Original Air Date:
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fridays Live in Chicago - Madonna's Divorce:
The first topic for Friday's panel was none other than Madonna's confirmed divorce from Guy Ritchie. Oprah joked that she has nicknamed Gayle "Eye Witness News" because she is a news junkie and is always the one to pick up the phone and tell Oprah to turn on her TV. When Oprah was told by her staff about Madonna's divorce, Oprah didn't know because Gayle hadn't told her, she was busy keeping up with the Presidential debates. Rumors have been flying about Madonna and Alex Rodriguez, but Oprah shared that she believes their statements and does not listen to the rumors.
Fridays Live in Chicago - Madonna and Kelly Ripa:
Mark and his wife Kelly Ripa went to the Madonna concert last week at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Mark joked that the only reason a man goes to that kind of concert with his wife, or the Oprah Show for that matter, is because he is going to get lucky afterwards. Mark and Kelly were front row center at the concert enjoying themselves while Madonna and Pharell put on a great show. Out of the blue, Madonna handed the mic to Kelly to sing a bit and after the concert Mark was handed the footage. The clip was shown where Kelly didn't sound great, but Mark said they had a fun time and he thought she well.
Fridays Live in Chicago - Halle Berry Sexiest Woman Alive:
Halle Berry, at 42 and with a 7 month old baby, has been named by Esquire Magazine as the Sexiest Woman Alive. Oprah read a part of the interview that Halle gave where she talked about coming into her own with age and being really comfortable with her body and sexuality - openly discussing taking control of her own orgasms. Oprah had Halle on the phone and she said that everyone probably read more than they ever wanted to know. Halle commented that she was shocked at the news since she just had a baby, but that she is happy that sexiness can be defined in more open ways.
Oprah described how the 40s in when women really come into their own. Halle responded by saying that she feels really happy where she is with her life, that she has been on a journey and is still a work in progress, but that she has arrived at a good place in her life. Gayle mentioned marriage, and Halle replied that she is certain that she can say she will never get married again.
Fridays Live in Chicago - Text Message Mother:
Michelle, a mother who was concerned by the text messages her son was receiving from a girl, from the Sticky Situation episode returned via Skype to update viewers on her problem. Michelle shared how she decided to contact the girl's mother and planned out what she wanted to say. When Michelle spoke to the woman, she was very defensive and claimed her daughter doesn't know about sex and would never do such a thing; that it must have been someone else.
Mark commented that it speaks to Michelle's parenting that her son trusts her to talk about such things. Ali wondered if there was a way to be anonymous.
Oprah responded that Gayle doesn't believe in being anonymous and Gayle told Michelle that what she did was right. Oprah and Gayle shared about an incident when Gayle's daughter was 16 and came home very late from being out with a boy. Gayle responded to the situation by having the boy and his parents over for a meeting and not allowing her daughter to see him anymore. While Oprah thought Gayle was a little harsh, she felt that Michelle acted appropriately.
Fridays Live in Chicago - Ali at Gaithersburg High School:
After reading an article in the New York Times on frugal teens, Oprah decided to send Ali into Gaithersburg High School in Maryland to talk to teens about the economic crisis. The article centered around parents who have to tell their kids no now that times are tight when they always used to give them whatever they wanted.
The teens that shared all commented that they have seen a difference - they are now unsure how to pay for college, some parents have been laid off, teens are now having to help pay for their own food and gas - and they are worried about their future.
Fridays Live in Chicago - Families with Teens Talk Money:
To continue with the talk on teens and money, Oprah and Suze Orman will be dedicating an entire episode to the topic next Wednesday. Things talked about in that episode include ways to spend time as a family without spending money - instead of going out to dinner, to movies, shopping and on vacations, go outside and play a game, go to a park, etc. Also, the question of whether or not you think your kids should know how much you make/monthly expenses will be covered. Oprah mentioned that experts have stated kids should know so they understand what it means to afford something or not.
Fridays Live in Chicago - Luke Russert:
Luke Russert joined the show via satellite from NBC headquarters in NY. The panel commented first on how much they missed Tim Russert and how he would have loved to be a part of this election year. Luke commented that he would have enjoyed it yes, but he also would have been displeased at the negativity, expecting the candidates to focus on the issues.
Luke shared that the young people of America will have a big part in this year's election and interest in voting has increased, largely because the candidates are seen as authentic and bipartisan. Luke stated that young people are concerned about the war, the economy and healthcare, as many students are graduating each year to find that the job opportunities have diminished.
After seeing such a strong response and participation during the primaries, Luke feels that the young people will decide the election this November.
