The 54-year-old businesswoman sat down with Michael Strahan to discuss her new children’s book The Fly Who Flew to Space and opened up about her struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia that plagued her throughout her early life.
“This book is for my eight-year-old self who really felt dumb,” Lauren began, her voice shaking with emotion.
“I really, really wanted to be a journalist; it’s all I wanted to be. But I thought, ‘I can’t write, it’s horrible,’” she admitted. Her words gave a glimpse into the years of self-doubt that came with her undiagnosed learning disability, a time when her dreams felt impossibly far away.
As she shared her story, Lauren recounted the pivotal moment when a community college teacher saw something in her that changed her life forever.
The teacher had asked her to contribute to the school paper, a task that felt daunting for Lauren. “I told her, ‘I can’t really write,’” Lauren recalled, holding back tears as she spoke. The teacher’s response was simple but life-changing: “She told me, ‘Just write without thinking about spelling or punctuation.’”
It was this moment that began to crack open the walls of self-doubt Lauren had built around herself for so long. Her voice quivered as she continued, “Every time I talk about this, I get emotional,” pausing to collect herself.
After Lauren handed in her first story, her teacher looked her in the eyes and said, “You are not dumb, you just can’t spell.” That statement was the key to unlocking Lauren’s understanding of her own mind. The teacher arranged for Lauren to be tested for dyslexia, and from there, everything began to change.
“I went from a 2.0 GPA student who was barely making it, to a 3.8,” Lauren revealed proudly. “I got into USC and became a journalist.”
This transformative moment became the foundation upon which she built her impressive career. From a girl who sat quietly at the back of the classroom to a high-achieving student at the University of Southern California, Lauren’s journey is a testament to the power of belief and support.
During her appearance, Lauren also shared that part of the proceeds from her book would go to the International Dyslexia Association, an organization that helps diagnose children with the learning disorder at an earlier age. “So they don’t have to go through what I went through, just thinking that [they are] not smart enough,” she said passionately. “They can really help kids that are struggling with dyslexia and help diagnose them.”
Lauren’s connection to dyslexia runs even deeper within her family, as she revealed that her 18-year-old son Evan, whom she shares with ex-husband Patrick Whitesell, was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. “My son said I could talk about it,” Lauren said, with a sense of pride and understanding. “He has dyslexia, diagnosed in second grade.”
Lauren’s family is a vital part of her story. In addition to Evan, she is also mother to 23-year-old Nikko Gonzalez, whom she shares with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, and 16-year-old daughter Ella, also with Whitesell. Being a mother to children who have experienced some of the same struggles she faced has only fueled her desire to make a difference.
But Lauren’s journey wasn’t always set on the path of journalism. In her younger years, after graduating from high school, she had dreams of becoming a flight attendant. At just 18, she moved to Los Angeles and applied for a job with Southwest Airlines.
However, the interview process, which included a weigh-in (a standard practice for flight attendants at the time), crushed her hopes. Lauren was told she was “too big” for the role, despite weighing just over 120 pounds.
Disheartened but not defeated, Lauren decided to go back to school. It was at El Camino College in Torrance, California, where the teacher who changed her life entered the picture. This teacher saw her potential, encouraged her to pursue journalism despite her struggles, and got her tested for dyslexia, allowing Lauren to finally understand that her difficulties with reading and writing were not a reflection of her intelligence.
After transferring to USC in 1992, Lauren continued her studies while working as a desk assistant at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles. By 1994, her hard work paid off when she was offered a reporting job at KTVK in Phoenix, Arizona. From there, her career took off, leading her to work for Extra, Fox Sports Net, and eventually landing her a six-year run as the host of Good Day LA.
Lauren’s career didn’t stop at journalism. She founded her own aerial film and production company, Black Ops Aviation, becoming a trailblazer in a male-dominated field. She also had a stint as the host of So You Think You Can Dance and contributed to numerous shows like Larry King Live and Showbiz Tonight.
"Judging, really? Observing Lauren from afar reveals only what is reported; it fails to capture the true depth of who she is. Lauren is courageously sharing her truth, and I am genuinely eager to connect with her on a personal level through her book. Wishing it possible to have a heartfelt conversation with Lauren about the incredible power she possesses to make a difference in the lives of 'everyday real' women. Lauren has the potential to create meaningful change—not just through contributions, but through her authentic approach. I wish Lauren all the best that life has to offer as she continues to inspire.
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