Jaleel White: Case Study of a Young Star. Racial Identity, Basketball & MH During COVID

Mayim opens up about her days on Blossom, how she started in the industry and the huge pressures and expectations she faced. Jaleel discusses the path which led him to fame as a teenager and talks about what it was like to have so much power at a young age. Both experienced a sense of being owned by the industry and the public and share how they were trained to be deferential to adults. While they both experienced unique opportunities, including stories of 90's NBA all star games with Michael Jordan, and stories with Karl Malone and Penny Hardaway, the conversation turns to one about Jaleel's identity as a young black man in a predominantly white industry and the impact this had on his mental health and his outlook on his career.
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Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #JaleelWhite #BialikBreakdown

[@slvrangel22]

I think Urkel needed to make a Big Bang Theory cameo LOL. He was smart enough to fit right in.

[@sunflower7045]

Lol Sheldon would have LOOOOATHED him entirely. 😂

[@gr1mrea9er82]

The Big Bang Theory was concluded in 2019.

[@Jenna.A.]

@@gr1mrea9er82 That's why OP used past tense. They were saying it would have been nice if he would have been on the show.

[@godgunsandgoldens]

Yea, BBT had so many well known actors from drama and comedy both. Jaleel would have been a great guest appearance. The possibilities for his character would have been endless.

[@brandirowell3197]

🤯🤯🤯💜💜💜

[@capla374]

I really appreciated his perceptive regarding how African Americans treat each other based on the degree of blackness they think you have. It is rare that anybody talks about that elephant in the room.

[@constancemiller3753]

Sad how Spike Lee perceived Jaleel as less than but still wanted Urkel dollars.

[@dubztv741]

That is definitely a fact

[@KINGAMIIAMKING]

@capla374 There's no such thing as blackness. People aren't Crayola crayon colors.

[@victorianavarro9518]

I feel that in every race people will speculate if you are enough for that group. I personally was made to feel not Hispanic enough when I was in school and bullied. I’m glad to hear Jaleel speak about this and how candid and empathetic Mayim is with the questions

[@loreanaciamarone5688]

Please don’t ever STOP making this FANTASTIC podcast....!!!!!!

[@averygiven3642]

You said it

[@KOKO-uu7yd]

IKR!

[@yolihervitale6076]

No podcast ever has made me feel like I am learning more than this podcast. Please, please, please... Don't ever stop. 😍

[@politelyproper2858]

I couldn't agree more! I have been going to therapy for 20+ years and have learned more about myself from Mayim and her conversations than I have in all these years of therapy. Being the same age, background, divorced mom of two, etc. and hearing via this medium has enriched me in so many ways. 🥰

[@tejadeja9542]

The Break Down has been so timely for me. This podcast is wonderful. Our daughter passed away in January this year 2021. She was 38 years-old. She was funny, kind, gentle and beautiful inside and out. She was my best-friend and I miss her every millisecond. Somehow every podcast I’ve watched has brought some sort of truth, comfort, insight or even a laugh. Thank you Mayim, I just love your sweet face 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@erikalister5219]

This episode is bringing out all the feelings for me! Not only did I grow up watching every Blossom and Family Matters episode, I also was your contemporary while attending UCLA as an undergrad. I saw Jaleel in the crowd of a few Basketball games and I would see Mayim walking around campus once in a while. Both were totally normal college students. It was a surreal but very normal experience at the same time.

[@Girlhead]

Same Erika. I didn't go to UCLA, but I grew up with Mayim and Jaleel. I love them both.

[@KimberlyBishh]

Same man, this is an amazing show and not only that it's a very important show, she has a way along with her guests, pushing us forward into a better understanding not only that but a more gentle feeling about life.

[@staceyjohnson2929]

As a Gen X-er (Born in 1976), your videos are everything! I work as a telephonic nurse all day and have you on in the background. You make my day! Thank you!

[@josievaccaro]

"when I leave this planet I hope people will be judging a lot more on character" word!!

[@Angie2343]

Exactly what MLK himself said.

[@josievaccaro]

@@Angie2343 it was my favourite quote

[@Angie2343]

@@josievaccaro Look at the Sonic figure in the background behind Jaleel. =D He is the TRUE voice of the crown prince of Mobius.

