Gambling Mad with Norman Chad

This week on Gambling Mad with Norman Chad, we take a scenic, zigzagging tour through the week’s headlines—stopping just long enough to wonder how we got here. Marcus Morris adds an arrest to his résumé, Gilbert Arenas returns to the legal spotlight, and even Chuck E. Cheese seems to have traded his animatronic band for a booking photo. Along the way, we stumble into the culinary fever dream of tuna fish and chips—because apparently, fish wasn’t fish enough. We also wade into the worlds of Donald Trump and Big Pharma, two topics that—much like bad parlay bets—are best approached with caution and a stiff drink. As always, expect plenty of detours, digressions, and dubious connections, because in Norman Chad’s world, the shortest distance between two points is a winding, pothole-filled road through the absurd.

In this episode of 'Gambling Mad with Norman Chad', Norman covers the big stories no one asked for. He begins with Olympic legend Katie Ledecky, who continues to swim faster than most of us drive. Then, it’s onto his long-running personal mission: the Just Say No to Starbucks campaign — a years-long stand against overpriced espresso, faux Italian cup sizes, and the slow extinction of real American diners.

Also in the mix: the Buddhist monk honey pot scandal, a tale of spiritual compromise, blackmail, and some deeply un-monk-like behavior. Norman also explores potential relocation sites for the U.S. Capitol (spoiler: none of them are good), and reflects on the closure of the Frito-Lay plant in Rancho Cucamonga — a dark day for snack lovers and artificial flavoring.

It’s news. It’s nonsense. It’s Gambling Mad.

In this episode of Gambling Mad with Norman Chad, we break down the absurdities of American excess and politics. Jeff Bezos hosts a lavish wedding fit for a billionaire, MrBeast rents out Disneyland for himself and his friends, and Marjorie Taylor Greene holds a controversial gun giveaway. Meanwhile, Costco continues to serve its iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo — proving some things never change.

What happens when passion turns toxic? Apparently, we get a nation of sports fans who think loyalty means hurling insults—and sometimes objects—at anyone in the wrong jersey. In New York, the so-called "sophisticated" fans prefer verbal assaults over actual celebration, while New York's NBA spectators seem to think abusing players is part of the ticket price. Meanwhile, legalized gambling and a little social polarization have turned sporting events into emotional pressure cookers. The poker world isn’t doing much better: with women making up a generous 3–5% of players, it's clear the tables are still reserved for those who enjoy casual misogyny with their chips. But hey, who needs inclusivity when you’ve got a solid boys’ club vibe? Even outside these arenas, the trend continues—drivers leaning on their horns like it’s a competitive sport, collectors proudly amassing hundreds of VHS copies of The Mummy, and public officials using international events as a chance to tell visitors not to get too comfortable. Whether we’re spectating, gambling, or idling at a red light, basic civility seems to be on an extended vacation. But by all means, keep honking—because clearly, that’s how traffic works.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Norman Chad delivers a sharp, passionate critique of cheating across the gambling world, from poker tables to horse racing, calling it outright theft and demanding stronger accountability through a unified tribunal. He tackles cases like Zhao Xingtong’s return to snooker after a betting ban and questions the ethics of horse racing itself. Blending outrage with humor, Chad shares quirky stories—including his odd habit of only drinking tomato juice on planes—making a powerful case for integrity in gambling while keeping things entertaining.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Ever wondered what separates the ultra-wealthy from the rest of us? In this hilarious and sharply satirical episode of Gambling Mad, Norman Chad takes you on a wild ride through the absurdities of modern wealth and betting culture. From Bernard Arnault’s luxury empire to Elon Musk’s $349 billion fortune—complete with “Elonomaniac” antics—Norman skewers the richest with biting wit. He dives into Shaquille O’Neal’s empire of Five Guys and fitness centers, waxes poetic about Randy’s Donuts, and spotlights the compulsive madness of gambling in his “Degen’s Gonna Degen” segment, featuring Iowa State’s betting scandal and a Carnival Cruise brawl gone awry. Poker fans get a goldmine in Norman’s 13-point survival guide to the World Series of Poker, with timeless tips like “bring cash” and “don’t talk to me in the bathroom.” Topping it off are his hot takes on why NBA playoffs beat March Madness and how soccer’s injury time drives gamblers crazy. If you love comedy, cards, and commentary on money's wild grip on our lives, don’t miss this episode—and subscribe for more sardonic brilliance.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Norman Chad tackles the dark side of America's gambling industry, highlighting predatory practices by major sportsbooks and revealing the surprising connection between Trump's NASA nominee and bounced checks at Trump casinos. We explore how the industry targets problem gamblers while facing mounting legal challenges from individuals, cities, and potentially Congress.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Gambling's influence has quietly reshaped American culture—from sports commentary to religious speculation and even everyday conversation. When announcers prioritize betting lines over game results and crypto platforms host papal prop bets, it’s clear we’ve entered a new era. This video explores how gambling mindsets have infiltrated our values, warped our view of success, and turned everything into a wager.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod.

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Norman Chad explores remarkable gambling stories and cultural absurdities through his uniquely cynical yet heartfelt lens. The episode weaves together twin marriages, costumed police operations, celebrity gambling losses, and casino controversies while delivering sharp commentary on modern society.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org

Norman Chad explores the constitutional implications of Trump's third-term ambitions and the compelling hypothetical scenario of a Trump versus Obama election in 2028. The episode unpacks political hypocrisy, fake news tactics, and the importance of aligning public statements with personal actions.

Support the show

Gambling Mad with Norman Chad is written by Norman Chad and ghost written by...Norman Chad. Executive Producer Rick Barrio Dill and Jon Sheinberg. Produced by Rick Barrio Dill and Bri Coorey. Associate Producer Asher Freidberg. Socials Asher Freidberg. Engineering and Editing by Bri Coorey and Asher Freidberg. Equipment provided by SLAP Studios LA (SLAPStudiosLA.com) and studios provided by SLAP Studios LA and 360-Pod. 

If you, or someone you know needs help around gambling related issues, there are more ways than ever to get connected with help. Call the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848) or go to www.gamblinghelp.org