TGF presents: Dessert Island Discs

A slightly different sound this episode, as we recorded face-to-face with former SBC magnate and now Deputy Director at the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, Jessica Welman. As anyone that knows host Jon Bruford and Jessica could probably guess, they dive down many pop culture rabbit holes in the course of the conversation, as Jess chooses the things she wants with her on a tropical island: 3 books 3...

Surprising Choices on Life, Music, and Wisdom: A Conversation with Simon Thomas In this episode, Simon Thomas, executive chairman of London's Hippodrome Casino, shares his personal picks for music, books, movies, and life advice – each revealing unique insights into his life and worldview. Join us for a deep dive into nostalgic memories, cultural reflections, and meaningful lessons. Key Topics, in...

In yet another tell-all rollercoaster ride of a podcast, host Jon Bruford gets into the details with guest Gary Green, musician and casino operator among many, many other things. Gary’s colourful life takes in meeting the likes of Johnny Cash (and this comes with some great stories) and Tupac Shakur (yes, more great stories) and in this episode he weaves these incredible stories into his choices t...

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 t...

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 t...

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 storytel...

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 anec...

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, reflect...

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...

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...

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 epis...

Meet Jen Bowman of IGT fame. Jen talks us through her choices to take to a deserted tropical island: 3 albums 3 books 3 movies 1 song 1 pet 1 object 1 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...

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...

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...

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 Di...