Fantasy Or Reality? The Gambling Problem Podcast

[42] Finances And Gambling - Stop The Bleeding

March 09, 2024 17:14 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

Hello Again! In this episode I detail some ideas I have had, heard from others, and what my wife and I did early on handling our finances, access to money and retraining my relationship with money while rebuilding financial trust (slooooooowly!) I detail what other people have done, what worked for us and steps to go about taking while early on in recovery to stop then bleeding and how to slowly work your way back into responsibly handling money. Heres a link to the True Link debit card I r...

[41] Managing The Curveballs Thrown At You In Life While In Recovery

March 02, 2024 21:46 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

Welcome back....Again!! Sorry for the long absence again, but I'm back with an episode on how I deal with the financial curveballs thrown at me in life. These financial difficulties are issues in the past that would absolutely triggered me into gambling again or even more. I talk about how myself and my wife are able to work through the types of things together now. COMMUNICATION! Enjoy! Thoughts, comments or to be a guest email at [email protected]

[40] Is Addiction A Disease? I'm Not So Sure...

October 25, 2023 19:33 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MB

In this episode I detail my thoughts on the book I am reading titled "You Are Not Your Brain, The 4 Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life", as well as talking about why I don't see addiction as a disease anymore, how I do see it, and ways I went about changing my thinking and thought processes in my mind. I am not a doctor, scientist, therapist, researcher, elephant, yada yada yada these are just my thoughts and opinions! Please sha...

[39] Long Term Recovery And What Works For Me

August 27, 2023 11:08 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

Hey everyone! Welcome back after a four month break! In this episode I talk whats been going on in my life and what has worked for me in my long term recovery being almost 2 years and 4 months bet free! I hope you enjoy! Question, comments or to be a guest email [email protected]

[38] 2 Years Bet Free

May 03, 2023 01:11 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

Hey all its been 2 months since Ive checked in with you all so I thought today would be the perfect time! 2 years bet free for me today and I could not be happier! Thank you for joining me on this journey and I look forward to the next 365; One day at a time! Edit: I mentioned that I would be on the All Bets Off podcast; I meant to say Fold Em hosted by Adrienne Cossom! Sorry!! Ill put the episode details in when its comes out!

[37] Taking Responsibility, Watching the Super Bowl and other topics!

March 04, 2023 11:47 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

In this episode I detail watching the Super Bowl which was the first sporting event I watched since I stopped betting almost 2 years ago, taking responsibility for my actions and not being the victim of my situation and other topics! Inspired by South Park! Also come down and say hello at the NYCPG annual conference on problem gambling at the Marriot at 189 wolf rd, Albany, NY on March 8th and 9th! https://nyproblemgambling.org/conference/ Movie I reference: 4 Good Days : https://m.imdb.com/...

[36] Lived Experience - Brian Hatch (All In: The Addicted Gamblers Podcast, The Bet Free Life) Joins Us To Talk Recovery, Marriage And A Recent Lapse In His Recovery

February 06, 2023 03:12 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This is an episode I have looked forward to having for a long time and it could not have been a better discussion. Brian comes on to tell his story of gambling, how and why he stopped, but also talks about a recent lapse in recovery where he began buying baseball cards problematically. Brian could not have been any more open and raw about what happened and we have a great talk about these topics and more including our upcoming attendance at the NYCPGs annual conference March 8th and 9th! Com...

[35] Where We Are And Where We Want To Be

January 21, 2023 11:31 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Hey everyone! In this one I discuss where I am at today and assess if it is where I want to be. I encourage you to ask yourself that question as well! If you are not where you want to be set small goals and work on them daily and I promise change will follow! If you want to be a guest or have questions email me at [email protected]

[34] A Short Simple Way Of Trying To Explain Gambling Addiction To A Non Gambler

December 12, 2022 13:17 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

In this short episode I try to compare gambling addiction to something many people can understand. Addiction to sugar and poor food choices and how I think they compare. Hopefully this can help someone who's never had a gambling addiction understand a little better why people who have had or have a gambling addiction will make a poor choice in continuing a behavior we know isn't good for us.

[33] Do Meeting Makers Make It?

December 09, 2022 17:14 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

Hey All! In this one I discuss the importance of meetings, but also why I believe its not the only thing we need. I answer this question and my thoughts on why. Send me your thoughts and ideas on this topic. [email protected]. PS: Sorry for the background noise in this one! Won't be recording there again!

[33] Do Meeting Makers Make it?

December 09, 2022 17:14 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

Hey All! In this one I discuss the importance of meetings, but also why I believe its not the only thing we need. I answer this question and my thoughts on why. Send me your thoughts and ideas on this topic. [email protected]. PS: Sorry for the background noise in this one! Won't be recording there again!

[32] Do I Have A Gambling Problem? Does Someone I Love Have A Gambling Problem?

November 18, 2022 14:22 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MB

If you have asked yourself either one of these questions take a listen to this episode. In this episode I go over signs to look out for in yourself or others to identifying a potential gambling problem. I go over thoughts and feelings I would have and why. Many times the line is blurred between having fun and the starts of a problem with gambling and we may not realize how far our addiction has gone until we are far down the road. We can work back from this and better ourselves in our lives. ...

[31] Physical Fitness And What Works For Me In Recovery

November 11, 2022 18:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Hey everyone! Welcome to another podcast from the road! I hope this one sounds all right! In this one I talk about what works for me and my recovery and why physical fitness is so important to me. It helps my mindset and my mental health greatly and I would suggest anyone and everyone try a fitness lifesty; especially those coming into recovery! If you're not sure of where to start or begin with nutrition or recovery program feel free to reach out to me and I will guide you the best I can! Fa...

[30] Reflections From The Road!

November 07, 2022 15:43 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MB

In this episode I'm trying something a little different in an effort to try to get more podcasts out! My route has changed up recently and I have some time waiting to be unloaded so I figured why not try and record something on my phone? It may not compare to recording with a microphone on a computer but let's give this a shot! In this one I talk about my past weekend and how Saturday and Sunday were completely different types of days. Saturday being full of multiple difficulties I would have...

[29] A Conversation With 3 Recovering Problem Gamblers (Jamie S., Todd S. and Steve D.)

October 09, 2022 12:17 - 1 hour - 61.7 MB

Im very excited to share this episode with everyone! In this one I am joined by 2 great friends in recovery Jamie S. (The After Gambling Podcast) and Todd S. who came on and shared his incredible story back in April (Ep 22). The three of us along with a small group meet through zoom every Monday night at 7:30 to have our weekly GA/Problem Gambling meeting where we discuss topics ranging from the Daily reading from the blue book to daily life problems and successes. This group has been instrum...

[28.5] "My Shining Star"

September 16, 2022 02:13 - 4 minutes - 8.04 MB

Another original song of mine titled "My Shining Star"

[28.5] Shine A Light On Problem Gambling Fun Run Information/ "My Shining Star"

September 16, 2022 02:13 - 6 minutes - 6.25 MB

Hey all I am just giving some information on an upcoming event where we are trying to spread awareness and de-stigmatize problem gambling. I will include the link to the event and you can find the information there to come and join us on our FUN RUN to SHINE A LIGHT ON PROBLEM GAMBLING put on by the NYCPG and Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center. I also include an original song of mine titled "My Shining Star" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shine-a-light-on-problem-gambling-recovery-one...

[28] NFL Season Approaching

September 02, 2022 02:31 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MB

Hey everyone! This is a shorter episode in which I speak on the upcoming NFL and NBA seasons and we as problem compulsive gamblers need to mindful of this time. I also detail some special events and times upcoming and that just occurred with my incredible wife Kelly and my kids! Hope you all had a great Summmmah!

[27] Does Draftkings Promote Responsible Gambling? I Think Not..

August 03, 2022 02:19 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

In this episode I discuss some recent events in regards to Draftkings so called responsible gambling/gaming initiatives and being recognized for this at the recent NCPG Conference and my thoughts on it. What do you they were?!! Enjoy the episode! To be a guest or share thoughts email at [email protected] Article Referenced in this episode: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/draftkings-attends-promotes-and-sponsors-conference-on-responsible-gambling/

[26] Reframing, Rethinking and Relearning

July 20, 2022 01:37 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MB

In this episode I discuss having a great weekend with my best friend Johnny Boy and his family as well as the feelings it brought up being back in my hometown on Long Island. I discuss reframing my thoughts on certain feelings I had while there, how I dealt with restarting a relationship with a family member I had not spoken with in a year as well as learning to enjoy the journey and not be so focused on an end goal because honestly life goes too fast and I think we all need to be in the mome...

