Dan "Jungleman" Cates

"Jungleman" Dan Cates
Dan "Jungleman" Cates

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. Inside GTO Lab's plan to catch cheaters and clean up online poker games

    JAN 16

    Inside GTO Lab's plan to catch cheaters and clean up online poker games

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/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 Check out Winning the Game of Life on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/winning-the-game-of-life/id1646986805 Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates: Instagram:@thedancates X (Formerly Twitter): @junglemandan Join Poker Academy today using this link: https://www.preflop.academy/?via=dan Join Poker Academy today using this link: https://www.preflop.academy/?via=dan Poker strategy tips Poker tournament highlights Poker player profiles Poker player rankings Poker coaching Poker mental game

    52 min
  2. "People think I'm weak at the table. They're WRONG!" - Olga Iermolcheva

    JAN 10

    "People think I'm weak at the table. They're WRONG!" - Olga Iermolcheva

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

    1h 25m
  3. The BATTLE against SCAMMERS: John Dorsey tells all

    JAN 2

    The BATTLE against SCAMMERS: John Dorsey tells all

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

    1h 47m
  4. The Pro Gamer To Pro Poker Pipeline is REAL (with Ninja, Elky, Lex, Chidwick and MORE)

    12/13/2024

    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/p/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
  5. The Art of Bouncing Back in Poker (Hellmuth, Galfond, Holz, Koon and MORE)

    12/06/2024

    The Art of Bouncing Back in Poker (Hellmuth, Galfond, Holz, Koon and MORE)

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

    36 min
  6. Meet the ex-MMA fighter that teaches poker players about PAIN...

    11/27/2024

    Meet the ex-MMA fighter that teaches poker players about PAIN...

    GTO Wizard - The best way to learn and practice GTO! Use this link to sign up: https://gtowizard.com/p/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  Join Poker Academy today using this link: https://www.preflop.academy/?via=dan

    2h 10m
  7. "The future of poker belongs to creators, not crushers!" - Caitlin Comeskey

    11/14/2024

    "The future of poker belongs to creators, not crushers!" - Caitlin Comeskey

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

    1h 26m
4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

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.

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