TGF presents: Dessert Island Discs

In another blockbuster episode of TGF Presents Dessert Island Discs, we meet a luminary from the gambling industry to find out about the things they want with them while stranded on a tropical island: Books, movies, albums, pets, desserts and more. Host Jon Bruford welcomes Vicky Reed, CEO of Better Change to the latest opus; Vicky shares her musical journey, favourite films, and impactful books that have shaped her perspective on life. Throughout the conversation, she emphasises the importance of authenticity, taking risks, and investing in oneself. Vicky's experiences with music, film, and personal growth provide valuable insights into navigating life's challenges and embracing opportunities.What we talk about, but in a list: Vicky Reed is the CEO of Better Change, focusing on positive play in the gambling industry.Music has been a significant part of Vicky's life, with her first business being a record label.Her favourite albums reflect her love for dance music and personal memories.Vicky's film choices reveal her passion for storytelling and emotional connections.Books that inspire Vicky emphasise authenticity and personal growth.Advice from younger self emphasises taking risks and seizing opportunities.Investing in oneself early can lead to long-term benefits.Vicky's experiences with dogs shaped her understanding of fear and companionship.The importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people for guidance.Vicky's reflections on life highlight the value of trying new things and not fearing failure.Choice quotes: "I was terrified of the Thriller video.""I love Formula One and always have.""You can't beat Julie Andrews."Chapters (but add 40 seconds or so because of the music and all that):00:00 Introduction to TGF Presents Dessert Island Discs05:00 Vicky Reed's Musical Journey12:01 Exploring Vicky's Favourite Films28:58 Books That Shaped Vicky's Perspective41:53 Life Lessons and Advice from Vicky56:59 Conclusion and ReflectionsVicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-reed-1410/Where we publish all our stuff: www.thegamblingfiles.comOur other podcasts:Addiction: An Hour with Auer - https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/The Gambling Files - https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

In this episode of Dessert Island Discs, host Jon Bruford weclomes industry legend Gavin Isaacs. The conversation explores Gavin's personal preferences in music, literature, and film, as well as his reflections on life and advice for both his younger and older selves. Gavin shares his top three albums, books, and movies, providing insights into their significance in his life. The discussion also touches on the importance of health and fitness, the value of taking risks, and the impact of personal experiences on one's choices.And anybody that says using AI to generate copy produces dry, dull words doesn’t know what they’re talking about. It produces pure poetry. I mean, the above is all true, fundamentally. But the podcast is more interesting than that… What we talk about, but in a list. I know, right!Gavin Isaacs shares his top three albums, books, and movies.Health and fitness are crucial for a fulfilling life.Personal experiences shape our choices and preferences.The importance of taking risks and trusting oneself.Albums should be a complete experience, not just a collection of songs.Gavin's favourite dessert is his wife's Pavlova, a family recipe.Literature can provide deep insights into history and culture.Cinematic classics like 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'The Godfather' resonate deeply with Gavin.Advice from older to younger self emphasises health and fitness.Younger self's advice to older self highlights the importance of taking risks. Choice quotes: "You're not going to believe this, right?""I wish I learned it as a kid.""You have one life, go for it."Chapters (but add maybe 30 seconds, because we put the music on and all that)00:00 Introduction to Dessert Island Discs02:02 Gavin's Musical Selections11:12 Exploring Literary Favourites18:34 Cinematic Classics23:15 Exploring Iconic Films25:50 The Power of Music27:52 Pets and Companionship29:21 Dessert Island Essentials33:15 Life Lessons and AdviceGavin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-isaacs-ceo/Where we publish all our stuff: www.thegamblingfiles.comOur other podcasts:Addiction: An Hour with Auer - https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/The Gambling Files - https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

