Norman Lear

Meeting Norman Lear gave new meaning to the words “inspired” and “gratitude.” Within minutes of starting our conversation, his wisdom called me out on my difficulty being “over and done”—putting the past in its place and living for the present and future. He further fueled my gratitude for being a citizen of a democracy with the strong reminder of our power…but only if we vote…and our responsibility for the consequences of failing to vote. His stories of World War II set me inside the Air Force plane as bombs were dropping. He asked his iconic television characters Archie Bunker (All in the Family) and Maude (Maude) to confront today’s issues. He pulled no punches about his own views of President Trump. And he left me with this unforgettable message: we all matter.

Welcome to my conversation with the extraordinary Norman Lear.