Episodes
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Kevin Hart / Comedian / Actor / Author / Producer / partypoker Ambasssdor
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Kevin Hart, celebrity, comedian, actor, author, producer, and partypoker ambassador, is pro-fun, pro-people, and always puts family first – even with his crazy schedule. He knows what it takes to balance work and family life and is clear on what makes him happy, healthy, and spirited. Tune in to hear why Kevin loves poker and what he’s doing to infuse more fun back into the game.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 8:00 – Kevin’s thoughts on COVID-19 and its impact, why he’s “pro-people”, his background in poker, and why he loves playing poker.
- 08:00 – 12:30 – On being able to say “no”, relying on his team, never giving up, making it out of Philadelphia and New York, and taking the plunge with stand-up.
- 12:30 – 18:30 – On his first TV show, the struggle in comedy, having a young spirit, what makes him happy, and how he defines his ceiling.
- 18:30 – 32:30 – On balancing family life and his professional life, tips to maximize family time, how he manages publicity, and why he believes fun needs to be priority in poker.
- 32:30 – 36:30 – Kevin’s hobbies, why he loves watches and cars, where he finds happiness, and the project he has in the works.
3 Key Points
- Family first.
- Find what makes you happy.
- Don’t be afraid to say no.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Justin Escalona, the founder of Founder of 1340 Collective, YouTube Vlogger, and recreational poker player, isn’t afraid to share the truth about what it takes to be a successful YouTube vlogger. He reveals why it’s not just about views or subscribers and stresses the importance of consistency so you can build a loyal fanbase. Tune in to hear Justin’s best advice for improving your poker game, making branded designs, and getting inspired – on the felt or off.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 13:00 – Justin’s background, how he got into vlogging and poker, what he does to improve his game, and what he has learned about successful vlogging.
- 13:00 – 31:30 – How YouTube has changed, collecting cards, the story of how he got into painting, and his collaboration with Fedor Holz.
- 31:30 – 40:00 – On going to Vegas, playing high-stakes Baccarat, not playing in tournaments, his upcoming plans, what a typical day in his life looks like, and designing.
- 40:00 – 54:00 – What he has made off of one design, how often he was dropping collections, on sports and getting great seats for a Cubs game, and what his parents think about his playing.
- 54:00 – 01:01:30 – Justin’s motivations, his inspirations, a tilt story, some of the craziest things he has seen in poker, and what’s in the pipeline for the future.
- 01:01:30 – 01:12:15 – On sponsorship, this year’s challenges and goals, why he moved to LA, and a creative way to make money that most people are hesitant about.
3 Key Points
- It’s not all about likes and subscribers.
- Study by watching videos and collaborating with other players.
- The value of your art/work is exactly how much you think it is.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Justin’s YouTube Channel
- 1340 Collective
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Johnnie Vibes / Professional Poker Player / YouTube Vlogger
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Johnnie Vibes, a pro poker player and YouTube Vlogger, isn’t holding anything back when it comes to the truth about creating content online. He shares the lessons he has learned, the considerations you must make if you want to crush it, and why the essence of poker will never change. Tune in to hear what Johnnie has to say about technology, growth tips, and the future of live poker – and hear his secret to telling stories in a way that captivates an audience.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 20:00 – Johnnie’s background, the story behind his name, his creative inspirations, how things materialized for him, and his thoughts on drama.
- 20:00 – 45:00 – On “scamming”, influential people in poker, lessons he has learned, why he doesn’t play a lot of tournaments, and the things you must consider to crush it in poker.
- 45:00 – 01:02:00 – How his growth occurred, vlogging tips, the truth about how most people create content, and how he helps people and makes a living.
- 01:02:00 – 01:24:00 – On how technology is hurting the game of poker, what you can never duplicate, what poker is at its core, and the future of poker.
- 01:24:00 – 01:45:00 – Johnnie’s wins, what it’s like to run deep in a tournament vs, play cash games, how to visually tell a story that captures attention, and his end goal in poker.
- 01:45:00 – 02:03:30 – Why he loves challenges on his channel, why you shouldn’t get caught up on Hendon Mob numbers, and why awareness is the biggest factor when creating content.
3 Key Points
- Nothing will replace live poker.
- Poker is the ultimate social game.
- Be aware and alert.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Johnnie’s YouTube
- Johnnie’s Twitter
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Antonio Esfandiari, a magician, pro poker player with $27.8 million in career live MTT earnings, and boxer knows the importance of training to put up a good fight. He explains why he’s happy about the way he has lived his life, shares what he’s grateful for, and shares why attending Burning Man is a non-negotiable. Tune in to hear what Antonio wants to be known for and why he believes keeping your word is critical – and find out when he thinks people should mind their own business.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 20:00 – Antonio’s background, how he was impacted by COVID, his home dynamic, and why he needs to train mentally and physically.
- 20:00 – 31:30 – Reminiscing on tournaments and cash games, pockets in Antonio’s life, why he has no regrets, how he resets, and lessons he has learned along the way.
