In this candid and refreshingly honest episode of the Fair Game Podcast, co‑hosts Lauren O’Brien, Anika Howard, and Bronwen Gregg dive into a topic every woman in gaming—and frankly, every human—can relate to: social batteries. Recorded at the Light & Wonder Studios, this conversation strips away the polish and gets real about energy, boundaries, burnout, and the emotional labor of leadership.
The episode begins with a story from Lauren, whose 12‑year‑old daughter surprised her by saying, “My social battery is drained.” That moment sparks a deeper discussion about how adults often ignore the same signals—pushing through exhaustion, overcommitting, and forgetting to recharge. The hosts explore the idea that we all have different types of batteries: social, emotional, mental, and physical. And each one drains—and recharges—in different ways.
Bronwen shares that she’s a true extrovert, someone who gains energy from being around people. Whether she’s on a casino floor, at a yoga class, or simply working in a bustling environment, social interaction fuels her. Even her recovery time often includes being around others. But she also acknowledges the physical toll of nonstop engagement, especially during long trade shows or high‑intensity work weeks.
Anika, on the other hand, identifies as a “situational extrovert.” She can show up powerfully in social and professional settings, but only if she’s had meaningful downtime to recharge. For her, energy is deeply tied to the emotional tone of the room. Positive, uplifting environments refill her battery; negativity drains it instantly. She talks about the importance of self‑awareness, the work she’s done with her team on understanding “best self vs. shadow self,” and how emotional labor—especially as a leader—requires intentional recovery.
Lauren shares her own evolution, noting that as she’s matured in her career, she’s become more attuned to her limits. She recognizes when her calendar is too full, when she needs a “do nothing day,” and how stress used to manifest physically before she learned to set boundaries. She also highlights how seasons of life—especially during family medical crises—can completely shift what social energy looks like.
Together, the hosts explore how leaders must not only manage their own batteries but also stay attuned to their teams’. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to read cues are essential to preventing burnout and unlocking potential. But none of that is possible without first taking care of yourself.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that recharging isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between, understanding your social battery is key to showing up as your best self at work, at home, and in your community.