Once an unknown territory, crypto and other digital assets have now become part of everyday life in Britain — and across the globe. On this episode of the Debt Talk podcast, Ripon Ray explores the complex intersections of cryptocurrency, digital finance, and gambling harms.

To help unpack this topic, Ripon is joined by:

• Ismail Malik – Executive Chairman of Blockchain Lab and CEO of InfraStaking, which develops AI-generated digital assets
• Matt Zarb-Cousin – Co-founder of Gamban and prominent gambling reform campaigner

Ismail Malik sheds light on how crypto products are being treated by governments across the UK, EU, and the US. He explains how cryptocurrencies and digital assets have evolved, the business models behind them, and how consumer protections differ internationally.

Matt Zarb-Cousin explores the growing overlap between digital finance and gambling harm. He questions whether gambling regulators are fit for purpose in protecting vulnerable communities, and discusses how products like Gamban offer layers of protection — while noting that more action is still needed.

Both guests share practical tips for listeners, especially for those struggling with gambling, on how to stay safe and informed in the digital financial landscape.

Next podcast is on: 'Cars and their costs'.

According to UK government data for the year ending 2023, there were an estimated 2.4 million separated families and 3.8 million children living in those households. More than half of divorced families had formal child maintenance arrangements—a figure that highlights the growing intersection of family separation and financial strain.

This month’s Debt Talk with Ripon Ray dives deep into the theme: ‘Family Planning, Divorce & Debt’, bringing forward real-life stories that reveal how personal relationships, cultural expectations, and legal frameworks collide—often with emotional and financial consequences.

Bilckis Khanom, a British Bangladeshi woman, bravely shares her story of marrying outside her religious and cultural upbringing. Although she married under Islamic law, her separation left her feeling isolated—both emotionally and socially. She discusses the legal and personal challenges she faced, and the profound impact of being disconnected from her community during a vulnerable time.

Matt Peloquin, an American father previously married to a Chilean diplomat, speaks about his experience navigating the Chilean court system. He claims that custody decisions favoured Chilean nationals, leaving him at a disadvantage as a foreign father. His child maintenance payments were significantly higher than those expected from local citizens. Out of this experience, he founded Support Fathers' Rights, an organisation campaigning for equitable treatment of fathers across borders.

Ella Betts from Christians Against Poverty offers a powerful perspective on the financial control and abuse that can occur during separations—especially when joint bank accounts and shared debts are involved. She outlines practical tools such as account freezes and access to ‘breathing space,’ but stresses that solving debt is only part of the solution. Collaboration between organisations is essential to offer holistic support during such critical moments in people’s lives.

All our guests also share TOP TIPS for listeners—practical advice for anyone who may be facing similar circumstances, or supporting someone who is.

Next episode: ‘Crypto, Digital Assets & Gambling’ — exploring the risks, realities, and financial consequences of the digital money world.

Just over 13% of the UK population are self-employed. Is being self-employed the way forward or are we forced to take the path in some sectors? In this month’s Debt Talk podcast, Ripon Ray spoke with three guests from many different perspectives.

James Harris has been self-employed for nearly 25 years in the creative sector. He explained how funding in his sector has been reducing since the 1990s. There are also very few fashion shows compared to when he began his career. His biggest worry is personal finance since Universal Credit introduced the Minimum Income Floor leading to him getting into rent and other arrears.

Andy Chamberlain - Director of Policy from the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-employed Limited - explained the direction of travel within the context of self-employment in the UK. He emphasised that more self-employed professionals are in the construction and literary creative industries. People in their 40s are more likely to be self-employed in these sectors instead of newly joined workers. He explained that employers should not deliberately choose to hire self-employed just to avoid giving workers their legal rights.

Sam Nurse - CEO of Money Advice Hub - emphasised that being self-employed can be a challenge due to many factors which may include lack of bookkeeping experience or not filing financial reports on time to relevant authorities. She recognised that Universal Credit’s Minimum Income Floor ended up discriminating against self-employed, unlike employees who claim welfare support.

The panelists also gave Debt Talk Listeners top tips. The next podcast is on ‘Foodbanks and the Welfare support.’