What Trading Can Learn From The Body Keeps the Score

with Steven Goldstein and Mark Randall

A trader knows the right move — and physically can’t make it. This episode is about why, and what trauma research reveals about performing under financial risk.

Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score has become required reading in trading circles — not because trading is trauma, but because the same nervous system mechanics trauma research has mapped in detail also govern how traders behave under pressure. Steven Goldstein and Mark Randall break down five lessons from the book and translate each one directly into the language of risk, drawdowns, and decision-making under threat.

What you’ll learn

• Why the rational, decision-making part of the brain goes offline under perceived threat — and why “just follow the plan” fails in the moment

• How neuroception, the nervous system’s unconscious scanning for danger, shows up as physical sensation before a trade goes wrong

• Why a single catastrophic loss can fragment a trader’s whole sense of self, not just their P&L

• Why journaling and post-mortem analysis alone rarely change behavior — and what bottom-up, body-based work adds

• Why co-regulation with another person, not solo reflection, is often what lets a dysregulated nervous system reset

“The market doesn’t care about your story, but your body is keeping score whether you’re listening to it or not.”

Timestamps

0:07 — Cold open — welcome back

1:00 — Setting up the book & Lesson 1: The rational brain goes offline under threat

13:38 — Lesson 2: The body knows before you do

30:13 — Lesson 3: One bad hit can fragment the whole story

41:20 — Lesson 4: Talking about it isn't enough on its own

50:53 — Lesson 5: Safety in relationship is what lets the system recalibrate

1:02:54 — Close & sign-off

Resources mentioned

• The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

• thealphamindpodcast.com — full back catalog and where to subscribe

The AlphaMind Podcast explores the behavioral and human side of taking and managing risk, hosted by Steven Goldstein with Mark Randall. New episodes and the full back catalog at thealphamindpodcast.com.

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In 2000, a young Japanese trader named Takashi Kotegawa (better known as BNF) began trading small-cap stocks from his bedroom with just $13,500. Eight years later, he had turned that modest stake into a staggering $153 million.

This legendary feat serves as the anchor for a recent viral X post by veteran trader Ryan Scott (aka The Flow Horse). Ryan’s post (linked below) argues a provocative truth: despite the cynics, it remains entirely possible to build a fortune in the markets. But if the opportunity is real, why do so few actually succeed?

In this episode, we welcome back veteran trader Matt "Pax" Kenah to dissect this debate. We explore the deep psychological, mental, and behavioral hurdles all traders face, specifically focusing on the challenges of transitioning to a home-trading environment and the discipline required to become one of the elite few who truly thrive.

Links:
Ryan Scott (Horse) @TheFlowHorse - The Post: You Can Make a Fortune Trading - Don't Let Anyone Tell You Otherwise

Find out more about Matt and the PAX group at https://thepaxgroup.org/
You can follow Matt on Twitter at https://twitter.com/paxtrader777

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

“When a trader stops trying to fix themself, and starts understanding themself, that's when trading can really transform. “ – Andrew Menaker – The AlphaMind Podcast

In this episode, we explore how performance coaching transforms traders’ mindsets, sharpens decision-making under pressure, and builds routines that sustain a long-term edge.

Hosts Steven Goldstein and Mark Randall sit down with performance coach and professional trader Andrew Menaker to examine the psychological shifts that drive lasting improvement in trading performance.

While many view trading as a technical challenge—charts, systems, strategy—Andrew argues the greatest gains come from transforming the person behind the P&L. Through coaching, traders develop self-mastery, which produces clearer decision-making, healthier risk-taking, and greater resilience—leading to significant improvements in performance.

Andrew Menaker Links:

Website: https://andrewmenaker.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-menaker-phd-b2870323/

X: https://x.com/Andrew_Menaker/

AlphaMind Links

Website: https://alpha-mind.net

Email: info@alpha-mind.net

X: https://x.com/AlphaMind101

Linkedin - AlphaMind Hosts:

Mark Randall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrandallconsultancy/

Steven Goldstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-goldstein-060a4913/

AlphaMind Newsletter: https://alphamind101.substack.com/

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this episode of the AlphaMind Podcast, hosts Steven Goldstein and Mark Randall delve into the behavioural aspects of trading and explore how emotions such as panic and fear can hinder performance for traders at any level—whether novice or seasoned.

Join us as we share insights from our own experiences and those of market participants we've worked with. We discuss common pitfalls that arise in the face of market chaos and how these emotional reactions can undermine traders’ effectiveness.

Learn how elite traders turn potential chaos into opportunities and discover actionable strategies to manage emotions and enhance performance. Tune in for practical reflections on becoming a more resilient trader in an unpredictable market landscape!

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

Welcome to the latest episode of the AlphaMind Podcast, featuring Josh Schuler, a trader, educator, and former broker in the futures market.

Since starting his trading journey in 2009, Josh has gained extensive experience and knowledge, helping others make informed trading decisions and improve their returns through market profile techniques.

Recommended by fellow retail traders for his inspirational work, Josh shares valuable insights in this episode, where we explore and discuss a variety of topics, including trader process, trader behaviour and mindset, as well as the Market Profile tool itself. To learn more about Josh, visit his website, Trade With Profile - detail below:

Enjoy the episode!

Links:

Trade With Profile: https://www.tradewithprofile.com/

X: @joshschuler

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjoshschuler/

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

In this episode of the AlphaMind Podcast, host Steven Goldstein shares a personal reflection on the transformative power of the “Reset” in trading.

Navigating the challenging world of markets requires more than just technical skill—it’s also about mastering mindset and resilience. In this context, the Reset is a powerful tool that helps traders reconnect with the present moment, regain focus, and clear mental clutter that can hinder performance.

Steven reflects on his own trading journey and how it led him to become a performance coach. He explores how implementing a Reset allows traders to shift from emotional reactions to calm, focused decision-making, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and consistency.

Whether you’re facing a tough trading session or seeking to refine your mental approach, embracing the Reset can be a game-changer. Tune in as Steven discusses how this simple yet profound concept can elevate your trading mindset, foster greater self-awareness, and help you perform at your best—even amidst market chaos.

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

At AlphaMind, we love speaking with those who have achieved remarkable success in trading, to gain their insights on what it truly takes to succeed, endure, and excel in this challenging field.

We are honoured to welcome back one of our favourite guests, Linda Raschke—a veteran trader who first gained prominence when featured in one of Jack Schwager’s early Market Wizards books. With a career spanning over 40 years, Linda has experienced great success, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. She shares many of these experiences in her excellent autobiographical book, Trading Sardines.

As you will hear, Linda is passionate, honest, and candid, bringing a light-heartedness and humour that enhances her profound insights. This interview builds upon previous conversations, offering valuable perspectives to both new and experienced traders—challenging them and encouraging deep reflection on their trading journeys.

Linda Social Media
Twitter: @LindaRaschke
Website: LindaRaschke.net
Book: Trading Sardines: https://lindaraschke.net/trading-sardines/

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.

Welcome to a very special milestone—Episode 150 of the AlphaMind Podcast. To celebrate this achievement, we’ve recorded an extraordinary episode with one of the most successful and respected private traders in the trading sphere: Mark Minervini.

Over the years, Mark—also featured in Jack Schwager’s Market Wizards—has been a top request from our listeners. We’re thrilled to finally sit down with him and explore the mindset, perspectives, and strategies that have powered his remarkable 45-year trading career.

In this episode, Mark generously shares his personal journey, starting from very humble beginnings. Growing up in poverty, dropping out of school early, and initially pursuing a career in music, Mark's path was anything but conventional. He recounts his early years filled with failures, blow-ups, and account losses—a recurring pattern in his first five years in the markets. Yet through perseverance, he developed the processes, mindset, and attitudes that ultimately created his success.

Mark’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience, process development, and a winning philosophy—one he now shares broadly through his writings, mentoring, and educational programs. His insights have helped countless traders start with their own capital and realize their dreams of success.

We’re honoured to present this in-depth conversation with Mark Minervini, whose experience and wisdom continue to inspire traders worldwide.

You can learn more about Mark, his services, and his educational programs—including his Master Trader Program and Superperformance Workshop at the links below:

Website: www.minervini.com
X: https://x.com/markminervini
Master Trader Program & Superperformance Workshop Details: https://mtp.minervini.com/
Review of the Master Trader Program: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67f3a87b5ea94c2111bbc838/6845ba2f8a93f372dca3466a_mtp-review.pdf

AlphaMind: Powering Performance in Global Markets
AlphaMind brings powerful change, growth and development to people and businesses within global markets.

Driven by a deep understanding of how markets work, and how people and businesses function within them, we partner with clients to create personal performance improvements that elevate returns across their trading activities.

Go to the AlphaMind website to know more.