Diary Of A Trader
The Diary Of A Trader is my vision to interview 500 of the best and up and coming traders in the world. Trading is a tough game but through the podcast I hope to inspire new traders on what is possible in the world of finance.
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Event-Driven Trading: Strategies and Stories from Rick
12/09/2024
Event-Driven Trading: Strategies and Stories from Rick
In this episode, host Dan welcomes Rick, an emerging voice in the trading world, who shares his unique journey from growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, to studying finance at Fordham University. Rick discusses the fast-paced environment of his upbringing and how it shaped his direct and ambitious personality. He reflects on his early uncertainty about his career path, driven by a desire for financial success. The conversation dives into the intricacies of trading, the importance of acting swiftly in the market, and the balance of making money for clients while also benefiting oneself. Tune in for an insightful look at the mindset of a trader who operates away from the spotlight. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Career Beginnings 00:00:39 - Early Life and Education 00:01:05 - First Job at J.P. Morgan 00:02:31 - Transition to Equity Capital Markets 00:04:08 - Moving to First New York Securities 00:05:54 - Role as an Analyst in Event-Driven Trading 00:07:29 - Experience at National Bank of Canada 00:08:22 - Financial Crisis and Job Loss 00:09:03 - Returning to First New York 00:10:06 - Discovering a New Trading Strategy 00:12:13 - Adapting to Market Changes 00:13:52 - Importance of News in Trading 00:15:55 - Risk Management in Event-Driven Trading 00:17:06 - Example of a Recent Trade 00:20:52 - The Role of Tape Reading 00:23:12 - Challenges in Transitioning from Analyst to Trader 00:25:29 - Identifying Relevant Events 00:31:00 - Trading in the Pre-Market 00:34:02 - Examples of Bad Trades 00:37:02 - Learning from Mistakes 00:41:37 - Evolution as a Trader 00:43:49 - Considering Giving Up 00:47:03 - Advice for New Traders
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The Highs and Lows of a Prop Trader: Insights from David Hale
11/11/2024
The Highs and Lows of a Prop Trader: Insights from David Hale
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with David, a seasoned trader with over two decades of experience in the financial markets. We delved into his journey from his early days in college, where he first got intrigued by the world of day trading, to his professional career as a prop trader. David shared his initial misconceptions about the stockbroker role, thinking it would involve picking stocks and managing money, only to find himself cold-calling clients. However, this experience laid the foundation for his understanding of the market. His first trade during the NASDAQ bubble in 2000 was a significant learning experience, where he lost a substantial amount of money but found himself hooked on the thrill of trading. We explored David's early life influences, including his childhood experiences with gambling in amusement arcades, which shaped his propensity for risk-taking and his eventual trading style. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Initial Banter 00:00:40 - Guest Introduction: David's Background 00:00:55 - David's First Trade Experience 00:05:35 - Early Life and Relationship with Money 00:09:17 - Career Path and Trading Aspirations 00:12:00 - Challenges in Early Trading Days 00:17:23 - Prop Trading Strategies and Environment 00:20:38 - Why Traders Don't Walk Away After Success 00:24:21 - The Evolution of Prop Trading Firms 00:29:41 - Benefits of Trading in an Office Environment 00:33:10 - Diversifying Trading Instruments 00:34:20 - Overcoming Tough Patches in Trading 00:38:38 - Writing a Book on Trading Experiences 00:42:39 - Considering Giving Up During Tough Times 00:46:28 - Reflecting on Career Mistakes and Lessons 00:48:36 - Closing Tradition: Question for the Next Guest 00:50:16 - Where to Find David Online 00:51:03 - Conclusion and Farewell
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The Mindset of a Successful Trader: A $1.6m Lesson From Edu Trades
11/01/2024
The Mindset of a Successful Trader: A $1.6m Lesson From Edu Trades
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Eduardo, a seasoned trader with a fascinating journey. Eduardo shared his early life growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, and how his initial interest in the stock market was influenced by Wall Street and the adrenaline rush of trading. Despite starting in engineering, Eduardo's passion for finance led him to pursue an MBA and eventually dive into the world of trading. Edu grew his trading account to $1.6m. In this episode we get some hard truths and great lessons from a trader who started from nothing, saw rock bottom and turned adversity into greatness. Time Stamps Below 00:00:00 - Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:00:39 - Eduardo's Early Life and Background 00:03:37 - Professional Journey Before Trading 00:05:08 - Discovering a Passion for Trading 00:07:10 - Choosing Stocks Over Other Assets 00:09:41 - Changes in the Small Cap World 00:13:02 - Challenges with Hard-to-Borrow Stocks 00:14:07 - Early Challenges in Trading 00:17:45 - Managing Expectations and Setbacks 00:23:01 - Overcoming Financial Pressure 00:28:05 - Turning Point in 2020 00:33:20 - Learning from Blown Accounts 00:36:50 - Building Mental Capacity to Size Up 00:41:24 - Future of Trading and AI 00:47:52 - Closing Tradition and Final Advice 00:49:09 - Where to Find Eduardo and Upcoming Events
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The Secrets To Becoming A Better Trader With Andrew Aziz
07/23/2023
The Secrets To Becoming A Better Trader With Andrew Aziz
In this episode, Andrew Aziz shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming a full-time trader. He discusses how he initially started with day trading, driven by the desire to grow his small account faster. Andrew also highlights the mistakes he made as a beginner and how he eventually settled into active trading. Tune in to learn more about Andrew's experience and insights into the world of trading. 00:01:36 Day trading allows for faster capital growth. 00:08:08 Trading stocks requires strategy and risk management. 00:13:07 Separate trading from daily life. 00:19:13 Importance of consistency in trading. 00:25:32 Risk management is crucial. 00:30:24 Importance of mentorship in trading. 00:35:36 Resilience is key in trading.
