I'm not a gambling addict but personally I find the amount of gambling enticing adverts during sports events are unbelievable.

"If you can drink normally, then drink normally". This resonates with me. When I start I dont stop. Closing in on a year dry now. Great podcast 👍

Absolute legend dealing with a terrible illness A friend of mine was on the brink of pro football but tested positive for drugs and was in the papers Paul Merson got his number and took the time to give him a call and give him some very much welcomed and needed advice Top man

I bloody love Merse. What a player he was. Could listen to him all day 👊🏻❤️

As a gambling addict myself fighting the addiction this was helpful listening Thank you

I am amazed as Paul said no clubs have asked him to give a talk, his life experiences are invaluable. He has an ease of expression that people will listen to, great fella

It's the way he speaks, it's like he really thinks about what he wants to say Love listening to you PAUL

Absolute legend..... Had his struggles but owns it... Fair play to him... Keep it up Merse

As a compulsive gambler myself, this is a refreshing watch to know it’s not just me that feels like that

Great humble attitude, he's not blaming everyone one else, accepting his mistakes and trying to do better.

The honesty of this guy is prodigal.. human nature at its best...

I'm not a problem gambler, but because of Paul's documentary I've decided to boycott all of the gambling sites. Not for fear of being addicted, but because I won't give another penny to the people who pray on addicts in the way they do. You're both doing great work

Love seeing people who manage to come out the other end. Well done Merson, you are much stronger than you give yourself credit for.

I’ve had the pleasure of being in Paul’s company. He’s a great bloke. We all have our issues, he’s man enough to talk about his.

Definitely the best interview I've ever seen/watched. One of the most honest too, leaves no stone unturned. Amazing man, glad he's better and on the mend. Deserves to be happy. ☑️🙌

Wonderful interview from James and Paul. I'm an addict who just about scrapes through in life after dropping out of various meetings that I did two years ago. These podcasts help me stop going to the limit of oblivion and to live and fight another day. Nice one James 👍❤

Absolutely love Paul Merson talking football . His analysis on players /matches is insightful and honest . He was terrific on sky on a Saturday for years and made an afternoon a perfect watch for millions . He might have got a lot wrong in his personal life but he got a hell of a lot right. I used to love listening to Ray Wilkins too so interesting to hear that was Pauls hero growing up . Both class acts . This interview will help millions of others suffering with addiction . Good luck in your personal battles you have everyone’s respect. 👍🏻

Fair play to Merse for the interview and telling his story. We may sometimes mock him for his football opinions but takes a strong man to admit his demons. Two & a half years sober myself, and yes boozing led to other stuff

I've searched for that happy middle ground..still can't find it..realised, getting to fuck, living simple and getting out my comfort zone is my only recovery, a Strong , supportive missus helps ten-fold. Finding someone who accepts the demons you carry moves life forwards.

Excellent interview James, Paul was a hero of mine when he was at Villa.. I bet him and Paul McGrath had some benders.. glad he's on the mend and never held anything back on the interview. I've been sober for 16yrs so know exactly what you've both been through.. All the best to the pair of you.. 👊👍

This podcast has to be one of the most inspiring and touching ones I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching

One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listed to respect to you Paul and thank you mate and take care of yourself and reach out if you need anything

I'm the same age as Merse and my addiction ran pretty much parallel with him. reading Tony Adams book Addicted had a big affect on me and I stopped Drinking aged 38 but while I was in the rehab I said nothing about the drugs or gambling. I didn't drink again until I was 48 but aged 40 started taking gear (smack) I used to gamble to try and win money to get gear but never came out on top. Like Merse I wasn't into casino gambling, it was horses, dogs, and got into betting on cricket in a big way, I remember sitting in a cafe watching 2 flies trying to get out, there was a window open at the top with a small gap, I sat with 3 mates putting money on which fly would get out first, sitting there for over an hour watching the flies. I've beaten drink ,coke pretty much every substance I've ever used but I cant beat smack and I cant beat gambling. Now having accepted that I've given up giving up I have a certain amount of peace with that. In a perfect world id be clean but I'm not so applaud anyone who has beaten living in the madness. It was a good listen James and you Paul...Just to finish I went to watch Pompey when Merse was there, it was the only time I watched him live but what a player you were!! .

Great podcast. Paul’s so honest, I wish him well, thanks James. Have a great festive season, and all the best for 2022.

This is for me,the best one so far,so relatable,from both of you,thanks for this,much needed and good timing guys!

He’s still the magic man to me. I used to stand in the junior gunners, besotted by the things he could do with a ball. The original number 10. Well done son.

