Level Up with Wondr

Level Up with Wondr is your window into the thrilling world of gaming, tech, and innovation. Join us as rotating hosts dive into captivating conversations with a diverse group of industry experts, learning about their paths to success and unique perspectives. Whether you’re a gamer, tech enthusiast, or innovation seeker, subscribe today to elevate your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.

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Episodes

#20: Melanie Gross

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025

Melanie Gross joins the podcast to discuss what she's learned in her two decades of experience in the iGaming industry, from her start in engineering to her current role as Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Golden Hearts Games. She shares stories about some pivotal moments and projects throughout her career as well as her love of start-up environments and her passion for building and managing effective teams. 

#19: Shebrikea Warburton

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025

This Problem Gambling Awareness Month, we are highlighting the work our partners at the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) are doing to address gambling related harm in the state of Connecticut. Shebrikea Warburton, Program Manager for the Multicultural Problem Gambling Prevention Program joins the podcast to share more about the CCPG’s efforts to better understand the culturally based motivation to gamble and increasing protective factors within communities. She provides insights on the importance of targeted prevention efforts while offering advice to others looking to implement similar programming.

#18: The AAG Takeover

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025

In honor of Black History Month, Level Up with Wondr is collaborating with our partners at African Americans in Gaming to bring you two conversations with black leaders that are making an impact. Guest host Jeff Gray speaks with Darnell Johnson, VP of Product Management at IGT, and Rose Hudson, President & CEO of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation about their career paths, challenges they've faced, their outlook on the future of their respective industries, and advice for young professionals looking to succeed. 

#17: A Look Back

Thursday Jan 30, 2025

Thursday Jan 30, 2025

To celebrate the first year of Level Up with Wondr, the team is taking a look back on some of the most impactful conversations from the show. From recurring trends, to our favorite episodes, we’re reflecting on all we’ve accomplished and giving a peek into what listeners can expect in the new year.

#16: Anthony Gaud

Monday Dec 23, 2024

Monday Dec 23, 2024

Anthony Gaud shares the story of his journey through the entertainment industry, his start in toy design eventually leading him to his current role as co-founder and CEO of GaudHammer Gaming Group. He shares insights on the evolving intersection of video games, iGaming, and casino gaming, the impact of AI in creative fields, and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the current gaming landscape. 

#15: Jeannie Hovland

Friday Nov 22, 2024

Friday Nov 22, 2024

Jeannie Hovland, Vice Chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission and member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe joins the podcast to share the story of her career journey, the importance of tribal self-sufficiency and the NIGC’s efforts in addressing issues like human trafficking and missing and murdered indigenous persons. With over 20 years of experience in tribal gaming, Jeannie shares valuable insights on the role of tribal casinos in enhancing community welfare and provides crucial resources to help in combating human trafficking.

#14: Josh Carter

Friday Nov 01, 2024

Friday Nov 01, 2024

To kick off Native American Heritage Month, Josh Carter, Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, joins the podcast to share the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and his dedication to preserving and promoting Northeastern Woodland culture. Josh shares insights on the role of cultural intelligence in fostering relationships with Native communities and highlights current and future initiatives at the museum to bring the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and their sister nations to life in new and exciting ways.

#13: Martha Morales

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024

To close out Hispanic Heritage Month, Martha Morales shares the story of her journey in the casino industry and how her start in hospitality led her to her current role as Assistant General Manager at Boyd Gaming. Martha opens up about the importance of representation, building supportive networks, and her own role in advocating for her community, including her involvement with the Hospitality Advisory Committee Charitable Foundation.
 

#12: Juan Baez

Thursday Sep 26, 2024

Thursday Sep 26, 2024

As Responsible Gaming Education Month comes to an end, Juan Baez joins the podcast to share the story of his career journey, from his start in community mental health and addiction counseling to his current role as Responsible Gaming Program Manager with Rush Street Interactive. Juan shares valuable insights on the importance of responsible gaming, sustainable play, and the future of the industry.

#11: Frances Alvarez

Tuesday Aug 13, 2024

Tuesday Aug 13, 2024

Frances Alvarez tells the story of her 23 year journey in the tribal gaming industry, from her start with the San Francisco Tribal Gaming Commission to founding Rezonate LLC. As a current leader in organizations like the National Native American Hall of Game and the Tribal Gaming Protection Network, Frances shares valuable insights on her dedication to indigenous communities, overcoming fear in career transitions, and the importance of servant leadership.

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