Clean Play Podcast

Ever hit a stretch in life—or sobriety—where nothing feels like it’s moving? That in-between space where the excitement fades, the grind feels endless, and you start wondering if you’ve lost your edge? This episode is all about that.  Anne and Chris dive into what they call the doldrums —those flat, windless seasons where progress stalls and purpose feels fuzzy. Drawing lessons from both sports an...

Ever missed an easy layup and felt like it was bigger than basketball? This week, Anne and Chris get real about what happens when performance, pressure, and perfectionism collide—on the court and in life after sport. Summary: In this episode of the Clean Play Podcast , Anne opens up about a tough rec-league loss and the emotions that came with it—frustration, shame, and self-doubt. Chris helps her...

In this episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris welcome their second guest, Rachel K , for a powerful conversation about recovery, relapse, and resilience—both on the field and off. A lifelong athlete and proud St. Louis native, Rachel shares how growing up in a city obsessed with sports shaped her mindset around hard work, community, and accountability. From early mornings at softball...

In this milestone episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris welcome their very first guest — John a.k.a. “J-Flow” — for a conversation about fandom, faithfulness, and finding joy in the long game. From childhood memories of the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bulls to Anne’s own years of college basketball and coaching, the group dives into what it means to stay in something you love even...

In this milestone episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris explore what it really means to love the game—of basketball, of healing, and of life. From childhood memories of MJ and Kobe to the grind of college athletics, Anne shares how her relationship with basketball has evolved through seasons of burnout, injury, and rediscovery. Together, they draw the parallels between athletic passio...

In this episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris dive into the parallels between physical rehab and emotional recovery — and how both demand one thing athletes often avoid: rest. After years of pushing through pain and “playing hurt,” Anne shares what it’s been like to return to physical therapy for the first time in four summers and what it’s teaching her about slowing down. From a torn...

In this episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris dive into one of the biggest conversations in sports right now — the WNBA, Caitlin Clark, and the complex emotions rising around competition, race, and respect. From “welcome to the league” moments to the reality of physical play and media narratives, they unpack how women athletes are often stripped of their humanity when the story gets s...

In this episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris get real about one of the most underrated skills in both sport and sobriety: consistency . They explore how showing up—especially when you don’t feel like it —builds the foundation for lasting change. From 4:30 a.m. basketball runs to sober routines that become second nature, the conversation breaks down how to keep moving even when motiva...

In this episode of The Clean Play Podcast , Anne and Chris dive into what it really means to heal—mentally, physically, and emotionally—after life in sport. Building on last week’s heavy conversation, they explore how athletes can seek support and build resources that truly serve their recovery and growth. From lifting and running as medicine to finding community and compassion in therapy, Anne an...

In this deeply personal episode of The Clean Play Podcast, Chris and Anne discuss the recent, untimely passing of a professional golfer, reflecting on the profound impact it has had on them and the sports community. They candidly share their own experiences with mental health issues and crises, including their struggles with self-harm. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about menta...

You don’t win championships—or stay sober—by going it alone. The same way a team builds trust, accountability, and momentum on the court or field, you need the right people in your corner to navigate life after sport and build an alcohol-free lifestyle that actually lasts. In this episode, Chris and I dive into why sobriety is a team sport. We break down the importance of finding your support squa...

Athletes are taught to push through pain, keep grinding, and find identity in the game. But what happens when the game is over—and alcohol takes its place? If you’ve ever wondered who you are without sports or questioned how drinking fits into your story, this episode will hit home. In this conversation, Chris shares his journey from growing up in a sports family to navigating life after sport, wh...

You can train for the game, grind through practice, and play through pain—but what happens when the opponent is alcohol? For so many athletes, drinking is woven into the culture: win or lose, you drink. In this episode, I share my story of breaking free from that cycle and discovering who I am in life after sport. I open up about growing up in Wisconsin where alcohol was everywhere, chasing a bask...

You love the game, but wonder what life looks like when you stop drinking. Can you still tailgate, hoop, or sit through a football Saturday without a beer in hand? This episode is for every athlete—past or present—navigating who they are without alcohol. In the very first episode of Clean Play Podcast , Anne Skriba (former college basketball player and coach, 18 months alcohol-free) and Chris Mars...