Anchored with Heather Moon Vogels

Heather Moon Vogels

Conversations about identity, transition, finding steadiness through change and what it means to be whole - with psychologist, trauma therapist and rower Heather Moon Vogels. Anchored is for anyone navigating a major life transition — whether that’s life after elite sport, becoming a mother, moving countries, or simply asking who you are when your context changes completely. Psychologist, trauma therapist, and former competitive rower Heather Moonvogels brings together the worlds of high performance and trauma-informed healing — exploring identity, nervous system regulation.

Episodes

  1. Jun 19

    From Elite Sport to What’s Next: How Athletes Rebuild Identity and Meaning

    Most elite athletes pour everything into their sport—and then struggle with who they are when the medals stop. Alice, a former international rower, shares her raw, honest journey of high achievement, fierce identity, and the profound process of transition. Discover how the relentless pursuit of performance shapes your sense of worth—and how letting go can open the door to rediscovering yourself beyond the race. In this conversation, you’ll uncover the true cost of being "all in"—the sacrifices made, the moments of grief when sport loses its centrality, and the emotional toll of constantly chasing the next goal. Alice reveals how the pursuit of excellence often morphs into a rigid identity that’s hard to loosen from, and discusses the key difference between competing from a place of love versus fear of loss. You'll hear about the power of small shifts—like redefining athleticism as a lifelong journey of balance rather than perfection—and how to navigate the uncomfortable space of letting go of old ambitions without losing your sense of purpose. Alice shares practical tips for managing the identity shift and creating sustainable, joyful ways to move forward when the medals stop shining. Why does leaving sport feel like losing a part of yourself? And how can you transform that loss into new meaning? Whether you’re a retired athlete, an ambitious competitor, or someone seeking clarity beyond achievement, this episode offers lessons on resilience, self-compassion, and finding fulfillment in the everyday. Perfect for high performers, former athletes, coaches, and anyone curious about the deeper side of sport’s role in shaping who we are—and how we can reclaim our worth beyond it.

    56 min

About

Conversations about identity, transition, finding steadiness through change and what it means to be whole - with psychologist, trauma therapist and rower Heather Moon Vogels. Anchored is for anyone navigating a major life transition — whether that’s life after elite sport, becoming a mother, moving countries, or simply asking who you are when your context changes completely. Psychologist, trauma therapist, and former competitive rower Heather Moonvogels brings together the worlds of high performance and trauma-informed healing — exploring identity, nervous system regulation.