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The Art of Contrarian Trading: An Intimate Interview with Jason Shapiro
07/09/2023
The Art of Contrarian Trading: An Intimate Interview with Jason Shapiro
In this episode, the host interviews Jason, a trader, who shares his journey into trading and the ups and downs he experienced along the way. Jason talks about his initial fascination with the market and how he decided to dive in and start trading. He discusses the excitement of being in a bull market and making money, but also the reality of losing it all and realizing he wasn't a genius. Jason shares his learning process, which involved reading books and learning about technical and fundamental analysis. Throughout the interview, he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and perseverance in the trading world. [00:00:19] Going long on April's week. [00:04:52] Super contrarian trading style. [00:08:29] The importance of having a process. [00:14:46] High probability of making money. [00:18:25] Short term trading environment. [00:19:10] Short term trading failure rate. [00:25:56] Fundamentals vs. market predictions. [00:28:01] Squeezing the shorts. [00:30:42] AI and market edges. [00:34:22] Making money in politics. [00:39:22] Developing Your Trading Process. [00:42:07] Biggest misconception about the market. [00:45:03] The future of trading. [00:49:16] Giving back and mental well-being.
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The Psychology of Trading: A Conversation with Chris Cady & Peter Mcewen
06/20/2023
The Psychology of Trading: A Conversation with Chris Cady & Peter Mcewen
The podcast features two traders, Chris and Peter, who discuss their backgrounds and approaches to trading. Chris got into trading as a summer job in 1980 and was hired for his non-traditional background and ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Peter, on the other hand, got into trading out of fascination with the dynamic nature of capital flows and as a way to challenge himself. Both Chris and Peter come from Buddhist backgrounds and incorporate mindfulness and meditation into their trading. 00:00:46 Non-traditional backgrounds in trading. 00:06:12 Psychological well-being important for trading success. 00:12:29 AI can predict market behavior. 00:18:18 Discipline and regulation are key. 00:27:54 Trade what's in front of you. 00:32:20 Market profile is a tool. 00:39:44 Train mindset to manage anxiety. 00:43:32 Use physiological interventions to manage stress. 00:55:32 Take small losses to survive. 00:59:31 Gratitude in trading is crucial. 01:03:11 Invest in what interests you. You can reach out to Chris and peter using @techgnostic and @Chris_C_Cady
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Repetition and Discipline: Building a Strong Foundation in Trading With Kunal Desai
06/05/2023
Repetition and Discipline: Building a Strong Foundation in Trading With Kunal Desai
Welcome back, folks, to another captivating episode of The Diary Of A Trader Podcast. Today, we're in for a real treat as we sit down with the incredible Kunal Desai. We're about to embark on a journey through Kunal's fascinating life, starting from his early days in Michigan where his dad's trading passion sparked something magical within him, fueling his own love for the stock market. Get ready to hear Kunal open up and share his invaluable insights into what it takes to thrive in the cut-throat world of trading. Believe me, this interview is not just insightful, it's downright intriguing. We're diving deep into Kunal Desai's gripping story, uncovering the captivating blend of passion, ambition, and an unyielding pursuit of success. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking episode that will challenge your beliefs and ignite the fire within you to seize your own opportunities. Alright, folks, get comfy, grab your favorite beverage, and tune in. This is going to be one heck of an episode you won't want to miss. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we present another exciting installment of The Diary Of A Trader Podcast. 00:00:38 Trading in the early 2000s. 00:05:41 Stock trading involves active research. 00:11:15 Nighttime scanning for big trends. 00:16:22 Morning routine crucial for trading. 00:21:49 Build a strong trading foundation. 00:27:14 Trading requires building a foundation. 00:34:00 Building skills > capital in trading. 00:42:05 Trade with the trend. 00:44:27 Markets follow predictable patterns. 00:49:48 Build your edge, avoid distractions. 00:54:43 Look for pricing inefficiencies in new industries. 01:00:02 Takeaway: Learn stock trading in 60 days.
