42 Comments
Sunday, June 22, 2008

26 Curious Questions for Andy

Ever wondered what Andy's favorite color is? Or how about his favorite food? In this tell-all interview, we ask Andy some rather curious, not-so-normal questions.

1) Favorite color?

Red

2) Favorite number?

22 ... My birthday is on a 22 and 22 was the number of my favorite football player from my childhood ... Johnny Musso from the University of Alabama.

3) Birthday?

May 22, 1959. I was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

4) Parents?

Larry and Joyce Andrews My parents both majored in music and met at Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham, Alabama. Daddy was a minister of music at large churches while Mom played the piano, organ, and directed the children's choir programs. Mom died from cancer in 1979 at the age of 41 and Daddy was killed in an automobile accident shortly thereafter. He was 44.

5) Favorite memories of parents?

My mother's laugh, her good night kisses (she smelled like mentholatum), and her singing—she had a beautiful voice. Everyone who knew my mother loved her and to this day people tell me so.

My dad was memorable for his sense of humor and the creative ways he led people. And that includes his son. Once, when I was about 15, he caught a couple of friends and me smoking down by the pond behind our house. Instead of making a big scene or embarrassing me in front of my friends like I probably deserved, my father—never revealing his presence—quietly photographed us. Several days later, when my buddies were back at our house, he tossed us a photo album of a family vacation in which he had slipped the "smoking" pictures. At first, when we came upon them, none of us recognized the scene. Slowly, we became horror stricken as we realized that the photographs were of us. Then, it hit us just who had taken the pictures. Later, I went to my father and handed him the album, saying, "Dad, I'm sorry. Can we remove the pictures of me being stupid?"

He answered, "Should we take them out before your mom has a chance to see them?"

I said, "Yes sir. Can we please?" He did and never said another word about it, but the message had been clear: I wasn't getting away with anything!

6) Old stuff or new stuff?

New ... mostly. I don't love old cars or old houses or old furniture. And I REALLY hate old hotels. I'd much rather stay in a great Hampton Inn than one of New York City's 150 year old historical treasures with their ancient water pipes and heaters. (My wife thinks I am nuts ...) But on the other hand, I do like old people, old shirts, old books and the occasional old object that a person I admire once treasured.

7) Fishing boats or pleasure craft?

Fishing boats. I don't have a boat now, but if I did, it would be a fishing boat. I always tell my wife: You can ride on a fishing boat but you can't fish on a riding boat!

8) You talk often about seeking wisdom. Who are the wisest people you have ever met?

Well, lets say the "wisest people with whom I have been able to have a substantial conversation". That might be easier to do! Wisest man? ... you wouldn't know him. He was an old guy and as much time as I spent around him, I never knew his first name. I called him "Jones". The wisest woman (and I am leaving my mother out of this competition!) is a lady who lives in Anderson, Indiana. Her name is Gloria Gaither.

9) Favorite Restaurant Foods?

In no particular order:

  1. Fried shrimp at Wolf Bay Lodge — Elberta, Alabama
  2. Oyster sandwich at Sea N Suds — Gulf Shores, Alabama
  3. Macadamia Encrusted Mahi Mahi with Crab and Lobster Stuffing at Mama's Fish House — Maui, Hawaii
  4. Sushi at The Happy Sumo — Salt Lake City, Utah
  5. Ribeye steak at Shula's — any location
  6. Grilled Salmon at J. Alexander's — any location
  7. Seabass at Havana Blue in St. Thomas, USVI

10) Favorite Foods at Home

In no particular order:

  1. Hamburgers, steaks, or fish cooked on our Big Green Egg (it's more than just a grill!)
  2. Polly's Spaghetti
  3. My mother in law's Banana Pudding
  4. Our seafood gumbo
  5. My Chicken and Dumplings
  6. Oysters Rockefeller from my dad's old recipe

11) Foods you hate?

IN ORDER:

  1. Red Beans and Rice
  2. English Pea (or Green bean) Casserole
  3. Bean Soup (or "bean" anything for that matter ...)

12) Favorite Movies?

  1. The Legend of Bagger Vance
  2. A Christmas Story
  3. The Princess Bride
  4. Silverado

13) Favorite Books?

In no particular order:

  1. Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
  2. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins
  3. The Greatest Miracle by Og Mandino

14) Superman or Batman?

Superman. When I was a kid, I dreamed of being Superman and using my powers to play running back for the University of Alabama. I would ease off occasionally to keep my identity a secret. Of course that was boyhood silliness. Now, as an adult, I would rather play in the NFL. For the Colts.

15) Greatest Television Shows of All Time

Note: These aren't just my favorites ... they really are the greatest of all time!

  1. 1) The Andy Griffith Show (Don't ever argue with me about this one ...)
  2. The Wonder Years
  3. St. Elsewhere
  4. The Odd Couple
  5. Frasier
  6. Dirty Jobs (If you don't know this one, check it out on the Discovery Channel ... Mike Rowe is awesome!)

16) Favorite American Cities?

  1. San Diego
  2. Phoenix/Scottsdale
  3. Salt Lake City
  4. Nashville
  5. Austin

17) Favorite Book of Your Own?

My favorite book that I have written is definitely Island of Saints. The actual story—before and after I wrote it—still holds an intense fascination for me. While The Traveler's Gift has certainly sold more copies, I think I enjoy a reader's reaction to Island of Saints the most! And they always ask me the same question ... "How much of this is true?" My response, by the way, is "a great deal", but I am sworn to secrecy on any more than that particular answer!

18) Favorite Songs?

In no particular order ...

  1. Something Beautiful
  2. Ventura Highway
  3. Cool Change
  4. Mary, Did You Know?
  5. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
  6. Then Came The Morning (the way Ernie Haase and Signature Sound do it)
  7. Barometer Soup
  8. Vincent (the original "Starry, Starry Night" by Don McLean)
  9. Pancho and Lefty
  10. Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine
  11. Reminiscing
  12. Crazy (by Gnarls Barkley)

19)Favorite Musicians?

  1. Gordon Mote
  2. The Issacs
  3. Norah Jones

20) Favorite Magazines?

  1. Sports Illustrated
  2. ESPN: The Magazine
  3. Sportfishing Magazine
  4. Florida Sportsman

21) Favorite American Presidents?

  1. Abraham Lincoln
  2. Harry Truman
  3. John Adams

22) Thinker/Speaker/Author who has most impacted how you live your life?

  1. Og Mandino
  2. Andy Stanley

23) Characteristics you least admire in others?

  1. Laziness
  2. Whining
  3. Excuse Making

24) Coffee or Tea?

Hot coffee and iced tea!

25) Favorite Board Game?

Apples to Apples

26) Characteristic you least admire in yourself?

Impatience

42 Comments

1. Walter Givens:

June 25, 2008 @ 11:23 AM

"Andy, thanks for the great books you have given us they are a blessing. Are you involved with any of the direct sales companies. I was involved with Amway back when you were in. All bad! I'm sure I don't have to tell you that.

Thanks for all you do,
Walter"

2. John:

June 25, 2008 @ 11:51 AM

"I have finally found my "Andy Griffith Show" soul brother! Think I'm kiddin'? When my 180lb bernese mountain dog passed away this past year, Otis, (who, by the way, was a couple slices of bread shy of a full loaf, and no matter what kind of mischief he got into, you still loved him), we replaced him with a yellow female lab...who is loyal, loveable, sweet, kind, and gentle...and named her Aunt Bea.

Andy, I look forward to your posts. May the Lord continue to bless you, your wife, children, and your work."

3. Robert Nowlin:

June 25, 2008 @ 12:13 PM

"I always knew there was something right with you! Every Christmas eve, while putting together toys for my kids (now 4 and 10) I watch "A Christmas Story" many times! My wife hates it but she bought me the DVD box set a couple of years back!

Also at my Mom's funeral, while friends were filing in we had "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine" and "I Love" by Tom T. Hall playing. It's just who momma was!

Your books along with going through "Choices" seminars have really worked to change my life. Thank you and I look forward to your blogs!"

4. Kathy Baader-Howell:

June 25, 2008 @ 12:17 PM

"Andy:
So great to hear from you...is this going to be a daily/weekly blog..???
Anyway...your bd is the same as my daughter Steff. If ever in Louisville, KY go to Louisville School of Massage..she is an instructor there and also has a private practice there at the school. She was recently featured with a co-worker from the school on a local radio morning show...now she is famous...!!!
I also noticed that Maine is NOT on your list of favorite places....You should visit Maine ..it will change your mind. Take care...can't wait to hear from you again. Kathy & Jim"

5. Bob Smith:

June 25, 2008 @ 12:25 PM

"
A great idea, Andy. Keep 'em coming.

We thoroughly enjoyed your PBS production. Bought the DVD, and later bought three more sets for our children. They now love you,too.

You may be interested to know that the new president of Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, Texas is related to Norman Borlog. He was invited to her inauguration a few months back, but could not make the trip due to illness. Pity, for all of us were really looking forward to meeting him. You cannot know how many times you have been a part of my conversation with family, friends, and even strangers just met. There is true value in what you do. Thank you."

6. Sandra Hayes:

June 25, 2008 @ 12:35 PM

"I love Island of Saints also. Being a WWII buff, I knew your historical data had to be good! You're by far the best storyteller ever!"

7. Sheila:

June 25, 2008 @ 12:49 PM

"We first saw you on a cruise ship in the early '90s. You were the best comedian we have ever seen on a cruise (we've been on 12), and it was the only one we actually remember because your act was clean but extremely entertaining. We were very excited when we moved to Orange Beach and heard you also live here. I was fascinated by your book Island of Saints...very interesting info on this area. May God bless...."

8. Susan Carr:

June 25, 2008 @ 1:21 PM

"I just got the e-mail about your blog and enjoyed reading all about you. My husband and I have read several of your books and Island of Saints is also our favorite. We have to order it used on Amazon.com because they say it is out of print. Will there be a "re-printing" of this book? We have given it as a gift to several of our friends and they love it as well. (By the way, you're completely right about Andy Griffith!)"

9. kevin kilgore:

June 25, 2008 @ 1:24 PM

"
Andy GRIFFITH IS THE GREATEST SHOW OF ALL TIME. Just got back from the beach wiyh my 12 yr okd daughter. I read mastering decisions and realized as i sat on the beach with my daughter, how lucky i am. She gave me a fathers day card with a personal note stating how lucky SHE was. I cried when i read it and quickly informed her i was the lucky one."

10. Roger J. Kaiser:

June 25, 2008 @ 2:45 PM

"Andy, now I see why we see things the same way. Sorry I missed your birthday. I loveyou son, Polly and the boys too. Miss seeing you. God bless you. Roger and Janie."

11. Ed Cerny:

June 25, 2008 @ 2:47 PM

"Andy - This is great! How was your program in Utah? Did you eat at your favorite restaurant there before or after your program?

When will the new DVD be out?

What are you going to do now that Cory has graduated?

How can I pray for you.

Ed Cerny"

12. Dean Whetstone:

June 25, 2008 @ 2:54 PM

"Andy, I don't know where you will remember us or not but when Larry was Minister of Music at West Emd Baptist in B'ham, you used to come to our house to play with Sharon & Debbie when Joyce needed to go somewhere.
One day when you were there, you went into my bedroom and got real quite so I knew you were into something. I went to check on you and you had eaten a tube of my lipstick. That is one time I literally washed your mouth out. You were covered in lipstick.
I remember so well the beautiful voice your Mother had. One of the prettiest voices I have ever heard."

13. Ellen Moon:

June 25, 2008 @ 3:07 PM

"It feels good to look around and see that I am not alone in the boat. Thank you for sharing.
I recently had the pleasure of listening to you on disc while I drove to work. I found myself hoping to catch the red lights so that I could listen to you a few minutes longer. Our world is made better by your words.
Thank you."

