I love Terry Gross. Judging from the number of people who recently read and shared this piece about her in the New York Times, I'm not the only one.
One of my favorite parts was when she recounted an editorial call she made in her interview with then Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. She decided to leave something in that was a little sticky and not totally resolved because it was a real moment between her and the Secretary.
It made me reflect on all the decisions Victoria and I have made over the past year. What stays and what goes.
When I started this project I didn't see myself in it at all. I was the interviewer, the director, the producer, but my story wasn't part of the project.
Over time and with the nudging of some guides and mentors I reluctantly put myself in the story. It has been uncomfortable and undoubtedly vulnerable.
There's one shot where I'm working on my computer while my sweet 2 year old is dancing and singing in the living room. I'm apparently not paying any attention to her. I cringed a little when I watched it.
I showed it to some other moms. Their response, "It's real--leave it in."
Real isn't always neat and tidy. Sometimes it's piles of laundry and "Mom, when will your movie be done?" But it's these real moments that connect us.
Full disclosure: I have admit I'm also one of those people who fantasize about being interviewed by Terry Gross. After reading the article it's nice to know I'm not alone.