[@williamirwin4154]

It's interesting to me how Jaleel framed his own camera shot. Most guests look directly into the camera, but he set his camera to the side a little. He looks great. I'm jealous that he can look so good in a low angle camera shot.

[@SB-qv6gr]

He's such a delight. Also great energy you two, could have listened for hours!

[@duanehunter9393]

I am a 61 year old white male, I believe I have watched almost everything Jaleel has done. The part of Urkel was amazing and I thought it takes a special person to do that part. You sir the inspiration of the word actor....

[@angierecovering_clutterer2434]

I love how Jaleel spilled that strong tea at the end! LOL!!! This was such a delightful conversation! The so-called "Black comedies" like Sanford & Son, What's Happening!, Family Matters, and now The Neighborhood, always appealed to me way more than sit-coms with people who looked more like me, because the experiences portrayed looked and felt more like my real life.

[@markmacatee4602]

Thank you Mayim. People all too frequently forget that each and every individual has their own valid experiences. When Jaleel was talking about topics in the black community that need to be worked on (his not talking black enough as an example) I couldn't help but think how true that is for for every "group" of people. And when you were talking about wearing different hats, I couldn't help thinking that while that is undoubtedly true, none of those hats, and yet all of those hats, are who we actually are. I am not just the administrator of a law firm, or a husband, or a son, or a brother; I am me. As I say that, it occurs that while it is true that I may include those words to describe myself, they are still predominantly external labels. Only I can define who I am. Huh! Our self worth always ends up having to come from within, doesn't it? Thanks again. YOU are a gift to us all.

[@christinastephens7804]

Such a great conversation!!!! I can definitely relate to him talking about the “not being black enough”/ “talking white” stuff..I experienced comments like that so much growing up. Also, I am Haitian American...I’ve experienced (and still do experience) the comments of “not being Haitian enough” 🙄this is a real problem in the black community smh I’m SO glad he mentioned this

[@daisydog4943]

Jaleel is a smart, funny and insightful person. I look at celebrities like they are human beings. I can't believe how both you and Jaleel were treated.

[@claudiaschmidt199]

Thank you Mayim and Yaleel for speaking about our kids. It made me cry to hear that Yaleels daughter only wants to stand in line for icecream. We all want to have a carefree youth and we can’t give it to our children in the moment. Greetings from Germany. Hope it will get better soon.

[@KristinM626]

I watched Family Matters during quarantine & am currently watching Blossom. Loved hearing stories about both shows! Thanks for another fun episode❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@slvrangel22]

Same! It honestly made me feel bittersweet. I was excited to have the option to see it but the sense of nostalgia was strong. Made me miss childhood.

[@jarretheller2244]

This is so awesome. I am in Mayim and Jaleel's generation and this brings me back, especially the old NBA stories, the just say no to drugs campaign, 227, Webster, etc. Great stories.

[@tusharagrawal5458]

Congratulations for 1M subscribers.

[@mariecalambert9511]

I grew up never missing an episode of Family Matters or Blossom. Loved them, didn't remember that Jaleel wasn't on from the first episode. Side note, my 8 year old daughter and I were watching last weeks episode of Call Me Kat. Phil is wearing a sequined jacket and my daughter says "Oooh, Phil looks handsome". We love you, your fellow actors, your show and your podcast.

[@catherinemakohn6141]

My favorite thing about this podcast is that it shows all these people in the industry as real people. I loved what Mayim and Jaleel were saying at the end about being seen as real people. This podcast shows the world that you are more than just a celebrity and I love that. It was so interesting to hear everything said this week. I loved Jonathon's Adam Sandler story! Also really love the banter between Mayim and Jonathon. Other random thoughts: Mayim's lipstick perfectly matched her shirt and it was aesthetically pleasing and I loved it! Much love to all these beautiful PEOPLE!

[@Historian212]

Wonderful episode. The frank discussion about how kids were taught to defer to adults no matter what, and what it felt like to be owned, as a child - incredible. Just great. The friendship between Mayim and Jaleel was lovely to see. Loving this series so much.

