If you know my next guest, think again. This is a woman who has overcome hardship after hardship.

But yet she walked into the room for this conversation, head held high shoulders back and

full of life.

Maria Manunos is a reporter, host, actor, producer, New York Times

best-selling author, and podcast host, but beyond her impressive resume, she's a mother,

a daughter, and a fighter, and someone whose perspective continues to impress

and inspire me.

You might remember and love her from her time on E-news, Access Hollywood, or even here today.

With her bright personality and her infectious smile,

she has been a light on our TV screens for more than 20 years.

But there is so much more than 20 years.

But there is so much more to Maria.

Let me tell you, this girl is a force.

She has a depth that might surprise you.

Beyond her career, her life has been quite a ride with both highs and lows, and at each turn, she has exhibited incredible strength, grace, and unshakable faith.

In 2016, Maria received shocking news.

Her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.

While caring for her mom, Maria started to notice that she was feeling off herself.

Just a few months after her mom's diagnosis, Maria learned that she had a brain tumor

herself.

The news was unimaginable. The two received brain surgery within

months of each other. Maria's tumor turned out to be benign, but sadly her

...