Been waiting for this one too. Mersons a legend

Merse you are a legend nothing but respect for how respectful and truthful you are. Inspiring man

Love this.....genuine guy. More power to him. From an Irish Spurs fan.

Thankyou Paul, Thankyou James for sharing to help so many poor individuals, me included, so selfless.

Really enjoyed this interview, so interesting, loved every second of it. Wishing you the very best Paul x

I was never an Arsenal fan, but I was born in 1982 and always remember watching an Arsenal match on ITV in 1990 and seeing Paul Merson. He was the first player I ever identified to my dad as being a good player. I was like "Dad, look at him, he's a good player". I've never forgot it.

Another brilliant podcast james Mers very honest knows the struggles he’s had and brave enough to talk about it will help so many people who watch this 👊

He is so honest which is amazing. Top man. Great interview James.

Merse, I love you mate. His honesty and openess to discuss his personal struggles I'm certain is saving lives

As always, another excellent interview James. I love how you always seem able to build your Guests up no matter how bad they feel, you can see a wee ' Glimmer of hope' in their faces when talking to you. I love listening to your Podcasts and seeing the progress you are making in your own life! Good for you James xx

Thank you for this interview, I was hanging on every word. I've always liked Merson, he's a good guy, genuinely humble. Gambling is horrible, I know too well. It seems to attract and encourage our introverted self, it thrives on our isolation, where we are at our most vulnerable. God bless you both.

I love listening to Paul and I have so much respect for anybody that can beat addictions. Great show 👍

I’m not into my football, but I’ve got addiction issues and I really think this bloke is a genuine nice guy. Really positive vibes. Truly love all these podcasts they are so helpful. You seem a very good man james! 👍🏻❤️

The Magic Man , Spent my youth watching merse play standing on the terraces on the north bank , What a player , Genius , Love ya Merse

This is a great guest to have james. Some cracking stories coming up for sure 👍🏻

Looking forward to this one! Merson is a class act 👍

Another absolutely superb interview. As a lifelong Chelsea supporter I spent many seasons praying that Merse would sign for us. Absolutely sublime footballer. Keep going Merse🙏🏻

Top interview, great story from a fantastic footballer and great guy which proves being rich and famous does not buy happiness. Family will always bring happiness I have had addictions and overcome them with a great wife and family and thanks to Paul and James fur telling this story which is inspirational and will hopefully help others who are struggling. Good luck for the future Paul.

What a true legend paul is I’m a Liverpool fan but I’ve always liked Paul loads of respect for him fantastic interview

Far out James another fantastic interview. Paul showed so much humility. Hopefully he keeps fighting. God bless

James you have done it again fella - absolute top draw interview. I’ve been a gooner for 43 yrs and Merse has to be in top 10 players I’ve ever seen down the Arsenal - this guy was magical and gave so much joy to me and my pals week in week out. Keep strong Merse your loved so much and deserve to be happy and healthy. Keep well gents! N5🙏x

Great video credit to James and Paul both legends for bettering themselves!

Paul was my first favourite player, I was 5 or 6 year old and my dad had got me a season ticket. He absolutely tore what's now the championship to pieces for Boro, best player in the league by a million miles. My first ever pair of boots were red cos that's what he wore, people don't realise cos of his problems and cos he has a daft laugh on TV how much of an unbelievable player he was.

Probably the most open interview I’ve ever seen, so gut wrenching to hear what others do when in addiction. I am currently talking to people about mine and this interview resonates big time at points…

Love this james. I’m Arsenal through and through and we love Merson. Love hearing his story as sad as it is love hearing about him

Only just got round to watching you with Paul Merson.What a worth the wait was,he’s incredibly down to earth,honest,left nothing to hide.He’s actually a success story for him to come out the other side from the hell that he was in.Brutally honest is the best way that people can be with themselves.What a player he was,I’m 55 so remember him very well indeed.

I'm only half way through this interview and my heart is hurting for you, what a man, please stay strong brother

You got this Merse lad, all the attention your brining to this horrible disease is immense too. Top lad for giving him the platform James, definitely a mutually beneficial arrangement this one. Two top REAL blokes.

I love Paul Merson. The player, the pundit and the fella

absolute legend, always loved merse at villa, i'm going through the exact same thing as he was now, amazing to hear someone like him has gone through it aswell

Bookmarking this podcast I think I’ll be rewatching this a lot.

This will be a good one his book is amazing glad to see he is on the way back up. Amazing story . Keep up the good work James

Just brilliant James! The rapport and the shared experiences between yourself and Paul on addiction was fascinating. All the best to you both ❤️

Superb interview that will help people in the long run. Listening to Merse & James you can hear that every word is real.

