Al Roker’s IG post about his relationship with his son with special needs caught my eye. I asked if he’d share more with me. The story went viral with pickups by USA Today, People, New York Post, Daily Mail and more, showing how the relatable stories I'm able to get from celebrities resonate deeply with an audience. (Click to view.)

Hello, Dolly! One of several interviews I did with legendary Dolly Parton. Here she talks about how to keep your dreams alive. Her longtime stylist asked me to collaborate with him on the design of her outfits for all shoots to ensure her signature sparkle fit the story theme.

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.)

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.

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.

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

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.)

Amy Grant is the epitome of a positive thinker — graceful, grounded and full of hope.

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

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.

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

An NFL player reading on the sidelines during a big game? I had to find out what Philadelphia Eagles A.J. Brown was reading -- and why. The book was "Inner Excellence" and I tracked down the author, Jim Murphy, who revealed the incredible journey that inspired him to write the book that topped the Amazon best-seller list for months.

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.

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

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.

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."

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

I put Rachael Ray on her first cover. I watched her first shows on Food Network and knew readers would love to hear from this quick-talking, relatable chef who made cooking dinner in less than 30 minutes fun.

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.

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.

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

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.)

"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.

Broadcast news legend Barbara Walters shared with me what drew her to explore the meaning of heaven for a special report. I was nervous before our sit-down in her office (there was the pioneering newswoman sitting right across from me ready to answer *my* questions) and nearly sat on my notes. But she made me feel at ease and gave an encouraging sendoff when our interview ended.

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.)

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.)

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

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.

Tamron Hall has covered countless crime stories — but the most difficult one was deeply personal.

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.)

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.

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

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.

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.)

"Interviewed Hallmark's Alison Sweeney at her home to talk about keeping a healthy work/life balance.

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.)

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

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.

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.)