What if the trade that finally changed everything... was the one you almost didn’t take? In this episode, Gates Adams sits down with his coach-turned-friend Kevin to unpack the messy, emotional, and ultimately redemptive journey from blowing accounts to requesting his first $50K payout, all in under five months.

After a long hiatus, Gates returns to the mic with a story too powerful not to share, his own. In this episode of The Forged Trader, Gates opens up about hitting rock bottom, walking away from trading, and what made him come back. Spoiler alert: it all started with a desperate call to Kevin.

Kevin, host of Futures Fever on Benzinga and veteran trader with the Bullish Bears community, joins to share his side of the journey, how he went from learning during a medical leave to becoming a trusted trading coach and educator. Together, Gates and Kevin explore the dark emotional rollercoaster that is the trader’s life and the mindset shifts that finally led to consistent wins.

Takeaways:

You’re not alone: Every trader struggles with bad habits, emotional decisions, and self-doubt.

Bad behavior can be profitable, but it will cost you eventually.

Mentorship matters: The right coach can collapse time and accelerate learning.

Add don’t replace: Once you find something that works, build on it instead of chasing new shiny strategies.

You don’t need a finance degree to succeed, just discipline, structure, and self-awareness.

“Being rewarded for bad behavior is one of the worst types of reinforcement you can get as a trader.”

If this episode hit home, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a fellow trader, subscribe to The Forged Trader, and take 5 minutes to journal the one mindset shift you know you need to make. You’ll thank yourself later.

Connect with Gates Adams:

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RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

In a first-ever in-person episode of The Forged Trader Podcast, Gates Adams sits down with full-time trader Amish for a raw, honest conversation about the emotional highs, brutal lows, and real lessons behind building trading consistency. After connecting virtually on the Trader Bacon Show, Gates and Amish reunite; this time face-to-face; for a deep dive into the mindset, habits, and breakthroughs that separate dreamers from doers in prop trading.

They explore the toll of five-figure losses, the addiction-like pull of revenge trading, and the shift from chasing profits to mastering process. Amish shares how journaling, subconscious programming, and aligning with ICT strategies helped him move from early blowups to multiple-account payouts. Gates opens up about his 27-year trading journey and how success has reshaped his identity, business approach, and daily discipline.

Whether you're new to prop firms or navigating your next evolution, this episode offers real talk, real tools, and a refreshing reminder: you don’t need to be perfect; you need to be persistent.

Key Takeaways:

Success starts with emotional mastery

Process over profit; every time

Strategy must match your psychology

Trading exposes your inner world

Journaling can rewire behavior

“Winning is not profit. Winning is process. Profit is the result of process.” – Gates Adams

Connect with Gates Adams:

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In this inspiring episode of The Forged Trader Podcast, host Gates Adams sits down with AB Perez, a Puerto Rican trader who transformed his life from a decade in prison to building a thriving trading career and mentorship community. AB shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery, sparked by a commitment to personal growth during his incarceration, which led him to dive into cryptocurrency and trading in 2019. With raw honesty, he discusses overcoming the challenges of a criminal record, adapting to a new technological landscape, and finding his edge in trading forex and futures. AB’s story is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of aligning personal values with professional ambition, offering a blueprint for traders at any stage.

AB also opens up about his mentorship program, one of the largest trading communities in Puerto Rico, where he guides students to master market cycles, emotional discipline, and technical skills. From his “do or die” mindset to his bilingual content expansion, AB provides actionable insights on avoiding impulsivity, building confidence through journaling, and learning from others’ mistakes. This episode is packed with wisdom for traders seeking to balance technical expertise with psychological strength, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to forge their own path to success in the markets.

Key Takeaways

Discipline Over Impulsivity: Overcoming impulsive trading decisions by sticking to a plan is crucial for long-term success.

Learn from Cycles: Understanding market cycles and avoiding herd mentality can uncover unique trading opportunities.

Build a Community: Surrounding yourself with mentors and a supportive trading community accelerates growth and accountability.

Step-by-Step Process: Master technical skills through paper trading and simulators before tackling real-market emotions.

Self-Respect in Trading: Following your trading plan is an act of self-respect, reinforcing discipline and confidence.

"Every time that you fail to do something that you say you’re going to do, you’re disrespecting yourself." – AB Perez

Connect with Gates Adams:

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Apex Trader Funding

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RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

Join us for this week’s episode of the Forged Trader Podcast as we dive into the world of prop trading with a seasoned trader who has navigated the highs and lows of managing 20 proprietary accounts. With nearly 30 years of trading experience, our guest shares the pivotal moments that led to their success, including a transformative year working with mentors to master price action and market fundamentals. From securing $32,000 in payouts across nine accounts to the humbling setback of blowing 15 accounts in a single day, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the discipline, resilience, and transparency required to thrive in trading.

