Growing up in the South, it was very patriarchal. When I applied to Stanford, I was told by a [male] college counselor, "You're never gonna get in, don't bother. They don't want you." I said, "I'm going to try." And I got in! But I wouldn't be the woman I am if I hadn't had that conflict to overcome. It has given me an underdog feeling all my life.

I always say that it's very important not to blame one person. You have to own whatever part of it you're responsible for. It takes a lot of soul-searching. It's important to go through that, because hopefully you won't repeat yourself.

We each own one car, and we have a reasonable house. It's a lovely place to be, but it's not extravagant.

I like Yoga. I run. I go hiking. I'm very active. I like being outside.

I have a history, a long history of being stereotyped as a five-foot-two woman, which is very limiting. I've worked so hard to create characters that have dignity. And I think everybody knows that I have a very pro-woman message in my work - and in my life.

Everything I sang sounded awful. So I went outside and I screamed. Everyone pretty much agreed it was awful.

If something seems frightening or horrible, I should probably do it.