Dan "Jungleman" Cates

"Jungleman" Dan Cates
  • 0.0 (0)
  • How To
  • Updated weekly

Dan "Jungleman" Cates (Formerly "Winning The Game of Life") is hosted by Dan Cates. Known as Jungleman in the poker world, Dan has won nearly $12 million in live tournament earnings, more than $11 million in high stakes online games, and is a 2x World Series of Poker champion. On the podcast, Dan will interview interesting individuals who all have one thing in common… poker and helping others. Conversations about life lessons from poker, achieving success, personal growth, mental health, diet & fitness, parenthood, philanthropy, effective altruism, and more. Every Saturday.

  1. "PokerGO cost me way more than I ever planned..." - Cary Katz

    29/08/2025

    "PokerGO cost me way more than I ever planned..." - Cary Katz

    I sat down with Cary Katz, the man who quietly built the modern stage of poker. He’s the founder of PokerGO, the one who brought us the Super High Roller Bowl, Poker Masters, US Poker Open, and yes, even the Big Blind Ante. What fascinates me isn’t just his $40M+ in tournament winnings, but his mindset: the shift from frustration to gratitude, from creating a prison with losses to celebrating them. Cary opens up about business risks, how passion projects cost more than you expect, and why he thinks integrity is the only real strategy in life. We also got into health, longevity, and some personal truths: how it took him 55 years to quit sugar, why lifting weights is a cheat code against the “four horsemen,” and how he views the next 30 years of his life as a freeroll. From billion-dollar loans to billions of minutes of poker watched, Cary’s story isn’t just about poker, it’s about building, adapting, and finding perspective through the swings. He also finally lays out who he thinks are poker's true icons... You're not going to want to miss this stunning conversation! CHAPTERS 00:00 Cary Katz on being a “copycat” in poker & business 00:37 Dan introduces Cary Katz’s impact on poker 01:02 Building PokerGO, Super High Roller Bowl & majors 02:05 Why Cary prefers tournaments over cash games 02:34 Staking, friendships, and instincts in high rollers 04:14 Copying great ideas to grow poker brands 06:03 Making poker a true spectator sport 07:07 Challenges with live broadcasting & delays 07:33 Transition from Poker Central → PokerGO 08:48 Expanding PokerGO globally (Brazil, Japan, Spanish markets) 09:41 Cary’s mindset shift: embracing losses & positivity 12:16 Winning his first bracelet with a new mindset 13:30 Dan & Cary on gratitude, history, and perspective 19:00 Health & lifestyle: fasting, quitting sugar, longevity 22:17 Fitness, weightlifting, yoga, and cryotherapy 27:01 Fitness vs. business focus – finding balance 27:25 Cary’s sales background and path to building College Loan Corp 29:04 Scaling from $20M to $3B in student loans 33:26 Starting PokerGO as a passion project 34:53 The cost of poker productions & why paywalls exist 40:17 Online poker challenges vs. live poker instincts 43:22 Why Cary supports poker: passion & competition 45:16 The invention of the Big Blind Ante 48:18 Difficulties of the media business & PokerGO growth 50:59 Life balance, gratitude, and slowing down time 55:00 Business lessons: revenue, hiring, and integrity 58:51 Poker players transitioning into business 01:03:40 Cary’s goals: family, longevity, and staying present 01:04:09 What’s next for Cary Katz and PokerGO 01:04:45 Titles, bracelets, and long-term poker goals 01:05:22 Embracing swings & “the wave” in poker and life 01:06:12 Closing banter: Negreanu’s influence & poker icons PINNED COMMENT Who are your top 5 poker icons? Drop em below...

    1hr 15min
  2. The poker crusher that smashes Monster Energy every morning... | Global Poker Kenny

    25/07/2025

    The poker crusher that smashes Monster Energy every morning... | Global Poker Kenny

    You're about to meet a poker player who might have the strangest pre-game routine I've ever heard of. Global Kenny (@globalkennypoker on Instagram) has some absolutely wild theories about nutrition, energy, and cognitive performance that honestly sound crazy until you see his results. This guy went from complete unknown to playing some of the biggest pots on the West Coast, and his approach to preparation is... let's just say it involves some unconventional choices that most poker pros would never consider. I was skeptical going into this conversation, but his logic actually started making sense by the end. What really caught my attention wasn't just Kenny's rapid rise through the stakes, but how he's navigating the modern poker landscape where everyone's trying to be both a player and a content creator. He's got some strong opinions about the "nit epidemic" in poker and has actually built a movement around it, but more importantly, he's figured out something that most poker influencers haven't: how to actually keep improving at poker while building a brand. We get into some fascinating territory about game selection, the West Coast scene, and why he thinks the path to higher stakes is more accessible than people realize. Plus, he drops some insights about international poker that might surprise you. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Introduction and Global Kenny's poker background 00:03:20 - The anti-knit campaign and converting poker players 00:07:00 - Fasting and caffeine preparation routines 00:12:00 - Meditation vs morning routine philosophy 00:18:00 - Sleep tracking and optimization strategies 00:22:00 - Daily poker schedule and session structure 00:27:00 - Moving up stakes and bankroll building journey 00:32:00 - Building a social media brand in poker 00:38:00 - Biggest pots won and lost; the 50k hands 00:43:00 - Biggest bluffs and table presence discussion 00:47:00 - Future tournament and streaming plans 00:52:00 - Education background and investment interests 00:56:00 - Content creation challenges and balancing poker 01:00:25 - Closing thoughts and social media shoutouts PINNED COMMENT What's your Monster Energy drink of choice?

