Welcome to Trading Takes, a premier destination for traders at every level who are serious about mastering the markets. Whether you're navigating small-cap breakouts, refining your risk management, or searching for your unique edge, this podcast delivers actionable insights from elite traders, veteran mentors, and proven strategies that stand the test of volatility.
Each episode dives deep into real-world tactics—no fluff, no hype—just the kind of knowledge that builds consistency, discipline, and long-term profitability. From floor traders with decades of experience to modern-day scalpers turning $25K into six figures, Trading Takes reveals what it truly takes to succeed in today’s fast-moving financial markets.
Lessons from the Pit: Wisdom from Matt “PAX” Kenah
Matt “PAX” Kenah’s journey began on the bustling floor of the Chicago Board of Trade—a world away from today’s algorithm-driven screens. His story is a masterclass in simplicity and mental clarity. PAX credits his longevity to a disciplined routine, emotional grounding, and an unwavering focus on process over outcome.
One of his core principles? Keep it simple. In an era where traders drown in indicators and data overload, PAX emphasizes clean price action, precise execution, and consistent position sizing. His daily rituals—meditation, pre-market review, and post-session reflection—help maintain psychological resilience.
Unlocking Value in SEC Filings with Jason Tange
Fundamental analysis isn’t just for long-term investors. Jason Tange of AskEdgar shows how retail traders can gain a hidden edge by mastering SEC filings like 10-Ks and 10-Qs. Most traders ignore footnotes and risk disclosures—but that’s where critical signals hide.
Tange teaches how to quickly scan filings for red flags, insider sentiment shifts, and operational weaknesses. For small-cap traders, this intel can mean the difference between catching a breakout early or getting caught in a pump-and-dump scheme.
Key takeaways:
- Focus on management discussion and analysis (MD&A) sections
- Watch for changes in auditor language
- Use EDGAR tools to automate screening
- Cross-reference filing insights with technical setups
Building Pro-Level Trade Plans with Emil
Emil’s approach blends structure with adaptability. He walks listeners through creating trade plans that work across market caps, from volatile small caps to large-cap momentum plays. His method hinges on identifying tight consolidation ranges as high-probability entry zones.
He stresses risk-first thinking: starting with small position sizes, scaling in only after confirmation, and letting price action—not narrative—guide decisions. This keeps emotion out of trading and aligns entries with actual market behavior.
Emil also shares how he builds dynamic watchlists based on chart structure, volume trends, and relative strength—ensuring he’s always ready when conditions align.
Finding Your Edge with Pradeep Bonde (Stockbee)
Pradeep Bonde, better known as Stockbee, reveals that his top signal isn’t a complex indicator—it’s market breadth. By tracking how broadly the market participates in rallies or sell-offs, he determines whether to go all-in or stand aside.
He also advocates studying 20% and 50% movers daily to spot recurring patterns. Over time, this builds pattern recognition and helps identify high-conviction setups before they explode.
One underrated concept he highlights: delayed reaction setups. These occur when a stock lags a sector move but eventually catches up—often leading to explosive gains.
👉 Learn how elite traders identify high-conviction setups before they go mainstream.
Avoiding Market Traps with Stage Analysis
Understanding market cycles is crucial. The Revere team explains how stage analysis helped them spot when semiconductors peaked in 2024—and how “news failure” candles signaled exhaustion despite bullish headlines.
Using tools like the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, they categorize stocks into four stages:
- Accumulation
- Markup
- Distribution
- Decline
Staying in stage two (markup) and avoiding stage four (decline) keeps traders on the right side of the trend. This framework applies equally to individual stocks and broader sectors.
Surviving Market Chaos: Lessons from Russell Valenti & Scott Manzo
Veteran traders Russell Valenti and Scott Manzo have weathered 2000’s dot-com crash, 2008’s financial meltdown, and the chaos of COVID-era volatility. Their survival mantra? Reduce size when volatility spikes.
When the VIX surges above 50, they scale back dramatically—sometimes to just 10–20% of normal size. They also avoid confusing short-term bounces with sustainable bottoms and steer clear of leveraged ETFs during turbulent periods.
Their advice: focus on capital preservation first. Profits come later.
From Luck to Consistency: The Pro Trader Mindset
Many traders start with a lucky win—then blow it all chasing repeats. Episode 41 exposes the shift from luck-driven results to consistent profitability. It comes down to building a robust trading playbook: defining clear setups, documenting every trade, and reviewing performance weekly.
Top traders don’t rely on inspiration—they follow systems. They accept that markets don’t owe them wins and adjust expectations accordingly.
The Elite Trader’s Growth Loop
Continuous improvement separates good from great. Top performers treat trading like a skill to be honed through deliberate practice. Regular trade reviews help identify mistakes (like poor entries or emotional exits), reinforce strengths, and refine edge detection.
Common review pitfalls include skipping losing trades or focusing only on P&L. Instead, assess process quality: Was the setup valid? Was risk managed properly?
Mastering Psychology with Yvan Byeajee
Yvan Byeajee reminds us: trading is 90% psychology, 10% strategy. Fear of missing out (FOMO), revenge trading, and overtrading stem from emotional imbalance—not bad systems.
His solution? Behavioral consistency. Stick to routines. Embrace uncertainty as part of the game. And remember: risk management isn’t just about stop-losses—it’s about mindset control.
Mentorship That Moves the Needle: Lance Breitstein & Tim Sykes
Lance Breitstein’s $60 million journey underscores the value of mentorship. New traders often fall into three traps: unrealistic timelines, undisciplined risk-taking, and isolation. A mentor accelerates progress by providing accountability, feedback, and proven frameworks.
Similarly, Tim Sykes transformed penny stock trading into education—teaching thousands how to spot short squeezes and trade volatility without falling for scams.
Sector Strategies for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, sector rotation will define opportunity. Episodes covering 2025 trends highlight high-conviction setups, risk-on cycles, and momentum plays in emerging tech and energy transition spaces.
Traders must balance simplicity with focus—avoiding shiny-object syndrome while staying alert to new waves.
👉 See how professional traders anticipate sector shifts before they happen—and position early.
FAQs
Q: What makes Trading Takes different from other trading podcasts?
A: It focuses on real strategies used by proven traders—no theory, no hype—just practical techniques backed by experience.
Q: Can beginners benefit from these episodes?
A: Absolutely. While some content is advanced, core themes like discipline, mindset, and risk management are essential for all levels.
Q: How often are new episodes released?
A: Typically biweekly, covering timely topics like market structure shifts, new strategies, and trader psychology.
Q: Are there actionable steps in each episode?
A: Yes—every episode includes specific takeaways such as scan criteria, watchlist methods, or mental models you can apply immediately.
Q: Do I need expensive tools to implement these strategies?
A: Not necessarily. Many traders use basic charting platforms and free resources like EDGAR for filings or free screeners for stock selection.
Q: Is day trading still viable in 2025?
A: Yes—but success requires adaptation. Scalping, hyperscalping, and swing trading all have niches if executed with discipline and proper risk controls.
Trading Takes isn’t just about making trades—it’s about building a trader’s mindset, refining processes, and evolving with the markets. Whether you’re drawn to small caps, options, or sector rotation, the path forward is clear: learn from those who’ve done it, stay consistent, and let results follow.