last week i was interviewed by erin shea, a producer for oprah, for a story they planned to run on their web site about using technology to get through tough times.
i wanted to share the interview with all of you…you know, because you all helped me a lot.
here’s the introduction.
and here’s the rest of the interview.
(thanks to erin for taking the time to talk to me…i talked her ear off, turning what should have been a 5-minute call into something closer to 45 minutes. sorry about that, erin).
(oh. and here’s a video of maddy playing her piano, just because).
112 Comments
Is it broken? (The link, that is?)
OH…and I LOVE that piano. My husband is a piano player…he’d poop happiness if I got one for the kid.
Matt- When I went to thye link, I got a server error message. Is the link good?
@SnazzyGina
shit. they may have updated the link…give me a minute or two to track it down.
The link is http://www.oprah.com/article/spirit/inspiration/20090831-orig-technology-tragegy
Same as above minus the %22
Hi, the links to Oprah’s website didn’t work for me.
Can’t wait to see it Matt! Love Maddy on the Piano while I wait……
I like how she provides her own percussion!
The link didn’t work for me.
But I enjoyed Madeline’s concert footage.
Awesome article !!! Any special reason why you choose to go to India? Are you going to blog while there? How nice that some of your readers have now become such good friends.
Baby has got talent!! LOL
Seriously though Matt… she is pretty darn good on that Piano
The link has a quotation mark at the end that should not be there. If you delete that you can get to the interview.
Here is one link
You are amazing…to call you an inspiration would be an understatement. You both break my heart and lift my spirit at the same time. Praying for you and Maddy…
Amazing interview as always. You are such an inspiration Matt, as a military wife i have met way to many widows both men and women, and what you are doing is such an amazing thing. Have a friggin blast in India can not wait for all the awesome pictures!
Great interview! You are an inspiration!
link or no linky worky, you deserve the very best my sweet. i wish that you and your precious piano player reach families in need of your hope and strength.
xoxo.
Just because… we love her!
Madeline is just so gorgeous. Will she be going into the studio this year or is she still working on her material?
Going to check the links out now
What a great interview, you are doing such a wonderful service.
India for 2 months sounds fabulous. You are brave to write this book. It will take guts to relive all of that so soon. (although I’m sure it’s tough everyday) Can’t wait to read the book. I also can’t WAIT for the Madeline in India pictures and updates. I hope you still take that daily morning stroll with video. Maybe she’ll chuck loquats instead of apples…
Matt, that was a wonderful interview. Made me a bit teary eyed, in fact. You guys are so inspiring.
love watching maddy practice for future concerts!!
What an awesome interview. You are an inspiration.
.
On a completely unrelated note…..Where did you get that awesome piano??? I want one (for my daughter of course)
Watch out Mozart!!!!
I can’t wait to read your book!
Great Interview!! Maddy is so cute, she looks like she really knows what she’s doing! I hope you have a wonderful time in India & get what you want to accomplished!!
Wow, you just keep amazing me. Liz has to be so proud of you and Maddie.
Two months? Did I miss that memo? Please tell me you’ll still be blogging. I can’t speak for anyone else but I am not sure I can go without my Maddy fix for 60 days!!!
Maddy is so funny playing that piano!! I am about to read the interview~
I am sure I will enjoy it! Hope you two stay safe with the fires near by! Keeps us “stranger Friends” updated!
(((HUGS)))))
forget Oprah, bring on Maddy. By the by, my 15-month-old was dancing to her piano-playing …future prom dates? I think so
Tori Amos in the making? So moody.
Sounds incredible….India with your best girl..a time to heal and to learn a whole lot more. I’m sure it’ll be great for the both of you. Some day it would be great to hear more about what seems to be drawing you back to India time and time again. Is it a simple love of country?
So cool! Congrats on the interview.
Fantastic interview, Matt! What you are doing for others, in their time of grief, will be remembered forever, by them, I’m sure!
I can’t wait to see all of your pictures, and read your posts during your time in India!
Again, about Maddy’s piano playing——–she really does look like she’s got a lot of talent where that’s concerned. I think we’ll be seeing her taking lessons in a few years!
That’s awesome!!
Okay I have to comment again bc I just read your interview! (I knew I was going to end up doing this, HA)
Awesome Matt!!
I really hope this helps out your foundation a bit more!!!
Anytime you are on Oprah anything you are in good hands!
Kudos to you!
So I think I read you had a name for your book and I LOVE IT!!
I can not wait to read it~
Great interview!!!
I loved the interview. I can see why Oprah’s people wanted to do a piece on you – you’re inspiring! I hope India is good to you. Can’t wait for the book!
I think Maddy wants some drums too.
That is amazing you will be going to India to write your book. Will you continue your Blog while away? I wish you and Maddie safe travels and fun adventures. I can’t wait to see pics of your trip!
