Category: Diva TalkRadio

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A Christmas Peril Debuts on Thursday, September 30, 2021

Join us for Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril, scheduled for this Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 6 PM, EST.  This year’s live mystery drama stars Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford.

Here’s a Short Synopsis:

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir

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Divabetic Mysteries: A Christmas Peril

Join us for Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcast: A Christmas Peril scheduled for Thursday, September 30, 2021, 6 PM, EST.

The holidays are full of surprises after Mr. Divabetic becomes the new pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge, named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. So despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic, our team of amateur sleuths, and his overly protective mother must set out to find the real culprit. Or will his name end up on a lethally naughty list?

This year’s Divabetic Mysteries: A Christmas Peril is based on the real-life story of 36-year-old Kevin Houdeshell who ran out of insulin over the New Year’s holiday in January 2014. He ended up with dangerously high blood sugars that spiraled into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), leading to him die alone in his apartment.

Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy with the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation, what happened to Kevin doesn’t have to happen to anyone else in several states. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached. States that have passed Kevin’s Law include Ohio and Florida in 2016; Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, and Wisconsin in 2017; Idaho, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee in 2018; and Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia in 2019. In many states, votes in favor of the legislation were unanimous.

Starring Mr. Divabetic. Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Nicolay  BA, DTR, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman, Wendy Radford, Seveda Williams, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, and Trisha Artman.

 

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We’re Coming Around Again with Carly Simon on October’s Podcast 2021

We’re talking about the new FreeStyle Libre 2 App, Sleep Apnea, CPAP machines, and a new line of make-at-home baked good mixes, TruEats, designed for diabetes lifestyles with musical inspiration from Carly Simon.

  • The FreeStyle Libre system measures glucose levels through a small sensor — the size of two stacked quarters — applied to the back of your upper arm. It provides real-time glucose readings for up to 10 days, both day and night.

https://youtu.be/QKi5T4uTGXk

  • Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure.
  • TruEats Baking Mixes have 1g of Sugar or Less + Complex (Good) Carbs for great-tasting, steady energy that’s diabetic friendly. Nutritious alternatives for the modern, health-conscious consumer.

 

 

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Grammy winner Carly Simon was one of the most prominent singer-songwriters in the 1970s. She has recorded over 30 albums, won two Grammies and an Academy Award. Her music has given a voice to the experiences and desires of women who came of age in the 1960s. Carly Simon managed to accomplish her dreams by overcoming severe stuttering and painful migraines to achieve her success. When I was a young child,” Carly Simon has revealed, “I had a stammer. And the only time it went away was when I sang. One day, my mother said to me, ‘Don’t speak it, sing it.’ And that’s what I did.”

Guests include Marten Carlson, Surinder, and Daven Kumar, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

October’s Divabetic podcast features music from Carly Simon’s Coming Around Again album courtesy of SONY Music. The title track is in Mike Nichols’ 1986 film Heartburn, and Let The River Run, from Mike Nichols film, Working Girl, won Carly Simon the Best Original Song Oscar at the 1989 Academy Awards.

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Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown Guests On Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

“I’m a type 2 diabetic who lost his vision, ” says André “Doctor Dré” Brown, who guests on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.

Doctor Dré developed Type 2 diabetes in 2007. Since that time, he has suffered many health setbacks, including an amputated toe, multiple leg injuries, and blindness. Far from sullen, though, the hip-hop pioneer remains optimistic while trying to stay diligent to a healthy lifestyle routine that reduces the severity of some of his ailments.

Doctor Dré has been a vital part of hip-hop culture and a crucial catalyst for its global popularity since its inception. A former DJ for Beastie Boys and co-founder of 1980s rap group Original Concept, Doctor Dré co-hosted (alongside Ed Lover and Fab 5 Freddy) Yo! MTV Raps, the landmark program that introduced a generation of hip-hop fans to their favorite rappers and the culture.

Regardless of his multiple diabetes health-related challenges, his attitude remains upbeat and inspiring.

“I’ve been going through a whole different resurgence in my life,” Dre said. “I stopped at one point, and now I’m doing this. Through the blessings of the late great Dick Gregory, I’ve worked through holistic doctors to change what goes in my body.”

Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr.,  Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, The Night I Fell In Love courtesy of SONY Music.

Please join us for Divabetic’s free Baking Party with  Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7-8 PM. Stacey will be sharing tips for how to cut back on the sugar in recipes, using sugar substitutes and alternative flours, and cutting back on the carbs without losing any flavor, and demonstrating one of her most popular Sugar-Free baking recipes.

REGISTER NOW

Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.

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Angela Bofill Talks About Her Stroke

Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.

After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers.

With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Check out her Live From Manila album featuring all of her biggest hits.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, September 23, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

During this virtual Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef will prepare a Sugar-Free Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for using sugar substitutes in your favorite recipes.

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION 

Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts and our free Zoom outreach programs.

Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. Divabetic®, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with the letter ‘V’ inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and the positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Patti LaBelle.

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Hip-Hop Pioneer André “Doctor Dré” Brown Appears on Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

André “Doctor Dré” Brown appears on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Doctor Dré has been a vital part of hip-hop culture and a crucial catalyst for its global popularity since its inception. A former DJ for Beastie Boys and co-founder of 1980s rap group Original Concept, Doctor Dré co-hosted (alongside Ed Lover and Fab 5 Freddy) Yo! MTV Raps, the landmark program that introduced a generation of hip-hop fans to their favorite rappers and the culture. Doctor Dré developed Type 2 diabetes in 2007.

Since that time he has suffered a series of health setbacks including an amputated toe, charcot foot, and blindness. Far from sullen, though, the hip-hop pioneer remains optimistic while trying to stay diligent to a healthy lifestyle routine that reduces the severity of some of his ailments.

Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.

Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. Divabetic®, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with the letter ‘V’ inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and the positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Patti LaBelle.

We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr.,  Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.  Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, The Night I Fell In Love courtesy of SONY Music.

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Disordered Eating Warning Signs on Divabetic’s Podcast

Barbra Streisand‘s The Broadway Album inspires us to stage a scene between 2 friends, starring Asha Brown & Trisha Artman, to bring attention to the warning signs of a disordered eating behavior related to diabetes known as diabulimia on this podcast. 

The term “diabulimia” (ED-DMT1) refers to this life-threatening combination and the unhealthy practice of withholding insulin to manipulate or lose weight. People suffering from ED-DMT1 may exhibit eating disorder behaviors, or they may only manipulate their insulin and otherwise have normal eating patterns.

This risky practice can have catastrophic health consequences ranging from blindness and nerve disorders to kidney failure and diabetic ketoacidosis (an acidic buildup in the blood resulting from inadequate insulin levels).

Unfortunately, ED-DMT1  is vastly underdiagnosed. Therefore, the first step in treating this dangerous disorder is understanding the causes and symptoms.

In this scripted scene, two good friends are shopping for bridesmaid’s dresses. Their candid conversation highlights some common warning signs of disordered behaviors. A roundtable discussion immediately follows the scene to offer further insight and resources.

 

One of our actresses, Asha Brown, founded the fantastic nonprofit organization, We Are Diabetes (wearediabetes.org). We Are Diabetes is devoted to providing support, education, guidance, and hope to individuals living with type 1 diabetes who struggle with disordered eating behaviors. The other actress, Trisha Artman offers health coaching for people with type 1 diabetes through her company, Coach The Cure. With personal diabetes experience, compassion, and professionalism, Trisha nurtures trusting relationships—promoting healthy changes in an empowered environment.

Divabetic’s podcast guests are We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, Coach The Cure owner Trisha Artman, Dana B. Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, American Heart Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Advocate Karen Dawson and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Album. This return to her theater roots was a massive success, both critically and commercially.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (‘Divabetic’). Also, get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines, and inspiration by joining our Divabetic Facebook page.

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Give Me The Reason For Yo Yo Dieting

A much thinner image of Luther Vandross appears on the Give Me The Reason album cover than his fans have previously seen. We are discussing the perils of yo-yo dieting, the music industry’s fat-shaming ideology, and the myths surrounding type 2 diabetes on this year’s Luther Tribute podcast.  

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason.

