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The Mechanics of Poker Podcast

The Mechanics of Poker Podcast

Rene 'TheWakko' 65 Episodes Feb 5, 2026

In this podcast, hosts Rene 'TheWakko' and mindset coach Adam Carmichael analyze high-stakes poker players, examining their thought processes and behaviors. They aim to uncover what makes these players successful, focusing on the challenges they faced and the skills they built on their way to the top. The show offers insights into the psychology behind elite poker performance.

Episodes

Sergio "Donk Orleone", Poker Is Not That Complex (You’re Just Overthinking It)
Sergio "Donk Orleone", Poker Is Not That Complex (You’re Just Overthinking It) Feb 5, 2026 12172 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 obsessi
Seth Davies, The Truth About High Rollers (Nobody Tells You This)
Seth Davies, The Truth About High Rollers (Nobody Tells You This) Feb 5, 2026 8719 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 mindse
How Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo Crushed The Best Poker Players
How Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo Crushed The Best Poker Players Dec 18, 2025 8846 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
E61 - Justin Saliba, With This Trick You'll Eat Your Opponents Alive
E61 - Justin Saliba, With This Trick You'll Eat Your Opponents Alive Dec 11, 2025 10997 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
CGWC Special E03 - Let's Talk Strategy Upgrades
CGWC Special E03 - Let's Talk Strategy Upgrades Sep 8, 2025 4602 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, intuiti
CGWC Special E02 - The Toughest Moments That Shaped Their Poker Careers
CGWC Special E02 - The Toughest Moments That Shaped Their Poker Careers Sep 8, 2025 4493 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 d
CGWC Special E01 - How 30 Days of Poker Pushed 5 of the Best to Their Edge
CGWC Special E01 - How 30 Days of Poker Pushed 5 of the Best to Their Edge Aug 29, 2025 6784 In this special edition of The Mechanics of Poker Podcast, we sat down with five of the top competitors from the Cash-Game World Championship Mid-Stakes edition. Together we dive into the preparation, pressure, and mindset needed to battle through one of the toughest online arenas. From adapting to new formats, handling mistakes, and staying sharp in a reg-heavy field — to the routines, surprises,
E59 - Vlastimil Pustina, How Distraction Destroys Your Poker Game
E59 - Vlastimil Pustina, How Distraction Destroys Your Poker Game Jul 30, 2025 11899 In episode 59 of the MOPP we sit down with live high-stakes NLH cash-game player Vlastimil Pustina for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the emotional and mental evolution required to thrive in high-stakes poker. Vlastimil opens up about his transformation from a carefree, party-fueled lifestyle to one grounded in self-awareness, intentional routines, and inner work. We explore how poker
E58 - Wouter "MMAsherdog" Beumers, The Truth About Poker Success
E58 - Wouter "MMAsherdog" Beumers, The Truth About Poker Success Jul 7, 2025 12049 In episode 58 we meet the man behind the dog avatar, high-stakes cash-game player Wouter "MMAsherdog" Beumers. Wouter shares his journey from crushing low stakes to navigating the complexities of high-stakes poker, revealing how understanding human behavior—rather than blindly following solver outputs—is the real key to success. We explore the balance between exploitative play and GTO, the importa
E57 - Anton WIgg, How AI Turned him Into the Poker Terminator
E57 - Anton WIgg, How AI Turned him Into the Poker Terminator Jul 7, 2025 14251 In episode 57 we chat with long-time MTT player Anton Wigg. Anton shares how his Waldorf education shaped his poker approach through systems thinking and first principles. He discusses using AI for learning, knowledge retention, and the future of poker with technology. We explore the links between fear, attention, purpose, and ethics in tech, emphasizing curiosity, communication, and emotional awa
MOPP E56 - Benny "RunGodLike" Glaser, The Most Successful SCOOP & WCOOP Player of All-Time
MOPP E56 - Benny "RunGodLike" Glaser, The Most Successful SCOOP & WCOOP Player of All-Time Jul 7, 2025 12058 In episode 56 we chat with High-Stakes Mixed-Game specialist Benny Glaser. Benny opens up about his poker journey—from his early competitive drive to becoming one of the most accomplished mixed games players in the world. We dive deep into the mental game, the transition from online to live poker, strategic breakthroughs, and what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure environments like final
MOPP E55 - Nick Howard, Poker Is Broken - And This Is How We Fix It
MOPP E55 - Nick Howard, Poker Is Broken - And This Is How We Fix It Jul 7, 2025 11811 In episode 55 we chat with High-Stakes Cash-Game player and Entrepreneur Nick Howard. We explore the evolution of poker and what it takes to build a sustainable, player-focused ecosystem. They reflect on the shift from technical strategy to placement, mindset, and behavioral awareness, highlighting the traits that separate high-performing players from those who stay stuck. The discussion covers ho

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