Chat With Traders

A quiet, end-of-year reflection on the middle stage of trading — where progress is subtle, patterns are familiar, and the real work happens internally. Sponsor of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Trade The Pool: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.tradethepool.com⁠⁠ Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we examine what actually happens when crypto markets break — how leverage builds beneath the surface, liquidity disappears, and liquidation cascades turn volatility into systemic failure. Doug Colkitt, a quantitative trader and DeFi builder whose experience spans both traditional finance and crypto market structure. Doug began his career on Wall Street at Citigroup before moving into high-frequency trading at Citadel during the 2008 financial crisis. He later built and traded his own systems across futures, volatility products, and international equities, including running a major market-making operation in Turkish stocks. Today, Doug focuses on crypto and DeFi infrastructure, working with perpetual futures, liquidation mechanics, and exchange design. We discuss why traders still get wiped out when they think they’re hedged, how liquidation cascades accelerate, and what recent market failures reveal about leverage and market structure under stress. Links +Resources: Ambient Finance on X (Twitter): @AmbientFinance Website: https://ambient.finance Sponsor of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Trade The Pool: ⁠⁠http://www.tradethepool.com⁠⁠ Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. 00:00:00 Intro and Background 00:03:43 Starting Individual Trading and High Frequency Systems 00:04:09 Focus on Index Futures and Competitive Markets 00:06:15 Michael Lewis's 'Flash Boys' and HFT Accuracy 00:07:00 Impact of HFT on Smaller Traders 00:09:13 Market Makers and Price Competition 00:09:37 HFT Evolution and Market Dynamics 00:11:24 Trading VIX Futures and Market Inefficiencies 00:13:08 Transitioning to Medium Frequency Trading 00:13:34 Trading Turkish Equities and Market Makings 00:15:35 Exploring Cryptocurrency Trading 00:18:32 Diving into Decentralized Finance (DeFi) 00:20:06 Arbitrage Opportunities in Crypto Markets 00:22:00 Flash Loans and Risk-Free Trading 00:22:48 Adjustments to Trading Bots Over Time 00:25:11 Criteria for Trusting Decentralized Exchanges 00:28:46 Liquidity Providing and Yield Opportunities 00:29:16 Volatility and Risks in Liquidity Provisioning 00:31:47 Understanding Perpetual Contracts in Crypto 00:36:04 October 10, 2025 Crypto Massacre Overview 00:37:36 Leverage and Market Dynamics 00:41:23 Impact of Liquidations on Market Sentiment 00:41:43 Market Maker Behavior During Crises 00:43:45 Liquidity Issues in Centralized Exchanges 00:44:53 Hyper Liquid Vault and Liquidation Dynamics 00:45:55 Market Making Strategies and Risk Management 00:49:15 Insurance Fund Models in DeFi 00:51:43 Ambient Finance Project Overview 00:53:08 Separation of Exchange and Clearinghouse 00:54:14 Innovations in Perpetual Trading 00:55:46 Takeaways from the October 10th Massacre 00:57:03 Future Plans for Insurance Fund Integration 00:58:28 Real World Assets and Crypto Integration Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning guest Vincent Bruzzese — trader, former statistics professor, poker player, and former Hollywood behavioral analyst — joins Tessa for a candid discussion about navigating one of the most narrative-driven markets in years. Known online as “Hari Seldon” in the Real Day Trading community, Vincent is recognized for posting his trades live and delivering multiple years of standout performance, with returns north of 60% and even 80%. In this episode, Vincent talks about why traders are struggling with discipline, how sentiment and storylines are overpowering both fundamentals and technicals, and what separates structured trading from gambling. He also shares how tools like his walkaway analysis help reinforce better habits and improve decision-making. Tessa and Vincent dig into mindset, process, relative strength, risk management, and how he rebuilt after blowing up his account twice. They also explore the emotional side of trading in a market that often feels disconnected from reality — and how traders can stay grounded despite the chaos. Links +Resources: ● Follow Vincent on Reddit: ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/RealDayTrading/⁠ ● Follow Vincent on X: ⁠@RealDayTrading⁠ ● Vincent on CWT ⁠Episode 255⁠ ● Vincent can also be found in the OneOption Chat Rooms Sponsor of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Trade The Pool: ⁠http://www.tradethepool.com⁠ Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. ● 00:00:00 Intro and Background ● 00:07:13 Market Analysis and Trading Strategies ● 00:09:00 Trading Mindset and Emotional Challenges ● 00:11:07 Market Trends and Skepticism ● 00:13:08 Market Irrationality and Future Predictions ● 00:14:41 Valuation Concerns and Institutional Influence ● 00:15:19 Psychological Aspects of Trading ● 00:16:30 Narratives and Market Bubbles ● 00:18:00 Passive Income Strategies in Trading ● 00:21:57 Long-term Investment Strategies ● 00:21:25 Personal Trading Experiences ● 00:24:08 Learning from Trading Losses ● 00:25:12 The Journey to Becoming a Trader ● 00:25:58 Mindset and Trading Psychology ● 00:30:45 Identifying and Avoiding Bad Trades ● 00:32:58 Overcoming Trading Challenges ● 00:37:48 Trading Strategies and Market Analysis ● 00:40:52 Current Market Conditions and Trading Decisions ● 00:43:20 Portfolio Management and Trading Style ● 00:46:39 Trading Preparation and Daily Routine ● 01:01:25 Navigating Market Volatility and Uncertainty ● 01:05:41 Final Thoughts on Trading and Market Dynamics Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Carreon returns to Chat With Traders nearly three years after his first appearance, where he shared his remarkable journey through stage-five kidney failure and the discipline it forged in him as a trader. Today, he brings an even deeper perspective—on markets, on patience, and on the Box Strategy that has become his signature. Christian is a breakout trend trader who waits for compression, defines his levels meticulously, and only commits when price breaks cleanly from the “box” with tight risk and clear direction. In this conversation, he walks us through how his approach has evolved, how he sizes up with confidence, and why patience inside consolidation is the foundation of every edge he has. From day-trading futures for cash flow to swing-trading leading stocks for growth, Christian shares the discipline, structure, and gratitude that guide both his trading and his life. Links + Resources: ● Follow Christian on X: @trading_boxes ● Christian on NinjaTrader Live ● Christian on CWT Episode 254 Sponsor of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. ● 00:00 Intro and Background ● 05:23 Kidney Donation Journey ● 06:37 Recovery Process After Transplant ● 09:45 Mental Focus During Recovery ● 12:51 Trading Goals and Adjustments ● 12:09 Risk Management in Trading ● 12:38 Sizing Up and Position Management ● 15:24 Identifying Trading Opportunities ● 16:23 Market Conditions and Trading Strategy ● 17:28 Support and Resistance Analysis ● 19:00 Using Indicators for Trading ● 22:48 Influence of News on Trading ● 24:00 Box Strategy Overview ● 27:18 Adapting Trading Strategies ● 29:40 Trading Discipline and Limits ● 32:10 Managing Investor Funds ● 33:15 Handling Market Events ● 36:03 Investor Mistakes and Adaptation ● 47:04 Reflections on Trading Journey ● 50:34 Catch up with Tessa Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Efrat t Levy is a cybersecurity expert with a PhD in Computer Science and AI from Ben-Gurion University—one of Israel’s top tech institutions. After years studying how to detect hackers through side-channel signals, she applied the same logic to trading. In this conversation, Dr. Levy explains how she uses machine learning to map non-repainting key levels that reveal the hidden order flow—the subtle timing and volume clues that expose the real intent of big players. She shows how correlated markets often move together at these key levels and how that insight helps her trade with precision and low drawdown. We discuss filtering noise, managing psychology, and bridging cybersecurity thinking with market analysis—exploring how data and discipline can uncover the quieter forces shaping market behavior. Links + Resources: ● Dr. Levy’s website: https://ctpacademy.com/ ● Dr. Levy’s email: [email protected] ● Dr. Levy on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EGIndicators ● Dr. Levy’s linktree: https://linktr.ee/efrat.levy Sponsor of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. ● 00:00 – Intro: From AI & cyber to trading ● 01:20 – PhD background, domains where AI applies ● 04:30 – First market exposure: anomaly detection for derivatives ● 07:45 – Side-channel analysis: uncovering hidden intent ● 12:10 – “Hidden order flow” and fingerprinting big players ● 18:30 – Single-tick levels vs. zones; why zones mislead ● 22:00 – The correlation filter: 3 of 4 assets hitting together ● 26:00 – Entries & stops: lowest drawdown mindset ● 30:30 – Managing trades by other markets’ levels ● 33:45 – Timeframe-agnostic approach; redefining “correlation” ● 51:00 – Instruments: indices, gold/silver/copper/platinum ● 56:00 – Psychological tripwires:streaks, missed A+ setups, ego risk ● 1:04:00 – How to reach Dr. Levy ● 1:05:00 – Catch up with Tessa Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How a trader from Dallas built consistency—and a simple lifestyle of freedom in Southeast Asia—with a 30% win rate. Diego Ivan Cortes Lopez grew up chasing perfection on the tennis court, where winning came naturally, but it was trading that taught him how to win by losing. After years of trial, error, and a six-figure setback, studying the methods taught by Oliver Velez, a prominent veteran professional trader, helped him rebuild his approach - focusing on daily support and resistance, clean reversal signals, and asymmetric risk-to-reward. Now trading large-cap stocks from Vietnam on a single 13-inch laptop with uncluttered charts and limiting his sessions to the first hour of the market open, Diego shows that real consistency and freedom come from mastering the math of risk and reward—and keeping both trading and life simple. Links + Resources: ● Diego’s Instagram: diegoivan__7 ● Diego’s Email: [email protected] Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com TastyTrade: https://tastytrade.com/ Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. ● 00:00 – Early Life & Tennis ● 04:30 – Tennis Coaching & Business Success ● 09:00 – Early trading and the six-figure drawdown ● 14:00 – Rebuilding & Moving Aboard ● 20:00 – Finding Oliver Velez, relearning ● 27:00 – Today’s playbook: daily levels, 5-min entries, first-hour focus ● 34:00 – Risk, sizing, psychology, and “becoming a great loser” ● 40:00 – Living/trading in Asia; consistency over perfection ● 46:00 – Struggles, losing streaks, and long-term confidence ● 50:00 – Brief chat with Tessa Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Jack Schwager—author of the legendary Market Wizards series and co-founder of FundSeeder—along with his partner and fellow co-founder & CEO, Emanuel Balarie. Jack shares what it really takes to be considered for a Market Wizards book: not one formula, but a mix of standout performance, disciplined risk, and an almost obsessive commitment to process and adaptation. Along the way, we dig into why survival so often hinges on position sizing and pre-planned exits, whether strategies like trend following can still hold up today, and the paradox of how fundamental convictions can actually work against risk management. Emanuel then explains how FundSeeder discovers talented but undiscovered traders worldwide, using analytics to measure performance and the FundSeeder Rise accelerator (now part of RQSI) to help top performers make the leap from trading their own accounts to managing outside capital. Think of it as a “farm system” for the next generation of fund managers. Few will ultimately make the cut, but every great manager starts somewhere—and if you’ve been honing your craft and building a real track record, this episode might spark the thought: why not you? Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. 00:00 – Introduction and background 10:50 – What qualifies as “Market Wizards” performance 15:20 – Longevity vs. hot streaks 17:20 – Position sizing & cutting losses 19:20 – Obsession level + trainee mindset 24:20 – When edges die (index adds, VIX pattern) 27:20 – Trend logic vs. whipsaw reality 32:20 – Fundamentals vs. risk management 38:20 – “Know your exit before entry” 39:50 – FundSeeder origin story 42:20 – Evaluating traders (quant + qual) 48:20 – Why the Rise accelerator exists 52:20 – RQSI’s role in seeding talent 55:20 – Free analytics & benchmarking for traders 57:20 – How to apply / contact Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Links + Resources: FundSeeder: https://fundseeder.com FundSeeder Rise (accelerator): https://www.fundseeder.com/rise FundSeeder on X: https://x.com/fundseeder Jack Schwager: https://x.com/jackschwager | http://www.jackschwager.com/ Emanuel Balarie: https://x.com/emanuelbalarie Sponsor of Chat With Traders Podcast: Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A former competitive gamer, Mario Dimitroff from Bulgaria got his start on a local trading floor before discovering that the U.S. premarket session best fit his skills. Now trading for a living and doing nothing else, his news-driven, event-based scalping focuses on low-liquidity movers. Leveraging gaming-honed speed and pattern recognition, he quickly decides whether to ride momentum or fade to mean, enters/exits fast, sizes within liquidity, and sustains his edge by cutting losers quickly, avoiding drawdowns, and stacking small consistent wins. In this episode, you’ll hear how Mario turned his competitive gaming instincts into an all-in commitment to the markets and full-time trading career. Links + Resources: Mario’s YouTube Channel: The Wall Street Cat - YouTube Sponsors of this episode of the Chat With Traders Podcast: Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com TastyTrade: http://tastytrade.com/podcasts Time Stamps: Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. 