Dan "Jungleman" Cates

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In this episode, I sat down with Mateos Norian—better known as 2cardtito—a 23-year-old grinder living with his parents while chasing his poker dream. This guy’s story is incredible. He started playing poker in his friends’ basements during COVID, worked his way up from $0.01/$0.02 stakes, and now he’s playing $20/$40 live games with a $90K bankroll. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

We talked about his $50K downswing, the mental grind of poker, and why he believes bankroll management isn’t one-size-fits-all (hot take: you don’t need 100 buy-ins if you have income). Mateos also shared why he started creating poker content to show the emotional side of the game—the wins, the losses, and everything in between.

This isn’t just another poker story. Mateos has some crazy tales, from live turtles at the table to hunting down the best games in America. Whether you’re grinding your way up or just love wild poker stories, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

Give 2cardtito a follow:

IG: @2cardtito

Youtube: @2cardtito

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

Here is what you can expect to here on this video:

02:07 - Introduction of Mateos Norian (@2cardtito)

07:02 - First Live Poker Experience

10:41 - Bankroll Management and Moving Up Stakes

12:43 - Taking a Break from Live Poker

17:36 - Defining High Stakes Poker

19:21 - Creating Poker Content and Transparency

23:32 - Biggest Pot Ever Played

29:19 - Bankroll Management Strategy Discussion

31:18 - Playing Short Stack vs. Deep Stack

35:10 - Best Places to Play Poker Worldwide

38:00 - Private Games vs. Public Games

42:20 - Craziest Casino Stories

49:48 - Transparency in Poker Content Creation

54:40 - Recovering from Major Downswings

01:09:19 - Closing Thoughts and Guest Plugs

Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:

Instagram:@thedancates

X (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandan

Poker strategy tips

Poker tournament highlights

Poker player profiles

Poker player rankings

Poker coaching

Poker mental game

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/

This week I’m sitting down with Niels Herregodts, the mastermind and founder behind GTO Lab and someone who’s deep in the trenches of poker security. We’re talking about the biggest threats in online poker—collusion, bots, and ghosting—and how Niels is crafting the tools to fight back. It’s not just about catching cheaters though, we’re diving into high-level ICM strategy and how it can be the game-changer for serious tournament grinders.

The discussion gets intense—think Ghostbusters, but for poker scumbags. We even explore the wild idea of a cheaters-only poker pool where they unknowingly screw each other over. Yeah, it’s that kind of episode. But it’s not all about calling out the villains. Niels shares insights into building GTO Lab, where some of the sharpest minds in poker are creating cutting-edge tools for players who want to win smarter, not just harder.

If you’re serious about poker or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the high-stakes world, you don’t want to miss this. Let’s learn, crush, and put cheaters in their place together. And hey, if you’ve ever dreamed of leveling up your poker game, this podcast has got something here for you.

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

Here is what you can expect to here on this video:

00:00 Introduction to GTO LAB and Niels Herregodtz

03:50 Discussing the challenge of catching cheaters in online poker

07:36 The need for a social mechanism to address cheating

10:40 Exploring the idea of a shared player pool for cheaters

14:12 The importance of accountability in poker communities

18:47 Introducing the concept of “Ghostbusters” for poker

21:58 Examining the complexities of collusion in online poker

25:34 The ethics of cheating and counter-cheating in poker

29:25 Introducing GTO Lab and its unique features

32:55 Demonstrating the GTO Lab trainer for ICM situations

38:39 Discussing the importance of playing with correct frequencies

43:55 Overview of the upcoming GTO Lab masterclass

49:10 Details on the content of the ICM masterclass

51:34 Conclusion and final thoughts

Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates:

Instagram:@thedancates

X (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandan

Poker strategy tips

Poker tournament highlights

Poker player profiles

Poker player rankings

Poker coaching

Poker mental game

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/

What’s it like being a woman in a game where 95% of the players are men? Olga Iermolcheva knows. And trust me, it’s not what you’d expect. We talk about how she deals with guys who think she’s an easy target at the table (spoiler: they regret it), the wild story of how she almost won a high-stakes tournament she didn’t even plan to enter, and why overthinking at the table cost her more than just chips. Ever heard of a player using zero study tools and STILL crushing tournaments? We get into that too.

Olga’s got goals, hustle, and the mindset to stay passionate about poker without burning out. Plus, there’s the crazy dynamic of poker players soft-playing their friends, the unexpected perks of being underestimated, and some talk about the future of poker itself. Whether you’re here to sharpen your edge or just hear some insane poker stories, you’re in for a ride. Let’s go!

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Olga’s nickname “Mangusta”

03:56 Olga’s experience on Game of Gold

07:23 Discussing Olga’s big win in Panama

12:28 Coaching from poker pros and improving her game

16:16 Advantages of being a woman in poker

22:24 Olga’s favorite travel destinations

29:33 Cheating experiences in poker

34:22 How Olga works on improving her poker game

38:38 Discussion on astrology and poker

43:33 Jeremy Becker: Success without online poker

49:43 The future of poker and attracting new players

54:16 Olga’s podcast and goals for content creation

58:55 Olga’s thoughts on Coin Poker and changes in the industry

01:02:30 The aging demographic in poker

01:08:12 Reality TV shows and Olga’s interest in participating

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/

Join me as I chat with John Dorsey (IG: @goob_u2), a relentless crusader on a mission to expose scams, take down predators, and shine a light on the dark corners of the fitness world—and beyond. From calling out 5D energy coaches waving hands for $400 an hour to uncovering influencers with more Photoshop than honesty, John shares the bold, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking stories behind his crusade for justice.

