The Modern Meeting

After more than 20 years in public health and nearly 16 years working in problem gambling prevention, Jaime Costello has seen the gambling industry and the organizations working to prevent gambling harm change dramatically. The former Director of Programs at the National Council on Problem Gambling joins The Modern Meeting to discuss her recent departure from NCPG, the growing divisions within the gambling prevention field, the controversy surrounding national gambling helplines, and whether ...

Rachel C didn't start gambling until her mid-30s, but in less than three years, it took over her life. What began with watching casino influencers on YouTube and discovering online slots quickly turned into dozens of gambling accounts and apps, mounting debt, and a growing web of lies she was hiding from her wife. Rachel shares how gambling on her phone consumed her life, why the money stopped feeling real, and how quickly things spiraled out of control. She also opens up about childhood tra...

This episode is for the people in our lives who just don't get it. Drawing from my own 20 years of compulsive gambling, I do my best to explain and educate those who struggle to understand gambling addiction. I address common misconceptions, share what was going through my mind during some of my worst moments, and discuss the challenges of recovery for both the gambler and their loved ones. My goal isn't to excuse the behavior or minimize the damage we've caused. It's to create understanding,...

After 17 years in recovery, Jennifer Krimmel is now the Executive Director of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling. Jennifer shares how she moved from hidden binge gambling to lasting recovery. She recounts the highs and devastating losses that kept her caught in a cycle of gambling, alcohol, money avoidance, and self-rationalization, and explains what finally led her to her last bet on July 28, 2009. She also discusses why women and younger people may struggle to connect with traditional...

Life has thrown me some unexpected challenges recently, forcing me to confront fear, uncertainty, and some uncomfortable truths about myself. In this episode, I reflect on the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, connection, and the realization that just because I've stopped gambling doesn't mean I've stopped having things to work on. I also talk about the challenges of working in gambling recovery while protecting my own, some lessons I've learned the hard way, and where I see The Moder...