The Sage Steele Show

I’ve known Zachary Levi for years, but this was the first time we sat down for an unfiltered conversation- and it was worth the wait. Zach opened up about faith, fatherhood, and why he’s building a new kind of community in Texas called Wildwood. He spoke candidly about Hollywood, the backlash he’s faced for speaking his mind, and what it feels like to live out his values in an industry that doesn’t always welcome honesty. We talked about everything from politics and the pandemic to the dangers of AI and what it means to hold onto hope in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Zach also shared how becoming a father has deepened his perspective and given him a renewed sense of purpose. This was Zachary Levi at his most real - thoughtful, passionate, and unapologetically himself. 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. Chapters: 00:01:27 – Zach Levi’s Super Ranch: Wildwood 00:07:47 – Sage’s First Tattoo Story 00:08:30 – What Community Means to Zach Levi 00:16:00 – The First Attempt to Cancel Zach Levi 00:23:55 – How We Judge Each Other’s Political Views 00:27:41 – Is Mainstream Media Shifting? 00:32:33 – Zach’s First Experience with Being Canceled 00:40:34 – Zach’s COVID-19 Tweet 00:46:46 – Was the Pandemic Planned? 00:53:32 – The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence 01:09:47 – Life After Fatherhood: Zach’s New Perspective 01:37:32 – What Got Zach Levi Through Hard Times 01:46:02 – Zach’s Biggest Hope for His Son #sagesteelepodcast #sagesteele #podcast #zacharylevi #faith Subscribe to the Channel for more Podcasts like this! Listen to the Show on all Podcast Apps "The Sage Steele Show" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sage-steele-show/id1737682826 Follow Sage: https://www.sagesteele.com https://x.com/sagesteele https://www.instagram.com/sagesteele https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsagesteele https://rumble.com/c/SageSteeleProductions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calley Means, a senior adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a critic of the food and pharmaceutical industries, shares his eye-opening journey from politics to health advocacy. He discusses the alarming transformation of American diets toward ultra-processed foods and how this shift correlates with rising healthcare costs. Calley emphasizes the need for systemic change and grassroots movements to prioritize nutrition over medications and critiques current food policies, particularly affecting children. His insights challenge conventional health narratives and inspire hope for a healthier future.

Skip Bayless, a veteran sports journalist known for his sharp takes and debates, sheds light on his journey from newspaper columnist to television icon. He discusses the relentless work ethic that fuels his career and shares personal stories that reveal the man behind the hot takes. Bayless reflects on childhood influences, the importance of competition, and the relationships that ground him in a demanding industry. This conversation captures a thoughtful side of Skip, illustrating his passion for sports and commitment to authenticity.

Dr. Drew, a prominent physician and addiction specialist, shares his remarkable journey from medical school to media stardom. He discusses the profound impact of childhood trauma on addiction, emphasizing that it often serves as the hidden catalyst. Candidly addressing the mental health crisis in Los Angeles, he advocates for practical solutions and urgent intervention for the homeless. Personal stories enrich the conversation, revealing the role of empathy in parenting triplets during tough times. It's an insightful dialogue packed with empathy, challenges, and transformative lessons.

Xaviaer DuRousseau, a conservative commentator with PragerU, shares his remarkable journey from liberalism to embracing conservative values. He discusses the personal challenges he faced during this transformation, including backlash from friends and family. Topics include the controversies surrounding the BLM movement, the pressures of racial identity, and the emotional toll of pursuing authenticity. Xaviaer emphasizes the importance of courage in breaking away from societal expectations and rewriting one’s narrative in a world filled with conformity.

Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, shares his journey from being the child of Indian immigrants to running for governor of Ohio. He discusses how faith informs his worldview and prioritizes truth over approval. Vivek candidly reflects on his experiences in politics, the challenges of balancing family life, and his desire for educational reform. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections in political campaigning and expresses a vision for a vibrant Ohio focused on common sense solutions.

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.

In a candid chat, Roseanne Barr, renowned comedian and actress, shares her tumultuous journey from childhood in Salt Lake City to Hollywood fame. She discusses the divine inspiration behind her sitcom and the battles for creative control that defined her career. Barr reflects on the infamous tweet that changed everything and addresses the backlash she faced, touching on media scrutiny and accusations. With unfiltered honesty, she reveals her ongoing passion for comedy, the importance of family, and her quest for personal freedom post-cancellation.

There are certain conversations you know will stay with you, and my talk with Pastor Lorenzo Sewell was exactly that. He’s the lead pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, but what struck me most wasn’t just his title- it was his raw honesty about where he came from and what he believes his community truly needs. We talked about the time President Trump visited Detroit, a place no Republican president had visited since Reagan, and the prayer that surprised everyone, including Trump himself. He didn’t hold back about the state of Detroit, the challenges Black communities face, and why he believes faith and politics can’t stay separate when people are suffering. Pastor Lorenzo shared his own journey from street life to the pulpit, his unfiltered thoughts on abortion, poverty, crime, and why he refuses to change his message to fit any party’s talking points. He’s passionate, unapologetic, and committed to telling the truth- even if it costs him friends, congregation members, or personal safety. 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. #sagesteelepodcast #sagesteele #podcast Subscribe to the Channel for more Podcasts like this! Listen to the Show on all Podcast Apps "The Sage Steele Show" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sage-steele-show/id1737682826 Follow Sage: https://www.sagesteele.com https://x.com/sagesteele https://www.instagram.com/sagesteele https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsagesteele https://rumble.com/c/SageSteeleProductions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this conversation with Chris Harrison—but I walked away with a deeper respect for a man who’s been through a public firestorm and came out of it more grounded, more thoughtful, and more self-aware. For nearly two decades, Chris was the host of The Bachelor—a pop culture staple. But we didn’t spend our time rehashing old seasons. Instead, we talked about the real stuff: identity, regret, resilience, and what it means to be publicly misunderstood. Chris opened up about the moment everything changed, how it impacted him personally and professionally, and how he handled the silence that followed. He talked about therapy, fatherhood, the power of taking ownership, and why losing his job may have been one of the best things that ever happened to him. And through it all, there was no bitterness—just clarity. Chris showed up with humility and honesty, and I think you’ll hear that right away. This is a conversation about redemption, reinvention, and what happens when the spotlight turns off and you’re left with who you really are. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: First impressions and why this conversation matters 02:00 – Life after The Bachelor and learning to let go 06:00 – The 2021 controversy: what happened, and how he handled it privately 12:30 – The weight of silence: losing his voice in the public square 18:00 – Owning mistakes, navigating cancel culture, and why words matter 24:00 – Therapy, humility, and starting the inner work 30:00 – Rebuilding relationships and letting go of the need to be “right” 36:00 – Fatherhood and how his kids saw it all unfold 42:00 – What he lost—and what he found in the quiet 48:00 – Why he never rushed a comeback 53:00 – Launching The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever and finding his own voice 01:00:00 – The highs and lows of hosting The Bachelor 01:08:00 – Fame, pressure, and identity outside the spotlight 01:15:00 – Manhood, grace, and how his definition of success has changed 01:25:00 – Final reflections: peace, purpose, and what’s next Check out LifeRX.MD  Code: STEELE About Sage:  Sage Steele is a longtime national TV broadcaster and current host of The Sage Steele Show on YouTube and all podcast platforms. From 2007 to 2023, she was a mainstay at ESPN, anchoring SportsCenter and leading coverage of major events like the Super Bowl, The Masters, NBA Finals, and the World Series. She also hosted NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC from 2013–2017. Outside of sports, Sage has hosted national broadcasts including the Miss America Pageant, Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Rose Parade, and ABC’s Volcano Live with Nik Wallenda. She’s appeared on The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Variety, and The Wall Street Journal. A graduate of Indiana University, Sage began her journalism career in local news before rising to regional and national prominence. She now serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. She’s a proud mom of three and currently resides in Florida. Subscribe to the Channel for more Podcasts like this! Listen to the Show on all Podcast Apps "The Sage Steele Show" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sage-steele-show/id1737682826 Follow Sage: https://www.sagesteele.com https://x.com/sagesteele https://www.instagram.com/sagesteele https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsagesteele https://rumble.com/c/SageSteeleProductions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices