Here For it by R. Eric Thomas with Izzie Call
If you have listened to the podcast for awhile, you have probably heard me reference the book Here For it: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas. It is a favorite of mine and had a big impact on me when I read it the first time in June of 2020, so I was SO excited when my friend and returning guest Izzie Call read it, loved it as well, and wanted to come on and talk about it with me. In the episode I referenced the review I wrote about it at the time, but then I never read the review so here it is: Eric Thomas grew up thinking he was a normal kid until others made him feel that he wasn’t. Black, gay, and Christian, these essays reflect upon his experience of never fitting in, being discriminated against, and his hopeful journey to find his place in a country that he loves. Thomas’ conversational writing style draws the reader in, and his ability to add humor to heartbreaking moments truly make these stories come to life. In a time when we can all use to learn more about other’s experiences, this book was enlightening and truthful, with jokes that landed like Kerri Strug in the ‘96 Olympics.
My guest this week is the always delightful Izzie Call. Izzie works as a museum educator for the VMFA coordinating projects related to the permanent collections and special exhibition displays including digital components, labels, and web
resources. Izzie is a lifelong, passionate educator and feels most at home speaking about art with those who have an interest in learning.
Also, thank you to Eric Thomas for sharing his favorite drink with me when in a moment of bravado (delusion?) I reached out to him on IG. It is a Cosmopolitan and he said he is bringing it back as a recession indicator!
Cosmo Recipe
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with orange or lime, and enjoy!
In this Episode
Eric’s Newsletter - Check It Out!
Ali Hazelwood Hunger Games Drama
Frida Kahlo VMFA Exhibit (on view through 9/28/25)
