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
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
Can You Train Luck? Intuition, Vibes & Peak Poker with Lucky Chewy
Lucky Chewy, aka Andrew Lichtenberger, is a poker pro and creator of the Khemset app, aimed at training intuition. He delves into how 'vibratory states' can impact poker outcomes and shares insights on the intertwining of probability, knowledge, and intuition. Chewy explores the nuances of coherence under pressure and its significance in decision-making. They also discuss the potential effects of body language, the limits of luck, and how maintaining an open mindset can enhance performance. Chewy shares his personal experiences with caffeine and self-care's role in achieving a competitive edge.
May 14, 2025 • 59min
The Joy of Poker - Jason Su on Dirty Fuel and How to Find Reliable Motivation
In this engaging discussion, Jason Su, author of The Joy of Poker and founder of PokerWithPresence, delves into the difference between mere achievement and true success. He reveals how common motivational strategies, or 'dirty fuels,' can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. Instead, he advocates for 'clean fuels' like confidence and curiosity, essential for sustainable joy in poker and life. Jason emphasizes the importance of presence for improving performance, making bolder decisions, and celebrating small wins to foster emotional well-being.
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
11 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
In this engaging discussion, Simon Welsch, a performance coach with a sports science background, shares his holistic approach to poker and overall well-being. He emphasizes the significance of balancing physical health, nutrition, and mental resilience to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of poker. Simon provides practical strategies for emotional regulation and discusses how lifestyle changes can enhance cognitive performance. This episode also explores the importance of community, self-regulation, and understanding personal motivations in achieving long-term success.
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Structure and Improvisation: Balancing Theory, Intuition, and Wellbeing with Thomas Boivin
In this conversation, high-stakes poker pro and coach Thomas Boivin shares insights from his unique blend of structured study and intuitive play. He discusses the importance of simplifying strategies for better decision-making and the need to balance solver-based strategies with trusting one's instincts. Thomas also opens up about his journey into coaching and the personal growth that enhances both poker skills and wellbeing. He emphasizes cultivating self-acceptance and choosing joy over mere profit, revealing a holistic approach to life and poker.
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 29min
Poker Strategy, Longevity, and Letting Go of Ego: A Candid Conversation with Darius Bucinskas
Send us a textIn this jam-packed episode, Jared sits down with Darius (EQPoker) to explore everything from the nitty-gritty of live poker strategy to the deeper questions of mindset and wellbeing. They break down major concepts like turn barreling, game-planning vs. freestyling, and how to avoid burnout in a profession that rewards constant hustle. Then, they take it several levels deeper—talking about how our egos (in poker and in life) often get in the way of real growth, and why genuine balance might be the ultimate key to both profit and fulfillment.Find Darius (EQPoker) Online:Website: eqpoker.comX (Twitter): @eqpokerYouTube: @eqpokerFind Jared Alderman Online:Website: jaredalderman.comX (Twitter): @the_jaldermannInstagram: @jared.aldermanIf you enjoyed this deep dive into live poker, mindset, and personal development, please remember to like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite takeaway! Your support helps us continue bringing real-talk conversations and strategic insights right to your feed.Thanks for tuning in!Support the show
Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 11min
Beyond Tells: Breaking Bias & Reading Human Behavior with Blake Eastman
Send us a textJoin Jared Alderman and behavior expert Blake Eastman for a wide-ranging conversation about poker, human behavior, self-awareness, and how language shapes our perception of reality. They dive deep into the subtle art of reading people—on and off the poker table—and explore how our biases, fears, and personal histories color the way we interpret the world. If you’re curious about harnessing greater self-awareness in poker, business, or everyday life, this episode is a must-watch.CONNECT WITH BLAKE EASTMANWebsite: https://www.beyondtells.comX (formerly Twitter): @blakeeastmanInstagram: @blake_eastmanCONNECT WITH JARED ALDERMANWebsite: https://www.jaredalderman.comX (formerly Twitter): @the_jaldermannInstagram: @jared.aldermanSupport the show
Dec 23, 2024 • 6min
A Holiday Message on Gratitude
Send us a textMy thoughts on navigating the holiday season while staying focused on my personal and professional goals. With Christmas approaching, I’ve been reflecting on how the festivities can sometimes feel like obstacles to my ambitions, such as growing my business, creating content, and improving my poker game.Support the show
