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 what keeps Brett thinking about the future of the gaming industry. From AI and regulation to representation for women in gaming, she offers thoughtful perspectives on where the industry is headed and how it can continue to grow.

Brett also provides valuable advice for anyone new to the casino industry, including resources, books, and hands-on ways to learn more about gaming.

Above all, Brett reminds listeners of one of the most important lessons of all: be unapologetically yourself.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

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 to succeed.

Together, Jan and Bronwen explore how women can influence across differences, why diverse perspectives strengthen organizations, and why leadership isn't about building followers, it's about building more leaders.

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about leadership, culture, and the power of helping others rise.

🎙️ Listen now and discover why Jan's advice is simple, yet powerful: Be Your Own Favorite.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

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 heartbeat of gaming
• Culture-building through empowerment
• Legacy for the next seven generations
• Purpose as a catalyst for performance
• Growth through discomfort and change

Sponsored by IGT.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

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 emotional and physical toll of burnout
• How losing joy becomes a warning sign
• Why knowing you need to change is different from taking the first step
• How support systems, like your Lean In Circle, help separate emotion from logic
• The relief and empowerment of finally leaping into something new

A grounded, heartfelt conversation for anyone navigating transition or rebuilding their boundaries.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

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 experimenting with new tools, including AI, can make you a stronger, more adaptable leader.

If you’re ready to stretch, grow, and lead beyond what’s familiar, this conversation is for you.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

Ten for Ten: A GGW Legacy Conversation
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 come — and where it’s headed next.

This anniversary episode is a celebration of legacy, leadership, and the women who built the path forward.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

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 is more welcoming than you think—and your leap is worth it.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org

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 casinos
• Why consistency builds trust and community
• Leading through rapid change during COVID‑19
• Creating partnerships across Water Street to elevate the entire district
• The work behind crafting memorable experiences for local guests

A must‑listen for anyone curious about the gaming industry, community‑based hospitality, or leadership in a constantly evolving environment.

#globalgamingwomen #GGW #womeningaming #FairGame #FairGamePodcast #podcast #careers email us @ fairgame@globalgamingwomen.org