Love Conquers All: An Interview with Debra & Steve from The Amazing Race 4

RNO: What do your children think about the two of you being on TV? What was their reaction to the two of you being eliminated first?

Debra: My children are AMAZING! They were supportive from the outset and one of the reasons I wanted to do the show. I wanted to last longer to face more challenges but after the show aired my youngest called to say that she was glad we were eliminated because she wasn't sure she could take the stress of watching another episode.

Steve: We also would like to thank our beagle, Switzer (you can see him at the beginning of the show). Switzer had to endure a six-week stay at a kennel. Thanks boy, have another dog biscuit.

RNO: How does it feel to be the center of attention right now? Do you welcome all the media and press, or would you rather life to go right back to "normal"?

Steve: Aside from some kidding from my fellow reporters, we have pretty much been spared a lot of media attention. But what we have had has been kinda fun.

Debra: Other than a lot of attention on the Internet, there really hasn't been too much attention other than from our family and friends. Our day-to-day lives have not really been affected except for the time we have spent doing the show and some doing interviews.

RNO: Do either of you plan on using your newfound status to advance your careers?

Steve: If I have any hope it is that curious people will learn about the Mary Anderson Center for the Arts, the artists' colony Debra runs. The Center provides a place for artists to paint, write, and whatever. If you want to learn more about the center, go to maryandersoncenter.org.

Debra: Maybe a show for middle aged married couples who like to do crazy things... or maybe a TV or radio talk show giving advice... Steve's quite the sensitive new age guy.

RNO: The two of you had a very strong relationship and that was quite clear. What would you say the key to your strong bond is? Do you have any advice to other couples explaining how your relationship works?

Steve: We love each other, we care for each other's feelings, and we know at the end of the day it's just us... million dollars or no.

Debra: Giving advice on how to have a happy fun marriage... sounds like maybe we should sit in for Dr. Phil when he is on vacation or write another relationship book... you know there are just never enough of them.

RNO: If given the chance, would you two do the race again, or is once enough?

Steve: Once is never enough. Come on, Bert, how about a Losers' edition of TAR.

Debra: I'd get on a plane tomorrow and do it again in a heartbeat.

RNO: Did you have a chance to get to know any of the other teams? Is there a certain team that you still keep in contact with?

Steve: We've enjoyed keeping in touch with everyone. (Yes, including Tian and Jaree)

Debra: Since the show has ended, we have stayed in touch with most of the teams through the Internet and on the phone. I truly hope that these friendships last a lifetime.

RNO: How would you sum up your experience on the race? Do you suggest it to other couples that would want to use the race as a way to build their relationship, or would something a little less stress-free be the way to go?

Steve: I wouldn't recommend it to couples that need relationship building. This is a very stressful activity. You need a strong bond. Not just to survive the race, but the rest as well.

Debra: While it's not the best way to begin or end a relationship, it would make for boring TV is all of the couples were as compatible as Steve and I.

RNO: Anything else to add?

Steve: I do have one request. For everyone who loves TAR and wants a TAR5, now is the time to act. We need to get more people to watch and fall in love with TAR the way we do. Organize TAR watching parties. Get your friends to watch. Remember, "friends don't let friends watch FRIENDS!"

Phil Kural is a senior at Temple University, and can be reached at pkural@temple.edu.

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