improves Others Minds1:08:26 - Using Tools and What To Prioritze1:11:01 - The Goals: The Mindset1:12:27 - Multi Agent and How it Works: How Systematic Approach1:17:18 - Summary: Last Words & Takeaways

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Ever wonder what poker's iconic voice, Norman Chad, really thinks about the biggest controversies shaking the game? Well, I sat down with the legend himself to unravel exactly that. Norman, famed for his razor-sharp wit and signature humor, opens up about the shadowy corners of poker, including his brutally honest take on online poker scandals, the fine line between justice and vengeance, and why integrity in the game is not just crucial—it's absolutely necessary.Norman shares some deeply personal stories and reveals his own struggles with morality at the poker table, including a confession he's carried for years: "Taking justice into my own hands—I've regretted it ever since." We dive into ghosting, Full Tilt, and edge-sorting—discussing how easy it is to flirt with ethical lines, and why the poker community urgently needs its own "untouchables" to uphold integrity.But it's not all doom and gloom. We also explore how poker can become more than just winning or losing—how the game, at its core, has the power to shape character, teach critical life lessons, and potentially even serve a greater good. Norman's insights and brutal honesty are not just entertaining—they're vital. Tune in, and let's shine a little light into poker’s murky depths.

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/In this episode, I sat down with Mateos Norian—better known as 2cardtito—a 23-year-old grinder living with his parents while chasing his poker dream. This guy’s story is incredible. He started playing poker in his friends’ basements during COVID, worked his way up from $0.01/$0.02 stakes, and now he’s playing $20/$40 live games with a $90K bankroll. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.We talked about his $50K downswing, the mental grind of poker, and why he believes bankroll management isn’t one-size-fits-all (hot take: you don’t need 100 buy-ins if you have income). Mateos also shared why he started creating poker content to show the emotional side of the game—the wins, the losses, and everything in between.This isn’t just another poker story. Mateos has some crazy tales, from live turtles at the table to hunting down the best games in America. Whether you’re grinding your way up or just love wild poker stories, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.Give 2cardtito a follow:IG: @2cardtitoYoutube: @2cardtitoJoin The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:02:07 - Introduction of Mateos Norian (@2cardtito)07:02 - First Live Poker Experience10:41 - Bankroll Management and Moving Up Stakes12:43 - Taking a Break from Live Poker17:36 - Defining High Stakes Poker19:21 - Creating Poker Content and Transparency23:32 - Biggest Pot Ever Played29:19 - Bankroll Management Strategy Discussion31:18 - Playing Short Stack vs. Deep Stack35:10 - Best Places to Play Poker Worldwide38:00 - Private Games vs. Public Games42:20 - Craziest Casino Stories49:48 - Transparency in Poker Content Creation54:40 - Recovering from Major Downswings01:09:19 - Closing Thoughts and Guest PlugsFollow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/This week I’m sitting down with Niels Herregodts, the mastermind and founder behind GTO Lab and someone who’s deep in the trenches of poker security. We’re talking about the biggest threats in online poker—collusion, bots, and ghosting—and how Niels is crafting the tools to fight back. It’s not just about catching cheaters though, we’re diving into high-level ICM strategy and how it can be the game-changer for serious tournament grinders.The discussion gets intense—think Ghostbusters, but for poker scumbags. We even explore the wild idea of a cheaters-only poker pool where they unknowingly screw each other over. Yeah, it’s that kind of episode. But it’s not all about calling out the villains. Niels shares insights into building GTO Lab, where some of the sharpest minds in poker are creating cutting-edge tools for players who want to win smarter, not just harder.If you’re serious about poker or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the high-stakes world, you don’t want to miss this. Let’s learn, crush, and put cheaters in their place together. And hey, if you’ve ever dreamed of leveling up your poker game, this podcast has got something here for you.Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:00:00 Introduction to GTO LAB and Niels Herregodtz03:50 Discussing the challenge of catching cheaters in online poker07:36 The need for a social mechanism to address cheating10:40 Exploring the idea of a shared player pool for cheaters14:12 The importance of accountability in poker communities18:47 Introducing the concept of “Ghostbusters” for poker21:58 Examining the complexities of collusion in online poker25:34 The ethics of cheating and counter-cheating in poker29:25 Introducing GTO Lab and its unique features32:55 Demonstrating the GTO Lab trainer for ICM situations38:39 Discussing the importance of playing with correct frequencies43:55 Overview of the upcoming GTO Lab masterclass49:10 Details on the content of the ICM masterclass51:34 Conclusion and final thoughtsFollow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/What’s it like being a woman in a game where 95% of the players are men? Olga Iermolcheva knows. And trust me, it’s not what you’d expect. We talk about how she deals with guys who think she’s an easy target at the table (spoiler: they regret it), the wild story of how she almost won a high-stakes tournament she didn’t even plan to enter, and why overthinking at the table cost her more than just chips. Ever heard of a player using zero study tools and STILL crushing tournaments? We get into that too.Olga’s got goals, hustle, and the mindset to stay passionate about poker without burning out. Plus, there’s the crazy dynamic of poker players soft-playing their friends, the unexpected perks of being underestimated, and some talk about the future of poker itself. Whether you’re here to sharpen your edge or just hear some insane poker stories, you’re in for a ride. Let’s go!Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Olga’s nickname “Mangusta”03:56 Olga’s experience on Game of Gold07:23 Discussing Olga’s big win in Panama12:28 Coaching from poker pros and improving her game16:16 Advantages of being a woman in poker22:24 Olga’s favorite travel destinations29:33 Cheating experiences in poker34:22 How Olga works on improving her poker game38:38 Discussion on astrology and poker43:33 Jeremy Becker: Success without online poker49:43 The future of poker and attracting new players54:16 Olga’s podcast and goals for content creation58:55 Olga’s thoughts on Coin Poker and changes in the industry01:02:30 The aging demographic in poker01:08:12 Reality TV shows and Olga’s interest in participating

