Taylor Hooton Foundation > Hoot’s Corner > Podcasts > BONUS EPISODE: Shatterproof Mindset – Lauren Sisler, ESPN Reporter
October 28, 2025
BONUS EPISODE: Shatterproof Mindset – Lauren Sisler, ESPN Reporter


The ALL ME® Podcast

Shatterproof Mindset – Lauren Sisler

October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and we’re bringing you a special Bonus Episode of the ALL ME® Podcast.  Join THF’s Director of Marketing and Development, Amy Wagner, as she sits down with Lauren Sisler to share an inspiring conversation of resilience, awareness, and the importance of communication.

Lauren Sisler is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author of Shatterproof, and keynote speaker known for her sideline shimmy. After landing her dream career with ESPN, reporting on college football and gymnastics, she began to open up about a story she once kept hidden: losing her parents to opioid addiction. Through sharing her story, she’s been able to shed light on the stigma of addiction. Now, whether she’s on the sidelines or on stages, her purpose lies in helping people tell (and love) their own stories, live more courageous, resilient lives, and find their own sideline shimmies.

During this episode Lauren shares her journey from a gymnast to an ESPN sideline reporter, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s story, especially in the face of personal tragedy. She discusses the impact of her parents’ deaths due to substance abuse and how it shaped her perspective on addiction and mental health. Lauren advocates for open communication and community support, encouraging others to find their own ‘shatterproof’ mindset. The conversation also touches on the pressures athletes face regarding body image and the importance of mental health awareness in sports.

Takeaways

  • ·        Everyone has a story worth sharing.
  • ·        Falling in love with your story can empower you.
  • ·        Personal tragedies can lead to greater understanding and empathy.
  • ·        Communication is key in addressing substance abuse.
  • ·        Mental health awareness is crucial in sports today.
  • ·        We must support each other in our struggles.
  • ·        Finding joy in difficult moments is essential.
  • ·        Grace is important for ourselves and others.
  • ·        We need to educate ourselves about addiction.
  • ·        Embrace the journey and be where your feet are.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lauren Sisler and Her Journey

01:16 Falling in Love with Your Story

02:48 Childhood and Early Gymnastics

06:20 Body Image and Pressures in Gymnastics

09:58 The Shocking Loss of Lauren’s Parents

10:23 Processing Grief and Understanding Addiction

19:07 The Shatterproof Mindset and Resilience

23:02 Embracing Resilience: Building from Adversity

25:40 The Power of Presence: Being Where Your Feet Are

29:38 Holistic Athlete Stories: Beyond the Game

32:57 Mental Health in Sports: Breaking the Stigma

37:09 Defining Self-Worth: Beyond Accomplishments

40:15 The Importance of Communication: Shining Light on Struggles

 

Follow/Contact Lauren: 

  • X: @LaurenSisler
  • Instagram: @LaurenSisler
  • Facebook: Lauren Sisler
  • www.LaurenSisler.com

Purchase Shatterproof  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962802078?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0KHWMCRWPKVJBAE7T720&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0KHWMCRWPKVJBAE7T720&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0KHWMCRWPKVJBAE7T720&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1

 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available.  Call or text: 988  Chat: 988lifeline.org  You’ll be able to speak with a trained crisis counselor any time of day or night.

The SAMHSA Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential help. You can get treatment referral and information about mental health and drug or alcohol use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.  Call: 1-800-662-4357, TTY: 1-800-487-4889, Text your ZIP code to: 435748

Follow/Contact Us:

  • X: @theTHF
  • Instagram: @theTHF
  • Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation
  • #ALLMEPEDFREE

 www.TaylorHooton.org

 

 

 

 

 

 


Check out this episode!