Doug Polk clicked “Raise” and made millions.
Clicked “Upload” and built an army.
Taught the world how to win — then sold the playbook.
Now? He owns the card room too.
Doug Polk isn’t just playing poker.
He’s playing the whole damn game.
Speaking of making millions. Come play with us online at Phenom Poker!
The true underdogs of online poker (and the only site where the players get 50% of the rake right back in their pockets)
https://play.phenompoker.com/register...
OR Come play with us in Vegas at Table 1! (https://table1.vegas)
He roasted poker pros.
Built a brand off beef.
Bought a poker room.
Then in a surprise move he sold Upswing Poker to one of the biggest online poker operators in the world!
Code Doug indeed.
Now?
He’s not just creating content... he’s controlling the game.
This episode is fun, fast, honest, and loaded with behind-the-scenes stories that’ll make you say:
“Wait… he said that on air?!”
Go listen now before someone makes us takes it down.
Show Notes:
Doug's links:
Table 1 Links
The More Rake Is Better Giveaway at Phenom Poker: https://table1.vegas/rake
Play LIVE with us in Vegas at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
Episode 90: Crazy Mike
He's polarizing and he knows it. From HU Limit Holdem on a Navy ship to Heads Up Limit Holdem slot machines in Vegas, to learning mixed game poker at $300/$600 stakes. Mike's poker life has been a heads up session vs anyone that stands in his way. And he's here to tell his story.
Enjoy this conversation with a 1 of a kind man.
Show Notes
Table 1 Links
Art's Links:
Justin's Links:
Adam Hendrix just final tabled the WSOP Main Event for $1.9 million… but his story goes way deeper than one summer heater.
He joins @ArtParmann & @JustinYoung07 for a hilarious, insightful, and surprisingly emotional episode covering his epic run to the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table. From icy bachelor parties to underground cowboy home games, Elvis prop bets, and deep dives into high-stakes PLO — this one has everything.
🎮 Play with us Online: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1
🎁 We’re giving away $175 per week in August! Details → https://table1.vegas/rake
🃏 Coming to Vegas? Play LIVE with us: https://table1.vegas
You’ll hear:
Plus:
#poker #wsop #wsop2025 #vegas #podcast
In back-to-back years, Matt Affleck was chip leader deep in the WSOP Main Event.
In 2010, with 15 players left and ~40% of the chips in play, he got it in with aces vs. jacks against Jonathan Duhamel… and watched the river end his dream on ESPN.
The image of him walking out — water bottle flying, pain on his face — became one of poker’s most replayed clips.
This is the story before and after that moment.
🎮 From a $480K SCOOP win in college to a high school where seven classmates became million-dollar poker winners.
🃏 The truth about back-to-back Main Event deep runs — including the hand.
🌎 Life after ESPN heartbreak: live cash grinds, world travel, and becoming one of poker’s top coaches.
If you only know Matt Affleck from that river card, you don’t know the full story.
The More Rake Is Better Giveaway at Phenom Poker: https://table1.vegas/rake
Play with us in Vegas at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
Aaron Mermelstein won a $50K online poker prize at age 15... and never saw a dollar of it.
In this week’s Table 1 Podcast, Merms opens up about everything — and we mean everything in a rare interview. From sneaking onto Party Poker as a teenager to going broke after discovering Vegas table games, it’s a rollercoaster of ambition, pain, and absurd poker highs and lows.
Show Notes:
00:00 Video Games To The Varkonyi Effect
03:18 Freeroll to Bankroll
07:10 Finding Table Games
11:57 Working vs Going Pro at Poker
19:12 The $100 Date
23:13 NY Poker Games & Backing Deals Gone Right
29:08 The Borgata WPT & Tourney Breaks
37:58 Post WPT Tourney Circuit
39:38 The Home Game Scene
44:34 Poker: The Great Equalizer
46:36 COVID & Game Running
49:45 Miami Life & The M Casino
48:42 Chip On The Shoulder High Roller
1:02:21 WSOP Main Event Run
1:10:38 Post Main Event & The Future!
