Elizabeth Pearson Garr created, hosts and produces the podcast, “What It’s Like To…” She has degrees from Harvard and Stanford, and has worked as a writer/producer for the TV Food Network, PBS, and E! Entertainment; an anchor/reporter for the NBC affiliate in Billings, MT; and as a documentary filmmaker.

Elizabeth took about 15 years out of the paid workforce to be with her kids and volunteer in their schools and our community. Getting back in the working world (and starting her own business in my early 50s) has been an interesting journey, not just for me, but also for my family (don’t underestimate the shift in dynamics that occurs when a former stay-at-home mom no longer has time for everyone’s needs and desires!).

Elizabeth Pearson Garr Vroom Vroom Veer Stories

Grew up in Palo Alto California and her parents were a professor (dad) and a principle (mom)

Went to Harvard and studied literature and history; she really loved writing and wanted to write about food; so she went to culinary school to get some chops and cred

There was a new TV network in New York called the Television Food Network; she called someone to say she would be in New York and would like to talk to someone about working there; she got the job

Her dream job was to work on camera; was bold enough to reach out to Diane Sawyer and got a call back and a meeting; Diane told her if you want to work on camera you have to work in a smaller market

Was a weekend news anchor in Billings MT for about 2 years; was told that she didn't have "it"; but when she got the hair and makeup done suddenly she had "IT"; she learned she didn't want to work on camera after all

Briefly had a executive job with Fox TV in LA with a butler asking her if she needed anything; she didn't really know what she was supposed to do and there was zero direction; the quit was mutual

Started the "What it's like to…" podcast to interview people of all walks of life to get their stories; lets you vicariously experience intriguing things you may never get the chance to do

Connections

Podcast Website