The Broke Girl Society Podcast
“It’s my hope that we can erase the stigma and shame so women will feel safe seeking the help they need without fear of judgment.”
Christina – TBGS Podcast Host
The Broke Girl Society Podcast
At its core, The Broke Girl Society Podcast is dedicated to breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and building a supportive community where women affected by gambling harm feel seen and heard. Host Christina Cook, drawing from her own lived experience, brings an empathetic and genuine perspective to every episode; understanding the unique challenges, shame, and stigma tied to gambling harm, particularly for women. Through candid conversations with guests, she highlights stories of courage, setbacks, curiosity and amazing resilience.
#gambling #addiction #recovery #hope #gamblingaddiction
Elizabeth Thielen – Nicasa Behavioral Health
In this episode of The Broke Girl Society Podcast, Christina sits down with Liz Thielen, who joins on behalf of Nicasa, to talk about the powerful intersection of lived experience, professional work, and recovery support in the gambling space.
Liz shares her personal story of how gambling became woven into family, identity, loss, trauma, and adrenaline, and how even working in the addiction field did not protect her from developing harmful gambling behaviors. Together, Christina and Liz explore the difference between abstinence and recovery, the role of shame, the importance of women-centered recovery spaces, and why softer, curiosity-based support can be so impactful.
They also talk about the gaps that still exist in the broader addiction field, the importance of gambling-specific training for clinicians, how technology is changing both gambling and recovery, and why support needs to be more accessible, individualized, and compassionate.
Connect with Christina Cook and The Broke Girl Society
Christina Cook is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a recovery-focused community and platform supporting women impacted by gambling harm.
Website:https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebrokegirlsocietyEmail: christina@thebrokegirlsociety.com
PODCAST SPONSORS:
The Better Institute (PA Residents) Where people go to get better.https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/
Evive An app designed to help you better understand your relationship with gambling and support your recovery journey.GetEvive.com
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (Illinois Residents) Since 2002, Nicasa has been helping individuals in Illinois address gambling behaviors through awareness, outreach, and treatment services. Learn more atN-I-C-A-S-A.org
Adult Gambling Treatmenthttps://nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment/
Youth Gambling Treatmenthttps://nicasa.org/program/youth-gambling-treatment/
**Important note: If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self-harm, please seek the help of trained professionals. We speak only from our own experiences. This podcast is meant to encourage and support your recovery journey, not replace professional care.
Resources:
BGS Resource Bookhttps://bgs-media.com/resources/
GamFin Financial counseling with professionals who understand the impact gambling can have on your financial health and goals. (U.S. residents only) https://www.gamfin.org/
Birches Health Find a certified gambling therapist through telehealth and attend sessions from the comfort of your home.https://bircheshealth.com/brokegirlsociety
IPGGC: https://ipggc.org/directory/ Find a gambling certified therapist
Gamblers Anonymoushttps://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
24/7 Meetings Worldwidehttps://gamblersinrecovery.com/
Recovery Road Online Meetingshttps://recoveryroadonline.com/
Women’s gambling recovery support outside the U.S.:
UK
Betknowmore UK – New Beginningshttps://www.betknowmoreuk.org/support-information/new-beginnings
GambleAware / Breakeven – WINGShttps://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/service-finder-results/wings-women-in-need-of-gambling-support/
GamCare – Women’s Pathwayhttps://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/womens-pathway/
Thrivin’ Togetherhttps://www.thrivintogether.org.uk/
Ireland
Extern – Women’s Gambling Support Networkhttps://www.extern.org/our-services/problem-gambling/women-s-gambling-support-network
Australia
The Untangle Projecthttps://www.theuntangleprojectaus.net/
Gambling Help Online – Peer Support Communityhttps://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/tools-resources/join-community
Canada
Responsible Gambling Council – Help for Canadianshttps://responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/problem-gambling-help/help-for-canadians/
CAMH – Problem Gambling Supporthttps://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling
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