In another explosive episode of Dessert Island Discs, Professor Dr. Brett Abarbanel shares her insights on gambling, music, and storytelling. She discusses her formative experiences with albums like the Beastie Boys' 'License to Ill' and AC/DC's 'Back in Black', as well as the emotional connection to Creedence Clearwater Revival through family. The conversation also delves into the art of storytelling with 'The Princess Bride', the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes, and the engaging nature of Feynman's physics lectures. Finally, Brett shares her love for action movies, highlighting the unique humour of 'Hot Fuzz'. In this engaging conversation, Brett Abarbanel and host Jon Bruford explore a variety of themes ranging from the concept of henchmen and supervillains to the influence of family on film choices. They delve into the legacy of classic films like Clue and Dr. Strangelove, discuss personal favourites in music and pets, and share practical survival tips. The dialogue culminates in humorous yet insightful advice about life, opportunities, and the importance of restroom etiquette.Things we talk about, but in a list: The International Gaming Institute focuses on research and education in gambling.Brett's first album choice reflects formative experiences from her teenage years.The Beastie Boys' humour and cultural impact are significant.AC/DC's 'Back in Black' is a landmark album in rock history.Brett's connection to music is deeply tied to family experiences.The Princess Bride showcases the art of storytelling with humour and depth.Sherlock Holmes stories are a classic collection of detective fiction.Feynman's lectures on physics are accessible and engaging for all audiences.Brett's love for action movies is influenced by her mother's taste.Hot Fuzz cleverly parodies American action tropes within a British context. The idea of becoming a henchman is more relevant than it seems.Supervillainy involves a lot of administration and HR work.Bond films have a significant influence on personal tastes.Clue's unique multiple endings created a memorable viewing experience.Dr. Strangelove remains a timeless classic with layered storytelling.Music choices often reflect familial influences and personal nostalgia.Pets can have a profound impact on our lives and happiness.Practical choices, like sunscreen, are essential for survival.Dessert choices can evoke strong memories and emotions.Life advice often revolves around seizing opportunities when they arise.Choice quotes:"How do you become a henchman?""I love to sing along with TNT."Chapters (add a bit on though, because we put a 30-second music intro on the front)00:00 Introduction to Dessert Island Discs04:22 Exploring the World of Gambling and Risk Taking06:20 The Beastie Boys: A Formative Album Experience12:47 AC/DC: The Power of Back in Black19:11 Creedence Clearwater Revival: A Father-Daughter Connection24:21 The Princess Bride: A Tale of Storytelling29:59 Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection37:20 Hot Fuzz: A Unique Blend of Humour and Action40:27 The Concept of Henchmen and Supervillainy42:22 The Evolution of a Henchman43:13 Bond Films and Their Influence45:56 The Impact of Family on Film Choices46:56 The Legacy of Clue and Its Unique Endings48:59 Honourable Mentions: Dr. Strangelove and Its Relevance53:33 Musical Choices and Their Significance57:11 Pets and Their Impact on Life58:17 Choosing Practical Objects for Survival01:01:58 Dessert Choices and Their Nostalgia01:07:35 Advice on Life and OpportunitiesResources and things: Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettabarbanel/Where we publish all our stuff: www.thegamblingfiles.comOur other podcasts:Addiction: An Hour with Auer - https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/The Gambling Files - https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

In this episode of Dessert Island Discs, host Jon Bruford interviews Tom Nieman, a prominent figure in the gambling industry. Some might call him a legend… They discuss Tom's musical influences, favourite albums, impactful books, and memorable movies. Tom shares valuable life lessons, emphasising the importance of self-confidence and continuous personal growth. The conversation is filled with anecdotes from Tom's life, including his experiences in the pinball industry and his love for music and literature.Things we talk about, in a list:Self-confidence must be self-generated, not reliant on others.The game of life is never over; keep proving yourself.Everyone counts, and every voice matters.Life's unpredictability is akin to the bounce of a football.Continuous learning and engagement are key to staying young at heart.Music and literature can profoundly shape our perspectives.The impact of cultural phenomena like The Beatles and The Who is timeless.Movies can evoke deep emotional responses and reflections on life.Personal experiences can lead to unexpected insights and connections.The importance of having short-term goals to maintain motivation.Choice quotes:"Everybody counts or nobody counts.""You either know it or you don't.""The game is never over."Chapters (add a bit on though, because we put a 30-second music intro on the front)00:00 Introduction to Tom Neiman and His Journey02:53 Musical Influences and Album Selections05:40 Exploring the Impact of The Beatles and The Who08:35 The Evolution of A Star is Born11:17 The Significance of 'Pinball Wizard'13:49 Books That Shaped Tom's Perspective16:32 Detective Fiction and Character Development27:46 Movies That Resonate with Tom29:31 The Art of Storytelling in Film34:28 Exploring Iconic Movies: Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile36:50 The Unconventional World of Tommy37:16 The Significance of Pets in Our Lives39:50 The Symbolism of Objects: Life Lessons from a Football42:29 Desserts and Nostalgia: A Sweet Escape44:09 Life Lessons: Advice Across Generations

In this week’s episode of Dessert Island Discs, host Jon Bruford interviews Tracy Cohen, probably best known for her time in the industry working with TCSJOHNHUXLEY, and who now represents the European arm of the Association for Gaming Equipment Manufacturers. Tracy shares her personal favourites in music, books, movies and more. The conversation explores the significance of these choices, reflecting on their impact on her life and career in the gambling industry. Tracy discusses her love for artists like Stevie Wonder and George Michael, her favourite books including 'I Am Pilgrim' and 'The Churchill Factor', and her cinematic preferences, particularly 'The Thomas Crown Affair'. The episode highlights the importance of curiosity and personal connections in shaping one's tastes and experiences. In this engaging conversation, Tracy shares her thoughts on various movies, including her favourites like 'The Intouchables' and 'Keeping Mum.' They discuss the impact of personal recommendations and the cultural significance of films. Tracy also reflects on her experiences with pets, her love for cheese, and the wisdom gained through life experiences. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the advice one would give to their younger self and the importance of living in the moment.The one quote that sums up this episode:"Age is just a number."Chapters, give or take 25 seconds: 00:00 Introduction to Dessert Island Discs04:25 Tracy Cohen's Musical Choices15:12 Exploring Books and Literature20:50 Curiosity and Knowledge25:10 The Joy of Reading and Kindle Experiences29:06 Exploring Favourite Movies36:25 The Impact of Family in Film44:37 Music That Resonates with Family47:46 Pets and Childhood Experiences48:36 Pet Ownership and Family Dynamics51:19 Comfort and Warmth: The Hot Water Bottle Debate52:04 Dessert Preferences: Cheese vs. Sweets57:25 Advice Across Generations: Wisdom from the Past01:01:56 Living in the Moment: Embracing Life's Joys01:06:25 The Importance of Family History and Legacy

The Gambling Files presents our delightfully off-the-wall podcast where luminaries, leaders and people that think are invited to share their journeys with us, using mile- or touchstones from their lives to mark the path. Today we’re joined by Axes.ai’s Earle G. Hall as he shares his life experiences, musical influences, and the books that have shaped his journey. From his childhood in Newfoundland to his reflections on music by Journey, Supertramp, and Vince Gill, Earle discusses how these elements have contributed to his personal growth and understanding of purpose. He also delves into the impact of significant books, including 'The Road Less Traveled' and 'The Book of Secrets' by Deepak Chopra, highlighting their transformative effects on his life. In this engaging conversation, Earle G. Hall shares his profound influences, including Wayne Dyer and Bruce Lipton, and reflects on the movies that have shaped his life, such as 'Fandango' and 'Top Gun.' He discusses the lessons learned from 'Apollo 13' and the importance of innovation and ingenuity. Earle also highlights the healing power of pets, particularly his dog Stirling, and emphasizes the need for fun and joy in life. The conversation concludes with a thoughtful exchange of advice between Earle and his younger self, focusing on the importance of embracing differences and having fun.Choice Quotes: "I feel safe with my dog.""It'll all work out.""Have more fun."Chapters (but add 30 seconds or so, because of the music and dramatic intro):00:00 Introduction and Background of Earle G. Hall02:45 Musical Influences: Journey and Personal Reflections05:34 The Impact of Supertramp on Life Choices08:24 Vince Gill: Storytelling Through Music10:51 The Role of Music in Emotional Healing13:46 Books That Shaped Earle's Perspective16:20 Exploring the Concept of Electromagnetic Connections29:40 The Legacy of Scientific Minds30:44 Exploring the Northern Lights and Scientific Culture33:45 The Impact of Personal Connections on Success36:31 Books That Shaped a Journey44:20 Movies as Reflections of Life Experiences55:41 Surprises and Unexpected Connections56:30 Music and Personal Stories59:40 The Impact of Pets on Our Lives01:05:37 Choosing Objects and Their Significance01:11:49 Advice Across Generations01:19:27 The Importance of Fun and Joy

