Avoid These Three Trading Mistakes | Brian Shannon’s hard-earned lessons

Avoid these three trading mistakes is a must-listen episode of Two Blokes Trading, uncovering the critical errors that derail most traders and how to fix them. In this conversation, host Jonathan Farrelly interviews veteran trader Brian Shannon, best known for pioneering VWAP trading strategies and teaching price action with unmatched clarity.

Brian reflects on the costly lessons from his 30-year career, including the traps of ego, poor risk control, and emotional decision-making. He discusses how traders can recover from losing streaks, why simple strategies outperform complex ones, and the vital importance of having clear trading rules.

This episode also explores Anchored VWAP, one of the most powerful yet misunderstood tools in modern technical analysis. Brian breaks down how institutions use it, when it works best, and how retail traders can apply it for better entries and exits.

With insights tailored for traders across the UK, US, and Europe, this episode delivers real-world education that blends strategy with psychology. Whether you're a struggling beginner or a seasoned trader refining your edge, this episode offers clarity, depth, and direction.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

In this episode, Brian Shannon shares how to avoid the three trading mistakes that most often destroy accounts: emotional trading, overconfidence, and lack of discipline. He walks through his personal evolution from broker to full-time trader, revealing how his systems have changed—and how they’ve stayed grounded in one principle: only price pays.

Listeners will understand how VWAP trading strategies and Anchored VWAP can bring more structure and confidence to trade entries and exits. Brian details how this tool gives context to market moves and allows traders to align with institutional flows rather than fight them. You’ll also learn how he resets after drawdowns, reduces risk exposure, and evaluates trades objectively when things go wrong.

Beyond strategy, Brian emphasizes the emotional and psychological discipline required for long-term success. He discusses how ego and the need to be right often override good systems, and how building rules for different market conditions (including gaps, volatility, and downtrends) can preserve capital and mental clarity.

Whether you trade full-time or on the side, this episode will help you recognize your own blind spots and take more intentional action in the markets. With insights grounded in decades of experience, Brian's advice helps traders simplify their approach, refine their mindset, and sharpen their edge.