Noticing a small detail in one of Al Roker's Instagram posts sparked a much bigger story. His pride in his son, who has special needs, taking his acolyte duties so seriously, inspired me to pursue a deeper conversation about their relationship. The story was picked up by news outlets nationwide. I also produced and conducted the accompanying off-camera video interview. (Click to view)

Dolly — there will never be another like her. I had the honor of interviewing her several times. Hearing her talk about pursuing your dreams regardless of age (at the time she was 68) and watching her move through photo shoots made me feel like I was floating. Her legacy lives on in her songs and the millions of people she helped live better lives. What a thrill when her creative director asked me to consult on the design of her outfits to ensure her signature style fit the story theme and outlet's brand. She gave everything to her art and to our world. (Click to view)

I sat down with chef José Andrés at his restaurant China Chilcano, in Washington, D.C., to talk about how a single plate of food conveys care and connection with people. His parents sparked that belief, which inspired him to create World Central Kitchen. (Click to view.)

As Kristin Chenoweth and her dog, Thunder, moved through multiple photo shoot setups, I worked with our photographer, art director and stylist to steer the creative approach for cover and inside shots. After the shoot, I interviewed Kristin for this story and video. (Click to view)

NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas talks about the work ethic his Cuban-American immigrant parents instilled in him and the Jesuit influence on his reporting career.

Before playing Elphaba in "Wicked," Cynthia Erivo portrayed Harriet Tubman in "Harriet." Knowing spirituality was key to Tubman’s story, I explored with Cynthia how she shared that connection with her and how it helped her in the role.

Harry Connick Jr. shared with me how the isolation and upheaval of the pandemic and the loss of many of his loved ones shaped the music on the album he created during lockdown. (Click to view)

ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe didn't back down when faced with a cancer diagnosis. She went right back out and reported from the sidelines — becoming a powerful example of resilience and strength. (Click to view.)

In my interview and video with Jaime Kern Lima, founder of billion-dollar beauty brand, IT cosmetics, we traced her steps from waitressing at Denny’s to launching her company from her living room to the obstacles she overcame along the way. (Click to view)

I helped script, produce and edit this video with former NFL player Devon Still, who talked about how his daughter’s courage during her cancer fight inspired him. (Click to view)

An NFL player engrossed in a book on the sidelines during a game? I had to find out what wide receiver A.J. Brown was reading and why. The book was "Inner Excellence." I tracked down the author, Jim Murphy, who shared with me the rambling journey that led him to write this unexpected best-seller.

Pitched, interviewed and wrote this Woman’s World cover story spotlighting Patti LaBelle’s extraordinary singing and her culinary talents — from her famous sweet potato pie to how she keeps her energy and creativity thriving as she approached 80.

HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier’s story of their unexpected rise to fame. I dug into their early days and what fuels their enduring love for small towns. (Click to view)

After navigating layers of reps and agents, I secured Terry Crews for the cover and helped bring the full editorial package to fruition.

Who are Amy Grant's real-life heroes? "Anybody who's rolling up their sleeves and helping," she told me.

When Trent Shelton’s NFL career didn’t go as planned, he turned to making videos about overcoming disappointments. His messages caught fire — and now millions follow him for daily inspiration.

Craig Melvin opened up about his father’s sobriety — and his hope that sharing his story would help others facing addiction in their families. (Click to view)

Before making it big as Sarah Jessica Parker's paramour Aidan in "Sex in the City," John Corbett was pulling long shifts at a steel mill — a detail he acted out for me in our rollicking in-depth interview at his ranch in California.

Jean Trebek watched her husband Alex face cancer with unwavering resolve. When we spoke, she shared how his drive to keep going wasn’t just for himself but for every person who found strength in his journey.

I sat down with Lester Holt when he was anchoring NBC Nightly News to talk about how he brings the daily segment "Inspiring America" stories to life, highlighting everyday people whose kindness makes a difference. (Click to view)

In our conversation, Taraji P. Henson spoke about how her father’s experience as a Vietnam War veteran shaped her commitment to mental health advocacy in Black communities.

Interviewed media mogul Tyler Perry for this cover story and video about the hardships and personal triumphs he overcame that shaped his work and book "Higher Is Waiting."

Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino on how her parents influenced her at a young age to stand up for those who don't have a voice.

Interviewed Serena Williams, winner of multiple Grand Slam titles and one of the greatest athletes of all time. What a thrill to talk with her about her early days playing on the courts in Compton and what she learned from from her wins -- and losses.

Lara Spencer, GMA host and vintage treasure hunter, shared her passion for flea market finds.

Rachael Ray's first-ever cover! Her show was just hitting its stride when I pitched her. I knew readers would love to hear from this spunky, relatable chef who made cooking meals in less than 30 minutes easy and fun.

Robin Roberts and her mother, Lucimarian. I asked Robin who was a person she had yet to interview -- her mom. She loved the angle.

Grammy and Tony award nominee Michelle Williams revealed her struggle with depression and shares ways to cope. She was game to talk about the low points of depression and how she is now thriving.

