Best Stephen Kearney Podcasts (2025)

1
169 - Vlastimil Pustina - Vlastimil on Mastery, Mindset & Meaning 38:34

3d ago38:34

38:34

Vlastimil, a former law student turned professional poker player, shared his journey from accidentally discovering poker during law school to becoming a dedicated cash game player. He discussed the challenges of transitioning from low to high stakes, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes, including better money management and a healthier …

1
168 - Samuel Mullur - Sam’s Rise Through Mindset, Mentors & the Mental Game 37:18

1M ago37:18

37:18

Meet Sam, a 27-year-old poker player, shared his journey from gaming to poker, highlighting his meteoric rise from casual play to high-stakes tournaments. He emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship, noting a pivotal realization that collaboration accelerated his growth. Sam discussed overcoming a significant downswing by maintaining …

1
167 - Stephen Baker - A Game Poker Office Hours Webinar 1:39:48

5M ago1:39:48

1:39:48

A Game Poker Office Hours Webinar w: Stephen Baker on October 17th

1
166 - Henrik Johansson - From Poker to Real Estate 1:35:27

8M ago1:35:27

1:35:27

Today’s guest is Henrik Johansson. Henrik, a former high-stakes poker player, discussed his early poker journey, starting at age 13 and progressing to playing at the highest levels. He emphasized his strategy of shallow stacking and the mentorship from "Luck 123," which focused on bankroll management, tilt control, and table selection. Henrik trans…

1
Episode 91: Rahm Emanuel 43:42

10M ago43:42

43:42

Hank welcomes Rahm Emanuel (31st US Ambassador to Japan, 55th Mayor of Chicago, and former White House Chief of Staff) to the podcast to discuss his upbringing and how it shaped his interests and values, his start in local politics, working in Washington, and the difference between working in the Clinton and Obama administrations. He delves into hi…

1
164 - Andrijana Gligoric - The Cash Game Queen 34:56

11M ago34:56

34:56

Meet Andrijana Gligoric, known as "Lija," a professional poker player from Serbia, now living in Malta. Her poker passion started in university while studying electrical engineering, playing in cash games with friends. After college, she moved to Malta, began streaming her gameplay on Twitch, and quickly built a large following. As a key member of …

1
163 - Dara O' Kearney - From Ultra-Marathons to Poker Mastery 46:40

12M ago46:40

46:40

Dara O'Kearney, born on June 17, 1965, in Ennis, County Clare, is an accomplished Irish ultra runner and professional poker player. He has won several ultra running events and claimed the title of Irish 24-hour running champion in 2007. In poker, Dara won the 2008 European Deepstack Poker Championship and has earned over $3 million online and $1 mi…

1
162 - Michael Loncar - From Tilt to Triumph 57:09

1y ago57:09

57:09

Since 2007, Michael Loncar has excelled in poker, becoming the top online 6-Max Sit & Go player by 2010. Post-Black Friday, he shifted to live games, winning significant tournaments like the Ante Up NorCal Classic Main Event twice. Loncar joined ACR's Team Pro in 2020 after a major win in 2018. Aside from competing, he coaches and streams poker on …

1
161 - Alex Fitzgerald - The Winning Edges 53:14

1y ago53:14

53:14

Alex Fitzgerald, a renowned poker pro from the USA, has earned over $3.9 million across live and online games, including notable wins in the WCOOP and SCOOP. Known as "Assassinato" online, his expertise shines in major tournaments like the WPT and EPT. Turning pro in 2006, Fitzgerald has adeptly navigated poker's evolution, becoming a leading coach…

1
160 - Andy 'Greekfish' Andreou & Misha Van De Kar - A Vision for Poker and Peak Performance 31:16

1+ y ago31:16

31:16

Today's podcast features Andy 'Greekfish' Andrew and Misha van der Kar from Universal Poker. They share insights on how their unique affiliate service reduces stress and variance for all poker players, whether professional or recreational. Highly recommend checking out Universal Poker for anyone interested in poker.…

1
159 - Martin Jacobson - All In: The High Stakes of Building a Poker Career 30:30

1+ y ago30:30

30:30

Martin Jacobson, from Stockholm, has made a significant mark in the poker world. He started playing poker at 18 and went on to win the WSOP Main Event in 2014, with a prize of $10 million. Recognized for his talent, in February 2015, he was honored as Player of the Year by 'Poker.se', a title held by notable players like Viktor Blom and Chris Bjori…

1
158 - Alec Torelli - Life Lessons from Poker 39:52

1+ y ago39:52

39:52

Meet Alec Torelli, aka Traheho, a renowned professional poker player hailing from Orange County, California. With over $2,200,000 in tournament winnings, Alec stands as one of the most respected figures in high-stakes poker. His strategic brilliance became evident when he secured second place in the $10,000 Heads Up event at the World Series of Pok…

1
157 - Elliot Roe - A Game Poker Office Hours Webinar 52:59

1+ y ago52:59

52:59

Elliot Roe Poker Mindset Webinar August 4th.

1
Episode 90: Melissa Kearney 43:04

1+ y ago43:04

43:04

Hank welcomes Melissa Kearney (Director of The Aspen Economic Strategy Group and Economics Professor at University of Maryland) to the podcast to discuss her new book, The Two-Parent Privilege, which explores the rise of single-parent households and the benefits two-parent homes provide for children. Kearney looks at widening inequality, eroding so…

1
156 - Alexander Beldarion - Changes and Challenges in Alex's Career 34:59

2y ago34:59

34:59

Alexander Beldarion is a highly successful poker coach who founded Team BAS alongside RYE coach Asaban. Alexander has been coaching and mentoring poker players to help improve their overall expected value, as well as gaining a better understanding of the game. Not only has he been playing professionally since 2007 and finding great success in MTT’s…

1
Episode 89: Hillary Clinton 32:21

2y ago32:21

32:21

Hillary Clinton (67th US Secretary of State and former US Senator) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss the state of American democracy, political polarization, and US-China relations. She shares insights into leadership and civic responsibility, America’s role in the world, her advice for young people, and the importance of education in navigati…

1
Episode 88: Bob Rubin 47:02

2y ago47:02

47:02

Hank welcomes Bob Rubin (Chairman Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations and 70th US Treasury Secretary) back to the podcast to discuss his new book The Yellow Pad: Making Better Decisions in an Uncertain World. Rubin shares his insights on decision-making, the importance of free expression and unfettered discussion, and leadership. They dive into …

1
155 - Bryan Paris - Crushing Online MTT's 29:01

2y ago29:01

29:01

Bryan Paris is a professional poker player, who is focused on playing online MTT. He was the second player ever to pass $10 million for career cashes online, and is now streaming his higher stakes MTT’s multiple times a week on Twitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Bryan got started, his biggest challenges and learnings, as well as how he b…

1
Stephen McFeely ’87 and Al Madrigal ’89: A Major Hollywood Screenwriter's Journey 31:37

2y ago31:37

31:37

This spring's Wildcat Breakfast event on SI's campus featured a conversation between Stephen McFeely ’87 and Al Madrigal ’89. McFeely is one of the the most successful film screenwriters working today, with writing credits on six Marvel Cinematic Universe movies including "Avengers: Endgame," as well as the Narnia franchise. Madrigal may be best kn…

1
154 – Yves Dubois – The Importance of Fitness to Optimize Performance 32:33

2y ago32:33

32:33

Yves Dubois is a former high stakes cash game player who transferred to being an online nutrition and fitness coach for high-performers such as entrepreneurs, high-stakes poker players, and other professionals in high demanding work environments. Knowing the ins and outs of the fitness industry by heart, Yves is dedicated to helping people feel the…

1
Episode 87: George W. Bush 27:00

2y ago27:00

27:00

In this episode of Straight Talk, President George W. Bush (43rd President of the United States and Founder, George W. Bush Institute) joins Hank to discuss the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR and more. They examine the financial crisis, increasing calls for isolationism, building relationships across the aisle, and the need to work together to accompli…

1
153 - Rory Young - Mindset for Poker and Business 37:50

2y ago37:50

37:50

Rory Young is a serious high stakes cash games player, who has also reaped significant tournament cash prizes. Rory is also well known for high profile sports bets as well as having founded a high level poker software company. We discuss his poker and business careers as well as the mindset that was necessary for excelling in both fields and what c…

1
Episode 86: Stephen Hadley 56:06

2y ago56:06

56:06

Hank welcomes Stephen Hadley (Principal at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC and Former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs) to the podcast to discuss his new book Hand Off and the Bush Administration’s accomplishments and missteps. He shares insights into China in the Bush era and the China of today, national security, and Amer…

1
Episode 85: Bono 55:25

2+ y ago55:25

55:25

On the heels of releasing his book, Surrender, Bono (Lead Singer, U2 and Cofounder, ONE and (RED)) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss creating award-winning music with U2 while advocating for causes affecting the world's most vulnerable people. From advocating for AIDS relief in Africa and fighting poverty to addressing climate change and the i…

1
152 - Anton Wigg - Holistic Performance in Poker 55:47

2+ y ago55:47

55:47

Anton Wigg is a professional poker player from Sweden, who has racked up over $11 million in combined live and online MTT cash events. Apart from the headline figures, his longevity in the game is truly remarkable. Beyond his achievements in poker, Anton has created a group of elite tournament poker players who collaborate to improve on every aspec…

1
151 - Sylvain Loosli - Career of Consistent Excellence 33:26

2+ y ago33:26

33:26

Sylvain Loosli is a french elite poker professional who is currently living in London. He comes from Toulon (France), earned a masters degree in business studies and currently lives in London. Sylvain has been playing Poker professionally since 2011 with total live earnings of almost $ 8 Mio. In this episode we’ll discuss how Sylvain got to the top…

1
Episode 84: Jim Steinberg 33:04

2+ y ago33:04

33:04

Jim Steinberg (Dean, Johns Hopkins SAIS and Former US Deputy Secretary of State) joins Hank on the podcast to discuss growing up in Massachusetts and being inspired to pursue public service by the Kennedys, his pivotal shift to foreign policy, and his philosophy of education. They delve into US-China relations, the meeting between Biden and Xi, and…

1
150 - Ana Marquez - Inside the Mind of Ana 38:16

2+ y ago38:16

38:16

This week’s guest is Ana Márquez, a professional poker player from Spain. She began playing poker during her time in college, initially playing cash games in Atlantic City. Before she joined Americas Cardroom in 2022, she was a member of Team PokerStars as well as Team 888poker. Ana has been ranked as #1 poker player in Spain and won $2 million in …

1
Episode 83: Nicholas Stern 46:00

2+ y ago46:00

46:00

Hank Paulson welcomes Nicholas Stern (Chair of the Grantham Research Institute, Chair of the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, and IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the LSE) to the podcast. They discuss takeaways from COP 27, carbon markets, and the opportunity for the US and China to work together to address climate c…

1
Episode 82: Paul Ryan 45:57

2+ y ago45:57

45:57

Hank welcomes Paul Ryan (54th Speaker of the US House of Representatives) to the podcast to discuss how his upbringing in Wisconsin shaped his values and beliefs, his approach to policymaking, fixing political polarization in the US, and the role and challenges of being Speaker. He shares his advice for the new GOP Speaker, insights into his princi…

1
Episode 81: Minouche Shafik 35:39

2+ y ago35:39

35:39

Minouche Shafik (Director, London School of Economics) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss her philosophy of education and her vision for the London School of Economics, the role the IMF and Central Banks should play in the transition to a green economy, and her acclaimed book. She shares insights into growing up in the American South, economics…

1
Episode 80: Cristián Samper 40:27

2+ y ago40:27

40:27

Cristián Samper (Managing Director, Bezos Earth Fund and tropical biologist) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss his upbringing in Colombia and the importance of the country in preserving biodiversity, how he developed his connection with nature, COP 15 and important agenda items and challenges. He also shares insights into the approach and prio…

1
Episode 79: Admiral Mike Mullen 46:42

2+ y ago46:42

46:42

Admiral Mike Mullen (17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and retired US Navy Admiral) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss how his distinguished career in the Navy unfolded, the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and advising both presidents Bush and Obama. He assesses the status of the war in Ukraine and shares insights into n…

1
Episode 78: David Sibley 33:34

2+ y ago33:34

33:34

David Sibley (Author, Illustrator, and Ornithologist) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss birding, bird collisions and the impact of cats on bird populations, and the biodiversity crisis. He shares insights into his love of drawing, the Sibley Guide to Birds and how the guide works, and his advice for young birders.Sibley Guides to Birds: https:…

1
Episode 77: Hal Harvey 32:17

2+ y ago32:17

32:17

Hank welcomes Hal Harvey (Chief Executive Officer of Energy Innovation) to the podcast to discuss the influence of his mother’s environmentalism on his career, his knack for innovation in the energy space, and his new book—The Big Fix. He shares insights into what he’s working on and his goals for Energy Innovation, how we can keep from losing grou…

1
Episode 76: David Axelrod 54:08

2+ y ago54:08

54:08

Hank welcomes David Axelrod (Director, University of Chicago Institute of Politics and CNN Senior Political Commentator) to Straight Talk to discuss his experience in journalism, how he met Barack Obama and was inspired to work on his campaigns, and the shift from advising in politics to governing. He shared insights into Obama’s historic president…

1
Episode 75: Darius Adamczyk 37:03

2+ y ago37:03

37:03

Darius Adamczyk (Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell) joins Hank on the podcast to discuss Honeywell and its role in the planet’s energy future, data architecture, and the economic, business, and policy aspects of US-China relations. He shares insights on operating a multinational business in an increasingly unpredictable political landscape, crea…

1
Episode 74: Austan Goolsbee 40:19

2+ y ago40:19

40:19

Hank welcomes Austan Goolsbee (Professor and Economist, University of Chicago and former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, Obama Administration) to Straight Talk to discuss his talent for and enthusiasm while public speaking, the economy today, and demand and supply shocks. He shares insights into how he ended up in the field of economi…

1
Bert Selva ’80: Hard Work, Persistence, and Empathy 25:41

2+ y ago25:41

25:41

Bert Selva ’80 is the CEO of Shea Homes, one of the nation's largest private homebuilders. In this conversation, he talks about his journey to that position and his views on leadership, but he begins with his parents and the principles of hard work and service that they modeled for him.By St. Ignatius College Preparatory

1
Episode 73: Walter Isaacson 36:54

2+ y ago36:54

36:54

Hank welcomes Walter Isaacson (Former Chair and CEO, CNN and Editor, Time Magazine) to Straight Talk to discuss lessons from his books, innovation and climate change, and bipartisanship and increased ideological polarization. He shares insights into creativity, his writing process, and the gift of storytelling.Walter Isaacson: https://liberalarts.t…

1
Episode 72: Samm Sacks 30:19

2+ y ago30:19

30:19

Samm Sacks (Cyber Policy Fellow, New America and Senior Fellow, Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center) joins Hank Paulson on Straight Talk to discuss the core issues and key technologies of US-China tech competition, data flows, and governing the digital economy. She shares insights into the need for the US to invest in itself and not inhibit adva…

1
Episode 71: Evan Medeiros 45:50

2+ y ago45:50

45:50

Evan Medeiros (Professor and Penner Chair in Asian Studies (China), Georgetown University) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss US-China relations and balancing the world powers’ intensifying competition with economic interdependence. He shares insights on the rapid decoupling between the West and Russia and potential impacts on the US-China rela…

1
Episode 70: Henry Kissinger 41:38

2+ y ago41:38

41:38

Henry Kissinger (Chairman of Kissinger Associates, Inc. and 56th Secretary of State) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss how coming to America after fleeing Nazi Germany shaped his worldview, getting his start in politics, and working with the world’s most consequential leaders—something he delves into in his latest book. He shares insights into…

1
Episode 69: Neel Kashkari 34:45

2+ y ago34:45

34:45

Neel Kashkari joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss how studying engineering was fundamental to his career trajectory, public service and working at the Treasury, education, and crisis management. He shares insights into current economic concerns, including inflation and secular stagflation, and how lessons learned from managing other crises can b…

1
Martha Shaughnessy Convery ’97: Business Built on Taking Care 31:33

3y ago31:33

31:33

Martha Shaughnessy Convery ’97 is the founder of The Key PR, a communications firm based in San Francisco. She talks with Joe Vollert ’84 about her time at SI, how those experiences inform how she runs her business, and more.By St. Ignatius College Preparatory

1
Episode 68: Jim Coulter 52:37

3y ago52:37

52:37

Hank welcomes Jim Coulter (Executive Chairman and Director, TPG) to Straight Talk to discuss private equity performance, the evolution of the finance industry and his career, leading on climate and social impact investing, and lessons from the global financial crisis. He shares his principles for successful business leadership and how his early job…

1
Episode 67: Sara Menker 40:29

3y ago40:29

40:29

Sara Menker (Founder and CEO, Gro Intelligence) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss the impact growing up in Africa had on her, global food security and climate change, and founding Gro Intelligence to address the fundamental flaws in our food system. She shares insights into how data and information become infrastructure to drive systematic cha…

1
Bob Drucker ’58: A Coaching and Teaching Legend Reminisces 49:46

3y ago49:46

49:46

Bob Drucker ’58 led SI's basketball program for decades, and he has a lot of stories about his teams and the players he had the pleasure to coach. But he is also an alum, was a dedicated teacher at the school, and a through-and-through San Franciscan. All of that comes through in this conversation.By St. Ignatius College Preparatory

1
149 - Stephen Baker - Mindset Coaching, the Subconscious Mind and Leveraging Novelty 32:45

3y ago32:45

32:45

This week’s guest is Stephen Baker, former courtroom lawyer and entrepreneur, who made it as a professional poker player and mindset coach. In this episode, we will talk about the subconscious mind, how to work with it in order to achieve your best performance, what leveraging novelty means and how you can apply it to your mindset practice.…

1
Episode 66: Jason Furman 34:13

3y ago34:13

34:13

Hank welcomes Jason Furman (Professor of Practice at Harvard University and former Chairman, Council of Economic Advisors) to discuss today’s economy, inflation, and how we got here. Furman shares his insights into the leadership styles of presidents Clinton and Obama, America’s role as a global leader, and trade policy.Jason Furman: https://www.hk…

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Stephen Kearney Podcasts

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