Gambling Addiction PODCAST #6: 'I Want To Show People They Can Turn It Around' - Ed Stoner's Story

In the final episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, I speak to Ed Stoner, founder of Now We Win.

Ed suffered from compulsive gambling in his late teens and early twenties.

I wanted to find out more about his story.

How did he get into betting?

When did it go from being fun to a problem?

What help did he receive in recovery?

What is life like post-addiction?

Ed has a fascinating background, working as a football agent in Africa and Brand Strategist for Adidas in USA and Germany. He’s since setup Now We Win, a social enterprise sports brand hosting workouts to tackle gambling addiction.

It’s an inspiring podcast and one I’m proud to share with you.

Instagram: @nowwewin

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So, this episode wraps-up the series.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all the guests for taking part. They’ve given up their time for free and I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Emily, George, Shaniqua, Becky, Jouni and Ed. I hope their stories and experiences have inspired you as much as they’ve inspired me!

And I would like to say a huge thank you - to you – for listening. It wouldn’t be a podcast without any listeners!

It’s crazy to think the idea for The Invisible Addiction was born out of lockdown. During this time, I released a podcast about my own experience with problem gambling. It had a positive response and was strangely soothing, to let go of several demons.

And so – in unusual circumstances - the idea to help others in recovery was born.

I’d like to say a big thank you to my brother Bertie who has been brilliant behind the scenes. He’s helped keep me focused and stay on track. Thanks bro. Love you man.

I’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone on social media. The recovery community – especially on Instagram and Twitter – is incredible. It’s tight-knit and supportive and you feel like people have ‘got your back’. I’ve met (virtually of course!) lots of people and it’s great to be in touch with people from the gambling industry, journalists, phycologists, researchers, people in recovery… the list goes on.

It’s been great to hear from so many of you. It makes me feel so happy and proud to know the podcasts are helping you. I’m not going to lie, the other day on Twitter, after someone commented with a ‘loving the podcasts, keep it up’, I had a couple of tears. It means so much. Honestly. You have no idea.

It’s because of this that I’m absolutely delighted to announce they’ll be a second series of podcasts. There are some amazing guests coming up, people I never thought I’d be able to talk to. (A few pinch-yourself moments!). I’m excited for you to hear them.

Stay tuned for Series 2 towards the end of the summer.

In the meantime, look out for videos on YouTube. I’m posting a series of videos, around 10 minutes in length, with stories and anecdotes from my personal experiences with gambling. Look out for them every Sunday at 7pm.

So, to everyone that’s listened to the podcasts, followed on social media, or been in touch – thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep spreading the message and raising awareness together.

Wishing you well.

Alex :)

P.S. One last thing...

It would be amazing if you could leave a review and rating of the podcast on iTunes, which helps spread the word about The Invisible Addiction, especially in the mental health category. (Let’s try and get above Fearne Cotton in the rankings, eh?! Not that I’m competitive or anything!).

Thanks very much guys and speak to you soon.

Alex