    1hr 2min
  3. "Women just don't have as much money as men..." - Xuan Liu

    27/06/2025

    "Women just don't have as much money as men..." - Xuan Liu

    Xuan Liu just detonated one of poker’s longest-standing glass ceilings—busting a 200-event streak with the first female title in Triton history, taking down the $25 000 WPT Global Slam in Montenegro (155 entries, $860 000 up top). I had to know how she did it, so we sat down to trade war stories: her Yukon bankroll challenge that started with two grand total (flights included), the cliquey staking webs that freeze most women out of 25 Ks, and why she thinks “marketing yourself” is the truest edge in high-rollers. From double-board bomb-pots in the Arctic to four-bet battles on Poker Night in America, we unpack the mind-game, the money game, and the human game... plus a few leaks we’re still plugging. If you’re chasing freedom through cards... or just wondering how a calm Canadian-Chinese grinder became the “Queen of Triton”, hit play, drop a comment, and let’s keep pushing the ceiling higher! CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction & Xuan’s breakthrough Triton win 01:45 – Are there other female high-roller champs? 03:30 – Where Xuan ranks among the game’s top women 05:35 – The real barriers keeping women out of high-stakes poker 08:55 – Selling action online as a launchpad to live events 11:45 – Why community (and clean staking deals) matter 14:30 – Cash-game cred vs. tournament glory 18:50 – Stream games, thumbnails & the “female click-factor” 22:00 – The $2k cross-Canada bankroll challenge 28:15 – Yukon bomb-pots and soft PLO edges 33:40 – Wild travel poker tales from Newfoundland to Nunavut 38:45 – Couch-surfing, poverty roots & those early $5k shots 40:45 – Cutting costs: practical tips for the tour-grind lifestyle 43:50 – Re-igniting passion, building brand & fresh content goals 46:30 – WSOP plans, mixed-game temptations and China tour 50:15 – Dating on pause: focus, independence & life balance 52:45 – Growing the women’s game: golf analogy & untapped markets 55:40 – Final reflections, bracelet dreams & sign-off PINNED COMMENT Who should I have next on the podcast?

    1 hr
  4. "We need to EXPAND the poker industry!!" - Norman Chad

    06/03/2025

    "We need to EXPAND the poker industry!!" - Norman Chad

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/ Ever wonder what poker's iconic voice, Norman Chad, really thinks about the biggest controversies shaking the game? Well, I sat down with the legend himself to unravel exactly that. Norman, famed for his razor-sharp wit and signature humor, opens up about the shadowy corners of poker, including his brutally honest take on online poker scandals, the fine line between justice and vengeance, and why integrity in the game is not just crucial—it's absolutely necessary. Norman shares some deeply personal stories and reveals his own struggles with morality at the poker table, including a confession he's carried for years: "Taking justice into my own hands—I've regretted it ever since." We dive into ghosting, Full Tilt, and edge-sorting—discussing how easy it is to flirt with ethical lines, and why the poker community urgently needs its own "untouchables" to uphold integrity. But it's not all doom and gloom. We also explore how poker can become more than just winning or losing—how the game, at its core, has the power to shape character, teach critical life lessons, and potentially even serve a greater good. Norman's insights and brutal honesty are not just entertaining—they're vital. Tune in, and let's shine a little light into poker’s murky depths.

    1hr 23min
  5. The Pro Gamer To Pro Poker Pipeline is REAL (with Ninja, Elky, Lex, Chidwick and MORE)

    13/12/2024

    The Pro Gamer To Pro Poker Pipeline is REAL (with Ninja, Elky, Lex, Chidwick and MORE)

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/ 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

    45 min
  6. Can You Even Become a Top Tier Poker Player?

    22/08/2024

    Can You Even Become a Top Tier Poker Player?

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/ Check out Winning the Game of Life on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/winning-the-game-of-life/id1646986805 Daniel Dvoress is a professional Canadian poker player known for his exceptional skills in high-stakes tournaments and cash games. He has made a significant impact on the global poker scene, particularly in events like the Super High Roller Bowl and the World Series of Poker, where he has accumulated millions in earnings. Dvoress is respected for his analytical approach, calm demeanor, and ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. Beyond poker, he is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various charitable causes. Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's show: 0:00 Introduction 2:40 Is Online Poker Dying? 4:15 How Big is Cheating in Online Poker? 5:05 What is Cheating in Online Poker and What is Not? 12:01 Is Being an A$$h@le at the Table Cheating? 15:00 Room at the Top? - The Polarity of the Player Pool in High Stakes Poker 18:39 What Does it Take to Become a Top-Tier Pro? 20:04 GTO Lab – How to Use the Software and Trainers at Your Disposal 23:27 What’s the ROI for a Tier 1 Player and Can You Even Become One? 31:20 How to Assess the EV of a Tournament 34:44 Understanding the Nuances of the Situation vs. Knowing the ICM Outputs 44:45 Is there Software that Captures Future Game? 47:14 Becoming a PLO Player 53:55 Dvoress’ Top 5 Tournament Players Follow Daniel Dvoress X (Formerly Twitter): @ddvoress Instagram: @ddvoress 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

    58 min
  7. Why We Do What We Do in Poker

    16/08/2024

    Why We Do What We Do in Poker

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/jungleman Matt Berkey, born on January 29, 1982, in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, is a prominent professional poker player known for his expertise in both cash games and tournaments. With a career that began in the early 2000s, Berkey has earned millions in live tournament winnings, including notable finishes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Renowned for his strategic depth and ability to navigate complex situations, he has become a respected figure in high-stakes poker. In addition to his playing achievements, Berkey is the founder of Solve For Why Academy, a poker training program emphasizing innovative coaching methods. His contributions to poker media and dedication to continuous improvement have made him a well-rounded and influential figure in the poker community. Here is what you can expect to hear on this week’s show: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 A Laptop at the WSOP – Cheating Scandal or No? 6:21 The Importance of Embracing New Technology in the Game – AI 10:48 Learning Hierarchy - Learning, Interpreting, Educating, and Executing the Sims 13:20 Using Your Talents the Way They Lend Themselves 17:32 Constructing Game-Planned Heuristics to Apply the Sims 24:21 Different Heuristics for Different Demographics and Cultures 29:10 It’s Ony an Idea- Calling Things GTO is Nonsense 33:30 Poker is a Sandbox - The GTO of Social Behavior 41:19 Evolution of Trust - The Exploitative Actors and The Good Actors 46:29 Leaving an Impact 49:26 Solve for Why 56:48 Exposing a Cheating Syndicate with a Podcast Follow Matt Berkey X (Formerly Twitter): @berkey11 Instagram: @berkey11 Website: solveforwhy.io Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates: Instagram:@thedancates X (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandan

    1hr 2min

  8. 08/08/2024

    Saving Online Poker

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/jungleman/ Alex Scott is the President of WPT Global, a key figure in the international poker scene, leading one of the most prominent brands in the poker industry. With extensive experience in both the business and competitive aspects of poker, Alex has played a crucial role in expanding the reach and influence of the World Poker Tour (WPT) on a global scale. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation, enhancing the player experience, and fostering the growth of poker as a global sport. Alex's career is marked by a deep commitment to the poker community, with a focus on creating opportunities for players around the world to engage in the game at both professional and recreational levels. His strategic vision and passion for the game have helped WPT Global navigate the rapidly changing landscape of online and live poker, making it a leader in the industry. Known for his approachable leadership style and dedication to excellence, Alex Scott continues to shape the future of poker through his work with WPT Global. Here is what you can expect to hear on this week's show: 1:37 More Money for the Right Players 7:15 A Perfect Balance - It’s How You Distribute Players Across Tables 13:29 A Problem in the Poker Industry Getting Worse 17:44 The Role Pros Play in Online Poker 23:50 A Broken Incentive System 26:49 Star Seat - Making Poker a Spectator Sport 28:20 Building Your Own Custom Game Formats 32:29 Making Strides in Game Integrity 41:31 Real Time Assistance – The Biggest Threat to Poker There Has Ever Been 44:14 Changes to the WPT Live Setting 47:58 How to Qualify for a WPT Event 49:08 Holding Himself Accountable Follow Alex Scott: X (formerly twitter) @alexscott720 Instagram: @wptglobal Website: wptglobal.com 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

    51 min
See All (144)

Trailer

About

Dan "Jungleman" Cates (Formerly "Winning The Game of Life") is hosted by Dan Cates. Known as Jungleman in the poker world, Dan has won nearly $12 million in live tournament earnings, more than $11 million in high stakes online games, and is a 2x World Series of Poker champion. On the podcast, Dan will interview interesting individuals who all have one thing in common… poker and helping others. Conversations about life lessons from poker, achieving success, personal growth, mental health, diet & fitness, parenthood, philanthropy, effective altruism, and more. Every Saturday.

Information

  • Creator
    "Jungleman" Dan Cates
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Daniel Cates 2022
  • Show Website
    Dan "Jungleman" Cates

You Might Also Like