Moms Talk: Remembering the Oprah Show

After 25 years on the air, the Oprah Winfrey Show will sign off today at 4 p.m. Our moms council talks about what they remember most and how she has influenced them. Did they read any of Oprah's recommended books? Did you have any favorite or worst guests? (I'm guessing the infamous Tom Cruise couch jumping moment made the list).

Jenny Wescoat

I have no doubt that Oprah has influenced me indirectly (who hasn't used the phrase "aha moment?") and I have certainly picked up some books that had her stamp of approval on them, but I have never really followed Oprah's show or watched her regularly.

I respect the way she did not make her talk show yet another arena for paternity tests, etc., and her focus on trying to bring awareness to issues like texting and driving. However, I'm not an Oprah devotee. I don’t dislike her, just haven't caught the bug! I will say, though, that there were times when my oldest was a baby and at the end of a long day her show was a good escape because whatever she was discussing was a big problem/big success/big issue that was very interesting. 

Jennifer AuBuchon

I really have loved Oprah's show through the years. I DVR it, but don't see nearly all of the episodes. I've enjoyed her mix of pop culture, serious topics, human interest stories and her relationship with her guests. Her compassion and empathy is something I admire in her.

Just today I was watching a follow-up of one of her most memorable guests. It was a 36-year-old mother who had, upon learning that she was dying from cancer, decided to videotape herself teaching her daughter things she wouldn't be around to help her with. They had the daughter, who is now a young adult, and her father and did a most beautiful follow-up. I was just in tears watching it. She really knows how to tell a story, and she sees the "bigger picture," which in this instance was a lesson in teaching people how to die with grace and dignity, how to leave parts of yourself behind, and how to enjoy life to the fullest, for you never know what each day is going to bring.  

As for favorite guests, I'll certainly never forget Tom Cruise jumping on her couch like a monkey professing his love for Katie Holmes. There have been so many great interviews...it's hard to narrow it down. I did read "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," which was a book pick—decided that we may have a different taste in books. I know I'm not alone in thinking that there will be quite a hole during the 4 o'clock hour on NBC! Don't know how they'll fill that spot here!

Lisa May

I have watched Oprah on and off for many years. I either really like her show or really don't like her show. Some of her guests, although newsworthy, I have felt were inappropriate for television at any time of day. On the other hand, she has had many inspiring guests. I love to read and have read several of her book picks. My favorites are "The Poisonwood Bible" and "East of Eden." Her worst (in my opinion) was "The Corrections." I could not make it through the whole book. That is the beauty of her picks. They are all so different to reach many different types of readers. It will be a hard slot to fill on the network. I wonder who it will be?