Against The Podds - A Gambling & Addiction Podcast

Welcome to the season finale of Against The Podds

Joining Aaron and Conor in the studio is former professional footballer Karl Colley.

In this conversation, Karl discusses his journey through mental health struggles and gambling addiction, intertwined with his experiences in professional football.

He reflects on his early life, school experiences, and the challenges he faced transitioning into a professional athlete. The discussion also delves into family dynamics, particularly the influence of his father's gambling habits and the support systems that were or weren't available to him.

Karl gives an open and honest insight into his time training with legendary players at Newcastle United and the team dynamics he encountered. He shares personal anecdotes about his early career, interactions with notable figures like Bobby Robson, and being at rock bottom.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training—empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor welcome Tracy O'Shaughnessy to the studio.

Tracy is the Criminal Justice System (CJS) Development Lead for GamLEARN, a lived experience network that supports individuals impacted both directly and indirectly by gambling-related harm.

Tracy joins the lads in the studio to share her personal journey with addiction, which inspired her to deepen her understanding of addiction, particularly gambling-related harm.

In her role at GamLEARN, Tracy offers weekly support to partners of gamblers who have turned to crime to fund their gambling, also referred to as "affected others." In addition, she leads guided meditation and breathwork sessions. As a qualified holistic therapist, Tracy draws on her own experiences to help individuals manage the stress and anxiety associated with gambling-related challenges, either personally or through a loved one.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training—empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor welcome Tracy O'Shaughnessy to the studio.

Tracy is the Criminal Justice System (CJS) Development Lead for GamLEARN, a lived experience network that supports individuals impacted both directly and indirectly by gambling-related harm.

Tracy joins the lads in the studio to share her personal journey with addiction, which inspired her to deepen her understanding of addiction, particularly gambling-related harm.

In her role at GamLEARN, Tracy offers weekly support to partners of gamblers who have turned to crime to fund their gambling, also referred to as "affected others." In addition, she leads guided meditation and breathwork sessions. As a qualified holistic therapist, Tracy draws on her own experiences to help individuals manage the stress and anxiety associated with gambling-related challenges, either personally or through a loved one.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training—empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined by professional footballer Steven Caulker

Steven went from playing for England and representing the UK in the Olympics to losing £250k in a casino in one night. Steven joins the lads to have a very open and honest chat about his journey so far, his experiences with addiction, and the power of therapy.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Against The Podds: A Gambling and Addiction Awareness Podcast

In this episode, Aaron and Conor are joined by UFC Fighter Melissa 'No Mess' Mullins

Melissa 'No Mess' Mullins is the true definition of resilience. She joins the lads for a chat about her journey so far, the impact addiction has had on her outlook on life, and what keeps her striving to be the best

Melissa signed with the UFC in 2023 and quickly became the first British woman to win her UFC debut. This episode gives a real, raw, and honest look inside the mind of an athlete and a real insight into all the hard work that goes into preparing for The Octagon.

There are themes such as addiction, mental health and mentions of self-harm throughout the episode that might be distressing to some listeners. If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode and need additional support, please head to https://againsttheodds.uk/

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Nulogic Training - Empowering young people through Education. Nulogic Training provides Councils, Schools, and Academies across the UK with a variety of results-based, motivational programmes. Their programmes immerse students in an educational environment that fulfils their potential through learning and creative expression.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.