An Unassuming Inspiration
Segment #765
In the past ten to fifteen years I have had some great interns from the University of Dallas (the most), Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas, and Texas Womens University. We talked a lot and I am sure I learned far more from them than they learned from me. They all remember my advice to wait for their aha moment, always be alert to an opportunity that may at the time seem insignificant, and to figure out what the boss wants and bring something to the table. Never settle for less than what you want. Shannon Bream is an inspiration to all of us but maybe at this time and most importantly for those young people just entering the workforce. This generation has been lied to, received false implicit assurances, and has been cheated on acquiring essential skills to be competitive. This is a bit of a departure for what I talk about. But its important.
Shannon Bream
Shannon Bream is an American journalist, former attorney, and television news anchor, currently serving as the anchor of Fox News Sunday and the network’s Chief Legal Correspondent.
Early Life and Education
Born Shannon Noelle DePuy on December 23, 1970, in Tallahassee, Florida, she was raised in a household that prioritized education and service; her father was a police officer and her mother was a teacher. Bream attended Liberty University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in business management. She later earned her Juris Doctorate with honors from Florida State University College of Law.
During her college years, Bream was also a prominent pageant competitor, winning the titles of Miss Virginia (1990) and Miss Florida USA (1995). She placed in the top 10 of the Miss America pageant and fourth in the Miss USA pageant, using the scholarship winnings to fund her education.
Legal and Early Media Career
Before transitioning to journalism, Bream practiced corporate law in Tampa, Florida, specializing in cases involving race discrimination and sexual harassment. Her interest in news eventually led her to an entry-level internship at a local station, followed by reporting and anchoring roles at:
WFTS-TV (ABC) in Tampa, FL
WBTV (CBS) in Charlotte, NC
WRC-TV (NBC) in Washington, D.C.
Fox News Career
Bream joined Fox News Channel in 2007 as a Washington-based correspondent covering the Supreme Court. Over her tenure, she has covered landmark rulings, political campaigns, and major national events.
Fox News Sunday: In September 2022, she became the permanent anchor of the program, making history as the first woman to host the show in its 26-year history.
Fox News @ Night: From 2017 to 2022, she was the founding anchor of this late-night news program.
Podcasting: She hosts the Fox News Radio podcast, Livin’ the Bream, where she discusses legal rulings and shares inspirational stories.
Shannon Bream’s career and personal life have been shaped significantly by her dual roles as a legal expert and her public journey through a chronic health struggle.
Supreme Court Coverage
As Fox News' Chief Legal Correspondent, Bream has been the network’s primary voice on the nation’s highest court since 2007. She is known for her ability to quickly "digest" complex legal opinions—often hundreds of pages long—and explain them in real-time.
Key Case History: She has provided live, on-the-ground reporting for landmark decisions, including the Affordable Care Act (2012), the Defense of Marriage Act (2013), and the Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) ruling on same-sex marriage.
Recent Reporting: Most recently, in early 2026, she has been leading coverage on high-stakes cases regarding transgender athletes in school sports (Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.) and presidential powers over federal agencies.
Insightful Media: Beyond live reporting, she hosts the podcast Livin’ the Bream, where she provides deeper analysis of the justices’ philosophies and the long-term impact of Supreme Court rulings.
Author and Bestsellers
Bream is a founding author for the Fox News Books imprint and has written several New York Times bestsellers that explore biblical history and personal faith:
Finding the Bright Side: The Art of Chasing What Matters
The Women of the Bible Speak
The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak
The Love Stories of the Bible Speak
Personal Life
Bream has been married to Sheldon Bream since 1995; the two met while they were students at Liberty University. The couple resides in the Washington, D.C. area. Bream is open about her evangelical Christian faith, which she often integrates into her writing and public speaking.
Personal Medical Challenges
Bream has been candid about a decade-long battle with a debilitating eye condition, which she shares to encourage others facing chronic pain.
The Condition: She was eventually diagnosed with Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy (also known as Cogan’s Dystrophy or epithelial basement membrane dystrophy). The condition causes the cornea's outer layer to fail to adhere properly to the layers below, leading to frequent, painful corneal erosions.
The Struggle: At the height of the condition, she suffered from "excruciating" pain that would wake her up in the middle of the night, feeling like glass was in her eyes. The chronic pain and lack of a diagnosis led to a period of deep despair and depression; she has shared that she reached a point of feeling like she could no longer go on.
Treatment and Recovery: In 2017, she underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), a laser surgery performed by Dr. Thomas Clinch. While the condition has no permanent cure, the surgery and daily maintenance (including specialized eye drops and nighttime care) have improved her quality of life by roughly 95%.
"You must be your own fiercest advocate when it comes to your health. Don’t quit searching until you find someone who will truly partner with you." — Shannon Bream