The Real Poker Girls of London

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In this episode of The Real Poker Girls of London, hosts Kerryjane Craigie and Lydia Cugudda welcome Nicholas Walsh—better known as Nick Walsh—PokerStars Team Pro ambassador, streamer, and commentator.

Nick shares his journey from grinding online poker to becoming one of the recognizable voices behind PokerStars broadcasts, working alongside industry icons like James Hardigan and Joe Stapleton. He talks about how streaming in 2019 changed everything, leading to his role as an ambassador and content creator.

We dive into his Spin & Go expertise, including his 5,000-game challenge, how the format has evolved, and what players need to understand about speed, variance, and adapting strategy in fast-paced formats. The conversation also explores the realities of poker commentary—balancing analysis with limited information and learning to “say what you see” in the moment.

Nick also opens up about the emotional side of his career, including a period where he had to step away from broadcasts, and why returning to the PokerStars stage meant so much to him.

From strategy and storytelling to behind-the-scenes moments on tour, this episode mixes insight with humor, giving a real look at life as a modern poker pro and commentator.

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In this episode of The Real Poker Girls of London, hosts Kerryjane Craigie and Lydia Cugudda welcome writer, journalist, scientist, and poker player Alexa O’Brien for a wide-ranging, thoughtful, and frequently hilarious conversation that blends poker, psychology, parenting, and life skills.

Alexa shares her unconventional journey into poker—introduced by a fellow writer—and how the game became a powerful intellectual and emotional counterbalance to the solitary world of writing. From early low-stakes tournaments in London casinos to falling in love with the strategic depth of the game, Alexa explains why poker became more than just a pastime.

The episode dives deep into Alexa’s acclaimed book The Truth Detective, which explores decision-making, risk, and imperfect information through the lens of poker and cognitive science. She discusses the book’s evolution, its recognition within the poker world, and its broader mission: reframing poker as a cerebral, skill-based discipline rather than pure gambling.

Key topics include:

• Poker as a tool for critical thinking, emotional regulation, and resilience
• Parenting with a “poker mindset” and teaching children how to handle uncertainty
• Why poker uniquely prepares people to navigate real-world decision-making
• Women’s poker, community-building, and the atmosphere created at women-led events
• The now-iconic Real Poker Girls pig trophy, Percy Pig debates, and classic British humor

Alexa also reflects on her BBC documentary work, her upcoming projects, and stepping into a new role supporting live poker streams at the Hippodrome while Kerryjane is away—bringing her analytical mind and storytelling skills directly to the felt.

Smart, funny, reflective, and deeply human, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in poker as a life skill, not just a card game.

🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]
✨ Support the Show: Leave a review or share this episode with a friend—it helps more than you know!

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In Episode 2 of The Real Poker Girls of London, hosts Kerryjane Craigie and Lydia Cugudda are joined by special guest Vanessa Kade, with original Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas host Rebbecca Scales also at the table.

Recorded during the Women’s Winter Festival at London’s Hippodrome, this episode blends sharp poker insight with laugh-out-loud chaos, as Vanessa drops in between cash games and instantly delivers unfiltered honesty, big energy, and iconic stories.

The conversation covers:

• Vanessa’s record-breaking Sunday Million Anniversary win and what it’s really like to win $1.5M alone at home with a cat
• The highs, contradictions, and real impact of women-only poker events
• Commentary life, poker travel, and choosing vibes over grind
• Poker confidence, public perception, and being taken seriously at the table
• Legendary tangents on food crimes, chocolate rules, pizza trauma, and why KitKats should never be eaten incorrectly

Vanessa also shares her candid thoughts on visibility, gendered rankings, and why atmosphere and community matter just as much as prize pools—especially when growing the game for women.

Smart, chaotic, thoughtful, and hilarious, Episode 2 perfectly captures what this podcast is about: real conversations, real personalities, and poker without the filter.

🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]
✨ Support the Show: Leave a review or share this episode with a friend—it helps more than you know!

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The Real Poker Girls universe officially expands across the Atlantic in this special crossover episode, as Kerryjane Craigie and Lydia Cugudda launch The Real Poker Girls of London—with a ceremonial baton pass from original Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas host Rebbecca Scales.

