• Kate's Story and Advocacy
    Nov 17 2025
    In this conversation, Kate Seselja opens up about her own experience of gambling harm and the years she spent caught in a system designed to keep her trapped. She shares how the gambling industry manipulates vulnerability and then labels the individual as the problem, instead of acknowledging the systemic forces that fuel addiction. Kate breaks down the difference between a “problem gambler” and a person experiencing gambling harm, and she shines a light on how the industry benefits from that misunderstanding.Disclaimer: Kate’s views and experiences are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Christina or The Broke Girl Society. Find Kate Here: https://www.thehopeprojectaustralia.com.au/Kate’s book preorder: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHYzphmZXJYynGk0IHbByDlTY6hJarU0gEhuopUhucBR9eBg/viewformHere is the link to the documentary KACHING Kate spoke about: https://youtu.be/bny1qgKO46A**If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey. ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better! https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only). https://www.gamfin.org/ ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!! https://www.getevive.com/~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through tele-health that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home. https://bircheshealth.com/ Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/-************************************************************************************************************For more information on the GRIT Act:https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdfIf you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)#gamblingaddiction#recovery#gamblersanonymous#gamblingHelpful links:https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Herehttps://800gambler.org/https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the worldhttps://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the dayChristina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / christina@thebrokegirlsociety.comUK Help:https://gordonmoody.org.uk/https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginningsAustralia Help:https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/Canada Help:https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Beth McDonough - Standby...
    Oct 30 2025

    In this episode of the Broke Girl Society podcast, host Christina Cook talks with Beth McDonough, a former newscaster who shares her very public journey through alcohol addiction and recovery. They discuss the complexities of co-occurring disorders, the impact of trauma on mental health, and the stigma surrounding addiction. Beth recounts her experiences with alcoholism, the consequences of her actions, and the importance of seeking help. Beth's new book, 'Stand By,' is a testament to her journey and a guide for others navigating similar struggles.


    Find Beth here: https://www.bethmcdmedia.com/

    Stan By on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5OEZlUm



    **If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.

    ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

    https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

    ~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only).

    https://www.gamfin.org/

    ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!!

    https://www.getevive.com/

    ~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home.

    https://bircheshealth.com/

    Resource Book: ⁠https://bgs-media.com/resources/

    -************************************************************************************************************

    For more information on the GRIT Act:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdf

    If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

    #gamblingaddiction

    #recovery

    #gamblersanonymous

    #gambling


    Helpful links:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/⁠ You can find State and International Resources Here

    https://800gambler.org/

    https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

    https://gamblersinrecovery.com/⁠ - 24/7 meetings all over the world

    https://recoveryroadonline.com/⁠ - meetings throughout the day

    Christina Cook: ⁠https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/⁠ / ⁠christina@thebrokegirlsociety.com

    UK Help:

    https://gordonmoody.org.uk/

    https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

    Australia Help:

    https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

    Canada Help:

    https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Maggie's Story
    Oct 11 2025

    In this episode, Maggie shares her personal journey of recovery from gambling harm, detailing her early experiences with gambling, the spiral into compulsive behavior, and the impact on her life and relationships. She discusses the challenges of seeking help, the role of support groups, and the importance of coping strategies in her recovery. Maggie reflects on her current status, feeling stronger than ever and committed to her recovery journey.

    **If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.

    ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

    https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

    ~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only).

    https://www.gamfin.org/

    ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!!

    https://www.getevive.com/

    ~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home.

    https://bircheshealth.com/

    Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/

    -************************************************************************************************************

    For more information on the GRIT Act:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdf

    If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

    #gamblingaddiction

    #recovery

    #gamblersanonymous

    #gambling


    Helpful links:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Here

    https://800gambler.org/

    https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

    https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the world

    https://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the day

    Christina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / christina@thebrokegirlsociety.com

    UK Help:

    https://gordonmoody.org.uk/

    https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

    Australia Help:

    https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

    Canada Help:

    https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling


    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Resource Highlight: Bet-Breaker App
    Sep 27 2025

    In this episode of the Broke Girl Society podcast, host Christina speaks with Jerome, the co-founder of the Bet Breaker app, which helps individuals block online gambling sites. They discuss Jerome's transition from the gambling industry to creating a recovery tool, the innovative features of the app, the importance of community and accountability in recovery, and the ongoing challenges posed by illegal gambling sites. The conversation highlights the need for continuous improvement in technology to support those struggling with gambling addiction.

    **If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.

    ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

    https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

    ~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only).

    https://www.gamfin.org/

    ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!!

    https://www.getevive.com/

    ~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home.

    https://bircheshealth.com/

    Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/

    -************************************************************************************************************

    For more information on the GRIT Act:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdf

    If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

    #gamblingaddiction

    #recovery

    #gamblersanonymous

    #gambling


    Helpful links:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Here

    https://800gambler.org/

    https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

    https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the world

    https://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the day

    Christina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / christina@thebrokegirlsociety.com

    UK Help:

    https://gordonmoody.org.uk/

    https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

    Australia Help:

    https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

    Canada Help:

    https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling




    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Sonia's Story
    Sep 13 2025

    In this episode of the Broke Girl Society, host Christina Cook speaks with Sonja, who shares her personal journey of recovery from gambling addiction. Sonja discusses her early experiences with gambling, the escalation of her addiction, and the impact it had on her relationships, particularly with her husband. She reflects on the challenges of recognizing her gambling problem and the path to recovery, including the importance of community support. Sonja emphasizes that recovery is a personal journey and encourages others to seek help before hitting rock bottom.


    **If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.

    ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

    https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

    ~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only).

    https://www.gamfin.org/

    ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!!

    https://www.getevive.com/

    ~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home.

    https://bircheshealth.com/

    Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/

    -************************************************************************************************************

    For more information on the GRIT Act:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdf

    If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

    #gamblingaddiction

    #recovery

    #gamblersanonymous

    #gambling


    Helpful links:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Here

    https://800gambler.org/

    https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/


    https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all



    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Societal Views on Women and Gambling
    Aug 23 2025

    Christina and Terra discuss how societal views often misrepresent women's gambling behaviors and the challenges they face in seeking help. The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking down stigmas and creating safe spaces for women to discuss their experiences and find support.

    **If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.

    ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

    https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

    ~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only).

    https://www.gamfin.org/

    ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!!

    https://www.getevive.com/

    ~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home.

    https://bircheshealth.com/

    Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/

    -************************************************************************************************************

    For more information on the GRIT Act:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdf

    If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

    #gamblingaddiction

    #recovery

    #gamblersanonymous

    #gambling


    Helpful links:

    https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Here

    https://800gambler.org/

    https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

    https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the world

    https://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the day

    Christina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / christina@thebrokegirlsociety.com

    UK Help:

    https://gordonmoody.org.uk/

    https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

    Australia Help:

    https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

    Canada Help:

    https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling


    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • A Letter to My Gambling Addiction
    Aug 13 2025
    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of gambling addiction, abuse, cancer, and suicidal thoughts, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening and step away if you need to.In this deeply personal episode of The Broke Girl Society Podcast, host Christina Cook opens the first chapter of a new series titled "A Letter to My Gambling Addiction."Through raw and honest storytelling, Christina reads a letter she has written to the addiction that once held her in its grip. She traces the journey from its initial allure to the devastating ways it became entwined with her life. She reflects on how gambling became both an escape and a prison, how it masked pain from past abuse, and how it numbed her through the fear and grief of facing cancer.This is more than a story about struggle. It is about reclaiming a life once thought lost. Christina shares the truth of survival, the courage it took to step into recovery, and the role of community in helping her discover a life she no longer wants to escape from.If you have ever felt alone in the throes of gambling harm, this episode is for you. You are not alone. You are not beyond help. There is a way forward, and you are worth it.**If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey. ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better! https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only). https://www.gamfin.org/ ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!! https://www.getevive.com/~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home. https://bircheshealth.com/ Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/-************************************************************************************************************For more information on the GRIT Act:https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdfIf you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)#gamblingaddiction#recovery#gamblersanonymous#gamblingHelpful links:https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Herehttps://800gambler.org/https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the worldhttps://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the dayChristina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / christina@thebrokegirlsociety.comUK Help:https://gordonmoody.org.uk/https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginningsAustralia Help:https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/Canada Help:https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Marissa - TikTok Gambling Free Girl Era
    Jun 30 2025
    In this episode of the Broke Girl Society podcast, host Christina Cook engages in a heartfelt conversation with Marissa, a TikTok creator who shares her journey with gambling addiction. They discuss the impact of gambling on personal lives, the relationship between financial insecurity and addiction, and the importance of community support in recovery. Marissa opens up about her struggles, the mindset shifts required for recovery, and the significance of sharing her story on social media. The conversation highlights the need for financial education, self-worth, and the challenges of navigating relationships while dealing with addiction.**If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey. ~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better! https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'~ Gamfin - Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only). https://www.gamfin.org/ ~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!! https://www.getevive.com/Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/-************************************************************************************************************For more information on the GRIT Act:https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdfIf you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)#gamblingaddiction#recovery#gamblersanonymous#gamblingHelpful links:https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Herehttps://800gambler.org/https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the worldhttps://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the dayChristina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / christina@thebrokegirlsociety.comUK Help:https://gordonmoody.org.uk/https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginningsAustralia Help:https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/Canada Help:https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins