“I never thought I’d say this, but Dana Perino just sh0cked me!” — What did she reveal in her candid 7 Questions interview? 

Every week I’m interviewing exciting people from Idaho and around the world!

My guest today is the co-host of “The Five,” the #1 show on cable news. Dana Perino also co-anchors “America’s Newsroom” on the Fox News Channel, served as the White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and recently released the New York Times Bestselling book “I Wish Someone Had Told Me.”

I always love chatting with Dana. Here’s what I asked her:

• Is it hard to write a book and how long did it take you to write “I Wish Someone Had Told Me”?
• Did you ever think you’d be part of the #1 show on cable TV news?
• When I interviewed you a few years ago, we talked about me getting my ears pierced. Now I’m about to get braces. Did you have to wear braces and got any tips for me?
• If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would you choose?
• We randomly ran into each other on a street in New York City, and you were listening to an audiobook. What is your favorite book of all time?
• Can you tell me what you like best about Greg, Jesse, Jessica and Harold, your “The Five” co-hosts?
• I loved meeting your dog Jasper. You wrote a book about him. Do you plan to write a book about Percy?

“I Wish Someone Had Told Me”: Dana Perino Reflects on Writing, TV Fame, and Unexpected Street Chats

Writing a book isn’t easy—even for someone who’s spent her life surrounded by words. Dana Perino, co-host of The Five and former White House Press Secretary, opens up about her journey crafting I Wish Someone Had Told Me. “It was harder than I expected,” she admits. “Trying to condense wisdom into something relatable, encouraging, and meaningful took time—over a year, in fact. But it was worth every revision, every late night. I wanted it to feel like I was right there talking to the reader.”

Perino never imagined she’d be part of the #1 show on cable news. “Not in a million years,” she laughs. “But I’m grateful every day. The success of The Five is a testament to the chemistry we have and the trust our audience gives us.”

When reminded of a previous interview about ear piercings, and now the topic of braces, Perino is all smiles. “Yes, I had braces too! My tip? Don’t let the temporary discomfort stop you from smiling. Smile anyway—it’s part of the process. And keep flossing, no matter how annoying it gets!”

Asked who she’d like to have dinner with, she pauses thoughtfully. “I think I’d choose Margaret Thatcher. I’d love to talk to her about courage, leadership, and how she managed being a strong woman in a tough political landscape.”

A chance encounter on a New York street revealed Dana listening to an audiobook. So, what’s her favorite book? “That’s tough, but probably To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s a story that never leaves you—it’s about justice, empathy, and seeing the world through others’ eyes.”

And when it comes to her The Five co-hosts? “Greg makes me laugh every single day. Jesse brings this energy and wit that keeps things lively. Jessica is thoughtful and sharp. And Harold—he’s calm, smart, and such a grounding presence.”

Of course, no conversation with Dana Perino is complete without mentioning her beloved dogs. “Writing about Jasper was a joy,” she says. “He meant so much to me. And yes—Percy’s story deserves a book too. He’s got a lot to say. Stay tuned!”

BONUS QUESTIONS

• What are you most looking forward to this summer?
• How often do you talk to former President Bush?
• I’m starting middle school in the fall. What’s the best piece of advice you can give me?

Watch my entire interview with Dana in the video player above. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and X – and check out her book here.

Missed any of my previous interviews? Watch them all here. And if you have an idea of someone I should interview or just want to say hi, email me: [email protected].

The post Dana Perino shares advice, who she wants to have dinner with and more in 7 Questions with Emmy appeared first on East Idaho News.