Recorded live during the Women’s Winter Festival at London’s Hippodrome, this debut episode sets the tone for what the London chapter is all about: inclusion, atmosphere, great poker, and real conversations. The hosts are joined by their very first guest, Spraggy (Ben Spragg), who brings humor, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories from both live poker and the streaming world.

The conversation dives into:

• Why women-only poker events matter—and why they work
• How atmosphere, structure, and safety change the poker experience
• Breaking records at the Women’s Winter Festival
• Spraggy’s journey through poker, streaming, and life on the road
• Legendary hands, memorable bluffs, and poker personalities
• And, of course… the infamous pig trophy 🐷

From serious insights about growing the game to laugh-out-loud moments and playful chaos, this episode perfectly captures the spirit of The Real Poker Girls: poker with personality, purpose, and community at the center.

This is more than a podcast launch—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for women in poker, told from both sides of the pond.

🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
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Join hosts Kerryjane Craigie (KJ) and Lydia Cugudda, along with guest co-host Alex O’Brien, as they sit down with poker legend and Hendon Mob co-founder Joe Beevers in this lively and insightful episode. Joe shares the origin story of The Hendon Mob—from humble home games in Hendon to becoming one of the most recognized names in global poker.

He reflects on the early days of poker before the online boom, how a Kenya internet café moment led to buying up valuable poker domains, and the creation of the world’s most-used poker database. Joe also opens up about playing in Monte Carlo, beating Phil Ivey, and eventually selling The Hendon Mob to the Global Poker Index.

Tune in to hear untold stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and what life looks like now for one of poker’s true originals. This episode is a time capsule for poker fans and a masterclass in making your mark.

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🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]
✨ Support the Show: Leave a review or share this episode with a friend—it helps more than you know!

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Join host Kerryjane Craigie (KJ) and Lydia Cugudda as they chat with science writer and poker player Alex O'Brien in this engaging podcast episode. Alex shares her fascinating journey into the world of poker, which began unexpectedly during a casual writing meet-up. She also discusses her upcoming book, The Truth Detective, which explores the psychological aspects of poker and how its skills can be applied to everyday life.

The conversation highlights the success of the Women's Winter Festival, an event aimed at promoting female participation in poker. It touches on the GPI Awards, where Alex and KJ are nominated. The hosts and Alex reflect on the importance of community in poker and the positive impact of events like the Women's Winter Festival.

Tune in to hear more about Alex's unique experiences, the evolution of her book, and the exciting future events in the poker world. Don't miss out on this lively and inspiring discussion!

Support the show

🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]
✨ Support the Show: Leave a review or share this episode with a friend—it helps more than you know!

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In this episode of The Real Poker Girls of London, hosts KJ and Lydia introduce their special guest, professional poker player Vanessa Cade, along with Rebecca from the Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas. The conversation dives into various topics such as memorable poker moments, the significance of women's poker events, and amusing personal anecdotes. Vanessa shares her experience of winning the largest Sunday million event and expresses her mixed feelings about women's tournaments. The episode is filled with humor, light-hearted banter, and a glimpse into the lives and personalities of these accomplished women in poker.

Support the show

🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]
✨ Support the Show: Leave a review or share this episode with a friend—it helps more than you know!

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The first podcast in London under the Real Poker Girls Brand featured hosts Kerryjane Craigie, Lydia Cugudda, and Rebbecca Scales with iconic guest Spraggy, who discuss their experiences at the Women’s Winter Poker Festival in London. They express excitement about the festival, which has become the largest women’s poker event outside Las Vegas, and share insights on the importance of creating welcoming environments for women in poker. 

The conversation takes a humorous turn as they touch on various topics, including the infamous "pig" trophy from a prior poker event, their personal experiences with poker, and notable players they've encountered. 

The hosts introduce a new segment called "Top Trump Poker," where they ask guest Spraggy about his poker experiences and opinions, including memorable bluffs, interactions with notable players like Phil Hellmuth and Eric Seidel, and his personal life outside of poker. Spraggy shares anecdotes about his relationship with his wife, Marley, and their experiences at the poker table together.

Overall, the episode celebrates the camaraderie and community within women’s poker, while also providing a lighthearted and candid look at the personalities and stories that make the poker world engaging.

Support the show

🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on @realpokergirls for behind-the-scenes content and guest updates.
📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]
✨ Support the Show: Leave a review or share this episode with a friend—it helps more than you know!