Maddy is great at that piano! I love the daily pics and videos of her. Please tell me we won’t have to miss them for the 2 months you are in India?
Good luck with the foundation and the book. I can’t wait to read it!
Great Interview! I love the title of your book, can’t wait for the release!
e.e. cummings. not too shabby. i like that maddy’s graduated to a baby grand with a bench! what a sweetie.
TWO MONTHS??? Wow!! What an experience! I surely hope you will be “blogging from abroad”.
Love the name for your book. Gosh, you’ve been keeping all kinds of juicy stuff to yourself!
maddy is very talented.
great interview!
What a wonderful experience for Maddy… the World Traveler! No one needs to tell you to take lots of pics!! I hope you are planning to take her to some of Liz’s favorite places….
Awesome interview Matt. Love that Maddy.
I hate to say this but now we have more in common than ever before. My wonderful husband Richard passed on Wednesday August 26th from a very long battle with Stage 4 colon cancer as well as his whole life having Cystic Fibrosis. I have read your blog for a very long time and I just wanted you to know that you are an inspiration and thank you for keeping it real.
Hi Matt,
I tried to comment one time before, somehow it would nt go through.
Let me begin by saying that I am in awe of how you handled the saddest(and the most happiest at the same time) situation of your life.
Your wife would be so so proud of you for being the father and husband you are, and I’m sure when Maddie grows up and goes through this blog, she’d have bragging rights for the greatest father on this planet.
I am an Indian presently living in canada. I love my country so much, and am excited to see what all adventures you’ll have there.
Good luck with everything.
I think she’s hinting at a drum set:)
I’m wondering how close you are to the fires? They were live on NBC Nightly News with shots of fires in Glendale. Please be safe!
A few things…
a. Maddy on the piano is so freakin adorable! I could watch that all day.
b. You have a pretty sweet job…letting you take off for two months! I know other things in your life are pretty shitty (wow, how’s that for a understatement!) but I must say, you’ve got a pretty nice gig there.
c. Son Volt is indeed great driving music.
d. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
great interview Matt! Can’t wait to read all about your adventures in India with Maddy.
Awesome interview Matt! So excited for you to go back to India. I hope it will bring you lots of inspiration to write your book.
I adore the title of the book! Is that set in stone? It’s really perfect.
I can’t believe you’re going to India for 2 months! WOW! I know you will have an amazing experience. One that I know I’ll look forward to reading about in the next book you’ll write. I know there will be another one.
What a great interview. I know that your blog and your virtual friends have helped you so much, and in return, you have helped, inspired and encouraged so many more during their difficult times as well. You’re such a blessing, Matt. Your life shines. You allow Liz’s life to shine so that people whom would have never known her otherwise get the pleasure of knowing about her and who she was. And Maddy will shine brighter because of your strength.
awesome interview.
awesome Maddy.
awesome that you’ll be in India!
Hope to meet you and Maddy while you’re here!
Ummmm…..you are bringing a blog-reader-turned-friend-turned-nanny? Where were the interviews for that?!?!?! Geez! You know I live in North Dakota and would love to subtract two winter months right?! Next time……:)
I cannot WAIT to see pictures of your latest adventure…have a blast!
Maddie playing the piano and doing her own percussion– impressive
Great interview– So proud of the work you are doing– can’t wait for the book
I hope you continue to post when you are in India, I dont know you (even though I feel I do) yet I am SO proud of you. You have done such a remarkable job with Maddy, she will get to know her mother through stories, pictures, blogs, even though it is not even close to the same as having her here, she will know how wonderful her mom was, how she was loved so much by her even before she was born, how she looks so much like her and how she is being watched over by her. Not many people can continue to carry on with such strength after a loss like you have. I am just in awe on how strong you are and how honored I am that you continue to write not only for your healing process, but to help the rest of us to keep in focus what is truly important and not to take life for granted. I know that never do, I also make sure I tell my loved ones how much I love them for you never know when it might be the last time. I lost my mom at a young age and I regret not telling her more, but I know she is watching and I know she knows. God Bless you Matt and Maddy and thank you!!
I hope your time in India and writing your book brings you an additional bit of healing. You do know that you’re going to have a VERY high bar to clear when it comes time to do things like Spring Break trips and annual vacations. “Sure, this Alaskan Cruise and leg of the Iditerod is cool and all, but Dad we did two months in India when I was 1 1/2. Seriously!”
Travel safe.
Look her go on that piano! I see piano lessons in the future!
I love seeing Maddy with that piano…too cool. But, I think you might need to buy her a drum set soon. She seems to what accompaniment in percussion.
The article is incredible and I continue to be impressed by you Matt. Are you going to blog while in India or is it all going to b e about Maddy and writing?