14. dduncan:

June 25, 2008 @ 3:18 PM

"Glad to hear your favorite, self-written, book is Island of Saints. It was a masterpiece. Have loaned that book many times to those who wanted to read it.

Just wondering if, by any chance, the Gloria Gaither is the one of the Bill & Gloria Gaither Trio.

Your favorite President, being Lincoln, was not a surprise and brings back so much of my own passion for 'all things Lincoln'.
After years of interest, and, at one time, having over 300 Lincoln books in my library, I discovered some exciting history that connects my mother's side of the family to the Lincoln family...not by blood, but through the Marcus Whitman family (early pioneer missionaries to Oregon Teritories)with whom I am related. What a fun discovery.

God's Best to you and yours!
Dick"

15. Chris:

June 25, 2008 @ 3:39 PM

"You're an Egghead too!

I knew there was something I liked about you other than your humorous insights and inspirational books :)

PS: I really enjoyed your recent "You remind me of my daddy" email. I reposted it on my blog with a link to your website for Fathers Day weekend and it received a lot of comments. For Father's Day, I emailed my dad a link to your video clip about "the smartest thing my dad ever did" and then told my dad a few of the smartest things he had ever done, in my view, and how much I appreciated him for it."

16. Sharon Koutroupis:

June 25, 2008 @ 9:53 PM

"I wonder how many of people, besides me, googled Og Mandino and Andy Stanley!

Thank you!"

17. Linda:

June 25, 2008 @ 10:05 PM

"Thanks for the many opportunities I have had to enjoy your books, DVDs etc. I work for a national Real Estate company and you have spoken at several of our events. There has always been something to laugh about and something to learn. I have introduced your books to some of my agents that rarely read much beyond real estate material and they keep wanting more of your books. Each year for Christmas I give them a copy of your Sock for Christmas, read the book to them and give them each a pair of new socks. The memories and tears flow and they then buy the book and use it as a family tradition. Thanks for touching our lives. We look forward to more books. May God Bless You and Yours
Linda"

18. carol from florida:

June 25, 2008 @ 10:43 PM

"How wonderful!! You share my love of the song "Crazy" - by Gnarls Barkley !! Judging from the rest of your bio information , whoever would have guessed? You are a man for all seasons. I so enjoyed your pbs show and look forward to seeing much more of your insightful and very entertaining material. GOD Bless You and Yours."

19. Judy Henderson:

June 26, 2008 @ 8:05 AM

"Hi Andy,
I want to let you know that I found a guy that looks so much like you that he could be kin(but he said that he isn't). I loaned him one of your DVD's so he could see for himself. I'm waiting to hear from him. Your Blog is Great! Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. Sincerely, Judy from Arkansas."

20. Carrie Newton:

June 26, 2008 @ 10:58 PM

"Oh Andy I TOTALLY agree with you on Og Mandino! I found his books about 14 years ago. The first one I read was "The Choice" and I was hooked! I have all of his books. I also have all of yours :o)

Keep up the good words!
Carrie"

21. maryann:

June 27, 2008 @ 10:34 PM

"Thanks for calling about the blog! I love reading how many others are being blessed by you! I also know how happy your Mom and Dad are with the ministry you provide for so many! How proud I am of you and the man, husband, father and genuine guy you are! We are blessed to be family! With much love and support, Tyler and Maryann"

22. Dixie Iler:

June 28, 2008 @ 8:00 PM

"Reading some of your favorite things makes me remember my parents; I had three, my mother, my father (the one I grew up with), and the father who gave me birth. My parents were simple people, not rich, but rich in a lot of things. My mother wasn't the greatest mom...but she did the best with what skills God gave her. My dad...the one who gave me birth. Don't have a lot to say about him, but I respect him for my existance. My dad...got to learn a lot about him in his older years, having to share the duties of taking care of him in his last years. He was a hard worker and never once did he complain about working so much for us kids...there were seven of us kids. Your stories make me remember the good times and not the bad times. Please keep up the good work, inspiring us, supporting us thru your writing. Thank you"

