Samantha Ponder, former ESPN host of NFL Countdown, shares her heartfelt journey after being abruptly fired. In a candid conversation, she discusses the profound self-reflection triggered by her dismissal, which ultimately enriched her relationships with her family and deepened her faith. Ponder touches on the challenges women face in sports media, the need for authenticity, and the importance of solidarity among female athletes. Her story emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and finding purpose in adversity, offering inspiration for navigating life's complexities.
02:09:05
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Samantha's ESPN Firing Story
Samantha Ponder was fired from ESPN largely due to her discussions on trans women in women's sports and related tweets.
She felt ESPN suppressed voices that supported female athletes' concerns, which clashed with the network's decisions and values.
insights INSIGHT
Career Identity Tied to Approval
Samantha realized her identity was deeply tied to public opinion and recognition in her career.
This reliance made it difficult to speak out on important issues for fear of losing approval.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Choose Kindness in Adversity
When hardship strikes, be the supportive person who stands firm and offers kindness, not bitterness or anger.
Avoid passing on personal hurts; instead, choose to heal and build positive relationships.
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It’s been almost a year since @samanthaponder was abruptly fired by ESPN. Since then, she has been in a self-described hibernation…until now.
This is not an interview, it’s a conversation. It’s Sam’s story. Her story of why she believes she was fired, how that awful moment prompted endless self-reflection…changing her life in the most beautiful ways. Being fired helped her marriage, helped her relationship with her kids, changed her perspective on so much, and strengthened her beliefs in many other ways.
This is about the reality and insanity of the world today, and Sam’s choice to now live in this world differently - with purpose, passion, and so much love.
In this conversation, Sam is as vulnerable and self-aware as anyone I’ve ever had on my show…it’s incredible, and inspirational.
Full disclosure…Sam and I have been friends for almost 15 years. Our first connection was our last names (The Steele Sisters!) and now, I truly do consider her a sister for life ❤️
Her faith inspires me more than I can describe. Her prayers & support have gotten me through so much, and it’s been beautiful to see her grow as a mother, and as a woman. I am so very proud of how she has chosen to handle such a difficult situation, and proud to call her a friend forever!
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Chapters:
00:02:18 – How Sam Got Fired From ESPN
00:14:22 – Men in Women’s Sports
00:19:17 – What Money & Fame Does to You
00:24:09 – How It Happened
00:28:17 – Being Disciplined by God
00:34:28 – Our Friendship
00:43:01 – Being a Woman in Sports
00:50:19 – Life at ESPN
00:59:15 – Life After TV
01:08:33 – The Stressful Reality of Live TV
01:23:09 – Hearing the Voice of God
01:29:11 – Family
01:46:06 – Sam’s Message to the People
The Sage Steele Show is a weekly podcast hosted by former ESPN anchor Sage Steele. Each week, Sage sits down with entertainers, athletes, business people, and politicians to have deep dive personal one on one discussions that enlighten, entertain, and engage. There’s a whole big world out there that’s not just sports, and Sage wants to talk about all of it.
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