The Mechanics of Poker Podcast

Rene 'TheWakko'
  • 4.7 (13)
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In The Mechanics of Poker podcast, Rene aka ‘TheWakko’ and Mindset & Performance coach Adam Carmichael deconstruct high stakes poker players. They are figuring out what it is about them, how they think, and what they do that makes them so successful. The hosts place an extra focus on the obstacles these players had to overcome and the skills they had to develop in their rise to the top.

  1. The Coach Behind Spain’s Poker Dominance

    2D AGO

    The Coach Behind Spain’s Poker Dominance

    In Episode 68 of the podcast, we sit down with Raúl Mestre, a pioneer of poker coaching and founder of EducaPoker, the platform that helped shape an entire generation of elite Spanish poker players. Over the past two decades, Mestre has played a central role in building one of the strongest poker ecosystems in the world. In this deep conversation, we explore how Spain quietly became one of the most dominant forces in modern poker and what it actually takes to develop world-class players. Mestre shares the story behind the early days of structured poker coaching, how collaborative learning environments accelerated the development of players like Adrián Mateos, Juan Pardo, and Sergi Reixach, and why community-driven study changed the trajectory of professional poker. We also dive into the evolution of poker strategy before and after the solver era, the balance between intuition and theory, and what separates good players from the elite in high-stakes competition. Mestre explains how analytical thinking became the backbone of modern training, why emotional control during downswings is one of the most underrated skills in poker, and how many talented players fail not because of strategy, but because of psychology. The conversation also covers Mestre’s own journey from high-stakes online grinder in the early EPT era to building one of the first large-scale poker coaching communities in the world. He reflects on the challenges of scaling EducaPoker, the responsibility of mentoring hundreds of players, and why helping others succeed ultimately became more meaningful than his own results at the tables.

    2h 22m
  2. How Sam Greenwood Built a 20-Year Career in High Stakes Poker

    FEB 24

    How Sam Greenwood Built a 20-Year Career in High Stakes Poker

    In episode 68 of the podcast, we sit down with high-stakes tournament pro Sam Greenwood, creator of the popular Substack "Punt of the Day" where he publicly dissects his biggest mistakes. In this deep 3-hour conversation, we explore the evolution of poker strategy, the mental game of high-stakes competition, and the challenge of building a sustainable life around professional poker. We chat about why documenting mistakes is more valuable than celebrating wins, how the solver revolution transformed tournament strategy and separated natural skillsets, the reality of risk management and the costly lessons from COVID-era online poker, what separates elite players at Triton-level competition beyond pure theory, managing performance under pressure across grueling live poker stops, and redefining success from "best in the world" to sustainable excellence with family and balance.

    3h 4m
  3. Sergio "Donk Orleone", Poker Is Not That Complex (You’re Just Overthinking It)

    FEB 5

    Sergio "Donk Orleone", Poker Is Not That Complex (You’re Just Overthinking It)

    In episode 66 of the MOPP we are joined by high-stakes online cash-game player Sergio, better known as Donk Orleone. In this episode we break down why modern poker players are over-complicating the game, hiding behind solvers, and losing touch with intuition, experience, and performance fundamentals. We chat about why poker is hard, but not complex in the way most players think, how solver obsession creates fear, ego, and bad decision-making, the real difference between theory and performance, why intuition, self-awareness, and simplicity matter more at high stakes and how downswings, ego, and mental game shape long-term success.

    3h 23m
  4. Seth Davies, The Truth About High Rollers (Nobody Tells You This)

    FEB 5

    Seth Davies, The Truth About High Rollers (Nobody Tells You This)

    In episode 65 of the MOPP we chat with high-stakes MTT player Seth Davies to break down what it really takes to survive and thrive at the highest levels of poker. We talk about resilience, composure under pressure, winners tilt, physical training, solvers, lifestyle, and the hidden skills required to move from mid-stakes to high-stakes poker. Seth shares how his sports background shaped his mindset, why self-awareness matters more than most players think, and how elite players adapt in today’s high-roller environment. This is a deep conversation about performance, preparation, and staying calm when the stakes are highest. Enjoy!

    2h 25m
  5. How Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo Crushed The Best Poker Players

    12/18/2025

    How Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo Crushed The Best Poker Players

    In episode 64 of the MOPP, we chat with freshly crowned cash-game world champ Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo about his rise up the stakes and his epic performance that took down the championship

    2h 27m
  6. E61 - Justin Saliba, With This Trick You'll Eat Your Opponents Alive

    12/11/2025

    E61 - Justin Saliba, With This Trick You'll Eat Your Opponents Alive

    In episode 61 of the MOPP we chat with high-stakes MTT player Justin Saliba. Justin breaks down what it truly takes to perform at the highest levels of poker. We talk about “war mode,” the mental state he uses to lock in quickly, manage emotions, and stay sharp under pressure—especially in deep runs and seven-figure spots. Justin shares how fatigue exposes your natural tendencies, why recovery and structure matter, and how he balances technical study with peak performance.

    3h 3m
  7. CGWC Special E03 - Let's Talk Strategy Upgrades

    09/08/2025

    CGWC Special E03 - Let's Talk Strategy Upgrades

    In this third part of the The CGWC special, our 5 competitors dive deep into strategy, study habits, and what it really takes to improve at the highest levels. We cover breakthrough moments, the best and worst advice, common mistakes, evolving routines, and how to fix leaks effectively. You’ll also hear insights on misconceptions about professionals, balancing simple vs complex strategies, intuition vs data, and whether RNG truly matters.

    1h 17m
  8. CGWC Special E02 - The Toughest Moments That Shaped Their Poker Careers

    09/08/2025

    CGWC Special E02 - The Toughest Moments That Shaped Their Poker Careers

    In this second part of the The CGWC special, we continue chatting with five of the top competitors from the challenge. We cover the road that got them here. From the lowest points in poker to the confidence, motivation, and skills it takes to go compete in the cash-game world championship, this episode covers it all. We talk early challenges, big downswings, risk-taking, tournament vs. cash game dynamics, and how goals and fulfillment evolve over time. Packed with insights any aspiring or seasoned player can learn from.

    1h 15m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

In The Mechanics of Poker podcast, Rene aka ‘TheWakko’ and Mindset & Performance coach Adam Carmichael deconstruct high stakes poker players. They are figuring out what it is about them, how they think, and what they do that makes them so successful. The hosts place an extra focus on the obstacles these players had to overcome and the skills they had to develop in their rise to the top.

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