Unfiltered: An Honest Conversation on Gambling and Lived Experience

Includes a Live Web Event on 09/24/2026 at 11:00 AM (CDT)

Please join us on September 24th from 11:00-12:30 pm CT for Unfiltered: An Honest Conversation on Gambling and Lived Experience with Christina Cook, Brian Hatch, and Jeff Wasserman!

This virtual webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from voices within the gambling recovery community. Christina Cook, Brian Hatch, and Jeff Wasserman each host their own podcasts and bring personal lived experience to the conversation. Through an open and authentic discussion, they will share their stories, perspectives, and insights on gambling and recovery while exploring the importance of listening to and learning from lived experience.

Rather than a traditional presentation, Unfiltered will take on the feel of a live podcast, creating space for honest conversation, audience engagement, and questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Hear firsthand perspectives on gambling, recovery, and lived experience.
Engage directly with the panelists through audience questions and discussion.
Explore the role of lived experience in understanding gambling and strengthening support for individuals and communities.

Live and On Demand CE pending approval.

This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings.
The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302.
The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.

Christina Cook

Christina Cook, IGRS, is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a peer-led community and podcast that creates safe, empowering spaces for women impacted by gambling harm. An international speaker and dedicated recovery advocate, she draws on her lived experience with disordered gambling to support others through the emotional, financial, and social realities of rebuilding a life in recovery. Christina also serves as the Business Manager for Evive, supporting individuals and families impacted by gambling harm, and as Executive Secretary of the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Board.

Brian Hatch

Brian Hatch was spending his nights performing standup comedy. Sadly gambling addiction took over his life. He does not miss the money his addiction wasted away, but what gambling addiction made him regret was his time and effort lost to follow his passion. After a 14-year battle, in and out of Gambler's Anonymous and therapy, Brian started ALL IN The Addicted Gambler's Podcast in January 2015 as his recovery tool. He discovered that by TALKING about his addiction he can PREVENT ENGAGING in his addiction. Brian currently works for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling as the Community Engagement Manager spending his days talking to middle schools, high schools, colleges, and his two favorites- running gambling recovery groups in prisons, and hosting a peer-led gambling retreat in Connecticut. #talkinghelps

Jeff Wasserman

Jeff Wasserman is a former litigation attorney whose successful 32-year legal career ended in

2015 when a trust account audit revealed his long-hidden gambling addiction. That life-altering
event marked the beginning of a deeply personal journey of recovery and purpose.
Today, Jeff serves as the Judicial Outreach and Development Director for the Delaware Council
on Gambling Problems, where he leads education and advocacy efforts aimed at raising
awareness of gambling addiction within the legal community. He is a Certified Peer Recovery
Specialist and the immediate past Vice President of the National Council on Problem Gambling,
where he continues to serve on the Board of Directors.
Jeff is the founder and facilitator of an international online Problem Gambling Support Group
and has spoken nationally for organizations including the American Bar Association, National
Association of Drug Court Professionals, and numerous state bar associations. His insights have
been featured in outlets such as NPR, Reuters, and NBC News. He is also the co-host of All In:
The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast.