Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Hey, y'all! I'm Lauren Sisler. I’m a former collegiate gymnast, an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker. Whether I’m on sidelines or on stages, my purpose lies in helping people tell (and love) their stories, live more courageous, resilient lives, and find their own sideline shimmies.

However, I didn’t always know how to own MY story. As an 18-year-old college student, I lost both of my parents to their hidden battle with prescription drug addiction within hours of each other — and I spent years and years living in the throes of grief, shame, and fear. I was devastated, I was angry, and I was confused… and it took a long time to find the courage and strength to stand up again.

When I finally learned to fall in love with my own story, I took hold of my shame — a universal feeling we all share — and repurposed it into something meaningful. Most importantly, I learned that I was (and am) shatterproof. And SO ARE YOU. Now, when I’m not reporting live from the sidelines, I’m taking the stage as a keynote speaker who helps others fall in love with their stories, harness their authenticity, and revolutionize their approach to life by leading with purpose.