The Sage Steele Show: Shannon Bream Episode Summary

Release Date: June 11, 2025

In this deeply engaging episode of The Sage Steele Show, host Sage Steele sits down with Shannon Bream, a prominent media personality and Fox News Sunday host. Their conversation delves into Shannon's remarkable career journey, personal struggles, unwavering faith, and the resilience that has propelled her to the pinnacle of the journalism industry.

1. Reconnecting Old Friends

[00:56] Sage Steele opens the discussion by reminiscing about her long-standing friendship with Shannon Bream, highlighting their shared history in local TV during the late 1990s in Tampa.

Sage Steele: "I got the chance to sit down with a dear old friend of mine...we go way, way, way back to local TV days."

2. Transitioning from Law to Journalism

Shannon recounts her bold decision to leave a lucrative legal career to pursue her passion for journalism, despite starting her internship later than most—at age 28.

Shannon Bream: "I moved from lawyer to working in journalism, and that was my first job there in Tampa."

She describes the challenges of transitioning fields and the mentorship she received from Jeff Godless and Elaine Kahano, which was pivotal in her early career development.

3. Overcoming Workplace Hostility

Shannon shares her difficult experience at WFTS Tampa, where she faced hostility and was ultimately fired by a new manager who harshly criticized her performance. This setback, though painful, became a catalyst for her future success.

Shannon Bream: "He literally told me I was the worst person he'd ever seen on TV...That was the end of my time there."

Despite the negativity, Shannon remained steadfast, believing she was on a destined path, which fueled her determination to excel in journalism.

4. A Pivotal Moment: President Trump's Shooting

One of the most intense moments Shannon discusses is her live coverage on July 13, 2024, when President Donald Trump was shot. She details the adrenaline rush and the composure required to report real-time breaking news amidst chaos.

Shannon Bream: "I was so focused on what I'm doing, I'm not really looking...He stood up. He's walking away."

This experience underscored her ability to remain calm under pressure, a testament to her resilience and professionalism.

5. Personal Struggles and Health Battles

Shannon opens up about her battle with a severe eye condition, Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy, which caused chronic pain and double vision. Her candidness about facing depression and suicidal thoughts highlights her vulnerability and strength.

Shannon Bream: "I was living in chronic pain all the time. It took me to a really, really, really dark place."

With unwavering support from her husband, Sheldon, Shannon emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming her health challenges.

6. Faith as a Lifeline

Faith emerges as a central theme in Shannon's life. She discusses how her Christian beliefs provided her with hope and strength during her darkest times, influencing both her personal life and professional ethos.

Shannon Bream: "It makes me cry, honestly... I love when I get to be a messenger for what he wants people to know."

7. Authoring Inspirational Books

Leveraging her platform, Shannon authored a series of bestselling books, starting with "Women of the Bible Speak," which explores the impactful stories of women in the Bible. These works aim to inspire and provide spiritual guidance to her readers.

Shannon Bream: "I found that people are like, I had no idea... All through the Old and New Testaments, there were these women who God really spotlighted."

Her books have touched the lives of many, evidenced by heartfelt messages from readers who found solace and inspiration through her writing.

8. Maintaining Professionalism and Neutrality

In her role at Fox News, Shannon emphasizes the importance of maintaining neutrality, especially in a highly polarized media environment. She discusses strategies for handling live interviews, managing on-air pressures, and dealing with social media criticism without letting it affect her demeanor.

Shannon Bream: "I have to stay neutral. If people are unsure of where I am, I feel like I'm doing my job."

Her approach fosters meaningful conversations and ensures that her reporting remains unbiased and informative.

9. Lessons in Resilience and Empathy

Shannon reflects on how her personal and professional challenges have cultivated a deep sense of empathy and resilience. She advocates for understanding and kindness, both within the competitive media industry and in everyday interactions.

Shannon Bream: "Makes you so much more empathetic... you can just feel for people and have much more grace."

10. Looking Ahead

As the conversation concludes, Shannon expresses her commitment to continuing her work in journalism and her mission to inspire others through her faith-based initiatives. Her journey serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity with grace and determination.

Shannon Bream: "Even the hard things that I've been through, I wouldn't change anything. It has made me much more empathetic."

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Bream [03:04]: "I was grandma intern. Because I literally was, like, probably 28, 29 when I interned..."

• Shannon Bream [09:43]: "Let their disbelief fuel you and let it be a place where you ask yourself real questions..."

• Shannon Bream [42:45]: "We all have our moments... managing your ego along with your ambition. It's tricky."

• Shannon Bream [58:59]: "I just know how to pray... and it's a great source of strength."

Conclusion

This episode of The Sage Steele Show offers an intimate glimpse into Shannon Bream's life, showcasing her unwavering resilience, profound faith, and compassionate nature. Shannon’s story is not just one of professional triumph but also of personal healing and spiritual growth, making it a truly inspiring listen for audiences seeking motivation and hope.