Welcome to the Traders Mastermind podcast. Where we focus on the tactics of mindset, discipline and strategy in the high-performance world of short-term trading and the financial markets. Join 5,000+ traders who subscribe to my Traders Mastermind daily email. Designed to help you cultivate discipline, momentum and consistency in less than 3 minutes per day. https://www.tradersmastermind.com/email/
Sponsored by Pepperstone Running a theme park isn't that different from managing your trading account. In this episode, Mark Holstead explains how to spot the ‘winter' in your trading - and make one powerful shift that could change your performance for good.
Sponsored by Pepperstone There's a hidden cycle most traders get stuck in — bouncing from strategy to strategy, stuck in a loop that feels like progress but leads nowhere. In this episode, I break down the six stages of the Trader's Life Cycle — from blind optimism to the valley of despair — and show you how to escape it for good. If you've ever felt like you're spinning your wheels, this one's for you.
Sponsored by Pepperstone Some days, the market flips tone in an instant—and your neatly planned setup goes out the window. What then? In this episode, I'll show you a fast, flexible framework I use to build trade ideas on the fly. Whether you're scalping a pullback or trying to catch a late-session breakout, this helps you stay sharp and intentional when it matters most.
Sponsored by Pepperstone The markets are wild and we need to talk.
Sponsored by Pepperstone In this episode, I dive into the NYSE Tick Index - a powerful but often overlooked tool for day traders and scalpers of the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq. Learn how this real-time market pressure gauge can help you time entries, manage exits, and spot intraday exhaustion. It's not for everyone… but if you trade U.S. indices, it might be the missing piece in your playbook.
Sponsored by Pepperstone Trading isn't about certainty - it's about stacking the odds. In this episode, I break down the subtle art of improving trade outcomes by adjusting key variables like probability of success and risk-reward. I explore how small tweaks in things like context, time of day, market structure, and trade location can quietly tilt the edge in our favour. If you've ever wondered why the same setup works brilliantly one day and fails the next… this is the episode for you.
Sponsored by Pepperstone Most traders focus on the wrong thing—chasing results instead of developing the skills that create them. In this episode, we break down the key trading skills you need, how to build them in the right order, and why a structured approach leads to long-term confidence in the markets. Whether you're just starting out or refining your edge, this is your roadmap to becoming a trader who can handle any market condition.
Sponsored by Pepperstone Discover how traders can leverage AI in ways you never thought possible! In this episode, I dive deep into seven practical applications of ChatGPT, from improving your prompts and generating trade ideas to voice journaling and scheduling crucial tasks. Learn how you can harness the power of AI to sharpen your edge, streamline your workflow, and take your trading to the next level.
Sponsored by Pepperstone Ever felt like you're trading on tilt, breaking your rules, or just getting chewed up by wild volatility? What if the smartest move wasn't another trade, but a well-timed timeout? In this episode, I share the “Sin Bin Strategy”—a game-changing tactic that top traders use to protect capital, reset their mindset, and return stronger. Whether you're caught in revenge trading, struggling with discipline, or unsure how to handle market chaos, this episode will teach you how to step back before things spiral out of control. Know when to press. Know when to pause. Most traders ignore this—don't be one of them.
Sponsored by Pepperstone The market isn't just moving, it's setting traps, faking breakouts, and luring traders in. The best traders don't react… they anticipate. In this episode, we break down how to think three moves ahead, just like a chess grandmaster, so you stop getting caught in market traps and start executing with precision.
Proudly sponsored by Pepperstone What if ChatGPT could be your personal trading mentor? Most traders don't know what they don't know… and that's what holds them back. But what if AI could analyse your trading, uncover hidden weaknesses, and hand you personalised insights that could change your game? In this episode, I share a step-by-step framework to: Train ChatGPT to understand your trading style, challenges, and goals Get powerful insights tailored to your experience Identify blind spots that are costing you money Use AI as a trading mentor to refine execution, strategy, and mindset Ask next-level questions to sharpen your edge faster If you're serious about levelling up your trading with AI, this episode is a must-listen. Let's unlock your edge.
