Adventures with Dr. Phil and The Doctors

Last week I went to Hollywood to film a five-minute segment on the daytime TV show The Doctors. The show's been a huge supporter of our team at Rodale, regularly featuring Liz V. from Prevention and Dave Z. from Men's Health. Since it's produced by Jay McGraw, Dr. Phil's son, I had a chance to meet Dr. Phil too.

In a hidden office on the back lot of Paramount Studios, I confessed to Dr. Phil that I was nervous to appear on the show--even though it's taped (as opposed to live), it's taped before a live audience and it was my first big TV appearance for my book Organic Manifesto (which officially came out yesterday!).

"Aw, just use some blue cards," he said.

"Blue cards?" I asked, since I had never heard of them. Turns out they are 4-by-5-ish blue index cards that are considered camera-friendly.

"Here, take these," he said, and handed me a few blue cards and a Sharpie. "Remember, don't read from them, just use bullet points and have them if you need them." It must have been fate, since they matched my blue scarf perfectly.

Turns out I wasn't the only one who was nervous. Dr. Travis Stork, formerly of The Bachelor (and still single) was so nervous about meeting me that he asked the second question first, resulting in my actually needing my blue cards because I was so flustered. And then he couldn't pronounce my name right, which I thought was kind of cute but seemed to annoy our segment producer.

Anyway, like all TV I've done, it was over before I knew it (so much time prepping for such a brief moment!). I got pictures with Travis and the other doctors--they are all big supporters of organic, and I am grateful to them for having me on their show! But I also got a tip from Dr. Phil I'll use forever: Blue cards and a Sharpie will follow me wherever I go.

The segment is set to air on March 25. Until then, here are some pictures.

For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com.