Trading Unlocked - The Pull of Greed

Kyle and Sean take on one of the most seductive emotions in trading: greed. This second episode of Trading Unlocked unpacks how greed disguises itself as ambition or excitement and can quietly steer traders off-course—especially after a string of wins or the anticipation of a big move.Sean offers a deep dive into the psychology of greed: why it shows up, how it functions in our nervous system, and how to differentiate a well-aligned impulse from a hijacked one. Kyle brings relatable examples of how greed has shown up in his own trading practice, making the episode highly accessible and grounded.The discussion highlights the importance of pause, perspective, and presence, encouraging traders to bring curiosity rather than shame to their greed. They introduce strategies for checking in with your body, regulating arousal, and practicing self-compassion so you can make more centered decisions when temptation hits.This episode will resonate with anyone who's felt the high of a hot streak—and the regret of chasing one too far.🧠 Emotional mastery isn’t about eliminating greed. It’s about understanding it.🎓 Want to train this skill? Join the upcoming six-week workshop starting in August at SoundPerformancePsychology.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Bear and Baba Yaga join Kyle to reflect on their recent shift toward fewer, more deliberate trades, emphasizing the mental clarity and freedom gained by stepping away from the screen. Baba Yaga shares how reducing time in front of charts (prioritizing family and personal life) has sharpened his decision-making, allowing him to trade with greater objectivity and less pressure. Bear discusses his focus on limiting trading to a one-hour window, celebrating small wins and avoiding overtrading, particularly in his Lucid evaluation account. The group delves into the psychological benefits of disciplined selectivity, the dangers of leaving excessive capital in trading accounts, and the importance of rewarding progress to stay motivated. With personal anecdotes and practical insights, this episode offers traders valuable strategies for sustainable, disciplined trading. Tune in for a candid discussion on balancing trading with life.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Baba Yaga:Solving problems, helping set goals, and refining processes is the bulk of Baba's passion. He does that in many contexts ranging from nonprofits to real estate firms and everything in between. He focuses on market structure through the lens of TPO charting and executes based on volume, misplaced large orders, and delta. He loves the opening range breakout and typically trades the market from the “inside out”. Follow Baba Yaga on TwitterBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this unique episode, Kyle steps into the spotlight as his friend and Buck Starts Here cohost Eric Mason interviews him about his time in the U.S. Navy’s submarine service. From enlisting at 19 after a reflective moment at Walmart to serving as a nuclear electrician on a ballistic missile submarine, Kyle shares raw insights into the mental resilience required to thrive in the “Silent Service.” Hear about boot camp challenges, pranks like stealing the captain’s mattress, and the experience of test firing 3 Trident D5 SLBMs. With humor and candor, Kyle reflects on the skills, discipline, and perspective gained from living underwater for nearly a year across five patrols.Anyone considering joining the US Navy that has any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord or email!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the premiere of their new miniseries Trading Unlocked, Kyle and Sean dive deep into the emotional undercurrents of trading, starting with one of the most misunderstood and impactful emotions—fear. Rather than treating fear as a flaw to be eliminated, Sean reframes it as a functional, even necessary ally. Together, they explore how fear shapes our trading behaviors, from risk management to hesitation, and how it can serve as critical data rather than a threat to be suppressed.Listeners will learn how to build awareness of their fear responses, utilize mindfulness to reframe those reactions, and even personify fear to create a more constructive relationship with it. The duo also shares tools like grounding techniques, self-compassion strategies, and the importance of “adding to the experience” rather than fighting emotions.Whether you're a seasoned trader or just beginning to navigate the psychological side of markets, this episode offers relatable insights, practical takeaways, and a compelling start to a series that reimagines emotional intelligence as the ultimate trading edge.Want to go deeper? Join the upcoming six-week workshop starting in August at SoundPerformancePsychology.com.Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Join our Discord for a link and code to save 10%**To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Discord to get updated when new content is posted! Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!About Sean:Sean Sawyer, a licensed psychotherapist since 2003, whose journey into the world of stock trading in the mid-2010s led him to become a full-time trader by 2017. Sean’s unique expertise lies at the intersection of psychology and trading, blending his in-depth understanding of human behavior with practical trading experience in shared trading commons, options, and futures.Sean’s work in psychological trauma has been pivotal in shaping his approach to performance psychology. With a rich background in clinical settings, hospitals, universities, and private practice, he excels in helping individuals manage real and perceived threats—skills that are crucial for decision-making in high-pressure situations. His performance coaching, which began in 2010, spans corporate professionals, athletes, and performers, focusing on the mastery of threat response and resilience.Known for his candid, evidence-based approach, Sean emphasizes the importance of confronting and transforming deep-seated patterns and beliefs. His performance coaching bridges the challenges of psychological resilience and high-stakes decision-making, offering invaluable insights for thriving in both personal and professional arenas.Sound Performance Psychology Follow Sean on TwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Shopkeeper Dan is back again, joining Kyle and Bear to discuss various headlines ranging from global cybersecurity incidents, Walmart’s role in stopping fraud, and the implications of AI in personal relationships. They explore the recent hacking of Iranian state TV, the rise of state-sponsored hacking, and the importance of securing digital assets. The conversation also delves into the emotional connections people form with AI, culminating in a humorous discussion about a man proposing to his AI chatbot girlfriend. they follow that up with a serious discussion on AI hallucinations leading to a defamation lawsuit against Google, and a not so serious debate on whether Elon Musk is a superhero or supervillain. They also explore the ethical responsibilities of companies like Walmart in preventing fraud and wrap up with a light-hearted story about espionage in the sausage industry.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Bear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterDan:Dan co-founded 2 Bulls in a China Shop with Kyle when their shared passion for active trading ignited during the lockdowns. Their daily discussions about trades, interests, and the valuable lessons learned created the bedrock for what eventually evolved into both the 2 Bulls in a China Shop and Band of Traders podcasts.While navigating the complexities of trading, Dan infused humor into the shows with his self-deprecating wit and candid discussions about their trading experiences. This dynamic duo's chemistry became the catalyst for a podcast that resonated widely, capturing the attention of a diverse audience.Service Unscripted WebsiteAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Band of Traders podcast, host Kyle and guests Bear Goes Long and Baba Yaga discuss personal updates, changes in the production cycle, market news, and their trading experiences. Baba tells the group about his experience with trading platinum and other commodities last week, while reflecting on the emotional aspects of trading and the importance of flexibility in their approaches. They discuss the emotional landscape of trading, the nuances of market analysis, and the personal experiences that shape their trading strategies. The conversation also touches on the unexpected journey of rescuing a dog, exploring themes of trauma and healing, and concludes with a discussion on what not to do when aging meat, creating a rich tapestry of personal stories and practical knowledge.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!For anyone trading futures, check out Vantatrading.com. Founded by Mr. W Banks and Baba Yaga, they provide a ton of educational content with the focus of teaching aspiring traders how to build a repeatable, profitable process. You can find our exclusive affiliate link/discount code for Vanta ‘s subscription in our free discord server as well!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Baba Yaga:Solving problems, helping set goals, and refining processes is the bulk of Baba's passion. He does that in many contexts ranging from nonprofits to real estate firms and everything in between. He focuses on market structure through the lens of TPO charting and executes based on volume, misplaced large orders, and delta. He loves the opening range breakout and typically trades the market from the “inside out”. Vanta Trading websiteVanta Trading YouTubeFollow Baba Yaga on TwitterBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Kyle welcomes back Sean Sawyer, a seasoned performance psychotherapist, to explore the psychological edge of trading. Sean previews his upcoming six-week workshop, diving deep into two key concepts: the "Internal War Room" and "Discomfort as Data." The Internal War Room helps traders identify and manage competing internal voices, like impulsivity versus professionalism, to make conscious, value-driven decisions. Sean explains how visualizing these "parts" enhances self-awareness, drawing parallels to Internal Family Systems (IFS) while grounding it in trading-specific challenges.Meanwhile, Discomfort as Data reframes unease—such as boredom, fear, or hesitation—as critical signals to guide trading decisions, emphasizing mindfulness and learning by addition, not subtraction. The duo critiques outdated trading psychology rooted in old behaviorism, advocating for modern, evidence-based approaches that avoid fighting thoughts and instead build resilience. They also tease an upcoming miniseries on trading emotions like fear, greed, and shame, to be recorded live in Sean’s Discord.Packed with practical strategies and candid insights, this episode is essential for traders seeking to master their mindset and trade with discipline.Join Sean’s workshop starting June 22, 2025, at SoundPerformancePsychology.com.Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!For anyone trading futures, check out Vantatrading.com. Founded by Mr. W Banks and Baba Yaga, they provide a ton of educational content with the focus of teaching aspiring traders how to build a repeatable, profitable process. You can find our exclusive affiliate link/discount code for Vanta ‘s subscription in our free discord server as well!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Join our Discord for a link and code to save 10%**To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Clitter, or Discord to get updated when new content is posted! Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!About Sean:Sean Sawyer, a licensed psychotherapist since 2003, whose journey into the world of stock trading in the mid-2010s led him to become a full-time trader by 2017. Sean’s unique expertise lies at the intersection of psychology and trading, blending his in-depth understanding of human behavior with practical trading experience in shared trading commons, options, and futures.Sean’s work in psychological trauma has been pivotal in shaping his approach to performance psychology. With a rich background in clinical settings, hospitals, universities, and private practice, he excels in helping individuals manage real and perceived threats—skills that are crucial for decision-making in high-pressure situations. His performance coaching, which began in 2010, spans corporate professionals, athletes, and performers, focusing on the mastery of threat response and resilience.Known for his candid, evidence-based approach, Sean emphasizes the importance of confronting and transforming deep-seated patterns and beliefs. His performance coaching bridges the challenges of psychological resilience and high-stakes decision-making, offering invaluable insights for thriving in both personal and professional arenas.Sound Performance Psychology Follow Sean on TwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Dan returns to join Kyle, Bear and Baba Yaga in a lively discussion about their personal experiences and changes in the trading community. They reflect on the evolution of their trading room, the challenges of balancing personal freedom with community obligations, and the decision to shift away from structured trading commitments. The conversation is filled with humor, camaraderie, and insights into the trading world. The speakers discuss their experiences with trading, the emotional toll it takes, and Dan shares how he shifted towards passive investing. They share personal stories about their journeys, the challenges of trading psychology, and the importance of self-acceptance. The discussion also touches on the art of improv and how it relates to their identities. The hosts explore a variety of themes ranging from humor and creativity to the intricacies of customer service and trading. They discuss the importance of positive reinforcement in training, the journey of writing a book, and the balance between humor and serious topics. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with natural disasters, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of individuals in challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of community resilience, support, and the lessons learned from adversity. They discuss the challenges faced during a natural disaster, the connections formed with neighbors, and the long-term impacts on their lives and community. The dialogue highlights the value of small-town living and the integrity required in community engagement, ultimately conveying a hopeful message about human connection and support in difficult times.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Baba Yaga:Solving problems, helping set goals, and refining processes is the bulk of Baba's passion. He does that in many contexts ranging from nonprofits to real estate firms and everything in between. He focuses on market structure through the lens of TPO charting and executes based on volume, misplaced large orders, and delta. He loves the opening range breakout and typically trades the market from the “inside out”. Vanta Trading YouTubeFollow Baba Yaga on TwitterBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterDan:Dan co-founded 2 Bulls in a China Shop with Kyle when their shared passion for active trading ignited during the lockdowns. Their daily discussions about trades, interests, and the valuable lessons learned created the bedrock for what eventually evolved into both the 2 Bulls in a China Shop and Band of Traders podcasts.While navigating the complexities of trading, Dan infused humor into the shows with his self-deprecating wit and candid discussions about their trading experiences. This dynamic duo's chemistry became the catalyst for a podcast that resonated widely, capturing the attention of a diverse audience.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baba had some additional thoughts after we ended last week's episode on Discipline, so we turned the mics back on for some bonus content that somehow led to a deep dive into his musical tastes...Happy Memorial Day! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Band of Traders, Kyle and guests Bear Goes Long, Cleo, and Baba Yaga dive into the critical topic of discipline in trading. Cleo shares her struggle to stick to her trading plan after a big loss, highlighting the importance of external accountability and rebuilding self-trust. Baba Yaga emphasizes clarity of goals as a foundation for disciplined trading, distinguishing it from adapting to new trading seasons, and explores how neurodiversity and personal discipline styles impact decision-making. Bear discusses overcoming the "lone wolf" trader mentality, while Kyle reflects on simplifying his process to avoid impulsive trades. Through candid personal stories and practical insights, the group offers valuable strategies for maintaining discipline and navigating the emotional challenges of trading.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at [email protected] or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!For anyone trading futures, check out Vantatrading.com. Founded by Mr. W Banks and Baba Yaga, they provide a ton of educational content with the focus of teaching aspiring traders how to build a repeatable, profitable process. You can find our exclusive affiliate link/discount code for Vanta ‘s subscription in our free discord server as well!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at [email protected] Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Baba Yaga:Solving problems, helping set goals, and refining processes is the bulk of Baba's passion. He does that in many contexts ranging from nonprofits to real estate firms and everything in between. He focuses on market structure through the lens of TPO charting and executes based on volume, misplaced large orders, and delta. He loves the opening range breakout and typically trades the market from the “inside out”. Vanta Trading websiteVanta Trading YouTubeFollow Baba Yaga on TwitterBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterCleo:Cleo has been learning to trade for the past 3 years and is an active member of the Vanta community. She came to trading through the angle of personal development, and she sees trading as an amazing way to get to know oneself as well as expand one's capacities. Cleo's professional background is in leadership development and facilitation. She has facilitated thousands to communicate in authentic and compelling ways. She loves being in the seat of curiosity. Cleo has worked with executives, corporate groups, religious groups, middle school students, groups of women, families, and couples. Her current focus is the CA criminal legal system, advocating for holistic approaches such as restorative justice and community-based violence prevention. Having played in the crypto and futures markets for the last three years, Cleo sees trading as one of the most challenging things to undertake and is particularly interested in what it takes to become a consistently profitable and well-rounded trader.Follow Cleo on TwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy