Two Canadian Girls living in different provinces who met thanks to Oprah. In the summer of 2010 we were both being interviewed by Team Harpo to see if we were truly Oprah’s Ultimate Viewers. As you know Oprah announced on November 20, 2009 that she would be ending The Oprah Winfrey Show after 25 years. Shortly thereafter her amazing Team started putting the final touches on what would be her final year. Late spring of 2010 they announced they were looking for Oprah’s Ultimate Viewers. We were both chosen as such. On September 09, 2010 we were chosen to go to Chicago for a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show. We don’t have to tell you how exciting this was however we will tell you that whatever you are thinking multiply that by a million. That might help describe the energy at Harpo Studios that day. It was the 25th season premiere of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Liz’s Story:
It’s been over 25 years since I have been watching Oprah. From the first show I watched I realized there was something special about her. Oprah’s life lessons resonated with me and encouraged me to give back to my Community. She taught me that to be part of a Community you have to participate. She encouraged me to dream. She taught me that reading a book could take you anywhere, show you the world and educate you. Since the very first Book Club selection “The Deep End of the Ocean” I was hooked. I have read all of the book club selections and continue to read as much as I can. I hope her new network (OWN) will feature a Book Club.
While watching The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2000 I realized that fulfilling your life’s dreams were important. Some people call it a Bucket List. I picked up the phone and called Harpo Studios. Knowing how hard it was to get tickets did not even cross my mind. When I heard the lady on the other end of the phone say Harpo Studios I knew I had won the lottery. So in August of 2000 I headed to Chicago for my very first Oprah Show. This included being directed by Dean on how to warm up the Audience and pretend I was Oprah. What a rush! After I walked through the doors pretending I was Oprah I sat in my seat, Oprah appeared and the show began I knew I had arrived at a dream.
10 Years later I find myself back at Harpo Studios for the 25th Season Premiere. When she surprised us with a trip “to the other side of world” I almost lost my mind with excitement. I remember going into the studio that day skipping. I was like a child waiting for Santa Clause on Christmas morning. Australia was an amazing journey. Nada and I met in Chicago and continued our friendship in Australia and now in Canada. We will share on our blog about our trip to Australia with pictures, etc. So keep coming back to read.
The lessons I have learned from watching The Oprah Winfrey Show are far too many to write here. It is my intent to try and help build OWN Network one blog and one tweet at a time in hopes to reach as many people as possible so they too may enjoy the lessons that Oprah has to offer. It is my way of saying thank you to Oprah for the enrichment she has added to my life. A simple gesture that I hope you will help me achieve.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. I look forward to us all sharing the excitement of OWN and OWN Canada.
Nada’s Story:
For the past 25 years, like many of you, I have grown up watching the Oprah Winfrey Show and have gained so many valuable lessons that I have incorporated into my life. The Oprah Show has helped me through many stages of my life and I am grateful for those lessons.
Here is my Oprah Story! It all started with a little dream. In 2003 I attended my first Oprah Winfrey Show taping at Harpo Studios in Chicago. My girlfriends and I had a fabulous experience and I thought it would be so great for Oprah to bring her show to Toronto since she shared at the taping she had never been! Oprah had never been to Toronto?! I decided to e-mail and invite Oprah to visit. In August 2007 I received an e-mail back from a producer and was asked to submit a 5 minute video about why I thought Toronto was so unique and a great place for Oprah to visit. I was overwhelmed by the task, but knew what I had to do! I took my camcorder to the streets of Toronto in an effort to show Oprah just how diverse the city is. I showed her China Town, Greek Town, Yorkville, the waterfront and even landed myself on the red carpet of the Toronto International Film Festival and interviewed some of Oprah’s friends who told her why she should consider broadcasting her show from Toronto. It was an incredible experience and a far cry from my mom duties to interview the likes of Angelina Jolie, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Matt Damon and more!
It was during this experience where I learned to step out of my box. I accomplished things I never thought possible and as a result when Oprah made a brief visit to Toronto in 2009 to promote her film “Precious”, I was thrilled to have had the honour and pleasure to meet her! In August 2010 I responded to another plug on Oprah.com when they asked for Ultimate Oprah Viewers. I felt confident that I fit into that category, so I wrote in again. I was interviewed and later invited to the premiere show for Oprah’s final season where the entire audience was surprised with an incredible Ultimate Australian Adventure. It was a trip of a lifetime.
When Oprah announced she was starting a new network, I knew it was going to be great… finally meaningful television! I believe in Oprah and her new network. I am proud to be part of a larger group of fellow OWN Viewers all over Canada and the U.S who share in the same goal, to help grow OWN so that we can all continue to learn, grow and move towards living our best lives! Liz and I are thrilled to introduce them on our site. It’s so great to have Oprah back doing what she does best! We cannot wait to welcome her to Toronto on April 16 for Life Class! It’s been a long time coming, but we know it will be worth the wait!Thank you for supporting our blog and the OWN Network!
Wow – great job! I’m excited to see what transpires as that Oprah Dust continues moving your way!
Thanks Julie, we also are excited. Enjoy Oprah’s Next Chapter tonight.
You two are AWESOME! I love love you both and very proud to call you “Friends”. Can’t wait to come to Toronto to see you both and of course to see OPRAH!! WHOOO HOOO