Discussing my observational take that we are all addicted to something. From sin products like gambling, alcohol, or tobacco to relationships, to work, to working out, to social media, I’ve yet to meet a person who wasn’t addicted to something. This shift in how we view addiction changes the story (and the weight that comes with it), freeing us up to stop hiding from each other and instead start shifting our thoughts and behaviors so this “curse” becomes a “superpower”.
Mar 28, 2025•18 min
In this episode, Jamie shares the plan he would suggest for behavior change to a friend, family member, podcast listener, and most importantly...himself.
Mar 21, 2025•16 min
After a year off, I'm back doing the podcast for all the right reasons and I encourage you to do the same in your life after gambling.
Mar 18, 2025•41 min
I often see the question "Does anyone ACTUALLY get better?" in many of the support groups online. Well, today I bring you an interview with someone who can emphatically say "YES!" to that question. Steve is back again to celebrate 9 years...and he's actually already halfway towards ten as this interview took place back in October! If you want to learn more about Steve's journey, you can check out Episode 41 or follow him on X under the handle @gambling_free...
Mar 01, 2024•44 min
A great reminder of the importance of reengaging with things we enjoyed doing before gambling in our life after gambling.
Jan 16, 2024•13 min
So, I read this article on the state of problem gambling funding titled " Despite Millions of Dollars Earmarked for Gambling Treatment in Massachusetts, Few in State Get Help " and it triggered a thought that has been brewing for a long time. Needless to say, I needed a bit of a vent...so, here goes!
Nov 10, 2023•18 min
As I say at the end of each episode, I have no letters before or after my name. I'm just a guy that had a gambling addiction. Well, today's guest has letters...lots and lots of letters. This past winter, I once again was blown away by the insights Jody shared centered on the "failure to launch" cohort at a conference and it resonated with everything I've experienced personally and have seen in many others. I asked her to share her wisdom on the podcast and she did not disappoint. While this is a...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min
When I first started the After Gambling Podcast, I never considered that an active gambler might listen as a way of reducing harm. In this 100th episode, I'm joined by Mark Checkwicz to take a different look at problem gambling and gambling harm, that through the eyes of a current gambler. Mark shares his journey of gambling, the impacts it has had on him, as well as how he uses the podcast to better examine his gambling behaviors. You can find Mark on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Mark_Checkwi...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 25 min
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 ...
Feb 03, 2023•27 min
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.
Feb 03, 2023•13 min
In this episode, I cover the five benefits I see in my daily life when I keep my spaces and tech neat and orderly.
Jan 20, 2023•17 min
Winding down 2022 with a reflection that can help us all in 2023.
Dec 30, 2022•23 min
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.
Dec 02, 2022•14 min
Sometimes we miss our goals. Then what?
Nov 26, 2022•7 min
In this episode, we look into sunk cost bias and loss aversion to better understand what truly drove and eventually ended my gambling.
Nov 18, 2022•17 min
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 ....
Nov 11, 2022•15 min
In this episode, I respond to posts from r/problemgambling .
Nov 05, 2022•30 min
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.
Oct 28, 2022•19 min
After more than a year away...the podcast continues on.
Oct 25, 2022•26 min
In the last episode, I highlighted some things about shame and stigma that I found interesting. In this episode (part II), I discuss why exploring this topic is so important.
Oct 14, 2021•13 min
We often discuss the importance of language and the role of shame and stigma in addiction. However, it came to me today that this discussion is likely much more complex than we've considered in the past. In this episode, I share what I think is a very different view on shame and stigma.
Oct 14, 2021•21 min
I get asked this question all the time, so I decided to do an episode on it. It's also something I need to be reminded to get back to myself.
Oct 08, 2021•7 min
While it's been over 11 years since I ran off the riverboat, there are still things in my life I need to address. In this episode, I share the unique framework I'll be using to go to war with my negative behaviors and actions. 365 Lovely Thoughts for Each Day of the Year https://www.sugarbooandco.com/365-lovely-thoughts-pad/
Oct 01, 2021•24 min
Over the past three years, I've been on a bit of a journey with my health and fitness. I've seen just how impactful diet and exercise can be on my mental and physical well-being. In this episode, I share the things that work (and haven't worked) for me.
Jul 09, 2021•18 min
For the past several years, I’ve become concerned that the way we discuss mental health and mental health disorders might be preventing successful outcomes. In this episode, I share why I believe this and what I think we can do to correct the issue.
Jul 02, 2021•18 min
For the past several years, I've become concerned that the way we discuss mental health and mental health disorders might be preventing successful outcomes. In this episode, I share why I believe this and what I think we can do to correct the issue.
Mar 08, 2021•13 min
Recovery can no doubt be challenging. However, the mindset we bring into a difficult task can influence our outcomes. In this episode, I share my thoughts on making recovery a bit more fun and enjoyable.
Mar 05, 2021•15 min
In this episode, I share insight into how/why advertising works to influence us and how a simple change of mindset renders them useless.
Mar 04, 2021•14 min
One of the worst parts of addiction is the loneliness it creates. In this episode, I discuss that loneliness as well as how reconnecting can be so helpful in recovery.
Mar 03, 2021•12 min
In this episode, I discuss how seeing others recover along with the growing number of tools available has shifted my view on pacing ourselves in recovery.
Mar 03, 2021•11 min