Through candid reflections, the trader reveals how public accountability via social media has shaped their journey, helping them avoid costly mistakes while fostering growth. Listeners will hear practical strategies, like using trade copiers to scale evaluations and maintaining a calculated risk approach, alongside personal anecdotes about rewarding milestones with life-changing decisions, such as funding a hair transplant through trading profits. Packed with actionable insights and raw honesty, this episode is a must-listen for traders seeking to balance ambition with discipline in the pursuit of financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

Mentorship Accelerates Growth: Working with experienced coaches provided a solid foundation in price action, enabling the trader to achieve their first payout after 13 months.

Transparency Drives Discipline: Sharing daily trading recaps on social media fosters accountability, reducing the frequency of impulsive mistakes.

Calculated Risks Can Pay Off: Aggressive evaluation strategies, backed by payout funds, enabled rapid account scaling, though caution is needed to avoid overtrading.

Embrace Mistakes for Growth: Acknowledging personal responsibility for losses, like blowing 15 accounts, is crucial for identifying and correcting trading flaws.

"If it's not my fault, I can't fix it. But if it is my fault, then I have control, and I can do something about it."

Connect with Gates Adams:

Facebook

Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

In this episode of The Forged Trader Podcast, host Gates Adams reconnects with his friend and fellow trader Hamza, a world-traveling, futures-trading powerhouse with a knack for keeping it real. After a brief hiatus, Gates is back, diving into Hamza’s incredible journey—from his Berber origins in Morocco’s desert to living in Italy, the UK, France, Luxembourg, and visiting 11 countries across four continents in the past year. Hamza shares how trading fuels his nomadic lifestyle, enabled by tools like Starlink and a portable monitor, allowing him to trade from anywhere with an internet connection.

From turning $1,000 into $10,000 on Tesla during the COVID boom (and learning hard lessons when the market shifted) to finding a mentor who transformed his approach with mechanical trading, Hamza’s story is packed with insights. He and Gates discuss the pitfalls of chasing “Lambo” promises on YouTube, the power of community in overcoming trading’s loneliness, and why a part-time job can be a game-changer for new traders. Whether you’re dreaming of trading from a beach in Thailand or just want to stay consistent, this episode is a must-listen for traders seeking both profits and purpose.

Key Takeaways

Embrace the Journey: Hamza’s five-year trading path shows that persistence, not overnight wins, builds success.

Mentors Matter: A mentor (even a free one!) helped Hamza shift to mechanical trading, cutting through emotional traps.

Community Counts: Trading is lonely—find a group to share wins, losses, and lessons to accelerate growth.

Lifestyle Freedom: Trading and tools like Starlink enable a nomadic life, with costs as low as $50/day in some countries.

Stay Grounded: Avoid YouTube hype; traders showing red days are more trustworthy than those flaunting wealth.

“Find people who know the trading struggle; they’ll support you because they’ve been through it. That’s when you know you’re not alone.”

Connect with Gates Adams:

Facebook

Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

In this episode of The Forge Trader Podcast, host Gates Adams shares a look at his trading journey, blending personal triumphs with hard-learned lessons. Fresh from a travel-related break, Gates dives into his recent milestones, including a $32,000 payout across nine accounts, and the emotional rollercoaster of blowing those accounts due to overconfidence. He opens up about overcoming the psychological weight of a million-dollar loss from 27 years ago, revealing how this experience shaped his identity and fueled his determination to succeed. Gates also hints at an exciting future, announcing plans to travel the country in an RV while continuing to trade and produce content, all in pursuit of finding a forever home.

This episode is both inspiring and grounding, as Gates reflects on the mindset shifts that have propelled him forward, from embracing discipline through programs like 75 Hard to redefining himself through coaching and personal development. His candid discussion of financial struggles, resilience, and the question, "Who must I become?" resonates with traders and anyone striving to break through personal barriers. With raw honesty and practical wisdom, Gates offers a roadmap for transforming setbacks into stepping stones for success.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental resilience is key to overcoming past financial setbacks.

• Consistency and transparency drive trading success.

• Asking "Who must I become?" unlocks personal growth.

• Structured discipline, like 75 Hard, builds resilience.

• Adaptability supports trading while pursuing life goals.

"The person that you are today has achieved everything that that person can achieve. If it wasn't, you would have achieved more. This is a hard truth, but if you don't embrace it, you're never going to get any further than you are now." - Gates Adams

Connect with Gates Adams:

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Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

In this solo episode of The Forged Trader Podcast, host Gates Adams steps away from the usual interviews to reflect on a pivotal chapter in his trading journey. After successfully earning just under $32,000 in payouts across multiple accounts, Gates opens up about the psychological trap of overconfidence, the consequences of being rewarded for bad behavior, and the emotional crash that came from giving it all back in a single day.

But this episode isn’t just about loss. It’s about recovery, identity, and the inner work that every trader must do to forge long-term success. Gates dives into how his subconscious programming sabotaged his growth, the dangerous comfort of performance-based identity, and the healing power of journaling, not for trades, but for self-awareness.

This episode is a must-listen for any trader who's ever questioned themselves after a loss or struggled to bounce back. Gates reveals how he’s resetting his approach, rebuilding from the ground up with smaller accounts, and using his setback as a setup for long-term mastery.

Key takeaways include:

• Why journaling your emotions, not just your trades, is essential for growth
  

• How false confidence disguises deeper patterns of self-sabotage
  

• The difference between reacting and responding when you're in emotional territory
  

• How to reframe failure and build a resilient trading identity
  

“I had to change my subconscious perception of who and what I am and what I’m capable of.” — Gates Adams

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the only one fighting mental battles behind the charts, this episode will remind you—you’re not. You’re being forged.

Connect with Gates Adams:

Facebook

Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

In this solo episode of The Forged Trader Podcast, host Gates Adams steps away from the usual interviews to reflect on a pivotal chapter in his trading journey. After successfully earning just under $32,000 in payouts across multiple accounts, Gates opens up about the psychological trap of overconfidence, the consequences of being rewarded for bad behavior, and the emotional crash that came from giving it all back in a single day.

But this episode isn’t just about loss. It’s about recovery, identity, and the inner work that every trader must do to forge long-term success. Gates dives into how his subconscious programming sabotaged his growth, the dangerous comfort of performance-based identity, and the healing power of journaling, not for trades, but for self-awareness.

This episode is a must-listen for any trader who's ever questioned themselves after a loss or struggled to bounce back. Gates reveals how he’s resetting his approach, rebuilding from the ground up with smaller accounts, and using his setback as a setup for long-term mastery.

Key takeaways include:

• Why journaling your emotions, not just your trades, is essential for growth
  

• How false confidence disguises deeper patterns of self-sabotage
  

• The difference between reacting and responding when you're in emotional territory
  

• How to reframe failure and build a resilient trading identity
  

“I had to change my subconscious perception of who and what I am and what I’m capable of.” — Gates Adams

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the only one fighting mental battles behind the charts, this episode will remind you—you’re not. You’re being forged.

Connect with Gates Adams:

Facebook

Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

Most traders want quick profits—but few are prepared for the real battle: mastering their mindset. In this episode, Gates Adams sits down with Jake Simmons (aka Stoic Jake), who shares his raw journey from blowing accounts and emotional meltdowns to developing the discipline that finally brought him success.

Jake breaks down how two years of losses nearly pushed him out of trading, and how a chance conversation—and a commitment to real strategy—flipped the script. From developing his ADX-based system to streaming live trades for accountability, Jake reveals the mindset shifts that helped him achieve consistency and his first funded payouts.

Key Takeaways:

• Without a proven strategy, trading is just gambling.
  

• Discipline, not desire, is what turns traders around.
  

• Community and accountability speed up growth.
  

“Success came when I finally got tired of my own BS—and started applying what I’d learned.” – Jake Simmons

Connect with Gates Adams:

Facebook

Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.

In this episode of the Forged Trader Podcast, Gates Adams sits down with his friend and successful trader, Taylor; also known online as "Mr. Wilson." Taylor opens up about his remarkable journey from running an automotive business and firefighting to navigating the highs and brutal lows of trading. Together, Gates and Taylor explore what it really takes to move from gambling mindsets to building long-term trading consistency. They discuss the importance of community, the dangers of scaling too fast, and the psychological shifts that happen when real money is on the line. Taylor shares the hard-earned lessons that reshaped his approach to risk, discipline, and personal growth, offering listeners both cautionary tales and hope for a sustainable trading future. If you’ve ever battled doubt, loss, or overconfidence in your trading journey, this conversation will feel like pulling up a chair with people who truly get it.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Taylor went from a $15,000 gamble to a $180,000 win—and what happened next
  

• Why trading harder doesn’t always mean trading smarter
  

• The critical role community plays in emotional resilience
  

• How scaling improperly can destroy months of progress
  

• Insights on balancing ambition, discipline, and self-awareness for long-term success

"Luck can put money in your account — discipline is what keeps it there."

Connect with Gates Adams:

Facebook

Apex Trader Funding

--

RISK DISCLOSURE:

Futures and Forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE:

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk of actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses is material points, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results.