We’ll also tackle the tricky balance of accountability and compassion, delve into the psychology of fraud, and swap tales of poker scams and personal vendettas. This episode isn’t just about exposing lies; it’s about protecting people and finding the courage to do what others won’t. Packed with humor, insight, and a touch of chaos, this one’s not to be missed!

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

Here is what you can expect on this episode:

0:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview

2:31 - Exposing the Fitness World Scams

8:46 - The “Shitfluencer” Chronicles

15:11 - When Scams Get Personal

22:31 - Navigating the World of Fraudsters

29:01 - Dealing with Poker Debts and Scammers

36:51 - The Goobies: Awards for Scammers

43:21 - Tales of Redemption and Change

50:11 - The Cost of Doing Good

57:41 - Collaborations and Crusades

1:05:21 - Behind the Scams: Funny and Wild Stories

1:12:01 - Fitness Meets Poker: The Shuffle and Shred Tournament

1:18:46 - The Bigger Picture: Justice and Wellness

1:25:11 - Closing Thoughts 

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

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What's up everyone, Jungleman here with another episode that's gonna blow your mind about how gaming and poker are literally connected in ways you wouldn't believe. I brought together some of the sickest minds in both worlds - from Ninja who dominated Halo to Elky who crushed it in Starcraft before becoming a poker beast. We dive deep into how gaming skills translate to poker mastery, and trust me, the parallels are INSANE.

These champions share their journey from grinding video games to crushing poker, and how their competitive gaming background gave them an edge. From reading opponents and handling pressure to quick decision-making and strategic thinking - turns out those countless hours of gaming weren't just for fun. Fun fact: did you know I was obsessed with Command and Conquer before poker? That's actually where I developed my strategic thinking.

Whether you're a gamer thinking about poker, or a poker player curious about how gaming skills transfer over, this episode is packed with insights that'll change how you think about both worlds. We've got Lex, Chidwick, Ninja, and more sharing their unique perspectives on how gaming shaped their poker careers. The insights here are PURE GOLD for anyone looking to level up their game - literally and metaphorically. Let's dive in!

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

Here is what you can expect to hear on this video:

00:22 Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins

09:57 Elky Grospellier

21:25 Mustapha Kanit

26:50 Nacho Barbero

32:46 Bill Chen

34:55 Stephen Chidwick

35:48 Lex Veldhuis

37:10 Jungleman

41:54 Espen Uhlen Jorstad

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

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What separates a crushing defeat from a defining moment?

In poker, as in life, it's not about the cards you're dealt - it's about how you play them when everything's on the line. Join 10 of poker's most iconic players as they reveal their darkest hours and greatest triumphs.

From million-dollar losses to sleeping on floors, from crypto hacks to Black Friday devastation - these aren't just comeback stories. They're masterclasses in human resilience.

Because sometimes, rock bottom is just the beginning.

Featured players include: Phil Hellmuth, Fedor Holz, Phil Galfond, Jason Koon, Steve O'Dwyer, Ben Heath, Cole Keenan, Ben Rolle, Chris Hunichen, Mariano Grandoli

This powerful compilation shows that even poker's elite have faced devastating setbacks - and reveals the mental fortitude that helped them rise again. Whether you're a poker player or not, these stories of resilience will transform how you think about overcoming life's biggest challenges.

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

Here is what you can expect to here on this video:

00:22 Phil Hellmuth

06:20 Phil Galfond

07:51 Mariano Grandoli

08:57 Jason Koon

10:50 Steve O'Dwyer

14:32 Ben Heath

17:47 Cole Keenan

20:02 Benjamin Rolle

21:52 Fedor Holz

23:40 Chris Hunichen

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

This episode is absolutely wild.

You know those stories that sound made up? Like, who actually stitches their own face between rounds? Or bets on a 24-hour cycling challenge when they can barely ride a bike?

Meet Lincon "Bad Boy" Rodrigues. Ex-underground fighter turned mental game coach. The stories this guy told me had me like "wait... is this actually real?"

But here's what's crazy - this isn't even about the fighting.

There's this one moment where he breaks down why poker players (including myself) have been thinking about mental toughness all wrong. Made me completely rethink my approach to the game.

Want to know why some of the highest stakes players are now putting themselves through physical challenges? Or why this dude got me doing things I never thought I'd try?

Watch till the end for his theory on pain that'll blow your mind. Also, wait till you hear what he did with $800 in his early fighting days...

