At this year’s British Podcast Awards, our podcast Hold or Fold walked away with not one, but two Gold trophies, winning Best Factual Podcast and the biggest accolade of the night, Podcast of the Year…
Hold or Fold is part of our Life After Prison podcast network and is presented by Ben and Steve, who both spent time in prison as a direct result of their gambling addictions. Together, they speak to people whose lives have been turned upside down by gambling, exploring the often hidden impact it can have on individuals, families and those who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
The podcast tackles difficult subjects head-on, from the shame and desperation that can come with gambling addiction to the realities of recovery and the support available to people who need it. At the heart of every episode are honest conversations, lived experience and a determination to break down the stigma surrounding gambling harm.
As our incredible, now multi-award-winning producer Sam said, we’re struggling to put into words what this British Podcast Awards recognition means. But we think Steve, one half of our presenting duo, summed it up better than the rest of us ever could:
And that’s exactly why we make Hold or Fold. To give people a space to talk openly about gambling harm, to help others feel less alone in their experiences, and to make sure people know that support is out there.
The awards come as Hold or Fold returns for its fourth series, with a load more important conversations to come.
The series kicked off with football commentator Clive Tyldesley, who joined Ben and Steve to discuss gambling advertising, the relationship between football and betting, and his decision to walk away from a role at talkSPORT rather than read betting odds on air.
Other episodes explore recovery milestones, neurodiversity and making the most of time in prison. Ben and Steve have also taken their mics on tour and headed to the National Gambling Support Network conference in London, speaking to campaigners, professionals and people with lived experience about what needs to change to better support people affected by gambling harm.
We are unbelievably proud of Ben, Steve, Sam and everyone who has helped make this podcast what it is today. Thank you to the British Podcast Awards, the judges, every guest who has trusted us with their story and everyone who has listened, shared an episode or helped spread the word.
And if you haven’t heard it yet, what are you waiting for?
Series four is out now, and every episode we’ve ever made is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen to Hold or Fold here.
This is audio that changes lives.
HOLD. FOLD. GOLD.
