More: Congratulations on the new season of The Wendy Williams Show.
Wendy Williams: It is going to be bigger and better than ever! I am so excited, yet I feel so new at this, and green compared to talk legends that have been on television for a while.

More: Who is on your wish list to put in the hot seat?
WW: Hayden Panettiere, who is starring in Nashville. Shia LaBeouf, who is one of my favorite movie stars. I also love Kevin James of King of Queens, I have seen all of his movies and my son and I are huge fans. Kerry Washington of Scandal would be great, especially because it is political season—which of course means I would also love the Obamas and the Romneys. We would talk to them in a smart, fun and Wendy manner.

More: Is it accurate to say you had a slow start after the show launched?
WW: It is like any business, so yes, it was a slow start. I compare it to pedaling uphill. When I think about where we are now, I feel like a well-oiled machine. However, I am not anywhere near where I want to be.

More: Where do you want to be?
WW: I am not sure I will ever feel comfortable saying we got it made and we are a sure thing. In my world, it is public opinion that really counts.

More: Your ratings are huge and you are landing a real A-list guest lineup. What comes to mind when you think of where you began and where you are today?
WW: Oh my gosh! So many things have been tweaked with the show. Although we weren’t broken, we have had to fix things here and there. For me personally, I have developed a lot as a host of a daytime program. I am very comfortable in front of the camera, I am comfortable doing live television, though I am self-conscious about things such as, did I ask the right questions? did I offend that guest? Today I feel very sure of myself as a host. Although there is always room for growth, I feel really good about the position I am in now.

More: Which is?
WW: Daytime TV is geared to women, and now that I am 48 years old it is such a sweet spot for me as a woman. I mean, just being in my forties is a sweet spot. I am really enjoying this time in my life. I am embracing every birthday, I have a 12-year-old son, I am a proud parent, and a proud wife to my husband of 14 years. I feel I have so much in common with my audience. I want to be a decent role model for my family and my audience. Being on daytime TV allows me to do that.

More: You mentioned twice that you are in your forties. That seems important to you.
WW: Yes, it is. Age is just a number, on one hand. On the other hand, age is relative to the information you are dispensing. Yes, my body might have changed, but I am also proud to say this is the same body that birthed a child and survived three miscarriages and thyroid disease. Forget the number. In my book, it is not over until you lie down and say, It is over!

More: That’s a lot to go through.
WW: When I was pregnant with our son I gained 103 pounds and was on bed rest. I am a tall, meaty girl. Through my own determination, I have a body that I am proud of. Yes, I have to watch it every single day. I grew up in a body conscious family. I mean, I was on my first diet when I was in first grade; my parents monitored my food when I was in first grade. It wasn’t until recently that I developed a healthy relationship with food. If I were on Mad Men, I would have to be thin and wear a pencil skirt, because my character would need to be sexy. But if you were to ask me why I got my job, I would say it is because I am entertaining. My job has nothing to do with my weight. I don’t feel the pressure to be thin. But, being a woman, I do want to be sexy, especially for my husband.

More: Speaking of the past, you have a dark one. 
WW: I do have a past.