Best Poker Podcasts 2026: Top 10 Ranked for All Levels

Last updated: May 19, 2026

The best poker podcast for most players is Thinking Poker by Andrew Brokos and Nate Meyvis, which has delivered the deepest GTO-grounded strategy content in audio form since 2012. For cash game improvement at small and mid stakes, Red Chip Poker with SplitSuit Sweeney is the practical choice. Beginners get the most from DAT Poker (Negreanu, Neeme, Owen) or the Bernard Lee Poker Show. All 10 podcasts on this list are free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This guide ranks them by skill level, content type, and use case.

Best Poker Podcasts Ranked: Our Top 10

Ranked by combination of strategy depth, production consistency, audience accessibility, and unique value versus other shows. Skill level badges indicate the background needed to extract full value. All podcasts are free unless noted.

1

Thinking Poker

Intermediate–Advanced

Andrew Brokos & Nate Meyvis · Weekly, ~60–90 min

Focus: GTO theory, hand analysis, solver work

Notable: Running since 2012; best episode: "Balanced Ranges from First Principles"

The most intellectually rigorous poker podcast in production. Brokos and Meyvis approach each episode with academic precision — guest discussions, hand analysis segments, and theory deep-dives are all grounded in range construction and solver-verified principles. At 60–90 minutes per episode, Thinking Poker demands active listening rather than background audio. For players who want to understand the why behind GTO recommendations rather than just memorizing charts, this is the single best free resource available. Over 400 episodes and 10+ years of archives mean virtually every NLHE spot is covered somewhere in the back catalogue.

2

Red Chip Poker

Micro–Mid Stakes

James "SplitSuit" Sweeney + guests · Weekly, ~45–60 min

Focus: Practical cash game strategy, hand history analysis

Notable: CORE course integration; 200+ episodes of hand history breakdowns

The best podcast for transitioning from recreational player to profitable regular at small-stakes cash. SplitSuit builds every episode around concepts that apply immediately at the 1/2 and 2/5 live tables or micro-stakes online — c-bet frequencies, turn barrel decisions, preflop 3-bet ranges versus specific player types. The podcast integrates tightly with Red Chip's CORE course, so concepts introduced in audio form can be studied in depth through structured video content. Hand history segments with community-submitted hands make every episode practically applicable within the listener's next session.

3

DAT Poker Podcast

All Levels

Daniel Negreanu, Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen · Weekly, ~60–90 min

Focus: Poker travel, lifestyle, hands, and strategy

Notable: Combines genuine entertainment with solid strategy content from proven winners

The most entertaining poker podcast that still delivers substantive strategy content. Daniel Negreanu brings high-stakes tournament perspective, Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen add the grounded cash game viewpoint of working poker players building an audience. Episodes shift naturally between strategy discussion, hand analysis, trip reports, and poker industry commentary. The casual format makes it ideal for commutes or sessions where active note-taking is not possible. For players who find pure strategy content dry, DAT Poker is the on-ramp to regular poker podcast consumption.

4

Poker Life Podcast

Poker Culture & High-Stakes Fans

Joey Ingram · Irregular, 4–8 hours per episode

Focus: Deep dives with high-stakes pros; industry controversies

Notable: Marathon interviews with Polk, Galfond, Cates — full unfiltered access

No other poker podcast goes as deep into the lives, decisions, and mindsets of elite players. Joey Ingram's multi-hour interview format — sometimes running past the eight-hour mark — creates conversations that reveal how top players actually think about study, bankroll management, life decisions, and table psychology. Episodes with Doug Polk, Phil Galfond, and Jungleman Cates have become reference points in poker community discussions. The content is more biographical than instructional, but the meta-knowledge about how elite players structure their poker careers is unavailable anywhere else.

5

The Bernard Lee Poker Show

All Levels

Bernard Lee · Weekly, ~45 min

Focus: Guest interviews with pros and amateurs

Notable: Longest-running poker podcast; consistent quality since 2006

The most consistent poker podcast in existence, running without interruption since 2006 and across more than 700 episodes. Bernard Lee's interviewing style is accessible and conversational rather than confrontational, making guests open about their study habits, biggest mistakes, and career turning points. Episodes rotate between top professionals and recreational-to-semi-professional players, giving the audience a range of perspectives on poker development. For listeners who want a dependable weekly format covering the full breadth of the poker world, Bernard Lee's show has no peer in terms of longevity and reliability.

6

Chasing Poker Greatness

Aspirational Semi-Pros

Brad Wilson · Weekly, ~60 min

Focus: Interviews focused on becoming a professional player

Notable: "What separates good players from great players" interview series

Uniquely focused on the journey from recreational to professional poker rather than strategy content alone. Brad Wilson interviews players who have made the transition successfully and extracts the process, mindset shifts, and study habits that accelerated their development. The recurring "what separates good from great" framing produces remarkably consistent insights across guests: discipline in study, emotional regulation, and willingness to move down in stakes when results demand it. For players seriously considering poker as a primary income source, Chasing Poker Greatness addresses the practical questions that pure strategy podcasts ignore.

7

Poker on the Mind

Players Struggling with Variance & Tilt

Dr. Tricia Cardner & Gareth James · Weekly, ~45 min

Focus: Mental game, tilt control, performance psychology

Notable: Science-backed mental game strategies; draws from sports psychology research

The only poker podcast specifically dedicated to performance psychology with clinical credibility. Dr. Tricia Cardner, a sports psychologist, grounds every episode in peer-reviewed research on performance, cognitive bias, and emotional regulation — then translates those findings into poker-specific frameworks. Topics include tilt classification, variance-induced emotional cycles, confidence construction under uncertainty, and building study habits that produce durable improvement. For players whose biggest leaks are mental rather than strategic, Poker on the Mind addresses problems that no strategy podcast can solve.

8

Heads Up Poker Podcast

HU Specialists & Positional Strategy Students

Carlo Chianelli · Bi-weekly, ~50 min

Focus: HU strategy, position play, exploitative reads

Notable: Detailed hand history breakdowns with heavy emphasis on positional exploitation

The most specialized podcast on the list, covering heads-up and positional strategy with a depth that generalist shows cannot match. Chianelli's hand breakdowns explore how position changes required frequencies, bet sizing, and bluff selection in ways that are directly transferable to six-max and full-ring play even for non-HU specialists. Understanding heads-up dynamics — where every mistake is maximally punished — sharpens decision-making across all formats. The podcast fills a genuine gap in poker audio content: nearly all other shows treat HU play as a footnote rather than a primary subject.

9

Run It Once Podcast

Advanced Players

Phil Galfond + Run It Once Pros · Irregular, ~60–90 min

Focus: High-level GTO and exploitative strategy, site updates

Notable: Episodes coincide with major RIO training content releases; Galfond Challenge commentary

Phil Galfond is widely regarded as one of the strongest No-Limit Hold'em thinkers ever to play the game, and the Run It Once podcast gives direct access to his analytical process. Episodes dissect high-stakes hands, discuss GTO vs. exploitative trade-offs at elite level, and often tie into new content releases on the RIO training platform. The Galfond Challenge episodes — where Phil played extended heads-up matches against challengers for life-changing sums — provided some of the most detailed high-stakes strategy discussion ever recorded in podcast form. Irregular release schedule is the only drawback.

10

Doug Polk Podcast

All Levels

Doug Polk · Weekly, ~45–60 min

Focus: Poker news, high-stakes results, strategy commentary

Notable: 2+ million YouTube subscribers; podcast extends his video analysis content

Doug Polk built one of the largest poker audiences in the world by combining sharp strategy analysis with entertainment and accountability — he famously documented his own bankroll challenge from scratch. The podcast carries that formula into audio form: breaking down high-stakes results, reacting to poker news and controversies, and providing strategy takes that are simultaneously accessible and technically sound. Polk's willingness to take strong positions and defend them makes episodes more engaging than diplomatic round-table shows. For listeners who want a high-production entry point into the broader poker ecosystem, the Doug Polk Podcast is the most mainstream option on this list.

Best Poker Podcasts for Beginners

Beginners need podcasts that build poker vocabulary, introduce strategic concepts without prerequisite knowledge, and stay engaging enough to maintain a listening habit. The three shows below succeed on all counts. Avoid starting with Thinking Poker or Run It Once Podcast — both assume familiarity with range construction and GTO terminology that takes months of study to develop.

3

DAT Poker Podcast

All Levels

Daniel Negreanu, Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen · Weekly, ~60–90 min

Focus: Poker travel, lifestyle, hands, and strategy

Notable: Combines genuine entertainment with solid strategy content from proven winners

The most entertaining poker podcast that still delivers substantive strategy content. Daniel Negreanu brings high-stakes tournament perspective, Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen add the grounded cash game viewpoint of working poker players building an audience. Episodes shift naturally between strategy discussion, hand analysis, trip reports, and poker industry commentary. The casual format makes it ideal for commutes or sessions where active note-taking is not possible. For players who find pure strategy content dry, DAT Poker is the on-ramp to regular poker podcast consumption.

5

The Bernard Lee Poker Show

All Levels

Bernard Lee · Weekly, ~45 min

Focus: Guest interviews with pros and amateurs

Notable: Longest-running poker podcast; consistent quality since 2006

The most consistent poker podcast in existence, running without interruption since 2006 and across more than 700 episodes. Bernard Lee's interviewing style is accessible and conversational rather than confrontational, making guests open about their study habits, biggest mistakes, and career turning points. Episodes rotate between top professionals and recreational-to-semi-professional players, giving the audience a range of perspectives on poker development. For listeners who want a dependable weekly format covering the full breadth of the poker world, Bernard Lee's show has no peer in terms of longevity and reliability.

10

Doug Polk Podcast

All Levels

Doug Polk · Weekly, ~45–60 min

Focus: Poker news, high-stakes results, strategy commentary

Notable: 2+ million YouTube subscribers; podcast extends his video analysis content

Doug Polk built one of the largest poker audiences in the world by combining sharp strategy analysis with entertainment and accountability — he famously documented his own bankroll challenge from scratch. The podcast carries that formula into audio form: breaking down high-stakes results, reacting to poker news and controversies, and providing strategy takes that are simultaneously accessible and technically sound. Polk's willingness to take strong positions and defend them makes episodes more engaging than diplomatic round-table shows. For listeners who want a high-production entry point into the broader poker ecosystem, the Doug Polk Podcast is the most mainstream option on this list.

Best Poker Podcasts for Advanced Players

Advanced players need content that challenges their current mental models, surfaces solver-verified principles, and exposes strategy nuances at a level beyond what recreational players encounter. These three podcasts consistently operate at that level. Thinking Poker is suitable for any player who understands range construction; Run It Once and Heads Up Poker Podcast require stronger GTO foundations.

1

Thinking Poker

Intermediate–Advanced

Andrew Brokos & Nate Meyvis · Weekly, ~60–90 min

Focus: GTO theory, hand analysis, solver work

Notable: Running since 2012; best episode: "Balanced Ranges from First Principles"

The most intellectually rigorous poker podcast in production. Brokos and Meyvis approach each episode with academic precision — guest discussions, hand analysis segments, and theory deep-dives are all grounded in range construction and solver-verified principles. At 60–90 minutes per episode, Thinking Poker demands active listening rather than background audio. For players who want to understand the why behind GTO recommendations rather than just memorizing charts, this is the single best free resource available. Over 400 episodes and 10+ years of archives mean virtually every NLHE spot is covered somewhere in the back catalogue.

8

Heads Up Poker Podcast

HU Specialists & Positional Strategy Students

Carlo Chianelli · Bi-weekly, ~50 min

Focus: HU strategy, position play, exploitative reads

Notable: Detailed hand history breakdowns with heavy emphasis on positional exploitation

The most specialized podcast on the list, covering heads-up and positional strategy with a depth that generalist shows cannot match. Chianelli's hand breakdowns explore how position changes required frequencies, bet sizing, and bluff selection in ways that are directly transferable to six-max and full-ring play even for non-HU specialists. Understanding heads-up dynamics — where every mistake is maximally punished — sharpens decision-making across all formats. The podcast fills a genuine gap in poker audio content: nearly all other shows treat HU play as a footnote rather than a primary subject.

9

Run It Once Podcast

Advanced Players

Phil Galfond + Run It Once Pros · Irregular, ~60–90 min

Focus: High-level GTO and exploitative strategy, site updates

Notable: Episodes coincide with major RIO training content releases; Galfond Challenge commentary

Phil Galfond is widely regarded as one of the strongest No-Limit Hold'em thinkers ever to play the game, and the Run It Once podcast gives direct access to his analytical process. Episodes dissect high-stakes hands, discuss GTO vs. exploitative trade-offs at elite level, and often tie into new content releases on the RIO training platform. The Galfond Challenge episodes — where Phil played extended heads-up matches against challengers for life-changing sums — provided some of the most detailed high-stakes strategy discussion ever recorded in podcast form. Irregular release schedule is the only drawback.

