The AlphaMind Podcast

In this captivating podcast episode, Co-host Steven Goldstein delves into the intriguing world of trading and markets, offering insightful thoughts and reflections. Drawing from his extensive experience spanning nearly four decades, Steven explores what the markets truly need from you as a trader in order for it to emerge victorious, at the expense of you the trader.Prepare to embark on a journey deep into the intricacies of the 'Inner Game' of trading. Steven's wealth of knowledge and expertise, acquired through his roles as a trader at the forefront of markets and as a performance coach working closely with traders from various market segments, enables him to provide a unique and enlightening perspective.Throughout the episode, listeners gain exclusive access to Steven's valuable insights, shaped by his unwavering proximity to the pulse of markets, and which also provides us with a glimpse of some of the topics and themes, covered in his new book, 'Mastering the Mental Game of Trading', which will be released in January 2024. Whether you're an experienced trader or someone fascinated by the intricate workings of financial markets, this episode promises to captivate your attention and offer a fresh understanding of the complex dynamics at play within traders, as they tackle the challenge of the markets. AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

Clive Ponsonby graduated from Cambridge University as a Mathematician and then ventured into the dynamic and unpredictable world of Spot FX trading in the 1990s. This move was unconventional for someone with a highly academic background, transitioning to an environment dominated by fast-paced, streetwise, and quick-witted traders, many of whom hailed from non-academic backgrounds.Clive developed a deep passion for this wild world and quickly applied his own skills and abilities to excelling in this space. Over the next two decades, Clive thrived in FX trading, securing positions at some of the world's leading Investment Banks. His journey started at Bankers Trust, a renowned hub of trading talent in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by the Swiss Banking giant UBS, and finally culminating at JP Morgan, where he served as an Executive Director of FX trading until his departure from the banking world in 2018.In this interview, Clive candidly shares his experiences as a trader, delving into the challenges of applying various types of analysis in the trading process. He also explores the essential mindset, behaviours, and attitudes necessary for effective analysis in trading, while expressing his passion for the exhilarating trading floor atmosphere, particularly during significant events like the monthly Non-Farm Payrolls.Clive recounts some fascinating stories from across his career in major market-making roles, trading spot FX, forward FX, non-deliverable forwards, and rates products for various banks, including JP Morgan where he led a global team across three different time zones. Clive still trades on his own account, he also provides outstanding regular research as a currency fellow at ‘Hedder’, where he contributes exceptional research as a currency fellow at 'Hedder,' providing high-quality analysis of currency markets. Hedder provide world-beating institutional-quality research which is available both to retail investors and high-end market, assisting them in making well-informed trading decisions. You can find out more about Hedder and the research work he does there at this link.AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In the enticing world of trading, where money, glory, and glamour beckon, millions are drawn each year, hoping to strike it rich. Yet, only a fraction ever truly succeed, and even those who do often emerge battered, bruised, and occasionally traumatized.In this week's podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with someone who has traversed the unpredictable landscape of trading, enduring numerous ups and downs along the way. Meet David Hale, a seasoned proprietary trader with over two decades of experience. David's firsthand account is chronicled in his self-published book, 'Cash Rules: Reminiscences of a Prop Trader.' Unlike the glossy portrayal often associated with trading, David presents an unvarnished and honest perspective.During our conversation, David delves into the dizzying heights of triumph and the heart-wrenching lows of failure, recounting tales of immense gains and devastating losses. He fearlessly explores the depths of despair and the arduous journey to recovery. Additionally, David generously shares his insights and experiences on how one can truly make money in the world of prop trading. His refreshingly candid book sets the tone for our conversation, where authenticity takes center stage.David bravely acknowledges his own flaws and candidly discusses how they have often exacted a toll over the years. It's a rarity to encounter a trader willing to confront their weaknesses head-on. However, we all possess our own imperfections, and it is those who acknowledge and comprehend how these flaws impact their trading that tend to have a far greater chance of success.If you're captivated by David's story, I encourage you to explore his book, 'Cash Rules: Reminiscences of a Prop Trader.' Available in both paperback and Kindle formats, it offers an insightful and thought-provoking read. To get your copy, simply visit this Amazon website link.You can follow David on his Twitter Account at https://twitter.com/CREAMtraderAlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of 'Radical Responsibility' with Mandi Rafsanjani, a performance coach who specializes in trading psychology. Mandi defines Radical Responsibility as an extreme form of accountability, where one takes full ownership of their actions and the outcomes, even in the face of external events beyond their control. Mandi first came across this concept while working with trading legend Linda Raschke, who demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in dealing with setbacks - a common occurrence in the world of trading. Inspired by Linda's approach, discusses with us how practicing Radical Responsibility can help traders develop the emotional fitness required to navigate the highs and lows of the market.In this vibrant conversation, we explore the nuances of Radical Responsibility and its relevance to trading, and its connections to building self-awareness, developing a mindset for high performance trading, and reframing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.Whether you're a trader or not, the concept of Radical Responsibility has something to offer in terms of taking ownership of your life and achieving your goals. So join us as we explore this powerful mindset and how it can revolutionise your approach to trading. And if you're interested in learning more about Mandi Rafsanjani and her Performance Coaching services, check out her website at these links:https://www.highperformancetrading.com.au/https://www.tradingpsychology.com.au/ You can also follow or connect with Mandi on Twitter @MPX_TraderAlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

This week’s AlphaMind podcast episode on fear and greed in trading features a true expert on the subject - Dr. Ken Long. Though retired from the US Army after 25 years’ service where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Ken is still actively teaching as an Associate Professor at US Army Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He is currently supervising multiple master’s theses focused on applying AI to military decision making. Ken's trading journey began in the 1990s when he started investing in mutual funds. Since then, he's become an exceptional big-picture thinker and tactical trader. He has also applied his love of trading, teaching, and inspiring others, by delivering a series of workshops for the Van Tharp Institute. But that's not all, Ken has also completed a Ph.D in Organisational Development, and teaches at several universities including Colorado Tech University and City University, Seattle. Aside from being a teacher, student, and active trader, Ken is also a proud father of three, a husband, a martial artist, and youth football coach. But it's his insights on fear and greed in trading that share with you in this podcast. In our hour and a half interview, Ken shares his views, genius, and wisdom on the topic in a way that is sure to inspire and enlighten. You can find out more about Ken Long at his website Tortoise Capital Management You can follow him on Linkedin hereAlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this episode, we chat with Cory Mitchell, who has been a successful prop trader for some twenty years. Cory shares his reflections on the development of what it takes to deliver consistent and profitable trading results over a long period of time, and he offers some invaluable thoughts on trading and dealing with the challenges of making decisions in the moment and coping with those voices in our heads that can hold us back. Cory started trading with a local prop firm in Canada, after graduating college two decades ago. Helping to pave the way for others in the trading world, he's written extensively on the subject, been a regular contributor on Investopedia and has also coached traders.In this episode of the podcast, we discuss psychological aspects of trading and strategies that can be implemented to overcome such obstacles. His honest and powerful reflections on what it takes to sustain a successful career as a trader have resulted in an incredible interview with plenty of valuable information for all types of traders from any market.You can find out more about Cory and his training and mentoring business for traders Trade That Swing at https://tradethatswing.com/You can follow Cory on Twitter at https://twitter.com/corymitc________________________________________________________________________________________AlphaMind Podcast Sponsor: The Society of Technical Analysts (The STA):The Society of Technical Analysts provide world beating technical analysis education programmes and offer outstanding membership services with regular talks and meetings. Their Home Study Course is based on the Diploma Programme they deliver to students at the London School of Economics and has been created by many of the leading minds in the field of technical analysis.AlphaMind Podcast listeners can obtain a 10% discount on the Society of Technical Analysts world-beating Home Study Course at this link: bit.ly/3r3TawOAlphaMind LinksTwitter: Steve Goldstein - Mark RandallTo know more: https://linktr.ee/AlphaMind101Our Newsletter: https://alphamind101.substack.com/AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

The battle for success in trading, is not a battle fought in the market, on your trading screen, or in the dealing rooms of a major trading firm, it’s a battle which takes place in those few inches between your left ear, and the right one. In this episode we talk with Jon MacAskill, a former US Navy Seal commander, and Will Schneider, a well-known Mindfulness Guru from New York, who together host ‘Men Talking Mindfulness’, a brilliant podcast series which brings together superb guests to talk about Mindfulness, and Healthy Mental Functioning, from a male perspective. We explore with Jon and Will what Mindfulness means, how it so much more than a few 5 minutes sessions on an App, and how it empowers people to perform as a far higher level so that they can win that battle in the few inches between their ears. This episode goes in-depth on a subject which is still largely seen as a new-age holistic practice, rather than an activity, which, when time, energy, and deliberate practice are spent on, can empower people to achieve significantly stronger performance, on a sustainable basis, whilst reducing stress, and promoting better personal well-being.  We also talk beyond mindfulness, on subject and themes connected to better mental well-being, and improved personal performance, and discuss the soft skills of high performance, which are ironically the hardest skills to master. You can find out more about Jon and Will, and their brilliant podcast at the following links:Jon Mackaskill Twitter      Linkedin      Website  InstagramWill Schneider Twitter      Linkedin      Website    InstagramMen Talking Mindfulness Website Podcast: AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

