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Andrew Brokos

Thinking Poker

A Games and Leisure podcast Explicit

#67 in Games · 🇦🇪 #83 in Games · 🇮🇳
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About the show

Weekly poker podcast featuring interviews with both famous and behind-the-scenes figures from the poker world, as well as a poker strategy segment.

Newest episodes

Episode 509: Steve O’Dwyer

1 hr 3 min

Steve O’Dwyer, with nearly $50M in live tournament winnings, is one of the greatest poker players of all time. He’s also a humble, kind, and passionate individual who’s got a lot to say about life outside of poker. Support the Boston Debate League on its 20th anniversary. You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK. Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! Steve O'Dwyer With nearly $50M in MTT winnings, Steve O’Dwyer is 18th on the all-time money list.  Twitter

Episode 508: No Big Bend Wall with Bryan Devonshire

1 hr 3 min

Bryan “Devo” Devonshire is a poker pro turned DFS pro and a river guide turned astronomy guide. Recently, he’s also become an advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park in the face of the Trump administration’s attempts to build a wall through the park. With Andrew and Carlos, he discusses what happens when poker players grow up. Defend Big Bend National Park Book a tour with Bryan You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. That link gets you a 10% discount if you sign up! While you’re there, read about integrating GTO and Exploitative play. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  BRYAN DEVONSHIRE Bryan is a former poker pro who still grinds DFS. He is a retired river guide, an amateur archeologist. and the founder of Astro Mucho astronomy tours. Twitter Link

Episode 507: Ben Raven

1 hr 22 min

Psychotherapist and high stakes cash game crusher Ben Raven joins Carlos and Andrew for a conversation about his unconventional path to playing poker professionally, why mental game coaching is no substitute for therapy, and more. Ben’s fantastic YouTube channel Ben’s Instagram You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. That link gets you a 10% discount if you sign up! While you’re there, read about integrating GTO and Exploitative play. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Ben Raven Ben Raven is a psychotherapist and poker pro committed to sharing results transparently on his YouTube channel. Link

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All episodes

Episode 509: Steve O’Dwyer

1 hr 3 min

Steve O’Dwyer, with nearly $50M in live tournament winnings, is one of the greatest poker players of all time. He’s also a humble, kind, and passionate individual who’s got a lot to say about life outside of poker. Support the Boston Debate League on its 20th anniversary. You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK. Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! Steve O'Dwyer With nearly $50M in MTT winnings, Steve O’Dwyer is 18th on the all-time money list.  Twitter

Episode 508: No Big Bend Wall with Bryan Devonshire

1 hr 3 min

Bryan “Devo” Devonshire is a poker pro turned DFS pro and a river guide turned astronomy guide. Recently, he’s also become an advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park in the face of the Trump administration’s attempts to build a wall through the park. With Andrew and Carlos, he discusses what happens when poker players grow up. Defend Big Bend National Park Book a tour with Bryan You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. That link gets you a 10% discount if you sign up! While you’re there, read about integrating GTO and Exploitative play. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  BRYAN DEVONSHIRE Bryan is a former poker pro who still grinds DFS. He is a retired river guide, an amateur archeologist. and the founder of Astro Mucho astronomy tours. Twitter Link

Episode 507: Ben Raven

1 hr 22 min

Psychotherapist and high stakes cash game crusher Ben Raven joins Carlos and Andrew for a conversation about his unconventional path to playing poker professionally, why mental game coaching is no substitute for therapy, and more. Ben’s fantastic YouTube channel Ben’s Instagram You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. That link gets you a 10% discount if you sign up! While you’re there, read about integrating GTO and Exploitative play. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Ben Raven Ben Raven is a psychotherapist and poker pro committed to sharing results transparently on his YouTube channel. Link

Episode 506: Stephen Chidwick

1 hr 28 min

Nosebleed MTT legend Stephen “stevie444” Chidwick joins Carlos and Andrew for a rare and revealing interview about his rise to greatness, his struggles along the way, how becoming a parent has changed his worldview, and his Dionysian awakening. You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. That link gets you a 10% discount if you sign up! While you’re there, read about integrating GTO and Exploitative play. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  STEPHEN CHIDWICK Stephen “stevie444” Chidwick is one of the winningest poker players of all time, with nearly $80 million in tournament cashes. He is a coach at Octopi Poker. Twitter Link

