Jen Lada’s Rise in Sports Media and Her Powerful Storytelling at ESPN

Emmy Award winner and ESPN College Gameday's Jen Lada joins the show to reflect on her career journey—from working midnight shifts in Chicago to becoming a vital part of College GameDay. Jen shares what it’s like to report on emotional stories, how she finds her balance in a demanding industry, and what it means to be an authentic voice in sports media. She talks about the highs and lows of storytelling, her favorite campus traditions, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from ESPN, and the emotional weight of covering real human moments in sports. Plus, hear her thoughts on working alongside Nick Saban, Lee Corso, and Pat McAfee, and what’s next for one of the most respected voices in the business.