

Dan "Jungleman" Cates
"Jungleman" Dan Cates
Dan "Jungleman" Cates (Formerly "Winning The Game of Life") is hosted by Dan Cates. Known as Jungleman in the poker world, Dan has won nearly $12 million in live tournament earnings, more than $11 million in high stakes online games, and is a 2x World Series of Poker champion. On the podcast, Dan will interview interesting individuals who all have one thing in common… poker and helping others. Conversations about life lessons from poker, achieving success, personal growth, mental health, diet & fitness, parenthood, philanthropy, effective altruism, and more. Every Saturday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
Why We Do What We Do in Poker
Matt Berkey, a professional poker player and founder of Solve For Why Academy, dives deep into the evolving landscape of poker. He discusses the ethical gray area of technology in gameplay, addressing the recent cheating scandals. Berkey emphasizes the integration of AI into strategy and the cultural differences in how players handle 'tilt.' He also highlights the importance of finding personal fulfillment beyond financial success and shares innovative coaching techniques that engage players at all levels.

Aug 8, 2024 • 51min
Saving Online Poker
GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Alex Scott is the President of WPT Global, a key figure in the international poker scene, leading one of the most prominent brands in the poker industry. With extensive experience in both the business and competitive aspects of poker, Alex has played a crucial role in expanding the reach and influence of the World Poker Tour (WPT) on a global scale. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation, enhancing the player experience, and fostering the growth of poker as a global sport.Alex's career is marked by a deep commitment to the poker community, with a focus on creating opportunities for players around the world to engage in the game at both professional and recreational levels. His strategic vision and passion for the game have helped WPT Global navigate the rapidly changing landscape of online and live poker, making it a leader in the industry. Known for his approachable leadership style and dedication to excellence, Alex Scott continues to shape the future of poker through his work with WPT Global.Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's show:1:37 More Money for the Right Players7:15 A Perfect Balance - It’s How You Distribute Players Across Tables13:29 A Problem in the Poker Industry Getting Worse17:44 The Role Pros Play in Online Poker23:50 A Broken Incentive System26:49 Star Seat - Making Poker a Spectator Sport28:20 Building Your Own Custom Game Formats32:29 Making Strides in Game Integrity41:31 Real Time Assistance – The Biggest Threat to Poker There Has Ever Been44:14 Changes to the WPT Live Setting47:58 How to Qualify for a WPT Event49:08 Holding Himself AccountableFollow Alex Scott:X (formerly twitter) @alexscott720Instagram: @wptglobalWebsite: wptglobal.com Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
What You NEED to Know About Low Stakes MTTs to Make Real Money
GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/junglemanRyan LaPlante is a professional poker player and coach known for his analytical approach and dedication to the game. With over a decade of experience, Ryan has established himself as a formidable player on the poker circuit, accumulating numerous tournament cashes and a coveted World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with his ability to adapt to various playing styles, has made him a respected figure in the poker community. As a coach, Ryan is passionate about helping others improve their skills, offering personalized coaching sessions and sharing strategic insights through his website, LearnProPoker.com, where he provides in-depth training materials and resources for players of all levels.In addition to his accomplishments at the table, Ryan is also recognized for his positive influence and commitment to the poker community. He frequently engages with fans and fellow players, offering advice and support, and is known for his sportsmanship and integrity. Ryan's coaching style is marked by his clear communication and patient approach, making complex strategies accessible to players of all levels. Through his work as a coach and player, and through the educational platform LearnProPoker.com, Ryan LaPlante continues to inspire and guide the next generation of poker enthusiasts.Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's episode:0:00 Introduction1:04 A Wide Profile in the Poker World2:27 A Poker Coach with a %100 Satisfaction Rate4:38 Not Natural to the Game - A Unique Edge6:47 A Peek into Ryan’s Coaching Method8:45 Theoretical vs. Exploitative Poker10:20 The Wrong Reasons to Get into Poker11:59 What it Takes to Get a Start in Poker17:19 The Type of ROI You Need to be Consistent19:52 Getting Specific – Queens vs. Ace-King Pre-Flop23:23 Adding the Anty to the Big Blind25:47 ROI’s on a Knock-out Tournament31:37 Predatory Poker – The Games to Look For34:57 Where are the Biggest Innovators in Poker?41:41 Why be Staked?44:18 Ryan’s Own Personal Stats44:17 Ryan’s Backstory47:03 Gay in the Poker World, America, and the World56:05 LearnProPoker.com – a CommunityFollow Ryan LaPlanteX (Formerly Twitter): @ProtentialmnInstagram: @realprotentialWebsite: LearnProPoker.com Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
How to Find Yourself in the Best Private Poker Games
Luiz Rizental, aka “Brazil God,” is a trader by day and a poker player by night, known for his high-stakes games at Hustler Casino Live. He shares insights on transitioning from casual play to serious poker, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a vibrant atmosphere in private games. Rizental discusses the psychological differences between trading and poker, illustrating the thrill and risks inherent in both. He also tackles payment challenges in poker, exploring trust and accountability while stressing the importance of social dynamics in enhancing the gaming experience.

