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Lisa Ling: Former Co-Host of The View and Champion for Women and Children
SM: You have many achievements and distinctions under your belt, from being the first female host of National Geographic Channel’s Explorer to completing the Boston marathon in 4:34. What are you most proud of?
Lisa Ling: I ran that marathon with my deceased uncle’s number. We were raising money for pediatric cancer because my uncle’s 14-year-old daughter died of liver cancer. We ended up raising about $100,000. It was one of the best days of my life and one that I will never forget, but I will never do another one again [laughs]!
SM: What personal sacrifices have you made to get to where you are today?
Lisa Ling: Well, I’ve had a number of relationships fail [laughs] because my job consists of traveling around the world. Very unpredictable schedules…it’s definitely taken its toll. I don’t really look at what I do as work. It’s what I’m really passionate about and part of who I am. If you’re going to be in a relationship with me, you have to know that going into it.
SM: Your fiancé feels that way, I’m sure.
Lisa Ling: Yeah, he does, but it is hard. When you’re in a relationship, you kind of want that person around. You want to share time with that person. When that isn’t the case, it’s really hard.
SM: Who have been your biggest supporters?
Lisa Ling: Of course, my family. They haven’t always agreed to all the decisions I’ve made. My mom, quite honestly, would prefer me to be on The View because she could see me everyday. Now I’m like, "I’m going to Afghanistan and you’re not going to see me for twelve days. You’re not going to hear from me and hopefully I’ll be okay after twelve days." But she appreciates that I’m doing what I’m passionate about.
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Your comments
| abby | |
| This is an amazing article about an inpiring woman. I always loved watching Lisa Ling on The View and it is exciting to know that she has moved on to such important work, helping women and children who need it most. | |
| Betsy -- Torrance | |
| Lisa Ling is such an outstanding role model for all women, especially at a time when America really needs positive women to look up to. She's doing such great things--thank you for bringing her work to our attention. | |
| Carolanne -- Los Angeles | |
| What an inspiring article for women everywhere! As a woman going through a career change, Lisa Ling's comments about pursuing what makes you happy and getting out of situations where you're perpetually unhappy really hit home for me. | |
| Melissa78417 -- Corpus Christi | |
| Great article! I've been watching Lisa Ling since she was on Channel One. To be a young woman and accomplish all that she has...it's an inspiration and she's a true role model. | |
| NadsV | |
| This was a great article! Though I always enjoyed Lisa Ling's commentary on The View, I was unaware of her commitment to empowering women worldwide. I will definitely watch her new series on Oxygen! Thanks Savvy Miss! | |
| axcar | |
| Impressive interview. Great job! Lisa Ling truly is a champion for women and children. I would like to see help for children who are left alone because the Mom(single parent) has to work two jobs to make ends meet. | |
| nhibber | |
| I am so impressed with Lisa Ling. She continues to do such amazing things for women and children. She epitomizes the importance of doing work that one is passionate about instead of a high profile celebrity-like job, like the View. Thanks for interviewing such an inspiring and amazing individual | |
| steffi | |
| In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, it is too easy to forget or simply just not be aware of what misfortune exists among us. It is refreshing to see Lisa, from our generation, empower herself and then share with us knowledge gained from taking the time to look underneath the surface. | |
| LeoTsypkin | |
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Hi Lisa: I've been reading and rereading Vickie Nam's book"Yell-OhGirls!"for awhile now,and I bumped into your quote"I was teased mercilessly. I went to public school,and the kids called me "Risa Ring". Kids would come over to my house,and it would smell like Chinese food,and that was embarrassing. Or,if I had friends over,my dad would say,"Tell them to go home"in Chinese,right in front of them. I have Asperger's Syndrome,and I never dated,nor did I have a date for any dance in high school. I've never been able to understand women,and I wish I were better with them. I only went to my Senior Year Homecoming and the 2001 Basketball Homecoming because those were my last two opportunities to ever attend a high school dance. I own your DVD set National Geographic Explorer"The Best of Lisa Ling"and I noticed that you're a San Francisco Giants fan. My birthday's March 18-I just turned 27-years-old. This was the best birthday I had in years,the Giants game of my dreams came true-the first ever Orioles-Giants Interleague game is being played at AT&T Park on June 14,15,16. My dad's taking me to the game on June 14-I hope to see you there. I bought some Chick-Lit today at Target,maybe I'll understand women more once I re-read these books. I haven't dated yet either,I hope that I will at some point. But just like you said in your Gold Sea interview,it would be impossible for you to have a boyfriend because you were meeting so many new and exciting people in your life. I've written four books about Asian American women who have A.S.,and I'm hoping to publish them. |
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| LeoTsypkin | |
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Hi Lisa: I understand what it's like to be disliked and rejected for whatever the reason. I think the only time I ever had a girl at my house was a friend of mine at my 14th b-day party in 1997. I never had girls come over to our house when I was a kid:I've never even managed to invite a woman over for dinner. I'm 27-years-old and I still don't date:It would be impossible for me to have a girlfriend as of right now,because I'm still learning how to make friends with women-and part of that is due to Asperger's Syndrome. I'd like to improve in my relationships with women,but A.S. makes it hard-especially with a younger brother. He has girls visit him at our house all the time,but that's something I've never succeded in doing. |
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| LeoTsypkin | |
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Hi Lisa: I understand what it's like to be disliked and rejected for whatever the reason. I think the only time I ever had a girl at my house was a friend of mine at my 14th b-day party in 1997. I never had girls come over to our house when I was a kid:I've never even managed to invite a woman over for dinner. I'm 27-years-old and I still don't date:It would be impossible for me to have a girlfriend as of right now,because I'm still learning how to make friends with women-and part of that is due to Asperger's Syndrome. I'd like to improve in my relationships with women,but A.S. makes it hard-especially with a younger brother. He has girls visit him at our house all the time,but that's something I've never succeded in doing. |
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