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Against All Odds: Humble Beginnings to Trading Triumph With Joseph Gasperoni AKA JTrader
05/25/2023
Against All Odds: Humble Beginnings to Trading Triumph With Joseph Gasperoni AKA JTrader
This podcast episode features an interview with successful trader Joseph Gasperoni aka JTrader, who shares their journey into the trading world. The trader talks about their motivation to get into trading, which stemmed from a desire to avoid the financial struggles experienced by their parents. They also share their experience of trading in the Italian market at a young age, with limited knowledge about stocks and the market, and how they returned to trading later in life and expanded to US stocks. The episode also features some quotes about the nature of trading and the financial world. 00:04:56 Small caps provide extreme volatility. 00:11:00 Push yourself for success. 00:12:30 Adapt to changes for success. 00:19:58 Believe in yourself and push limits. 00:25:20 Believe in yourself and adapt. 00:37:01 Start small and grow. 00:38:10 Trade small to learn. 00:49:38 Women make better traders. 00:51:13 Achieve goals, not fears. 00:57:36 Act now for financial success.
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Trading Realism: Bridging Expectation and Reality in the Stock Market
05/20/2023
Trading Realism: Bridging Expectation and Reality in the Stock Market
In this episode of "Diary of a Trader", the host introduces Ardi Aaziznia, a co-founder of Bear Bull Traders and Peak Capital Trading, and author of the bestselling book "Stock Market Explained". Ardi shares his journey from studying finance at the University of British Columbia to becoming a successful trader and entrepreneur. The episode explores his early career in wealth management and his expertise in option derivatives. Listeners learn about Ardi's remarkable understanding of the complex world of finance and his drive and passion to succeed, which was harnessed after making a significant move from Iran to Canada. [00:01:33] Trading journey from Iran to Canada. [00:04:07] Early interest in business. [00:09:56] Implied volatility in options. [00:11:37] Stock options and dividends. [00:18:03] Trading failure rates. [00:19:30] Realistic expectations in trading. [00:22:42] Trading as a Business. [00:26:25] Trading naked options vs. spreads [00:32:18] Good trader qualities. [00:35:58] Risk-taking and performance. [00:37:24] Predicting stock market success. [00:41:27] Narratives follow the price. [00:45:06] Asset allocation for portfolio building. [00:50:31] Investing vs. Trading. [00:51:19] Passive investing advice is bad. [00:55:35] AI and complex algorithms. [00:58:52] Practical advice for new traders. [01:02:32] Financially inside of you.
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Trading Triumphs: Mastering Discipline and Balance with Scott AKA SmashTheBid
05/02/2023
Trading Triumphs: Mastering Discipline and Balance with Scott AKA SmashTheBid
In this episode of "Diary of a Trader", host introduces Scott aka SmashTheBid, who is a systematic trader and founder of SmashTheBid.com mentorship program. Scott shares his decade of trading experience with a focus on work-life balance and discipline. He discusses his $40,000 loss in a single day and the lessons he learned from it. Scott is also a supporter of Traders for Cause and inspires others to combine their trading passion with philanthropy. The episode highlights the importance of discipline, focus, and mentorship in achieving success in trading. [00:01:14] Discipline in Trading. [00:03:31] Cyclical nature of the oil industry. [00:07:32] Trading options vs. stocks. [00:12:49] Risk management and over trading. [00:13:10] Overtrading and being systematic. [00:16:20] Trading with discretion. [00:21:14] Multi-timeframe trading strategies. [00:23:00] Trading without emotions. [00:26:18] Emotional Trading Triggers. [00:29:23] Trading self-reflection. [00:34:34] Traders for a cause. [00:35:27] Meeting Trading Heroes. [00:38:30] Misconceptions about out-of-the-money options. [00:41:47] Taking profits in trading. [00:45:35] Traits of a successful trader. [00:48:18] Reactive trading in tough markets. [00:52:10] Managing gap risk with options. [00:54:52] Work-life balance in trading. [00:58:05] Quitting to go into stocks.
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Navigating the Markets: Steven B. Hawkins' Unconventional Trading Wisdom And Market Profile
04/29/2023
Navigating the Markets: Steven B. Hawkins' Unconventional Trading Wisdom And Market Profile
On this episode, the podcast features an accomplished trader and a former Chicago Board of Trade broker, Steven B. Hawkins, who has made significant contributions to the world of trading. Stephen's focus on understanding risk and reward in innovative ways had a lasting impact on the field. He co-authored with Peter Steidlmeyer, the book 'Stiedlmeyer Market Trading with Market Profile' and developed the revolutionary market profile methodology, changing the way many traders analyze market data and make informed decisions. He also created the impressive Capflow 32 software, further showcasing his expertise and dedication to the trading world. In this episode, Stephen takes the listeners through his early days of his career in trading and delves deep into his experiences, insights and innovations.
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