- 31:30 – 47:30 – On panhandling in Venice Beach, traveling, winning a tournament, getting staked for the One Drop, and how he felt he stacked up to his competition.
- 47:30 – 01:00:00 – On how he operates now with kids, what makes him happy, his career in magic, and what he’d do if he couldn’t play poker.
- 01:00:00 – 01:16:00 - On being a grinder, a book he recommends, keeping your word, his titles, bracelets, and wins, and why he won’t share how much he makes.
- 01:16:00 – 01:23:00 – On what he wants to be known for, rudeness at the table, the most positive thing that shifted the way he thinks, and his thoughts on competition.
3 Key Points
- Life changes are natural. Welcome them!
- Find a way to reset every once in a while.
- People don’t have to know everything about you.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Antonio’s Twitter
- Antonio’s Instagram
Sunday Sep 06, 2020
Sunday Sep 06, 2020
Matt Berkey, the founder of Solve for Why Poker, streamer, and high-stakes cash game player isn’t afraid to share the methodology behind his strategy and analysis at the table. He shares his biggest cash game pots, what he thinks about the layers of developing strategy, and how his company supports poker players. Tune in to hear the traits that Matt believes are critical for high stakes success and get the inside scoop on the unsaid agreements made at the biggest tables.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 23:00 – What Matt has been up to, the games he prefers to play, what he loves and hates about streaming, some of his recent wins, and his background.
- 23:00 – 54:00 - Launch plans, the methodology behind his strategy and analysis, how he thinks about the poker industry in the past and now, and his thoughts on online poker formats.
- 54:00 – 01:19:00 - On gentlemen’s agreements on the table, his biggest cash game pot he has won and lost, and what he looks for in an ambassador.
- 01:19:00 – 01:55:30 - On first-principle knowledge, the layers of developing strategies, the live element of their business, and how they support players.
- 01:55:00 – 02:16:30 - On what he does outside of poker, when he’s at his worst and could use sessions with Elliot, and the traits necessary to rise the ranks in high stakes.
- 02:16:30 – 02:26:30 – On bankroll and time bankroll, who he enjoys playing against, his recollection of a game played, and a recap of everything Matt has done for the poker world.
3 Key Points
- Recognize mistakes that you can take advantage of.
- Balance your poker with healthy outdoor activities.
- Take active steps to correct negative behaviors.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Solve for Why Poker
- Matt’s Instagram
Sunday Sep 06, 2020
Sunday Sep 06, 2020
Johan "YoH ViraL" Guilbert, a professional poker player, Twitch streamer, and YouTuber, didn’t always play on six screens. He shares valuable advice for new players wanting to get into the game and gives tips to veterans who are looking to up their game by multiplying their number of tables online. Tune in to hear why Johan thinks that money does, indeed, help buy happiness and discover what he believes is the missing link connecting the two.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 26:00 – Johan’s background, how he got into poker, players he looks up to, the games he prefers to play, and his final table experience.
- 26:00 – 44:00 - YouTube vs. Twitch, why he prefers YouTube, being the first player to play on six screens, some tips for playing on multiple screens, and his sponsorships.
- 44:00 – 01:00:00 - On cheating, things that he finds unfair about the game, how he believes players should use software and be honest, and how he is experiencing COVID.
- 01:00:00 – 01:15:00 - His favorite thing about poker, his thoughts on the relationship between money, freedom, and happiness, and his advice for new players.
- 01:15:00 – 01:40:00 - On where he’d like to live, reflecting on his past hands, why we’re all “slaves of the state”, and what he’d do if he didn’t play poker.
- 01:40:00 – 01:52:00 – On parenthood and being a father later in life, thinking about quality time with his future kids, his choice not to be monogamous, and players he admires.
3 Key Points
- Be honest.
- Money buys freedom which supports happiness.
- Think about your stages in life in terms of free time when you have kids.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Johan’s YouTube
- Johan’s Twitch
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Melika Razavi, a poker player, magician, and motivational speaker, as well as Miss Global Iran 2016, Miss Power Woman 2017, and Miss Global Fitness 2016, shares what it’s like to be a woman in the poker industry. She also gives us a glimpse into the world of magic and shares what it was like to work as a magician, how she got into it, and why she still always has a deck of cards handy. Tune in to hear how Melika overcomes big challenges and stands up for what she believes – even when it isn’t easy.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 23:30 - Melika’s background, how she got into poker, what she likes to play, the struggle for women in Iran, her book, and what it’s like to be a woman in poker.
- 23:30 – 39:00 - On her magic skills, her desire to play in the WSOP, her beliefs about government and humanity, her competition wins, and scam experience.
- 39:00 – 48:30 - The poker stops she’d like to attend, what she’s up to right now, how she got into magic, why she doesn’t get nervous when she speaks, and her big wins.
- 48:30 – 01:14:00 - Who she admires in poker, the sports she enjoys, what she thinks about the future of poker, traveling, her goals, and a guest appearance from Antonio Esfandiari.
- 01:14:00 – 01:27:30 - Some problematic things about Iran, the kindness of Iranian people, the positives she has pulled from the pandemic, and what she thinks about true beauty.
- 01:27:30 – 01:44:00 - Her favorite magicians, the growth of magic’s popularity, her poetry writing, and how she overcomes big challenges.
3 Key Points
- Believe in yourself and meditate.
- Love and support each other.
- Find your purpose.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Melika’s Instagram
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Maria Konnikova, psychologist, professional poker player and author of The Biggest Bluff, drops some wisdom about managing emotional energy and being psychologically resilient in poker. She has analyzed the biggest mistakes most poker players make and reveals the number one thing to observe when trying to figure out if someone is lying. Tune in to hear Maria reveal her greatest edge and biggest lessons – and learn the advice she’d give as a mentor.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 20:00 – Maria’s background, how she got into poker, her thoughts on skill and chance, working with Erik Seidel, and how she got into game theory and poker.
- 20:00 – 36:30 - The value of understanding variance, and how to spend your emotional energy wisely, have psychological resilience, and analyze mistakes.
- 36:30 – 58:30 - The process of publishing a book, her study of con-artists and cheaters, why you can’t multi-task, common mistakes players make, and her greatest edge.
- 58:30 – 01:22:00 - On not having control, her book, her experience in the tournament, what her family thinks about her poker playing, and what she’d advise as a mentor.
- 01:22:00 – 01:34:30 - On tells, reading deception, what she loves and would change about the poker community, her favorite place to play, and why she likes to play live.
- 01:34:30 – Her favorite book and movie, more about the art on her site, her blog, another Erik story, and some poker lessons.
3 Key Points
- Understand variance and read players, not just hands.
- Read people’s hands, not their eyes.
- Don’t give unnecessary time and energy to bad beat stories.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Maria’s Website
- The Biggest Bluff – find it at your local independent bookstore
- Maria’s Instagram
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Adam Pliska / President of the World Poker Tour
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Adam Pliska, the President of the World Poker Tour, knows that poker is more than just a game. He sees poker as a community, and he knows that all the different pillars of poker – whether live or online – are complimentary and elevate the game as a whole. Tune in to hear Adam break down how Club WPT works, how champions will be recognized online, and how being a part of the WPT family has changed players’ lives.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 22:30 – What’s been going on with the WPT and partypoker, the importance of community, his background, how he came to the WPT, and how it has evolved.
- 22:30 – 37:00 - The role of the media in poker, the creation of environments around poker, Club WPT information, and the importance of having fun with in game.
- 37:00 – 54:30 - On treating amateurs with respect, how Club WPT works, and the empirical data behind the different pillars of the poker industry.
- 54:30 – 01:25:00 - On regulations, the future of live poker, poker legends, the Champion’s Club how winners will be recognized online, and how they’ve preserved the WPT brand.
- 01:25:00 – 01:37:00 - Adam’s team, his daily routine, his management style, the other things he does outside the WPT, the key parts of his role at the WPT, and his favorite stop.
- 01:37:00 – 01:53:00 – How COVID has impacted the WPT, how he ranks his poker game, what he things about Tony Dunst, and what he has seen come as a result of having a WPT family.
3 Key Points
- Community is important.
- Treat everyone with respect.
- A WPT champion is a WPT champion, live or online.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- World Poker Tour
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Pouya / Rapper & Songwriter
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Pouya, a rapper and songwriter, never thought rapping was in his future when he dropped out of school. He’s also a big poker fan and recalls his biggest win ever and what it felt like to put big money on the line. Tune in to hear Pouya’s advice for aspiring artists, what he would’ve done differently along the way, and why he admires rappers who do more than just rap.
Visit Jeff Gross - The Flow Show or find us on iTunes to subscribe, visit previous episodes, and learn more about your host, Jeff Gross.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
- 00:00 – 11:20 – Pouya’s background, his journey, how he became a rapper, his inspirations, his albums, and what he thinks about his music playing on Twitch.
- 11:20 – 22:30 - How he got into poker, why he loves it, how the music industry has changed, who he works with, what he loves about what he does, and his IG posting strategy.
- 22:30 – 37:00 - On what makes a successful show, the biggest poker hand he has won, making friendships in poker, and comparing live performance with poker.
- 37:00 – 52:00 - On how COVID has impacted his tour plans, his future plans, what he likes about being stuck at home, and how music videos help music get streamed and downloaded.
- 52:00 – 57:30 - The story behind one of his most streamed music videos, why people like his videos, his favorite stop on your, and what he does with his free time.
- 57:30 – 01:08:00 – Advice for aspiring artists, what he would’ve done differently, how rappers get rich, and why he looks up to musicians that are strategic with their money.
3 Key Points
- Don’t jump on the first deal you’re offered.
- Be smart with your money.
- Be yourself.
Contact/Resources
- Partner - partypoker
- Website - Jeff Gross Poker
- Jeff’s Twitch
- Pouya’s Website