Episode 505: Fifty States of Poker with Ashley Adams

1 hr 38 min

Retired union organizer Ashley Adams returns to the podcast to discuss his adventures playing poker all around the world and his new book inspired by those adventures. You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Ashley Adams Ashley Adams is the host of the House of Cards podcast/radio show and the author of Winning Poker in 30 Minutes a Day, Winning No-Limit Hold ‘Em and Winning Seven Card Stud. He first appeared on Episode 337. Link

Episode 504: Stoyan Obreshkov and Sergei Gurin

1 hr 16 min

Stoyan Obreshkov returns to the show with first-time guest Sergei Gurin to discuss the role of coaching, mentoring, and community in improving poker performance and their new project, the Final Table Academy. You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. And by signing up with code ThinkingPoker at https://www.finaltable.academy/#apply Stoyan Obreshkov Stoyan Obreshkov is a professional poker player and coach from Bulgaria. He makes instructional content for Run It Once and GTO Wizard. Stoyan first appeared on Episode 448. Link SERGEI GURIN Sergei Gurin is a professional poker and coach in Canada. With Stoyan Obreshkov and Alan Longo, he leads the Final Table Academy. Link

Episode 503: Strategy Talk

1 hr 5 min

Andrew and Carlos dive straight into strategy this week, answering listener questions submitted to Thinking Poker Daily. You can support the show, hear over 1000 archived episodes, and submit your own questions at patreon.com/ThinkingPokerDaily. Two episodes each week are free just for signing up! You can also support the show by visiting gtodojo.com/thinking. And by signing up with code ThinkingPoker at https://www.finaltable.academy/#apply

Episode 502: Andrew Brokos and Carlos Welch (Hosted by Nate Meyvis)

1 hr 35 min

Former Thinking Poker Podcast host Nate Meyvis steps back into the host’s seat to interview current hosts Andrew Brokos and Carlos Welch in honor of the show’s surpassing 500 episodes. Zippy Flash For more information or to sign up for coaching with Andrew, email andrew (at) thinkingpoker (dot) net or DM on Twitter or BlueSky. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Shawt Stack Shawty guarding the vault: CARLOS WELCH Carlos Welch is a professional poker player and coach. He has hosted the Thinking Poker Podcast since Episode 366. He has contributed strategy articles to media outlets including PokerNews and Cardplayer Magazine Twitter Link ANDREW BROKOS Andrew Brokos is a professional poker player and coach. He has hosted the Thinking Poker Podcast since Episode 1. He is the author of the Play Optimal Poker books and has contributed strategy articles and videos to GTO Wizard, Solve For Why, Tournament Poker Edge, and more. Twitter Link

Episode 501: Liliana Marmolejo

1 hr 18 min

Comedy writer, poker pro, and content creator Liliana Marmolejo joins Carlos and Andrew to discuss her intense love affair with poker, how she brings fun and liveliness to the table, how poker fits into a Hollywood career, and more! Liliana on InstagramCarlos and Liliana in a Hungry Horse video For more information or to sign up for coaching with Andrew, email andrew (at) thinkingpoker (dot) net or DM on Twitter or BlueSky. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  LILIANA mARMOLEJO Liliana Marmolejo is a comedy writer, poker player, and content creator. You can find her on Instagram, YouTube, Hungry Horse, and Poker.Org. Link

Episode 500: Erik Seidel

1 hr 36 min

Erik Seidel has been one of the greatest poker players in the world for over four decades. We are proud and honored to celebrate this milestone episode with such a legend of the game. Erik discusses with Carlos and Andrew his early days as a backgammon player at the Mayfair Club, his second-place finish to Johnny Chan at his first WSOP, and how he’s navigated so many dramatic changes in the poker landscape without losing his edge. Thanks to Sam Greenwood for helping us connect with Erik. Our fun new Throwback Hand History Review is now available in The Nitcast Store. For more information or to sign up for coaching with Andrew, email andrew (at) thinkingpoker (dot) net or DM on Twitter or BlueSky. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Erik Seidel Erik Seidel is a professional poker player with 10 WSOP bracelets and a second-place finish in the Main Event. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2010. Twitter

