The more we seem to discuss mental health and addiction issues, the higher the numbers seem to go.  And I don't think this is a coincidence! For the past 10+ years, I've been studying our current messaging and listening to the stories of those impacted to try to figure out where we are going wrong. Most notably, I've been trying to figure it all out to make sense in my own life. In this episode, I take the first attempt at highlighting what I feel we are getting wrong, while also providing a new storytelling framework that I believe can help us to reverse course. Please listen. Please give feedback. And please share widely. Link to Bonus.com Article*  https://www.bonus.com/news/gambling-addiction-genetic-predisposition/ *note: this is a gambling affiliate news site and you will be exposed to gambling advertisements. Please do not click if this is a concern for you

The more we seem to discuss mental health and addiction issues, the higher the numbers seem to go.  And I don't think this is a coincidence! For the past 10+ years, I've been studying our current messaging and listening to the stories of those impacted to try to figure out where we are going wrong. Most notably, I've been trying to figure it all out to make sense in my own life. In this episode, I take the first attempt at highlighting what I feel we are getting wrong, while also providing a new storytelling framework that I believe can help us to reverse course. Please listen. Please give feedback. And please share widely. Link to <a href="http://Bonus.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonus.com</a> Article* <a href="https://www.bonus.com/news/gambling-addiction-genetic-predisposition/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bonus.com/news/gambling-addiction-genetic-predisposition/</a> *note: this is a gambling affiliate news site and you will be exposed to gambling advertisements. Please do not click if this is a concern for you

AG 099: Nature AND Nurture

John Gall had a brilliant take on how to build systems. "A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work. You have to start over with a working simple system." In this episode, I discuss how I'm creating my simple systems and how you can do the same.

John Gall had a brilliant take on how to build systems. "A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work. You have to start over with a working simple system." In this episode, I discuss how I'm creating my simple systems and how you can do the same.

AG 098: Building Simple Systems

In this episode, I cover the five benefits I see in my daily life when I keep my spaces and tech neat and orderly.

In this episode, I cover the five benefits I see in my daily life when I keep my spaces and tech neat and orderly.

AG 097: "Go Clean Your Room!" 

Winding down 2022 with a reflection that can help us all in 2023.

Winding down 2022 with a reflection that can help us all in 2023.

AG 096: Reflections

When gambling, I blocked out any input that didn't align with the "truth" I wanted to believe. After gambling, I have come to see great value in skepticism and the pursuit of truth and share thoughts on the topic in this episode.

When gambling, I blocked out any input that didn't align with the "truth" I wanted to believe. After gambling, I have come to see great value in skepticism and the pursuit of truth and share thoughts on the topic in this episode.

AG 095: Healthy Skepticism in Pursuit of Truth

Sometimes we miss our goals. Then what?

AG 094: Getting Back On Schedule

In this episode, we look into sunk cost bias and loss aversion to better understand what truly drove and eventually ended my gambling.

In this episode, we look into sunk cost bias and loss aversion to better understand what truly drove and eventually ended my gambling.

AG 093: Sunk Cost Bias & Loss Aversion

In this episode, I discuss a few ideas that were triggered by listening to Atomic Habits by James Clear. I also give an update on my progress as I tackle my procrastination and look to continue becoming the best version of myself. In the open, I mention the great work Christina is doing with The Broke Girl Society. You can  check out the podcast here.

In this episode, I discuss a few ideas that were triggered by listening to <a href="https://jamesclear.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Atomic Habits by James Clear</a>. I also give an update on my progress as I tackle my procrastination and look to continue becoming the best version of myself. In the open, I mention the great work Christina is doing with The Broke Girl Society. You can <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/74DP23EzfR6WPpPMLYq45x?si=a74fbb060cc541b9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> check out the podcast here</a>.

AG 092: Counting Days vs Making Days Count

In this episode, I respond to posts from r/problemgambling.

In this episode, I respond to posts from <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/problemgambling/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">r/problemgambling</a>.

AG 091: Reacting to Reddit Posts

When we are no longer gambling, we are blessed with this incredible amount of "new" time. In this episode, I share a few thoughts on how we can best use this time to improve our lives.

When we are no longer gambling, we are blessed with this incredible amount of "new" time. In this episode, I share a few thoughts on how we can best use this time to improve our lives.

AG 090: Time. Time. Time.

The After Gambling Podcast is a show dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of problem gambling. As a former compulsive gambler, I experienced the shame and isolation of my addiction on a daily basis. I didn't feel like anyone could understand my problem and that it was up to me to use my willpower to quit gambling.  Now, I want to reach out and help others overcome their gambling addiction.

Last 5 days I’ve started my morning off with 10 minutes of listening and has just put the little reminder in my head why I decided I should no longer gamble today.

Exactly what I needed.

Much love for this pod

The After Gambling Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by Tom Brew. Tom is celebrating 25 years clean from gambling with the release of his latest novel Darkness that highlights the mind and struggles of a problem gambler. Darkness is a follow-up to Tom's first novel The Ties That Bind. Tom and I discuss many different topics including how quickly the frequency and sizes of his wagers increased, the impact gambling had on his professional and personal life, and how diving headfirst into recovery helped him become a better person. Check out Tom's Books https://hilltop30.com/ The Ties That Bind Check it out on Amazon Darkness  Check it out on Amazon

In this episode, I'm joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/tombrewsports" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Brew</a>. Tom is celebrating 25 years clean from gambling with the release of his latest novel Darkness that highlights the mind and struggles of a problem gambler. Darkness is a follow-up to Tom's first novel The Ties That Bind. Tom and I discuss many different topics including how quickly the frequency and sizes of his wagers increased, the impact gambling had on his professional and personal life, and how diving headfirst into recovery helped him become a better person. Check out Tom's Books <a href="https://hilltop30.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hilltop30.com/</a> The Ties That Bind <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ties-That-Bind-Tom-Brew/dp/0985802111" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out on Amazon</a> Darkness <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&amp;rh=p_27%3ATom+Brew&amp;s=relevancerank&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;text=Tom+Brew&amp;ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Check it out on Amazon</a>

AG 054: Tom Shares His Struggles with Sports Betting and Discusses His New Novel About Gambling Addiction

After a long hiatus, I'm back to celebrate nine years free from my gambling addiction and also to share an update on what to expect in the future.

After a long hiatus, I'm back to celebrate nine years free from my gambling addiction and also to share an update on what to expect in the future.

AG 058: Celebrating Nine Years & What the Future Holds

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.

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.

AG 027: Joe Shares His Struggles with The Beast

In this episode, I share the details from the last day I gambled. 

In this episode, I share the details from the last day I gambled.

GSS 003: Running Off the Riverboat—The Day I Quit Gambling

Living with a gambling addiction is both mentally and physically exhausting. Even in recovery, exhaustion can lead to anxiety and depression. In this episode, we talk about exhaustion from gambling and I suggest ideas to help in recovery.

Living with a gambling addiction is both mentally and physically exhausting. Even in recovery, exhaustion can lead to anxiety and depression. In this episode, we talk about exhaustion from gambling and I suggest ideas to help in recovery.

AG 040: Mental & Physical Exhaustion from Gambling Addiction

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/

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 (<a href="https://twitter.com/WellPlayedWear" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@WellPlayedWear</a>) and follow her personal blog at: <a href="http://michelleelana.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://michelleelana.com/</a> Check out The Daily Sober on Twitter (<a href="GSS%20014:%20Michelle%20Joins%20the%20Podcast%20to%20Share%20Her%20Story" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@TheDailySober)</a> or at her website: <a href="http://dailysober.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://dailysober.com/</a> IN THE ROOMS: <a href="https://www.intherooms.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.intherooms.com/</a>

GSS 014: Michelle Joins the Podcast to Share Her Story

In this episode Steve (@gambling_free) joins the show to share his story. He discusses how he became a compulsive gambler, the lies and hiding, relapse and successful recovery as he is now 4 years clean from his gambling addiction. Follow &amp; Thank Steve on Twitter: @gambling_free

In this episode Steve (<a href="https://twitter.com/gambling_free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@gambling_free</a>) joins the show to share his story. He discusses how he became a compulsive gambler, the lies and hiding, relapse and successful recovery as he is now 4 years clean from his gambling addiction. Follow &amp; Thank Steve on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/gambling_free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@gambling_free</a>

AG 041: Steve Celebrates Four Years Clean and Shares His Story

In this episode, I answer the Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions and share thoughts and reflections on each question and how my life was impacted by my gambling. Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/content/20-questions

In this episode, I answer the Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions and share thoughts and reflections on each question and how my life was impacted by my gambling. Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions <a href="http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/content/20-questions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/content/20-questions</a>

AG 049: Answering the Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions

In this episode, I share how I went from someone who hated gambling to becoming addicted to poker.

In this episode, I share how I went from someone who hated gambling to becoming addicted to poker.

GSS 004: From Anti-Gambling to Addicted Poker Player

We often view recovery as a straight line of perfect performance. However, the reality is that recovery is messy and sometimes results in relapse. In this episode, I discuss what relapse tells us and how we can avoid relapses through education and actions.

We often view recovery as a straight line of perfect performance. However, the reality is that recovery is messy and sometimes results in relapse. In this episode, I discuss what relapse tells us and how we can avoid relapses through education and actions.

AG 048: A Few Thoughts on Relapse

If we are going to discuss gambling as a form of entertainment, then we need to separate it into two parts: A) entertainment derived from the game B) entertainment derived from the wager size/risk taken. If the entertainment level DOES NOT change with wager size/risk taken, then entertainment is from the game itself. but... If the entertainment level DOES change wager size/risk taken, then entertainment is from the risk-taking.

If we are going to discuss gambling as a form of entertainment, then we need to separate it into two parts: A) entertainment derived from the game B) entertainment derived from the wager size/risk taken. If the entertainment level DOES NOT change with wager size/risk taken, then entertainment is from the game itself. but... If the entertainment level DOES change wager size/risk taken, then entertainment is from the risk-taking.

AG 056: Challenging the Gambling as Entertainment Narrative

In this episode, I discuss my thoughts on using self-exclusion as a part of your recovery plan when quitting gambling.

In this episode, I discuss my thoughts on using self-exclusion as a part of your recovery plan when quitting gambling.

AG 052: Self-Exclusion

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 &amp; Jay Papasan  Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

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: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The One Thing by Gary Keller &amp; Jay Papasan</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=JT3GRF14RB8A4B1G10AJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown</a>

GSS 017: Compulsive Behaviors & Addictive Personality: How Compulsive Behavior Impacts My Life

Much of our focus as problem gamblers is on the financial losses and debts from our gambling addiction. However, the financial losses are just one small piece of the devastation caused by gambling. In this episode, we discuss other things beyond monetary losses which helps us see the whole story about our addiction.

Much of our focus as problem gamblers is on the financial losses and debts from our gambling addiction. However, the financial losses are just one small piece of the devastation caused by gambling. In this episode, we discuss other things beyond monetary losses which helps us see the whole story about our addiction.

AG 031: The Other Things We Lose While Gambling

If you're like me, you've likely had your attempts to quit gambling unravel when a gambling thought or urge enters your mind. In this episode, I cover how I use The Full Story method to help me in my recovery from compulsive gambling.

If you're like me, you've likely had your attempts to quit gambling unravel when a gambling thought or urge enters your mind. In this episode, I cover how I use The Full Story method to help me in my recovery from compulsive gambling.

GSS 005: Dealing with Gambling Thoughts & Urges in Recovery

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.

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 (<a href="https://twitter.com/JPWdel1955" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JPWdel1955</a>) and thank him for sharing his story.

GSS 021: Jeff Joins the Show to Share His Story

In this episode, I dive into game theory (finite vs infinite games) and discuss why it's literally impossible to win at the game of gambling. Simon Sinek https://startwithwhy.com/

In this episode, I dive into game theory (finite vs infinite games) and discuss why it's literally impossible to win at the game of gambling. Simon Sinek <a href="https://startwithwhy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://startwithwhy.com/</a>

AG 053: Why It's Literally Impossible to "Win" the Game of Gambling

How can you fill your time after you quit gambling? What are healthy new hobbies to start in order to fill the time that was spent gambling?  In this episode, I'll provide four areas to look to in order to fill the time spent gambling in order to prevent gambling thoughts or urges. 

How can you fill your time after you quit gambling? What are healthy new hobbies to start in order to fill the time that was spent gambling?  In this episode, I'll provide four areas to look to in order to fill the time spent gambling in order to prevent gambling thoughts or urges.

AG 035: Finding New Hobbies After You Quit Gambling

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.

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.

GSS 013: Dealing With The Financial Guilt of a Gambling Problem

Last night, my Cleveland Browns football team won the first game in nearly two years. In this episode, I discuss why this was such a special moment for me and why betting on games takes away the pureness and connection that is at the heart of sport. 

Last night, my Cleveland Browns football team won the first game in nearly two years. In this episode, I discuss why this was such a special moment for me and why betting on games takes away the pureness and connection that is at the heart of sport.

AG 037: The Victory Edition

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

What is this?
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from a carefully curated podcast episode.
Every Monday & Wednesday.

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