S8E4 In this episode, recovering gambling addict and speaker Saul Malek shares his personal experience with gambling addiction, describing how a casual bet in college escalated into a serious problem that affected his finances, relationships, and academic life.

Saul discusses the increasing accessibility and normalization of online gambling among young people, the role of social media and peer influence, and the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents. He offers insights for parents and educators on recognizing early warning signs, fostering open conversations, and creating supportive environments that prioritize wellness over punishment. His conversation with Lovett Chief Engagement Officer and Living Lovett host Jessica Sant emphasizes the importance of proactive education, community support, and providing healthy outlets for competitive energy, ultimately highlighting hope and resilience in recovery.

Saul Malek will be speaking at Lovett in January 2026
Learn more about Saul at his website: https://www.saulmalek.com/
Watch Dr. Timothy Fong discuss Understanding the Gambling Brain on YouTube

Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant.