In this episode Dr. Bryce Appelbaum examines neuro-optometry as a performance discipline, reframing vision as a brain-based, trainable system rather than simply eyesight. Bryce shares how functional vision influences attention, pattern recognition, emotional regulation, fatigue, and decision-making under pressure, drawing from his own childhood transformation and his work with elite athletes, medical patients, and professional poker players. The discussion highlights the distinction between eyesight (clarity) and vision (how the brain processes visual information), explaining how stress, screen use, and fatigue narrow perception and degrade performance. The central takeaway is that optimizing the eye-brain connection is a largely untapped lever for sustained high performance, particularly in mentally demanding, screen-heavy environments like poker.

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In this episode, Mateos shares his journey from casual COVID-era home games to playing poker professionally, emphasizing that his growth came not from a single breakthrough but from years of obsession, trial and error, and learning how to learn. He discusses how active deliberate study replaced passive consumption. How documenting his struggles and progress on social media helped him build a personal brand during a difficult downswing, and how success milestones often failed to deliver lasting fulfillment. Throughout the conversation Mateos reflects candidly on burnout, identity, and motivation, ultimately highlighting the importance of process over outcomes, community over isolation, and aligning daily actions with personal values as the real foundation for long-term performance.

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In this episode, JWIN shares his journey from corporate success to life as a high-stakes professional poker player. He explains why leaving a secure career wasn't as reckless as it seemed and how mindset, not luck, determines long-term success in poker.

Jay reflects on overcoming major downswings, building mental resilience, and the importance of structured study routines. He also highlights the challenges of balancing poker with family life and offers honest advice to those considering going pro, urging them to pursue it for love of the game, not the illusion of freedom.

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