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[#1]

As you may know, I recently hosted a show with Ellen DeGeneres live from Burbank, CA.  While I knew that the experience would be like nothing else, I had no idea what to expect.  From the moment I stepped off the plane at LAX, there was a completely different vibe, and boy was it HOT.  The Santa Ana winds were kicking up, and it was about 93 degrees when I stepped outside. I was surprised at how long it took to get to Burbank, because as the crow flies, it's not far at all.  But I forgot that EVERYONE drives everywhere in California, and the roads, even at 11am were crowded. 

Once we got to the local roads, I started to see the quintessential tall palm trees that you think of when conjuring up images of classic Hollywood.  While staying at the hotel, (which was steeped in quiet, retro Hollywood glamour), I saw no fewer than three celebrities, one of whom was from Game of Thrones (!), and I wasn't brave enough to talk to any of them! 

Later that day, I met Ellen for the first time, and she was as cool and relaxed as could be.  I was thankful for that, because until that moment, she had only worked with Carolyn Gracie, and I was hoping she would be comfortable with me.  But after our first game of ping pong backstage, it was like we were relaxed friends.  I was actually more nervous to play ping pong than to be on air with her! 😳 I hadn't picked up a paddle since I was 15, and I was wearing heels…..not very encouraging stats.  But she actually said she was impressed with my abilities, given my track record, and I must admit, I felt a little giddy from the compliment…...now I know why she plays ping pong before every show!  There's nothing like a little lighthearted (but somewhat serious!) competition to get the blood pumping before going on air….maybe I can ask my boss if we can get one! 

{I’ve arrived at the Ellen Studio!}

After meeting Ellen, I had the chance to sit in the audience for a taping of one of her shows.  Now, I worked in Las Vegas for six years, and I thought I attended shows where the crowd was pretty loud. Holy cow.  I was completely unprepared for the brain implosion of sound when the walls opened and Ellen walked out.  She brings out the joy and happiness in everyone, and the air was filled with electricity.   You are totally jazzed up, even when you are sitting down, because of the energized feel in the air.  If you decide to go, just be aware that there is no downtime for the audience, because even if there is a pause in taping, you are up and dancing to the music the entire time.  There are dance-offs in the aisles, and you make instant friends with the stranger sitting next to you!  It was a fantastic experience, and I recommend it to anyone going out there.

{Watching a Live Taping}

So, of course, I had to go to her studio store and buy a t shirt (so soft!) and souvenirs for the family.  After that, I did my live feed on Facebook, with Erica, a four year employee with Ellen.  We toured the Warner Bros. Studio back lots by golf cart, and it was fascinating.  If you haven't seen it, click here.  Keep your eye out for the security guard who was ready to kick us out for getting too close to a live set (yikes!). 

{Practice Run}

{My dressing room!!}

{Getting Hair + Makeup Ready for the live show!}

The next day, the show went off without a hitch, and Ellen even called Customer Service (and talked to Jasmine!) while we were live on air, and it was hilarious!  But I think the thing that impressed me most, was the rapport she had with her team.  The whole building was bursting at the seams with respect.  Respect for each other, and respect for QVC and what we do.  And the word at the center of it all, was kindness.  If you are not a kind person, you are not working within those walls.  I was completely blown away by the generosity of her and her team, welcoming us east-coasters into the fold! 

{And we’re LIVE} 

When the show was done, and our whole crew got back to the hotel, we settled down for dinner (at almost midnight our time), and ended off the evening by going to a karaoke bar called Sardo’s.🎤 That was the most fun I've had in a long time….even if you don't sing, the energy there was infectious, and I HIGHLY recommend a visit.  You can be a stage star there, or blend into the woodwork, but it's a great time to be had by all. 

As I'm writing this on the plane flight back, I'm actually smiling because I'm still feeling the happiness that Ellen and her team share with the world everyday, and I want to share that feeling with everyone at Studio Park in West Chester when I get home!  Now about that ping pong table…….🏓

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