The Scalper Who Tried to Follow the Textbook

Sponsored by Pepperstone  Is tape reading dead? Or is there still real edge hiding in the speed, rhythm, and reaction of price? In this episode, I break down my journey with tape, how the game has evolved since the old-school Level 2 days, and how you can still use tape reading today—without going full market-depth nerd. Whether you’re an active scalper or just looking to sharpen your execution, this episode gives you a modern, no-BS take on spotting shifts in momentum, price velocity, and market intent using nothing more than a 15-second chart.

Sponsored by Pepperstone A scalper came on one of our Traders Mastermind calls and said he was struggling… not because he couldn’t trade — but because he was trying to hold trades longer to be more “proper.” What I told him might just be the reminder you need today: If something’s working, and you’re not walking through landmines to do it… then double down. In this episode, I unpack: Why forcing yourself to trade a “better” way can backfireThe difference between refining your edge vs. diluting itWhen to burn the textbook and go all-in on your strengthsA simple test to know if your current strategy is legit or lucky. If you’re profitable, but second-guessing your style because it’s not “by the book”… this one’s for you.

Sponsored by Pepperstone The year was 1986. PTJ was 32, trading his own fund, managing risk like a man possessed — and letting a documentary crew capture it all. We break down the timeless lessons from Trader — from conviction to chaos, process to psychology — and why it still hits hard for modern traders today.

Sponsored by Pepperstone It’s easy to get caught up taking trades just to stay active. But the real edge? Comes from waiting, watching, and swinging when it matters. Here’s how to reframe your trading around the moves that count.

How to build the mindset of a trader who can withstand anything. Sponsored by Pepperstone

Sponsored by Pepperstone You’re not lazy. You’re just trying to do everything. Journaling. Backtesting. Meditation. Trade reviews. More books. More podcasts. But what if all those good intentions are actually slowing you down? In this solo episode, I’ll show you how to filter out the noise, focus on what matters, and finally make real progress in your trading.

Sponsored by Pepperstone Think top traders have some secret edge? Dr. Brett Steenbarger reveals the truth, and it’s probably not what you’re doing right now. If you want to level up, this might be the wake-up call you need. Follow Brett on X Explore his blog: Trader Feed

Sponsored by Pepperstone Follow a system and risk death by drawdown… or trust your gut and deal with self-doubt? Mark explores the battle between mechanical and discretionary trading — sharing hard truths, and what actually works when the heat’s on.

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.