Trust me, just watch. You'll see what I mean.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to "Bad Boy" Rodrigues

02:32 Origin of the "Bad Boy" Nickname

07:10 First Fight Story: 17-Year-Old vs. 240lb Opponent

13:42 $800 Fight: The Bloody Nose Battle

19:15 The 24-Hour Cycling Challenge

26:38 Fighting Through a Broken Jaw

31:54 The DIY Stitch-Up Story

38:20 Making Friends with Pain

43:15 From Fighter to Mental Coach

48:30 Power Doesn't Corrupt, Power Reveals

52:45 The Warriors vs. Gardeners Philosophy

57:10 Training High Stakes Poker Players

01:02:35 Simple Habits That Change Everything

01:08:40 The Truth About Longevity

01:14:25 Advice for Poker Players

01:19:50 The Pain Philosophy

01:24:30 Final Thoughts on Mental Toughness

Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates: 

Instagram:@thedancates 

X (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandan 

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/

When I booked this chat with Espen, I had NO IDEA he'd won the WSOP Main Event (legit didn't know lol). But what he revealed about winning $10M was NOT what anyone expects...

Turns out winning millions can actually be a curse? The PURE TRUTH about what happened in those first 6 months (spoiler: he couldn't even access the money), the CRAZY people who came out of nowhere, and a SHOCKING hand against Chris Brewer that shows what really goes down at the highest stakes.

This Norwegian crusher went from gaming addict to world champion, but at what cost? The answer might surprise you...

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

Here is what you can expect to here on this video:

3:45 "Wait, You Won the WSOP Main Event?"

8:23 The Six-Month Wait for $10 Million

12:46 Why Tag Team Victory Hit Different

16:32 Breaking Down the Brewer Hand

21:05 From Gaming Addict to Army Life

25:48 How a World Champion Prepares

29:17 When Everyone Wants a Piece

34:52 Playing Against the World's Best

39:13 Life Between Norway and High Stakes

43:25 Inside a Champion's Study Routine

48:36 The Reality of High Stakes Poker

52:41 Success, Ego, and Finding Balance

56:19 What's Next for Espen

1:01:34 Final Reflections

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

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Caitlin Comeskey, she's not your typical poker player. NYU drama grad turned stand-up comedian who's been secretly crushing poker while making viral content roasting everyone (including me lol). Just copped the Global Poker Awards Short Form Creator of the Year and signed with PokerStars... not bad for someone who started in $100/day burlesque shows.

We dive into some crazy shit:

Why she turned down massive gambling deals

Some dark stories from her underground game days

What really happens in private Texas games

The truth about women's opportunities in high stakes

How improv skills = poker profits (??)

She even tried teaching me comedy... some of it might actually work at the tables.

Watch if you wanna know why being funny might make you more money than being good at poker.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro - The Comedian Who Roasted Jungleman

03:01 Doug Polk Twitter Drama & Viral Content

05:16 From $100 Burlesque Shows to Poker Success

10:31 Underground Game Stories & Strip Club Networking

14:44 Making Money: Cash Games vs Content Creation

21:17 Being the Only Woman in Private Games

25:33 The Dark Side of OnlyFans & Poker Influencers

31:42 Why Tournament Life Beats Cash Games

37:15 Comedy Lessons for Poker Players

42:51 The Real Economics of Poker Content

48:33 Turning Down Gambling Sponsors

52:14 Why Most Poker Creators Are Going Broke

57:44 The Party Girl Phase & Transformation

01:02:38 Getting Healthy: The Ozempic Journey

01:08:52 Improv Skills That Win at Poker

01:13:09 Future Plans: Merging Comedy & Poker

01:18:21 Danny McFanny Moment

01:22:28 Final Thoughts on Poker's Future

Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/

GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO!

Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/

This week I sit down with Blake Eastman from The Nonverbal Group, who's analyzed over 550,000 poker player blinks and is probably the world's top expert on human behavior. Most of what people think about reading tells is complete BS - Blake breaks down what actually works, why your "gut reads" are probably wrong, and how trying to hide tells often makes you more readable.We go deep into how different cultures communicate, why First World social dynamics are kind of messed up, and even a tell he caught on me in mixed games (fixing that one). His insights on behavior aren't just about poker - he's worked with major CEOs, can predict when relationships will fail, and understands how people tick in a way that's actually mind-blowing.One of my favorite parts was breaking down why people think they're good at reading others but are actually terrible at it. Also got into some fascinating stuff about how writing daily and understanding social patterns can transform your life.

Looking to understand people better and improve your life at and away from the tables? This is the episode you need.Join The JungleVerse and sharpen your skills in a community built for winners: https://enterthejungleverse.com/Here is what you can expect to here on this video:Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Blake Eastman's Background

3:35 Why Most Poker Tell Books Are Wrong

6:00 The Truth About Hand Movements & Behavior

13:00 How People Give Themselves Away Through Concealment

21:00 Live Tells vs Online Play Dynamics

30:00 Real-World Applications of Behavior Reading

42:00 Cultural Differences & Social Intelligence

50:30 Understanding Charisma & Social Skills

1:04:00 Corporate Leadership & Communication

1:13:00 Dating & Relationship Dynamics

1:23:00 The Power of Being Complete & Writing Daily

1:29:00 Final Thoughts & Personal Tells