23. TRCoach:

June 29, 2008 @ 9:10 AM

"Superman? I have to disagree - Batman has made himself through hard work and dedication. Have to agree with favorite # 22. I too was born on the 22. The 22 of the 2nd month. Thanks for sharing!
Tom(TRCoach)"

24. Allen Campbell:

June 30, 2008 @ 9:30 PM

"

Hi Andy,
Great new look on your website. You I am sure are aware of the great team you have working with you.
I am really looking forward the seeing the finished DVD from the Mastering The Seven Decisions that filmed in Salt Lake City!! I was stunned that you could speak so powerfully for that amount of time without a break.
Like you my fav color is Red however probaly a diffrent shade and I prefer A Big White N ebraska in the middle of all the Red!
Great Job
My best to all,
Allen

"

25. Danny Good:

July 1, 2008 @ 5:39 PM

"Hiya Andy!
I never quite know what to say when I want to say something nice. So. You seem like a pretty smart fella!
Your friend...Danny"

26. Dawn Frick:

July 1, 2008 @ 7:37 PM

"Hi Andy, I loaned out your Seven Decisions dvd to a friend and don't think I'll ever see it again! Oh well, I'll just have to order another. Thanks for the blog and for just being who and how you are. I'm familiar with about half of your favorites and can agree on with you on most of them, especially about the beans. (YUK) I also agree about your motivational speaker comments. If you aren't present, you aren't effective, and most folks spend a great deal of their time trying to be somewhere other than where they are. Thanks once more for helping as you do, and for myself in particular. You were a bright spot in a dark time. Now you are a beacon of love and peace. Much joy. Dawn"

27. Gerry Keesling:

July 1, 2008 @ 8:09 PM

"I have read all of your books and the Island of Saints is my favorite as well. I shared a copy of the Traveler's Gift with my coaching staff. Thanks."

28. Laura Lewis:

July 1, 2008 @ 10:31 PM

"Coming from one who has been there in the realm of dealing with adversity, overcoming it all and seeking to positively influence others, I wanted you to know that I so enjoyed your books. They came to me at a time when I really needed to "hear" what you had to say! Andy, thank you for all that you do. Many blessings to you! Laura

PS My fav color is red and I adore the song "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley...and the one also by Seal! Life is too short to not live life in wild abandon...responsibly of course! ;-)"

29. Shirley Haidle:

July 2, 2008 @ 11:52 AM

"Hi Andy, Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your blog! I saw you for the first time MANY years ago on the Ralph Emery show "Nashville Now" and especially loved your recitation of all the reasons to give to children and how fast you perform that act. You also performed in Salt Lake City a few years ago for the entertainment at our holiday party at the Salt Palace. I was on the holiday party committee and told everyone we didn't need to look any further if we could get you booked. I love your down-to-earth approach to life and I too love RED. Keep writing; you are the best!
Shirley"

30. Judy:

July 2, 2008 @ 6:38 PM

"I am an English teacher in a private Christian school. I would like to purchase 50 copies of your book, The Traveler's Gift, to teach in my American Literature class. I haven't been able to find a website that our finance department is willing to deal with as we must use the purchase order. Can you help me? Thanks."

31. Andy Andrews:

July 3, 2008 @ 9:55 AM

Andy Andrews

"Hi Mrs. Whetstone!

I certainly do remember you and your family! Thanks so much for your influence on my young life and your friendship with my parents. As for me eating your tube of lipstick or you washing out my mouth, I can't say I remember that...but thanks for telling everyone else about it! Ha!

Yours,

AA"

32. Mary Snyder:

July 4, 2008 @ 1:36 AM

"Andy --

Oh my -- you grew up in B'ham.... Johnny Musso, I remember watching him play.
I think we're about the same age. I went to Woodlawn High School class of 81 and I love The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald -- favorite of mine.

thanks for a great blog. and welcome to the wonderful world of blogging -- or that time-warp black hole..... but I love it."

33. gg&mg:

July 8, 2008 @ 9:00 PM

"Hi Andy,
You and mg have favorite songs in common--weird! And I love "Island", too, only it could have been LONGER! The last show on tv that my dad watched was "Andy", said they were timeless, and this was 25+ years ago.
See ya! gg & mg"

34. R V:

July 8, 2008 @ 10:23 PM

"I would have to say that I truly loved Island of Saints. I finished the book today and I started to google some of the information in the book wanting to know if it is based on a true story. In reading the information in your website, i would have to believe that it is true and it is very enlightening. It seems very surreal but yet possible. Is it? And to think that you would come across something in your yard that would eventually end up being a great book. Truly wonderful!"

35. Rudy Noll:

July 10, 2008 @ 1:08 PM

"Andy: I am from Anniston, Alabama although I now live in Tampa, Florida (until I retire back in Alabama). I am curious that none of your favorite places to eat included the fabulous ribs at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa.

Roll Tide."

36. Laurel P:

July 11, 2008 @ 8:29 AM

"Andy...this is great to read both your blog and website...always knew you were a gifted speaker and writer. Esp. loved reading "Island of Saints". It is now one of my very favorite reads. We still have pics of you and Polly from a business function and always enjoyed hearing your "mama's best chocolate chip cookies" story...you need to share that online too if you haven't already!"

37. Kathy Whelan:

July 11, 2008 @ 11:12 PM

"I just came across your website. We met way back around '84/85 on a cruise ship...you were there with a friend (I forget his name), I worked in the casino. It must have been around Christmas as you were singing the Chestnuts roasting on an open fire song, which I had never heard and asked if you were making it up. Well, you both laughed your socks off at me...I am Scottish and had not heard that song before!

Wow, that was a long time ago. I had no idea you were now a successful writer, I remember the comedian on the ship....that's excellent. Now I am off to dig out all the old photos. Guess I should go book shopping as well !!!

Kathy"

38. melanie boutwell simmons:

July 13, 2008 @ 8:08 AM

"Who knew that my best friend would marry such a great guy....reading your books now...yes I am. Great stuff. I hand them off to my mother when I am finished...just remember that I take credit for some of your wife's better traits....it is from riding bikes with me in Mississippi.
Keep up the great work....love it.
Mel"

39. Shawn:

July 17, 2008 @ 8:00 PM

"Hey Andy, I noticed you listed Dirty Jobs as one of your "Greatest Television Shows of All Time"... I want to give you the heads up that the new Dirty Jobs special is airing soon!

It's part of Shark Week 2008 and will follow Mike Rowe's quest for the Greenland Shark. Let me know if you'd like any more info... and have a great day.

shawngrover2008@gmail.com"

40. Patsy:

July 21, 2008 @ 10:02 PM

"Andy,
Enjoyed the visit with you and your beautiful family yesterday while visiting with Lillian. My husband has placed one of the books I bought by the chair he uses for his morning quiet time. I'm looking forward to reading each one that I bought.

Some friends just came by for a visit here, and I found out that they are actually mutual acquaintences...Lu and Jim Adams said to tell you "Hello." Seems they went to church with you when they lived on Ono, and I think he said he carried your book at their store at Orange Beach. Good people.

Again, thanks for being so gracious to all of us Sunday.

Patsy"

41. Annette Duke:

July 23, 2008 @ 11:32 PM

"Andy, I watched the "Dirtiest Jobs" several times. In fact, after watching the one about raising talipia I will never eat one again, and I thought they were so good. I had once enjoyed eating them."

42. Bobbie Jean Ashley:

October 20, 2008 @ 12:34 PM

"Andy,

I met Harry Truman once! I however don't remember it as I was two years old. My mother told me that he held me in his arms and that he was a very sweet kind man.

I met you once too! It was at the Albright and O'Malley seminar at the Country Radio Seminar. I enjoyed our meeting and I have been an avid fan of your books ever since!!!

I can't wait till your next book release!!!

Best Wishes,
Bobbie Jean"

Reply to this Post