September is Responsible Gaming Education Month and we're featuring Melodie Keen, a behavioral health veteran with over 40 years of experience and a recognized expert in gambling addiction. In her conversation with Wondr Nation VP Marketing & Strategy Dyani Marvel, Melodie dives into the specifics of gambling addiction treatment and how her own career path has shaped her approach. She provides insights on individualized treatment methods while emphasizing the importance of understanding gambling addiction as a mental health disorder.

Nia Grace, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and owner of Grace by Nia, joins the podcast to discuss her career journey, from her start in marketing and hospitality, to building successful businesses for herself and others. She provides insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of community, and the power of flexibility. Her conversation with Wondr Nation VP of Marketing and Operations Dyani Marvel highlights her passion for creating immersive experiences blending food, culture, and entertainment. 

Emra Arkansas joins the podcast to discuss her 18 year long journey in the gaming industry, from her start as a table games dealer to her current role as the Executive Director for the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission. Her discussion with Wondr Nation VP Professional Services & Sales Megan Nation covers the importance of flexibility, innovation, and talent development. Emra provides insights into embracing digital advancements and modernization while continuing to ensure compliance in an evolving industry.

In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting the groundbreaking work of Stefy Bau, former motocross champion turned Founder & CEO of Init Esports. In her conversation with Wondr Nation President & CEO Anika Howard, Stefy talks about her career journey from her time as a professional athlete to her current role at the world’s first woman-led sim racing company. Stefy shares her passion for STEM education and introducing young people to motorsports and engineering while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Level Up with Wondr welcomes Manjit Gombra Singh to the podcast to discuss his extensive career spanning three decades in tech and gaming. Manjit details his path from software engineering to his current work as CEO & Founder of DruvStar, providing cybersecurity solutions in gaming and healthcare. He shares insights on the importance of data security and the future of cybersecurity with the rise of AI, while also sharing how he has found success in identifying and solving client problems. 

Melanie Gross joins the podcast to discuss what she's learned in her two decades of experience in the iGaming industry, from her start in engineering to her current role as Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Golden Hearts Games. She shares stories about some pivotal moments and projects throughout her career as well as her love of start-up environments and her passion for building and managing effective teams. 

This Problem Gambling Awareness Month, we are highlighting the work our partners at the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) are doing to address gambling related harm in the state of Connecticut. Shebrikea Warburton, Program Manager for the Multicultural Problem Gambling Prevention Program joins the podcast to share more about the CCPG’s efforts to better understand the culturally based motivation to gamble and increasing protective factors within communities. She provides insights on the importance of targeted prevention efforts while offering advice to others looking to implement similar programming.

In honor of Black History Month, Level Up with Wondr is collaborating with our partners at African Americans in Gaming to bring you two conversations with black leaders that are making an impact. Guest host Jeff Gray speaks with Darnell Johnson, VP of Product Management at IGT, and Rose Hudson, President & CEO of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation about their career paths, challenges they've faced, their outlook on the future of their respective industries, and advice for young professionals looking to succeed. 

To celebrate the first year of Level Up with Wondr, the team is taking a look back on some of the most impactful conversations from the show. From recurring trends, to our favorite episodes, we’re reflecting on all we’ve accomplished and giving a peek into what listeners can expect in the new year.

Anthony Gaud shares the story of his journey through the entertainment industry, his start in toy design eventually leading him to his current role as co-founder and CEO of GaudHammer Gaming Group. He shares insights on the evolving intersection of video games, iGaming, and casino gaming, the impact of AI in creative fields, and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the current gaming landscape.