Episode 499: Luke Johnson

59 min

Run It Once coach and Know Your Poker YouTuber Luke Johnson joins Andrew for a conversation about solvers, extreme exploits, coaching, and the psychological stress of high stakes poker. Watch a High Stakes Pro Exploit 10NL for 58 Minutes For more information or to sign up for coaching with Andrew (Brokos), email andrew (at) thinkingpoker (dot) net or DM on Twitter or BlueSky. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  LUKE JOHNSON Luke Johnson is a professional poker player and a popular YouTuber and Run It Once coach.  Twitter Link

Episode 498: Sam Greenwood’s Punt of the Day

1 hr 32 min

Sam Greenwood returns to the show to talk poker, punting, gigablocks, hip hop, and how he’s more of an “intuitive player” than we made him out to be in our recent interview with Andrew Lichtenberger.  Sign up for Sam’s newsletter at puntoftheday.com/thinking for 20% off a 1-year subscription. Sam first appeared on Episode 476. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  SAM GREENWOOD Sam Greenwood is one of the most successful tournament players of all time, with nearly $40 million in live winnings. He is an instructor at Run It Once and the author of the Punt of the Day newsletter on Substack. Twitter Link

Episode 497: Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger

1 hr 13 min

Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger joins Carlos and Andrew to discuss his unique place in the upper echelons of tournament poker. Is intuition a largely untapped vein of potential poker profit? Can we remember the future? Have extraterrestrials made contact with Andrew? This is one of the most extraordinary conversations we’ve ever had! For more information or to sign up for coaching with Andrew (Brokos), email andrew (at) thinkingpoker (dot) net or DM on Twitter or BlueSky. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Andrew Lichtenberger With nearly $25 million in recorded tournament cashes alone, Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger is one of the most successful poker players of all time. He’s also a father, a seeker, and the former CEO of Octopi Poker.  Twitter Link

Episode 496: History Detectives with Caitlyn Arnwine

1 hr 31 min

Organizer, advocate, and poker pro Caityln Arnwine (and her infant daughter Imani) speaks with Carlos and Andrew about parenthood, poker plans, Black History Month, and her forthcoming children’s book. Caitlyn Arnwine first appeared on Episode 397 as Caitlyn Cobb. She also appeared on our earlier episode on women’s events, on Episode 431 with LoriAnn Persinger, on Episode 451 with Justin and Barbara Arnwine, and on Episode 463. We interviewed her husband, Justin Arnwine, on Episodes 398 and 399. You can join Andrew and Carlos in the ClubWPT Gold beta by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Support the Podcast You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold (now in Canada!) by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Caitlyn Arnwine Caitlyn Arnwine describes herself as a force that makes change. Caitlyn is the former Coordinator of Public Education for @NationalHomeles and Social Media Director of @TJC_DC. Twitter Link

Episode 495: Gus Hoffman

1 hr 7 min

Artist and poker player Gus Hoffman joins us to discuss New Orleans, creativity, the Hungry Horse and bootcamp, and much more! David Sklansky passed away last week. We spoke with him on Episode 300 and Episode 333.  Carlos and Andrew answer Thinking Poker Daily listener questions about ICM, training your folding muscle, and more! Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  GUS HOFFMAN Gus Hoffman is an artist, art teacher, and poker player in New Orleans. Link

Episode 494: Soheb Porbandarwala

1 hr 22 min

Fresh off a $2 million win in the WPT World Championship, poker pro Soheb Porbandarwala shares his story with Carlos and Andrew: winning five figures as a high school student, explaining poker to his Muslim parents, why it pays to be the worst player in your group chat, and more! Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy by Dara O’Kearney Bounty Buster Calculator by Dr Kamikaze SOHEB PORBANDARWALA Soheb Porbandarwala is a professional poker player with 12 WSOP Circuit rings and a gold bracelet. He recently took second in the WPT World Championship for nearly $2 million! Twitter

Episode 493: Strategy From TPD

59 min

Carlos and Andrew answer Thinking Poker Daily listener questions about ICM, training your folding muscle, and more! Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.   

