Illuminating Being Podcast

Illuminating Being' is a podcast co-hosted by Keith Somers. M.D, a practicing pediatrician and advocate for plant-based nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and Elizabeth Cook, Ph.D. is a published author, mom, business owner, and executive coach; the podcast delves into the interconnectedness of food, mindfulness, and community, offering actionable steps to help listeners create intentional, sustainable, and vibrant lives. Through engaging conversations and expert insights, 'Illuminating Being' empowers listeners to explore holistic wellness and make choices that align with their values.

Keith S. Somers, M.D.

Dr. Keith Somers is a practicing pediatrician focusing on healthy eating and active living. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he received his undergraduate degree at Washington and Jefferson College, his medical degree at Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel University), and completed his pediatric internship and residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Somers is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and, for the past 35 years, has been practicing with GIL Pediatric Associates, now UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics-GIL. Daily conversations with parents struggling with how best to raise healthy children stimulated his focus on the relationship between food, health,h and the environment. In 2007, his practice was recognized by the Green Building Alliance for opening the 1st Green Pediatric Office in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. In addition, he completed a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell University to broaden his knowledge of plant-based nutrition.

To expand the conversation about the relationship between food and health, he created One World Eating, 365 Everyday Eating, a platform to promote plant-based eating. Dr. Somers has worked to expand his reach by partnering with community organizations, including Let’s Move Pittsburgh (a collaborative program to improve the health of children in the greater Pittsburgh area modeled after Michele Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign), the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s “Parks Rx” initiative, and the Allegheny Health Department’s “Plan for a Healthier Allegheny’s Childhood Obesity Task Force”. These connections have allowed him to develop and promote educational programming that are delivered throughout the southwestern PA region. 

Elizabeth M. Cook, Ph.D, EE.

Dr. Elizabeth Cook, is a distinguished figure in the energy sector, holding dual roles as the Vice President of Technical Strategy at the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC) and a leading advisor in grid modernization. At AEIC, Elizabeth is instrumental in propelling electric energy innovation and operational excellence. She collaborates closely with technical committees and member companies, steering pivotal projects at the AEIC’s Center for Operational Excellence.

Elizabeth stands at the forefront of grid modernization in her consultancy capacity, her expertise is crucial in driving the digital transformation of utilities. She is a proud alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh, holding a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering.

 Beyond her professional endeavors, Elizabeth is deeply passionate about empowering individuals and organizations through her “Integrated Being” workshops and speaking engagements. These initiatives reflect her commitment to holistic development, blending her technical acumen with a focus on mindset and leadership growth. These workshops and talks are designed to inspire and provide practical tools and insights, fostering personal and professional advancement. Her work in this area is a testament to her multifaceted expertise and her dedication to fostering growth and innovation across industries.

Episode 1:

Elizabeth and Keith explore the interconnectedness of health, nutrition, and community support in this conversation. They discuss the value of continuous learning in the medical field, the role of education in nutrition, and the impact of dietary choices on overall health. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to wellness, the significance of community in health journeys, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping dietary habits. They also touch on the challenges of behavior change and the necessity of understanding the systems within which we live to drive meaningful change.

Episode 2

In this conversation, Elizabeth and Keith explore the journey of healthy living and eating, emphasizing the importance of making food choices relatable and accessible. They discuss the role of parents in shaping children's food habits, touch on the principles behind food and nutrition, and the significance of family meals and community rituals. The dialogue highlights the transformative power of food, the sensory experience of eating, and the need for exploration and curiosity in food choices. Ultimately, they hope to encourage listeners to embrace the journey of nutrition and make small, impactful changes in their eating habits.

Episode 3

In this conversation, Elizabeth and Keith explore the differences between processed and whole foods, discussing how these choices impact our bodies, energy levels, and gut health. They emphasize the need to expand our understanding of nutrition by making small, manageable changes towards healthier eating habits. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of food and the need for a more mindful approach to our dietary choices.