Jul 5, 2024 • 1h 16min
Is He the World's Best Poker Coach? And What Does He Have to Say That You Need to Know?
GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/junglemanSPECIAL OFFER: Join the BBZPoker Discord the day after the podcast goes live and get entered into a lottery for a free annual subscription! https://discord.gg/E9e7Jx49Jordan “BBZ” Drummond has been a mainstay in the world of poker for over 15 years. He started playing poker in 2009 with $7, engaging in 10 cent 360 mans and 25 cent 45 mans, and impressively spun it up to $750k over the next five years by playing SNGs and grinding Supernova Elite four times. Simultaneously, he built a staking group that eventually included approximately 150 active players. Following the termination of SNE, Jordan focused on staking and coaching until 2019 when he began streaming. He played and streamed high-stakes MTTs for a year and a half to promote BBZPoker, a subscription-based coaching service, and obtained a sponsorship from partypoker, which he gave up when he decided to stop streaming full-time in 2021.As a seasoned professional, Jordan has not only achieved sustained success in high-stakes poker but has also made a lasting impact as a staker, coach, and mentor. His commitment to nurturing talent is evident in his mentorship of hundreds of students, guiding them to achieve their full potential in the competitive realm of poker. In 2012, Jordan founded BBZpoker.com, a platform that has grown into a leading provider of affordable and high-level poker training content. Under his leadership, BBZpoker.com plays a pivotal role in shaping the skills of countless poker enthusiasts, contributing to the overall growth and excellence of the poker community. Jordan “BBZ” Drummond’s enduring influence in the poker world is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for the game.Here is what you can expect to hear in this week's episode:0:00 Introduction00:25 The Most Experienced Poker Coach7:05 Easy to Choose Winners? Selecting Your Students10:00 Helping with Life Leaks12:57 Learning How a Spot Works – Eliminating the Tilt16:26 Making Millionaires24:58 Getting Screwed Over – A Predictable Pattern32:02 Audit Mechanisms to Stop Cheating43:53 Why Start Staking?47:53 An Interest in Self-Improvement57:47 Jordan’s Reading List1:03:12 Persistence and Durability – An Immense Skill for Poker and Life1:07:59 Accountability Systems in PokerFollow Jordan Drummond and BBZ Staking:X (Formerly Twitter): @bbzpoker Website: https://www.bbzpoker.comYouTube: @BBZPoker Join the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/E9e7Jx49Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 12min
Why is He One of the BIGGEST Poker Streamers? Because He Knows What You NEED to Know!
GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/Born on December 29th, 1983, in Vlissingen (Netherlands), Lex developed an early love for computer games when his uncle gave him a NES for his 5th birthday. During his teenage years, he discovered StarCraft: Brood War, where he met friends like Victor Goossens, founder of Teamliquid.net.After finishing middle school and starting criminology at Erasmus University in Rotterdam at age 20, Lex discovered poker during the poker boom following Moneymaker’s WSOP win. Starting with $10 from online friends, he quickly advanced to the highest stakes both online and live. In 2009, he signed a contract with PokerStars and traveled the world playing poker, featuring in shows like High Stakes Poker and The Big Game.In 2013, Lex transitioned from PokerStars Team Pro to PokerStars Team Online, achieving Supernova Elite status for three consecutive years. With the rise of poker on Twitch, Lex began streaming in 2015, becoming the platform's top poker streamer for eight years straight. Now 40 years old, living in Vlissingen with his wife and two young children, Lex focuses on streaming and promoting poker. In November 2016, he was inducted into the Dutch Poker Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game in the Netherlands.Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's show:0:00 Introduction1:15 Becoming a Streamer2:42 The Rise of Streaming4:43 Grinding and Sticking to Schedules5:57 Spoiled with Content8:22 Authenticity Makes for Streaming Success12:55 Stories from a Stream - You Can’t Ignore the Trolls19:41 Pushing Passed the Adversity27:24 Merging Content Creation and Poker Strategy33:12 The Importance of ICM35:45 Live Strategy vs. Online Strategy43:39 The Financial Side of Streaming46:39 Truman Show-esque - The Scary Side of Streaming50:57 Mad Monk - Living Healthy1:00:09 Lex vs, Elky - Starting with a FIghtFollow Lex Veldhuis:X (Formerly Twitter): @lexveldhuis Twitch: @lex veldhuis Website: https://www.lexveldhuis.com/YouTube: @lexveldhuistv Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

Jun 20, 2024 • 36min
Online Poker is Soft - IF You Know How to Approach It
GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/junglemanBenjamin Rolle, widely recognized by his online moniker "bencb789," is a distinguished figure in the poker world, renowned for his exceptional skills and strategic acumen in both online and live tournaments. Originally from Germany, Rolle began his poker journey in 2009, grinding $1 Sit & Go (SNG) tournaments. His dedication and sharp analytical approach saw him climb the ranks to the high-stakes $5000 SNGs. In 2014, he transitioned to Multi-Table Tournament (MTT) poker, further establishing his reputation as a formidable opponent. His deep understanding of game theory and strategic play has earned him substantial winnings and respect among his peers. Not just a player, Benjamin is also an esteemed coach; in 2015, he founded Raise Your Edge, a poker training site that released the immensely popular Tournament Masterclass in 2016, helping countless players improve their game.Off the felt, Benjamin Rolle is known for his disciplined lifestyle and commitment to personal growth, attributes that have significantly contributed to his success. Emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being, he integrates practices such as meditation and fitness into his daily routine. Beyond poker, Rolle ventured into esports, founding Acend Club in 2019, which notably became the first Valorant World Champions. Currently based in Sofia, he has rented and built an 800m² gaming and bootcamp facility, serving both Acend teams and poker bootcamps. Benjamin is also actively involved in charitable endeavors, leveraging his platform to give back to the community. His multifaceted approach to life and poker has made him a role model for aspiring players worldwide, demonstrating that success in poker is as much about personal development as it is about mastering the game.Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's show:0:00 Introduction1:13 How Study Should Look Different for a Beginner and a Veteran5:40 How Much EV are you Willing to Give Up to Stay in a Game?11:08 Does Coaching Help Your Own Game?14:30 Games are Soft? The State of Online Poker22:37 Into Esports29:17 Positive Impact Possible Through Poker and Sports32:09 At the End of the Day, Life is Like PokerFollow Benjamin Rolle:X (Formerly Twitter): @bencb789Instagram: @bencb789 YouTube: @RaiseYourEdge Website: https://www.raiseyouredge.com/Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game

Jun 20, 2024 • 39min
Keep Poker Simple - It's Not That Difficult!
Benjamin Rolle, known as "bencb789," is a top-tier poker player and coach with impressive accolades in online and live tournaments. He shares his journey from grinding low stakes to high-stakes success, emphasizing the resilience required after setbacks like Black Friday. The discussion highlights the complexities of online poker, the contrast between tournaments and cash games, and advanced strategies using ICM and exploitative techniques. Rolle also touches on the significance of mental and physical well-being in achieving poker success.

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 6min
What He Discovered About Poker that You NEED to Know!
Jonathan Jaffe, a young and rising star in poker from Massachusetts, discusses the thrilling world of high-stakes tournaments. He shares insights from the Triton Poker Series, revealing how atmosphere and mental strategies impact performance. Jaffe highlights the challenges of player dynamics and the balance between profit and enjoyment in the game. He reflects on storytelling in coaching, emphasizing how personal experiences shape a player's journey. Listeners will be entertained by humorous anecdotes and valuable lessons from the poker circuit!

May 31, 2024 • 28min
Have You Optimized your Poker Reality? How the Jungleverse will Help You Do It.
GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/junglemanCheck out part 1 of our interview with Philip Shing: https://youtu.be/QGsdEpGWQHUPhilip began his career on Wall Street, specializing in structured finance, after earning a double master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon. He spent a decade working with investment banks and hedge funds in New York. During his undergraduate years in 2005, he developed a passion for poker, playing SNGs and HU PLO to help pay for college. After a decade-long break to focus on his career, he returned to poker in 2015, achieving significant success, including winning a WSOP Circuit ring in his second tournament and securing a six-figure score at a WSOP Circuit main event in 2020. In 2021, Philip moved to Las Vegas, where he continued to excel, final tabling the inaugural Wynn 10k for $360k.In 2022, Philip co-founded Octopi with LuckyChewy, Nick Schulman, and Victoria Livchitz, aiming to revolutionize poker training with professional tools and advanced technology. One of their key innovations, The Vault, offers top-quality ICM sims from high-stakes final tables, significantly aiding players. Philip's work on The Jungleverse focuses on the Fundamental Track, a course designed to make modern poker concepts like overbets, combo selections, and geometric sizing accessible and practical. His unique combination of finance and poker expertise allows him to develop strategies blending rigorous analytical methods with pragmatic gameplay, setting him apart in the poker world.Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's show:0:00 Introduction00:55 Strategies for Optimal Reality - Comparing Spiritualities4:23 Practical Wisdom - How Religions Makes Sense6:57 Exploring All the Angles - For GTO OR Life11:00 W.E.I.R.D. Culture13:42 Where to Find Wisdom16:50 Creating Meaning Here and Now20:20 Octopi Poker - The Tool for Poker You Always Wished Existed23:27 The Jungleverse - What is It and How Will it Help Your Poker Game?Follow Philip Shing:X (Formerly Twitter): @SNAKEJAZZ5 Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:Instagram:@thedancatesX (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandanPoker strategy tipsPoker tournament highlightsPoker player profilesPoker player rankingsPoker coachingPoker mental game