EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Berkley Celebrates Girl Power In New Book 'Ask Elizabeth'

Elizabeth: Seven years ago when Saved By The Bell went into syndication, a whole new generation of teen girls started to approach me for pictures and autographs.  My husband noticed a natural interaction and encouraged me to first start with a column called Ask Elizabeth.  That lead to the creation of the workshops, which led to the website and now the Ask Elizabeth book.

Radar: I understand the death of your godmother also marked a turning point in your life and helped inspire your work with teenage girls. In what way?

Elizabeth: My godmother was always a confidant in my life and I felt in her passing, the best way to honor her was to pass on that gift and share it with others.

Radar: You actually conduct workshops with teenage girls. As someone who speaks to them face-to-face, What's your impression of young women today?

Elizabeth: I am grateful I get the privilege of working with young girls.  Girls today are hungry for meaningful connection.  Something specific to this generation is that technology acts as a great tool, but it also leaves a void in authentic exchanges.  That is where Ask Elizabeth comes in to fill that need.

Radar: What's the most common question young girls ask you?

Elizabeth: Girl's inner critics are starting to reveal themselves at a younger and younger age. And body image issues are an aspect of their lives which is causing them low self esteem and day-to-day suffering. The questions under this topic are usually the most asked issues hence why that is the first bold-faced question in my book.

Radar: What do you tell them?

Elizabeth: One of my favorite tools is "flip it".  "Flip it" can become your new favorite mantra when you are having one of those mean thoughts. You can choose to "flip it" and change how you are feeling about yourself in that moment.  This is helpful at any age!  Check out action steps for ditching the mirror drama in the book.

Radar: Has there ever been a question that shocked you, or moved you to tears?

Elizabeth: There was a workshop I did where a girl who lost her father and brother in a short span of time shared her story.  Seeing her and her big heart despite the pain she was carrying moved me to tears.

Radar: What's your method or process for finding an answer to a teen's question? Do you rely solely on your own experience or gut instinct or do you also consult outside experts?

Elizabeth: I offer up my own personal experiences and things I've been through to connect to their questions.  Then I facilitate a forum for the girls to share their stories opening up a dialogue with each other.

For example in the book, the sections start with a girl's question then shared personal thoughts to create a connection so girls know they aren't alone.  That is followed by advice from girls, experts and myself.  Then I give them action steps so they have tools to actually make changes.

Radar: What was your upbringing like? Looking back when you were a girl, do you remember your parents consciously trying to instill confidence and self-esteem in you - or did you achieve it another way?

Elizabeth: I am grateful that both of my parents always took my dreams seriously and I got so much confidence from pursuing the things I loved. As I was growing up, that was mostly dance class and theatre.

Radar:If you ever had a little girl some day, what, if anything, would you do differently than how you were raise to empower your daughter?

Elizabeth: Honestly, I would hope to be able to give a child the level of devotion and care that my parents have given me.

Radar: As you reflect back on your life, what would you tell the younger you - the 'teenaged you' about life and relationships?

Elizabeth: I would tell my teenage self that taking care of yourself and looking out for yourself can enhance and draw to you to the most fulfilling and healthy relationships.  

Radar: Saved By The Bell still plays in syndication, and most likely, will for years. Do you consider it more of a burden or a blessing that at this age in your life, that to generations of people, you'll perhaps be best known as the beautiful and brainy 'Jessie'?

Elizabeth: I have nothing to say except...  "I'm so excited!"

Radar: Saved By The Bell had a sweet innocence about it, even when depicting more serious topics. When you look at shows geared toward young people today -- shows like Glee, Gossip Girl or 90210 -- are you ever shocked at the storylines (teenage pregnancy, AIDS, date rape, binge drinking, hard core drug use)? Is this a good or bad thing?

Elizabeth: It's neither good nor bad. These shows are just reflecting the issues that are relevant to kids today.

Radar: What do you think of starlets like Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, & even Snooki -- and the images they present to teenage girls?

Elizabeth: It is a tough thing to be growing up in the public eye during a time where you are finding your sense of self and identity.  

Radar: When you think of a strong, confident woman, who do you think of? Who is your personal role model?

Elizabeth: I have been lucky enough to be in the presence of many great women.  It is hard to pick just one.

Radar: Your book is directed at teenage girls. Have you ever thought about writing a book for teenage boys from a woman's perspective?

Elizabeth: The truth is, boys can learn a lot from this book.  They can get an inside peek into the emotional world of a teenage girl.  They will be ahead of the game when it comes to dating!

Radar: What's next for you? Are you planning to focus for the time being on your Ask Elizabeth project, or do you have any plans to return to TV?