Lovely. Just lovely. It’s amazing what you’ve done with what you were handed. You’re inspirational.
Miss Maddy, bringing it back with the free jazz!
hey matt!
read that you r coming to India next month! This must be your ‘nth’ trip to here right? welcome baby maddy to India.
Hope you keep updating us about your travels and experience in our vibrant country.
Ashwini R.
Bombay, India
I love how Maddy is her own percussionist. It cracked me up the way she’s playing the piano and then smacks the top of it like she was really feeling the beat.
Cutest thing ever.
Enjoy India. Its been on my list of places to see since I worked for an NGO awhile back. I’m hoping you’ll take a lot of pictures!
Love the video!!! She’s got it going on!
Oprah must want to tap into your fame
I love the piano video but I can’t help but wonder where you hide that thing. I know I couldn’t leave it out…my kids would eventually drive me nuts.
Maddy & that pink piano always make me smile. Great interview, Matt!
Two months? How will the grandparents cope? My heart is hurting at the thought, Tell me, everyone is okay with this choice…just me asking
I’m glad this world is here to. To be able to say the words pouring from your heart, and maybe to help someone else in the process. Shit gets inside my head and it’s helps to get it out and get support. She’s still here, but my mom is on her way out and I don’t know how to feel. Thank you for letting me read.
Great article Matt! I can’t wait to read your blog from India and keeping us all posted on your life and Maddy’s. Super excited about your book, and hopefully meeting you at one of your book signings. Maddy is adorable! Thanks for sharing with us! You’re an inspiration! XX
Awesome interview as always Matt…you truly are an inspiration to others!! I hope you and your best girl enjoy India and get accomplished what you set out for!! I, like everyone else, selfishly hope you continue to blog and update while you guys are away!! Have been thinking about you guys while seeing the fires on the news and hope you are all safe!! Thanks, as always, for sharing with us your inspiring journey!! BTW…future musician on your hands for sure…she is ADORABLE!!
@ kori – so so sorry to hear that! (((hugs)))
haven’t commented in forever, but i am so thrilled for you guys and all your upcoming plans! that is so awesome! i look forward to all the pictures of you and miss maddie! and i am SO lovin her piano playing!
may you continue to be VERY blessed.
A musical genius already!!
Great interview, but then we know you for greatness. And gotta love the piano playing!
Looks like a little pink virtuoso to me….good thing breaking her in with all the traveling now, it’ll be old hack when she goes on tour. We’re hooked to your site now (the hub & I)…if you pass through Paris, and need a break, the wine’s on us (but only if I get to hold Madeline!). Bon Voyage….et bonne photographie!
loved the piano playing
Kori- I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband
((HUGS)) from me also.
Matt, TWO MONTHS in India? Good for you! What an awesome opportunity for you both.
Thanks for giving your readers props to Oprah – nice to get a little shout out, and really nice to know that our comments are read and appreciated.
Maddy is an angel – and you’re awesome. Keep up the blogging – you have to keep blogging while you’re gone, or we’ll all be really upset!
Take care, and keep on keeping on. You’re doing a great job! Liz has to be so proud of you.
Ha! Ha! I love watching her go to town on that piano. Her little shoulders totally into it…
Hello Matt and Madeline,
When I write this, i am looking to you on television by Oprah in the Netherlands. You are doing it great, that’s all i want to say.
Good luck with the two of you!
Sweet greetzz,
Maaike van Popta from the Netherlands
hi there, you are on tv right now in the netherlands(europe) and i wish you all the best !!!!!!!!!!!!
I just saw the interview you had with Oprah here in The Netherlands, you are an inspiration to other dads and parents! I wish you and Maddy all the best for now and for the future
Hello!
I live in the Netherlands, and i am now watching the Oprah Show about single dads. (We alwaus see Oprah months after the show aired in the States :- ) ). I want to tell you that i’m very impressed bij your story.
Wishing you and your daughter all the best!
With love,
M. Heida
The Netherlands
Hey there,
I´ve just seen your interview on Oprah and I just wanted to tell you i have very, very, very much respect for you and how you´re handeling everything that happend to you and your family. I can’t imagene how you must feel. I wish you and your beautiful doughter all the luck in the world and if you ever want to visit the Netherlands you´re more than welcome to stay with me and my husband and doughter Isabel (born11/1/08, weight: 1500 grams).
Greetings, Marije
Hi Matt,
I’m from the Netherlands and
I just watched the Oprah show with you in it!!
I just want to wish you luck and happiness with your little girl!
You’re doing a good job!!
Lots of love,Pamela
I was so busy pointing out the extra quote I forgot to give a real comment!
I can not wait for the pictures you take in India! They are going to be awesome. I hope that it is healing to be back there even though it is yet another place with memories.
