Podcast
The Problem Gambling Podcast
Hosted by Barry Grant & Tony O'Reilly · EN
A podcast exploring issues surrounding problem gambling and gambling related harm. Presented by addiction counsellor, Barry Grant, and addiction counsellor, author and expert by lived experience, Tony O'Reilly. This podcast is an awareness raising project of Extern Problem Gambling, part of the registered charity, Extern Ireland. https://www.problemgambling.ie/ If you would like to support the podcast, you can donate here: https://www.problemgambling.ie/donate.html
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Problem Gambling Podcast - Interview with former Tipster, Niall Davison
Yesterday00:54:51Tap to summarizeInterview with former successful gambling Tipster, Niall Davison. We discuss how, even successful gamblers suffer from gambling harms. Niall is the author of a new book, " I’ve Gotta Tip, Lads: Winning Gamblers Lose, Too", which will be released shortly. Presented by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who work for Extern Problem Gambling.Here is a synopsis of Niall's book:Synopsis – I’ve Gotta Tip, Lads: Winning Gamblers Lose, TooFor over a decade, I lived what many would call the dream. I wasn’t just another mug punter — I was one of the few who actually beat the bookies. Through obsessive study, statistical analysis, and pure graft, I became a profitable horse racing gambler and online tipster with a loyal army of followers hanging on my every word.By my late thirties, I had also built a successful career in my day job and a happy marriage. On paper, life looked great. But behind the façade, I couldn’t stop chasing the next bet, the next winner, the next little surge of social validation. Even when I was winning financially, I was losing emotionally — lying to my wife, hiding the truth, and feeling more disconnected than ever.We’re now living through a gambling pandemic, with people everywhere carrying multiple casinos and bookmakers in their pockets 24/7/365. I was an early casualty — caught in a system built to keep us chasing that next hit.Following the turbulent gambling rollercoaster year of 2022, where I lost control of both discipline and finances, something finally cracked. On my 42nd birthday, I realised my life had no real meaning — just a relentless loop of fake dopamine highs, melancholic lows, and white lies to keep up appearances. I had mastered the art of gambling but completely lost sight of myself.In this brutally honest and darkly funny memoir, I retrace my journey from hopeful racing fan to full-blown gambling addict — and back again. What began as an exciting hobby and ego boost evolved into a psychological trap, fuelled not by greed but by fear, shame, and the desperate need to feel significant. As my following grew, so did my dependence on their approval. Audience capture twisted me into someone I barely recognised — someone I hated.But the deeper I went, the clearer one uncomfortable truth became: even when you win, you lose. Bookmakers lure punters in with dreams of easy riches, yet the moment you start showing consistent profit, your accounts are restricted or shut down altogether. I’ve Gotta Tip, Lads exposes these dark arts of modern bookmaking — a rigged system where losers are welcome and winners are silenced.Through self-reflection, abstinence, and years of journaling, I uncover the real reasons behind my compulsion: fear, shame, escapism, childhood discomfort and the search for status and purpose. Yes, I made money — but at the cost of my peace, honesty, and self-respect.Told with the wit and candour of a man who’s lived to tell the tale, I’ve Gotta Tip, Lads isn’t a moral sermon or sob story — it’s a half-time team talk for anyone chasing happiness in all the wrong places. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - Interview with recovering gamblinger, Maureen Ferguson
1w ago00:47:46Tap to summarizeInterview with recovering gambler, Maureen Ferguson. Presented by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who both work for Extern Problem Gambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - Interview with former professional footballer, Shane O'Connor
2w ago00:52:06Tap to summarizeInterview with former professional footballer, Shane O'Connor, discussing his gambling addiction and recovery. Shane played for Ipswich Town and several League of Ireland teams, including Shamrock Rovers, Waterford and Cobh Ramblers. The podcast is presented by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who work for Extern Problem Gambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →
The Problem Gambling Podcast - 2025 Christmas Special Pt. 3
Dec 1700:36:42Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Barry and Maureen discuss slips and relapses; overcoming shame and goal planning, ahead of the Christmas period. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - 2025 Christmas Special Pt. 2
Dec 1000:40:18Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Barry and Claire discuss ways to prepare for Christmas in recovery. This episode was recorded live on the Stop Gambling App platform with a couple one of our Stop Gambling App users in attendance. Thanks to Maureen for her contribution!We discuss urge surfing, thought-stopping and HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)The podcast is produced by Extern Problem Gambling, part of the Extern charity.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →
The Problem Gambling Podcast - 2025 Christmas Special Pt. 1
Dec 200:47:28Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Barry and Claire discuss ways to prepare for Christmas in recovery. This episode was recorded live on the Stop Gambling App platform with a couple of app users in attendance. Thanks to Maureen for her contribution! The podcast is produced by Extern Problem Gambling, part of the Extern charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - Season 9 - Episode 8
May 13, 202500:49:55Tap to summarizeWe celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the first episode of the podcast (May 13th 2020). Former co-host, Tony O'Reilly, joins us to discuss his favourite moments from the podcast, so far.The podcast is co-hosted by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who work for Extern Problem Gambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - Season 9 - Episode 7
May 2, 202500:45:59Tap to summarizeInterview with AnneMarie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. For more details on the work of the GRAI, go to www.grai.ie The podcast is co-presented by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who work for Extern Problem Gambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - Season 9 - Episode 6
Apr 24, 202500:50:27Tap to summarizeInterview with Richie Paxton, Head of Programmes at EPIC Restart Foundation. To learn more about EPIC Restart, go to: https://www.epicrestartfoundation.org/The podcast is co-presented by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who work for Extern Problem Gambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Problem Gambling Podcast - Season 9 - Episode 5
Apr 16, 202501:05:52Tap to summarizeInterview with recovering gambler, Andy May, discussing his recovery from addiction and his experience of prison. The podcast is co-hosed by Claire Donegan and Barry Grant, who both work for Extern Problem Gambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →