GGW: Fair Game
Hear from Lauren O'Brien Kruczynski, Global Gaming Women (GGW) Board Member & Vice President of Engagement and Aristocrat Gaming Director of Global Games; Kate White, GGW Board Member & Board Secretary and PENN Entertainment, Inc Vice President of Business Intelligence & IT Program Management; Anika Howard, GGW Board Member & DEI Committee Chair and Wondr Nation President & CEO; Bronwen Gregg, GGW Mentorship Committee & Programing/Tradeshow Committee Member and Insight Global Director of External Event & Partnership Strategy; & more during the inaugural season of GGW: Fair Game Podcast!Â
Season 3, Episode 15: Gaming, AI, and What's Next
What does the future of gaming research look like in an era of AI, shifting industry dynamics, and rapid innovation?
In this episode of Casino 101, Anika Howard and Bronwen Gregg welcome Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV. Brett shares how a childhood fascination with horse racing led her into gaming research and academia, and why creativity and the arts remain critical components of a strong education.
The conversation dives into the role of the International Gaming Institute, the challenges of researching technologies that evolve overnight, and...
Season 3 Episode 14: Be Your Own Favorite
In the final Spotlight episode of this season's Fair Game Podcast, Bronwen Gregg sits down with Jan Jones Blackhurst, former Mayor of Las Vegas and one of the gaming industry's most respected leadership voices.
Throughout the conversation, Jan reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her extraordinary career, from breaking barriers as the first female Mayor of Las Vegas to becoming a champion for women in leadership across the gaming industry.
Jan shares her passion for building the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of culture, mentorship, and creating opportunities for women...
Season 3 Episode 13: Purpose Makes Magic
Purpose Makes Magic brings you a conversation with Shondra DeLoach-Perea, SVP of Global Field Services at IGT, whose team keeps the gaming industry running through installs, removals, tradeshows, and everything that ensures revenue continuity.
Shondra shares her philosophy: “When you’re constantly out of your comfort zone, you’re constantly growing.” Her story highlights integrity, asking for help, learning from others, and taking strategic steps back to leap forward. She breaks down how purpose and consistency create culture, and how empowered teams make magic happen.
This episode explores:
Field services as the h...Season 3, Episode 12: Boundaries Build Better Leaders
Season 3, Episode 12 dives into the real, unfiltered experience of change, transition, and burnout with guest Karin Bernkopf and host Lauren O’Brien.
Karin shares the physical realities of burnout, the exhaustion, the tension, and the signals her body sent after 18 months of nonstop sprinting. She describes the moment she realized she wasn’t just tired… she was depleted.
They explore one of burnout’s most telling signs:
when the work that once brought joy becomes rote and robotic, and you find yourself simply going through the motions.
This episode unpacks:
The emotiona...Season 3, Episode 11: Leading Beyond the Comfort Zone
Bronwen Gregg is joined by Billy Turchin, a thoughtful, growth‑driven leader and a strong ally to women in the gaming industry. Together, we explore what it really means to step beyond the comfort zone and lead with humility, curiosity, and intention.
Billy breaks down why learning is a skill, how leaders must evolve from “doing” to steering, and why staying comfortable for too long can quietly stall your growth. We dig into the difference between the comfort zone and the stretch zone, the importance of staying connected to the field even as a people manager, and how ex...
Season 3, Episode 10: Ten for Ten, A GGW Legacy Conversation
Ten for Ten: A GGW Legacy Conversation Â
Episode 10 marks a major milestone — Global Gaming Women’s 10‑year anniversary. To honor the moment, Shannon Call sits down with GGW veterans Bronwen Gregg, Anika Howard, and Cecily Leeman for a powerful, reflective, and joy‑filled conversation about the past decade of women supporting women in gaming.
Together, they revisit the stories that shaped GGW, the moments that strengthened the community, and the experiences that inspired growth, courage, and connection. Shannon brings the fresh perspective of someone new to gaming, asking the questions that illuminate how far GGW has c...
Season 3, Episode 9: Skill Games & Skillful Leadership
Today’s episode features Desiree Dickerson, CEO & Co‑Founder of THNDR, in a powerful conversation about leadership, courage, and the realities of being a woman in gaming. Sponsored by Wondr Nation, this discussion unpacks the emotional and strategic layers of navigating male‑dominated rooms, challenging assumptions, and building products players actually want.
Desiree shares candid insights on pitching to investors, finding co‑founders who elevate your strengths, and why listening—not reacting—is the most underrated leadership skill. She also highlights something women in the industry don’t hear enough: the community...
Season 3, Episode 8: Consistency Creates Community
In Episode 8 of the GGW Fair Game Podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Garland, Director of Operations for Henderson’s Emerald Island Casino and iconic Rainbow Club. A Las Vegas local with deep family roots in gaming, Courtney offers a grounded, insider look at what it really takes to operate a locals casino.
She shares how her journey—from Executive Casino Host to overseeing two Water Street District properties—has shaped her philosophy: hospitality is about relationships, the small details matter, and every touch has an impact.
This episode explores:
The operational heartbeat of locals c...Season 3, Episode 7: Thriving or Draining? The Overachiever's Dilemma
For the first time, Cecily Leeman steps out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight to talk about a topic that hits close to home: the impact and complexity of overachieving as women in male‑dominated fields.
With Anika Howard and Bronwen Gregg by her side, Cecily opens up about the pressure to outperform, the seasons where overachievement feels necessary, and the moments when it becomes unsustainable. Their conversation digs into the emotional, cultural, and professional layers of striving, succeeding, and sometimes stretching too far.
They as...
Season 3, Episode 6: Culture is a Muscle You Have to Maintain
In this episode, Bronwen Gregg welcomes Brooke Thomas for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of culture, leadership, and personal growth. Brooke reflects on how her early experiences in art and music shaped her approach to work, and why understanding the difference between formal culture and the culture people actually experience is essential for any organization. She and Bronwen explore how leaders can navigate change with intention, why controlling the controllables matters, and how purpose can both guide and overwhelm us if we’re not careful. Brooke also shares her perspective on the “hourglass career,” the role of authentic leader...
Season 3 Episode 5: Surprise! Is Your Social Battery Charged?
A simple moment between Lauren O’Brien and her daughter — off‑mic — leads the Fairgame hosts into a rich conversation about energy, capacity, and the invisible “batteries” that shape how we move through the world.
In this episode, the hosts unpack:
• Social batteries and how interactions fuel or drain us
• Mental batteries and the cost of constant thinking
• Emotional batteries and the weight of empathy
• Professional persona batteries and the effort behind showing up “on”
They discuss:
– What it looks like when your battery is low
–...
Season 3, Episode 4: Owning Your Voice and Your Value
In this Spotlight episode, Lauren O’Brien sits down with Shantel Love, author of Promote Your Damn Self, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to own your voice, claim your value, and rise on your own terms. Shantel opens up about navigating rejection, shedding shame, and taking the bold leaps that move your career forward — even when they require stepping back first. Together, they explore how women can advocate for themselves without apology, balance assertiveness with empathy, build layered networks that protect and elevate them, and stay grounded when others bring preconceived notions into the room. Shan...
Season 3 Episode 3: Trust Your Pivot
In this episode, host Bronwen Gregg sits down with Megan Azevedo of The Venetian for a conversation that blends data science, career courage, and the real‑world impact of AI. Megan shares what it means to build a career in a rapidly evolving, AI‑powered world—and why networking, affirmation, and trusting your pivots matter just as much as technical skill. From transferable strengths to the “jungle gym” she climbed instead of the traditional corporate ladder, Megan offers a refreshingly honest look at growth, grit, and going big when the moment calls for it.
This hybrid Spotlight + Casino 101...
Season 3, Episode 2: From Data to Deep Connection
In this episode, host Anika Howard sits down with Cassie Brickman for a candid conversation about what truly shapes an exceptional customer experience. Cassie shares why representation matters not just inside organizations but at every customer touchpoint. When customers see themselves reflected in the people serving them, trust deepens, comfort increases, and loyalty grows. Cassie also points out how comfort, trust, and human connection remain at the heart of every great experience, even in a data‑rich world. Whether you’re focused on personalization, loyalty, or simply making people feel seen and valued, this episode offers practical insights and...
Season 3, Episode 1: Welcome Back! Time to Check-in On Those Goals!
What happens when your perfectly planned goals collide with real life? In this Season 3 opener, Anika Howard, Lauren O’Brien, and Bronwen Gregg get honest about the gap between intention and reality—packed schedules, shifting priorities, and the moments that force you to recalibrate.
They also share their excitement for Global Gaming Women’s 10‑year anniversary, reflecting on what GGW means to them: community, confidence, mentorship, and the women who’ve shaped their journeys.
It’s candid, warm, and full of insights on aligning your time wi...
GGW Fair Game Podcast - Live at G2E 2025 - Trailblazing with Purpose: Patty Becker and the Story Behind KUYH
Live from G2E, our wonderful hosts take time with powerhouse women from the show to talk GGW, G2E, and Allyship.
In this special GGW Legends episode at G2E, Anika sits down with the one and only Patty Becker to discuss her remarkable career path, her lasting impact on GGW, and the story behind the annual Kick Up Your Heels fundraising tradition.
**Live filmed events may have some background noise**
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
GGW Fair Game Podcast - Live at G2E 2025: Bronwen and Jenna
Live from G2E, our wonderful hosts take time with powerhouse women from the show to talk GGW, G2E, and Allyship. In this episode of "Live at G2E" Bronwen Gregg meets with Jenna Wheeler from the mentorship committee to get her take on the best educational offerings and what being at G2E means to her.
**Live events may experience some background noise**
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season2, Episode 15: Turning Vision into Reality
In this season 2 finale - Join Lauren O’Brien, Anika Howard, and Bronwen Gregg as they get real about goal setting — what works, what doesn’t, and how to manifest your wins with confidence and clarity. You’ll walk away feeling motivated, focused, and ready to crush your next big goal.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 14: Bringing the Vision to Life
Don’t miss this episode of GGW Fair Game, where Bronwen Gregg and Anika Howard are joined by industry leader Anna Sainsbury—Executive Chair and Co-Founder of GeoComply—for a deep dive into startups, compliance, and bringing online gaming to the world stage.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 13: Elevated Guest Experience
In this episode of Casino 101, Bronwen Gregg and Anika Howard delve into the dynamic world of hospitality and the impact of personalized guest experiences with industry trailblazer Aleksandra Kotel, General Manager of Crockfords Las Vegas at Resorts World – LXR Hotels & Resorts.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 12: The Value of Company Culture
Our insightful hosts—Lauren O'Brien, Anika Howard, and Bronwen Gregg—dive into a conversation about the significance of company culture with Donna Raucher, the visionary CEO of Global Promotion Sourcing, who pioneered a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for her team.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 11: Prioritizing Your Well-Being
Join our empowering hosts, Lauren O'Brien and Bronwen Gregg, for a powerful conversation on the importance of self-care and setting boundaries while navigating high-performance careers, featuring the dynamic duo—Jamie Malloy, Executive Director of Convention Sales at Bellagio, and Sacha Prickett, Owner of SP Wellness LV.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 10: From Showbiz Star to Behind-the-Scenes Boss
Join our charismatic hosts, Anika Howard and Lauren O’Brien, as they explore the vibrant world of entertainment and guest engagement with industry icon — and proud Las Vegas native — Crystal Robinson-Wesley, Vice President of Entertainment & Activation at Palms Casino Resort. Don’t miss this electrifying episode of Casino 101! To buy your own Global Gaming Women branded swag, check out our shop! https://globalgamingwomen.myspreadshop.com/
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season2, Episode 9: Owning your Power for International Impact
Join Anika Howard and Lauren O'Brien on an inspiring journey as they meet with Maha Otu, Director of Digital Transformation at Betwinner Affiliates, as she shares her experience as the youngest promoted Director in Nigeria and how she is using her platform to inspire the growth of the next big leaders in iGaming.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 8: "The Let Them Theory" Discussion
 In the newest episode of the GGW Fair Game Podcast, hosts Lauren O’Brien, Anika Howard, and Bronwen Gregg delve into the powerful concept of “The Let Them Theory,” inspired by Mel Robbins’ bestselling book and philosophy. Listen in as they reflect on how this mindset has influenced their daily lives, sharing personal stories about what it means to truly embrace the art of letting go.Â
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 7: Finding Empowerment
Join Anika Howard, Lauren O'Brien, and Bronwen Gregg for an inspiring conversation with Rion Ramirez, CEO of Port Madison Enterprises – Suquamish Tribe Clearwater Casino Resort. Together, they explore the importance of male allyship, and how to equip individuals with the tools, confidence, opportunities, and authority to take ownership of their career paths. Rion discusses his powerful journey of overcoming obstacles, the vital role of community in professional growth, and the importance of discovering your WHY.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 6: Women Leading Comms in Sports Betting and iGaming
Tune in as hosts Bronwen Gregg and Anika Howard dive into the world of communications in sports betting and iGaming, joined by BetMGM’s all-female communications team—Jennifer Arapoff, Katie Kohler, and Kimberly Palter—in this episode of the Spotlight Series.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
GGW Fair Game Podcast S2, E5: The Exciting World of Casino Operations
Tune in as our charismatic hosts—Anika Howard, Bronwen Gregg, and Lauren O'Brien—dive into the thrilling world of Casino Ops alongside industry powerhouse Adriana Zirpoli, Corporate Vice President of Casino Operations at Affinity Gaming, in this episode of Casino 101
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 4 - The Impact of Global Presence
Join our dynamic hosts Anika Howard, Kate White, and Lauren O'Brien as they discuss the power of international collaboration and the global footprint with Paris Smith, Co-Founder of Defy the Odds.
Tune into the end of the episode for a special note honoring the contributions of two incredible partners in the podcast as they take on new endeavors
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Season 2, Episode 3 - Overcoming the Odds
Tune in as our hosts Bronwen Gregg, Kate White, and Anika Howard chat about the empowering first season and bring on a new guest, Alisa Doctor, Executive Director of Interactive Operations at MGM Resorts International. From learning curveballs to leadership wins, Alisa shares how she turned early struggles into steppingstones for success. A must-listen as this episode explores confidence, career growth, and the power of perspective. Her journey to success isn’t just about her own personal victories, but the impact she’s making through her work with Global Gaming Women, Junior League of Las Vegas, and Brighter Children.
Season 2, Episode 2 - Casino 101: The Heart of CSR
Tune in as our fantastic hosts, Kate White and Anika Howard, explore the critical role of CSR in the casino industry and share the inspiring career journey of Tracy Moody-Skenandore, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Light & Wonder.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
We Tried It So You Didn’t Have To: New Season, New Experiments!
Welcome Back to the Global Gaming Women Fair Game Podcast!
Your favorite ladies are back for Season 2, reflecting on their top moments from Season 1 and sharing some hilarious product reviews of things they tried—so you don’t have to!Â
Featuring Lauren O'Brien, Kate White, Anika Howard, and Bronwen Gregg
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 14 - Stories of Breast Cancer Resilience
In this inspiring episode, we spotlight the incredible journeys of two women in the gaming industry who have faced breast cancer head-on, all while navigating the challenges of their careers. Nichole Hansen and Brandi Ellis share their journeys and advice in this last heartwarming show of our inaugural Season 1 Fair Game podcast.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 13 - The Gaming Expo Culture
Bronwen and Lauren are joined in studio by the incomparable Sue Schneider where they discuss the importance of gaming expos and the culture that it builds in the gaming industry.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 12 - Male Allies: Making a Difference
Lauren, Kate, and Bronwen share powerful discussions with their male allies about the importance of how being an ally can make a significant difference for women in their journeys - Featuring interviews with Matthew Primmer, Adam White, and Bert Bean.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 11 - Casino 101 with Eileen Moore Johnson
Casino 101 - It's All About the Team: Kate and Lauren are joined by Eileen Moore Johnson to discuss leadership and retaining top talent, drawing from Eileen's experience in the Gaming Industry.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 10 - Tribal Gaming Perspectives
Tribal Gaming Perspectives: Discover the Empowering History of Tribal and Gaming Culture with Raquel Buari of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 9 - Mastering your Mindset
Mastering your Mindset: Happiness as a Choice - Join Bronwen Gregg and Lauren O'Brien as they discuss the impact of positive energy when overcoming some of life's largest personal obstacles with special guests Amanda Morton and Kiley Proffit.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 8 - AI in Casinos 101
AI in Casinos: By popular demand among our GGW member's request, this episode introduces Data Science & AI with Frazier Seay-Rad from PENN Entertainment's interactive division, exploring how casinos are leveraging these technologies for a competitive edge, propelling our industry forward.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
Episode 7 - Braving Change with Esther
Braving Change: Esther Kim shares her courageous journey from pioneering military service to embracing life in the sports and entertainment industry.
#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ [email protected]
