The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome Shutting Up Shame To Become Shatterproof with Lauren Sisler—ESPN College Football Sideline Reporter
Sep 2, 2025
Lauren Sisler, an award-winning ESPN sideline reporter and author of *Shatterproof*, shares her compelling journey of resilience after losing both parents to opioid overdoses. She discusses how she learned to conquer shame and rediscover joy, transforming her pain into purpose. Lauren reveals the therapeutic power of dance during her sideline performances and reflects on the changing landscape of college football. She emphasizes the importance of confronting grief and personal struggles, inspiring listeners to embrace their own stories.
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Sideline Shimmy's Origin
- Lauren developed her sideline shimmy to calm nerves before going live on TV by dancing in stadiums during warmups.
- A posted video of that habit went viral and revealed a joyful side that contrasts her private pain.
Parents' Overdose Story
- Lauren lost both parents within hours due to escalating prescription opioid use that turned into addiction.
- She explains the prescriptions progressed from OxyContin to fentanyl patches and eventually to abuse and dependence.
Shame Silences Families
- Lauren framed shame as a social label that hides addiction and isolates families into silence.
- She says carrying that 'scarlet letter' kept her from telling friends the truth for years and blocked healing.
