Our Whirlwind Week: From Instagram to Live TV in Richmond!
The third week of December brought an unexpected flurry of excitement to our lives, transforming our usual routine into a thrilling, albeit slightly nerve-wracking, adventure in the world of live television. For those of you who diligently follow our Instagram feed, and who have eagerly awaited the video evidence to accompany some of our more, shall we say, “wacky” behind-the-scenes photos, your patience is about to be rewarded! We confess, we never imagined we’d be writing a sentence like this, but this past week found us deeply immersed in the bustling realm of live broadcasting. It still sounds a bit surreal when we say it out loud, but two invitations to appear on local Richmond news stations landed in our inbox almost simultaneously. Just thinking about the spontaneity of live TV still makes us chuckle, especially when recalling a certain on-set coincidence: that picture on the right? Our outfits weren’t planned to match the set decor. It just happened, and the hilarity was undeniable.
By a stroke of serendipitous timing, two prominent local Richmond television stations extended invitations for us to appear on their programs – and not just any programs, but their LIVE broadcasts, all within the span of one week. This meant that every word uttered from our mouths would be transmitted directly into the homes of viewers, with virtually no delay. The gravity of this reality truly hit us. Our initial reaction? A resounding “Yikes.” Upon further reflection and a deeper understanding of the implications, that quickly escalated to a much more emphatic “YIKES!” The prospect of unscripted, spontaneous television can be daunting for anyone, let alone two DIY bloggers more accustomed to editing out our bloopers. Yet, the excitement of sharing our passion for home decor and renovation with a broader audience quickly overshadowed any anxieties.
Our Debut on NBC12: “First at 4”
Our live television marathon kicked off on Tuesday with an appearance on NBC’s highly-rated “First at 4” newscast. The invitation came courtesy of the wonderful Ryan Nobles, a local newsman who also happens to be a social media enthusiast, a fellow parent to a daughter named Clara, and a friend. We had previously had the pleasure of being interviewed by Ryan about a year and a half prior, right in the comfort of our own home, on the serious topic of radon (for a hilarious throwback, you can find the clip at the end of this post, featuring undeniable proof of Sherry’s spirited personality!). It was a delightful change of pace to visit Ryan on his turf this time, stepping into the vibrant, fast-paced environment of a news studio rather than hosting him in our living room. The experience offered a fascinating glimpse into the intricate workings of a live news broadcast, from the buzzing energy of the control room to the seamless transitions on set.
During our segment, we had the unique opportunity to observe the behind-the-scenes magic of live television. Just beyond our interview set, we caught a glimpse of the charismatic weatherman, Ros Runner, delivering his forecast with precision and poise against the iconic green screen. The dedication and professionalism of the entire crew were truly impressive, turning what could be a chaotic environment into a smoothly running machine. It’s moments like these that truly bring an appreciation for the tireless work that goes into producing daily news content.
Our brief interview with Ryan unfolded relatively smoothly, largely remaining on the tame side of the potential embarrassment scale. That is, of course, with one notable exception. Sherry, in her boundless enthusiasm, twice emphatically declared that chalkboard paint is a fantastic invention because “you can tell people what to do” with it. She later confessed that she simply couldn’t stop herself from repeating it, a testament to her passionate, unfiltered nature that our followers have come to love. Despite the minor slip, her genuine excitement was infectious, and it became one of those memorable, quirky moments that define the unpredictability of live TV. The segment, showcasing practical home decor tips with a dash of our characteristic humor, proved to be an engaging watch for viewers. (For those who want to relive the moment, you can also watch it here.)
Want to know a little secret that adds another layer of charm to the unpredictable world of live television? The moment Sherry and I were positioned for our interview, just as we were about to go live, the producer paused the proceedings and calmly announced, “Yeah, I’m gonna get her a box.” Indeed, my vertically challenged wife had to discreetly stand on a booster box behind the news desk for the entire duration of the interview. This hilarious revelation, hidden from the viewing audience, made the experience even more memorable for us. Didn’t she look absolutely adorable perched on her little secret step? It’s these unexpected, humanizing touches that truly make the live TV experience so unique and relatable. And for anyone who has ever pondered the age-old question of whether newscasters wear pants behind their desks, let’s just say we now have a clearer understanding of the on-air sartorial choices!
We extend our sincerest gratitude once more to Ryan Nobles and the entire dedicated team at NBC12 for hosting us last Tuesday. Their hospitality and professionalism made what could have been a nerve-wracking experience surprisingly enjoyable. And a special thanks must also go out to whichever unseen live TV deity was watching over us, preventing us from uttering any profanities, experiencing an on-air fainting spell, or inadvertently substituting the word “fart” for “art” during our broadcast. Such are the anxieties that plague amateur TV personalities, and we are immensely relieved to have navigated the live airwaves without any major mishaps!
Returning to CBS6: “Virginia This Morning”
Buoyed by our initial successful foray into live television, we arrived on Thursday morning at the CBS6 studios for our second broadcast engagement with significantly fewer butterflies in our stomachs. Okay, perhaps that’s a slight embellishment – we were merely slightly less nauseous than our first outing! Sherry, ever the pragmatist, had made a solemn vow not to inject her “tell people what to do” mantra into the discussion this time around. She also bravely decided to retire her trusty “security blanket” (her reliable black blazer) and instead opted for a vibrant, jazzy orange number. She insists it’s coral, but as a guy, my perception leans firmly towards orange, a small and humorous point of contention that adds to the charm of our dynamic.
Our boosted confidence was also partly due to the fact that this particular “rodeo” was one we’d visited before, way back in 2009. The show, a beloved local morning program titled “Virginia This Morning,” has always been a warm and welcoming platform for us. We’ve maintained a friendly relationship with their team since that initial interview many years ago. In fact, it was the “Virginia This Morning” crew that Sherry famously (or perhaps infamously) implored to bring “The Nate Berkus Show” to Richmond, as it wasn’t airing in our local market at the time. Despite her passionate pleas, it didn’t quite work out, a testament to the fact that apparently, they require more than just one highly enthusiastic fanatic making phone calls to make such major programming changes happen! Still, it’s a story we recount with fondness, highlighting Sherry’s unwavering dedication to her favorite design personalities.
Upon our arrival at the CBS6 studio, we discovered a pleasant surprise: we weren’t slated for just one, but two distinct five-minute segments. A slight gulp might have escaped our lips at the realization of extended airtime, but any lingering apprehension quickly dissipated thanks to the incredibly warm and welcoming hosts. Their genuine enthusiasm and calming presence made the entire experience feel remarkably straightforward and enjoyable. During our first clip, we delved into a diverse range of topics, from the thrill of discovering and transforming “ugly” finds at thrift stores into cherished home decor, to a delightful anecdote about our daughter Clara’s unexpected favorite tool. Oh, and adding a touch of celebrity flair, the wonderful host Jessica Noll even bestowed upon us a charming hybrid celebrity name during her introduction, a moment that truly added to the fun of the morning. (For those eager to watch, you can also watch the clip here).
While awaiting our second segment, we had the unique pleasure of witnessing a fantastic performance by a local tween jazz band, who brought a spirited rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” to the studio. Their talent and energy were absolutely captivating, providing a delightful interlude to our busy morning. It made us wonder, were we seeing any future Justin Biebers or global music sensations among these talented young musicians? The sheer joy and dedication they displayed were truly inspiring, reminding us of the diverse array of local talent that often graces these community-focused television programs.
We had the honor of closing out the show with our second segment, which focused on a collection of fast and easy DIY projects featured in our book. These creative ideas were perfect for last-minute holiday preparations, serving as ideal stocking stuffers or thoughtful hostess gifts. In a moment of pure, unadulterated enthusiasm, Sherry even raised her fist in the air for Jersey – a spontaneous gesture that truly happened on live television! Despite the playful antics, we successfully navigated both segments, happily avoiding any wardrobe malfunctions or other FCC-fine-worthy moments that might have marred our festive appearances. Huzzah! We departed the studio feeling a profound sense of accomplishment and immense gratitude for the opportunity to share our passion. (To see Sherry’s Jersey tribute and more, you can also watch it here).
Reflections and Behind-the-Scenes Fun
As we transitioned into the eagerly anticipated holiday week, we did so with a tremendous sense of relief and gratitude, knowing that we hadn’t brought any lasting shame upon our families or committed any televised gaffes that would result in a lifetime ban from Richmond television. This accomplishment, however, is truly a testament to the incredible professionalism and warmth of the people at each station. Seriously, it was an absolute pleasure to reconnect with Ryan Nobles, whose genuine kindness and insightful questions made our NBC12 experience so comfortable. Similarly, Jessica Noll at CBS6 was so effortlessly engaging and easy to converse with that we genuinely felt we could have continued chatting for hours. However, we’re fairly certain that “The Petersiks Blab On And On” isn’t likely to be added to their station’s line-up anytime soon, much to our amused resignation. Nevertheless, these interactions underscore the welcoming spirit of local broadcasting and the dedicated individuals who make it all happen. And of course, no blog post about our TV adventures would be complete without our signature #obligatoryweirdfacephoto to cap off the hilarity of it all!
Now, we turn the question over to you, our wonderful readers! Has anyone else out there had their own unforgettable television experiences, whether they went exceptionally well or perhaps took an unexpected turn? Did you manage to fully capitalize on your proverbial 15 minutes of fame, or find yourself recognized in the grocery store after your moment on air? Did you, for instance, make the rookie mistake of wearing dangly earrings to your first live TV appearance, only to be gently advised against it for the subsequent show? (Alright, we confess, Sherry did exactly that, and in a moment of flustered panic, she impulsively grabbed what she insisted was a coral orange blazer for the second broadcast). Nope, still can’t bring myself to call it coral. These are the kinds of endearing, relatable moments that truly define our journey, and we’re always eager to hear about your own adventures, big or small!