The Pocket with Chris Griffin #111: Sage Bender: Leaving Home, Losing Himself, Finding Brotherhood
Nov 18, 2025
Sage Bender, a professional jiu-jitsu practitioner, coach, and content creator, shares his transformative journey through faith, recovery, and community. He delves into the importance of choosing the right friends for personal growth and discusses how jiu-jitsu teaches vulnerability and humility. Sage reflects on his past struggles with addiction and the wake-up call from losing a dear friend. He emphasizes the journey of rebuilding faith and confidence grounded in authenticity, urging listeners to embrace their humanity and focus on self-improvement.
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Friends Reveal Your Blindspots
- Friends can spot your blindspots and keep you accountable when you can't see yourself clearly.
- Sage credits his Austin friends with saving him from a downward path after a breakup and identity loss.
Build Yourself, Don't Chase People
- Focus on building yourself instead of chasing people or validation and your right people will arrive naturally.
- Sage's coach told him to focus on self-improvement and passion rather than pursuing women or approval.
Use Vulnerability To Build Strength
- Practice vulnerability and humility; apologizing and admitting faults strengthens bonds and leadership.
- Sage says showing vulnerability made him a better friend and inspired others like Fonz to do the same.