…the third week of December! Okay, maybe that’s not as catchy as the opening to SNL, but for those of you who follow our Instagram pictures (and who requested the videos to match the goofy photos we posted), here you go. We never imagined we’d say this, but we had a busy week making live television appearances. It sounds wild—and it was. Also, about that picture on the right… we didn’t try to match the set. It just happened, and it was hilarious.
By coincidence, two local Richmond stations invited us to appear on their live programs this week. That meant whatever we said went straight to viewers in real time. Yikes. Well, we survived.
The first appearance was on Tuesday with NBC’s “First at 4” newscast. We were invited by Ryan Nobles, a local newsman and social media enthusiast who had interviewed us about a year and a half ago in our home about radon. It was fun to return the favor and join him at the station for a new segment. During the interview there was a moment when the weatherman was practicing his forecast on the green screen in the background—always an amusing sight behind the desk.
Our interview with Ryan was pretty tame on the embarrassment scale, except for one recurring moment: Sherry kept saying that chalkboard paint is great because “you can tell people what to do.” She insisted afterward that she couldn’t stop repeating it. The producer even brought out a small box so Sherry could stand on it behind the news desk—she quietly stood on a booster step the whole time so she’d be visible on camera. And yes, news anchors do wear pants behind their desks.
We’re grateful to Ryan and the staff at NBC12 for having us. Live TV can be nerve-wracking, and we’re thankful we made it through without any on-air gaffes. It’s a strange relief to finish an interview and realize you didn’t accidentally say something that would make everyone wince later.
With our confidence bolstered from Tuesday, we went to CBS6 on Thursday for a second live appearance. We were still nervous, but slightly less so, and Sherry promised not to repeat the “tell people what to do” line. She also decided to skip her usual black blazer and wore a bright orange jacket instead. She insists it’s coral; I’m sticking with orange because I’m a guy and colors confuse me sometimes.
This was a station we’d been on before, so the environment felt familiar. The show is a local morning program called Virginia This Morning. We’d visited them back in 2009, and that earlier segment made the return visit feel more like catching up with friends than a first-time interview. The hosts were warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to, which made both segments flow smoothly despite the live format.
We actually had two five-minute segments that morning, which was daunting, but the hosts’ friendly tone helped us relax. In the first segment we chatted about thrift-store finds, practical purchases you can live with even if they aren’t stylish at first glance, and Clara’s favorite “tool” (a little toddler favorite around our house). The show introduced us with a playful hybrid celebrity-style name, which made us laugh right at the start and eased our nerves.
Between segments we got to watch a local tween jazz band perform a seasonal song. It was fun to sit back for a few minutes and enjoy their energy; local music always brings a cheerful, community feel to morning studios.
The second segment focused on quick, easy projects—ideas from our book that could translate into last-minute stocking stuffers or thoughtful hostess gifts. We demonstrated a few simple crafts and shared tips that viewers could replicate at home with minimal tools and supplies. Sherry even raised her fist in the air to celebrate one idea, which made us both grin. Fortunately, we avoided any wardrobe malfunctions and stayed well within broadcast etiquette—no FCC fines here.
We’re very grateful to both stations for inviting us in and for making the experience enjoyable rather than intimidating. Ryan and the NBC12 team were welcoming, and the crew at CBS6 made us feel so comfortable we could have stayed and talked for hours. Still, we don’t expect they’ll add “The Petersiks Blab On And On” to the regular lineup anytime soon.
Have you had any TV experiences—good or bad? Did you cash in on a brief moment of fame, get recognized afterward, or learn a lesson about wardrobe or earring choices? Sherry learned the hard way that dangly earrings can be distracting during television interviews, and she swapped accessories before our second appearance to feel more at ease. Live TV teaches you a lot about preparation, timing, and staying flexible when things don’t go exactly as planned.
All told, the week left us relieved, a little exhilarated, and thankful for the chance to share simple, practical ideas with viewers. It’s always rewarding to step outside the comfort zone and return home with a fun story to tell and a renewed appreciation for the people who make local television feel like a neighborly conversation.