Uh, holy shit, the kid is big enough for a bench. She is getting so big, so fast. Bittersweet in so many ways.
Good luck writing your book. Apparently, I missed the memo that you were heading to India for two months. What a wonderful opportunity for both you and Maddy! And, I can’t wait to read the book. I hope you’ll still find time to blog and post photos. Your blog is one of my “happy places” to go. Plus, my 5 year old loves watching Maddy videos.
I love how you trust your readers and allowed them to be your support. This is one of the feel good parts of your story, reminding us what we can do for each other.
Wait…does she have a second piano sitting next to the baby baby grand? You have to start playing duets!
Amazing interview Matt, good job! Thank you again for sharing your story with the world
Matt you rock! I am glad you trust “us” your readers! I wish you well on your trip to India and of course I will be glued to the computer waiting for updates and pics and all the great stuff you have to write about. You are a great man keep it up !!
India—how cool! (I guess that word shows my age, doesn’t it?) I was wondering how you were going to find time to write the book . . . Great interview, and isn’t it amazing how one can make something great out of something horrible with effort and support–you’re awesome! Also love the piano playing. Sometimes she seems much older than she is.
Matt, you are such an amazing person.
All the work you have done to create the foundation and “pay it forward” is unbelievable.
By merely watching you live your life, Maddy will learn the best life lessons on having strength in difficult situations, loving truly and deeply, being thoughtful, being understanding, being considerate, being hopeful, helping others in need, being a good friend, being passionate, being selfless and being gracious. Through your actions, you are teaching Maddy to be the type of person that others aspire to be. [All the while teaching your readers,too.]
Keep up the wonderful work!
Thinking of you and Maddy, as always.
Awesome interview Matt!
2 months? your job must be really cool. will you be working for the “rather large internet company” in addition to writing?
i love how maddie apparently has two schoenhuts! little princess!
stay safe with the fires going on!
That was an awesome interview! Wow, India sounds like so much fun! I am sure that it will bring you alot of inspiration and bring back the memories of you and Liz there. I think that is a wonderful idea to get away and concentrate on your book. Maddy will have such a blast! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures and I really can’t wait for your book to come out!! Good luck and enjoy!
Love, love, love the video! That piano is too cute. Great interview, and I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in India.
Awesome interview Matt. It gave me goosebumps to read it.
Great article Matt. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures in India.
Great interview! You’d better keep us posted from India. Even if it’s just short updates AND PHOTOS!
Love the video! I can’t believe how big she is. Just realized it was almost a year ago that I cuddled Maddy on my lap in a NYC bar and gave her a bottle. BTW, I agree with Kristin. I think she needs some drums. (Better your daughter than mine! :-O)
Seriously Matt – you need to get her into piano lessons around 6 or so – she’s very comfortable behind a key board and has proper hand skills already!
Matt, I just got your photo book from blurb in the mail yesterday. Kudos! It’s a great book, and I’m really enjoying the photos.
just because…she is so fricken cute!
BTW…can’t wait to see your face without your beard.
That is just way too cool, going to India for 2 months to work on your book. I am so glad you have a friend coming with you for support and of course to take care of Maddy while you are writing. Amazing, just amazing. It is going to benefit so many people in so many ways and no doubt the foundation. You are just an absolute inspiration and I know who your inspirations are.
you continue to amaze me. loved the article and i love the book title. take care and continue to be strong and super duper wonderful.
Hey Matt
I don’t remember hearing about a nanny position. I am sure that there is a lot of women out there that would have loved to spend two months with you and maddy. Have a good time
Matt & Maddy
You have arrived! You made it on Oprah’s website! Most wish and dream it…you made it! :0)
I wish you a safe and happy trip to India. What a fabulous experience you and Maddy are about to embark on! I, like many others hope that we still hear from you time to time while your there. Good luck with the writing and please be safe! We are all keeping you, Maddy and Liz in our prayers!
So this has nothing to do with your post but I saw on the news last night that Jackson had a private memorial service in Glendale and thats the same name of the town you live in..isnt it? Just wondering how big your city is?
Hi Matt, am such a newbie to this whole blog thing, not sure how to navigate your site properly..lol. I live in NZ with my american hubby Matt and our 5 month old daughter Isla. I just watched your interview on Oprah and was moved by your story. I think you are an amazing person to have gone through so much heartache but I can also understand how Maddy would have helped you through. Being a first time Mum I am so blown away by the strength of my love for her, it is overwhelming at times and so very rewarding. I wish you all the best with the future and will keep an eye on this site for updates!! Kelz the Kiwi
Everything about you is so fucking wonderful.
Good luck in India.
thrilled for you and maddy that you get to spend so much time in a place that is so important to you. the trust you put in your readers is immense & we thank you for that.