Matt Lauer

Broadcasting through 9/11 together, like Katie Couric and I did, creates a bond.

There's a difference between good chemistry and a bond. Chemistry is something you have with somebody you meet - or you don't. It's an intangible. It may be superficial. It's much harder to put your finger on than a bond.

Being in front of the camera - first of all, when I wanted to get into television, it was as a producer. I never had an idea that I would do anything in front of the camera, and that kind of happened by accident. But I wanted to be a producer or give me a job with the Yankees or play for the Knicks. I was a sports nut when I was a kid.

Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.

I worry about that every single day: Am I being a good father?

If you can be who you are on camera, which is not easy, then I think you're going to be successful.

In some ways, being No. 2 in the ratings is a real shot in the arm, a kick in the pants.

My dad was Jewish. My mom is not. So I was not raised anything.

I get letters from women, and they say, 'I love your Roman nose.' If I weren't on TV and I walked past that same woman, she'd go, 'Did you see the beak on that guy?

Outside of my family and my work, I have two passions, both instilled in me by my father: golf and fishing.

On a day-to-day level, I love watching my kids accomplish the little things that seem trivial but are really milestones: seeing my son hit a baseball or watching my daughter draw something that actually looks like what she says she's drawing. Or hearing them say 'I love you.'

I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace.