Addiction: An Hour With Auer

The Gambling Files Presents

Gambling addiction expert Dr Michael Auer co-hosts this unique podcast where we discuss addiction in a holistic way with experts from around the world.

  1. 1d ago

    Addiction 39: The Psychology of Gambling and Sex Addiction with Dr Shane Kraus

    In this episode, Dr. Shane Kraus discusses behavioural addictions, including gambling, sex, and disordered eating, especially in military populations. We explore the psychological mechanisms, risk factors, and potential interventions for these complex issues with hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. Some of the things we talk about, in a list: Behavioural addictions and their classificationsThe impact of military service on addiction riskRole of technology in addiction escalationScreening and intervention strategies for behavioural healthThe importance of education and self-awareness in prevention Choice quotes: "Short term goals are important for longevity.""Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is a mouthful.""Addiction is loss of control." Chapters – but add 40 seconds or so because of the music… 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction02:01 The story of Tucker The Man in His Dream and its influence07:08 Understanding compulsive sexual behaviour disorder11:58 Addiction as a coping mechanism in military personnel20:00 Screening, regulation, and the role of technology in gambling29:52 Resilience, nurture vs. nature, and behavioural health in military contexts40:14 The impact of online content and attention economy on addiction49:58 Strategies for early intervention and responsible gambling01:00:01 The future of research and regulation in behavioural addictions01:10:02 Closing thoughts and future directions Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Shane on the UNLV site: https://www.unlv.edu/people/shane-kraus The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  2. Aug 11

    Addiction 38: Understanding Gambling Addiction: a Personal Journey

    Join us as we explore the complex world of gambling addiction through personal stories, industry perspectives, and practical insights. This episode highlights the importance of awareness, harm prevention, and the societal factors influencing addictive behaviours. Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by recovering addict Saul Malek, who speaks candidly about his personal journey and the risks for young people in modern America. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. Things we talk about include: Personal narrative of gambling addiction and recovery, including online sports betting experiencesThe cultural and social environment of gambling, including college campuses and sports cultureIndustry challenges and potential strategies for harm prevention, including education and regulationThe role of community, online platforms, and peer support in recovery effortsSpecific vulnerabilities among youth, athletes, and college students related to gamblingThe Egyptian goddess of hedgehogs. It’s REAL. Chapters, kind of, but add 40 seconds or so for the beautiful music: 00:02 - Welcome and episode overview01:15 - Host's 'humorous' reflection on podcast branding02:00 - Introduction of Dr. Michael Auer02:17 - Discussion on favourite Schwarzenegger films03:12 - Commentary on remakes and film interpretations04:11 - Analysis of "Starship Troopers" as an anti-war and anti-fascism film05:01 - Insights into the appeal of gambling and its social aspects11:10 - Saul Malek discusses his background and recovery from online sports betting addiction12:31 - Early experiences with gambling during college15:28 - The escalation to higher stakes and online gambling dynamics20:01 - The role of peer groups and isolation in gambling behavior21:26 - Recognition of gambling problems via family intervention25:02 - The cultural and demographic aspects of recovery groups30:36 - Digital advancements and preventive measures in gambling platforms58:31 - Cultural tangent: Egyptian goddess of hedgehogs Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Saul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/ The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  3. Aug 4

    Addiction 37: Unlocking the Subconscious: Hypnotherapy for Gambling Addiction

    In this episode, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Lorraine Perrons and Claire Jones, co-founders of Gambling Recovery Therapy. In conversation we explore innovative approaches to treating gambling addiction and phobias through hypnotherapy, the importance of commitment, and the journey of building effective therapy frameworks. Lorraine and Claire share their insights on remote therapy, trust-building, and personalised treatment strategies. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. Things we talk about, in list form: Hypnotherapy for addiction and phobiasThe importance of client commitment and trustRemote therapy effectiveness and setupUncovering subconscious traumaPersonalized treatment plans and toolsBuilding emotional regulation skillsThe role of values and beliefs in changeHandling emotional crises and safeguarding protocolsTraining and practice in hypnotherapyInnovative programs for affected others Chapters – but add 45 seconds maybe because of our beautiful music: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:53 The Impact of Hypnotherapy on Phobias06:00 Understanding Commitment in Therapy09:05 The Role of Hypnotherapy in Gambling Recovery11:58 Client Profiling and Session Structure15:02 The Challenges of Affected Others17:52 Identifying Underlying Issues in Gambling Addiction21:14 The Journey to Hypnotherapy24:02 Practicing Hypnotherapy and Building Confidence35:02 The Power of Hypnosis and Pets38:04 Understanding Hypnosis: Myths and Realities38:50 The Role of Susceptibility in Hypnosis41:10 Remote Hypnosis: Setting and Protocols43:04 Addressing Gambling Addiction: A Holistic Approach44:49 Innovative Programs for Affected Others48:00 Building Trust in Therapeutic Relationships53:59 Navigating Trauma and Emotional Reactions01:00:01 Personalized Therapy: Goals and Outcomes Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Gambling Recovery Therapy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gamblingrecoverytherapy/ The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  4. Jul 28

    Addiction 36: How Brain Chemistry Shapes Gambling and Eating Behaviours, with Dr Jakob Linnet