Best Poker Podcasts for Entertainment

Not every listening session needs to be active study. These podcasts balance entertainment — interviews, trip reports, industry commentary, and high-stakes drama — with enough strategic content to make passive listening productive. All three are appropriate for commutes, workouts, or sessions where note-taking is not practical.

3

DAT Poker Podcast

All Levels

Daniel Negreanu, Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen · Weekly, ~60–90 min

Focus: Poker travel, lifestyle, hands, and strategy

Notable: Combines genuine entertainment with solid strategy content from proven winners

The most entertaining poker podcast that still delivers substantive strategy content. Daniel Negreanu brings high-stakes tournament perspective, Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen add the grounded cash game viewpoint of working poker players building an audience. Episodes shift naturally between strategy discussion, hand analysis, trip reports, and poker industry commentary. The casual format makes it ideal for commutes or sessions where active note-taking is not possible. For players who find pure strategy content dry, DAT Poker is the on-ramp to regular poker podcast consumption.

4

Poker Life Podcast

Poker Culture & High-Stakes Fans

Joey Ingram · Irregular, 4–8 hours per episode

Focus: Deep dives with high-stakes pros; industry controversies

Notable: Marathon interviews with Polk, Galfond, Cates — full unfiltered access

No other poker podcast goes as deep into the lives, decisions, and mindsets of elite players. Joey Ingram's multi-hour interview format — sometimes running past the eight-hour mark — creates conversations that reveal how top players actually think about study, bankroll management, life decisions, and table psychology. Episodes with Doug Polk, Phil Galfond, and Jungleman Cates have become reference points in poker community discussions. The content is more biographical than instructional, but the meta-knowledge about how elite players structure their poker careers is unavailable anywhere else.

10

Doug Polk Podcast

All Levels

Doug Polk · Weekly, ~45–60 min

Focus: Poker news, high-stakes results, strategy commentary

Notable: 2+ million YouTube subscribers; podcast extends his video analysis content

Doug Polk built one of the largest poker audiences in the world by combining sharp strategy analysis with entertainment and accountability — he famously documented his own bankroll challenge from scratch. The podcast carries that formula into audio form: breaking down high-stakes results, reacting to poker news and controversies, and providing strategy takes that are simultaneously accessible and technically sound. Polk's willingness to take strong positions and defend them makes episodes more engaging than diplomatic round-table shows. For listeners who want a high-production entry point into the broader poker ecosystem, the Doug Polk Podcast is the most mainstream option on this list.

How to Choose a Poker Podcast by Skill Level

The wrong podcast at the wrong skill level produces passive listening rather than active improvement. A beginner who jumps straight to Thinking Poker will hear correct information but lack the framework to apply it. An advanced player who only listens to DAT Poker will be entertained but not challenged. Use this table to match your current level to the highest-leverage show:

Skill LevelFocus AreasRecommended Podcasts
BeginnerFundamentals, hand selection, basic strategy conceptsDAT Poker Podcast, Bernard Lee Poker Show, Doug Polk Podcast
IntermediateCash game strategy, mental game, career developmentRed Chip Poker, Poker on the Mind, Chasing Poker Greatness
AdvancedGTO theory, solver work, high-stakes hand analysisThinking Poker, Run It Once Podcast, Heads Up Poker Podcast
Poker CulturePro stories, industry news, high-stakes resultsPoker Life Podcast, Doug Polk Podcast

Progression path: Start with DAT Poker or Bernard Lee to build vocabulary and context. Once you understand basic concepts — position, pot odds, aggression — move to Red Chip Poker for applied cash game instruction. When you are consistently beating small stakes, add Thinking Poker for GTO depth. Layer in Poker on the Mind whenever variance or tilt becomes the primary performance obstacle.

