179~ HELP! Losing My Parents to Addiction

Episode ~179

Podcast Episode
September 16, 2025•2 min read

179~HELP! Losing My Parents to Addiction with Lauren Sisler

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In today’s powerful episode, ESPN reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up about the heartbreaking loss of both her parents—just five hours apart—from opioid addiction. For years, Lauren carried the shame and silence of their story, afraid the truth would tarnish their legacy. But through grief, therapy, faith, and deep personal reflection, she found freedom and purpose in the very story she once tried to hide.

Now, Lauren uses her voice to break the stigma around addiction and mental health, encouraging others to fall in love with their story—even the hard, messy, and painful parts.

You’ll hear about:

  • The day Lauren’s life changed forever and how she survived it

  • Why she kept her parents’ addiction a secret for 10 years

  • The redemptive role her Aunt Linda played in stepping in as a mother figure

  • How telling the truth became the gateway to healing

  • What it means to fall in love with your story

  • Her 30-second message to her parents

Whether you're walking through addiction personally, loving someone who is, or simply struggling to reconcile your own story you’ll find hope, grace, and strength in this conversation.

Lauren Sisler is a two-time Emmy-winning ESPN sports reporter, national keynote speaker, and author of Shatterproof.

Follow Lauren:
📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X: @LaurenSisler
📖 Book: Shatterproof 

🆘 Addiction & Recovery Resources

If you or someone you love is battling addiction, please know: you are not alone, and healing is possible.

National Helplines:

Faith-Based Recovery Support:

Connect with Courtney:

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