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Join me as I chat with John Dorsey (IG: @goob_u2), a relentless crusader on a mission to expose scams, take down predators, and shine a light on the dark corners of the fitness world—and beyond. From calling out 5D energy coaches waving hands for $400 an hour to uncovering influencers with more Photoshop than honesty, John shares the bold, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking stories behind his crusade for justice.We’ll also tackle the tricky balance of accountability and compassion, delve into the psychology of fraud, and swap tales of poker scams and personal vendettas. This episode isn’t just about exposing lies; it’s about protecting people and finding the courage to do what others won’t. Packed with humor, insight, and a touch of chaos, this one’s not to be missed!Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect on this episode:0:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview2:31 - Exposing the Fitness World Scams8:46 - The “Shitfluencer” Chronicles15:11 - When Scams Get Personal22:31 - Navigating the World of Fraudsters29:01 - Dealing with Poker Debts and Scammers36:51 - The Goobies: Awards for Scammers43:21 - Tales of Redemption and Change50:11 - The Cost of Doing Good57:41 - Collaborations and Crusades1:05:21 - Behind the Scams: Funny and Wild Stories1:12:01 - Fitness Meets Poker: The Shuffle and Shred Tournament1:18:46 - The Bigger Picture: Justice and Wellness1:25:11 - Closing Thoughts 

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/What's up everyone, Jungleman here with another episode that's gonna blow your mind about how gaming and poker are literally connected in ways you wouldn't believe. I brought together some of the sickest minds in both worlds - from Ninja who dominated Halo to Elky who crushed it in Starcraft before becoming a poker beast. We dive deep into how gaming skills translate to poker mastery, and trust me, the parallels are INSANE.These champions share their journey from grinding video games to crushing poker, and how their competitive gaming background gave them an edge. From reading opponents and handling pressure to quick decision-making and strategic thinking - turns out those countless hours of gaming weren't just for fun. Fun fact: did you know I was obsessed with Command and Conquer before poker? That's actually where I developed my strategic thinking.Whether you're a gamer thinking about poker, or a poker player curious about how gaming skills transfer over, this episode is packed with insights that'll change how you think about both worlds. We've got Lex, Chidwick, Ninja, and more sharing their unique perspectives on how gaming shaped their poker careers. The insights here are PURE GOLD for anyone looking to level up their game - literally and metaphorically. Let's dive in!Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to hear on this video:00:22 Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins09:57 Elky Grospellier21:25 Mustapha Kanit26:50 Nacho Barbero32:46 Bill Chen34:55 Stephen Chidwick35:48 Lex Veldhuis37:10 Jungleman41:54 Espen Uhlen Jorstad

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/What separates a crushing defeat from a defining moment?In poker, as in life, it's not about the cards you're dealt - it's about how you play them when everything's on the line. Join 10 of poker's most iconic players as they reveal their darkest hours and greatest triumphs.From million-dollar losses to sleeping on floors, from crypto hacks to Black Friday devastation - these aren't just comeback stories. They're masterclasses in human resilience.Because sometimes, rock bottom is just the beginning.Featured players include: Phil Hellmuth, Fedor Holz, Phil Galfond, Jason Koon, Steve O'Dwyer, Ben Heath, Cole Keenan, Ben Rolle, Chris Hunichen, Mariano GrandoliThis powerful compilation shows that even poker's elite have faced devastating setbacks - and reveals the mental fortitude that helped them rise again. Whether you're a poker player or not, these stories of resilience will transform how you think about overcoming life's biggest challenges.Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:00:22 Phil Hellmuth06:20 Phil Galfond07:51 Mariano Grandoli08:57 Jason Koon10:50 Steve O'Dwyer14:32 Ben Heath17:47 Cole Keenan20:02 Benjamin Rolle21:52 Fedor Holz23:40 Chris Hunichen

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/This episode is absolutely wild.You know those stories that sound made up? Like, who actually stitches their own face between rounds? Or bets on a 24-hour cycling challenge when they can barely ride a bike?Meet Lincon "Bad Boy" Rodrigues. Ex-underground fighter turned mental game coach. The stories this guy told me had me like "wait... is this actually real?"But here's what's crazy - this isn't even about the fighting.There's this one moment where he breaks down why poker players (including myself) have been thinking about mental toughness all wrong. Made me completely rethink my approach to the game.Want to know why some of the highest stakes players are now putting themselves through physical challenges? Or why this dude got me doing things I never thought I'd try?Watch till the end for his theory on pain that'll blow your mind. Also, wait till you hear what he did with $800 in his early fighting days...Trust me, just watch. You'll see what I mean.Chapters:00:00 Welcome & Introduction to "Bad Boy" Rodrigues02:32 Origin of the "Bad Boy" Nickname07:10 First Fight Story: 17-Year-Old vs. 240lb Opponent13:42 $800 Fight: The Bloody Nose Battle19:15 The 24-Hour Cycling Challenge26:38 Fighting Through a Broken Jaw31:54 The DIY Stitch-Up Story38:20 Making Friends with Pain43:15 From Fighter to Mental Coach48:30 Power Doesn't Corrupt, Power Reveals52:45 The Warriors vs. Gardeners Philosophy57:10 Training High Stakes Poker Players01:02:35 Simple Habits That Change Everything01:08:40 The Truth About Longevity01:14:25 Advice for Poker Players01:19:50 The Pain Philosophy01:24:30 Final Thoughts on Mental ToughnessFollow "Jungleman" Dan Cates: Instagram:@thedancates X (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandan 

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/When I booked this chat with Espen, I had NO IDEA he'd won the WSOP Main Event (legit didn't know lol). But what he revealed about winning $10M was NOT what anyone expects...Turns out winning millions can actually be a curse? The PURE TRUTH about what happened in those first 6 months (spoiler: he couldn't even access the money), the CRAZY people who came out of nowhere, and a SHOCKING hand against Chris Brewer that shows what really goes down at the highest stakes.This Norwegian crusher went from gaming addict to world champion, but at what cost? The answer might surprise you...Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:3:45 "Wait, You Won the WSOP Main Event?"8:23 The Six-Month Wait for $10 Million12:46 Why Tag Team Victory Hit Different16:32 Breaking Down the Brewer Hand21:05 From Gaming Addict to Army Life25:48 How a World Champion Prepares29:17 When Everyone Wants a Piece34:52 Playing Against the World's Best39:13 Life Between Norway and High Stakes43:25 Inside a Champion's Study Routine48:36 The Reality of High Stakes Poker52:41 Success, Ego, and Finding Balance56:19 What's Next for Espen1:01:34 Final Reflections

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Caitlin Comeskey, she's not your typical poker player. NYU drama grad turned stand-up comedian who's been secretly crushing poker while making viral content roasting everyone (including me lol). Just copped the Global Poker Awards Short Form Creator of the Year and signed with PokerStars... not bad for someone who started in $100/day burlesque shows.We dive into some crazy shit:Why she turned down massive gambling dealsSome dark stories from her underground game daysWhat really happens in private Texas gamesThe truth about women's opportunities in high stakesHow improv skills = poker profits (??)She even tried teaching me comedy... some of it might actually work at the tables.Watch if you wanna know why being funny might make you more money than being good at poker.Chapters:00:00 Intro - The Comedian Who Roasted Jungleman 03:01 Doug Polk Twitter Drama & Viral Content 05:16 From $100 Burlesque Shows to Poker Success 10:31 Underground Game Stories & Strip Club Networking 14:44 Making Money: Cash Games vs Content Creation 21:17 Being the Only Woman in Private Games 25:33 The Dark Side of OnlyFans & Poker Influencers 31:42 Why Tournament Life Beats Cash Games37:15 Comedy Lessons for Poker Players42:51 The Real Economics of Poker Content48:33 Turning Down Gambling Sponsors52:14 Why Most Poker Creators Are Going Broke57:44 The Party Girl Phase & Transformation01:02:38 Getting Healthy: The Ozempic Journey01:08:52 Improv Skills That Win at Poker01:13:09 Future Plans: Merging Comedy & Poker01:18:21 Danny McFanny Moment01:22:28 Final Thoughts on Poker's FutureJoin The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/This week I sit down with Blake Eastman from The Nonverbal Group, who's analyzed over 550,000 poker player blinks and is probably the world's top expert on human behavior. Most of what people think about reading tells is complete BS - Blake breaks down what actually works, why your "gut reads" are probably wrong, and how trying to hide tells often makes you more readable.We go deep into how different cultures communicate, why First World social dynamics are kind of messed up, and even a tell he caught on me in mixed games (fixing that one). His insights on behavior aren't just about poker - he's worked with major CEOs, can predict when relationships will fail, and understands how people tick in a way that's actually mind-blowing.One of my favorite parts was breaking down why people think they're good at reading others but are actually terrible at it. Also got into some fascinating stuff about how writing daily and understanding social patterns can transform your life.Looking to understand people better and improve your life at and away from the tables? This is the episode you need.Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:Chapters:0:00 Intro & Blake Eastman's Background3:35 Why Most Poker Tell Books Are Wrong6:00 The Truth About Hand Movements & Behavior13:00 How People Give Themselves Away Through Concealment21:00 Live Tells vs Online Play Dynamics30:00 Real-World Applications of Behavior Reading42:00 Cultural Differences & Social Intelligence50:30 Understanding Charisma & Social Skills1:04:00 Corporate Leadership & Communication1:13:00 Dating & Relationship Dynamics1:23:00 The Power of Being Complete & Writing Daily1:29:00 Final Thoughts & Personal Tells

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/ Got my Hustler nemesis @MarianoPoker in the JUNGLE today. This guy went from delivering pizzas to running PURE EVIL BLUFFS against me for 50k+ (still thinking about that hand bro). Now he's got 163k YouTube subs and is playing in games with 800k pots... pretty nuts.We're getting into how to BUILD your way into the biggest games, why being charming > GTO (usually), and Mariano's secret weapon - bringing that Latin smoothness to the table (there's a reason why he's called the KING of Argentina). He walks us through getting OWNED by Dennis the Menace and some twilight zone hands that'll make your head spin.BONUS: Mariano tries to be humble about outplaying me but I make him talk proper trash. Can't let these young guns get too respectful.For aspiring crushers, content creators, and anyone trying to win the game of life - this episode shows how poker skills can unlock doors you didn't even know existed. Even if those doors lead to forming a punk band in LA.Watch to see how deep the rabbit hole goes... or just to hear Mariano finally admit he owned my soul in that bluff spot.Ever wonder how a pizza delivery guy becomes a poker sensation AND starts a band? This is the episode for you. The magic is real folks!0:00 - Introduction1:42 - Meet the King of Argentina3:01 - Losing It All and Starting Over5:00 - Entering the YouTube Poker Scene6:34 - Finding Success in Indian Casinos8:13 - First Breakthrough on the Hustler Stream10:16 - The Importance of Soft Skills in Poker12:39 - The Social Side of High-Stakes Poker15:04 - Challenges of Poker Content Creation18:35 - Viral $800K Aces vs. Kings Hand21:04 - Bluffing Jungleman: Mariano’s Bold Move27:47 - The Psychology of Bluffing35:18 - Dennis the Menace’s Ultimate Bluff37:00 - Losing to Dennis the Menace46:15 - Advice for Aspiring Poker YouTubers50:00 - Poker’s Social Value and Misconceptions53:41 - From Poker to Pursuing Music55:54 - Mariano’s Band and Creative Goals