Digital Social Hour: AI vs Poker – How This Pro Player Sees Tech's Future | Robbie Jade Lew DSH #1098

Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In episode #1098 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Robbie Jade Lew, a professional poker player who transitioned from a successful career in the biopharmaceutical biotech industry to the high-stakes world of poker. The conversation delves deep into Robbie's unique sleep patterns, his passion for poker, the challenges within the poker community, and his insightful perspectives on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in both poker and broader society.

1. Personal Background and Unique Sleep Patterns

[00:58 – 02:31]

Robbie begins by discussing his identity as a "night owl" and his unconventional sleep schedule. Unlike the typical 24-hour cycle, Robbie explains that his sleep cycle extends to approximately 34 hours, a trait identified during his sleep therapy sessions.

Robbie Jade Lew [02:05]:
"Not every human was meant to be in a 24-hour cycle. And for me, he said mine's just like more closer to like a 34."

This unique rhythm allows Robbie extended periods of wakefulness followed by longer sleep phases, which he attributes to his heightened cognitive functions during his awake times.

2. Transition from Biotech to Poker

[03:17 – 05:47]

Robbie shares his journey from the biopharmaceutical industry to becoming a full-time poker player. Coming from a family that prioritized education, Robbie initially pursued a business-oriented career in creating cancer drugs. However, the pandemic served as a catalyst, providing him the financial stability to focus on his passion for poker.

Robbie Jade Lew [04:50]:
"If you're doing what you love, there's a way to monetize it. I wasn't really thinking about monetizing it. I just had enough money... to lose at the time."

This shift allowed Robbie to explore poker more deeply, eventually leading him to drop out of college to pursue it professionally.

3. Poker Preferences: Cash Games vs. Tournaments

[05:47 – 08:08]

Robbie discusses his preference for cash games over tournaments, highlighting the discipline and strategic depth required for each.

Robbie Jade Lew [05:48]:
"I do love the game a lot. Doesn't matter what stakes it is, and it doesn't even matter if it's cash or tournaments."

He appreciates cash games for their flexibility and the continuous play they offer, whereas tournaments demand more discipline and long-term strategic planning.

4. Challenges and Dynamics within the Poker Community

[08:51 – 22:05]

Robbie delves into the darker aspects of the poker world, including drama, cheating scandals, and the gender disparity in the sport. He emphasizes that the poker community is relatively small, making reputational damage more impactful.

Robbie Jade Lew [09:53]:
"Word gets around. Whether you owe someone money or you made a disrespectful move, people talk... you might not get invited back."

He also addresses the significant underrepresentation of women in poker, citing instances where female players face additional challenges balancing personal life and the demanding nature of the sport.

Robbie Jade Lew [21:54]:
"There's a little bit more of a disparity when you get into the lives of others that play poker... gender disparity is still something that the industry grapples with."

5. Reality TV Experiences and Public Perception

[22:05 – 39:58]

Robbie shares his experiences participating in poker reality TV shows, particularly emphasizing the scrutiny and accusations of cheating he faced. These experiences highlighted the complexities of maintaining one’s reputation in the public eye.

Robbie Jade Lew [37:01]:
"I fought because I didn't want the world to think this of me. I know my truth and I know that I didn't cheat."

He discusses how negative public perception initially affected him but eventually led to a stronger resolve to ignore baseless accusations and focus on his game.

Robbie Jade Lew [38:15]:
"Now I just laugh at them. I have fun with it. It's more comical to me than it was in the beginning."

6. The Future of AI in Poker and Society

[39:00 – 52:54]

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the role of AI in poker and its broader implications for society. Robbie is enthusiastic about AI, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Robbie Jade Lew [41:11]:
"AI isn't AI unless you prompt it to be AI right now. And there's going to be a new herd of individuals that have skill sets that we absolutely need in order for AI to thrive."

He believes that technological advancements will create new job opportunities and enhance various aspects of life, including the evolution of poker strategies.

Robbie Jade Lew [47:00]:
"Everybody has something to offer because people always worry about their purpose and their place in life. We have to learn to incorporate it and monetize it."

Robbie also touches upon the ethical considerations of AI, advocating for its responsible integration to benefit society.

Robbie Jade Lew [49:40]:
"We can't get rid of AI, we can't get rid of technological advancements... but we can learn to incorporate them and monetize them."

He envisions a future where AI assists in everyday tasks, making life more efficient and allowing humans to focus on more creative and strategic endeavors.

Conclusion

Robbie Jade Lew's insights offer a multifaceted view of the intersection between technology and poker. From his personal experiences and challenges within the poker community to his optimistic outlook on AI's role in shaping the future, Robbie provides a compelling narrative on adaptation and growth. His journey underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements while navigating the complexities of public perception and community dynamics.

For those interested in following Robbie's endeavors in poker and technology, he maintains an active presence across various social media platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Robbie Jade Lew [00:58]:
  "I've always known that as since I've been young, I was told that it was really hard to get me to bed."

• Robbie Jade Lew [02:31]:
  "Not every human was meant to be in a 24-hour cycle. And for me, he said mine's just like more closer to like a 34."

• Robbie Jade Lew [03:57]:
  "I just love poker so much, it's hard to get me out."

• Robbie Jade Lew [08:57]:
  "Those type of people just won't be invited back as often as they want to be."

• Robbie Jade Lew [14:49]:
  "I think AI is the future. If there's anything that I find more fascinating than anything is AI."

• Robbie Jade Lew [41:11]:
  "AI isn't AI unless you prompt it to be AI right now."

• Robbie Jade Lew [49:40]:
  "We can't get rid of AI, we can't get rid of technological advancements... but we can learn to incorporate them and monetize them."

Stay Connected with Robbie Jade Lew

To keep up with Robbie Jade Lew's latest ventures in poker and technology, follow him on his social media channels listed below:

• Instagram: @RobbieJadeLew
• Twitter: @RobbieJadeLew
• Poker Profile: RobbieJadeLew.com
• LinkedIn: Robbie Jade Lew

Thank you for tuning into Digital Social Hour. Stay connected for more in-depth conversations with thought-provoking figures from around the world.