[@janetmoore1124]

This particular episode resonated with me on many levels. I actually watched my very first episode of Blossom a few days ago and was totally blown away. Years back Family Matters was a regular on the TGIF lineup in my home and I, too, watched many of the shows both you and Jaleel talked about. . The comment made regarding the masks we wear resonated, too. Coming from that generation that was raised to defer to 'adults' no matter what, to put identity and self-worth behind pleasing others, lack of being acknowledged, let alone appreciated, for who we are as individuals, it is clear to see how abuse was so easy. . Jaleel's comments about the disparity present in the Black community, among others, really made me think about how the issue of not being 'whatever' enough is really in every community. It is a starting point for all sorts of 'reasons' why one group is 'better' than another or allowed to be disparaged over another. . Lots of food for thought and great conversation. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@roxannetracy2931]

Best part of my Tuesday. Thank you so much for doing this Podcast! You should be very proud of yourselves!

[@elenivanschalkwyk8318]

Love, love, love this series! No matter what the topic, I always learn something.

[@PossumLover1111]

Jaleel is still adorable and so damn handsome. Great personality. Love him.

[@Fiawordweaver]

I admire this young man, Mr Jaleel White. His humility is heartwarming despite being a celebrity. Pure applaud. I have to admit that I am not of a fan mentality. I lived in Hawaii and stars were all over the place. I never intruded. I may nod a hello but kept on walkin.

[@rturney6376]

Thank you 🙏 for sharing this conversation with me!

[@EBarker1008]

I LOVED THE COSBY SHOW!! I grew up watching full house, the Cosby show, family matters, George Lopez(2000’s were good too lol), fresh prince, home improvement and many more! Nothing can take away the 80’s - 90’s shows. Even though I was born in 1991, my parents knew what was good on tv 😄

[@politelyproper2858]

Did you watch Silver Spoons? I wanted a train like the one Ricky Schroeder had so bad! BEFORE I had kids I bought a much smaller plastic battery operated train for my kids, which didn't come along a couple years later. It was operated by pushing down with a foot on the pedal OR a remote to run it for them. This was 18 years ago, so pre-app ages, however I found it online for less than $100. And that, my friend, is how we born in the 1970's, used to shop! Always bragging about a bargain!

[@kifacorea]

As an asian american cisgender dude born in 1981 raised on blossom and family matters. This was great. Thanks 😊

[@jodievolta9241]

I absolutely loved this "podcast"!!! Loved you two together .... PLEASE have him on again! I would love to hear more about him :)

[@MsMichaelia]

Mayim listed all the great black comedies I grew up with in the 80s. What's Happening, 227, The Jeffersons, Different Strokes...I mean - yes girl!!!

[@lisaharris1492]

Yes. I watched all those shows!!

[@kayleed2497]

Therapy with Mayim ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@canadianmum2040]

That was awesome! He’s so neat! I’m happy to see where he’s at and he’s such a strong person and a dad etc it’s great to see him grown up like us in our 40’s. We are an interesting bunch in my op.♥️

[@James.Payne.]

EXCELLENT Interview Mayim. I'm super impressed with Jaleel and wish him the best.

[@irelan1]

I love the Pinky and the Brain hoodie Jaleel! Love your face Mayim! Loved and still love your shows growing up. Thank you for your time and life you have given to the world. We appreciate it, and it will stick with us forever! 🙌🤝👍🤜🤛🎥🎞🎬📺📼📹🎭

[@oliviagiles]

These podcasts just keep getting better and better, relax (in your own way :) ) and be yourself Mayim, you are more than enough xxx kia ora from NZ

[@addiemccoy7023]

I adore Jaleel. As a teen I had such a HUGE crush on him. How fun to see him again and interact with you. Thank you for these awesome podcasts. I look forward to each and every one!

[@bobbiek1976]

I Love this! Made me have an eye opener! So crazy what all “Famous People” had to endure. Thank You for letting me see that side of things. I really do appreciate your hard work and honesty. I love you guys!

[@virgilnusbaum993]

Love love love this! Thanks for having him on!

[@pammielocs_withlove5908]

This was great watching 2 of my favorite child actors into adulthood. We grew up together, me watching you two on TV.

[@joleahkunkel2717]

Awe, that was amazing!! I’m so glad I watched until the end because I really needed to hear that last part...my story lately is that this pandemic experience is so mild compared to the wars, depression or plagues of the past...and that my kids aren’t experiencing a real hardship right now...but I am grateful for the perspective shift I just received from this conversation...now I can be more compassionate and hold more space for my kids very real emotions/experiences around this. Thank you so much! 🌻🌻🌻

[@ElizabethSmith-kd4du]

I love Jaleel more today than I did yesterday! He is awesome!

[@theeclecticmemah]

Thank you for another great podcast! Love the trip down memory lane! I watched all the shows you and Jaleel mentioned. Even though it was/is still hard - it is comforting somehow to know that social distancing hit EVERYONE no matter background. I even teared up when Jaleel talked about his daughter. I did the same things with my son pre-CoVid and he felt (they have gone back to school full time) the same way about missing friends the most!

[@brandim1230]

I agree please don't ever stop making these. I loved this episode.

[@deeb8275]

Your podcast is freak’n AWESOME! Every time I listen I want to leave a comment.....but there is so much I want to say to you - I loved what Jaleel said, I too “adore you”; you are just so ‘organic’, you are just ‘you’ and you are an amazingly talented individual. I love getting to know this side of you (aside from Big Bang). I’m an adult chid of an alcoholic, so you hooked me from the beginning; I sensed a “recovery” vocabulary from you. I have been in Al Anon for 18 years and it has been a life-saving for me. I identify with you so much, but am a 73 yr old, Hispanic woman! I also love learning all that you share about your culture. Sending you big hugs, love, success, and good health! 🤗🥰💕. PS: your Podcast is one of only a few that I listen to on regular basis, and look forward to each one.

[@LithaMoonSong]

Here in Canada, we had caller ID back then. Edit, Mayim, you really must stop putting down your features, you are gorgeous... from one Roman nose with jutting jaw Brit/Scot to one gorgeous Jewish lady, you really are very pretty.

[@marie-clairedelongchamp1330]

This Canadian also agrees with what you said! Love her, love the show! ♥️

[@gigianda587]

Well said. I agree! 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@terryhuffaker3615]

AMEN

[@munajedski]

Loving this series. :)

[@sarahniederman8949]

THANK YOU for this. Ya’lls brilliance blows me away again and again. I am eternally grateful for this podcast. I even enjoy the sponsor videos. And validating my human experience is such an invaluable thing!!!

[@kellieevetts2637]

I hope you have Soleil Moon Frye on. Her new documentary is very insightful about growing up in the industry!

[@politelyproper2858]

Thank you for sharing. I had no idea about the documentary and will now check it out🥰

[@Martina_E]

Where can you wath it?

[@lisaharris1492]

@@Martina_E hulu

[@emilylowrance7930]

"I don't need to know you anymore" i felt that so many times in my life.

[@LifeIsShort021404]

Hi, Mayim! I love your podcast. This episode with Jaleel White was like going down memory lane. I never watched Family Matters growing up, but I knew who Jaleel White was because of his nasally, "Did I Do That?" catchphrase. I grew up watching Good Times, What's Happening, The Jeffersons, 227, Different Strokes, Webster and Gimme A Break. I was a big fan of Nell Carter. Joey Lawrence was on that show too! Those were really good times... where there was no DVR so we had to literally be glued to the TV or else we would miss the shows. LOL. Later on I did watch you on Blossom but before that I saw you on Facts of Life and MacGyver. I have been of a fan of yours since Beaches, really.

[@nothanks4469]

I watched all those shows plus Amen!

[@amycarrington4545]

I definitely have a signed picture of Jaleel White! Those were the good old days when you would send a letter via snail mail to request an “autograph”.

[@clothedandcompetent3452]

You know...based on him talking about missing people asking for autographs and the rarity of anyone sending something snailmail. I bet he'd love getting that request today.

[@amycarrington4545]

@@clothedandcompetent3452 I totally agree!!

[@cj10109]

Jaleel is awesome. So smart. Thanks for having him on! 💕

[@kdalfndnfdjsf1702]

Great episode! Jaleel speaking,...it was easy to understand and empathize with him. Thank you!

[@melanie7596]

I think this is the best episode so far. I thoroughly enjoyed your conversation. It’s interesting to see what it was like for you guys growing up.

[@kamaohara9370]

Bless his memory is a wonderful way to speak of grief and loss ♥️♥️♥️

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

I could have listened to 2 hours of this dialoging!

[@melrox8809]

I have to do guided meditation too. I can't do it on my own. To many thoughts. Great episode, I grow up watching family matters & Blossom. I had to get home from playing to watch TGIF.

[@kellymeighan3405]

Another great podcast!! I learn so much in every one!! I love psychology and like to learn why people do the things they do and want to learn to understand different perspectives while also learning more on why I am the way I am. I am learning more now about the Myers-Briggs Personalities which makes it a lot easier to understand why people think a certain way and more about why I am the way I am and more importantly that it's ok to be just who you are and there are others that think similar to you. Like I think everything has to be perfect all the time, and I thought that something was wrong with me and now I realize others think the same and it's ok...well still trying to remind myself that every day, still a hard one. Anyway I love your podcast and look forward to Tuesdays!! ❤️ Thank you for teaching us all!!

[@sophiasutton1872]

This was an incredible episode and was so so helpful, thank you so much 🥰♥️

[@12345tlynne]

My favorite so far....what a great discussion

[@divineunion]

I have really been enjoying this series. It has been quite eye opening. This one left me with such a profound understanding. I live in Australia, and was born here. As a child I experienced rasicim. So it left me hating my Greek heritage. I wanted nothing to do with it. As I grew older I healed a big part of me. Hearing this story hit me in the heart. Hearing that even with his own race he experienced rasicim.. it saddened me because I see how it important it is to love yourself first and foremost and healing must start with an individual. The world can't make it ok for you. You have to find it yourself... circumstances change and you start to see how the world responds to you.. thank you for such a powerful podcast...

[@adecorativepurpose]

Loved this, thank you both!

[@jaimejofreeman3544]

Loved this episode sooooo much! Keep up the great interviews!

[@deniseadams5110]

First time listening/watching and I love this so much! Your smarts combined with your empathy, respect and awareness is so speaking directly to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Wonderful show. And Jaleel White is an amazing human. So good to see people talking with decency, respect for each other these days. Seems to be a lost art form.

[@lauraricci1027]

VERY interesting. On so many levels. Thanks!

[@booradley0x0]

Im new to your podcasts, Im really enjoying it, its real and raw.

[@mirfir]

Excellent interview!!! Jaleel White hit it all 100%!!! Thx!! Love y’all!!

[@michellevandaley63]

I really appreciate the realness & vulnerability you both show in your interviews

[@Alansmithee007]

thank you both for being so open and speaking to us.

[@chaveritos]

I loved the whole episode!!! 💙 Thanks!!

[@babasooze678]

Thank you for this particular podcast.

[@aleta5873]

So much truth coming out here...fantastic. Esp about the loss from covid...got a little tearful. Seeing folks walk away, doing their thing even though it's not my truth and but it's self care for me....siblings included esp heartbreaking. Thank you guys. So wise for being so young...

[@tropicalladyj8033]

Great episode! He’s so awesome and real - love him!! It’s important to remember that celebrities are really the most human; amazing, vulnerable and public. I have so much respect for people who can perform in any capacity, it’s scary!

[@politelyproper2858]

Agreed 👍! You could not pay me enough to be a public icon like all of these celebrities. They have to be so brave. Once recognition starts I cannot imagine how life changing it would be. I was once walking with a NASCAR driver at a race, fans just wanted to touch him! I hadn't realized how fame allows other humans feel entitled enough to not respect human space.

[@tropicalladyj8033]

@@politelyproper2858 I know right, like they were saying, other people think they own them, omg so scary not to be able to own yourself and your personal space - and the child stars oye so brave!

[@KimberlyBishh]

There's a reason that this year's Grammys was the most down to earth Grammy shows ever, everybody had tears in their eyes and everybody was grateful for what they have. Don't want to lose that, and as a people I think we're going to try our damnedest not to.

