Seeking Balance
Jared Alderman
Welcome to Seeking Balance, a podcast that delves into the art and science of performance in poker—and life. Hosted by Jared Alderman, a seasoned performance coach with a unique blend of experiences, this show explores what it truly means to succeed.Drawing from years as a Navy EOD tech, professional poker player, and now a mindset and lifestyle coach, Jared brings a depth of understanding to high-pressure situations and the mental game behind peak performance. With an extensive background in meditation, Jared takes listeners beyond typical strategies to explore how inner well-being and mindset fuel real achievement.Each episode offers insights into the soft skills that separate good players from great ones, uncovering the hidden edges found in emotional regulation, healthy habits, and peak performance strategies. With a focus on balancing achievement and personal well-being, we’ll challenge conventional definitions of success and look at how to thrive both at the table and beyond it.Join us for candid conversations with poker pros, industry leaders, and performance experts as we explore how to cultivate the habits, mindsets, and skills that lead to real, lasting success. Whether you're chasing poker greatness or looking to level up in your life, Seeking Balance is your guide to mastering the game within the game.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 25min
National Chess Champion on Poker, and the Art of Better Decisions
In this episode, Jared is joined by Three Time National Chess Champion, PokerStars Pro, and Autor Jennifer Shahade! Inspired by some of the ideas in Jen's new book, Jared and Jennifer cover everything from decision-making and performance to how games and risk factor into everyday life. Join us for another thought provoking installment of Seeking Balance.Pre-order Thinking Sideways, Jen's New Book Here!https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=Jennifer-Shahade&geniuslink=true&tag=catagdefault-20Apply for the Poker Mentorship Group!https://forms.gle/jsCTQfEn5LTXBQjV6Learn More:https://www.jaredalderman.com/pokerJoin Our Discord Server!https://discord.gg/mDZuCxcgzvDonations Are Highly Appreciated!https://ko-fi.com/jaredalderman👉 If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.jaredalderman.com/ for more deep dives into poker, performance, and personal growth!🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.Contact Jennifer▶️: @JenShahade 📸 Instagram: @jenshahade🐦 X: @JenShahadeHost: Jared AldermanPerformance Coach🌐 Website: https://www.jaredalderman.com/📸 Instagram: @jared.alderman🐦 X: @the_jaldermann
Jan 2, 2026 • 57min
The Way Elite Poker Players Think Through Tough Spots
Jared chats with Patrick Howard, a poker coach and the founder of Mobius Poker, known for his innovative Stat-Checker tool. They dive into the decision-making processes of elite poker players, exploring the balance between intuition and data. Patrick reveals how stats can defy player assumptions and emphasizes the importance of monthly reviews for improvement. They also discuss bluffing psychology, the risks of labeling opponents, and the future of poker research and software, all while maintaining a focus on personal growth in the competitive landscape of poker.
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 37min
Memory Championships to Everest: The Hidden Skills Behind Extreme Performance
This Week on Seeking Balance we have Nelson Dellis! a 6 Time USA Memory Champion, Philanthropist, Mountain Climber, and Author. Jared and Nelson have been friends for over a decade and dive into everything from how to improve your memory to what it takes to climb mount Everest.Find All Things Nelson Here:https://www.nelsondellis.comApply for the Meditation Group!https://forms.gle/shGk1F4TeT9y7iaa9Join Our Discord Server!https://discord.gg/mDZuCxcgzvDonations Are Highly Appreciated!https://ko-fi.com/jaredalderman👉 If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.jaredalderman.com/ for more deep dives into poker, performance, and personal growth!🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.Contact Nelson🌐 Website: https://www.nelsondellis.com/📸 Instagram: @nelzor🐦 X: @ClimbForMemoryHost: Jared AldermanPerformance Coach🌐 Website: https://www.jaredalderman.com/📸 Instagram: @jared.alderman🐦 X: @the_jaldermann
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 20min
How Relationships, Culture, and Psyche Impact Performance
Dylan Weisman, a high-stakes PLO player and performance coach, dives deep into the psyche of poker culture. He candidly discusses how his neurodivergent background shapes his coaching style and the importance of a family-first approach. Tackling the balance between intuition and theory, Dylan emphasizes that felt experience often leads to true knowledge. They explore the coaching dynamics that foster trust and the need for a psychologically safe space. Finally, Dylan reflects on the changes in poker culture and the significance of systemic thinking in achieving consistent outcomes.
Nov 25, 2025 • 2h 11min
The Secrets Behind Winning in Business and Poker
Welcome back to Seeking Balance, the longest episode yet! This week Jared is joined by JNandez, a brilliant guy, and creator of PLO Mastermind. Jared and Fernando dive into the various endeavors Fernando has taken up recently, how poker and business change, and how fulfillment or purpose shift with ones journey through life.Check Out the Limited Time Discounts for Black Friday on PLO Mastermind!https://plomastermind.com/black-friday-2025/Apply for the upcoming Coaching Group!https://forms.gle/E5uuoGPihpd67sru7Join Our Discord Server!https://discord.gg/mDZuCxcgzvDonations Are Highly Appreciated!https://ko-fi.com/jaredalderman👉 If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.jaredalderman.com/ for more deep dives into poker, performance, and personal growth!🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.Contact JNandez🌐 Website: https://jnandezpoker.com/📸 Instagram: @jnandez87Host: Jared AldermanPerformance Coach🌐 Website: https://www.jaredalderman.com/📸 Instagram: @jared.alderman🐦 X: @the_jaldermann
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Elliot Roe on Mindfulness, Meaning, and Performance
In this engaging conversation, Elliot Roe, a hypnotherapist and performance coach with extensive experience, shares insights into his unique approach to coaching high achievers. He explains how hypnotherapy helps access and reframe subconscious memories, enhancing performance. The discussion explores the significance of authentic self-identity, the importance of continuous growth, and how emotional triggers can indicate areas for personal development. Elliot also emphasizes the value of coaches having their own mentors to foster growth in their clients.
6 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
Owen Messere on Mastery, Precision, and, Ambition
Owen 'Pr0digy' Messere, a high-stakes poker player known for his precision and ambition, joins to discuss his journey with Guerrilla Poker. He shares insights on using solver-driven precision to improve gameplay strategies and the importance of analyzing mistakes and opponent tendencies. Owen highlights the necessity of creative play and high-EV deviations, emphasizing that top players thrive under pressure. The conversation also touches on ambitious goals and introduces an exciting new mid-stakes training course he's developing.
24 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 16min
Rene "TheWakko" Kuhlman on What Makes Good Players Great!
Rene "TheWakko" Kuhlman, a brilliant poker mind and host of the Mechanics of Poker podcast, discusses what elevates good players to greatness. He explores the mental game, connecting strategy and emotional awareness for better decision-making, especially under pressure. Rene shares insights on navigating emotions, emphasizing the balance of passion and rationality. The conversation dives into performance anxiety in poker and the importance of fostering self-awareness for personal growth, ultimately promoting a creative and resilient approach to the game.
6 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
Uri Peleg on Why GTO Needs Exploits
Uri Peleg, a Poker Pro and Upswing Coach, shares his insights on why relying solely on Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies isn't enough for success. He breaks down clever bet sizing techniques that can outsmart opponents and emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies based on player tendencies. The conversation also delves into the psychological aspects of poker, such as navigating emotional highs and lows, and highlights the value of self-reflection and adaptability in improving one's game.
Aug 4, 2025 • 58min
Purpose Before Performance: Espen Jorstad on Community Purpose and Health
Espen Jørstad, a professional poker player and WSOP Main Event champion, opens up about navigating burnout and life after monumental success. He shares how constant travel impacted his health and routines, emphasizing the importance of community in recovery and motivation. Espen reflects on the hollowness of solo celebrations post-win and explores future paths in coaching and content creation. He also discusses the challenges of social media, loneliness, and his analytical approach to high-stakes tournaments, highlighting a shift toward holistic well-being.
