In November, Rachael Ray shared her culinary experiences at the 92nd Street Y. While promoting her new book, My Year in Meals, which features more than 500 recipes from Rachael, as well as cocktail recipes from her husband and manager, John Cusimano. She talked about her accomplishments and the lessons that she has learned throughout the years.

The Rachael Ray Show, a talk show that is in its 7th season, and 30 Minute Meals, which airs on Food Network, were created with the idea that, according to Rachael, “We believe you don’t have to be rich to live a rich life.” She believes that anyone can be Rachael Ray. She is also the originator of the Yum-O! organization, which seeks to educate kids on health and food.

Rachael Ray serves as a source of empowerment for many of us out there. She encourages us to take risks, saying that “fear is such a silly waste of time!”