    In this episode, Dr Michael Auer and his social superior Jon Bruford explore the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction, focusing on dopamine's role in gambling, binge eating, and other behaviours. Dr. Jakob Linnet shares insights from brain imaging research, the impact of societal factors, and strategies for managing addictive impulses. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. What we talk about, in list form: Dopamine's role in addictionBrain imaging and neurobiological insightsCrossover between food and gambling addictionReward prediction and error in addictionTreatment approaches and societal influences Choice quotes: "Dopamine signals anticipated rewards, not just pleasure.""Gambling disorder doesn't show reduced dopamine receptors.""Addiction may stem from sustained dopamine activation." Chapters, but add a minute because of our lovely music and intro: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences02:34 Understanding Addiction and Its Forms06:25 Dopamine: The Brain's Reward System10:32 Behavioral Addictions vs. Substance Addictions18:40 The Role of Anticipation in Addiction20:48 Accessibility and Availability of Addictive Behaviors25:17 Personal Reflections on Binge Eating31:00 Exploring Underlying Issues in Addiction33:11 Coping with Thoughts and Dopamine Strategies36:12 Understanding Individual Differences in Dopamine Response39:55 The Role of Medications and Brain Chemistry40:09 Exploring the Impact of GLP-1 Medications42:21 Internal vs. External Motivation in Treatment44:01 Recognizing Patterns and Situational Control47:30 Types of Eating Disorders Explained49:52 Dopamine's Role in Binge Eating Disorder50:27 Future of Brain Imaging and Addiction Diagnosis52:05 Medications Affecting Dopamine and Addiction58:18 Navigating Modern Food Environments01:01:23 Educating Future Generations on Mental Health Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Jakob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakob-linnet-4222028/ …and ReasearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jakob-Linnet The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  5. Jul 21

    Addiction 35: How Misinformation Spreads: Neuroscience Insights with Dr Dean Burnett

    Join us as we (Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford) delve into neuroscience, misinformation, and fascinating insights from Dr. Dean Burnett. Discover how the brain works, how to spot misinformation, and the impact of social media on our thinking. There’s loads more, obviously, but that’s the headlines. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. Things we talk about, in list form: Neuroscience benefits and misconceptionsHow the brain processes information and biasesImpact of social media on critical thinkingHow to identify credible sources of informationDean Burnett's books and insights Choice quotes: "If claims are simple, they're probably wrong.""Nothing about the brain is that simple.""Research shows most decisions are made quickly." Chapters, but add a minute because of our intro and sexy music: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:10 Las Vegas Conference Highlights03:14 Research Cycles and Conference Frequency04:25 Blockchain Hype and Trends in Neuroscience06:20 British Cultural References and Personal Anecdotes09:17 Dean Burnett's Return and Credibility10:36 Main Benefits of Neuroscience Knowledge12:04 Spotting Misinformation and Simplistic Claims14:16 Confirmation Bias and Social Media Influence16:50 Habits of Attention and Critical Thinking18:23 How to Verify Scientific Information21:55 Dean Burnett's Books and Writing Process27:35 The Idiot Brain: Insights and Anecdotes30:13 Dean Burnett's Published Works and Writing Timeline37:43 The Subconscious and Decision Making40:02 Individual Variation in Brain and Behaviour42:23 Influence of Dopamine and Personality Traits44:23 Training and Predisposition in Personal Development47:26 Humour and Personal Anecdotes in Neuroscience48:17 Future Engagements and Merch Ideas49:37 Closing Remarks and Thanks Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-burnett-16303117/ Dean Burnett's Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dean+Burnett Dean Burnett's Website - https://deanburnett.com The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  6. Jul 15

    Addiction 34: Dr Kasra Ghaharian at the UNLV conference on Risk and Gambling

    Did you know that this episode of Addiction: An Hour With Auer is brought to you by GLI? Well now you do. This is our last recording from the UNLV conference and we sign off with a fitting guest, the excellent Dr Ghaharian, Director of Research at the UNLV International Gaming Institute. We talk about all sorts: Top Trumps, putting conferences together, you name it… And apologies for the slightly less than ideal sound quality on this one. It’s worth it though. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. Resources & Links: Kasra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasrag/ GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  7. Jul 1

    Addiction 33: Shane Kraus on Veteran addiction issues, plus the legendary Howard Stutz

    Brought to you by those mighty folks at GLI! Another double-header from the UNLV Risk and Gambling conference, this time we talk with Shane Kraus about gambling addiction among the armed forces, and among veterans. It's an enlightening field of study, and we hope to welcome Shane back on the podcast soon to talk more on this. [2:22 – 40:59] Then we meet the mighty Howard Stutz, reporter extraordinaire from The Nevada Independent; Jon gets to be a bit fanboy here, while asking the question: does the media play a role in reframing how gambling is perceived in the future? [41:04 – 1:14:00] This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Shane on the UNLV site: https://www.unlv.edu/people/shane-kraus Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-stutz-b3b0219/ The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

  8. Jul 1

    Addiction 32: Simon Thomas and Dan Waugh at the (awesome) UNLV Risk conference

    This episode is brought to you thanks to those benevolent wonders at GLI. Back at the conference, we unexpectedly bumped into a proper couple of legends in the shape of Simon Thomas, top man at London's Hippodrome Casino, and Dan Waugh, a luminary at Regulus Partners. We get in to all sorts in these conversations – the challenge of a safer gambling program at a land-based operation, a Handmaid's Take-style future for prohibitive marketing measures in the industry, and much more. Simon is 0:00 – 37:18, and you can hear Dan from 37:23 to 1:07:47. Enjoy the episode! Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-thomas-2522314/ Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-waugh-3847164/ The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

About

Gambling addiction expert Dr Michael Auer co-hosts this unique podcast where we discuss addiction in a holistic way with experts from around the world.