01:30 Introduction and background 03:50 Early Experiences and Learning from Failure 07:38 Return to Trading During COVID-19 08:38 Working on a Trading Floor 10:51 Trading Strategies and Market Insights 11:14 Imposter Syndrome and Mental Challenges in Trading 14:57 Career Decisions and Trading Philosophy 18:49 Finding Trading Edge and Style 20:39 Scalping and Pre-Market Trading 21:40 Meme Stocks and Market Euphoria 24:07 Navigating Market Downturns 25:49 Understanding Euphoria and Market Psychology 43:54 Avoiding Drawdowns and Maintaining Profitability 45:48 Scalping Strategies and Risk Management 51:56 Biggest challenges as a trader 59:15 How to reach Mario 59:30 Chat With Tessa Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online funding prop firms have captured the attention of traders in recent years. In this episode, the CEO of Trade The Pool, Michael Katz, joins the podcast to answer key questions and offer perspective from inside one of the leading firms. The conversation explores how these firms operate, what they mean for traders, and the common debates surrounding them. The goal is not promotion of prop firms, but to pull back the curtain and provide a clearer understanding of the role prop firms play in today’s trading landscape. Links + Resources: ● Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com ● Plus500: Try futures trading with Plus500 >> Start with a FREE demo or claim a bonus up to $200 with an open account 👉https://us.plus500.com Trading futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Time Stamps: Please note - Exact times will vary depending on current ads. ● 00:00 Introduction and background ● 05:02 Attraction to Funding Prop Firms ● 06:06 Risk Management and Evaluation Fees ● 10:08 Misconceptions About Prop Firms ● 11:58 Education and Community Support ● 15:35 Trading Evaluation Process ● 18:47 Success Rates and Trader Psychology ● 20:04 Adjusting Strategies for Prop Trading ● 22:07 Rules and Boundaries in Trading ● 27:51 Success Stories and Learning Curves ● 28:58 Psychology of Funded Trading ● 31:52 Trader Retention and Patterns ● 33:54 Scaling and Risk Management ● 38:42 Payout Rules and Compliance ● 40:29 Adapting Rules for Trader Success Trading Disclaimer: Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up in Germany without a financial background, Julian Komar became fascinated by stocks as a teenager. He moved past complex German trading products to concentrate on U.S. equities. Specializing in momentum and growth stocks on the daily timeframe, he blends fundamentals, technicals, and story analysis to uncover opportunities that put him in the best position for high-potential setups and riding powerful trends. As a disciplined breakout trader, he prioritizes risk control, market trends, and intuition gained through decades of experience. About Julian Komar Julian is a trader, mentor, and entrepreneur. With over 20 years of stock trading experience, he trades growth and momentum stocks using a systematic strategy, holding winners for weeks to months and cutting losers within days — a style that perfectly matches his personality. Julian’s passion lies in uncovering innovative companies with the potential to grow sales rapidly and achieve significant long-term success. He devotes 95% of his energy to research, searching for the next potential “super stock.” Trading Disclaimer Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Links + Resources Follow Julian on X: https://x.com/BlogJulianKomar Julian’s Website: https://julian-komar.com/contact/ Time Stamps Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. 00:00 Introduction and background 10:20 Fundamentals and technicals 17:30 Sister stocks 28:30 Trading the GFC 34:02 Worst drawdowns 33:00 The setup for the trade 43:00 Position sizing 52:30 Trading performance 1:08:35 How to reach Julian 1:09:00 Tessa Chats with Julian Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: Plus500: Try futures trading with Plus500 >> Start with a FREE demo or claim a bonus up to $200 with an open account 👉⁠https://us.plus500.com⁠Trading futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Trade The Pool: ⁠http://www.tradethepool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From academic struggles at SUNY Albany to holding the world record for the largest prop firm payouts—roughly $4.5 million in total, Kyle Ng a.k.a. JadeCap’s journey started out like many aspiring traders. Sparked by a childhood friend's success in forex about 14 years