Episode 492: Russ Fox

1 hr 0 min

Russ Fox joins the show after a thirteen-year hiatus to discuss the Big Beautiful Bill’s disastrous change to how gambling losses are taxed. And what you can do about it! Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  RUSS FOX Russ Fox is an Enrolled Agent and author of the Taxable Talk blog, which often addresses issues related to poker and gambling. With Scott Harker, Russ is the author of Why You Lose at Poker and Mastering No-Limit Hold ‘Em, and with Nick Christenson, of Winning Strategies for No-Limit Hold ‘Em. He is also the author of Tax Strategies for the Small Business Owner. Twitter Link

Episode 491: Victoria Livschitz

1 hr 0 min

Tech entrepreneur Victoria Livschitz discovered poker in 2021 and quickly befriened some of the best players in the game. She’s now a force to be reckoned with both on and off the felt, with multiple major final tables under her belt plus the Octopi Poker training site and Pocket Queens study group for women. Andrew and Carlos look back on a year’s worth of conversations to choose their favorites and recommend some hidden gems. Join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK. You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  VICTORIA LIVSCHITZ Victoria Livschitz is a former tech entrepeneur with multiple successful businesses under her belt and, since diving headfirst into poker, multiple major final tables as well. She is the co-founder of Octopi Poker and Pocket Queens. Twitter Link

Episode 490: Thinking Poker 2025

1 hr 8 min

Andrew and Carlos look back on a year’s worth of conversations to choose their favorites and recommend some hidden gems. Join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily. 

Episode 489: Bonus Joel Porter-Dias Conversation

1 hr 1 min

Our conversation from Episode 488 continues (without Nate, unfortunately). We even talk some poker strategy! For more Joel: First appearance on Episode 409 Another two-part conversation begins with Episode 484 Joel’s blog Old Man James DJ Renegade on Soundcloud Joel’s book Ideas of Improvisation You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Joel Porter-Dias Joel Porter-Dias is a poet who has earned a living from gambling for over thirty years. He has also been a DJ, a computer programmer, and probably a few other things we didn’t even get to ask him about. His book Ideas of Improvisation is available from Thread Makes Blanket Press. Twitter Link

Episode 488: Nate Meets Joel

2 hr 10 min

It’s an epic meeting of the minds as former Thinking Poker host Nate Meyvis meets guest extraordinaire Joel Porter-Dias to discuss the NBA/poker cheating scandal, AI poker coaching, poetry, trivia, and more!    You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  NATE MEYVIS Nate Meyvis is a software engineer and a former professional poker player and original co-host of the Thinking Poker Podcast. Twitter Link Joel Porter-Dias Joel Porter-Dias is a poet who has earned a living from gambling for over thirty years. He has also been a DJ, a computer programmer, and probably a few other things we didn’t even get to ask him about. His book Ideas of Improvisation is available from Thread Makes Blanket Press. Twitter Link

Episode 487: Alex Livingston

1 hr 8 min

Mixed game master and Main Event final tabler Alex Livingston joins Carlos and Andrew to discuss playing mixed games, coaching mixed games, teaching in Rwanda, and coining the term Old Man Coffee. Alex and Chris Vitch teach the Mixed Minds video training course. Support the Podcast: You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold (now in Canada!) by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  ALEX LIVINGSTON Alex Livingston is a professional poker player and coach. With Chris Vitch, he teaches the Mixed Minds course. Alex finished 3rd in the 2019 WSOP Main Event for $4 million. Twitter Link

Episode 486: Rene “TheWakko” Kuhlman

1 hr 12 min

Rene “TheWakko” Kuhlman is one of the best no-limit cash game players in the world, and he’s an even better teacher! With Andrew and Carlos, he discusses his rocky journey to the top and the lessons he learned along the way about bankroll management, mindset, and success. More from Rene: The Mechanics of Poker coaching program The Mechanics of Poker Podcast Support the Podcast: You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold (now in Canada!) by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  RENE KUHLMAN Rene “TheWakko” Kuhlman is a professional poker player specializing in high stakes online cash games. He is a coach for The Mechanics of Poker and GTO Wizard and co-host of The Mechanics of Poker Podcast. Link

Episode 485: Joel Porter-Dias Returns, Part 2

1 hr 34 min

This is the conclusion of our interview with Joel Porter-Dias, which began with Episode 484. Joel first appeared on Episode 409. Joel’s blog Old Man James DJ Renegade on Soundcloud Joel’s book Ideas of Improvisation You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  JOEL PORTER-DIAS Joel Porter-Dias is a poet who has earned a living from gambling for over thirty years. He has also been a DJ, a computer programmer, and probably a few other things we didn’t even get to ask him about. His book Ideas of Improvisation is available from Thread Makes Blanket Press. Twitter Link

Episode 484: Joel Porter Dias Returns, Part 1

1 hr 20 min

Joel Porter-Dias, who first appeared on Episode 409, returns to discuss advantage slot play and some legendary gamblers who recently passed. Joel is a fascinating and multi-faceted guy, which is why this is only Part 1 of a very long interview! Joel’s blog Old Man James DJ Renegade on Soundcloud Joel’s book Ideas of Improvisation You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Joel Porter-Dias Joel Porter-Dias is a poet who has earned a living from gambling for over thirty years. He has also been a DJ, a computer programmer, and probably a few other things we didn’t even get to ask him about. His book Ideas of Improvisation is available from Thread Makes Blanket Press. Twitter Link

Episode 483: Jenny Westerlund

46 min

Swedish pro and mother of two Jenny Westerlund recently had the biggest score of her career when she shipped the Main Event of the WSOP Circuit in Tallinn, Estonia for over €200,000. She talks to Nate and Andrew about her background as both a dealer and a kindergarten teacher and how she balances traveling the live circuit with (co-)parenting two kids as a single mother. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  JENNY WESTERLUND Jenny Westerlund is a professional poker player from Switzerland. She recently won the Main Event of the WSOP Circuit in Tallinn, Estonia. Link

Episode 482: Ian Gavlick

1 hr 1 min

Software engineer and avid mixed games player Ian Gavlick is bringing games like triple draw into the modern era of poker strategy with Stud Flop Draw. He shares his passion for mixed game strategy and software with Andrew and Carlos and offers some predictions for how AI will shape the future of poker. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Ian Gavlick Ian Gavlick is a poker playing Software Engineer, who spent 15 years working at companies like Twitter & Microsoft before starting Stud Flop Draw to build modern study tools for mixed games. Twitter Link

Episode 481: Pure Strategy

1 hr 1 min

Andrew and Carlos answer strategy questions from the Patreon, and Carlos discusses his move from Las Vegas to Jacksonville. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily. 

Episode 480: Royal Redux

49 min

Michelle Farmer and Natascha Carpenter founded Royal Queens Poker in Atlanta in 2024 after seeing the lack of diversity in other leagues, a journey they shared with Andrew, Carlos, and Gloria Jackson on Episode 459. Now they’re back to discuss the joys and challenges of their rapid growth plus some thoughts on the 2025 World Series of Poker. Thanks to Caitlyn Arnwine for connecting us with them! Follow Royal Queens Poker on Social Media: Instagram Facebook Tiktok You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Michelle Farmer & Natascha Carpenter Michelle Farmer and Natascha Carpenter have over 15 years of poker experience. Royal Queens Poker hosts ladies-only tournaments and offers classes to encourage female participation. Additionally, Royal Queens Poker provides free poker events at local restaurants and bars, where players have the chance to win prizes. Link

Episode 479: Craig Savage

1 hr 27 min

Craig Savage is an educator by trade, but he’s been a competitive poker player and a student of Carlos’s for many years. Hot on the heels of his bracelet victory in the $500 NLHE Freezeout, he speaks with Andrew and Carlos about the experience and how he stays on top of the game despite family and professional obligations. In the strategy segment, Andrew discusse what exactly “targeting” means and why so many people get it wrong. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  CRAIG SAVAGE Craig is an educator with 31 years of experience, specializing in psychology, the psychology and ethics of leadership, and advanced biology. A former collegiate athlete, he turned to poker in 2003 as a new competitive outlet. He has a gold WSOP bracelet from the 2025 $500 NLHE Freezeout and is part of the Chase the Dream docuseries. Twitter Link

