Podcast Summary: The Sage Steele Show – Chris Harrison Episode
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt episode of The Sage Steele Show, Sage Steele sits down with Chris Harrison, the former host of The Bachelor franchise, to delve into his personal and professional journey. Released on June 25, 2025, the conversation navigates through Chris's experiences with public scrutiny, his divorce, the cancellation of his beloved show, and the profound support he received from Sage and her family. The episode is a blend of introspection, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship.
1. Navigating Public Scrutiny and Cancellation
The episode opens with Sage expressing her frustration over the public’s treatment of Chris, particularly concerning accusations of racism. She recalls feeling "livid" when people's perceptions of Chris as a person were questioned.
Sage Steele [00:04]: "I remember being livid when people questioned who you are, as a human being, as a man."
Chris reflects on his tumultuous divorce during his time hosting The Bachelor, highlighting the challenges of maintaining professionalism amidst personal turmoil.
Chris Harrison [00:22]: "So my marriage ended, and very publicly... my life is kind of melting down."
The conversation reveals the intense pressure Chris faced, balancing his role as a host while dealing with his personal struggles.
2. Personal Life and Relationships
Sage and Chris delve into their personal lives, sharing anecdotes about their homes, relationships, and weddings. They humorously discuss domestic habits, such as Sage's sock preference and Chris's impeccable foot care.
Sage Steele [01:36]: "When you come into Chris Harrison's home and you're like, why do you have shoes on in my house?"
They reminisce about Chris’s multiple marriages, emphasizing the lessons learned and the importance of finding true love despite past hardships.
Chris Harrison [05:00]: "Tell me what you think. Tell me what you're going to do."
The couple also highlights the significance of their upcoming wedding, celebrating love and the support from their families.
3. Support Systems and Family Influence
A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around the invaluable support Chris received from Sage's father, Colonel Gary Steele. Sage explains how Chris reached out to her father for guidance during a controversial period in his career.
Chris Harrison [53:01]: "I know your dad is your hero, but I gotta borrow him because he's one of my heroes too."
They share touching moments about the wisdom imparted by Gary Steele, emphasizing resilience and the importance of enduring support.
Colonel Gary Steele [54:34]: "You can either keep going or you can go tits up. What are you going to do?"
This mentorship became a cornerstone for Chris, helping him navigate the complexities of public perception and personal integrity.
4. Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The episode underscores themes of forgiveness, grace, and personal growth. Sage discusses her own struggles with witnessing Chris's public battles and her commitment to support and uplift him despite the backlash.
Sage Steele [43:04]: "What was failing to happen was people weren't looking at the track record."
Chris shares his philosophy of building a strong personal foundation, emphasizing that enduring values can weather public storms.
Chris Harrison [44:57]: "If you build a foundation, that pays off."
Their dialogue highlights the importance of maintaining one's integrity and the strength derived from supportive relationships during challenging times.
5. Reflections on the Television Industry
Sage and Chris reflect on the evolution of the television landscape, comparing the current state to the bygone eras of their careers. They lament the loss of traditional broadcasting values and the rise of sensationalism and cancel culture.
Chris Harrison [35:32]: "He's like, I need to have Some grace... and I'm like, yeah, that."
Sage echoes these sentiments, discussing the shift from "appointment television" to the fragmented, on-demand media consumption of today.
Sage Steele [70:56]: "It's no longer must see TV. It's no longer appointment television."
They mourn the decline of genuine, heartfelt broadcasting and express a desire for more grace and patience in public discourse.
6. Mutual Support and Future Outlook
Throughout the episode, the deep friendship between Sage and Chris shines brightly. They express gratitude for each other's unwavering support and celebrate the positive outcomes that emerged from their respective struggles.
Chris Harrison [87:44]: "It's been a good journey. Thanks for having me on your show."
Sage acknowledges the transformative impact of Chris's support during her own challenges, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their friendship.
Sage Steele [84:58]: "If you hadn't advised me, because I trusted everything you said... I was like, hell yeah."
The conversation concludes on an optimistic note, with both hosts looking forward to future endeavors and continued mutual support.
Notable Quotes
- Sage Steele [00:04]: "I remember being livid when people questioned who you are, as a human being, as a man."
- Chris Harrison [05:00]: "Tell me what you think. Tell me what you're going to do."
- Colonel Gary Steele [54:34]: "You can either keep going or you can go tits up. What are you going to do?"
- Chris Harrison [44:57]: "If you build a foundation, that pays off."
- Sage Steele [70:56]: "It's no longer must see TV. It's no longer appointment television."
Conclusion
This episode of The Sage Steele Show offers an intimate glimpse into Chris Harrison's resilience in the face of public adversity. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Sage and Chris highlight the importance of a strong support system, personal integrity, and the enduring power of friendship. Listeners are treated to a compelling narrative of overcoming challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the television industry.