ago, he found his way into the financial markets. Like many traders, he went through the pain, losses and sacrifices and struggles, but at the same time he’s also unlike many traders, slowly building his edge through discipline, risk management, and a long-term mindset. Over the years, he’s leveraged prop firms to scale his returns, transitioning fluidly between forex and futures while adapting his approach to changing market conditions. Influenced by ICT’s teachings, his style blends patience, adaptability, and the wisdom to step back when the market calls for it. In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind the milestones, the real-life lessons from his trading evolution, and what it truly takes to thrive in trading. Trading Disclaimer Trading in the financial markets involves a risk of loss. Podcast episodes and other content produced by Chat With Traders are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute trading or investment recommendations or advice. Time Stamps Please note: Exact times will vary depending on current ads. 00:00 Introduction and background 10:25 Early trade experiences 12:30 Evolving strategies 16:55 Blowing up accounts 21:10 Evolving into a full time trader 25:55 Utilizing online prop firms to minimize risk 01:55 The real money is made with processes 35:05 ICT trading system 39:40 Success tied to intuition? 43:30 When to put the foot on the gas 50:00 Resisting the urge to change strategies 56:05 What Kyle struggles with 58:20 How to reach Kyle 58:40 Bonus Section: Tessa Chats with Kyle – more on prop firms Links + Resources Reach Kyle on X: https://x.com/jadecap_ Kyle’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JadeCap Kye’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadecapofficial/?hl=en Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: Plus500: Try futures trading with Plus500 >> Start with a FREE demo or claim a bonus up to $200 with an open account 👉https://us.plus500.comTrading futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a teenager growing up without TV in rural Canada stumbles across CNBC in a college dorm and sees people making $100,000 in a day? For Chris Vermeulen, that moment changed everything—and kicked off a 25-year journey of trading triumphs, painful losses, and profound strategy shifts. In this episode, you'll meet a trader who’s lived through the tech bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, and everything in between. Chris doesn’t chase headlines or hype—he follows price, momentum, and something most traders overlook entirely: vibration and cycles. From blowing up accounts to walking away from day trading altogether, Chris now rides the market’s waves with a calm, calculated edge—making just 5 to 12 trades a year, knowing exactly when to sit still and wait for the right wave. His approach might challenge what you believe about risk, emotion, and even diversification. About Chris Vermeulen: Chris is a seasoned position trader with over two decades of experience navigating market cycles—from the tech bubble to the 2008 financial crisis and beyond. He’s the author of Technical Trading Mastery and the newly released Asset Revesting, where he introduces a disciplined, momentum-based strategy for managing risk and maximizing returns. He also founded The Technical Traders. Rejecting traditional buy-and-hold thinking but also having moved away from day trading, Chris believes that true portfolio growth comes from owning assets in confirmed uptrends and rotating out of those losing strength. His approach emphasizes technical analysis, price action, and timing over diversification, aiming to protect capital while achieving above-average returns. Links + Resources: ● How to reach Chris – Visit The Technical Traders Website: https://thetechnicaltraders.com/ Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: ● Plus500: Try futures trading with Plus500 >> Start with a FREE demo or claim a bonus up to $200 with an open account 👉https://us.plus500.com Trading futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. ● Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Maltman, an intraday futures and forex trader and founder of Apex Capital, must have had exceptional clarity starting at a young age. Introduced to the markets in a high school presentation by a prop firm, Dylan caught the passion for the potential of the markets and persuaded his way into a position at the firm. Learning about back testing, he became obsessed with dissecting every nuance of past data so as to create a system with high returns with minimal drawdowns by understanding where edge can be found, as evidenced in the performance of the algorithmic strategies. Emphasizing the significance of order