Table 1 Links:
Play with Us In Vegas: https://table1.vegas
Play with us Online: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1
Follow us on X: https://x.com/table1vegas
Follow us on Instagram: https://x.com/table1vegas
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UCCXgQ2MnNidaOP-9PPTG6Sg
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fkMXT5gsZxgHuDBxUcY59
Art's Links:
Learn to Beat Slots (Seriously) at SlotMaps: https://slotmaps.com
Run your own poker game at PokerHQ.io: https://pokerhq.io
https://x.com/ArtParmann
Justin's Links:
https://x.com/justinyoung07
The More Rake Is Better Giveaway: https://table1.vegas/rake
Play with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
Imagine this:
You’ve got $1,400 to your name. Twins on the way. You’re not a household name. And you’re trying to make it in the most brutal game on earth: tournament poker.
Most people fold. Jesse Lonis didn’t.
In this episode of the Table 1 Podcast, Jesse drops a heater of a story. It's got all the hits:
Oh — and $21M in live earnings later, he’s still real, raw, and building his brand without faking a damn thing.
This episode is grit + heart + humor in podcast form. You’ll walk away inspired, entertained, and probably Googling “Vanilla Gorilla Poker” just to see him in action.
👇 Hit play. You won’t regret it.
Show Notes
Jesse's Links:
https://x.com/JesseLonis
https://www.instagram.com/jesselonis
https://www.youtube.com/@JesseLonis
Table 1 Links:
https://table1.vegas
https://x.com/table1vegas
https://instagram.com/table1vegas
WSOP is over, but that doesn't mean the action stops at Table 1! Catch up with Art, Justin and get to know our special guests Paul Gunness & Jason Zipfel to talk about High Stakes Summer, our summer vlog. Haven't seen it? Watch it here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZdHHoUOK4gscENtoJO11AWuNyH1ElUe8&si=_B8J5B2tE7RoPL71Want to play online with Justin & Art? Find us on Phenom Poker. Use our link and you could win $100. Plus sometimes we do random giveaways to people we've referred. Sign up here: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1Got the taste for high stakes? Play with us at Table 1! ➡️ https://table1.vegasFollow Paul: https://x.com/mrpaulgunnesshttps://www.instagram.com/mr.paulgunnessFollow Jason:https://www.instagram.com/jason_zipfe1Follow Art:https://x.com/artparmannFollow Justin:https://x.com/JustinYoung07Table 1 Links:https://table1.vegashttps://x.com/table1vegashttps://instagram.com/table1vegas
This isn’t just a poker story. It’s about second chances, addiction and recovery, underground private games, running a secret sports betting syndicate, and how Greg reinvented himself (and his obsession) into a growing sports card empire: Savage Breakers Club.
▶️ Topics Include:
👀 Whether you’re a poker player, entrepreneur, or just love comeback stories — this is one you won’t forget.
Show Notes:
Greg's Links:
Follow Savage Breakers Club: https://www.whatnot.com/s/ZGMOx9Cr
Table 1's Links:
Play with us on Phenom Poker: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1
Play with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
Matt Salsberg isn’t your typical poker pro.
He wrote on Weeds. Sold scripts to Showtime, HBO, Amazon. Created a sitcom with Lee Majors. But just as it was about to take off… Hollywood did what Hollywood does.
Then came cancer. Then came the comeback.
This episode is a masterclass in storytelling, reinvention, and chasing edge — from scriptwriting rooms to final tables. Matt shares how he went from ghostwriting for Curb Your Enthusiasm to battling colon cancer and finishing 70th in the Main Event — all while pitching shows that networks weren’t ready for (but should’ve been).
🧠 If you’re into storytelling, poker, Hollywood drama, or what it means to take a shot when everything’s stacked against you… you’ll love this one.
Show Notes:https://x.com/table1vegas
https://instagram.com/table1vegas
https://table1.vegas
https://youtube.com/@table1vegas
It's hard enough to survive in the gambling world. But to survive for as many decades as Steve has is nothing short of incredible. He's seen it all. From Stu Unger beating his local gin club up at 13 years old.There's no way we got to all of the stories but we sure hit the highlight reel. Enjoy Episode 82 - Steve Zolotow (The Bald Eagle)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Like poker?Play with us online at Phenom Poker: https://joinphenompoker.comOr play with us in person at Table 1: https://table1.vegasSubscribe to the Table 1 newsletter. High Stakes Vegas. In Your Inbox. Https://Table1.beehiiv.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📌 Timestamps: (Coming soon. Sorry it's WSOP and we're slow.)
In this special episode of Table One Podcast, Chris Brewer joins hosts Justin Young and Art Parmann to share his incredible journey from elite collegiate runner to high-stakes poker champion. Chris provides fascinating insights into the mental game of poker, revealing the highs and lows of competing at the top levels, including dealing with brutal downswings and capturing WSOP glory.
From hilarious anecdotes at Commerce Casino to strategic breakdowns of his WSOP bracelet wins, Chris offers a unique glimpse into the thrilling world of high-stakes poker.
📌 Timestamps:
♠️ Like poker?
Play with us online at Phenom Poker
Or play with us in person at Table 1
Subscribe to the Table 1 newsletter. High Stakes Vegas. In Your Inbox.
https://table1.beehiiv.com
In this episode of the Table One Podcast, legendary poker pro Ben Lamb joins Justin Young and Art Parman to reveal some of his wildest gambling stories. From a seemingly innocent flip that netted him $50,000 betting only $100 at a time, to accidentally mixing a $25,000 bottle of Macallan with Coke, Ben holds nothing back. Plus, relive the epic story of the $67,000 hole-in-one golf bet that left everyone stunned.Episode 80: Ben LambJoin us for a fun, casual, and insightful conversation that captures the high-stakes thrills and hilarious mishaps from one of poker's best.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes!#Poker #BenLamb #HighStakes #TableOnePodcast------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Like poker?Play with us online at Phenom Poker: https://joinphenompoker.comOr play with us in person at Table 1: https://table1.vegasSubscribe to the Table 1 newsletter. High Stakes Vegas. In Your Inbox. Https://Table1.beehiiv.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ben's Links: https://Yeet.comhttps://x.com/BenbaLamb------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the biggest names in poker and gambling.New episodes every week from Table 1 Podcasthttps://table1.vegasFollow us on Instagram: Instagram.com/table1vegasFollow us on Twitter: x.com/table1vegas#BenLamb #WSOP #PokerLegends #HighStakesPoker #Table1Podcast #GamblingStories
After winning the 1996 WSOP Main Event and locking up millions, Huck Seed became a poker legend… and then seemingly disappeared.
In this episode of the Table 1 Podcast, we sit down with the man himself to unpack the insane highs, brutal lows, and prop bets that defined his life after winning it all.
We cover everything:
This one’s part poker history, part life philosophy, and part “WTF did I just hear?”
🔥 Watch now and see why Huck Seed is one of the most fascinating, unpredictable, and misunderstood players in poker history.
New episodes every week from the Table 1 Podcast.
#HuckSeed #WSOP #PokerLegends #HighStakesPoker #Table1Podcast #GamblingStories
Play with us online at Phenom Poker: https://joinphenompoker.comPlay with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode 78: Derek WoltersYou ever stake a buddy just because he ran hot in your home game? Yeah, me too. We've all done it. Invested in a friend. Invested in a rando. Ignored the markup. Thought, "Hey, we’re all crushers, right?"Wrong.Today we’re joined by a guy who actually knows what he’s doing. Derek Wolters has been buying poker pieces for over 15 years. Profitably. Grab a drink. Grab a pen. You’re gonna want to take notes.Derek's Links:https://derekwolters.comhttps://x.com/derek_woltersTable 1 Links:https://table1.vegashttps://x.com/table1vegasinstagram.com/table1vegas youtube.com/@Table1VegasPhenom: https://joinphenompoker.com Art's links:https://x.com/artparmannSlotMaps - Learn to Beat Slot Machines (seriously) - https://slotmaps.comPokerHQ - Your Poker Network, Upgraded. https://pokerhq.ioJustin's links:https://x.com/justinyoung07Phenom Poker - https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=JYPokerAbout Table 1 Podcast and YouTube Channel:Welcome to the Table 1 Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything high-stakes poker. Hosted by poker enthusiasts Art Parmann and Justin Young, our podcast brings you in-depth interviews with the biggest names in poker, captivating stories from the poker world, and insights into the game’s strategies and trends.Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our channel offers something for everyone. We cover high-stakes cash games, tournaments, gambling, and the latest poker news. Our content includes:Exclusive Interviews: Conversations with top poker players, industry experts, and rising stars.Poker Strategies: Tips and tricks to improve your game, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.Poker News: Stay updated with the latest happenings in the poker world.Entertainment: Enjoy tales of epic poker sessions, amusing anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the poker community.Our mission is to create a fun and informative space where poker enthusiasts can come together to learn, share, and enjoy the game. Don’t miss out on our engaging episodes and insightful discussions that bring you closer to the heart of poker.Don't miss this engaging #poker #podcast. Explore popular poker vlogs and podcasts like those by Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, Ryan Depaulo: Degenerate Gambler, Jaman Burton, CzechRaiseCharles, Mariano Poker, Raising The Nuts, Rampage Poker, Matt Vaughn, Ben Deach, PokerKraut, Detroit Poker, Marle, Jaime Staples, Jeff Gross, Lex Velhuis, BBZStaking, Raise Your Edge, Daniel Negreanu, Jeff Boski, and Doug Polk.From Zero to Hero: Poker's Biggest Success StoriesPoker Legends: Their Rise From Humble Beginnings to High Stakes GloryThe Grind to the Top: Inspiring Poker Success Stories You Won't BelieveFrom Broke to Bankrupt to Millions: The Wild Ride of Poker SuccessPoker Legends: Secrets to Success & Life's Biggest WinsFrom Broke to Billionaire: Poker's Ultimate Life LessonsThe Mental Game of Poker: How to Win at LifePoker Pro's Guide to Building an Empire (Beyond the Table)The Biggest Blunders in Poker: How to Avoid Them in LifePoker Masters on Overcoming Adversity: Lessons for Everyone
Play with us online at Phenom Poker: https://play.phenompoker.com/register
Play with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
After going viral for betting $100,000 that Rich Alati could survive in a pitch-black bathroom for 30 days, a wave of skeptics called BS. Rumors swirled. Reddit threads accused him of staging it. Some said it never happened. Rory said nothing — until now.
In this follow-up episode, Rory brings the receipts: 5+ terabytes of time-stamped, uncut footage, legal contracts, interviews, and inside access to one of the wildest prop bets in poker history.
This isn’t a story. It’s evidence.
Show NotesWelcome to the Table 1 Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything high-stakes poker. Hosted by poker enthusiasts Art Parmann and Justin Young, our podcast brings you in-depth interviews with the biggest names in poker, captivating stories from the poker world, and insights into the game’s strategies and trends.
Play with us online at Phenom Poker: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1
Play with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
What do you get when you mix $5 million downswings, pool degenning in Hollywood, nightclub deals with celebrities, and high-stakes poker in Vegas? You get Jean-Robert Bellande.
In this episode, JRB tells us about:
No fluff. No B.S. Just the real stories from a guy who’s lived five lives and still smiles through it all.
🃏 Want to play with us? → https://table1.vegas
🎧 Subscribe to the pod. New episodes weekly.
📩 Table 1 Newsletter → “High Stakes Vegas. In Your Inbox.” www.table1.beehiiv.com
Welcome to the Table 1 Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything high-stakes poker. Hosted by poker enthusiasts Art Parmann and Justin Young, our podcast brings you in-depth interviews with the biggest names in poker, captivating stories from the poker world, and insights into the game’s strategies and trends.
Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our channel offers something for everyone. We cover high-stakes cash games, tournaments, gambling, and the latest poker news.
Our mission is to create a fun, informative space where poker lovers can learn, laugh, and connect. Subscribe and come hang with us.
Don't miss this episode. Discover more poker podcasts and vlogs from:
Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, Ryan Depaulo, Jaman Burton, CzechRaiseCharles, Mariano, Rampage Poker, Marle, Jeff Gross, Lex Velhuis, BBZStaking, Raise Your Edge, Daniel Negreanu, Doug Polk, and more.
🎯 Play With Us:
👉 Play Online at Phenom Poker
👉 Play Live at Table 1
🎙️ Episode 75: Mark Seif
Mark Seif has lived a life few can match — from working on the O.J. Simpson prosecution team to winning back-to-back WSOP bracelets, to helping his clients win $6 million in the famous Jamie Gold case.
In this episode, we cover:
Mark holds nothing back — from courtroom battles to the high-stakes felt.
Subscribe and listen for a rare look inside one of poker’s most unique journeys.
⏱️ Show Notes:
🔗 Mark's Links:
🔗 Table 1 Links:
🔗 Art's Links:
🔗 Justin's Links:
🎙️ About Table 1 Podcast:
Welcome to the Table 1 Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything high-stakes poker. Hosted by Art Parmann and Justin Young, we bring you:
Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting into the game, Table 1 is your seat at the table. Join us for fun, insights, and the best poker content around!
Don't miss this engaging #poker #podcast featuring inspiration alongside top poker creators like Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, Ryan Depaulo, Rampage Poker, Lex Veldhuis, Doug Polk, and many more.
🎲 Play with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
♠️ Play with us online: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1
Poker Pro. Went Broke. Built a Game Anyway.
In this episode, we sit down with DGAF — the man behind one of LA’s most legendary poker lineups — and unpack the real story behind the chips.
From learning five-card draw at age 7 to losing it all (twice) to building a daily 5/5/10 at Hustler, this is a story of resilience, regret, and rebuilding.
💬 We talk:
– Why being “good for the game” beats being the best
– Going broke even while winning
– How to host games that actually last
– And the mental traps most poker pros never escape
This is not a strategy episode. It’s a story episode. A “why the hell am I still doing this?” episode.
🎧 Listen in — and maybe rethink what a winning poker life really looks like.
Welcome to the Table 1 Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything high-stakes poker. Hosted by Art Parmann and Justin Young, we bring you in-depth interviews, legendary stories, and behind-the-scenes insight into private games and poker culture.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, we cover:
Don’t miss this engaging #poker #podcast. Tune in and explore more with creators like Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, Doug Polk, Rampage Poker, Jaman Burton, and more.
From Broke to Ballin’: Stories That’ll Reshape How You Think About Poker and Life.
Try DeFi Crypto Vaults. Curated by Gauntlet
(Do your own research!)
Play poker with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas/
Play poker with us online: Phenom Poker
🎙️ Episode 73 - Maria KonnikovaWhat happens when a Harvard PhD with zero poker experience cold emails Erik Seidel — one of the greatest poker minds of all time — and asks him to teach her the game?
Maria Konnikova didn’t just learn poker. She lived it. And her journey from academic to pro player became the basis for her bestselling book The Biggest Bluff.
In this episode, we talk about:
Whether you’re a poker fan, a writer, or just love wild career pivots — this is one of our best episodes yet.
📋 Show NotesWelcome to the Table 1 Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything high-stakes poker. Hosted by Art Parmann and Justin Young, we bring you deep-dive interviews, legendary stories, and sharp insights from the poker world.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just learning the ropes, we’ve got something for you:
Subscribe now and join our growing poker community. You’re always welcome at Table 1.
💬 Related Content & Poker LegendsCheck out other amazing poker podcasts and creators like: Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, Ryan Depaulo, Jaman Burton, Mariano Poker, Rampage, Matt Vaughn, Doug Polk, Jeff Gross, Lex Veldhuis, BBZStaking, and Raise Your Edge.
More From the Table 1 Archive:
Try DeFi Crypto Vaults. Curated by Gauntlet https://Gauntlet.xyz/t1 (Do your own research!)
Play poker with us at Table 1: https://table1.vegas
Play poker with us online: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1
Sam Greenwood didn’t deposit. He didn’t cheat. He just kept winning.
This is the kind of origin story you wish was fake.
From free money on Bugsy’s Club (RIP) to turning a DraftKings NFL lineup into $100K — Sam’s journey from a nerdy Canadian teenager to a world-class high roller will have you grinning.
Why? Because this isn’t just poker. It’s a story about playing the game better than anyone else.
📌 This is the Hero’s Journey with a bankroll. And you’ll love every hand.
Show Notes