The Gambling Still Sucks Podcast

In this episode, my new friend Joe joined the show to share his battle against the beast. At the peak of his gambling, Joe had progressed to $150 spins on slot machines and was betting thousands on boxing fights. Now, Joe is living a great life in recovery and has been able to keep his beast contained.

As you can see, I've recently updated the name of the podcast from The Gambling Still Sucks Podcast to The After Gambling Podcast. In this episode I share the thoughts and reasons behind the change.

I was shocked when I found out that US military bases around the world have slot machines. We all know gambling can be a means for escaping reality and the pitfalls that can result of using it in this way. In this episode Jeffrey Wasserman (@JPWdel1955) of the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems joins the show to share the work he is doing to help our Veterans that are struggling with a gambling problem. RESOURCES https://maketheconnection.net/symptoms/gambling https://www.ncpgambling.org/training-certification/national-conference/

Are you giving yourself chance to evaluate your recovery? What's working? What isn't? In this episode, I encourage you to take a moment to evaluate your progress and take action to further strengthen your recovery.

If you've ever had a suicidal thought after gambling, you're not alone. Research shows that 4/5 problem gamblers have had a suicidal thought or attempt.  In this episode, I share my personal struggles on the topic as well as the thought that has helped me through even my darkest times.

Most people, myself included, make several attempts to quit gambling on their own before seeking out help. In this episode, I discuss the benefits of having a support system and share a few examples of how a support system has helped myself and others with our gambling problem.

In this episode, Jeff joins the show and we discuss the SCOTUS ruling that will expand sports betting in the United States as well as the impact GA has had on his recovery. Be sure to follow Jeff on Twitter (@JPWdel1955) and thank him for sharing his story.

This past week, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling which will allow individual states to write their own laws with regards to sports betting. Many states have already added laws to allow for sports betting to take place within their state. In this episode, I share my reaction.

I loved playing poker. It was something I never wanted to give up doing. So how do we say goodbye to an activity that we enjoyed in the pursuit of a better life?

In this episode, I share about a recent trip I took to a place I wouldn't otherwise go.

I'm a compulsive person. This can be a great thing when applied properly, but can also create huge problems if I'm not careful. In this episode, I discuss other areas that I've been compulsive in and the pros and cons of my compulsive behavior. BOOKS MENTIONED: The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

As you start to accumulate clean time after quitting gambling, certain situations or environments can cause problems. In this episode, I cover the four pitfalls I've experienced and that I see others experience as we are recovering from gambling addiction.

When I first tried to quit gambling, I took the willpower approach. I just wasn't going to gamble again. Aside from making that declaration, I did nothing else to curb my addiction. It didn't work. Now, I'm much more aware of the role willpower should play in my recovery as well as how to ensure my willpower tank is always full.    

In this episode, Michelle shares the progression of her gambling disorder. We discuss how the presence of a new local casino and their rewards program increased the frequency and amounts of her gambling. We also dive into women and gambling as well as many other topics. FIND MICHELLE ONLINE: You can find Michelle on Twitter (@WellPlayedWear) and follow her personal blog at: http://michelleelana.com/ Check out The Daily Sober on Twitter (@TheDailySober) or at her website: http://dailysober.com/ IN THE ROOMS: https://www.intherooms.com/

Coming to grips with the financial fallout of a gambling problem can be extremely difficult. It's really easy to focus on the money lost. In this episode, I share a thought process that is helping me turn a negative into a positive.

I can't stand the "gambling prevention" campaigns that highlight "Responsible Gambling" as the solution to avoiding the pitfalls of gambling. In this episode, I discuss why I think these ads create more harm than good.

I created this episode to act as a bridge between problem gamblers and their loved ones. Finding the strength to come clean about a gambling addiction is extremely difficult. Personally, I was unable to do so. It took getting caught in order for me to have this tough conversation. It's my hope that this episode can provide insight into the addiction and will lead to positive dialog and action to help compulsive gamblers and their families start the path towards recovery.

In this episode, one of my close friends joins the podcast to share his story. Rob and I met 2.5 years ago at a Gamblers Anonymous meeting and have become close friends. Hearing Rob give therapy is often like looking in a mirror as we played the same game and have so many shared experiences. I was excited when Rob offered to share his story and I couldn't think of a better first guest!

When I was gambling, I always thought the next time would be different. I'd quit when I was ahead and would be on the path towards getting out of debt and on with my life. It didn't work and in this episode I outline why it didn't and also touch on the dangers of using similar messaging in gambling prevention campaigns.

Going to your first Gamblers Anonymous meeting is like the first day at school or a new job. You aren't sure what to expect, so there is a natural and normal sense of anxiety. In this episode, I'll outline what it's like to attend a meeting to help reduce your fears.