Martha Stewart: Nightline anchor Cynthia McFadden exclusive

One question is quickly answered. How does Stewart do it? McFadden reported the head of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, (MSLO), only gets three to four hours of sleep a night. What else did McFadden discover in a Nightline interview for the ages? Watch McFadden's entire insightful interview on the November 19 Nightline at 11:35 pm.

Inside Martha Stewart's world

SheKnows: What did you take away personally and professionally from your time with Martha Stewart?

Cynthia McFadden: Martha Stewart was extraordinarily generous with her time. I've profiled plenty of celebrities in folks in her high-profile types of positions. They doll out the time like diamonds.

SheKnows: Yes they do…

Cynthia McFadden: Well, Martha Stewart, when she decided to do this, was generous. She gave us two full days of access to her life, her world, her business and no holds barred. Nothing was off limits. I have to say after spending a good amount of time with her, I woke up on morning three and said, "Where's Martha?"

We both laugh.

Cynthia McFadden: I was surprised how compelling she is, she is both engaged and engaging about the things that interest her. She's a teacher at heart. She wants to explain. She's never happier than when she's explaining to someone how she thinks things should be done. There's only one way to do things – the Martha Stewart way (laughs) -- but, if you can participate in that world, it's quite an interesting an fun ride.

SheKnows: It sure is especially considering where she started and where she currently sits. It's an inspiring story to both women and men.

'If you want the girl next door. Go next door.'

Cynthia McFadden: Listen, I have to say. She's not woman fuzzy. If that's what you want, if you want the girl next door. Go next door. She's not woman fuzzy. She can be assertive. She is demanding. She can be a perfectionist -- all of those things. But, she's also such an American original. She's so refreshing candid about her likes and dislikes. I was taken aback about her comments on Rachel Ray. But, she calls it as she sees it. She doesn't live in hiding. We had a good go around about how she picks up the pink gravel in her driveway at her house in Maine. It's a mile long driveway. They rake it up, clean it, and store it every winter so it doesn't get muddy.

SheKnows: Oh, of course.

Cynthia McFadden: I'm like, "Martha, who can do this? You do understand that you are not normal?" She looked at me and said, "Well, you're not normal either."

SheKnows: Yes, indeed.

Cynthia McFadden: I copped to that, but most of us aren't going to be picking up pink gravel on our driveways. She doesn't really care about what other people think about that. It's part of a tradition of this beautiful house. I want to preserve. Nobody else has to do this, but this is part of my contribution to making the world more beautiful. She's eccentric, but I have to say I walked away having really enjoyed the time with her.

Up next...McFadden shares a hint of Stewart's views on Bernie Madoff and the SEC