I am literally smaller than life. I am an unextraordinary-looking person. I've seen people trying to hide their disappointment when they meet me, and I have to watch them get over it.

"


Difficult interviews
Gross has drawn added public attention following some occasions when interviews have taken a confrontational turn. Gross lives in Philadelphia. The couple have no children.

She has a reputation for researching her guests' work largely the night before an interview often asking them unexpected questions about their early careers. Gross has won praise over the years for her low-key and friendly yet often probing interview style and for the diversity of her guests.