David Leite: Notes on a Banana, Falling in Love, and Coming Out Bipolar

In this episode of Waking Up Bipolar, Chris Cole speaks with David Leite—culinary expert, award-winning food journalist, and author of the recently-published, critically-acclaimed book, NOTES ON A BANANA: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression.

NOTES ON A BANANA is at once a tender look at growing up, a candid take on the power of self-acceptance, and an unflinching tale of the hell of mental illness. David’s story is brutally honest and necessary, creating a sense of universality and enduring hope that today’s readers need more than ever.

David Leite has tackled everything from chocolate chip cookies to Welsh cakes, from the foods of Portugal to the tribulations of being a super taster—for print, radio, and television. In 1999, he founded the website Leite’s Culinaria, and in 2006 he had the distinction of being the first winner ever of a James Beard Award for a website, a feat he repeated in 2007. The following year, he won his third James Beard Award for his article on fried clams for the New York Times. His first book, THE NEW PORTUGUESE TABLE: Exciting Flavors from Europe’s Western Coast, explored the food of his heritage and won the 2010 IACP First Book/Julia Child Award. David is also a regular correspondent and guest host on NPR’s “The Splendid Table.” He splits his time between Connecticut and New York, but will travel anywhere for a good meal.

As you’ll hear in the interview, I am immensely grateful for David’s work, both because of his advocacy, and particularly because of how successful of a life and career he enjoys today. I hope for more visibility for such invisibility, and David is a wonderful example of this courage.

Keep up with David Leite by visiting his blog at leitesculinaria.com.

NOTES ON A BANANA: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression is available through Harper Collins and everywhere books are sold: https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062414373/notes-on-a-banana

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidjosephleite/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidleite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidleite/

Some of you know that I blog sporadically for the International Bipolar Foundation, and David is speaking at their 10 year anniversary event in San Diego, September 28th. This is a tremendous non-profit organization that gives voice and visibility to many. Please consider donating and/or attending. Here's the link: http://ibpf.org/event/10th-anniversary-san-diego-fundraiser 

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Chris Cole hosts the Waking Up Bipolar podcast, focused on the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual awakening. He is the author of The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction, and Madness, inspired by his own journey of spiritual unfolding and mental health challenges. Chris Cole offers life coaching for any number of mental health conditions, specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence. Chris’s experience with addiction, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, psychosis, and spiritual emergency allows him to relate to a wide range of clients. He utilizes a holistic approach to mental health which views wellness in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual domains. Learn more about Chris and his work at colecoaching.com.

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