The high-energy cook, who shows America how to whip up inexpensive meals in 30 minutes, promises her hour-long syndicated show, debuting today, will present "can-do" advice about cooking, travel, relationships and pop- culture trends.

"It's very important to me that everything is accessible. People love that sort of friendly advice and that sense of community when you get advice from a peer instead of an expert."

"She tells me to be myself," Ray said. "She doesn't chime in or call up and say, 'This is how you can be more like Oprah.' She's pretty busy with her own job."

"We're talkers in my family. We're very loud, talkative, volatile people," she said. "I've got a big mouth. My husband is a lot like me. He doesn't bruise easily."

Ray's show has been picked up by stations across the U.S., said Terry Wood, president of creative affairs for King World and CBS Paramount Domestic Television. Citytv is also airing the show.

"I'm really tired of seeing makeovers and date things and everyone is 20," she said, explaining she recently taped a piece on seniors dating. "I want to go from another angle. I want old and young to want to watch the show."

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