Welcome to the season finale of Against The Podds

Joining Aaron and Conor in the studio is former professional footballer Karl Colley.

In this conversation, Karl discusses his journey through mental health struggles and gambling addiction, intertwined with his experiences in professional football.

He reflects on his early life, school experiences, and the challenges he faced transitioning into a professional athlete. The discussion also delves into family dynamics, particularly the influence of his father's gambling habits and the support systems that were or weren't available to him.

Karl gives an open and honest insight into his time training with legendary players at Newcastle United and the team dynamics he encountered. He shares personal anecdotes about his early career, interactions with notable figures like Bobby Robson, and being at rock bottom.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training—empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor welcome Tracy O'Shaughnessy to the studio.

Tracy is the Criminal Justice System (CJS) Development Lead for GamLEARN, a lived experience network that supports individuals impacted both directly and indirectly by gambling-related harm.

Tracy joins the lads in the studio to share her personal journey with addiction, which inspired her to deepen her understanding of addiction, particularly gambling-related harm.

In her role at GamLEARN, Tracy offers weekly support to partners of gamblers who have turned to crime to fund their gambling, also referred to as "affected others." In addition, she leads guided meditation and breathwork sessions. As a qualified holistic therapist, Tracy draws on her own experiences to help individuals manage the stress and anxiety associated with gambling-related challenges, either personally or through a loved one.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training—empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor welcome Tracy O'Shaughnessy to the studio.

Tracy is the Criminal Justice System (CJS) Development Lead for GamLEARN, a lived experience network that supports individuals impacted both directly and indirectly by gambling-related harm.

Tracy joins the lads in the studio to share her personal journey with addiction, which inspired her to deepen her understanding of addiction, particularly gambling-related harm.

In her role at GamLEARN, Tracy offers weekly support to partners of gamblers who have turned to crime to fund their gambling, also referred to as "affected others." In addition, she leads guided meditation and breathwork sessions. As a qualified holistic therapist, Tracy draws on her own experiences to help individuals manage the stress and anxiety associated with gambling-related challenges, either personally or through a loved one.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training—empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined by professional footballer Steven Caulker

Steven went from playing for England and representing the UK in the Olympics to losing £250k in a casino in one night. Steven joins the lads to have a very open and honest chat about his journey so far, his experiences with addiction, and the power of therapy.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined by UFC Fighter Melissa 'No Mess' Mullins

Melissa 'No Mess' Mullins is the true definition of resilience. She joins the lads for a chat about her journey so far, the impact addiction has had on her outlook on life, and what keeps her striving to be the best

Melissa signed with the UFC in 2023 and quickly became the first British woman to win her UFC debut. This episode gives a real, raw, and honest look inside the mind of an athlete and a real insight into all the hard work that goes into preparing for The Octagon.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined in the studio by Andy May.

Andy joins the guys for a very honest and open conversation about his journey so far and how his gambling addiction has impacted not only his life but the people around him. Andy's gambling habit quickly spiralled into an addiction, which led him to steal 1.3 million from the company he worked for. After time in prison, Andy is now using his experience and story to help educate others about the dangers of gambling and addiction.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

If you want to find out more on the work Against The Odds does or to support them further, click here for the website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

It's time for another midweek catch-up with Aaron and Conor

With the general election just around the corner, the lads dive into the recent scandal, which saw two Tory candidates and an officer from Rishi Sunak's close protection team being investigated by the Gambling Commission. They are currently under investigation for the placing of bets that included the outcome and timing of the election!

The lads also give their prediction to the outcome of the euros as well as the mystery surrounding the word 'allegedly'

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

If you want to find out more on the work Against The Odds does or to support them further, click here for the website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined in the studio by Andy May.

Andy joins the guys for a very honest and open conversation about his journey so far and how his gambling addiction has impacted not only his life but the people around him. Andy's gambling habit quickly spiralled into an addiction, which led him to steal 1.3 million from the company he worked for. After time in prison, Andy is now using his experience and story to help educate others about the dangers of gambling and addiction.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

If you want to find out more on the work Against The Odds does or to support them further, click here for the website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor sit down to pick their ideal England starting team for the upcoming Euros!

To celebrate England's first game against Serbia this Sunday and the launch of Against The Odds Awareness Clubs away shirt, the lads are giving you the opportunity to be one of the first to get your hands on one!

Listen to the episode in full and head to thier latest social media post to get involved!

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

If you want to find out more on the work Against The Odds does or to support them further, click here for the website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined by Port Vale Defender Mitch Clark

In 2023, professional footballer Mitch Clark received a suspended three-month ban and a fine of £600 after admitting breaching Football Association betting rules. Mitch joins the guys to talk openly and honestly about his gambling addiction journey and the effect it has had on not only only his mental health but also that of his loved ones

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

If you want to find out more on the work Against The Odds does or to support them further, click here for the website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.