[25] Reading, Reacting and Sharing Thoughts On a NY Times Article On Sports Betting Addiction

June 26, 2022 04:23 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MB

In this lovely episode I read parts of the NY Times article titled "It’s Easy (and Legal) to Bet on Sports. Do Young Adults Know the Risks?" written by Marie Fazio. It details a young man named Saul Maleks battle with Sports Betting Addiction and his recovery. I also read and try and think my way through my thoughts and feelings about some of the comments, positive and negative, left on this article. Great job from Saul and the NY Times on bringing more attention to this growing problem in a...

[24] Can We Let Go Of Negative Thoughts?

May 31, 2022 00:54 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

How are you? I'm curious how you all are doing today and in your life of recovery. In this episode I ask how are you? I detail some passages from my journal from my early days and where my mind was at compared to where it is today and how I got to the point I am today. I also speak on a recent article in USA TODAY my wife and I were in and how it made me feel and why. Questions, comments or if you would like to be a guest email me at [email protected]

[24] Can We Let Go Of Negative Thoughts and Self Hate?

May 31, 2022 00:54 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

How are you? I'm curious how you all are doing today and in your life of recovery. In this episode I ask how are you? I detail some passages from my journal from my early days and where my mind was at compared to where it is today and how I got to the point I am today. I also speak on a recent article in USA TODAY my wife and I were in and how it made me feel and why. Questions, comments or if you would like to be a guest email me at [email protected]

[23.5] Lauren Daigle - You Say (Acoustic cover)

May 21, 2022 02:28 - 5 minutes - 4.7 MB

This song by Lauren Daigle has meant a lot to me the last few months and I feel it hits a lot of how I felt during my addiction and through recovery. I hope you enjoy my rendition! The actual song is linked at the bottom. Lyrics I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know Ooh-oh You say I am loved when I ...

[23] One Year Bet Free

May 11, 2022 01:57 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

In this episode I talk about hitting my 1 year mark bet free from my last date of bet on 5/2/21 and how my life has completely changed since then. I reflect on how I felt back in these days and weeks last year and how this year is different. I talk about what has worked for me and why. Thank you so much to everyone for listening and being here with me on this journey over the last year! We can all live a happy and addiction free life One Day At A Time! Questions, comments or if you'd like to...

[22] Lived Experience- Todd S. From New Jersey Shares His Sports Betting Addiction Story, Recovery And Life 4 Years Bet Free

April 23, 2022 20:21 - 1 hour - 69.6 MB

In this episode I am really excited to introduce you all to Todd S. from New Jersey! Todd and I both attend the same Monday night Zoom meeting every week. We both found this group through our friend Jamie who runs The After Gambling Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-after-gambling-podcast/id1346227100 a fantastic resource for problem gamblers seeking out recovery. Todd and I discuss many topics ranging from sports betting and DFS to what works for us in recovery and also what...

[21] Steve Shares His Thoughts And Coughs Too Much!

April 07, 2022 01:39 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

In this short episode I check in with everyone after being away from the podcast for a few weeks. I talk balance, a few ideas on recovery and mental health, and cough waaaay too much! Sorry I'm getting over a cold or something along those lines! The next one will be better I promise! New Mic next episode, hopefully!

[20] Lived Experience- Author, Musician And Journalist Mike Bernos from Florida Shares His Story

March 20, 2022 12:00 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MB

In this episode I am pleased to be joined by Mike Bernos an Author, Musician and Journalist who turned many years of off and on gambling addiction into a positive by writing about his journey in a book titled "What Dostoyevsky Didn't Know About Gambling (150 Years Later We Are Still Vexed By It)". This was a wonderful conversation with Mike I think we all can learn a lot from. He is a talented author and musician which I love of course! You can find his work as a musician here: http://www.am...

[19] Solo Steve talks topics like NYCPG Conference, PGAM, recent interviews and more

March 08, 2022 02:14 - 33 minutes - 31.4 MB

Hey Everyone! This is my first solo episode in the last 4 and I'm excited to ramble on about the happenings over the last month, whats coming up and of course how I feel! This is a special month for us recovering problem gamblers and affected others. This is PGAM (Problem Gambling Awareness Month). New York is having its annual conference this year virtually on march 9th and 10th, please come join us here: https://nycpg.dialogedu.com/virtual-conference/ Heres the activities each week I spoke...

