K. Elizabeth Toasts is a podcast celebrating people who increase our quality of life. Each episode is a heartfelt interview of a person who makes lives better through one or more of the Social Determinants of Health. Give a listen if you are in need of a dopamine hit or if you want to be inspired to do small things that make big differences. Or if you like toast. Because this toast’s for you.
K. Elizabeth is a fat, queer, privileged, White, middle-aged American woman living in Minneapolis. She has a background in mental health counseling and adult education and is likely interested in the Social Determinants of Health because of her identities. For example - she has been baffling healthcare providers for years with her low blood pressure, and wellness is the cornerstone of the counseling profession. While researchers, public sectors, and intergovernmental organizations are focused on necessary and equitable systemic change, K. Elizabeth wants to celebrate what individuals are doing to positively influence the health and wellness of themselves and others.
Book Review of the Week: Growing Up Urkel by Jaleel White
If you're expecting "Growing Up Urkel" to evoke that unmistakable 90's feeling of its namesake "Family Matters" character Steve Urkel, you might want to change your expectations.
I can't help but think that at least part of the inspiration of Jaleel White's memoir "Growing Up Urkel" is to shake off the dust off the character he played for nine years and that came to define him for the rest of his adult life even as he tried to maintain an acting career once the hit series finally came to its close.
While there's definitely humor to be found in "Growing Up Urkel," there's little denying it contains an emotional edge from someone whose career never came close to equaling his childhood years playing a character initially intended for a one-off episode but who quickly became a fan favorite with his nasally voice, ever-present suspenders, coke bottle glasses, and social awkwardness.
