In this episode of the Market Mamas podcast, host Becky Gaskell sits down with Michael Serpico, the creator of "Trader Dad." Michael shares his extensive journey through the financial world, from his early days as an intern on the New York Mercantile Exchange floor to navigating the 2008 financial crisis. They explore the unique risk frameworks that women vs men bring to the market, and the importance of finding a trading style that aligns with your personal life and temperament. You can now support Becky by buying her a coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/marketmamas 👉 BluSky Trading Company: https://blusky.pro?ref=mmamas This is my preferred futures prop firm for many reasons, including a variety of plan options, excellent customer service, daily payouts, and the quickest path to brokerage! Use code ‘mamas’ for 50% off launch plans for all new users to BluSky, and code ‘mmamas’ for 30% off premium plans! 👉 If you find that now is your time to upgrade your trading setup, I highly recommend this incredible resource from a leader in trading computers. https://www.tradingcomputerbuyersguide.com/market-mamas-eztc-tcbg Check it out and receive a $50 off coupon just by looking at their informative PDF! Key Takeaways: The Evolution of the Floor: Starting as a clerk at 19, Michael witnessed the transition from "open outcry" trading to the digital age, gaining a unique perspective on the trade life cycle. Risk Frameworks and Gender: Michael discusses how some of the most profitable traders he encountered were women, noting they often possess a fundamentally different and more disciplined risk framework. The Value of Mentorship: Both Becky and Michael discuss the "game-changing" impact of finding a consistent mentor to help fine-tune strategies and manage the psychological highs and lows. Trading as a Craft: Success requires more than just a strategy; it requires a passion for the "lifestyle" and the intellectual puzzle, similar to an actor practicing their craft at night. Episode Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Introduction: Women’s unique risk frameworks and why many top traders Michael met were women. [00:03:12] – NYMEX Internship: Experiencing open outcry floor trading and the transition to electronic markets. [00:09:30] – Finance Degree & Prop Firm: Entering the options market making before the 2008 financial crisis. [00:14:36] – Technical Proficiency: Coding in Python at night and backtesting automated strategies. [00:25:35] – Trading for Survival: Why needing trading income for bills creates destructive psychological pressure. [00:33:40] – The Power of Mentorship: How finding the right mentor accelerated Becky’s profitability. [00:39:25] – Automation & Backtesting: Building Python-based systems, trailing stops, and risk filters. 🔗 Connect with the Trader Dad: 👉 Substack - https://substack.com/@traderdads 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traderdads/ 👉 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0s9XEdFSfSfV_n49fWvvAQ 👉 Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/traderdads/ 🔗 More from Market Mamas: 👉 Website: www.market-mamas.com 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-gaskell-market-mamas/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mm_marketmamas 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551100341049&mibextid=b06tZ0 👉 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@market.mamas 👉 Email: contactus@market-mamas.com #DayTrading #FuturesTrading #TraderDad #MarketMamas #TradingPsychology #WomenInTrading #FinancialCrisis #TraderJourney #TraderMindset