Outstanding interview this really touching. Great Job James, what a player Paul was in his prime sad that he had such troubles behind closed doors

YES. BEEN WAITING FOR THIS. THANKS JAMES YOUR A TOP KZfaqR

Great down to earth honest interview, there are not many people who would put it all out there like Paul. Great interview, thank you.

Not been to a meeting for a year or so and needed to hear this. Thanks Paul.

Don’t matter how much you are earning or how great your career is, mental health doesn’t care about any of that. He was a great player, one I loved watching even though I wasn’t a fan of any of the teams he played for.

Brilliant James Thank you for this 1 m8.. From a Fellow GA member I can relate to Merse so much.. THANKS James keep up the great work Sir 👍 👏

That’s an incredibly honest interview. Very powerful.

Great signing James thanks for telling your story Paul

Always loved GREAT FOOTBALLERS...And This man is one of the GREATEST

James this Paul Merson podcast is the best podcast that you've ever done , only because everything he says I can (like so many addicts ) relate to I'm so glad to of met the fella a fair few times, I'm so glad he's got his demons under control for a daily reprieve ,may God bless him ,you and your followers (not that you read posts especially a month old post ,lol) 🙏🏼👍🏼

Love this James , as always !! What a fella Paul is. Keep up the good work bruva 😚👊🏾🖤

Amazing podcast James. So down to earth Paul is. Top man.

One the best players of all time His story is very powerful and touching and I feel like he's done such a great job in trying to stay away from gambling I'm glad you got the magic man on the podcast James very good choice

Good watch this one.The only time a gambler/addict wins is when they stop playing 💯

Another great thought provoking interview James. I can vouch for paul. As a cov fan I will die for my team and I'm biased towards my team, but full respect to paul. He had the full respect of most football fans, because he was one of us. A council estate lad. Well done m8.

Another great one James! Top class! 👊

Another fantastic podcast James it was amazing you got Paul as a guest wishing Paul all the very best he is very likable keep them coming James 👍

So much of what merson says rings true. Very authentic character

As a yid, I have grown to like Merson, so glad he has pulled through, very likeable guy, says how it is, keep strong Merson, didnt like the shirt you wore, but a top man COYS

Great interview, love merson, got a lot of admiration for the bloke, as men we don't like talking about all our problems, glad he has battled through everything,

I’ve been a Chelsea fan since 1973 my 1st game at 11 and I have seen some wonderful football and footballers over the many years of following my blues,But I have to say/Paul Merson was one of the best English players ever, he was called the Magic Man for that reason,he was magic, god bless you Merse n b lucky!!!

Great interview and great advice from Paul ! Very strong to be so open, nice one James !

growing up watching him Ian Wright and my cousin Kevin play for arsenal my ultimate hero’s .. Paul’s story has made me cry several times life is tough ..

Paul Merson is a legend. great footballer, Great person. altogether Top man.

As an Arsenal fan I'm very much looking forward to this one

One of thr best interviews in my opinion , such a great guy Paul is with him all the best in the future. Merry Christmas to everyone

Magic Man, Merson. Loved him coming to The Boro, even if it was just about the money. Unbelievable player. Big respect to him for talking about his struggles. Wish him well for the future.

Brilliant pod -cast James you always ask great questions to your guests

This interview was amazing. I just love how quick and articulate Paul is with his answers. There is no filter with this guy, it's all laid bare. A great talker.

Wow very powerful. Great interview, thank you

Great vids James watched nearly all of them. Keep them going you always get a good reflection of your guests life’s and you have a chilled approach. Good Stuff 👍

Great interview as always and fair play to the magic man!!! What a fantastic footballer. None of us are perfect his big enough to talk about all his problems!!

I love Merson Arsenal Legend , he’s absolutley correct the first drink unfortunately opens up the floodgates for anyone with addiction problems , you have all Intensions to have that one drink and it goes completely pear shaped , same for the first line and first bet . Happy your currently at peace 🙏

Been looking forward to this one James 👍

Boss interview this James. Always rated Merson as a footballer he was unbelievable this podcast shows what kind of man he is. Belter 👍

Very powerful and positive - I hope he gets to speak to younger players and addicts, he will surely save some from that terror.

Great podcast again love merse...alot you two have said really hits home with me..similar feelings I've had..❤

Absolutely fantastic interview fellas. The magic man is working his program beautifully x gratitude 🙏🏿 in action 😇😇😇

another quality podcast well done james and good luck paul merson for the future.

This is powerful stuff,thanks lads!!