Poker Podcast Glossary

GTO (Game Theory Optimal) in Podcasts
When podcast hosts discuss GTO, they refer to a theoretically unexploitable strategy where bet/check and bluff/value ratios are calibrated so opponents cannot profitably deviate. GTO-focused podcasts like Thinking Poker translate solver output — generated by software like PioSOLVER or GTO+ — into concepts human players can apply without running simulations at the table.
Hand History Review
A structured process of replaying past hands to identify mistakes and leaks. Podcast hand history segments present a submitted hand with street-by-street action, discuss the decision points, and identify improvements. Red Chip Poker and Heads Up Poker Podcast use community-submitted hand histories as their primary teaching format. Effective hand history review requires noting your reasoning during play, not just the result.
Mental Game
The psychological component of poker performance: managing tilt (anger-based decision degradation), variance tolerance, confidence under downswings, and motivational consistency. Poker on the Mind and Chasing Poker Greatness address the mental game most directly. Players with strong mental games make fewer decisions below their technical skill level; players with weak mental games perform well in study but leak chips during emotionally charged sessions.
Run It Once
A poker training site founded by Phil Galfond offering video content, strategy articles, and an associated online poker room. The Run It Once Podcast features Galfond and other RIO pros discussing advanced strategy and high-stakes hand analysis. Galfond is widely considered one of the strongest No-Limit Hold'em analytical thinkers in the game's history, and the podcast provides rare direct access to his reasoning process.
High-Stakes Grinder
A professional player who earns a living primarily from cash games or tournaments at stakes where pots routinely exceed $10,000. High-stakes grinders — figures like Doug Polk, Phil Galfond, and Jungleman Cates — are frequent podcast guests because their experience in extreme variance environments and against the best competition produces insights not available from recreational or small-stakes contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best poker podcasts for beginners?

DAT Poker Podcast (Negreanu, Neeme, Owen), The Bernard Lee Poker Show, and the Doug Polk Podcast are the best starting points. All three are accessible without prior poker study — episodes mix entertainment with practical concepts and do not assume knowledge of range construction or GTO theory. Avoid starting with Thinking Poker or Run It Once Podcast; both assume familiarity with solver terminology and range-based thinking that beginners have not yet developed.

Which poker podcast is best for improving at cash games?

Red Chip Poker is the most directly applicable cash game podcast. James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney structures every episode around small-stakes and mid-stakes cash game decisions, with community hand histories as the primary teaching format. For GTO-grounded cash game improvement, Thinking Poker is the second recommendation. Red Chip Poker works best for players at 1/2 live or micro-stakes online; Thinking Poker works best for players already beating those stakes who want to understand solver-approved strategy.

Are poker podcasts free?

Yes. All 10 podcasts on this list are free to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Some podcasters — including Red Chip Poker and Run It Once — offer premium content through paid training platforms, but the podcasts themselves have no paywall. A small number of episodes may be patreon-exclusive for individual shows, but the core catalogue of every podcast listed here is accessible without payment.

How many hours of poker podcast should I listen to per week?

Two to four hours per week is effective without causing diminishing returns. More important than volume is active listening: pause episodes when a concept is new, replay hand analysis segments, and take brief notes on ideas you want to review. Background listening during commutes or exercise adds volume without replacing focused sessions. Players who listen 10+ hours per week without structured review retain less than players who listen four hours and actively engage with the material.

Which poker podcast has the best strategy content?

Thinking Poker has the deepest strategy content of any poker podcast. Andrew Brokos and Nate Meyvis apply GTO principles, solver analysis, and conceptual rigor to every episode. For pure strategy density, no other free audio resource competes. Run It Once Podcast ranks second when Phil Galfond is actively analyzing hands — but episodes are released irregularly. Red Chip Poker ranks third for strategy content specifically applicable to small-stakes cash games.

What is the Thinking Poker podcast about?

Thinking Poker, hosted by Andrew Brokos and Nate Meyvis, is a weekly poker strategy podcast running since 2012 focused on GTO theory, hand analysis, and solver-grounded decision-making. Episodes typically include a hand analysis segment and a longer discussion with a guest. Brokos, a former law professor and professional poker player, and Meyvis bring an academic clarity to strategic analysis that distinguishes the show from entertainment-focused podcasts. Notable episodes include explorations of balanced range construction, bet sizing theory, and application of solver output to live play decisions.

Related Guides

Best Poker Training SitesBest Poker BooksPoker Mental GameGTO BasicsPoker Study GuideBest Poker TipsPoker Solver GuideAll Poker Guides

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