The Guiding Light

Driving to Recovery: Stevie Jay’s Journey from Gamblers Anonymous to a Fulfilling Life

In the final episode of Season 1 of The Guiding Light Podcast, hosts Ben Holmes and Chris Gilham are joined by Steven Johnson, affectionately known as Stevie Jay—the Non Gambling Golfer. Stevie shares his inspiring journey from the moment he first walked into a Gamblers Anonymous room to the vibrant life he now leads in recovery.

Listen as Stevie opens up about his struggles with gambling addiction, his time in the anonymous rooms, and the challenges he faced along the way. Today, he enjoys a much better life, balancing his roles as a loving husband, devoted dad, and soon-to-be degree holder, all while running a successful YouTube channel featuring engaging vlogs and exciting golf challenges.

In a candid conversation, Stevie and our hosts discuss the ups and downs of recovery, sharing personal insights and practical tips that can help others on a similar journey. By reflecting on their own experiences with gambling addiction recovery, they aim to offer hope, encouragement, and support to those seeking change.

Join us for this heartfelt and motivational episode as we explore the transformative power of recovery and the rewarding life that awaits on the other side of addiction.

Reimagining Workplace Wellbeing: Sophie Browne and the JAAQ Revolution

Sophie explains how JAAQ’s unique platform, featuring expert insights from thought leaders such as Mo Gawdat and real-life experiences from the likes of Davina McCall and professional athletes like Marcus Smith, is redefining how organisations support and educate their teams. By amplifying internal voices, boosting engagement with employee benefits, and providing real-time data, JAAQ empowers businesses like NatWest and Workday to take a preventative approach to mental health in the workplace.

Beyond her role at JAAQ, Sophie discusses her wealth of experience as a Wellbeing Ambassador, her involvement with PRECISIONeffect’s Sunshine Committee, and her work with The Social Wellness Club—an initiative bringing communities together to learn, grow, and live well.

Tune in as Sophie, Ben, and Chris explore the evolving landscape of corporate wellness, the importance of creating an open culture around mental health, and the transformative power of personalised, data-driven solutions. Discover how JAAQ is turning wellbeing on its head—one insightful question at a time.

From Gambling Addiction to Global Advocacy: Matt Zarb-Cousin’s Battle for Change

In episode ten of The Guiding Light Podcast, hosts Ben Holmes and Chris Gilham sit down with Matt Zarb-Cousin, whose journey from teenage gambling addiction to pioneering activist and entrepreneur offers valuable insights into the complexities of addiction, recovery, and systemic reform.

Matt’s story begins at age 16, when he fell victim to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). By the time he reached 20, his debts soared to £20,000, and he reached a point of desperation and despair. In this candid conversation, Matt reveals how his addiction not only led him into severe financial trouble, but also left lasting scars on his mental health, still influencing him a decade into recovery.

Now the co-founder of Gamban—an innovative software designed to block gambling websites—Matt channelled his past struggles into a mission to protect others. As Director of Clean Up Gambling and a key figure in the influential Stop the FOBTs campaign, his activism has helped reshape UK gambling legislation, culminating in the reduction of FOBT maximum bets from £100 to £2. Matt also highlights the importance of education, prevention, and ongoing support for those exiting treatment, underscoring the interplay between addictive products, mental health, and the industry’s relentless marketing strategies.

Tune in as Matt Zarb-Cousin shares hard-won lessons, offers advice for anyone trapped in a cycle of addiction, and explains how understanding the forces behind harmful gambling practices can lead to meaningful, lasting change. This is a powerful episode that shines a light on both individual resilience and the collective effort needed to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Rock and Recovery: Laila K’s Journey Beyond

In episode nine of The Guiding Light Podcast, hosts Ben

Known for her electric stage presence and powerful voice, Laila opens up about a deeply personal battle that unfolded behind the scenes of her "rock and roll" life—her struggles with alcoholism.

In this raw and candid conversation, Laila shares how she fell into the trap of relying on alcohol to feel more interesting and likable, both on and off stage. She reflects on how this dependence impacted her life, her relationships, and her sense of self. With honesty and vulnerability, Laila reveals the moment she realised that drinking didn’t define her identity or creativity. 

Listeners will hear Laila’s journey to self-discovery and sobriety, as she breaks down the myths surrounding alcohol and explores how she reclaimed her true self. Her story is a powerful reminder that overcoming addiction doesn’t just mean giving something up—it’s about rediscovering who

This episode is not just about recovery—it’s about resilience, self-worth, and the courage it takes to redefine your narrative. Whether you’re a fan of Sonic Boom Six, someone struggling with similar challenges, or just seeking inspiration, Laila’s story will leave you uplifted and empowered.

Tune in to this episode of The Guiding Light Podcast for an

In episode eight of The Guiding Light Podcast, hosts Ben

For 14 years, Ben dedicated his career to health and social

In this powerful episode, Ben opens up about the challenges he faced as his addiction consumed his life and the long road to recovery that followed. Over the past three years, Ben has worked tirelessly on rebuilding himself, developing resilience, hope, and a mindset focused on empowerment and positive change. His journey from the depths of addiction to living a life free from gambling is nothing short of inspirational.

Motivated by his own experience, Ben has become a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar issues. He shares how his commitment to recovery led him to take on various volunteer roles, where he now uses his

As a role model, peer supporter, and qualified recovery coach, Ben’s work has had a profound impact on many lives.

In this episode, Ben discusses his passion for advocating

Ben’s dedication to making a difference is evident in every aspect of his work.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ben Howard as he shares his journey of redemption, resilience, and advocacy. This episode is a testament to the power of recovery, the importance of lived experience, and the

Tune in to hear Ben’s story and learn how he is helping to shape a brighter future for others through his unwavering commitment to positive transformation.

In episode seven of The Guiding Light Podcast, hosts Ben Holmes and Chris Gilham are joined by the passionate and insightful Sofie Day, a leading voice in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Sofie brings a wealth of experience as an MSc in Addiction Psychology & Counselling, an FDAP-accredited professional, and a fierce advocate for mental health, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

In episode six of The Guiding Light Podcast, hosts Ben Holmes and Chris Gilham welcome the remarkable Alice Hendy MBE, CEO and Founder of Ripple Suicide Prevention. Alice's personal journey and dedication have led to ground-breaking advancements in the fight against self-harm and suicide through innovative technology.

In this deeply moving episode, Alice shares the heart-breaking story behind Ripple's inception. After tragically losing her only sibling, Josh, to suicide at the age of 21, Alice was compelled to act. Josh's struggles were compounded by the harmful internet searches he conducted in his final days, revealing a dire need for better online support and intervention.

Ripple Suicide Prevention is Alice's answer to this need. By leveraging innovative technology, Ripple intercepts harmful online content and provides immediate mental health support and resources to those in crisis. Alice's passion and determination to prevent others from feeling alone in their struggle drive the organisation's mission to save lives.

Throughout the conversation, Alice delves into the innovative strategies employed by Ripple, highlighting the crucial role of technology in mental health intervention. She discusses the challenges and successes of building a platform that offers real-time support and the impact it has had on countless individuals seeking help.

Ben and Chris explore the broader implications of Ripple's work, emphasising the importance of community involvement and support. Alice extends an invitation to listeners to join the Ripple Suicide Prevention team in their collective effort to be effective. With the support of the community, Ripple aims to create a world where immediate mental health resources are accessible to all, preventing the tragedy of suicide.

This episode of The Guiding Light Podcast is not only an exploration of innovative mental health solutions but also a powerful call to action. Alice Hendy's story and the mission of Ripple Suicide Prevention serve as a testament to the profound impact one person's dedication can have in transforming lives and fostering hope.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about the vital work of Ripple Suicide Prevention and how you can contribute to their life-saving mission. It is a conversation that underscores the importance of innovation, compassion, and collective action in the fight against suicide.

Welcome to episode five of The Guiding Light Podcast, where hosts Ben Holmes and Chris Gilham sit down with the inspiring Perry Blake, a driving force behind The 21UP Movement. This youth intervention and empowerment program is dedicated to providing support, guidance, and opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.

In this episode, Perry shares the incredible work of The 21UP Movement, a not-for-profit organisation that addresses the significant impact social and environmental factors can have on young people's mental health. By creating a safe and supportive space, The 21UP Movement helps young individuals come together, flourish, and build brighter futures.

Listeners will gain insight into the various initiatives and partnerships that make The 21UP Movement a beacon of hope in Essex. From collaborating with Essex Youth Service, local councils, and multiple schools, to offering mentorship programs, the movement is dedicated to empowering youth through a myriad of activities and projects. Perry discusses the importance of building confidence, battling mental health issues, and developing new skills through community projects, event organisation, and public speaking opportunities.

The conversation delves into the creative avenues offered by The 21UP Movement, such as music, poetry, and creative writing workshops, which help young people express themselves and find their voice. Perry also highlights the videography and sound engineering courses that enable members to create and host podcasts, fostering confidence, communication skills, and new interactions.

Perry talks about the movement's unique approach to youth empowerment through its clothing brand, which creates modelling opportunities and photography courses, allowing young people to explore both sides of the camera. The production of music videos promoting anti-youth violence further exemplifies the movement's commitment to giving youth a platform to share their messages and make a positive impact.

Perry's passion shines through as he discusses the impact of black-tie events, which help young members feel included and valued. These diverse activities contribute to a sense of belonging and support, having a tremendously positive impact on the mental health and well-being of young people.

Join us for an uplifting and informative episode as Perry Blake of The 21UP Movement shares his vision and the transformative power of youth empowerment. This conversation is a testament to the incredible work being done to create a brighter future for today's youth, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Guiding Light Podcast.

Welcome back to The Guiding Light Podcast for our fourth episode, where we embark on a deeply personal and inspirational journey with co-host Chris Gilham. In this special episode, Chris bravely opens up to his fellow presenter Ben Holmes, sharing his multifaceted story of resilience, recovery, and self-discovery.

Listeners are in for a riveting and enlightening experience as Chris delves into the layers of his mental health journey, addressing topics ranging from alcoholism to gambling addiction to ADHD. His story is one of triumph over adversity, as he navigates the complexities of mental health with courage, vulnerability, and unwavering determination.

Buckle in for an episode and a half as Chris takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of his life, offering profound insights and invaluable lessons along the way. From the depths of addiction to the challenges of managing ADHD, Chris's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human capacity for transformation.

Throughout the episode, Ben provides unwavering support and encouragement as Chris bravely confronts his past and embraces his journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Together, they explore the intersections of mental health, addiction, and identity, shedding light on the often misunderstood and stigmatised aspects of these experiences.

This episode of The Guiding Light Podcast is more than just a conversation—it's a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with their own mental health challenges. Through Chris's story, listeners will find inspiration, validation, and a sense of solidarity in knowing that they are not alone on their journey toward wellness.

So, join us as we uncover the layers of Chris Gilham's remarkable journey, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity. It's an episode you won't want to miss—a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always light to guide us forward.