We're back in 2026! In the new year's kick-off episode, Eric welcomes his close friend and brother in Recovery, Markus, to the Lounge. Markus shares, with incredible honesty and humility, his 8-year journey of a progressive gambling addiction, throughout his 20's. What started as an innocent experience of gambling to fit in with his peers, spiraled into a full-blown addiction to sports gambling and devastated every aspect of his life. Markus shares what it feels like to experience the ultimate highs in life, like his engagement, to quickly shifting into the pit of demise and complete destruction in a matter of hours. It all led to a rock bottom discovery by his life partner, that finally brought everything to light. With his entire life all the line, Markus describes his entry into Recovery via Gamblers Anonymous and how nearly 2 years later, his life has been completely transformed in his Recovery journey.

Markus also shares important advice and insight into what his experience has been like to deal with sports in his Recovery process, which is a critical component of what so many young, sports fans and gamblers are facing in today's world, where sports and gambling go and hand and has been glorified into society as a normal and acceptable activity. This Podcast episode is life changing, and it's the rare person like Markus, whose bringing about the necessary truth to save and transform lives!

Extraordinary Thanks to Edgardo, pouring his heart and soul into producing and editing this Podcast. This would not be possible without his support!

We would love to hear from you. We welcome any questions and comments. Please e-mail Eric directly at: [email protected]