Proudly sponsored by Pepperstone You're up big on the day… now what? Do you keep pushing, or do you lock in profits before the market takes them back? In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest dilemmas for day traders: managing intraday gains without sabotaging your confidence. I'll share practical strategies for setting high-water marks, trailing intraday stops, and deciding when to step away. If you've ever felt the frustration of giving back hard-earned profits, this episode is a must-listen. When to keep your foot on the throttle The psychology of giving back profits Setting smart intraday loss limits How to balance P&L optimisation with mindset stability Tune in and refine your game!
Sharpen your edge with the Traders Mastermind podcast—proudly sponsored by Pepperstone. The markets are gearing up for another wild ride—Trump is back, and whether you love him or hate him, one thing's certain: volatility is here. But, most traders will get caught chasing headlines, overreacting to market moves, and trying to predict the unpredictable. In this episode, I break down exactly how to navigate the chaos, avoid the biggest traps, and position yourself for opportunity instead of disaster. We'll cover news risk management, strategy adjustments, and why guessing market moves is a fool's game. If you want to stay ahead in a Trump-driven market, this is your survival guide!
Sometimes the best trading lessons come from the most unexpected places... like a sauna. I recently crossed paths with the CEO of a major steel company—someone dealing with million-pound projects, not charts or candlesticks. But as we chatted about challenges, mistakes, and the journey to success, it hit me: his mindset was exactly what traders need. No grudges. No dwelling on the past. Just relentless forward momentum. In this episode, I'll break down what I learned from this chance encounter—and how adopting this mindset could transform your trading. If you've ever let a bad trade or a missed setup weigh you down, this is one you don't want to miss. Because whether you're trading the markets or running a massive business, resilience and optimism are the real edge.
Every trader goes through five distinct stages on their journey, from the dopamine-fueled excitement of starting out to the crushing doubts of the valley of despair. This episode dives deep into each stage—Uninformed Optimism, Informed Pessimism, the Valley of Despair, Informed Optimism, and finally, Achievement. Learn why most traders get stuck in stage three, how to push through the hard part, and what it really takes to stick to a strategy long enough to see results. If you've ever felt tempted to jump ship on your trading plan, this one's for you!
As a trader, your biggest battle isn't against the market, it's against your own brain. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychological traps that can sabotage your trading decisions, from anchoring on trades to succumbing to FOMO. Learn how cognitive biases like loss aversion, overconfidence, and confirmation bias work against you—and, more importantly, how to outsmart them. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode will help you turn your psychology into a competitive edge.
Go Premium ==> Tradersmastermind.com In this episode, we dive deep into the world of trading mistakes—some are inevitable and offer valuable lessons for improvement, while others are absolute dealbreakers that can destroy your progress… We'll explore: The critical mistakes you must never make in trading (and why they're non-negotiable).The common errors that are part of the learning process and how to use them to grow.Practical strategies for identifying and avoiding fatal errors while refining the fixable ones. Whether you're a new trader or a multi decade veteran, this episode will help you draw the line between growth and failure and stay on track toward consistency.
Trading is a mental battlefield, and negativity is everywhere, losses, self-doubt, and market noise. In this episode, we'll uncover how to stay steady under fire, manage external and internal pressures, and turn challenges into growth. Learn practical mindset tools to overcome setbacks, silence self-doubt, and thrive in even the toughest market conditions. Don't let the pressure sink your ship, master it.
So, imagine quitting your steady 9-to-5 to go all-in on trading… Well, that's exactly what Ruchir Patel just did. In this episode, we chat about his leap into full-time trading, the fears he's had to push through, his trading strategy, his mindset hacks, and how he's gearing up to make it work. It's real, raw, and brimming with tips for those who've thought about turning trading into their career. Curious if you have what it takes? Hit play and find out...
Frustrated with your trading progress? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack the truth about frustration, it's not your enemy; it's your greatest teacher. Inspired by a powerful note from Tim Ferriss's coach, we explore why frustration is an essential part of mastering any craft, including trading. Learn how to reframe setbacks, build patience, and thrive despite challenges. Whether you're dealing with losing streaks, overtrading, or plateauing performance, this episode will help you shift your mindset and stay the course.
Veteran trader Peter Daniel dives into strategies for identifying and overcoming common trader challenges. In this episode, Peter shares insights from the TradeSmart Accelerator, detailing the progress, challenges, and solutions that have helped the current cohort build resilience and improve their trading. Visit: tradersmastermind.com
Remember remember the 5th November. With the US election looming how are you planning to capitalise on the volatility?
