Sidelines and Storylines: Recent Episodes
Niki Noto Palmer
The whole standing on the sideline thing was literal for me and the same for some of these familiar faces (err, voices) you’ll hear stories from on the podcast. We have all been sidelined at some point on our journey, and it’s those moments that play a pivotal role to our storyline.What sideline led you to your storyline?
Laura Okmin, FOX Sports
Sidelines:
- Lost mother at early age
- Never had a mentor in industry
- Worried too much about "checking professional boxes"
Storylines:
- Named one of Sports Illustrated “Most Power and Most Influential Women” in sports
- Created “Galvanize", a company/community for aspiring and current women in media
- 3rd longest tenured sideline reporter in NFL history
Chris Stewart: Crimson Tide Sports Network
Sidelines:
- Suffered two life changing medical mishaps
- Once said Volleyball had a halftime on air
- Learned to never ask Saban a "why did you" question at halftime or pressers...
Storylines:
- Broadcaster for Crimson Tide Sports Network
- Lived through a medically induced coma
- Husband, Dad x3 who doesn’t take life for granted
Barrett Sallee: CBS Sports/Sirius XM
Sidelines:
- Lost daughter, Kipton Jean @ 17 weeks
- Epileptic
- Lifelong Atlanta sports fan
Storylines:
- Husband, Dad of 2
- Multiplatform journalist for CBS Sports
- Sirius XM College Sports Nation host
Rachel Baribeau: Changing The Narrative
Sidelines:
- Retired from a 20 year Sportscasting career
- Told she was "too much"
- Suffered great loss, almost gave up
Storylines:
- 1st Female SiriusXM College host
- Heisman Voter
- Founded "Changing The Narrative" for Kings + Queens
Lauren Sisler: ESPN, Al.com
Sidelines:
- Lost both parents at 18 while a Freshman at Rutgers
- Was originally slated to get married @ Dirty Dancing's lodge
- Cemented her mark at Denny Chimes
Storylines:
- Emmy winning Sportscaster
- Pivots original plan and marries during quarantine
- Travels and speaks as a motivational speaker
Jenn Hobby, Star 94.1
Sidelines:
- Daughter, Reese, was diagnosed with cancer at 9 months old
- Navigated numerous public job transitions
- Disastrous interview with Julianne Moore
Storylines:
- Destined to interview Brene Brown
- Emmy winner with 2 decades of Radio/TV experience
- Created “Reese’s Magic Fund” benefitting Aflac Cancer + Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta --> Click here to donate!
Michael Palmer, Clemson Tiger + NFL Vet
Sidelines:
-
8 on depth chart when he got to Atlanta
- Collected business cards at Falcons Rookie dinner
- As a veteran, he went through a rookie mini camp with Giants
Storylines:
- Bought a Macbook & suit with his uhh lucrative signing bonus
- Played 5 years in the NFL
- Obviously the best part of his experience was meeting his wife. Obviously.
Michael Palmer: Clemson Tiger/NFL Veteran
PART ONE:
- 5th grade football
- Parkview High School
- Clemson
SIDELINES:
- 2 star recruit
- Didn't know Clemson offered him
- Wasn’t invited to combine, rained on his Pro Day
STORYLINES:
- 1st team ALL ACC
- ACC All Academic
- 5 years in NFL
Beth Mowins, ESPN
Sidelines:
- Had friends on Wall St while she made $19k a year
- Ate PB&Jelly sandwiches to get by in early years (albeit, they're delicious)
- Husband and brothers don’t allow her to play from the red tees
Storylines:
- A decorated and accomplished PxP for ESPN
- Read books, played golf, drank afternoon beers during quarantine
- She even covered dog races at one point in her career…
Hannah Goodin, GPB Sports
Sidelines:
- Had a dream job, company went under
- Had another dream job, company went under
- Drove 5 hours round trip for a football gig
Storylines:
- Moved home, married her best friend
- Sports are back… so is her job
- Launched a photography business, @hannahgoodinphoto
Laura Britt: NBC Sports
SIDELINES:
- Didn’t make Varsity cheer in high school until Senior year
- Moved to Chicago during their worst winter in 80 years
- Contract wasn’t renewed because she didn’t have enough social media followers
STORYLINES:
- Cheered for UAB
- Rented an RV with husband during quarantine and drove all 3 kids (4yo + 1yo twins) from California to Mississippi for 3 months
- Multi platform host and reporter for the Bay Area; covering 49’ers, Golden State Warriors and A’s.
Sidelines:
- Let go from 1st big job
- Didn’t know who Johnny Bench was @ Johnny Bench Award
- Asked Al Michaels what his favorite game to call was (Uhh, Miracle on Ice)
Storylines:
- Forbes 30 Under 30
- Went viral on TikTok for family rendition of “Tiger King”
- Dallas Cowboys Content Strategist
Sideline:
- 2 ACL injuries
- Missed last FT in college career
- Children exposed her flaws
Storyline:
- Professional leadership coach
- Redeemed missed FT at WNBA training camp
- Leads student-athletes through Fellowship of Christian Athletes
SIDELINES:
- Clothing store failed
- Insurance company failed
- Missed first round of SEC Network talent pool
STORYLINES:
- Husband, Dad of 3
- Hosts radio show in Birmingham aka home of SEC FOOTBALL
- ESPN/SECN Analyst
SIDELINES:
- Got in trouble for talking a lot in school
- Didn’t get “Most Likely to be Miss America”
- Was told she had Jimmy Dean sausage fingers
STORYLINES:
- Wife to a tall drink of water & Mom of 2
- Playing Golf paid off
- Finally started started this Podcast
SIDELINES:
- Took a Curve Ball at a presser
- Was told she looks like a soccer mom
- Divorce
STORYLINES:
- Emmy Winner
- Rose between thorns on 680 the Fan’s “Front Row”
- 30+ years in TV/Radio
Welcome to Sidelines and Storylines with Niki Noto Palmer.
What sideline led you to your storyline?