Robin Schwartz is not only a talented TV anchor for Fox in Detroit, she is also a skilled free-lance writer for Red Thread, which is the monthly magazine of the Detroit Jewish News.
She brings a deeply personal perspective to the discussion of family size decisions. Click here to watch her own family struggle with infertility that won her a well-deserved Emmy award. She spent long hours on the interview, writing, and editing of this essay. Then the Red Thread graphics department spun their magic and the end result is a superb article....THANK YOU Robin!
Of the 18 book-related TV segments that I did this summer…..Miami, which is where I was born and raised, was both the cutest and most scientific. Strange combo?
You’ll see when you watch the clip (CLICK HERE) how adorable these infants-with-Moms are that CBS4 anchor Ms. Cynthia Demos was able to assemble on a rainy August afternoon in Coral Gables.
And I really admire Cynthia’s use of scientific design. Earlier in the day before I arrived for the taping, she interviewed each mother and asked about their family size intentions. She then interviewed me about my book and each mother listened as I described the family size guidance that I give to couples. She then went back to each mother and asked about their family size intentions again. Some Moms changed their statements and wanted to give it more thought.
It was a very rewarding experience for both me and my middle daughter, who is completing her Doctoral degree in Psychology and accompanied me to South Florida for the segment.
On the Friday before my F & F segment, I was driving across Staten Island, and my car’s outside temperature showed 113 degrees. I never saw a number like that on a car, not even in San Antonio last month. All day Friday, I was hoping that Fox wouldn’t pre-empt my segment because of global warming and have Al Gore sitting on that couch at F & F Weekend saying……”See!”
The original air time was 6:45 am as of one week ago. When I suggested to the producer, that young couples who will benefit most from the segment, won’t even be smelling their first cup of coffee at that hour, she agreed and moved it to 8am and then 9:45am.
Upon arrival at their 6th Ave studio, I was sent to make-up. Did anyone care to explain air-brushing to me? As I left make-up, the woman commented, “First time I ever saw someone hold their breath for an entire air-brushing”.
Bonus: Watching the segment later in the day……I noticed the book image that Fox used actually looks like a hard-cover book. There are no hardcovers to be sure; my book is only available in paperback. Now there’s the magic of air-brushing!
When Melinda Spaulding, anchor at Fox 26 Houston, asked me what I think of that prioritization (her mother's quote) she caught me off guard. After a moment of reflection, I agreed with her and praised her mother for her insight.
Not all the Book Tour interviews were that intuitive, but each was an unforgettable experience.
When Monica Malpass invited me to WPVI in Phili, I had no idea that we would be shooting the interview outdoors on a 95 degree day in June (photo by Zahava Singer). The camera man only had to stop twice and ask...."Dr. Singer, would you like to wipe the sweat off your forehead before we continue? Then Monica worked her editing magic for what I believe is a terrific segment on family size decisions. As much as I was sweating, taping is a much more relaxing experience than a live interview.
Click below at your own risk because my children tell me.....Dad, after a while, all the interviews start to sound the same!
IMPORTANT: During this dreadful pandemic, both offices are closed and all sessions continue on a normal schedule via ZOOM or Skype.
Therapist: 40 years of experience as a Couples Therapist. 80% success rate in saving marriages on the brink. Offices in Flatbush (Brooklyn) N.Y. and Highland Park, N.J. Specialties: sensitivity to the needs of Observant Couples, marital rescue after infidelity, reviving empty nester marriages, family size decisions, and co-parenting implementer. Author: Creating Your Perfect Family Size: How to Make an Informed Decision About Having a Baby (Wiley 2011)
Motivated by the sad statistic that 90% of divorcing couples don’t receive one hour of counseling, Dr. Singer has been a marriage therapist since 1980 and he counsels couples using ZOOM and Skype. He serves on the speakers bureau of the National Council of Young Israel, is a mental health provider for Relief Resources and is listed on the National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists. In addition, he serves as a recovery therapist for the Beyond Affairs Network and he is a Certified Discernment Counselor. twitter.com/DrAlanSinger.
Married for 43 years, Dr. Singer and his wife are the parents of four grown children. He has conducted numerous broadcast and print interviews including: USA Today, Fox Morning News, MSNBC.com & Huffington Post.
His mantra: I Am The Last Person In The Room To Give Up On Your Marriage.
Certified Discernment Therapist
A New Methodology for Helping Couples
As Seen on TV! Dr. Singer on Your Local Station
Huffington Post article highlighting Dr. Alan Singer's work