I’ve interviewed a bazillion famous people over the years. And I’m usually unflappable. Today, however, I was beyond flapped.

After four months of begging, groveling and pleading, I got the opportunity to interview Lindsay Wagner today. She was a childhood idol of mine. Today’s Q&A was, by far, the highlight of my pop culture career. “The Bionic Woman” remains an iconic show that is near and dear to my heart and I was determined to do a good job on the interview today.

One problem, I started hyperventilating when Lindsay walked in to the studio.  That’s never happened before. I can’t tell if I was giddy, nervous or wildly manic, likely all three. Lindsay could not have been more pleasant (or more patient) when I started rambling within 20 seconds of meeting her. I didn’t just ramble, mind you.  I was sweating and talking uncontrollably at the same time, you know, like crazy people do.  I knew it was bad when the anchor of the show yanked me backstage and said, “I am thisclose to punching you in the throat. Calm down, NOW!”

Fortunately, Lindsay is firmly in touch with her holistic side (and, uh, dealing with crazy fans). She now teaches classes throughout the United States on the power of the mind, body and spirit working together. Talk about enlightening, both figuratively and literally. It’s called “Oneness,” and I’m sold on the concept. How do I know? Because Lindsay pulled me off to the side so we could have a “moment”. We did some breathing, some chanting and hit some quick-trigger pressure points that had me calm, cool and collected before airtime.  Sound weird? It was, but it worked and the interview managed to go off without a hitch. Keep in mind, I teach yoga, so I’m fully aware how to stay centered and grounded. So much for that, huh? I was an obnoxious 7-year old boy all over again.

Because I am a fan, I have quite the collection of Bionic Woman paraphernalia (as you’ll note in the pictures). I brought all of it in today and Lindsay patiently signed all of it. During the interview we talked about the first season of “The Bionic Woman” recently being released on DVD. Seems fans have been clamoring for it for years, but there was some hang-up with the rights from the book “Cyborg,” of which the show is based.

Then, of course, my relentless Q&A started and didn’t stop until I ran out of oxygen. Does Lindsay have a favorite episode? No, but she is fond of one called “Bio-Feedback” that fans really enjoy. Is she still the spokesperson for Sleep Number beds? No, but she still believes in the product. And what TV show does she not miss? She enjoys “Outsourced,” and recently spent a month in India studying at the Oneness University.

All in all, I thought the interview was a smashing success  You can see more when it airs this Wednesday at 4pm on KCTV5. (Yes, I’ll post a link.) But the interview wasn’t even the highlight of the day, the highlight is when Lindsay invited me to go to brunch with her. (Shut UP! I know, right?!)  More on that in Part II.  Stay tuned!