Level Up with Wondr

#22: Stefy Bau

In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting the groundbreaking work of Stefy Bau, former motocross champion turned Founder & CEO of Init Esports. In her conversation with Wondr Nation President & CEO Anika Howard, Stefy talks about her career journey from her time as a professional athlete to her current role at the world’s first woman-led sim racing company. Stefy shares her passion for STEM education and introducing young people to motorsports and engineering while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community.

#21: Manjit Gombra Singh

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Level Up with Wondr welcomes Manjit Gombra Singh to the podcast to discuss his extensive career spanning three decades in tech and gaming. Manjit details his path from software engineering to his current work as CEO & Founder of DruvStar, providing cybersecurity solutions in gaming and healthcare. He shares insights on the importance of data security and the future of cybersecurity with the rise of AI, while also sharing how he has found success in identifying and solving client problems. 

#20: Melanie Gross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.