

Mind Over Markets: Trading Psychology Podcast
George Papazov
Mind Over Markets is the trading psychology podcast for serious traders ready to master the real edge — their mind. Hosted by George Papazov, founder of TRADEPRO Academy, this show helps you break emotional loops, regulate impulses, and build a confident trader identity. Learn how to rewire your mindset using NLP, coaching, and performance psychology. Ready to go deeper? Unlock the full ASCEND psychology program inside TRADEPRO Academy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2025 • 33min
The Trader You Want to Be vs. The Trader You Become Under Pressure
In this episode of Mind Over Markets, George dives deep into the psychological split every trader battles: the calm, disciplined version of yourself who writes the plan… and the reactive version who shows up the moment pressure hits. George explains how stress physiologically rewires your focus, breathing, and decision-making, shifting control from the Planning Self to the Trading Self, not because you’re weak, but because your nervous system believes you're in danger.He breaks down why pressure feels personal, how identity and self-worth distort decision-making, and what triggers the “pressure self” to take over. Most importantly, George offers practical strategies to reclaim alignment between identity, plan, and execution, so the trader you want to be becomes the trader you are, even in uncertainty.Key TakeawaysPressure changes your physiology — breathing, time perception, focus, and decision-making.Under pressure, the Trading Self (emotional, reactive) overrides the Planning Self (calm, strategic).This shift creates inconsistency: rule-breaking, chasing, bailing early, hesitation, overtrading.Pressure feels like an attack on identity, distorting self-worth and creating urgency where none exists.Traders often trade their fears, not the market, when pressure takes over.Common pressure triggers: big moves, big levels, missing opportunities, being up/down on the day, choppiness, comparison, perfectionism.Pressure doesn’t come from the market — it comes from the meaning you attach to the moment.To regain control:1. Identity Reset: “I trade as the version of me who wrote the plan.”2. Micro-Pause: 1 breath + “Is this my plan or my pressure?”3. Reduce Moment Meaning: It’s just one candle, not a life moment.4. Return to Your Role: Stick to your trading identity from Episode 176.Pressure is not the enemy — it’s the teacher showing where identity is not yet integrated.Mastery comes from narrowing the gap between who you want to be and who you become under stress.When identity, plan, and execution align, results follow automatically.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Dec 4, 2025 • 29min
Your Trading Role: The Secret Advantage of Every Pro Athlete
In this episode of Mind Over Markets, George explains why traders fail when they try to master every setup and every style. Using a powerful hockey analogy, he shows how elite athletes become great by specializing, not by doing everything. Trading works the same way: consistency comes from knowing your role and aligning your strategy with your natural strengths.George breaks down how traders can discover their true role, why identity drives performance, and how specialization creates confidence, clarity, and consistency in the market.Key TakeawaysElite performance in sports or trading, comes from specialization, not trying to master everything.Traders lose consistency when they play multiple roles that require different skills and mindsets.Your natural trading role is revealed through:setups that feel easiest and cleanest,patterns you recognize fastest,and the style that drains the least mental energy.Acting against your trading identity activates internal resistance and leads to sabotage.Specialization builds identity → identity builds consistency → consistency builds income.You don’t need to be a “complete trader”, just a complete version of your role.Pros in any field win by going deep on one skill, not many.Your P&L “wants” a specialist, not someone who switches styles constantly.Removing multiple setups and focusing on one accelerates mastery.When you align your trading style with who you naturally are, results compound faster and with less emotional effort.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Nov 27, 2025 • 37min
The Myth of the Clean Setup: Why Traders Lose Waiting for Perfect Conditions
In this episode, George breaks down why traders fail when they wait for the perfect setup. Using a powerful hockey analogy, he explains that perfection is an illusion, both in sports and in markets. Charts only look clean in hindsight, and waiting for flawless conditions creates hesitation, missed trades, and emotional chasing.George contrasts amateur perfection-seeking with how professionals really trade: they expect messiness, adapt quickly, and execute based on probability, not perfection. He introduces the 80% Rule and practical tools that help traders act confidently inside real-time imperfection, where the real edge actually lives.TakeawaysPerfect setups are an illusion created by the mind’s need for certainty.Real trades happen in moving, imperfect candles, not textbook patterns.Perfection bias causes hesitation and leads to missed opportunities.Pros thrive in uncertainty; amateurs freeze waiting for clarity.The 80% Rule: if 80% of criteria are present, execute and manage.Imperfect conditions often produce the best trades.“I don’t need perfect, I need present” anchors a better trading state.Tools like the Imperfection Log and Readback Rule build consistency.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Nov 20, 2025 • 33min
What Makes Traders Consistent in Uncertain Markets
In this episode, George breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths in trading: uncertainty isn’t a problem, it’s the environment. Most traders try to eliminate uncertainty with more indicators, more setups, more rules… but the pros win because they know how to operate inside uncertainty, not escape it.From there, he explains why traders blame the market when things feel choppy or unclear, when in reality uncertainty simply exposes their habits, impulses, and emotional programming. The candles aren’t the issue, your reactions are.The episode then shifts into the core solution: preparation, state control, and internal certainty. Pros prepare for chaos before the open, build “if this, then that” scenario plans, rate uncertainty each morning, and use real NLP tools to keep their internal system stable.TakeawaysUncertainty is normal. Pros operate inside it, not against it.Consistency = emotional state, not strategy or indicators.Uncertainty exposes your habits, impulses, and reactions, not the market.Most traders avoid inner work by obsessing over technicals.Your mindset, upbringing, and programming show up in your trading behavior.Pros prepare before the open with clear rules and scenario planning.Use NLP anchors like “Uncertainty is my arena, not my excuse.”Use quick reset tools (like box breathing) to stabilize mid-session.You can’t control the market, only the operator you bring to it.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Nov 13, 2025 • 30min
The Execution Protocol: Mastering Precision With Order Flow
In this episode of Mind Over Markets, George concludes the Order Flow Series by revealing his full three-phase execution process — the bridge between market analysis and decisive trading action.He explains how traders can transform clarity into consistency by following a structured routine grounded in bias, conviction, and precision. Through practical steps and powerful analogies, George breaks down how professionals use context, Delta, and the footprint chart to execute with discipline, turning chaos into control.Guides through the evolution from reading order flow to mastering execution — where mindset, structure, and repetition merge into true trading professionalism.TakeawaysExecution is mastery in motion. Reading order flow is only half the battle — real success lies in acting with precision and control.Phase 1: Build the battle map. Start each day with context, not predictions. Identify prior session highs/lows, volume zones, and where liquidity and emotion intersect.Phase 2: Fine-tune with Delta. Use Delta at price to locate true conviction — where effort succeeded or failed — and compress levels into high-probability zones.Phase 3: Execute with the footprint. Enter where trapped traders are revealed, using imbalances for entries and protection. “I’m not trading the candle — I’m trading the pain.”Two Core Setups:Trend Reversals — Identify trapped traders at major structure levels.Trend Continuations — Wait for strong buy/sell imbalances to defend and confirm momentum.Precision over participation. Like a sniper, professionals wait for alignment — direction, timing, and target — before acting.Repetition builds edge. The goal isn’t to find new trades, but to express one proven edge flawlessly every day.Mindset is the final frontier. Execution is where traders meet themselves — turning analysis into discipline and randomness into clarity.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Nov 6, 2025 • 31min
Reading the Balance: The Hidden Language of the Footprint Chart
In this episode of Mind Over Markets, George Papazov breaks down the footprint chart, one of the most misunderstood yet powerful tools in order flow trading. He explains how footprints reveal the true battle between buyers and sellers at each price level, uncovering where aggression meets liquidity and how control shifts within the market.George emphasizes that while candlesticks show where price moved, the footprint chart shows how it moved, the story behind every tick. He explores the difference between limit and market orders, the diagonal relationships that define real imbalances, and why those moments of aggression and absorption often mark turning points in price.He cautions traders against overcomplicating the tool and teaches how to use footprints within a broader trading plan to refine entries, improve timing, and trade with confidence.Key TakeawaysThe footprint chart reveals how price moves, showing the true auction between buyers and sellers.Market orders move price; limit orders provide liquidity but do not move the market.The real power of the footprint lies in diagonal imbalances, where aggression meets resistance.Imbalances show conviction: stacked imbalances indicate strength, while absorbed ones reveal exhaustion.Not every imbalance is a trade signal, context and level matter most.Balanced markets show stability; imbalances create opportunity.Reading the footprint is about understanding intent behind numbers, not the numbers themselves.The footprint chart helps traders time entries with precision by showing who’s in control.It’s an addition to a solid trading plan, not a replacement for it.The market doesn’t move on prediction, it moves on imbalance.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Oct 30, 2025 • 27min
The Trader’s Lie Detector: Reading Delta at Price
In this episode of Mind Over Markets, George discusses the importance of Delta in trading, emphasizing its role as a trader's lie detector. He explains how Delta reveals where conviction lies in the market and how traders can detach from emotional impulses by focusing on Delta analysis. The episode includes practical exercises for analyzing Delta, integrating it into trading routines, and understanding the psychological aspects of trading. George encourages traders to observe Delta profiles and use them to inform their trading decisions, ultimately enhancing their market analysis skills.TakeawaysDelta shows where conviction lives and tells a story at each price level.Traders should detach emotionally and trade with context using Delta.Understanding Delta helps in identifying market aggression and intent.Practical exercises can enhance Delta analysis skills for traders.Marking Delta extremes helps in building a trading narrative.Reviewing Delta pockets post-market aids in understanding market behavior.Delta profiles can indicate potential support and resistance levels.The psychology of trading is crucial for successful Delta analysis.Traders should track where conviction shifts hands in the market.Using Delta effectively can lead to more informed trading decisions.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me here.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument. You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions. While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Oct 23, 2025 • 39min
Reading the Fight: How Order Flow Tells the Real Story of the Market
In this episode of the Mind Over Markets podcast, George Papazov delves into the intricacies of order flow trading, emphasizing the importance of understanding market structure and the dynamics between buyers and sellers. He breaks down the concept of order flow into three key phases: initiation, continuation, and termination, The discussion also highlights the psychological aspects of trading, illustrating how emotions can impact market behavior. By aligning with the winning side and interpreting order flow effectively, traders can enhance their decision-making and improve their overall trading success.TakeawaysOrder flow trading reveals the underlying battle between buyers and sellers.Understanding market structure is crucial for effective trading.Order flow can be broken down into three phases: initiation, continuation, and termination.Practical application of order flow involves real-time analysis and labeling of market actions.The psychology of traders influences market movements and order flow dynamics.Heavy buying without price movement can indicate underlying selling pressure.Traders must align with the winning side to achieve success in trading.Market orders drive price movement, while limit orders provide context.Recognizing emotional responses in trading can lead to better decision-making.Order flow trading is about understanding intention, not just price action.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me hereDisclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Truth About Order Flow Trading with Anthony Drager
In this special beach-side episode of Mind Over Markets, George Papazov sits down with veteran prop trader Anthony Drager, founder of Edge Trading Group.Drager has been trading since the 1990s — from CME floors to electronic prop desks — and he’s here to break down what really moves markets: order flow, other people’s positions, and future buyers vs. sellers.You’ll learn:Why most traders misunderstand order flow and how to read it like a pro.How to build a real edge by identifying future buyers and future sellers.Drager’s 4-step trading process — from bias to execution to exit.How prop trading has evolved and what new traders must know in 2025.The psychology of being wrong — and why losing trades are just “marketing expenses.”This is a deep dive into professional-level decision-making, modern prop trading, and the mindset that keeps traders consistent decade after decade.🎥 Recorded on location in South Florida.🔗 Guest: EdgeTradingGroup.com | YouTube: Edge Trading GroupKey TakeawaysEdge = Advantage You Can Explain.If you can’t explain your trading edge to a non-trader in plain language, it probably isn’t real.Future Buyers Move Markets.Price doesn’t move because of past trades — it moves when future orders are forced to act.Think “Ready → Aim → Fire.”Build bias, find your support/resistance, then act only when your tools confirm the moment.Be Comfortable Being Wrong.Losing trades are a normal business expense — not a sign of failure.Stop Over-Thinking, Start Reading.Great traders don’t predict; they read live intent through data like Market-By-Order (MBO).Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me hereDisclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Oct 9, 2025 • 25min
The Patience Edge: Turning Urgency into Power
Most traders don’t blow up because they lack strategy — they fail because they can’t wait. The Urgency Trap tricks you into clicking early, chasing moves, and sabotaging your edge. In this episode, you’ll learn how to flip urgency into patience and turn waiting into your most profitable skill. I’ll share how to spot your personal patience wiring, everyday ways to train it, and three practical exercises you can start using immediately to slow down, stay disciplined, and finally trade with control.Key Takeaways:Why urgency is fear in disguise — and how it hijacks traders.How patience protects your edge and multiplies your consistency.Three actionable drills to train patience like a muscle in life and trading.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break ThemLeave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on SpeakPipeRate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate us on Spotify or on Apple PodcastsFollow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, follow me hereDisclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.