Chrissy Metz shared why she considers vulnerability her greatest strength and the key to her resilience and success.

In our Q&A, Yvette Nicole Brown reflected on how supporting her father through dementia brought them closer — part of a special feature sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Pitched and landed this cover story interview with singing icon Brenda Lee who is still rockin' at 81.

"We would talk about the same people we knew, how we felt about the industry," Brenda Lee told me about her friendship with Elvis Presley. "He was a good guy, a good man, a good son."

Ron Shaich, co-founder of Panera, starts with the end in mind. His post-mortem ritual — imagining how he wants to be remembered — helps him live more intentionally.

From sitcom fame to personal renewal, Dave Coulier shared how sobriety reshaped his life. This story was pitched to me about a new show of his, but I dug deeper with him.

During my cover story interview with Jim Gaffigan, he had me laughing from start to finish with his signature wit and self-deprecating humor.

Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba shared how she stays mentally strong through her ongoing health battles.

MLB slugger Andrew McCutchen on the powerful bond he shared with a young fan battling cancer — and the impact it had on his life.

Kristin Chenoweth shared why adopting her rescue dog, Thunder, brought her so much joy and what being a dog mom means to her. (Click to view)

Chef Guy Fieri brought his signature energy and humor to our interview and shared how his career began when he was a kid with a pretzel cart.

NFL executive Troy Vincent shared why domestic violence awareness is a cause that’s deeply personal to him.

"Long before Bizarre Foods, Andrew Zimmern was battling addiction and homelessness. He shared with me the hard-fought road to recovery that made everything else possible.

Savannah Guthrie talks about some of the most inspiring interviews she's conducted. (Click to view.)

Broadcast legend Barbara Walters shared with me what drew her to explore the meaning of heaven for her ABC special. I was nervous before our sit-down (the news legend would be answering *my* questions). But she made me feel at ease and gave an encouraging sendoff after the interview ended.

TV host and journalist Tamron Hall has covered countless crime stories — but the most difficult one was deeply personal. (Click to view)

Kate Mulgrew has always brought fierce conviction to her roles. In my interview with her for print and video, she spoke about the personal experience that now fuels her real-life role as an advocate for Alzheimer’s research. (Click to view)

Lacey Chabert opened up about life on set and the stories behind some of her favorite Hallmark movie moments.

For our cover interview, Jennifer Hudson was as gracious and grounded as she was gifted. One of the most authentic people I’ve interviewed — and even broke into song mid-conversation.

CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta goes where people are suffering. Not just to report but to help.

Brooke Shields talked about the loss of a friend who took his life. She was open about her grief and ways to help friends who are similarly struggling.

Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi talked with me about dealing with self-esteem issues early in her career.

My video interview with Martin Sheen and his son, Emilio Estevez, about their movie "The Way" which followed a group of strangers who bonded on their pilgrimage along Spain's Santiago de Compostela. (Click to view)

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner shared what it was like seeing his story come to life on the big screen.

Andie MacDowell credits her small-town roots with shaping not only who she is, but the heartfelt roles she’s drawn to on Hallmark

Tom Llamas, anchor of NBC News Nightly.

After a full-day photo shoot at her home, Marcia Gay Harden suggested we do our interview in the car taking her to Penn Station, where she was catching a train to her next film location. As the car jostled through the busy streets snow began to fall. Quite a cinematic backdrop to our rollicking conversation.

Jeff Daniels fell in love with acting in high school — and never fell out of love with his Michigan hometown.

Carrie Underwood told me she nearly skipped her American Idol audition — a decision she wrestled with in a grocery store parking lot.

Patrick Mahomes' mom, Randi, reflects on how her son inspires her, the early glimpse she had of his future success and what she thinks of the Chiefs star fan, Taylor Swift.

Before becoming an NBC Sports anchor, Maria Williams played college volleyball — an experience she says shaped the drive and teamwork that fuel her career. She shares how one of her best friends, fellow sports broadcaster Holly Rowe, has inspired her along the way. (Click to view)

Pro golfer Bubba Watson shares his go-to strategies for managing anxiety — both on the course and in everyday life.

Movie mogul DeVon Franklin lost his father at age nine and credits the women in his family —his mother, grandmother and aunts — for shaping him into the man he is today.

Trent Shelton spiraled after several years of NFL free agency. He never imagined some videos he put on YouTube where he shared his ups and downs would lead to best-selling books, millions of followers and a life inspiring others. (Click to view)

Amanda Seyfried celebrates her dog Finn's birthday by baking him special treats. For People.com. (Click to view.)

David Beckham reminisces on the moment he met Victoria. For People.com. (Click to view.)

Madonna's daughter Lourdes performs at Madrid Music Festival. For People.com. (Click to view.)

Hallmark star Alison Sweeney invited me to her L.A. home to talk about how she keeps a healthy work/life balance.

Mike Matheny shared how his path took him from coaching Little League to managing in the Majors.

Exciting to see my interview with Today show's Al Roker made it on-air. Here he talks with Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin about what inspires his positive thinking way of life.