The world of sports and high-performance offer so many great metaphors and analogies for trading, where the mind, and the noises in our head, can become the blocker to the potential people possess. In this episode we talk with Simon Mundie, a leading sports journalist, radio and tv broadcaster, author, and coach. Simon hosted a superb podcast featured on the BBC, which looks at the lessons people can learn from the world of sports and high performance. On the podcast, Simon has interviewed top athletes, tennis greats, Olympic champions, coaches, and outstanding performers from across the world of elite sports.  Simon shares his thought about how elite performers deal with the pressure which enables them to excel in key moments. He tells  us about how high performers manage to develop the psychological flexibility to master the uncomfortable feelings, which are part of our human nature, and which have the propensity to disrupt their flow.A key skill Simon talks about, is how people can channel their anxiety and fear, which is part of dealing with uncertainty of high performance, by accepting these feelings, welcoming them, and making space for them. This fascinating chat explores a whole range of issues, from developing presence, getting into flow states, dealing with ego, letting-go, and focusing on process rather than being owned by the outcome. You can find out more about Simon and his podcasts at https://www.simonmundie.com/___________________________________________________________________________________________AlphaMind LinksTwitter: Steve Goldstein - Mark RandallTo know more: https://linktr.ee/AlphaMind101Our Newsletter: https://alphamind101.substack.com/AlphaMind Podcast Sponsor:  The Society of Technical Analysts (The STA):The Society of Technical Analysts provide world beating technical analysis education programmes and offer outstanding membership services with regular talks and meetings. Their Home Study Course is based on the Diploma Programme they deliver to students at the London School of Economics and has been created by many of the leading minds in the field of technical analysis.AlphaMind Podcast listeners can obtain a 10% discount on the Society of Technical Analysts world-beating Home Study Course at this link: bit.ly/3r3TawOAlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

Jacob is a young trader from Denmark who is still going through the relative early stages of his trading career. As you will hear in this interview, Jacob has a wise head on young shoulders. Jacob discovered a passion for investing, then trading, in his mid-teens. He has since dived into trading with gusto learning the basics of trading, developing his trading skills, learning technical analysis, developing systematic trading capabilities, reading influential writers on trading, in particular the works of Mark Douglas. In addition, he worked on developing himself, learning and applying stoic attitudes, and gaining a sense of how markets work and how to best work with them, and the uncertainty that is part of their structure.This is a terrific interview which gets into the early stage development of a trader, with someone still going through these early stage experiences. However, it will be of interest to traders at all levels, as they reflect on their own journey, and perhaps considers some of the ways they could have done it differently, in ways which are still impacting how they work. Jacob, and his colleague at Statera Trading, also design and build automated trading EAs that performs various actions on the Metastock trading platform, that other traders can subscribe too. You can find out more about Jacob, and his business Statera Trading at these links: Website: stateratrading.comInstagram: InstagramYouTube: YouTubeFacebook: Facebook ________________________________________________________________________________________AlphaMind Podcast Sponsor: The Society of Technical Analysts (The STA):The Society of Technical Analysts provide world beating technical analysis education programmes and offer outstanding membership services with regular talks and meetings. Their Home Study Course is based on the Diploma Programme they deliver to students at the London School of Economics and has been created by many of the leading minds in the field of technical analysis.AlphaMind Podcast listeners can obtain a 10% discount on the Society of Technical Analysts world-beating Home Study Course at this link: bit.ly/3r3TawOAlphaMind LinksTwitter: Steve Goldstein - Mark RandallTo know more: https://linktr.ee/AlphaMind101Our Newsletter: https://alphamind101.substack.com/AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

We're delighted to welcome back a friend of the show Jonathan Baird, an award-winning money manager and publisher of the Global Investment Letter, who speaks and writes about macro themes in markets based on this his many decades of experience in this area.  2022 was the year when having a handle on the macro-economic narrative was to prove hugely advantageous. Understanding the macro and building it into your read of the markets is vital for traders who wish to gain an edge in markets whilst seeking to insulate themselves from market shocks.  In this episode we talk about how to be more aware of these factors in markets, and how to combine and successfully fuse macro fundamental analysis, market valuation, technical analysis, and market sentiment into a coherent risk approach. Learn more about the Global Investment Letter at: https://www.globalinvestmentletter.com/Jonathan's Social media feeds:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbaird88Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanBaird88________________________________________________________________________________________AlphaMind Podcast Sponsor: TradeStation InternationalTradeStation International offers users access to the outstanding TradeStation Global platform, a multi-asset trading platform with access to international markets. Traders can leverage TradeSatation's superb professional-grade tools like RadarScreen®, The Matrix, and EasyLanguage® an intuitive coding language for traders.With TradeStation there are no hidden price spreads - just transparent, low commissions. Click here to find out more and open an account.TradeStation International Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom, acts as an Introducing Broker to Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Ltd. The firm does not provide investment advice or trading recommendations. Investment and trading involve risks, including possible loss of principal.AlphaMind Podcast Sponsor:  The Society of Technical Analysts (The STA):The Society of Technical Analysts provide world beating technical analysis education programmes and offer outstanding membership services with regular talks and meetings. Their Home Study Course is based on the Diploma Programme they deliver to students at the London School of Economics and has been created by many of the leading minds in the field of technical analysis.AlphaMind Podcast listeners can obtain a 10% discount on the Society of Technical Analysts world-beating Home Study Course at this link: bit.ly/3r3TawOAlphaMind LinksTwitter: Steve Goldstein - Mark Randall To know more: https://linktr.ee/AlphaMind101Our Newsletter: https://alphamind101.substack.com/AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global MarketsAlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.