NBC Interviews REM Runner Julie Flygare On Narcolepsy, Memoir and Yoga

Watch here:

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.
I had the extraordinary opportunity to practice my narcolepsy communications skills with NBC Washington’s Medical Producer yesterday. But first, I got to practice yoga with NBC!

I met Lauren and Chester at my yoga studio, Tranquil Space to record B-roll footage at 10am.  Yoga plays a major roll in my memoir – so I was thrilled to highlight yoga in this interview.

Centering Pose

Tranquil Space opened especially for us, so I unrolled my mat in the empty studio. NBC’s Lauren is also a yoga instructor, so she offered to lead me through a personal class. As the camera began recording, my stomach clenched. I wondered, “I hope my alignment isn’t too terrible!

Like real class, I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. Soon the camera and crew disappeared from my mind. Even in awkward circumstances, yoga calmed me.

Over the next 40 minutes, Lauren directed me though a series of simple poses.  Chester moved the camera around to various angles.

Warrior II

At one point, Chester went outside to film me through the studio’s decorative front window. On the busy Wilson Boulevard, pedestrians blatantly stared – wondering what the heck we were doing, as Chester stood with his massive camera in the bushes.  I giggled and felt a slight tingling in my head – a warning of cataplexy, but my muscles didn’t give out, thankfully.

Afterward, we zoomed off to my house for the interview.  I changed quickly, while my living room transformed into an official-looking studio.  I clipped the microphone to my collar and ran the wire down my blouse.

NBC 4’s great crew

Settling in for the interview, I felt fearless and ready.  I hadn’t prepared, but I didn’t need to.  My “talking points” were engraved upon my heart and mind.

So what did we talk about?  You’ll have to wait and see! The story will air on NBC 4 Washington Tuesday, November 15th during 5pm news and will be available online soon.

Julie Flygare’s NBC Interview

Chester also filmed some B-roll of me working on my memoir at my computer.  I am so thankful to Lauren, Chester and NBC for taking an interest in my story.

“Usually we cover new stuff,” Lauren explained, “but I realized, we’ve never covered narcolepsy!”

I smiled. Narcolepsy is news – not because it just happened yesterday but because it’s been there all along – a serious neurological illness that’s been overlooked.  Yesterday was one of those surreal days when change felt within reach.

Also, a big thank you to Gretchen and Mary-Catherine of Tranquil Space Arlington for generously allowing us to use the studio!

Julie Flygare’s Interview With NBC’s Lauren

7 Comments

  1. Anonymous on October 26, 2011 at 9:18 am

    How exciting! Can't wait to see the video on line as I don't live near DC. Keep going Julie….you continue to work hard to spread awareness. Thank you!

  2. Tricia on October 26, 2011 at 9:48 am

    WOW, I am speechless, and that is just not usual for me. I am thrilled. A voice for narcolepsy is just what is needed. I feel so good today for all of us. What a banner day for you Julie, you make me so proud.

  3. Gail on October 26, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Congratulations Julie! You truly deserve the National Narcolepsy Awareness award you just received in Las Vegas. You have really inspired me to exercise through my aches and pains and pursue my dreams through adverse situations. I look forward to watching you on NBC soon!

  4. Unell Hussey on October 26, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Thanks so much Julie. You are a great role model and spokes person for Narcolepsy, Unell

  5. Melissa on October 26, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Well done, Julie! Please let your loyal readers know when we can watch the interview online! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

  6. Trinity on October 27, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    I second Melissa! Looking forward to it!

  7. Anonymous on November 1, 2011 at 6:56 am

    It was wonderful meeting you in person, Julie! Looking forward to seeing you on TV soon! – Gretchen

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply