THE ED MYLETT SHOW — Sage Robbins: How Surrender Creates Freedom
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Host: Ed Mylett
Guest: Sage Robbins
Episode Overview
In this rich and heartfelt conversation, Ed Mylett welcomes Sage Robbins for a deep dive into the themes of surrender, acceptance, self-reflection, and grace. The episode explores Sage’s upbringing in a family deeply impacted by addiction and recovery, how those early lessons shaped her, and the tools she leverages to create peace and freedom in her life and relationships—especially within her marriage to Tony Robbins. Through insights on the power of the 12 Steps, forgiveness, “the work” of Byron Katie, and daily grace practices, Sage offers both philosophical reflections and actionable advice for listeners striving to cultivate authenticity and resilience.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Impact of Addiction and Recovery on Sage’s Early Life
- Sage’s Family Legacy:
- Sage shares her upbringing surrounded by addiction and recovery:
- Her father has over 54 years sober.
- Both grandfathers and siblings also struggled with addiction.
- Attending AA meetings was a central part of her childhood.
- Quote:
“I literally was raised in AA meetings…and at this stage of my life, I recognize and understand and experience what [the Serenity Prayer] means.” — Sage Robbins [03:36]
- She stresses how the 12 Steps shaped her values—especially the importance of acceptance, service, humility, and inclusion.
- Sage shares her upbringing surrounded by addiction and recovery:
2. Lessons from the 12 Steps: Surrender and Acceptance
- Ed’s Reflection: He notes how surrender became the most meaningful part of recovery for him as he matured.
- Sage’s View on Surrender:
- Surrender is about letting go of the expectation that life “should be” different.
- Acceptance brings peace and reduces suffering.
- Quote:
“A lot of times what we're surrendering is the expectation that life should be different than what is… I have suffered the most when I believe that life should be different.” — Sage Robbins [06:57]
- The Nuance of Surrender:
- A lifelong, evolving practice that brings freedom and spaciousness.
3. Compassion, Cancel Culture, and Humanizing Others
- Both discuss how their upbringings in recovery communities led to greater compassion and less judgment of others.
- They lament the prevalence of cancel culture and division, urging listeners to focus on self-reflection rather than external blame.
- Quote:
“With that mirror of acceptance…it wasn't even forgiveness. It was greater than that. I think it was just acceptance of the humanness, because that's where we all meet.” — Sage Robbins [08:57]
- Sage references Byron Katie’s philosophy:
“There's my business, there's your business, and there's God's business.” [12:24]
4. The ‘Work’ of Byron Katie: Four Simple Questions
- Sage explains the four steps:
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know it’s true?
- Who would you be without that thought?
- How do you react when you believe that thought?
- Plus—turning around the judgment for self-examination.
- Quote:
“For anybody that is disconnected from their families…I highly invite you…the work is free…it's truly profound.” — Sage Robbins [20:19]
- Sage and Ed agree that writing down these reflections, not just thinking them, brings real transformation.
5. The Power of Making Amends in Relationships
- Ed shares how his father, a recovering addict, was quick to apologize and repair emotional ruptures.
- Sage emphasizes how mutual willingness to own mistakes is a “superpower” in her marriage to Tony Robbins:
- Quote:
“It’s that humbleness and willingness…if I left the room within two minutes, I walk back, or if not, [Tony’s] coming after me…taking responsibility for our experience of life.” — Sage Robbins [24:23]
- Quote:
- Both agree that apology and humility maintain connection and deepen relationships.
6. On Growth, Authenticity, and Grace
- Authenticity > Perfectionism:
- Sage reframes self-improvement as becoming “our most authentic versions” rather than solely becoming “better.”
- Quote:
“I don’t know that it’s about being better…I think it’s about becoming our most authentic versions of ourselves or our most sincere.” — Sage Robbins [27:40]
- Grace:
- Difficult experiences (e.g., her public divorce) humbled her and taught her to extend more grace to herself and others.
- Quote:
“Humiliation…the fruit of humiliation is humbleness…it strips the illusion of control.” — Sage Robbins [33:45]
- She describes grace as being sane, kind, and generous—first to oneself, then to others.
7. 60 Seconds of Grace: Mindfulness Practice
- What Is It?
- A practical, moment-to-moment practice of pausing, focusing on the breath, and realigning.
- Guided 60-Second Meditation:
- Sage leads Ed and listeners through a short mindfulness exercise.
- Quote (Guided by Sage):
“Notice the miracle of your body being breathed…the miracle of life itself that’s happening within us…as you inhale, you’re breathing in the atmosphere of this moment.” [36:58]
- Ed reflects on gratitude for existence in the simplest moments.
- Sage notes that returning to the present is a way to recenter, particularly in overwhelming situations.
8. Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You
- Bald Eagle Metaphor:
- Ed shares a story about a female eagle “remaking herself” after loss—mirrored in Sage’s philosophy.
- Sage’s Reflection:
- “What’s no longer needed” often includes judgments, blaming, and patterns that create disconnection.
- Creating internal spaciousness and mindfulness allows us to reconnect with our nature and peace.
- Quote:
“That eagle is incredibly wise…life, we…need space, we need spaciousness. In order to experience peace, we need spaciousness within…when we're constantly distracting ourselves…we miss this internal awareness.” — Sage Robbins [41:25]
9. The Importance of Routine, Strategy, and Community
- Ed emphasizes that change is not only about inspiration, but also sticking with routines—like attending meetings—and using strategies.
- Sage’s Father as Example:
- Still showing up, working the steps, starting new meetings at 85 years old.
- Respects the ongoing commitment required.
- Quote:
“He keeps showing up for others, but also he keeps showing up for himself.” — Sage Robbins [45:06]
- They highlight the value and “miracle” of collective intention, community, and shared spiritual practice.
10. Time to Rise Summit
- Event Purpose:
- Free, global online summit started during the pandemic, now impacting over five million people.
- Focuses on helping people “rise above” fear, limitations, and the stories holding them back.
- Offered as a place to learn practical tools and strategies for transformation.
- Dates: January 29–31, 2026.
- Quote:
“This is a place to learn about the tools and strategies to literally rise above your fears, to rise above your limitations, and…stories that you’ve been telling yourself.” — Sage Robbins [48:01]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Surrender:
“A lot of times what we're surrendering is the expectation that life should be different than what is.” — Sage Robbins [06:57]
-
On Acceptance:
“It was greater than [forgiveness]. I think it was just acceptance of the humanness, because that's where we all meet.” — Sage Robbins [09:29]
-
On The Work (Byron Katie):
“There's my business, there's your business, and there's God's business. That has been so revolutionary of how I perceive life…” — Sage Robbins [12:24]
-
On Grace:
“I really feel that the more graciousness that we can bestow upon ourself…it naturally extends to others. And it’s a sane and kind way to be.” — Sage Robbins [34:30]
-
On Humility & Amends:
“Saying I love you is one thing, but to say I'm sorry takes humility and it humbles us. It grounds us. It strips ego.” — Sage Robbins [25:14]
-
Guided Mindfulness:
“Notice the miracle of your body being breathed, the miracle of life itself that's happening within us, that's guided us to this exact moment of time…” — Sage Robbins [36:58]
-
On Routine & Community:
“He keeps showing up for others, but also he keeps showing up for himself…” — Sage Robbins (about her father) [45:06]
-
On Letting Go:
“What is no longer needed? The simple judgments or resistance…habits or patterns that disconnect us from this moment, that disconnect us from love…” — Sage Robbins [41:25]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Sage’s formative years & family recovery | 03:29 – 06:46 | | Surrender, suffering, and living in acceptance | 06:57 – 09:46 | | AA, compassion, cancel culture | 09:47 – 12:21 | | Byron Katie’s ‘Work’ four questions explained | 17:29 – 20:18 | | Power of making amends in relationships | 23:13 – 26:56 | | On authenticity vs. “being better” | 27:40 – 29:28 | | Lessons from divorce; extending grace | 30:41 – 35:28 | | 60 Seconds of Grace mindfulness practice (guided) | 36:58 – 38:30 | | Letting go: “Feathers that no longer serve” story | 39:31 – 41:25 | | Importance of routine & working the process | 44:01 – 46:41 | | Time to Rise Summit details | 47:24 – 48:01 |
Tone and Closing Reflections
The tone is heartfelt, reflective, sincere, and gracious throughout—marked by gentle wisdom and vulnerability from both Sage and Ed. The dialogue is peppered with moments of mutual recognition, shared experience, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating relationship healing, self-growth, or spiritual practice. Sage’s grounded approach—rooted in both profound philosophy and everyday rituals—makes the episode not just inspiring, but actionable for listeners at any stage on their own path.
Summary Takeaway
Surrender and self-reflection are not signs of weakness but gateways to freedom and connection. Through the lessons of recovery, grace, routines, mindfulness, and community, Sage Robbins models how we can all “rise above” our limitations and return—again and again—to authenticity and love.
For more inspiration, tools, and to join the global movement, register for the free Time to Rise Summit (Jan 29–31, 2026).