Poker On The Mind Podcast

In this solo voice note, Dr. Tricia shares her thoughts on one of the biggest stories in modern poker history—Leo Margets making the final table of the 2025 WSOP Main Event. Tricia breaks down why this milestone matters far beyond the headline and explores the deeper psychological impact of:
Representation and identity in poker
Long-term resilience and performance
How moments like this shape the future of the game
What you can learn from Leo’s composure and mindset

Mental Game Resources:
🧠 Feeling the pressure lately?
Grab the free Tilt Recovery Toolkit to reset fast and play your best—even when emotions run high: https://www.drtriciacardner.com/tilt-recovery 

🎯 Want to know how strong your mental game really is?
Take the free Mental Game Strength Quiz:
drtriciacardner.com/quiz

💰 Thinking about transitioning to cash games?
Start with the MTT to Cash Diagnostic:
drtriciacardner.com/cashquiz

🗣️ Have a question you'd like us to cover? Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group:
👉 Poker Mindset Mastery

Or in Gareth’s group:
👉 Poker Profits

Or tweet us:
@drtriciacardner | @MTTpokerschool | @PokerOnTheMind

In this episode, Gareth and Tricia tackle a timely listener question: What do most players get wrong when preparing for the World Series of Poker (WSOP)? If you’re gearing up for the WSOP (or any major poker series) and want to avoid common pitfalls, this conversation is for you. They discuss:
Why tying your self-worth to poker results is so dangerous: How linking your identity to wins and losses leads to emotional swings and burnout – and ways to keep your confidence steady regardless of outcomes.

The power of consistent routines: How solid pre-game rituals, in-game reset techniques, and post-game reviews keep you focused and mentally sharp throughout a long series like the WSOP.

Process orientation vs. outcome obsession: Why a process-focused mindset beats fixating on results (especially when around 85% of the field won’t even cash), and how focusing on what you can control leads to better long-term performance.

The danger of last-minute overhauls: Why the week before the WSOP is not the time to reinvent your entire game or make frantic strategic changes. Avoid the urge to “fix” your strategy due to a recent downswing – stick with what you’ve practiced and trust your preparation.

Sleep, nutrition, and recovery as secret weapons: How neglecting basic self-care can sabotage your performance. Gareth and Tricia emphasize prioritizing quality sleep, good nutrition, and rest days, and explain why trying to play every event (or partying every night) on minimal rest often backfires.

Smart bankroll management and scheduling: Planning out your WSOP events and budget ahead of time. Learn why it’s wise to sell action and set a realistic schedule so you don’t run out of funds or stress about money halfway through the series. (The last thing you want is to blow your entire bankroll before the Main Event!)

Handling tilt and emotional swings: Evidence-based techniques to stay composed when variance hits hard. They share how acceptance strategies, 6-2-7 breathing exercises, and the “second dart” technique can help you regulate emotions, avoid tilt, and recover quickly from bad beats or bustouts.

Recommended Resources:
Purposeful Practice for Poker: https://amzn.to/41QBGVC

Download Tricia’s Free Tilt Recovery Toolkit (cheat sheet + audio guide) – https://drtriciacardner.com/tilt-recovery

Mental Game Quiz: Take Tricia’s Mental Game Strength Quiz – https://drtriciacardner.com/quiz

Gareth’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Gareth’s weekly poker newsletter “On The Button” – https://mttpokerschool.com/newsletter

Want us to answer your poker question? 
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group (Poker Mindset Mastery Lab) – join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/

Or join Gareth’s private Facebook group (MTT Poker School Poker Profits) here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pokerprofits.

You can also tweet your questions to @drtriciacardner, @MTTpokerschool, or @PokerOnTheMind

In this episode, Gareth and Tricia dive into a powerful listener question from Martin—a poker player with ADHD—who’s struggling to find motivation and structure for his study and play routines. If you've ever wrestled with procrastination, guilt, or balancing poker with real-life responsibilities, this conversation is for you. They explore:
Why tight deadlines help some players (especially those with ADHD) hyperfocus
Parkinson’s Law and how it impacts poker study and productivity
How dopamine dysregulation influences motivation and attention
Gamified study tips like “poker sprints” and “beat-the-clock” sessions
The power of body doubling, study groups, and external accountability
Why guilt and perfectionism may be the real blockers—and how to reframe your mindset
Finding the right balance between poker, work, and family life (and why it’s okay for that balance to shift over time)
Whether you have ADHD or not, this episode is full of actionable insights on how to design a routine that works for your brain—and your life.

📚 Recommended Resources:

Purposeful Practice for Poker by Dr. Tricia Cardner & Gareth James

Take Tricia’s free Mental Game Strength Quiz:
https://drtriciacardner.com/quiz

Looking to add cash games to your repertoire?
Take the MTT to Cash Diagnostic:
https://drtriciacardner.com/cashquiz

Sign up for Gareth’s free 5-day email course:
“How to Build Your First 10K Bankroll”
https://mttpokerschool.com/free-course

Want us to answer your poker question?

Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMastery

Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pokerprofits 

Or Tweet us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool @PokerOnTheMind

In this solo voice note, Dr. Tricia Cardner breaks down Phil Hellmuth’s recent announcement that he’s skipping the 2025 WSOP Main Event—claiming it’s become too much of a mental grind.

Is the Main Event really an endurance test now?
What role does mental stamina play in long tournaments?
How can you prepare to go deep when the pressure is on?

Tricia shares insights from performance psychology, discusses the impact of aging on decision-making, and gives practical tips to help you build your mental endurance at the table.

Mental Game Resources:
🧠 Want to know how strong your mental game really is?
Take the free Mental Game Strength Quiz:
drtriciacardner.com/quiz

💰 Thinking about adding cash games to your repertoire?
Take the free MTT to Cash Diagnostic:
drtriciacardner.com/cashquiz

Want us to answer your poker question?

Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMastery

Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pokerprofits 

Or Tweet us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool @PokerOnTheMind

Are you into this idea? Comment on Spotify or tag @gazelligpoker or @drtriciacardner on X and let us know.