In an ideal world, we could talk things out with politicians, strategize with business moguls and get a daily dose of laughter from our favorite comedians all over the phone. One can dream, right? If I had the opportunity to pick up the phone and call any 10 people of my choice, I’d be all ears. Here are 10 people I’d love to talk to on the phone:
- Barack Obama: As the current leader of the free world and the first black president in American history, a conversation with Barack Obama has the potential to be both insightful and wildly entertaining. There are so many questions I’d like to ask President Obama. What goes on behind the scenes at the Oval Office? How was healthcare reform passed? Is Area 51 real? President Obama is known for his sense of humor and his charisma, so I’m sure the conversation would not only be informative, but also fun and intriguing.
- Bill Gates: I’d love to know what a typical day is like for the second richest man in the world. I’d love to know his secret to running a profitable business, and since his company is one of the largest and most powerful in the world, I think he’d have some good advice. In addition to his Microsoft success, Mr. Gates has become very well known for his generous contributions to charity. Perhaps he’s willing to give me a charitable donation.
- Oprah Winfrey: Talking to the world’s most powerful woman would be quite an experience. I’d have to ask the talk show host who her favorite person to interview was, who she has never met and would like to and what her plans are after The Oprah Show. Maybe I should ask her how a young professional can go from rags to riches, as she did.
- Will Ferrell: If I had to choose one comedian to talk to over the phone, it would have to be Will Ferrell. I’ve always heard that comedians are more laid back and normal than they appear, but something tells me a conversation with Will Ferrell would be full of surprises. I’d love to know what it was like to work with Chris Farley and the other legendary Saturday Night Live stars.
- Paul McCartney: If I got to talk with Paul McCartney, I’d have him sing me a song on the phone, preferably “Hey Jude” or “A Hard Day’s Night”. I might ask him what it’s like being a knight, or how it feels to have been the lead singer in arguably the greatest and most influential rock band in history. His personal life has no shortage of drama as well, and I’m sure Paul could let me in on some of the personalities behind the legendary breakup of the Beatles and the tragic death of John Lennon.
- Michael Jordan: Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He’s a hall of famer and holds just about every record you can think of in professional basketball. He’s famous for his competitive attitude, and I’d love to know what drives him as a competitor. I’d also love to ask him about his rivalry with Larry Bird and being the leader of the Chicago Bulls dynasty. Michael Jordan is also an accomplished businessman and his personal life has also been very interesting. Michael and I would have a lot to talk about.
- Conan O’Brien: Conan is hilarious. No matter what network he’s on, Conan will always make me laugh, but he’s more than just a funny guy. He’s also an accomplished writer, and has influenced comedians in many industries outside of late night talk shows. I’d love to see if Conan is as laid back and hilarious in real life as he is on TV, and I’d also like to know more about this family man’s personal life.
- Morgan Freeman: With a voice as soothing and gentle as Morgan Freeman’s, there’s no way I couldn’t put him on the list. If he had time, I’d have him read me a story before bed. Every night. His career has been long and decorated and he’s worked with every big name I can think of. I’m sure he has some stories to tell, and any story told in that trademark voice is worth hearing.
- Dr. Oz: Since I’m very interested in medicine and love learning about the human body, I’d have to choose Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and TV personality, to talk to. After watching Dr. Oz on television and reading his blog, I appreciate the fact that he explains health topics in a language I can understand. Not only is he a fountain of knowledge, but he’s also at the forefront of medical research and public health care, so I’m certain we’d have plenty to talk about.
- Julia Roberts: She stole our hearts in “Pretty Woman”, but she’s gone on to be much more than a pretty face. I’d love to ask Ms. Roberts how it felt to be chosen for ground-breaking roles like Erin Brockovich, and what it was like behind the scenes with George Clooney or Richard Gere. She’s an amazing woman who has inspired a generation of women to act with grace and pride.
