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
22 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.
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
Send us a textIn this episode Jared is joined by WSOP Main Event Champ Espen Jørstad for an honest conversation about burnout, life after poker success, and what it takes to succeed while staying sane.If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the newsletter at jaredalderman.com for more deep dives into poker, performance, and personal growth! Support the show
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
Can You Train Luck? Intuition, Vibes & Peak Poker with Lucky Chewy
Send us a textDescriptionHigh-stakes performance coach Jared sits down with poker legend Lucky Chewy (Andrew Lichtenberger) to talk intuition training, “vibratory state,” and the science (and limits) of luck at the table. We unpack Chewy’s new Chemset app, debate the observer effect, human EM fields, quantum weirdness, and what it really means to stay coherent under pressure. Along the way we hit mindset, caffeine, heaters, warrior archetypes, and why openness—not dogma—keeps your edge sharp.🔗 ConnectJared – Performance Coaching & SocialWebsite: jaredalderman.com/pokerX / Twitter: @the_jaldermannIG: @jared.aldermanLucky Chewy – Poker & KhemsetX / Twitter: @LuckyChewyChemset App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/khemset/id6745809208Support the show
May 14, 2025 • 59min
The Joy of Poker - Jason Su on Dirty Fuel and How to Find Reliable Motivation
Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, Jason Su returns to discuss his groundbreaking new book, exploring the critical difference between achievement and true success. Jason dives deep into the "dirty fuels"—common motivational strategies that may lead to accomplishments but ultimately leave us feeling empty and dissatisfied. He contrasts this with sustainable "clean fuels" that foster lasting fulfillment and genuine happiness in poker, performance, and beyond.Whether you're looking to enhance your poker game, improve performance in sports, or simply find greater joy in your daily life, this episode offers transformative insights on achieving sustainable success.Contact Jason:Website: http://www.pokerwithpresence.comX: @jasonbsuyoutube: @pokerwithpresenceEnjoyed this episode? Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into poker, performance, and personal growth!Support the show
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
Fear, Flow & Poker: Justin Saliba's Guide to Mental Dominance
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, we sit down with high-stakes poker pro and mindset expert Justin Saliba. Justin shares deep insights into managing the mental battle of high-stakes poker, balancing intense competition with mental clarity, and staying sane in pressure-packed situations. He opens up about his unique poker journey, working closely with legendary poker coach Jonathan Little, and reveals critical strategies for gaining intuitive edges at the table. This conversation dives into the heart of what makes a poker player truly resilient and successful beyond just technical skill.🔖 Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:24 - Jeju Recap00:06:07 - Jeju Mental Game00:32:43 - Justin's Story00:39:29 - What Makes A Good Coach00:48:06 - Justin's Strengths/Theory Discussion1:11:49 - Playing to Your Strengths1:15:37 - Wrapping Up📲 Connect with Justin Saliba:Website: https://www.pokercoaching.comTwitter: @justin_salibaInstagram: @jsalib1Support the show
7 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 22min
Joey Ingram Reveals High-Stakes Mindset, AI Training Secrets, and Poker Network Hacks
Joey Ingram, a prominent figure in the poker community known for his insightful analysis and engaging interviews, shares his journey through poker and content creation. He discusses how most players misinterpret AI tools and reveals unconventional training methods. Ingram opens up about managing online criticism and maintaining mental health, emphasizing positivity in content creation. He also outlines his ambitious plans for hosting major poker events in Las Vegas, blending personal anecdotes with actionable strategies for aspiring players.
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 17min
Disrespect, Preflop Mastery & The Mental Edge with Chris Brewer
Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with high-stakes tournament crusher Chris Brewer to explore the finer points of preflop complexity, ICM considerations, and the mindset required to excel in today’s toughest poker games. We also dive into his past as a competitive runner, how that journey shaped his approach to poker, and why “humans suck at poker” is a motto worth embracing.Connect with Chris BrewerTwitter: @Chris_D_BrewerInstagram: @cbrewer4893For private coaching inquiries, DM Chris on Twitter or Instagram.Support the show
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 33min
The Balanced Player: Simon Welsch and the Holistic Approach to Poker & Performance
Send us a text Join your host and guest Simon Welsch—a performance coach with a background in sports science—as they explore what it really means to be a “balanced player.” In this episode, they dive into how to manage the emotional ups and downs of poker by integrating physical training, smart nutrition, and mindfulness into your routine. From practical strategies to build resilience and structure, to insights on cultivating a fulfilling life both at the table and off, this conversation offers a fresh, holistic take on achieving long-term success and well-being. Whether you’re a poker pro or simply looking to optimize your performance, Simon’s insights will help you balance mind, body, and game. Support the show
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Structure and Improvisation: Balancing Theory, Intuition, and Wellbeing with Thomas Boivin
Send us a textIn this episode, I’m joined by high-stakes poker professional and coach Thomas Boivin, whose unique blend of structured study and real-time intuition has earned him a reputation as one of the game’s sharpest minds. We explore the interplay between solver-based “baseline” strategies and on-the-fly adjustments, as well as the mental game work required to trust your reads and take creative lines when they matter most. Thomas also shares insights into his recent transition toward more coaching, the importance of simplifying strategies, and how personal growth—both on and off the felt—can lead to a more fulfilling life.Contact InformationHost – Jared AldermanWebsite: jaredalderman.com/pokerX (Twitter): @the_jaldermannInstagram: @jared.aldermanGuest – Thomas BoivinWebsite: thomas.boivin.beInstagram: @martomchatX (Twitter): @martomchatEnjoy the conversation! If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from Thomas’s insights on blending theory, intuition, and personal wellbeing.Support the show
