My Birmingham
A conversation with Brooke Smith
After her television experience on reality show The Bachelor, Brooke Smith decided a career in TV was for her. Since 2003, this University of Alabama grad has been an on-air reporter for NBC13. Smith began hosting morning talk show Daytime Alabama in February, but the latest, greatest change in her life was becoming a mother this fall.
BONUS WEB CONTENT:
BHAM: As a long-time fan, Alabama graduate, Bama Belle and Crimson Courter, what are your thoughts on the state of Alabama football at this moment?
BS: I am so excited about the direction of the program. Saban has done a wonderful job with the boys.
BHAM: Is there a game that stands out as the most memorable you’ve attended? BS: For me, the [2005] Florida-’Bama game in Tuscaloosa was the best game I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. WHAT A GAME. The stadium has never been louder.
BHAM: You’ve become an enthusiastic marathon runner over the past few years. Where are your favorite places in town to run? BS: I love to run through Mountain Brook and enjoy the beautiful older homes. They have plenty of sidewalks, too, so it’s more runner-friendly. When I have time I also enjoy the yellow trail out at Oak Mountain State Park. BHAM: Does covering that territory on foot instead of by car change how you view the city? BS: Running gives you a chance to really see the city instead of zipping by. I’ve discovered lots of great shops and restaurants that way too. BHAM: You’ve said it’s your goal to run marathons in all 50 states and D.C. Where have you run marathons so far? BS: I’ve marked 11 off my list: Illinois, Alabama, Florida, Connecticut, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Tennessee, D.C., Mississippi and Louisiana. (I ran the last two while pregnant with Grace!) We’ve used marathoning as a great excuse to see this beautiful country.
Birmingham magazine: Your time on The Bachelor influenced your career choice. How else did it affect your life?
Brooke Smith: A renewed faith. Before my journey, my mom gave me a small piece of paper with the verse Jeremiah 29:11 on it: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.” It didn’t mean a lot to me at the time. But halfway through my journey, I found the paper in my luggage, and it sank in. God was in control of the situation, and no matter the outcome it would be His will.
BHAM: Has becoming a mom affected your relationship with Birmingham?
BS: Yes! Now it’s all about Gracie. When we go out to dinner we have to think along the lines of what restaurant is more spacious and kid friendly. When I shop now, it’s for her. I love the locally owned children’s stores and boutiques. I love Tricia’s Baby Station, and I recently discovered Once Upon a Time and The Good Life.
BHAM: What has been the most surprising thing about being a mom?
BS: I have never known love like this. I feel like I was always meant to be her mom. When I look at her, my heart jumps. She is the best parts of me and the best of my husband. She is my sweet little gift from God.
BHAM: How did you meet your husband?
BS: I met my husband the New Year’s Eve after The Bachelor finale. A friend of mine wanted to fix me up with a high school friend of hers, and I resisted. I had just had my heart broken on national television, and I did not feel like jumping into the dating pool just yet. Reluctantly, I went to the party with her. When Scott walked up and stuck out his hand to introduce himself, I melted. I felt like God was saying, “You are ready to date when I say you’re ready to date, and this is him!”We can’t choose when we meet our soul mate. Scott was the most handsome man I’d ever seen, and after talking to him all night I discovered he was just as beautiful on the inside.
BHAM: What was your favorite detail of your wedding?
BS: The look on Scott’s face as I walked down the aisle.
BHAM: To an extent, you’ve made big life changes in the public eye, beginning with The Bachelor but continuing as you’ve made a career in television. Has that been challenging?
BS: The days of the paparazzi sitting outside my home are over! What a nightmare. I do try to maintain my privacy now.
I was still in college when I was on The Bachelor so everyone in this area has seen me grow up, in a sense. My life was an open book when I was on the show. Now that I’m a talk show host I have much more control of how much I disclose to the public and what I choose to share.
BHAM: Let’s talk favorites. What’s your favorite romantic night out?
BS: A great bottle of red wine, a medium-cooked steak, soft music … I guess Scott could be there, too.
BHAM: Book?
BS: My favorite book right now is The Monster at the End of this Book. I do a pretty good Grover impression. My nose is mainly in children’s books these days. Gracie loves it!
BHAM: Band?
BS: The band that played at our wedding, Total Assets.
BHAM: What’s the one Southern dish you can't live without?
BS: My momma’s dressing. YUMMY!
BHAM: Spectator sport?
BS: Alabama football, of course!
