The Broke Girl Society Podcast

In this special episode of The Broke Girl Society, Christina celebrates five years of recovery from gambling and reflects on the journey that took her from secrecy, shame, and absolute chaos… to healing, community, and purpose.

She shares what life looked like before recovery (spoiler alert: it was a mess), the emotional rollercoaster of early recovery, and what it actually looks like to learn how to sit with uncomfortable feelings instead of running back to gambling.

Christina also talks about the unique stigma women often face when struggling with gambling and why creating women-centered recovery spaces became such an important part of her work. Because sometimes you just need a room where you can say the honest things without someone explaining sports betting odds to you.

This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, honesty, and slowly building a life you don’t feel the need to escape from… even on the days when your hormones enter the chat.

**Important note:
If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self-harm, please seek the help of trained professionals. We speak only from our own experiences. This podcast is meant to encourage and support your recovery journey, not replace professional care.

PODCAST SPONSORS:

The Better Institute (PA Residents)
Where people go to get better.
https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/

GamFin
Financial counseling with professionals who understand the impact gambling can have on your financial health and goals. (U.S. residents only)
https://www.gamfin.org/

Evive
An app designed to help you better understand your relationship with gambling and support your recovery journey.

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (Illinois Residents)
Since 2002, Nicasa has been helping individuals in Illinois address gambling behaviors through awareness, outreach, and treatment services.
Learn more at N-I-C-A-S-A.org

Adult Gambling Treatment
https://nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment/

Youth Gambling Treatment
https://nicasa.org/program/youth-gambling-treatment/

Birches Health
Find a certified gambling therapist through telehealth and attend sessions from the comfort of your home.
https://bircheshealth.com/brokegirlsociety

Resources:

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

National Council on Problem Gambling
https://www.ncpgambling.org/

800-GAMBLER
https://800gambler.org/

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

24/7 Meetings Worldwide
https://gamblersinrecovery.com/

Recovery Road Online Meetings
https://recoveryroadonline.com/

UK
https://gordonmoody.org.uk/
https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

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

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

Christina Cook
https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/
[email protected]

Episode Sponsors & ResourcesHelpful ResourcesInternational Help

In the last episode of 2025 for the BGS, Christina Cook and Adam Lyons reflect on their personal journeys in recovery, discussing the importance of collaboration, setting achievable goals, and navigating relationships. Looking ahead to 2026, they express a desire to broaden conversations around recovery and continue fostering a culture of understanding and support.

Find Adam and The Modern Meeting Podcast Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jMSSKkadnvzbvZl33dzZc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernMeeting

**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/brokegirlsociety

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/ / [email protected]

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

**Building A Life We Don't Want To Escape From**

In this episode of The Broke Girl Society Podcast, guest host Terra from the Ambitious Addicts Podcast talks with Annelise, a woman in recovery from gambling harm. Annelise shares how gambling escalated quickly during a period of intense financial stress and major life changes, and how an early win on a gambling app reinforced the belief that she could win again and fix everything. When fear and consequences grew, she took steps to interrupt the cycle, including using bet blocking tools, seeking support, and attending Gamblers Anonymous.

The conversation focuses on Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapy model Annelise uses both professionally and in her own recovery. She explains IFS as a way of understanding that we all have different internal parts, including protective parts and parts that hold pain. Annelise describes how addiction can function as a protective response when the system feels overwhelmed, and how healing begins when we approach these parts with curiosity and compassion rather than shame. She also emphasizes the importance of working with a therapist who is trained in IFS and trauma-informed care.

Warning and Disclaimer: DisclaimerThis episode discusses gambling harm, addiction, shame, and trauma. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Internal Family Systems is a clinical therapy model. If you are struggling, please consider seeking support from a qualified licensed professional. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

**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/brokegirlsociety

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

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

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/ / [email protected]

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

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/viewform

Here 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.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/ / [email protected]

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

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/⁠ / ⁠[email protected]⁠

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

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/ / [email protected]

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

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/ / [email protected]

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

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

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/ / [email protected]

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

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.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/ / [email protected]

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