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In this episode of The Real Poker Girls of London, hosts Kerryjane Craigie and Lydia Cugudda welcome writer, journalist, scientist, and poker player Alexa O’Brien for a wide-ranging, thoughtful, and frequently hilarious conversation that blends poker, psychology, parenting, and life skills.

Alexa shares her unconventional journey into poker—introduced by a fellow writer—and how the game became a powerful intellectual and emotional counterbalance to the solitary world of writing. From early low-stakes tournaments in London casinos to falling in love with the strategic depth of the game, Alexa explains why poker became more than just a pastime.

The episode dives deep into Alexa’s acclaimed book The Truth Detective, which explores decision-making, risk, and imperfect information through the lens of poker and cognitive science. She discusses the book’s evolution, its recognition within the poker world, and its broader mission: reframing poker as a cerebral, skill-based discipline rather than pure gambling.

Key topics include:

• Poker as a tool for critical thinking, emotional regulation, and resilience
• Parenting with a “poker mindset” and teaching children how to handle uncertainty
• Why poker uniquely prepares people to navigate real-world decision-making
• Women’s poker, community-building, and the atmosphere created at women-led events
• The now-iconic Real Poker Girls pig trophy, Percy Pig debates, and classic British humor

Alexa also reflects on her BBC documentary work, her upcoming projects, and stepping into a new role supporting live poker streams at the Hippodrome while Kerryjane is away—bringing her analytical mind and storytelling skills directly to the felt.

Smart, funny, reflective, and deeply human, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in poker as a life skill, not just a card game.

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