[18] Lived Experience- Alex From Alabama Shares His Sports Betting Addiction

March 02, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

In this Episode I was joined by Alex from Alabama who came to tell us his journey through a gambling addiction to Sports Betting. He was open enough to share his struggles with his addiction beginning at the age of 17 up until the age of 27. He finally began seeking help last year in 2021 through one on one therapy with one brief relapse on January 7th, but he has been bet free since then. Stories like Alex's are very powerful and all too common, but go unseen due to the nature of this hidde...

[17] Lived Experience- Ted Hartwell shares his story of Gambling Addiction and Recovery

February 27, 2022 00:48 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MB

In this episode I am joined by Ted Hartwell from Las Vegas, Nevada. He has over 14 years in recovery and has a powerful story from start to finish in which he details his journey from controlled gambling starting at a young age, through his compulsive gambling years into his time in recovery. He is a member of the Nevada Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling and the Nation Council on Problem Gambling. Im grateful to have had Ted come on and share his story of recovery, strength and hope! Fr...

[16] My Best Friend John Joins Me To Discuss Addiction

February 21, 2022 12:52 - 44 minutes - 41.3 MB

In this episode my best friend John and I talk addiction, our long friendship, the differences between being a problem gambler and a non-problem gambler. We also dive into an event from today and why I felt the way I did and how it relates back to my childhood and early adulthood with feelings of being discarded or abandoned. Thanks for listening! Here is the link to my wife Kellys Podcast "I, Butterfly; A Podcast For Affected Others" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7GpTILF7OkeT0xEMCSUevw?...

[15] Superbowl And Reflections On The Past Week

February 12, 2022 03:01 - 30 minutes - 28.6 MB

In this episode I speak on the upcoming Superbowl and recognizing triggers and how I plan to handle this weekend. I also talk on my week, upcoming plans and how my wife and I's recovery has been going. I also talk on some family issues, my thoughts and really learning on breaking down my thoughts and feelings and why I feel these things. Please reach out and share your story and I'll read whatever you are comfortable sharing on the podcast. We are not alone; we can do this together. Email fa...

[14.5] " Now and Forever"

February 07, 2022 14:49 - 4 minutes - 8.31 MB

Another song I wrote for my wife. Enjoy!

[14] Thoughts and Feelings from this past week

February 03, 2022 02:16 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MB

In this episode I speak on my thoughts and feelings on the story in The NY Times by Kurt Streeter titled "The Rising Human Cost of Sports Betting" as well as my thoughts and feelings on the large increase in listeners due to being featured in this story. I also speak on why therapy is so important to myself, my wife and our recoveries as well as learning to live each day with the ups and downs. NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/31/sports/football/super-bowl-sports-betting.html...

[13] Gambling Stories on HBO/ NY Times and my feelings

January 29, 2022 03:03 - 30 minutes - 28.6 MB

Hey all! In this episode I talk about how my week has been, Gambling in the news and my thoughts and feelings on what is going on with the legalization of sports betting. I get a little worked up in this one!! I hope you enjoy! Go watch the HBO real sports episode that just came out that has a 20 minute segment on the recent legalization and its impact. Also keep an eye out for an article in the NY Times coming out on 1/31/22. It may have a certain someone telling his story you may know! Emai...

[13] Gambling Addiction Stories on HBO/ NY Times and my feelings

January 29, 2022 03:03 - 30 minutes - 28.6 MB

Hey all! In this episode I talk about how my week has been, Gambling in the news and my thoughts and feelings on what is going on with the legalization of sports betting. I get a little worked up in this one!! I hope you enjoy! Go watch the HBO real sports episode that just came out that has a 20 minute segment on the recent legalization and its impact. Also keep an eye out for an article in the NY Times coming out on 1/31/22. It may have a certain someone telling his story you may know! Emai...

[12] "I Am Addiction"

January 21, 2022 01:52 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

In this episode I speak on some difficult topics that come along with gambling addiction and recovery. First off if you are having thoughts of suicide please call 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to someone. I talk legalized sports betting in NY, a recent suicide due to gambling addiction, read a poem on addiction and try to sing a song about being in active addiction (not as well as I would have liked, but its ok) Be good to yourselves. We all can love one another until we can love ourselves. PS ...