Episode 478: Ian Chan

1 hr 1 min

Ian Chan is a Silicon Valley software engineer and a triple draw enthusiast who built his own badugi solver. He talks game theory, artificial intelligence, mixed games, and the underappreciated role of tactile poker experiences. We’ve also got a little in memoriam for Jane Hitchcock, who was our guest on Episode 330. All our interviews with the University of Alberta Computer Poker Research Group are here. The Counterfactual Regret Minimization paper we discuss is here. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.    IAN CHAN Ian Chan is the VP of Engineering at Postscript. He’s also an avid poker player who enjoys applying his knowledge of game theory and computer science to triple draw games. Twitter Link

Episode 477: Shootout with Nate Meyvis

1 hr 5 min

Former Thinking Poker Podcast host Nate Meyvis joins the show to talk about AI, spaced repetition, and his new flashcard site ZippyFlash.com. Meanwhile Carlos drops in with occasional updates while playing the $1500 Shootout at the WSOP. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  NATE MEYVIS Nate Meyvis is a software engineer and a former professional poker player and original co-host of the Thinking Poker Podcast. Twitter Link

Risky Business: Why ChatGPT Sucks at Poker

52 min

This week, we’re bringing you an episode of Risky Business, a podcast about better decision making from our friends Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova. You can find more Risky Business at https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/risky-business-with-nate-silver-maria-konnikova. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  NATE SILVER Nate Silver is the founder of FiveThirtyEight and a former professional poker player. He is the author of On the Edge, The Signal and the Noise, and the Silver Bulletin substack, and he co-hosts the Risky Business podcast with Maria Konnikova, whom we interviewed on Episode 247. Nate first appeared on Episode 318. Twitter Link MARIA KONNIKOVA Maria Konnikova is a poker player, a contributing writer for the New Yorker, and the author of The Confidence Game, Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, and the new The Biggest Bluff. Twitter Link

Episode 476: Sam Greenwood

1 hr 11 min

Nosebleed MTT crusher Sam Greenwood is one of the most successful poker players of all time. But how did he get started, how did he rise to the top, and why is he now giving away his secrets in a daily newsletter? Carlos and Andrew get to the bottom of it all in this fantastic interview. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  SAM GREENWOOD Sam Greenwood is one of the most successful tournament players of all time, with nearly $40 million in live winnings. He is an instructor at Run It Once and the author of the Punt of the Day newsletter on Substack. Twitter Link

Episode 475: Chris Vitch

59 min

Chris “DeathDonkey” Vitch joins Carlos and Andrew for a lively discussion of poker in all its forms, including why he prefers non-hold ’em games, what hold ’em players get wrong about mixed games, and he approaches mixed game tournaments differently than cash games. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  CHRIS VITCH Chris Vitch is a long-time professional poker player, coach, and instructor focusing on mixed games. He has three WSOP bracelets. Twitter

Episode 474: Tom Boshoff

55 min

Tom “Tombos21” Boshoff returns to the show to discuss new developments in poker strategy and technology since his last appearance. Alex Sutherland is the source of the “think of a solver as a tool for conducting experiments” idea. We first discussed the idea of AI “intuition” with Michael Bowling of the University of Alberta Computer Poker Research Group. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Tom Boshoff Tom Boshoff is the Head Coach at GTO Wizard. He previously appeared on Episode 393. Link

Episode 473: The Joy of Poker with Jason Su

1 hr 25 min

Five years ago, Jason Su taught the poker world to play with presence. Now he’s back to advocate for playing with joy. We discuss his new book, why most poker players motivate themselves in unsustainable ways, and how to change those habits both at the poker table and in life. In the strategy segment, Andrew discusses game theory in the real world and whether strategic uncertainty has a role to play in trade negotiations. Jason previously appeared on Episode 327. His new book is The Joy of Poker. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  JASON SU Jason Su specializes in helping poker players maximize their performance and earnings at the table with zero sacrifice from their personal lives. Twitter Link

Episode 472: Andres Korn

1 hr 17 min

Andres Korn grew up playing poker with his friends, but it wasn’t until he saw it on TV that he decided to take it seriously. He bought straight in to the WSOP Main Event and never looked back. Now he’s one of the most successful players in Argentina (and the world!), with an emphasis on mixed games but enough hold ’em proficiency to hold a bracelet in the prestigious $5K six-max event. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Andres Korn Andres Korn is one of the most successful poker players in Argentina, with nearly $4M in live cashes and a WSOP bracelet from the prestigious $5K six-max event.

