"Manning, 68, jumped at the chance to work on the show when host and co-producer Frank Winston first proposed the concept on Sept. 26. Winston had formerly worked as a radio host, but Manning said her career as the owner of a rare- book-and-print shop did not prepare her for the vicissitudes of being an executive producer. Now she writes the script for each half-hour episode (they tape two a month), handles the guest lineups and crew retention, and brings a dinner buffet before every show. "

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