I was so sadden today when I heard the news that Bryant is being treated for lung cancer.  When I started doing segments at the Today Show Bryant was the co-host.  While he had a reputation for being tough, Bryant was nothing but warm and encouraging.  I often did segments with him about children’s books–and he was always so amazingly well-prepared.  If I dropped a message point that I had put in the notes for the segment, Bryant was always there to provide it.  I remember one of the first segments I did included an Eyewitness book about the history of Greece.  The lay out of the book was like a newspaper–he said something about “at least they had newspapers–I suppose there’s no videotape”…he was teasing me…but I was so  nervous, I didn’t get it until I was onto the next book.

He is such a wonderful interviewer–he knows how to allow his guests to share their information without taking over.   Our segments  felt like conversations.  I know it sounds silly, but after a segment when Bryant would say “nice job Steph” — it made my day!  I wish him well as he goes through his treatments.