What the Olympics Teach Us About Recovery and Belonging Ep 16

What do the Olympics, ballet, and sobriety have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, Anne and Chris unpack their recent conversation with Houston legend Lauren Anderson—the first Black principal dancer for the Houston Ballet—and reflect on what her story reveals about discipline, identity, and freedom after sport.

Anne and Chris dive deep into what it means to live with “joyful rigor,” a term Lauren used to describe the intersection of discipline and delight. They explore how high performers—from athletes to artists—learn to let go of perfection, embrace simplicity, and show up authentically in every season of life. The duo also shares their takeaways from the Paris Olympics, including the impact of the alcohol-free village, the global sense of belonging that sports create, and the power of showing up fully present—on and off the field.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• The biggest lessons from Lauren Anderson’s journey in life after sport
• Why simplicity—not hustle—is the key to long-term success and sobriety
• How “joyful rigor” helps athletes and sober individuals stay grounded
• The power of the alcohol-free movement on the world’s biggest stage
• How authenticity and presence build real freedom and connection

Whether you’re rebuilding after sport or just finding your rhythm in sober life, this episode is a reminder that presence is the real win.