Today Show, A.K.A. What Happens in The Green Room, Stays in The Green Room

by Katy on August 24, 2012 · 31 comments

Yesterday was a pretty exciting day, and not just because this happened:

But also because I got to sit down with the lovely Savannah Guthrie to discuss The Compact and why someone in their right mind would choose to stop buying new. It was a great experience, from filming in Portland under the direction of producer Stephanie Becker and correspondent Kristen Dahlgren; to the morning spent at The Today Show studio. (And yes, I did have Call Me Maybe stuck in my head all. Day. Long.)

To those who missed the segment or simply wish to relive the excitement, you just need to click:

HERE

And for those who want more information, I have a treat, which is an bonus video from the interview I gave at home. Just click:

HERE

I also wrote an essay for The Today Show website, which you can read:

HERE

And from Stephanie Becker, producer extraordinaire, a witty essay about her $12 Emmy gown and her feelings about filming at my house, which can be read:

HERE

I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone at The Today Show who gave me the opportunity to come to New York and talk about my favorite subject.

And I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I hear there’s a rumor going around that Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte has decided to join The Compact and stop buying new.  Except of course, for his grills. 😉

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

Kristia {Family Balance Sheet} August 24, 2012 at 5:15 am

I just about screamed when I saw your picture with Ryan Lochte on my reader this morning. I saw the show and it never occured to me that you would meet Ryan…side bonus! Your segment was awesome and I loved your response to the lady who talked about the impact to the economy if everyone did the compact…whatever.

Congratulations!

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Dogs or Dollars August 24, 2012 at 5:22 am

Super entertaining Katy! You did a fabulous job. I would have been a nervous wreck. Nice job representing the thrift store set with poise and grace.

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Kelli August 24, 2012 at 5:47 am

I really enjoyed the segment!! You loved very at ease in front of the cameras—Super Star!!

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Sara Tetreault August 24, 2012 at 6:13 am

Katy, how exciting! What a whirlwind for you. Can’t wait to watch all of these. I’ve had that song stuck in my head a few times, too. I also had to have my teenage daughter explain the deeper meaning of it – which she was able to do. Congratulations!

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Diane August 24, 2012 at 6:17 am

What a fantastic experience! I am so happy for you. You have the confidence and poise to be on camera and this was so so much better than Extreme Cheapskates!

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Katy August 24, 2012 at 7:33 am

Agreed. Although that segment is still floating out in the universe and may still air. 🙁

Katy

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Mary August 24, 2012 at 6:34 am

You were amazing Katy – so cool & poised. Great job explaining what it’s all about. And the essay was great. Loved that you talk about people who support this lifestyle are still supporting our economy. Hopefully more people will join us.

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Dianna @ practicing frugal August 24, 2012 at 7:06 am

The minute I watched the show I thought “I wonder if she got to meet Ryan Lochte?”
You did a fabulous job on the show. It was exciting getting to see someone you relate to every day on the Today show. What an amazing experience it all must have been. I agree with Diane ….. so much better than Extreme Cheapskates!

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Katy August 24, 2012 at 7:27 am

Thank you. All the interior sets on The Today Show are actually in a single room, so everyone can see everyone else. At one point when Elizabeth Mayhew is speaking I start staring across the room at Ryan.

I also chatted a bit with Star Jones, but got no photographic evidence.

Katy

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jennifer@little blog in the big woods August 24, 2012 at 7:40 am

Did you ask Ryan to run away with you? LOL! So awesome Katy. Glad that you are continue to bring light to a subject that I believe will be central in improving our great country. Just remember all your little blog followers on your way to the top! ;-D

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betsyohs August 24, 2012 at 8:45 am

you were awesome! so poised! And you made it sound like a totally reasonable lifestyle, which of course it is, but some main streamers think it’s weird. Well done!

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mama minou August 24, 2012 at 9:10 am

Katy–longtime reader here–I just watched the segment and it was fantastic! I agree with all the commenters above who remarked on how wonderful your interview was–you were so articulate and poised, and looked lovely. Hurray for spreading the word in a national forum!!

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Dana August 27, 2012 at 4:34 pm

Longtime reader delurking to say Ditto! Ditto!

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Koliti August 24, 2012 at 9:14 am

Congratulations, Katy!

Your presentation and message were spot-on during your interview and essay – don’t get bogged down by stuff, be mindful of purchases, and do you really need that? You already have what you need. Ahhh.

Love that your two sons are being mindful of their purchases and are excited about their finds! That is a precious lesson you’ve taught them.

A lot of things that you write about resonate with me and I believe that I am a “Compactor” (just didn’t know it before I found your blog recently) – meaning for the last year I haven’t “wanted” anything (the universe keeps telling me that I already have what I need) and I do enjoy thrifting already. The only items I’ve bought new is a couple of leather straps, 25-cent clearance zippers, and $5 in material to sew my own over-the-shoulder purses. And another $5 in material to sew a pillow cover.

You are so right when you say how liberating it is to not buy stuff! I am more creative and more inspired by “seeing” what’s already out there with fresh eyes. Thanks.

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Diane C August 24, 2012 at 9:37 am

I laughed to see flashy Vinnie strutting his shiny stuff in the background. I believe he was doing the lamp equivalent of “Hi Mom”.
Great fun, Katy. I hope it brings lots of new readers into the fold.

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Krystal August 24, 2012 at 9:54 am

Katy! This is excellent, glad you included the link for us cable-TV-less people. Congrats!

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hippierunner August 24, 2012 at 10:39 am

you are a rockstar! 🙂

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Katie August 24, 2012 at 1:54 pm

I think used “grills” would be okay if one had access to an autoclave!

… if one could find used grills, that is. hm.

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Karen August 24, 2012 at 4:02 pm

I have been reading your blog since the beginning and really enjoyed your Today segment a lot, Katy. I agree with those who noted your natural poise and charm in front of the camera. You really have a natural beauty that shines. And most of all you are a great spokesperson for the obvious logic of thrifting! Although I am with the cranky economist who noted that not everyone “should” buy used stuff–I agree with her for other reasons: if the vast majority of Americans did not need to buy everything new, the rest of us thrifters would not be able to get our hands on such good stuff ; )

Congratulations on your appearance on Today! I bet your straightforwardness won over many who have only bought new until now…

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Linda in Mass August 24, 2012 at 4:02 pm

You were so great! It was a great segment! It made me want to join the compact and I have been reading your blog for over 2 years. I have been buying used items but have not fully embraced the compact. I think I will try it for a month and go from there.

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Karen August 24, 2012 at 5:31 pm

You did a great job representing those of us that love to thrift! Really enjoyed watching the segment here.

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Ann August 24, 2012 at 6:23 pm

Did you ask Ryan about Prince Harry??

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Katy August 24, 2012 at 8:02 pm

Nope, I left that up to Matt Lauer. 😉

Katy

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Ruth August 24, 2012 at 7:57 pm

Well done!

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Jo@simplybeingmum August 24, 2012 at 11:36 pm

Hey Katy – Way to go! So good to see you in action. I’m now feeling newly motivated. I have some photo-frames to buy…guess where I’m headed?
I’ve a feeling the US is going to be seeing more of you on screen… keep posting links here so us overseas viewers can enjoy also please!!!!!!!

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Lori from Michigan August 25, 2012 at 3:13 am

Katy, nicely done!

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Simply Superkim August 25, 2012 at 3:47 am

Congratulations! It’s really great to see this type of story on the Today Show. I don’t normally buy much in the way of material things, but when I need something, I can almost always find it on Craigslist or from a friend.

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Mariko August 25, 2012 at 1:13 pm

You are a super star!

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Jenny August 29, 2012 at 8:45 am

Finally had time to watch and read all the segments–very inspiring! Since I’m experiencing a little frugal burnout it was a great motivator to get back on track. Love the story of the producer’s $12 dress as well.

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Beth August 29, 2012 at 9:47 pm

Love that the lamp made the backdrop!!!

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