The Traders Podcast with Rob Booker

In Episode 126, your host Rob Booker has a heart-to-heart talk with a trader named Lisa (and anyone else who wants to trade for a living). Lisa sent us an e-mail with some significant concerns about her goal to trading for a living. The story will be familiar to too many traders... Lisa is not fond of her day job, and she’s trying to transition to trading for a living as soon as possible, in hopes of improving her situation all the way around. But the road to becoming a full-time trader is often longer and bumpier than we had hoped it would be. So, Rob shares some very candid thoughts and advice with Lisa and any other listener out there who shares her same concerns. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode. Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

In this episode, your host Rob Booker caught up with Shonn Campbell of Colorado Springs to discuss Shonn’s new eBook about “Plateau Trading.” Shonn mentions how the George Leonard book “Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment” and the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” (2011) have recently influenced his thinking and inspired him to write his new eBook. Rob and Shonn discuss the theory of plateauing, which some say is almost necessary in one’s journey to becoming great at something. Shonn gives his opinions of how long one should stay on “the backtesting plateau,” either backtesting or experimenting with one’s trading strategy. They talk about what it means to not become emotionally involved in the market, what it means to master your craft, and what it means to perfect the art of trading. And Rob reveals what may very well be the greatest problem faced by traders who want to make a living trading full time. Tune in! Shonn's Little Book About Plateau Trading: Plateau Trading by   Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

While waiting for our dynamic guest to arrive for this interview, your host Rob Booker and the producer Jason Pyles have a preliminary discussion about all the forecasting that’s going on in 2013, which Rob says, is beginning to be a problem. Rob emphasizes how difficult it is to tell the future, and because of this fact, he asserts that dishonesty often enters the equation as a temptation. Rob suggests that in truth, when you’re down in the trading trenches, you really can’t cheat; you just have to trade what’s in front of you. He believes it’s a fool’s game to wake up every morning and try to predict the direction that something’s going to go, versus simply being ready for the market to go in either direction. Rob talks about the phenomenon of second-guessing yourself when you hear opposing viewpoints, as well as the importance of being able to have your own opinion (and to stand by that opinion). Later in this episode we are joined by our special guest, Todd Gordon, one of the hosts of CNBC’s television program, “Money in Motion,” which airs on Friday nights. Rob begins by asking Todd about his new business venture, Trading Analysis.com, as well as his new home-office set-up (which is pictured above). Rob asks Todd if Elliott Wave analysis (one of Todd’s specialties) is so complex that he can’t talk about it on television. Todd reveals the top three best books he’s ever read on the subject of Elliott Wave analysis. Rob talks to Todd about how he still finds time to trade, amid his hectic schedule. Todd explains which financial instruments he uses to help him do his analysis. And Rob asks Todd why the Norwegian currency is a better proxy for oil and what that means for Todd as a trader. Don’t miss this one! Links for this episode: Todd Gordon's Trading Analysis.com TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

In this very special episode, your host — author Rob Booker — answers a question from Scott, who asks about the process of writing a trading book. So Rob talks about how to write and publish a trading book, along with valuable information about all the elements of a book proposal (including an attached template to demonstrate Rob’s Book Proposal Form). Rob talks about what you should include in your Book Content section of your proposal, as well as some elements of the “Front Matter” section. Rob and Jason also discuss building up a platform to working with agents or acquisitions editors. Also in this episode, Rob describes how to get in front of a publisher. He also answers the following questions: How do you know if you have a good idea to write about? Should you write your book first and shop it around, or wait until you’ve got a book contract before you start writing? What is the best way to get a book contract that’s going to pay you money? All of this and more in Episode 123! Links for this episode: Book Proposal Form TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

Here is another action-packed episode of The Traders Podcast that amounts to a hodgepodge of ideas and information about trading, with a central theme surrounding live trading on the short-term charts. Your host Rob Booker begins by addressing an e-mail from Scott, who responds to our Conflict Avoidance Episode 119. This leads to more conversation about job interview techniques and an outrageous story about Rob’s criminal law instructor — Professor Diamond. Rob also discusses how becoming preoccupied and distracted by thoughts of money, instead of the matter at hand can be very detrimental to your trading career. The second half of this show gives you a rare look into Rob’s personal trading approach and struggles. Jason interviews Rob about his own trading, which leads to discussions about knowing when you’re finished trading for the day and the importance of being able to remain consistent in your trading. Oh, and Rob also tells a story from his old, baseball glory days when he played second base. Don’t miss it! Links for this episode: TFL365.com TFL365.com/Hopper The Hopper Trade.com MetroTrader.net/MouseTrap Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

In this very unusual episode of The Traders Podcast, your host Rob Booker asks Jason if he believes in supernatural powers and telepathic abilities. This leads to a conversation about having the power to make the markets move in a particular direction in order to make your trade profitable. Rob also considers an e-mail from Simon, who asks about coming back from the brink of loss mentally stronger and the capacity to change one’s mindset. Rob and Jason also discuss the concepts of good luck or good fortune. Rob talks about how everything changes over time and how things can change for the better — if you get out of the circumstances that you’re in. We also talk about the tendency to let what we don’t have spoil what we do have. Tune in — this is a weird episode! Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

It’s time for another mail bag episode of The Traders Podcast! And the first e-mail we read levels some accusations toward an alleged, not-very-environmentally-conscious Rob Booker... We also read an e-mail inquiring about Facebook in 2013, which triggers Rob to give some updates on Google and Apple. Chuck asks about a previous episode on back-testing. Another listener asks about the episode where Hubert Senters says, “I’ve got rules in place so that I protect myself from myself.” Our friend CJ writes about how he loves trading, but the market doesn’t love him back. Does the market hate you? Rob expounds on this phenomenon, as well as a number of other random questions, such as: Does one have to be cheating in order to be profitable as a hedge fund? Or is there a massive conspiracy where the pharmaceutical industry is pushing Ritalin on six-year-olds? All this and more during this episode of The Traders Podcast! Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

During this episode, you’ll hear your host Rob Booker talking with the producer about conflict avoidance. Rob begins by comparing and contrasting styles of dealing with conflict as represented in the HBO television show “Girls” and the Showtime television series “House of Lies.” This comparison leads Rob to observe that not closing losing trades and avoiding conflict tend to go hand in hand. Rob and Jason also discuss how becoming conflict-driven can help your trading (and your life), and it can assist you in learning to pounce on opportunities when they occur. Rob talks about how one can improve as a trader by saying exactly what’s on one’s mind. Rob discusses how these principles might apply to job-interviewing techniques, for instance, and Rob tells a fascinating story about a job interview that he once had with a company was so successful that he unintentionally caused a stir within the company. So, if you want to be more explicit in expressing what you want out of life and out of your trading career, then listen to Episode 119. Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

As a follow-up to our previous podcast about Apple, your host Rob Booker is back to make some predictions about Google in 2013. He begins by talking about potential problems ahead for Google and how it might navigate through those issues. Next Rob describes Google’s incredibly successful business model and some of the reasons why he thinks Google will have such a strong 2013. Rob and Jason also discuss which company they’d rather work for: Google or Apple — and what their job descriptions might be there. Tune in! Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

In this much-anticipated episode, your host Rob Booker and his producer Jason Pyles start out by chatting about some litigation drama that’s going on in the podcasting world. And this leads into Rob’s thoughts on the future of Apple in 2013. He begins by talking about how Apple’s stock has fallen a significant amount over the past few months and some of the reasons for this decline. Rob also discusses the oddly changing perspectives where Apple goes from being considered the greatest stock in the world to Apple being called the worst company of all time. Then Jason and Rob talk about how Apple may relate to the fall of the Roman Empire and may be suffering from “the tall poppy syndrome.” And for the remainder of the show, Rob and Jason drift into wild speculation on various scenarios that could spell doom or delight for Apple in 2013. Don’t miss it! Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

For this unusual episode of The Traders Podcast, your host Rob Booker and his producer speak with the CEO of Rob Booker Japan, Mr. Bradley Fried, about David Gelb’s fascinating 2011 documentary titled "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (2011). And though a film about a master sushi chef may not seem like it has anything to do with trading, the reason we discuss this documentary is because it illustrates golden principles that can help traders — as well as anyone with the desire and ambition to be successful in his or her work. We talk about the pursuits of perfection, self-improvement and the dedication of one’s entire life to becoming the best at a particular craft. You won't want to miss this one! Links for this episode: Amazon: Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) Note: At the time of this post, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is currently streaming on Netflix Watch Instantly. Brad’s daily lessons for traders in Japan: TFL365.jp TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

In Episode 115, your host Rob Booker is joined by “The Coach” — Scott Welsh, co-creator of the Bossilator course and a peak-performance instructor who resides in Columbus, Ohio. Rob and Scott talk about being under-the-weather and instances of rising to the occasion, refusing to be sick and pushing through whatever needs to be done. This leads to the recounting of the story when Michael Jordan played in the NBA finals with the flu. Scott talks about the importance of becoming mentally strong and this segues into a conversation about the benefits of private coaching. Rob and Scott also take some time to discuss some of the most influential, must-read trading books. Links for this episode: If you want more information on working with Scott, then you can e-mail him at ScotWelsh@gmail.com YouTube video: Michael Jordan plays with the flu The Little Book That Still Beats the Market by Joel Greenblatt Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefevre How I Made $2,000,000 in the Stock Market by Nicolas Darvas The Money Game by Adam Smith Podcasting coach: The Podcast Answer Man Cliff Ravenscraft TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

In Episode 114 of The Traders Podcast, your host Rob Booker catches up again with 20-year-veteran trader and technical analyst Brian Shannon, the author of the blog Alpha Trends.net and the author of the book “Technical Analysis Using Multiple Time Frames.” Rob and Brian discuss trading stocks and some of the finer points to their decision-making process. They talk about the nature of fear — the fear that traders commonly experience, as well as the converse, having fearlessness in approaching the market. Brian explains why he generally isn’t fearful about a position, except for one sort of stock type that Brian is a little leery of... In Episode 114, you’ll also hear about specializing in setups and opportunities, as well as some steps for minimizing the emotional aspects of having your money on the line. You’ll also hear Rob expound on the dangers of getting married to the story that you’ve sold yourself about a particular stock. This show is a must-listen! Tell your friends! Links for this episode: Brian on Twitter: @AlphaTrends Blog: Alpha Trends.net Technical Analysis Book.com On Amazon: “Technical Analysis Using Multiple Time Frames” Brian says to visit: Only Price Pays.com Trading View.com TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

While waiting for a scheduled guest to call in, Rob Booker and Jason Pyles fumble into an interesting conversation about author Ernest Hemingway. Rob begins by recounting a scene from the TV movie “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), which inspired Rob and reminded him of some of the masterful traders that he’s seen at work — in action. Rob uses a lesson from this movie to discuss living a full life in preparation for a moment when you’re needed. Next Rob talks about a PBS documentary he watched called “Inventing David Geffen” (2012), which is about Geffen’s uncanny ability to instantly recognize talent in the entertainment industry. And as always, Rob brings this back to trading. Episode 113 wraps up with Rob posing a series of hypothetical questions that are designed to bring about some self-reflection and introspection in our audience. Give this episode a listen! Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com

It's New Year's Eve of 2012, and your host Rob Booker and The Producer are here to wish you a happy new year and to help you ring in 2013 with some reflections about 2012, both culturally and financially. But the focus of this episode is the impossibility of foreseeing the unpredictable and unknowable events which are to come in 2013. So, Rob spells out three things that traders can do to prepare for the unpredictable events that are sure to come with 2013. So, if you're planning on grabbing this new year by the horns, then you'll definitely want to listen to this special New Year's Eve edition of The Traders Podcast. Links for this episode: TFL365.com Rob on Twitter: @RobBooker The Traders Podcast on Twitter: @TradersPodcast E-mail us! Producer@TradersPodcast.com