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

Owen ‘Pr0digy’ Messere, a 25-year-old British high-stakes poker prodigy, joins the conversation to delve into the nuances of elite poker strategy. He explores how to exploit opponents and the psychological warfare involved in high-stakes games. Listeners will hear about his remarkable soul-read moment and ponder the balance between calculated risks and liberating aggression. Owen also shares compelling insights on how poker parallels life decisions, including the search for deeper connections over mere financial success.

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