Get to know Following Leads host Laura Hettiger
Laura Hettiger is the host and co-creator of Following Leads, Gray Media’s flagship podcast.
Based in St. Louis, Laura also hosts Great Day St. Louis on KMOV-TV and the station’s first long-form interview podcast, Live With Laura.
She is a proud University of Illinois alumna with a Bachelor’s degree in News-Editorial Journalism and a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. Laura was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and a cheerleader for the Fighting Illini. Unfortunately, a cheerleading accident at an Illinois basketball game tore nearly every ligament in her right knee. Laura did not realize it at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best things that’s ever happened to her: it taught her no matter what, never give up--a motto that’s served her well during her journalism career.
Giving back is one of Laura’s greatest passions. The mother of two is on the Board of Directors for both the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery and The Little Bit Foundation, a local organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to learning for students in St. Louis public schools. In August of 2018, the marathoner combined her love of The Little Bit Foundation and running to start Laura’s Run 4 Kids, an annual 5K and family fun run in St. Louis where all the money benefits St. Louis students. In the first nine years of Laura’s Run 4 Kids, she helped raise more than $600,000.
The Emmy winner has been voted favorite TV News Anchorwoman in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine twice. The magazine also named her a Hometown Champion for all her charity efforts.
The Team of Following Leads: The Podcast
Following Leads: The Podcast is a production of The Following Leads Podcast Network & Gray Media. Watch & listen to the show on all Gray Media station websites, streaming apps or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
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