In this episode of Chat With Traders, Michael Martin, a professional futures trader with over 30 years of experience, shares his journey into the world of commodity futures trading. He discusses his early influences, starting from his blue-collar upbringing in New York to his exposure to the financial markets. Martin details his initial strategies, risk management techniques, and the mental challenges he faced while trading with limited capital and high commission rates. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to market conditions, managing emotions, and continuously learning from both successes and mistakes. Martin also touches on his transition from working on Wall Street to starting his own CTA, driven by a desire for greater independence and profitability, and highlights the significance of self-awareness and philanthropy in his trading philosophy.