Top Five Mind-Blowing Dan Cates’ Podcasts
The famous high-roller poker player Daniel «Jungleman» Cates has been running his podcast Winning the Game of Life since March 19th, 2022.
Up till May 2nd, 2024 Cates released a total of 97 videos guest staring seasoned poker experts, from Phil Hellmuth and Chris Moneymaker to more controversial figures like Justin Bonomo and Nick Airball.
Believe it or not, I’ve watched every one of those 97 videos to choose the most fascinating, inspiring and sincerely mind-blowing of them for PokerListings readers.
Disclaimer: The videos discussed in this article have been chosen based on the personal taste and impression of the author. In other words, you're completely free disagree with my picks — let's agree to disagree.
#1 The Unbelievable Story of Mazzi Dumato
For one of his first podcasts, Dan Cates chose Syrian businessman and former poker player Mazzi Dumato as his guest. The player's life story isn’t just colorful but also tragic in some instances.
This video gives a solid idea of how someone can go from a prosperous and unforgettable poker experiences to finding your purpose in more simple things. His journey is one of betrayal by those closest to him, unexpected bankruptcy, and liberation from the material world.
The truly mind-blowing thing for me is the level of dignity and love of humankind that Mazzi demonstrates during this interview.
#2 The Doo-Lally Persona of Niall Farrell
Not many people in the poker community have so many strange (in a the best way) and fascinating stories as Scottish poker star Niall "Firaldo" Farrell. The player brought his best stories to the Jungleman’s podcast with his rich character, spellbinding storytelling and signature sense of humor.
This video made me laugh as much as Phil Hellmuth's moments of rage highlights (which I have a guilty pleasure watch when I'm feeling under the weather). If you want to sit and relax while having some real fun — Niall and Dan will absolutely help you with that.
#3 A Deep Dive into the Mind of Oleg Ostroumov
During an hour of intense conversation with one of the most successful developers of poker software Oleg Ostroumov, Jungleman managed to get to the bottom of his guest's thinking process.
For me, the best part of the podcast is seeing Oleg's genuine fascination with the application of the Nash equilibrium in poker.
So, if you want to listen to a person who really loves the mathematical side of poker, is a success story in the educational side of poker, and sees a unique future of the game — you'll definitely enjoy this episode.
#4 The Irrational Side of Steve O’Dwyer
Once Steve O’Dwyer took a lucky banknote from a taxi driver, he never stopped collecting items that could bring him luck. This is one of the most unexpected and interesting points he mentions in the episode with Jungleman.
The fact that Steve is not really talkative when it comes to social media only adds spice to their conversation. His story from online grinder to live high-roller, his tricks to being lucky in poker and a few other peculiar superstitions will make you see O’Dwyer’s in a completely different light.
#5 The Philosophy of Fedor Holtz
Poker community knows Fedor Holtz as a successful player, businessman and ambassador of integrity and transparency.
However, in his two parts of his conversation with Jungleman, Fedor revels another side of him — a person with a solid life philosophy, who values the good in others, and who isn't afraid to try new things for everyone's well-being.
I find this interview to be one of the most inspiring in the poker industry due to Fedor showing genuine care for others and expressing himself clearly and precisely.
I hope you’ll enjoy these podcasts as much as I did. Have a nice time!
