Filed under: Interviews, Television
The former CBS 'The Early Show' anchor is filling in for 'The View' comedienne, who is on vacation from both of her shows until after Labor Day.
"Well, it's the first time I've been back in the hosting role in about four years. Man, time flies," Syler told BV Buzz. "'The Joy Behar Show' has an amazing staff and crew and I felt very comfortable when I walked in. I always like watching the show because Joy makes it like a conversation and that's what I try to do. I approach it from a place of curiosity and ask the questions that I would be directing at the TV if I was at home in my PJ's watching."
Syler follows 'Access Hollywood' anchor Shaun Robinson who guest-hosted last week. Ironically, CNN and HLN have come under fire from critics in recent weeks for their lack of diversity in hosts on primetime weekday programming.
"I don't mean to be evasive but that question is probably better directed at CNN or MSNBC or FOX. I don't make those decisions. They asked me to come in and do a job, so that's what I am doing," Syler offered when asked about the issue.
The Sacramento, Calif.-bred journalist confessed that though she is enjoying the temporary return to TV hosting, she's not sure if she would like to return to the medium full-time.
"I'm not sure that the show I want to do has a place on broadcast television," she admitted. "The voice I use and the people I reach and represent are busy mothers who understand perfection is a goal that is completely unattainable. I try to show them that you can still be a great mom without that and I'm a big believer in staying true to yourself. Seriously, what busy mom do you know who has time between, soccer, meal prep, doctor's appointments, work and on and on to sit down and watch a TV show? I know I don't and I don't have many friends who do. What I am working to deliver will be in a format that they can access when they have time."
Syler, a married mother of two, believes that practical stories about family and motherhood are some of the subjects missing on television.
"In terms of what I see lacking, I would have to say a sense of realism. Look, I struggle with childcare, living within a budget, scooping up dog poop, mending broken hearts and trying to maintain a little piece of real estate for me and me alone. I am not shy about sta
nding up and saying, 'I'm tired of all of you and need some time for ME!' I am honest enough to say, 'I love my kids but there are parts of this motherhood thing that really suck.' I shop at Target in Crocs and Capris pants," she said, before adding: "that my friends, is a real housewife!"The 47-year-old Syler launched a site geared towards mothers called GoodEnoughMother.com.
"Oh man, it's really taken off," she beamed. "I have a great producer, Richard Drew, who runs his own site, www.remotepatrolled.com, about all things TV and he and I together are taking GoodEnoughMother.com to the next level! Traffic has really exploded of late and advertisers are coming on board. That makes my husband happy!"
Running a website, balancing a family and the occasional television work makes for a hectic life, but Syler said she's coping just like mothers all across the world do.
"Oh geez, I manage the way every other mother does - one small step at a time. Some days I'm wildly successful, other days I am not. But when I lay my head down at night I feel good knowing I did the best I could and that will have to do," she closed.
For additional details on Syler and her site, visit www.GoodEnoughMother.com.
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For related stories, 'Jacque's Back: TV Host Returns To 'The View'
'Rolonda Watts Guest Hosts for Nancy Grace'
& 'White Washed: Shaun Robinson Disturbed By Vanity Fair's Blackout.'