Handle Hard Better: Lessons from Sports, Sobriety, and Life’s Tough Seasons Ep 21

 In this episode of the Clean Play Podcast, Anne and Chris dig into a viral clip from Duke Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kara Lawson—one that flips the script on how we think about life’s challenges. The takeaway? Life doesn’t get easier. You get better at handling hard.

From the hardwood to the early days of sobriety, Anne and Chris share personal stories of seasons that felt impossible in the moment, but became the training ground for future success. They explore how reframing difficulty—whether in sports, recovery, or entrepreneurship—can help you meet challenges with preparation, resilience, and self-trust.

You’ll hear:

• Why “waiting for things to get easier” is a trap that keeps you stuck
  

• How sports training and sobriety both build your capacity to handle hard moments
  

• The difference between toxic toughness and true preparation
  

• Why every season—on the court or in life—has its own challenges
  

• Practical ways to stack resources so you’re ready for whatever comes next
  

Whether you’re in a winning streak or facing overtime in life, this conversation will help you shift your mindset, embrace the tough moments, and build the skills that make the game worth playing.