Episode 471: Ariel Shefer

1 hr 37 min

Ariel Shefer wants to be a world champion. He’s tried backgammon, he’s tried bridge. Now, he lives in his car, driving for Uber to earn buy-ins for poker tournaments. He’s not broke (or at least, he wouldn’t have to be); this is how he keeps himself hungry. And maybe how he nets a sponsorship from Toyota, Hilton, Uber, or Virginia Slims… Ariel shares with us his remarkable life and his unique philosophy, and of course he and Carlos compare notes on car living. In the strategy segment, Andrew discusses betting in multi-way pots and why protection bets should be small. Ari’s Digital Poker Tables You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  ARIEL SHEFER Ariel Shefer retired from a career in business to live in his car, play poker, and drive for Uber. He describes himself as the “poorest, happiest person in the world.” Link

Episode 470: Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher

1 hr 41 min

Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher are titans of the industry, with over 100 years of poker experience between them. They share stories with Carlos and Andrew about poker rooms in the 1970s and 80s, how and why they changed, the history of Card Player Magazine, the history of Card Player Cruises, the founding of the Tournament Directors’ Association, and Poker Gives, a charitable project feeding hungry people in Las Vegas. In the strategy segment, Andrew and Carlos discuss bluffing frequencies, polarized betting, and multi-way pots. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  LINDA jOHNSON Linda Johnson is a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, the Women’s Poker Hall of Fame, and the Tournament Directors’ Association. She is a former professional poker player and owner of Card Player Magazine. She now co-owns Card Player Cruises. Twitter JAN FISHER Jan Fisher is a former poker dealer, professional player, and contributor to Card Player Magazine. She is a member of the Women’s Poker Hall of Fame and co-owns Card Player Cruises. Twitter

Episode 469: Glo and Lo, Two Years On

1 hr 22 min

It’s been two years since Carlos met Gloria Jackson when he contacted about for an interview. Now he lives with her and her two youngest sons, and both their lives have changed dramatically. The two of them share with Andrew what their lives look like now, both on and off the felt. If you aren’t familiar with Gloria, her original interview is well worth listening to even if you don’t care about Carlos’s love life. For those who do, the story of how they got together is a great listen, too. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  GLORIA JACKSON Gloria Jackson is a mother of five and has played poker professionally for over twelve years. Twitter

Episode 468: Paul O’Reilly

1 hr 0 min

Co-owner of the Irish Poker Open Paul O’Reilly discusses the historic event with Carlos and Andrew. Plus the Irish poker scene, tips for visiting Dublin, and more! You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! Website: www.irishpokeropen.com X: @Irish_PokerOpen Instagram: irishpokeropen You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily. 

Episode 467: Oh Hell! with Matt Glassman

1 hr 17 min

Card player, political scientist, and fan favorite Matt Glassman returns to the show to discuss the Oh Hell! book he’s working on and answer listener questions about American politics. Matt is a frequent Thinking Poker guest who first appeared on Episode 191. Lamont Jones talked Bid Whist with us on Episode 433. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  MATT GLASSMAN Matt Glassman is an avid card player and a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute adept at explaining politics through the lenses of game theory and card strategy. Twitter Link

Episode 466: RecPoker Featuring Jim Reid, LoriAnn Persinger, and Rob Gardner

1 hr 6 min

Jim Reid, LoriAnn Persinger, and Rob Gardner join Andrew and Carlos to talk about the RecPoker community and how the needs, goals, and experiences of recreational players differ from those of professionals. LoriAnn first appeared on Episode 394 of the Thinking Poker Podcast. You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  RecPoker Links Website: https://rec.poker/ Audio Podcast: https://pod.link/1149156123 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RecPokerCommunity Discord: https://discord.com/invite/9aYSMCCfpv JIM REID Jim Reid is a poker coach and host of The RecPoker Podcast. Twitter Link LORIANN PERSINGER LoriAnn Persinger is a poker lover, Navy veteran, and serial game show champion with a history in poker media. She recently joined the RecPoker RECing crew. Twitter Link ROB GARDNER Rob Gardner is the marketing director for RecPoker and host of the Chase the Dream podcast. Rob recently launched Ramp Poker and the Ramp Poker Core Training Cours Twitter Link

Episode 465: AK is Hard to Play

1 hr 16 min

Carlos shares his experiences from the GPI awards banquet and a visit with Tom McEvoy. Then he and Andrew discuss two tricky tournament spots with AK. We interviewed Tom McEvoy on Episode 450.  You can join Andrew and Carlos on ClubWPT Gold by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.   

Episode 464: Zak VanKeuren

57 min

Winning a major poker tournament isn’t a fast track onto the Thinking Poker Podcast, but when Matt Savage says, “You have to talk to this guy!”, we oblige. And so glad we did! Zak VanKeuren, who won the WPT Prime Championship in December for over $1 million, is a great poker player, but he isn’t just a great poker player. He’s also a holistic wellness enthusiast and performance coach. We talk to him about what exactly that means, how it helped him perform on one of poker’s largest stages, and what he hopes to teach others about experiencing the richness of life. You can learn more about Zak and his coaching on Instagram and Twitter. You can join Andrew and Carlos in the ClubWPT Gold beta by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  ZAK VANKEUREN Zak VanKeuren is a professional poker player and holistic wellness coach. He recently won the WPT Prime Championship for over $1 million! Twitter Link

Episode 463: Black History Month with Caitlyn Arnwine

1 hr 35 min

Organizer, advocate, and poker pro Caitlyn Arnwine returns to the show for Black History Month! With Carlos and Andrew, she discusses why Black history is American history, how historical voting rights movements can inform contemporary struggles, how to advocate for Women’s Events, and what this all has to do with poker strategy. Plus, Carlos and Andrew discuss risk premiums in everyday life and whether cash games or tournaments better model the real world. Caitlyn Arnwine first appeared on Episode 397 as Caitlyn Cobb. She also appeared on our earlier episode on women’s events, on Episode 431 with LoriAnn Persinger, and on Episode 451 with Justin and Barbara Arnwine. We spoke with her husband, Justin Arnwine, on Episodes 398 and 399. You can join Andrew and Carlos in the ClubWPT Gold beta by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  CAITLYN ARNWINE Caitlyn Arnwine describes herself as a force that makes change. Caitlyn is the former Coordinator of Public Education for @NationalHomeles and Social Media Director of @TJC_DC. Twitter Link

Episode 462: Alex Fitzgerald

56 min

Legendary poker guru Alex “Assassinato” Fitzgerald returns to the podcast after a long hiatus to discuss solvers, live cash games, his new book, living in New York during the height of the pandemic, and much more! Alex previously appeared on Episode 84 and Episode 133. His website is PokerHeadRush.com. You can join Andrew and Carlos in the ClubWPT Gold beta by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK.  Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  Alexander Fitzgerald Alex Fitzgerald is a poker player, author, and coach. His latest book is How to Beat Players Who Never Fold. Twitter Link

Episode 461: Ivonne Montealegre

55 min

Ivonne Montealegre is best known in the poker world for organizing the popular Malta Poker Festival and the new Costa Rica Poker Festival. She shares with Carlos and Andrew about growing up in Costa Rica, living in Malta, how her mother got her into poker, what goes into organizing a poker festival, and her now role as Manager of the SiGMA Poker Tour. You can join Andrew and Carlos in the ClubWPT Gold beta by signing up at https://clubwptgold.com/?promo=THINK. They’ll be hosting a homegame tournament on Sunday, February 1 at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific. Receive 10% off your GTO Wizard subscription when you use this link to sign up to GTO Wizard today and run deeper in your MTTs with GTO Wizard AI! You can now get two FREE episodes per week of Thinking Poker Daily.  IVONNE MONTEALEGRE Ivonne Montealegre is the Manager of the SiGMA Poker Tour and the organizer of the Malta Poker Festival and the Costa Rica Poker Festival. Twitter Link

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