[@KimberlyBishh]

That's the thing, it's not scary once you get up on that stage.. the shyest people will come alive, I always did I just didn't have parents that gave a shit enough to recognize that that's what I needed.

[@c0rvidae]

Amagad what a flash from the past! I’m 8 years younger than you, Mayim, and I used to LOVE Blossom. You were a cool, normal kid and I could relate to the sense of awkwardness and not being blond enough or WASP enough. You rock! 🌱 Jaleel is the BOMB! This has been so much fun. Thanks for doing this! *nostalgia city* 🥰🤓😂🤘🏻

[@woldrawm]

I remember blossom made liking jazz cool

[@KimberlyBishh]

It's blast from the past by the way 😆😆😆

[@c0rvidae]

@@KimberlyBishh Both are sayings, but thanks for coming here to share your input! Have a good night!

[@shywonderful81]

Great interview w/ Jaleel!! I definitely enjoyed Family Matters & seeing someone who looked liked me growing up. Blessings

[@davidlane256]

Mayim Bialik and Emma Watson are in a category together in my mind, because they both got a degree after being a child star, then acted again.

[@katicabogar24]

Add Natalie Portman too

[@davidlane256]

@@katicabogar24 oh? What’s her degree in? I’ll look it up. That’s 3. The 3 amigas.

[@katicabogar24]

@@davidlane256 gosh I can’t remember that but i think she’s got a PhD too

[@davidlane256]

@@katicabogar24 I’m in google now. She studied psychology at Harvard and also went to university in Jerusalem

[@katicabogar24]

@@davidlane256 knew of Harvard, thanks for looking it up

[@michelleclay4855]

Really enjoyed this episode! Love Jaleel!

[@dianac2596]

Great interview. He’s the absolute best.

[@rivkahmiri513]

One of the greatest interviews, truly! Deep, refreshing, thank you so much!

[@jeaninerobinson964]

Excellent interview. Enjoyed it. Learned. Above all, I appreciated the honesty. Blessings to all!

[@Girlhead]

Mayim feels like the best friend I wish I had. Honestly- so real and refreshing. Love her.

[@2001shelli]

Great episode.👍🏽

[@szgage]

I really appreciate these discussions. I think 'breaking stuff down' is the new cool. :)

[@suebarner8364]

Such a good show guys, thanks!

[@KR-mu4pl]

Mayim and Jonathan are more fun to listen to with each episode! Thanks for another interesting and insightful talk.

[@rextrek]

enjoyd the conversation....always like Jaleel / very Talented - Id love to see him Head his own Comedy again...maybe as a dad of an Erkel type?

[@eaqua56]

The '90s was probably the best time to be basketball fan!

[@sylviarobinson7435]

This was awesome!! Thank you Jaleel ❤️

[@Furgo-bb]

Yo I was just whacking one of ur episodes then this pops up

[@dianamcmahon51510]

This was so nostalgic. I remember having an Urkel doll. It had a pull string that made him say all the Urkel-isms. I wasn't all that into Blossom but I love Big Bang Theory and this is one of my favorite things to watch on KZbin. Keep being you and doing great things Mayim, you're a wonderful human. 💜

[@KToth-rc4oh]

That was the best interview Jaleel has ever given. Just honest. Kudos to the both of you.

[@kdeuce8374]

Excellent episode and thank you for being intelligent, funny and always a pleasure to see and hear. On point as always!

[@siantelove]

How am i just now learning about this podcast!!!! Im so excited!!!

[@kathyfranzoni274]

I really appreciate your podcast I've learned so much and I feel so much better after listening to them and it gives me food for thought thank you

[@truckingwithtobee]

You are becoming one of my favorite podcasts. ❤

[@hsimpson6581]

He is so cool I just love this guy !

[@neondeon475]

He has such a contagious laugh! Love it! Same age as you both, I grew up watching you guys on your shows! You both felt like my friend then......... and you both do now! Thank you!

[@l.garcia3344]

My whole heart! Just wow. I love this SO much! ❤️

[@jofrizzy]

Amazing, I learnt so so much! Love the neuroscience as ever