Episode 166 - Improving Your Physiology for Better Performance (Eat/Move/Sleep)
Poker On The Mind PodcastShow Notes
Welcome to Episode 166! In this episode, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts answer a question from a listener called Pat who wants to know if he should change his strategy in response to being tired at the table during live events. Topics discussed include:
● The answer to the question of whether or not your strategy when you’re tired ● How to identify and respond to the root causes of fatigue ● Tips for improving your physiology (eat,move,sleep) so that you can focus for longer periods of time ● How to prepare for live events in advance so that fatigue is less of an issue Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group! Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group! Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pokerprofits
Or Tweet us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool @PokerOnTheMind
Resources
Progressive relaxation video (short version): https://youtu.be/pBbuwcFbfFA
Check out Gareth’s program Train and Play Like the Pros: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Check out Tricia’s mental game trainings at: https://www.peakpokermindset.com/
More from Poker On The Mind Podcast
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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.
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.
Are you into this idea? Comment on Spotify or tag @gazelligpoker or @drtriciacardner on X and let us know.