flow analysis and robust back testing, he offers important insights for algorithmic, systematic, and discretionary traders. Links + Resources: ● How to reach Dylan – Visit Apex Capital Website: https://www.apexcptl.com/ Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: Plus500: Try futures trading with Plus500 >> Start with a FREE demo or claim a bonus up to $200 with an open account 👉 https://us.plus500.com/en/multiplatformdownload?product=Futures&id=138516&tags=version2&pl=2 Trading futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Trade The Pool: http://www.tradethepool.com/?afmc=1am Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erik Smolinski returns to Chat With Traders after his first appearance on episode 272, joining Tessa for a trader-to-trader conversation about the intricacies of options trading, a topic Erik is deeply passionate about. In this episode Erik digs into one of Tessa’s own options strategies, offering thoughtful feedback and sharing his expertise and experience from years in the game. With so many myths floating around about options, their discussion clears up some of the biggest misconceptions and gives listeners a practical perspective on how to approach this trading style. About Erik Smolinski: Erik is a Marine veteran, options trader, and investor in both real estate and startups. It started when a high school teacher introduced him to investing in 2007, which then changed the direction of his life. Over the years, he’s put in more than 30,000 hours to master his craft and became a first-generation millionaire before turning 30. From his school days to his time in the Marines and his work as a trader, Erik has always set his own standards instead of following the crowd. That independent approach—what he calls the Outlier mindset—has shaped his life. Investing lets him spend time on things he cares about, like traveling, working on cars, training, and helping others learn what he knows. Sponsors of Chat With Traders Podcast: Plus500: Try futures trading with Plus500 >> Start with a FREE demo or claim a bonus up to $200 with an open account 👉 https://us.plus500.com/en/multiplatformdownload?product=Futures&id=138516&tags=version2&pl=2 Trading futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Trade The Pool: https://tradethepool.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we catch up with Patrick Petersson, who returns two years after his first interview on Chat With Traders on episode 260, where he shared his incredible story of overcoming hardship to attaining success in trading as a professional trader. Patrick has become best known for his intuitive, price-action, news-based, scalping trading style. Shifting from trading as a lone wolf to collaborating with others, Patrick shares his personal transformation that he underwent by mentoring and guiding other aspiring traders to realize their greatest potential. In a refreshingly blunt conversation, Patrick shares practical, real-life trading topics and issues that traders are experiencing today, including the psychological and practical challenges of trading, and the role community and engagement plays in one's trading development. He also shares his thoughts on the sharp divide between traders risking their own capital and those cycling through prop firm evaluations, and the shortages of honest guidance for traders, and so much more. More about Patrick Petersson: Patrick has over 20 years of experience in the U.S. stock and futures markets. As a retired professional trader, he now guides traders of all levels and has been a driving force in trading communities such as the Chat With Traders and MenthorQ communities. Currently at MenthorQ, he developed the MenthorQ Blindspots and Trading Roadmap principles, which aim to simplify trading with the principle: Keep It Super Simple. He also hosts MenthorQ TV, where he interviews guests and shares trading strategies. Additionally, he is a father of two and resides in Dubai with his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Martin, raised in a hardworking blue-collar community, embraced the same ethic. An entrepreneur at heart, he hustled from cutting grass when he was 12 to working all types of jobs including golf caddying and waiting at restaurants to starting businesses. Determined to transition into the white-collar working world and being at the right place at the right time, he was exposed to the financial markets. He subsequently worked on Wall Street, managing commodity accounts. Despite the significant commissions, he realized that he could potentially earn more through an incentive fee. After three years at a brokerage firm, he started his own CTA. Emphasizing the importance of risk management, discipline, and emotional intelligence, and maintaining a mental edge in trading, he discusses his early experiences with commodities, the evolution of his trading strategies, and the significance of networking and mentorship. This episode of Chat With Traders is sponsored by Plus 500 and Trade The Pool. Click here to learn more about Plus500 and Trade The Pool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Mayer, with an institutional trading background, transitioned from equities to forex, focusing on fixed sized mean-reversion strategies with fundamental correlations where structural edge is statistically likely. His initial losses led him to a research and systematic-driven approach, and back testing. He trades with fixed position sizes, wide stop losses, and avoids compounding to minimize exposure to fat-tail risks and black swan events. Emotionally disciplined yet honest about the psychological strain of prolonged drawdowns, Christian blends rigorous quantitative methods with thoughtful strategy design. With a successful track record, including a second-place finish in one of the World Cup Trading Championships in the Forex category, he also created GlobalFXanalytics.com to respond to the demands of traders wanting to understand more about his forex strategy and view his strategy’s performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A former engineer turned successful options trader, real estate investor and entrepreneur, Cody Yeh shares his incredible journey from the 9-to-5 grind to achieving financial freedom through smart investing and calculated risk-taking. We unpack his options trading strategies, mindset hacks for building wealth, and how he helps others escape the rat race and take control of their financial futures. Whether you’re a trading newbie or a seasoned investor, Cody drops pure gold you won’t want to miss. About Cody Yeh: Cody Yeh is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and YouTuber who left his corporate job to pursue full-time trading and coaching. Known for his transparent and no-fluff approach, Cody has helped thousands gain clarity on their financial goals and take practical steps toward financial independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few people understand the minds of traders like Dr. Brett Steenbarger. As a psychologist who trades actively himself, he brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and practical experience to the world of financial markets. You might know him from his dynamic presentations at SMB Capital, where he breaks down the psychology of trading with remarkable clarity. His willingness to evolve his views over the years through his extensive work with professional traders and hedge fund portfolio managers, has shaped his own trading approach too. His upcoming book, "Positive Trading Psychology," promises to share fresh perspectives drawn from these years of experience. Set for release this year, it adds to his already impressive collection of articles and books that have helped countless traders understand the psychological dimensions of market success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Ruffley transitioned from a highly competitive trading floor environment to trading professionally as a retail trader. His entrance into trading was unplanned - a mix of ambition, timing, and the right connections. After leaving university early, he took a finance job and then moved to Gibraltar, where he met traders running a new trading floor. Intrigued, he joined their intense graduate program, enduring six weeks of brutal tests where failure meant dismissal. The trading floor was an adrenaline-fueled world - rows of screens, high-stakes trades, and a culture of camaraderie and competition. This experience undoubtedly shaped his trading mindset, philosophy, and technique, where risk is not a dirty word, and size and speed are essential. Steve is also a trading mentor and the author of his latest book, “The Pro Retail Trader”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Haber’s trading philosophy is built on growth-focused strategies, heavily influenced by William O'Neil. Combining both technical and fundamental analysis, Ross emphasizes the importance of identifying leaders in strong market sectors and adapting to market cycles. Optimizing the use of relative strength, moving averages, and volume analysis, and tailoring it to each stock’s unique personality combined with his ability to manage risk through strategic scaling techniques and sell stops has been one of the cornerstones of his success. About Ross Haber During his tenure as Portfolio Manager at William O'Neil & Company from 1998 to 2001, Ross played a pivotal role in the firm's remarkable growth. As part of an elite investment team, he helped transform a $15 million portfolio into an impressive $850 million in assets under management. Ross has since co-founded Trader Lion, where he continues to apply his extensive market expertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Bandazian Jr., a seasoned trader with over 15 years of experience in event-driven and merger-arbitrage strategies, reflects on transitioning from an analyst at JP Morgan and First New York Securities to establishing himself as an independent trader. Rick emphasizes his deep expertise in anticipating market moves based on nuanced corporate actions and his methodical approach to understanding catalysts. Despite the fast-paced nature of his work, Rick maintains consistency by staying disciplined, even during market lulls. Beyond trading, he’s a volunteer firefighter, driven by a strong sense of community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laurens Bensdorp's trading journey began with years of losses as a discretionary trader. Frustrated by inconsistent results and mounting stress, he embarked on a mission to develop systematic trading approaches. His goal was simple but ambitious: create reliable systems that would deliver steady returns while minimizing losses. This transformation wasn't overnight. Through years of careful development and testing, Bensdorp gained deep insights into the cyclical nature of his trading systems - understanding when they were likely to generate profits or face losses. His persistence paid off. By eventually creating and implementing over 55 different trading systems, he achieved what seemed impossible: better returns, smaller drawdowns, and remarkably, less time spent managing his trades. About Laurens Bensdorp Laurens Bensdorp launched his finance career at a Dutch venture capital firm in 2000, where he discovered his passion for trading. After years of studying successful investors' methods, he developed automated trading platforms that maximize profits while minimizing time investment. Featured in Van Tharp's "Trading Beyond the Matrix," Bensdorp went on to author two international bestsellers: "The 30 Minute Stocktrader" (2017) and "Automated Stock Trading Systems" (2020). Both books have been translated into multiple languages. As the pioneer of personality-based automated trading systems, Bensdorp now co-hosts seminars with renowned trader Tom Basso and mentors elite clients. Through his foundation, Fundación Albenco, he supports educational initiatives for underprivileged children in Colombia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by the impact of predictive analytics on sales at Sam Miesse's tech company, he became interested in applying quantitative analysis to the small cap market. Spending nearly 2 years collecting data and observing how money moved into and out of many small cap stocks convinced him that there were repeating patterns which could be statistically exploited. After many back tests Sam finally had a system which processed over 10,000 small caps and produced 20-40 actionable daily opportunities. Starting with an experimental $10,000, his rigorously back-tested system gave him the confidence to stick with the signals, despite suffering a $500,000 daily drawdown along the way to growing his account to $3.8 million in less than 3 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Ritchie II shares insights from his trading journey, shaped by disciplined risk management and a strong focus on price action and fundamentals. Growing up with a renowned trader father, Mark’s passion for trading developed later in life through hands-on experience. He prioritizes finding stocks in long-term uptrends, identifying low-risk entries, and refining his edge over time. Emphasizing the importance of controlling emotions, Mark advocates starting small, scaling up only when confident in a strategy’s effectiveness. His trading approach adapts to varying market conditions, using timeless principles to maintain capital efficiency and manage risk, helping him navigate both bull and bear markets successfully. About Mark Ritchie II: Mark Ritchie II is a swing and growth trader, investor, and manager. He leads RTM Capital Advisors as a Managing Partner and CIO, a company that manages investments in U.S. stocks. He became well-known for winning Mark Minervini’s Triple Digit stock challenge in 2010 by making over triple digit returns in under six months. Between 2010 and 2014, he grew his managed funds tenfold, consistently compounding his portfolio year after year. This impressive traction earned him a feature in Mark Minervini’s Momentum Masters roundtable interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices