In a fresh twist on poker celebrity culture, six-time Poker Hall of Fame inductee Daniel Negreanu is setting aside his well-known poker commentary to launch a new podcast with his wife, Amanda Leatherman Negreanu. Unlike many of his poker peers, who turn to YouTube and podcast platforms to discuss poker hands and tournament strategies, Negreanu’s upcoming show, Mania, promises a broader, more personal scope.
Debuting on November 12, Mania marks a clear departure from the poker-centered content Negreanu’s nearly 900,000 YouTube subscribers are used to. Known for his high-stakes insights and vlogs chronicling his professional life, the Canadian poker icon is shifting gears. Described as “Bipolar, Bold, and Unfiltered,” the new show will cover everything from relationships to mental health, but will deliberately sidestep poker strategy.
In a recent interview with CardPlayer magazine, Negreanu explained the motivation behind the new project. “This show is really for us,” he shared. “If you’ve seen our vlogs or streams, you’ll have a sense of our chemistry and how we banter. We both see this as a creative outlet, and while I hope people will enjoy it, the show is ultimately about expressing ourselves in a way we don’t always get to.”
The couple’s decision to start a podcast was years in the making. “We’ve talked about doing this for a long time, and finally, it just felt right,” Negreanu noted. He added that creating Mania has been a positive experience for their relationship, giving them a platform to discuss personal topics and connect on camera. The show’s format will be loose, with plans to cover everything from love and mental health to humorous personal anecdotes. “Episode one barely touched on the emotional side of poker losses,” he said, “but it won’t be limited to that—we may invite guests, share stories, and tackle various subjects with humor and honesty.”
One of the show’s more unique aspects will be Amanda’s openness about her experiences with bipolar disorder, as well as Daniel’s perspective on supporting a partner with mental health challenges. Negreanu hopes their candid approach will resonate with listeners who may find value or comfort in their shared experiences. “Maybe some of what we talk about will help others. If not, we’re still having fun with it.”
Mania will be widely available across multiple platforms, including Apple, Spotify, Twitter/X, and Daniel’s YouTube channel, ensuring fans have plenty of ways to tune in. And in a playful twist, the couple plans to react to comments from their audience, including any criticism. As Daniel jokingly put it, “Even the really bad and mean ones—haha!”
With its unconventional approach and the Negreanus’ promise to keep things bold and real, Mania looks set to break new ground and bring a fresh voice to the podcast scene.