The Stock Trading Reality Podcast
Episodes
Advice for my younger self... hmm...... | STR 544
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I was recently asked, "Hey Clay! What would be one bit of advice you'd give a younger version of yourself?" What a great question! In this episode, we...
A Misleading Component of Context | STR 543
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We hear it all the time: context is king. This is certainly true and is an important part of the discussion or decision making process. When we focus ...
$53,400 GONE in a Matter of Minutes...| STR 542
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
$53,400 gone in a matter of minutes. It sounds a bit far-fetched doesn't it? Unfortunately, it's not and is the reality of the situation for a very co...
A Warning for Traders and ChatGPT... | STR 541
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is a new study making its way around from MIT in regards to what ChatGPT is doing to people's brains. In my opinion, none of it is shocking; how...
How to Create Crazy "ROI's"! | STR 540
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Personally, if someone showed me what I'm about to show you, I would not believe them. I would immediately say, "No way! What's the catch???". As much...
The Pitfall of Demo Trading... | STR 539
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's certainly not a new topic to the ClayTrader world, but it's a topic that I'm not sure can ever be talked about too often. Good ole' demo trading ...
Market Makers? LOL... | STR 538
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are there any more dreaded words in the minds of some traders than "market makers"?!?! Who knows, perhaps you now have goose bumps or the hair on your...
Fighting Anxiety and Tilt... | STR 537
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Anxiety and "Tilt". Perhaps those two words cause goosebumps and/or for the hair to raise up on the back of your neck! I'm with you! In the world of t...
Day Trader Geography (Be Aware!) | STR 536
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I recently came across an article on CNBC that sparked a topic that doesn't get talked about enough. Perhaps you are well aware of day trader geograph...
Calendar Critical Thinking... | STR 535
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Today" (the day I recorded this episode) I was reminded of how I need to do a better job of deploying my critical thinking skills around the economic...
A False Lens for Futures Trading... | STR 534
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you someone who is intrigued by futures trading for some reason, but are hesitating to trade them? Perhaps you don't think you have enough time to...
A Basic Way to Get Better...| STR 533
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
My YouTube live streams continue to deliver these podcast episode ideas! This past week I had a few interactions that, once again, reminded me of how ...
The Trump Tweet. How to Survive! | STR 532
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Trump Tweet. We're all aware as traders by now how a single press of a button can send the markets into full blow roller coaster mode. We're also ...
Will AI Destroy the Markets and Trading? | STR 531
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More and more people are asking about AI and what I think the effects it will have on the markets. It's not a crazy question at all. Is AI something t...
Self Deception. Are You a Victim? | STR 530
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is nothing worse we can do to ourselves as traders and investors than deceive ourselves. Deception can be a tricky thing. Self deception can be ...
Small Cap and Low Float Stocks... DANGER! | STR 529
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not a whole lot of money but want the opportunity to grow it fast? Looking for something that moves extremely quickly? Did you stumble upon someone ex...
Ask Yourself This KEY Question... | STR 528
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have the entire context when it comes to risk management? This is a critical skill within the world of trading and one that must be mastered if...
This Type of Trading Is... Fake? | STR 527
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hmmmm… is this type of trading fake? That's what I was recently told and perhaps you've heard someone make the same claim. This interaction happened...
Is This Your Problem? It was Mine... | STR 526
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find yourself struggling in an area of your trading? You aren't alone! The world of trading is a constant struggle. Oftentimes, it's the strugg...
Follow This Indicator During Tariff Drama! | STR 525
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unless you went outside, dug a hole, and shoved your head into it.. You know things have gotten pretty wild around the world from an economic standpoi...
Another Bad Goal for Traders? | STR 524
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the more challenging parts of being a trader is figuring out the difference between good goals and bad goals. Unfortunately, this is not always...
How to Network (PROPERLY) With Other Traders... | STR 523
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As I've now been live streaming for almost two months now, I've gathered many more real time interactions to my "experience database". Over the years ...
Apparently, I Need to Discuss This... | STR 522
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I truly hope after listening to this episode you are a bit angry at me because you feel as though I've wasted your time. I hope you are thinking the w...
Introducing PAM'SS PLANT! | STR 521
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's taken me a while to gather my thoughts on this issue and organize them in a coherent manner. To be fair, maybe they are still all over the place ...
Full Time Day Trader? A TERRIBLE Goal! | STR 520
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I want to be a full time day trader! I've heard this said time and time again over the years. It's a super ambitious goal and one that I can't fault p...
I've Started a LIVE Stream! Come Hang Out!
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is more a public service announcement than anything else, but I want you to all be aware that I have begun live streaming during the lunchtime po...
What is the BEST Indicator? | STR 518
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I started claytrader.com back in 2013, so yeah, I've been asked quite a few questions over the years. The question that has got to be one of the most ...
STOP Shorting Stocks! (do this...) | STR 517
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Listen. I've lost count of how many stocks I have shorted over the years. It is a whole lot! As much as it pains me to say it (as it reveals a mistake...
A Bad Critique of Prop Firms | STR 516
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let me say this upfront. I have no problem if you don't like prop firms and believe there to be better ways of going about growing as a trader. With t...
The Dirty Dog | STR 515
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, to those of you who are beginners and just getting started in the world of day trading, I want to introduce you to someone you will, ...
Are You a Stupid Person?| STR 514
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I don't mean to be mean, but there are times where genuine care is just being blunt with someone… and that's what I need to do in this situation. I'...
Daily Max Loss. Good? Bad? | STR 513
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The daily max loss. A risk management rule that has a whole lot of opinions surrounding it. I recently made a YouTube video discussing how a futures p...
Hold or Sell? Here's the Answer... | STR 512
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout my years as a trader and coach/teacher, I've come to discover a very simple (yet very powerful) question. When people ask me one of the mos...
3 Reasons For Futures Trading | STR 511
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If I were forced to give a one word arguement for futures trading, it would be this: flexibility. Futures trading is not a Holy Grail area of the mark...
Potentially Really Bad Trading Logic... | STR 510
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you thinking of getting into trading or have been struggling? Perhaps you've had a form of logic cross your mind via your own thoughts or via the ...
Hassle? Yes. Worth It?... | STR 509
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While I can't make a guarantee, I can say there is a high probability you will be faced, at some point in your journey, with the question: should I ch...
An Eye Opening Experience
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I've recently moved to Iowa and started to attend a new church. Why am I telling you this? I've had a couple people at the church take interest into t...
Prop Firm Trap! Beware!
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I've been talking about prop firms recently, particularly because I am now giving them a try. As I've quickly gained experience, I want to point out a...
A Common Complaint
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's not always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes people have complaints and sometimes those complaints pertain to us. If you would consider yoursel...
Prop Firm Futures Trading
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The past few weeks have been filled with confusion and frustration. Was I imagining things? Was I playing the victim card? Long story short, I was not...
Stocks Or Options? I Choose…
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a question on a YouTube video and I wanted to address it via a podcast episode. At the core, it's a question of "which is better? Stocks or opti...
Elections Results: A Trader's Thoughts
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you're not aware, but we just concluded this thing we call a presidential election. This has lots of people talking and speculating and all of t...
Stock Market Open 22 Hours a Day?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was recently released that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is thinking of moving to a format where the stock market is open 22 hours a day. This...
A Powerful Trading Tool | STR 501
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you aren't aware, let me tell you a secret: day trading is HARD! Because of this fact, we should be constantly on the lookout for any kind of tool ...
Rich Get Richer. My Response.
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The rich just keep getting richer. In fact, there's an article out saying Elon Musk is on pace to become the first trillionaire relatively soon! This ...
Dealing With Stress
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I assume you know this, but let me quickly make sure: trading is stressful. If you think you can walk into the world of trading and feel zero stress, ...
What is a Good Investing Return?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you make an investment of any kind, what would be considered a 'good' return? This is a more than valid question. We've worked hard for our money...
Burst Your Bubble. Here's Why!
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best moves you can make as a trader is to bust your own bubble! What do I mean? The more you can separate yourself from your personal strat...
We Did It "Right"
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The claim is this, "we both did the "right" things…" This comes from an article I read about the real estate market; however, it opens the door to s...
The Wealth Test
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk about your chances of becoming wealthy. To clarify, I don't mean "wealth" as having a garage full of exotic cars or beach side mansions aro...
Burn-Out: A Good Thing?
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I came across an article regarding burn-out which caught me a bit off guard. After reading it, the author's points made very reasonable sense, but I h...
Highlights or Reality?
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I was given some advice via YouTube and it perfectly summarized why and how so many beginner traders are lead astray. I wish podcasts like these didn'...
Do You Enjoy Building?
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I have a single question for you. Do you enjoy building? What does this have to do with trading, investing and money? In my opinion, a whole lot! Mayb...
Price Controls… Let's Talk.
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been following the headlines, you know that "price controls" have made an appearance. While this is not a political podcast, it "is" a podca...
How I Ruined My Month!
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The month of July was going amazingly well until I went into moron mode. I can only speak for myself, but "moron mode" is just something that is part ...
A Ray Of Light
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I want to keep this short and sweet and try something different in terms of dropping an episode "in the middle" of a current even situation. At the re...
Sorry Not Good Enough
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During the early stages of your career in trading, you'll find yourself constantly surrounded by traps. The majority of these traps are due to how you...
Traders Shouldn't Be Shocked by This…
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There was a recent article I read titled, "If you always do these 8 things, you're mentally stronger than most". From the article, "After spending dec...
One of My Favorite ETF's for Investing
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While I'm known as a trader, I do also invest! Investing does not need to be talked about nearly as much given the long term nature of the strategy; h...
Ban Short Selling?
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I recently came across a passionate plea from a retail trader arguing short selling should be banned. This is not a new topic within the world of trad...
You're A Salesperson. Deal With It.
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I get it. The vast majority of you reading this email do not work in the world of sales. Neither your job title or job description mentions anything a...
My Guru Intentions
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While I really can't stand the term and being called one, let's talk the world of "guru". I get it. It's a pretty slimy term and carries with it a who...
Beginner Trader Hurdles
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A student of my training program recently reached out to me and I wanted to share a few of the points that reveled themselves. When you're new and you...
The Day Trader Calendar
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most important tools in your day trading toolbelt is this calendar. A crucial part to any day trader's success is having a plan. A crucial ...
How I Made Over $30,000 (doing nothing)
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is a small amount of click-bait in my title. Technically speaking, I did "do something" in the form of making a decision; however, besides that,...
Inflation is Coming Down BUT
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I recently read an article from CNBC containing a quote which I believer perfectly summarizes people's disconnect of what inflation is and how it work...
Stock Manipulation? Stop It!
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have spent any amount of time on social media, YouTube or online message boards, then I'm at a 97.8% confidence level you've heard "stock manip...
From Iraq to the USA
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can you imagine walking through literal mountains in the pitch dark at the age of 11? That's what our guest, Hussam (goes by "Sam"), endured as his fa...
Was I Mean? Aggressive? Hmmm…
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A beginner trader reached out to me and the conversation ended with him accusing me of being "mean" and "aggressive". I want to walk through this conv...
How to Build Expectations
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So you want to be smart about your trading and investing approach? Good! The best way to find success is to find expectations that are reasonable. One...
A Good Side Hustle, If Done Right
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Given my unique position of having a sizable following on YouTube and social media, I am a prime target for certain side hustles. Because I am a targe...
You'll Pay Either Way
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I try my best to avoid this subject. The problem is, the argument is totally true and my conflict of interest does not make it any less true. If you a...
2 Kinds of Trading Approaches
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Someone accused me of being shady by only doing analysis of "obvious" charts. This interesting comment got me thinking a bit and, well… here we are!...
Sunk Cost Fallacy and You
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of the logical mistake people get tripped up known as the sunk cost fallacy? Odds are, you allow this thinking error to influence your ...
A Fair and Honest Criticism of Day Trading
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My goal is to keep the world of money, trading and investing as clear as possible. With clarity comes a sense of actual reality. Actual reality brings...
Staring With a Small Account
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I dive into the realm of options trading, particularly focusing on individuals beginning their investment journey with a small tradin...
A Harsh Rebuke of Day Trading… (yikes)
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I believe it's safe to say this person does not like day trading… at all! In a recent YouTube comment someone brought a flame thrower and, in their ...
You Aren't Alone in this Danger!
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While we all have different risk tolerances and personalities as traders, at the core, we're all still human. Meaning, there are some general scenario...
$50/Hour Minimum Wage?
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is a recent controversial proposal to increase the federal minimum wage to $50 per hour. Let's consider some economic principles, supply and dem...
Tucker Carlson and Exchange Rates
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I'm here to teach! I want everyone to have a firm foundation of even the most basic economic and money principles. With that being said, apparently we...
Biden's (confusing) Economy Explained
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's a confusing time. You look at many of the economic indicators and it seems like the USA is on fire (in a good way!); however, there are some appa...
Trade Tariffs - Good or Bad?
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the political season really heats up we're starting to see more and more talking points from the various candidates. While I'm not here to rant and...
The Best App to Use for Trading?
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the beginner and person just getting started in the world of trading, this is a critical question and usually one of the first considerations. I r...
Next Level Thinking
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I realize saying something is "next level thinking' reeks of exaggeration and being overly dramatic, but in this case, it's not. There was a recent ev...
A "Must Understand" Concept
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All drama aside, what I talk about in this episode is a "must understand" concept for all of us as traders and investors. As you'll hear about, I came...
Know This to Avoid Scams!
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Scams are a very real thing. I've lost count of the number of people who have reached out to me about an "issue" to, unfortunately, realize they'd bee...
The #1 Goal for Traders (not risk management)
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we start a new year, I want to walk you through what I would argue should be the number one goal for all of us as traders. This is a goal that anyo...
Defeated Before You Begin
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A whole lot of whether or not you will find success as a trader depends on your attitudes and perspective before you begin. If you approach the world ...
2 Fears: 1 Good. 1 Bad.
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The true skill set of a trader has nothing to do with reading technical charts or understanding balance sheets and cash flow statements. The true skil...
Are You One of These Types of Traders?
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The market has a very sick sense of humor. If you've been around long enough, you know exactly what I mean by this! For the unsuspecting victims, they...
Living Wage? Let's Talk About It
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I want to talk about a topic that applies to all of us in one way or another. I recently had a conversation who made the argument that everyone should...
A Powerful Question
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, life is tough. It's correct, the world is not fair. Some people start off with more of a head start than others. You can't refute these things, t...
An Oversight Causing Failure
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you overlook this particular dynamic in trading and investing, you're going to experience failure. There's a couple of reasons for this and neither...
Answering Objections to Doubters
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I recently released a video with what I thought was a good argument for the logic some people choose to use in their learning journey. I was confronte...
Don't Listen to Me For This Reason
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's nothing that has not been said here before, but trading is very difficult. One of the biggest reasons is because of all the gray territory that e...
I'm a Dead Man Walking?
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I've started to get more aggressive in my current trading with SPX options and it's happened…I've been told I'm a dead man walking! I'm told it's on...
His Path To Slow and Consistent Gains
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The goal for us all is the same: gains. The problems for the vast majority of people can be traced back to the time component of these gains. When you...
Hands Off Swing Trading
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do emotions affect your trading results at all? Assuming you are a human being and honest with yourself, your answer is "yes!". For veteran traders in...
You Need These 3 Words
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I recently stumbled across an article which talked about a special three word phrase. This phrase comes from a public speaking expert from Stanford. I...
His Journey Started in the 1990's!
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Driving to your local brokerage in order to set up an account and place an order. This order to purchase a stock cost you $80 in commissions. How craz...