An Exclusive Interview with Television Personality, Actress & Host of The Television Series Alive & Well, Michelle Harris

Q: You’ve followed a plant base diet since age 14, can you share with our audience how you became interested in a healthier lifestyle at a young age?
MH: I started following a plant based diet at such a young age and it’s one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I read an article about a slaughterhouse. That was the end of meat and eventually all animal products for me. My plant based diet has helped me in many ways including maintaining a healthy weight, my overall health, animal welfare and the planet. 

Q: Tell us, some basic healthy tips that can benefit anyone at any age?
MH: Leading a healthy lifestyle has lifelong benefits. In addition to my plant based diet, I include dietary supplements in my wellness regimen. A multi-vitamin is a must, cortisol manager to help with stress and I love Sambucol Black Elderberry products to help support a healthy immune system.

In addition, I help control stress with mediation and exercise. If you can just include those things you will be off to a great start.

Q: What advice do you have for those older that need to make major lifestyle changes but find it difficult?
MH: It can be difficult to create new habits, but it’s always possible. Studies show a method called WOOP can be beneficial. It stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle and Plan. What it means is you should establish the change you want to make, or Wish, next visualize the outcome you would like. Then list the obstacles you will need to overcome. Once you have done that it will help you to create a plan to reach your goals. This works for any situation, but it’s very helpful with lifestyle issues such as diet, exercise, weight loss and more!

Q: For those not familiar with your hit TV Show “Alive & Well” can you tell us how long it’s been on and what inspired you to launch it?
MH: We have been very fortunate to be on the air for 12 seasons! Alive & Well was inspired by our desire to help people. I was working on different television projects and I had been personally involved in trying to help people lead healthier lifestyles. We didn’t limit helping people with food and nutrition, but also with beauty and in their home. It’s a whole life approach to wellness.

Q: With your busy schedule, how has Covid-19 affected your day to day life?
MH: Covid-19 has been difficult for everyone. We were very lucky that we had some Alive & Well segments shot before Covid-19, so we worked remotely to do our editing. We are getting ready to go back into production and it will look a little different, but our most important concern is the safety of everyone who works on Alive & Well.

I have also been doing radio, television, and online interviews to provide information on things we can do to stay healthy and well overall. This can only help us to weather Covid-19.

Q: Your also founder of Animal Angels, can you share with us what your mission was at the outset?
MH: I have always loved animals. We formed Animal Angels to help animals any way possible. That includes education, advocacy, fundraising, rescue and basically going where we are needed. I have done all of those things and along with Alexandra Paul and Taylor Hasselhoff, we bring a wide skillset. There are so many wonderful pets in shelters, we want to remind people to adopt and spay and neuter their pets.

Q: Were there moments in your career that were pivotal to getting where you are today?
MH: There were so many. Everyone is on a journey and there will be things everyday that help you with your path. I have to say for me it was a combination of people who believed in me and what I was doing. 

Q: After you completed your education, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
MH: I originally went to college with the thought that I would become a veterinarian. My roommate was involved with theater and communications. I love working on projects with her and ended up choosing communications/theater as my minor concentration. It gave me the ability to combine two of my passions, science, and communications.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
MH: Tenacity. Nothing happens for most people overnight. Be the best you can in your field and be gracious, tenacious hard working. People want to work with people they trust who are also good at their jobs.

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
MH: Always approach everything with character. It will work out in the end.

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
MH: Women are still the primary caregivers for children and older parents. Women still usually have a greater share of work in the home. I think balancing those demands with a career is challenging. We have to be able to find a balance while having equal opportunities.

Five Things About Michelle Harris

1. Are you a morning person or night owl?
I am definitely a morning person! We start early so you get used to getting things done in the morning!

2. Where will we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
Many times, we are working on Saturdays. If I am not at work, it’s a great time to fit in a workout! Pre-Covid I would get together with friends or spend time with my husband. 

3. What TV shows did you watch as a kid?
I loved any nature shows or anything with animals!

4. What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I love a good anthem. I think, “I will survive” is always a good choice. It would be in good fun because my singing skills are not ready for primetime!

5. Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been?
I was given the opportunity to visit the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The great part was that our group was given a private tour after the museum had closed. Being so close to such great works of art was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!