The Indicator from Planet Money The cautionary tale of a recovering day trading addict (Encore)
15 snips
Dec 29, 2025 
Chris Garver, a former day trading addict turned advocate, shares his harrowing journey from excitement to debt, reaching £145,000. He describes how a major win led to risky trades, secretive habits, and strain on family life. Insights from neuroeconomist Waylon Wong and Camelia Kunin reveal the similarities between trading and gambling, highlighting how small chances of big wins lure investors. Ultimately, Chris founded Project Wellbeing to promote awareness and support for those struggling with gambling issues.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Sensible Investor To Risky Gambler
- Chris Garver began investing sensibly but escalated into riskier trades after seeing big short-term gains.
- His early £80,000 win hooked him and led to escalating losses and secret debt that nearly destroyed his marriage.
Secret Debt And A Strained Marriage
- Chris spiraled into debt, opening multiple credit cards including some in his wife's name without her knowledge.
- He hid his trading, drove while watching market alerts, and his wife suspected an affair before learning the truth.
Brains Crave Tiny Odds Of Huge Wins
- Neuroeconomic research shows brains are hardwired to overvalue tiny chances of huge payoffs.
- That fixation explains why investors chase once-big winners hoping the spike happens again.