The Gambling Files Presents… Dessert Island Discs! It's back, after a longish hiatus, and with a bang. It seemed a good time to bring it back, as UK Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes recently announced he is stepping down from the role to pursue other things. So here we are. Andrew Rhodes and his choices for being stranded on a tropical island. He chooses: 3 albums 3 movies 3 books 1 song (not on the albums) 1 pet (from any time in his life) 1 object 1 dessert 2 pieces of advice. And that's it. Easy peasy!

We catch up with Games Global's legendary CEO Walter Bugno to ask "Hey Walter, if you were stranded on a tropical island, what would you want to have with you?" He chooses: 3 movies 3 books 3 albums 1 song 1 pet 1 object 1 dessert …and advice: one piece to give to his younger self, and one from his younger self to his older self. Walter is engaging as ever, and we hope you enjoy this offshoot episode! Sponsorship of TGF Present: Dessert Island Discs is available…

Meet Jen Bowman of IGT fame. Jen talks us through her choices to take to a deserted tropical island: 3 albums3 books3 movies 1 song1 pet1 object1 dessert…and one piece of advice to give her younger self. Have to say, this episode is completely worth it just for the pet part. Brilliant. Anyway, you can find the RSS for the offshoot here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/tgf-did/And it's available at all good podcast outlets. Probably the dodgy ones too. And if you have a guest suggestion, we are all ears. Fintan especially, that's why he keeps his hair all bushy.

In the interests of full disclosure, our guest this episode is a bit quiet in my opinion, but she says it's probably just Jon being too loud. Anyway, it's another industry thought leader for our second proper guest on Dessert Island Discs as we welcome RG and player protection specialist Dr Maris Catania to the hotseat.Dr Maris chooses her three key albums, three books, three movies, one pet, one object, and one dessert, all of which need to help keep her sane on this deserted dessert-laden tropical paradise. Oh, and she has one piece of advice for her younger self. If you've met Maris, you'll know the conversation could go just about anywhere… Enjoy the episode – and feel free to contact us to nominate someone as a guest, or even throw yourself forward. All you have to do is be interesting!

So the thing about this is, it's about people, not about work – and I can absolutely guarantee that there will be something surprising in every episode. The industry is all about personal relationships, and this podcast is about the amazing people we meet every day in the gambling world.We're learning as we go, as ever, so for now I won't put what they've chosen in the show notes, you can listen and find it out. But Alex was full of surprises! My favourite part though, was his advice for his younger self. And discovering he likes musicals.Get on it!

In this inaugural kind-of episode, Fintan is the guinea pig; or maybe he's the hamster, and I'm Richard Gere, if you believe those scurrilous long-dormant rumours.I'm just slipping this out quietly on a weekend because it's kind of our proof of concept thing – the new podcast offshoot, and I want people to understand the format before we use actual, real people in it.So this is Dessert Island Discs, where our guests are stranded on a tropical island and all their basic needs are taken care of. They now have to choose the luxury items that come with them (or that wash up on the beach, maybe). They get to choose:3 albums3 movies3 booksOne song (not on the albums)One petOne object/thingOne dessertOne piece of advice for their younger selves, and they choose when to receive itOur guests are top-level gambling industry execs, thought leaders and any other buzzwords we can come up with while we think outside the box on this one.Some guests will drop things from the list because they don't apply – maybe they didn't have a pet, or don't read for pleasure. But mostly, it's what's up there.Fundamentally, this is about people, not about work.Dessert Island Discs bears absolutely no relation to any shows anywhere else with similar-ish names that have been running for many decades, and you're a fool and a communist if you think it does.Love some feedback on the idea, suggestions for guests, that kind of thing; remember, this episode zero is just so you can see what it's all about. Also thinking we might do this as audio-only. Who knows?