Join Peter and Mark as they dive into the transformative journeys of traders in the 30-day accelerator program. Hear about the biggest challenges traders face and how we're fixing them. Discover the one game-changing tweak Peter made to turn a struggling trader around and learn why having the right plan can make all the difference between winning and losing in the market.
We're halfway through the 30-Day Trading Accelerator, and it's time to pause and reflect. In this episode, I'll dive into the biggest breakthroughs, lessons learned, and challenges faced so far. Whether you're following along or curious about the journey, join me as I share insights from the midpoint of this transformative trading experience.
Download the Discipline Tracker > https://www.tradersmastermind.com/discipline-tracker/ Moh, a US stock day trader spent years trying to find what works for him… He'd scan the markets, find active stocks to trade, but was always hovering at breakeven for months at a time. His technicals were on point, but there was something missing. Unfazed, he started to build a playbook of all his trades, logging everything he could. That work paid off. Because Moh uncovered a common theme present in all his good trades, and so, he immediately added a new filter into his screening process. Once that new filter was implemented he put his foot on the gas… Now, Moh has turned the corner, breaking personal records for trade P&L, winning streaks and equity curve highs. Even if you don't trade stocks, this is a great conversation with a determined trader who would not give up looking for his edge.
Tradersmastermind.com Ed is a tape reader, looking for short-term momentum shifts to scalp between 3-5 pts on the S&P 500. A trader for 6 years he's now profitable and focusing on sizing up his operation. In this episode, we talked about his strategy, tape reading, mindset, risk, strategies for scaling up and more. A great conversation with a great guy. If you're a day trader you'll love it…
Tradersmastermind.com Do you often find yourself quickly in profit on most trades, only for it to turn into a 50/50?‘ Cashflowing' your trades might be a good way to capitalise on that advantage. De-risk the deal, peel some off, and then let the broader trade thesis play out.
Join my daily email > https://www.tradersmastermind.com/email/ Take two developing traders + Unshakable confidence + A strategy that works + Iron discipline And you get breakthroughs…
Get my daily email: tradersmastermind.com/email If you've been trying the same thing for many months or even years, maybe you need to pivot, adjust, and try something else.
Rishi Sunak has announced a UK general election for Thursday the 4th July How can traders prepare?And what are the best potential trade opportunities? Stay informed by joining my daily email.
Traders Mastermind - https://www.tradersmastermind.com/ Trading Plan Pro - https://tradingplanpro.com/ You've heard that saying before… But how can we implement that into our trading? How do we ask better questions that help us get the results we want? Let's explore…
Traders Mastermind Trading Plan Pro Rituals, superstitions, mantras, rules of thumb. We all have them, often these are totally meaningless, but somehow or another they keep us on the right path. Here are a few that I stand by…
Traders Mastermind: https://www.tradersmastermind.com/ Henry was last on the podcast ten months ago. And now he's back… Still funded; still making withdrawals, but now a part-time trader… We explore the tough real-world decision Henry had to make last year shifting from full-time to part-time. How he now fits in trading around running his business. The exact strategy Henry trades on the DOWAnd his quest to take on more risk and trade size. Plus his essential “40 trades” drill.
Did you know there's a fund (well several) whose only investment thesis is to capitalise on so-called Back Swan events? They lose money month after month, year after year and then WHAM, they make a boatload. Interesting strategy… if you can stomach the losses.
It happens to us all… A string of losing trades that make you look worse than a random coin flip. And that stings… Underperforming a coin doesn't bode well! But, it WILL happen and it's normal. There are times when every single trade you take will be a loser, and it leaves you wondering how that is even possible?! There's a key to this, let's explore.
Are you bullish or bearish? A buyer or seller here? Something's going to happen right? Not always…The third trade idea is doing nothing. Sitting on your hands until the right opportunity comes along. Instead of battling it out in the noise, getting stopped and frustrated you can let the crowd fight around in the chop. You just wait for the price to resolve and take the high-probability trade… If you hate getting sucked into chop and slop then this episode is for you.
1st Quarter, done. How was it for you? Are you progressing or making the same mistakes you did this time last year? Maybe now is the time to take charge, plan ahead and get yourself in the right mindset to make the next quarter a real growth period. Let's explore.
5 Simple habits, hacks, tips, tricks or whatever you want to call them!… for improving your trading. All easy to do, super quick to implement yet very powerful. Check out the episode.
I think we humans are hard-wired to negativity What's going wrong?What doesn't work? Focusing on just the bad and not the good. Trading is no different…. Maybe your equity curve is not where you want it to be yet, but just look at how you've improved… Look at the good points. Then use that optimism as fuel…
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero How will AI impact our trading in the future?Where is the opportunity?How can we find extra edge using ChatGPT and AI right now?Are we all doomed?! Find out the answer to these burning questions and more in this crucial episode…
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero "Certify your track record without putting your capital at risk." Mark Douglas says you should not care about each trade you take. Which is true, to some extent… Let me explain… I believe we should not care about the outcome of an individual trade, from the perspective of P&L. We don't want to get caught up in emotional attachment to a trade. It's just one trade out of thousands we'll take in our career. However, if we are not careful we can take this too literally. What do I mean? Let's explore...
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero At first glance, you might think your strategy is a loser… Not so fast! Sometimes a so-called losing strategy just needs a few small tweaks to make it profitable. In this episode, I explore how you can potentially turn that losing strategy into a winner.
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero: Certify your track record without putting your capital at risk. We're all guilty of trying to be too smart… Attempting to catch every weave and turn of the market, selling highs, buying lows, breakouts, and taking counter-trend trades. Trying to do everything in one day and getting no real results. But what if you could identify the one big idea for the day? Get good at spotting the biggest play for the day and then positioning for that? Let's explore how…
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero: Certify your track record without putting your capital at risk Here's the bad news: Luck plays a role in trading. Here's the good news: You can use luck to your advantage. We can all fall into the ‘illusion of certainty' trap, thinking we know what will happen with each trade. Like it or not, luck plays a part in each trade we take. Too much risk, plus a bit of bad luck and you are out of the game. But can we put ourselves in a position to benefit from good luck? Let's explore
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero: Certify your track record without putting your capital at risk. Making good trading decisions is not easy. Humans are hard wired with various biases to overcome. Loss aversionConfirmation biasRecency biasHindsight biasAnchoring bias All present challenges. All make life tough for an active trader! Let's explore…
Sponsored by Darwinex - Powering trading talent and connecting it to investors In this episode I talk with Juan Colón, the CEO of Darwinex. He shares: What it takes to be a super successful traderThe one metric that almost guarantees failure and how to avoid itHow Darwinex is solving the lack of capital problem for many tradersHis vision for the futureRisk, mindset, self awareness, and much more Enjoy this one…
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero In my last episode, I spoke to fund manager Aatu Kokkila. So, in this episode, I wanted to break down some of the biggest takeaways I took from that episode…Including: His focus on one method onlyMeticulous planningAggressive loss cuttingRelentless researchSolid Risk management What were your takeaways? Reply in the Spotify comments.
Sponsored by Darwinex Zero Aatu's Darwin Aatu is a very unique fund manager, he has generated exceptional returns over many years strictly trading FX around news events. In this episode, Aatu shares his broad strategy and approach to trading around big news events like NFP, interest rate announcements, and elections. We discuss the detailed research and preparation he and his team conduct before each potential tradeHis approach to risk management and scalingThe mindset required to perform at his very bestRecovering from equity curve stagnation and drawdown And so much more… Get rid of all distractions, sit down, and take notes, because this episode is special!
Certify your track record without putting your capital at risk: Darwinex Zero If you knew how tough trading was going to be before you started, you may never have opened that account… All other human beings crave certainty and an easy street. But trading is very much uncertain and tough. And that's why the rewards are so high…
Check out Darwinex Zero You chose the path of a trader. Undertaking one of the most challenging endeavours around. And that means you're built differently… You think differently, act differently and aren't like the others. So, I have an important message just for you. It's well worth the 4 minutes.
What can you take away from your trading that will have a positive impact on Q1 of 2024? There's something you're doing that is costing you money… It could be a setup or strategy, it could be a market condition. Identify it and remove it for an easy positive impact on your P&L. Listen to hear how. Check out our sponsor Darwinex Zero Certify your track record without putting your capital at risk.