[11] Life's Not Always Easy In Recovery

January 06, 2022 02:29 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

In this episode I speak on my rough days over the holidays and how life is not always easy in this journey. It was a tough Christmas and week afterwards. I had a lot of anger as did my wife and I speak on how these days were. Thankfully New years was much better. I got to spend some great time with family, playing music, games and more. I also reconnect and make amends with an old friend. #gamblingaddiction #gambling #addictionrecovery #Fantasyorreality #the gpp #dailyfantasysports #recovery

[10.5] "In The Moment"

December 24, 2021 22:07 - 4 minutes - 8.63 MB

Another original song by yours truly. Enjoy!

[10] Marriage, Family and Recovery

December 23, 2021 01:58 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

In this episode Kelly and I talk on the topic of positives we have gained through our recovery process, what we have learned and what we hope for the future. We also talk on how we have brought our recover process into our family and how we discuss it with our children. For anyone wanting to try therapy at a discounted rate try betterhelp.com. This is not a promotion or ad I just have been hearing about it helping a lot of people that may not have access or feel comfortable going to in person...

[9.5] "Sunset Serenade"

December 17, 2021 00:54 - 4 minutes - 7.66 MB

This is a song I wrote for my wife to tell her I loved her the first time about a month into dating back in 2010. It also was the first song we danced to at our wedding. This song has grown to have more meaning as the years have gone on and especially now. "There's nothin' we can't get through, cause I love you" Little different, but I hope you enjoy! Special thanks to my best friend John for converting these from CD to audio files, love ya buddy.

[9] Draftkings/Fanduel Vs. Real Life Wins H2H

December 16, 2021 02:33 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

In this episode I discuss the differences in winning and losing playing Draftkings and Fanduel as opposed to what I call real life wins. Real life wins everytime in my book. I speak on a great weekend with my family and how through my life of reflection, change and recovery I can truly enjoy each moment.

[8] Music in Recovery/All In Interview/Fanduel Advertising/4 Agreements

December 09, 2021 02:14 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MB

Hey everyone! Welcome back! In this episode I speak about 3 songs that really mean a lot to me in my recovery, read some of the lyrics and go over why they are important to me. I also speak briefly on my recent interview with Brian Hatch from All In the Addicted Gamblers Podcast, Fanduel advertising and the book the 4 agreements. Let me know what songs or music is important to you in your recovery, email [email protected]

Music in Recovery/All In Interview/Fanduel Advertising/4 Agreements

December 09, 2021 02:14 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MB

Hey everyone! Welcome back! In this episode I speak about 3 songs that really mean a lot to me in my recovery, read some of the lyrics and go over why they are important to me. I also speak briefly on my recent interview with Brian Hatch from All In the Addicted Gamblers Podcast, Fanduel advertising and the book the 4 agreements. Let me know what songs or music is important to you in your recovery, email [email protected]

[7] Drug Addiction Stories and More

December 02, 2021 01:32 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

In this episode I talk about the origins of my addictive behavior, what I began with and where it led to. I only discuss these things to give you a complete picture of what I've gone through and show you recovery is possible. From my early days of weed and alcohol to my days of cocaine and heroin I discuss how I got there, but also show you that it is possible to get clean/bet free and live a life free from addiction. Comments or questions email me at [email protected]

Drug Addiction Stories and More

December 02, 2021 01:32 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

In this episode I talk about the origins of my addictive behavior, what I began with and where it led to. I only discuss these things to give you a complete picture of what I've gone through and show you recovery is possible. From early days to of weed and alcohol to my days of cocaine and heroin I discuss how i go there, but also show you that it is possible to get clean/bet free and live a life free from addiction. Comments or questions email me at [email protected]

Life after addiction

November 25, 2021 02:09 - 24 minutes - 23 MB

In this episode I talk about what I believe are important steps to take in rebuilding your life after addiction. I speak on what has worked for myself, what my passions are and why I will never drink or play any type of fantasy sports again. Questions, comments reach out to me at [email protected]

[6] Life after addiction

November 25, 2021 02:09 - 24 minutes - 23 MB

In this episode I talk about what I believe are important steps to take in rebuilding your life after addiction. I speak on what has worked for myself, what my passions are and why I will never drink or play any type of fantasy sports again. Questions, comments reach out to me at [email protected]

[5] Affected Others - Kellys Story

November 20, 2021 03:19 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

In this episode my wife Kelly comes on as my first guest and talks about her recovery as well as what it is like to be the affected other of a compulsive gambler. If you have any questions for Kelly or I email us at [email protected]

Fantasy Or Reality? The Gambling Problem Podcast

Episodes