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers. 

 

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Divabetic Salad and Salad Dressing Recipe by Jill Weisenberger

Jill Weisenberger

If you missed last night’s Salad Making program on Zoom with special guest, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, she offered the following advice for anyone facing a weight loss plateau:

1). Learn to love yourself at your current weight
2). Focus on your health habits (Examples” How are you sleeping? Do you exercise regularly? Eating fruits and vegetables? Portion control, etc.)
3). Make a detailed list of what was working for you to begin with, and be honest with yourself. (Examples: Was it portion control? More, or regular exercise?  Were you eating more salads?)

“I actually like people to do this during the weight loss process because most of us tend to underestimate what we’re doing and what aspects are working for us,” says Jill.  “Then when we hit a tough spot, we can look at our list for motivation or a reality check. Maybe you were eating out less when the weight was coming off? Or maybe you were under-eating, and now you can see it’s not a good idea.”

4). Talk to your doctor about medical intervention using medications and/or surgery. using medications, devices, or surgery.

Finally, we tend to SHAME ourselves into getting better, but research proves this approach does not work. Self-compassion is much more effective at helping with blood pressure, weight loss or maintenance, sleep, and diabetes self-management. Be kind to yourself. We believe in YOU! 

Jill Weisenberger

Jill Weisenberger’s Divabetic Salad Recipe features Arugula, Beets, Purple Cabbage, Jicama (a root vegetable that’s low in calories), Garbanzo Beans, Chery Tomatoes, and Avocado.

Divabetic Salad Dressing 

2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon herbs such as herbs de Provance, oregano or Italian seasonings
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
4 tablespoons lemon juice (or vinegar)
8 tablespoons high-quality olive oil

Jill Weisenberger’s Tip: When cooked potatoes cool, some of the starch changes and becomes resistant to our digestive enzymes. Resistant starch then doesn’t get absorbed as glucose (so cold potatoes have slightly less calories and contribute slightly less to glucose levels). Resistant starch is food for our good gut bacteria.
Jill Weisenberger is the author of Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week is a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time, The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are, 21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away, and her newest book Prediabetes: A Complete Guide featuring dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.
Jill Weisenberger’s Stick With It is a self-paced video course that guides you step-by-step to the healthy habits you want. You’ll learn why your motivation and willpower move up and down like a roller coaster and what you can do to keep them up higher and longer!

Need a boost? Listen to Divabetic’s podcast focused on Eye Challenges related to diabetes with music from TLC. Guests include Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcast. This year’s A Christmas Peril is based on a real-life story premiering on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 6 PM, EST. Starring Mr. Divabetic. Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle, Maryann Nicolay, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman, Wendy Radford, Seveda Williams, Chef Robert Lewis, and Trisha Artman.

COMING SOON

Please join us for Divabetic’s free Baking Party with  Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7-8 PM. Stacey will be sharing tips for how to cut back on the sugar in recipes, using sugar substitutes and alternative flours, and cutting back on the carbs without losing any flavor, and demonstrating one of her most popular Sugar-Free baking recipes.

REGISTER NOW

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Luther’s iconic Never Too Much Album Turns 40!

Luther Vandross’ debut solo album Never Too Much, originally released August 12, 1981, celebrates its 40th Anniversary and the start of an epic solo career.

Before the album’s release, Luther worked steadily in the music industry.  He worked as a jingle writer and singer on TV commercials for major companies like Burger King, Juicy Fruit, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He sang backgrounds on many records, sometimes even arranging the parts for major hits by acts like CHIC. He toured with legends Roberta Flack and Bette Midler, and others. He even co-wrote ‘Young Americans’ and ‘Fascination’ with David Bowie.  He also gained moderate success as one-fifth of the self-titled R&B quintet Luther, releasing two solid projects on the Cotillion label—1976’s Luther and 1977’s Close to You.

Many consider Luther’s first major break to be The Glow Of Love and subsequently, Searching for the Italian-US disco-soul ensemble Change, formed by businessman and executive producer Jacques Ford Petrus and producer-songwriter Mauro Malauasi. The Glow Of Love. Luther gained valuable name recognition from music fans from the success of these records when disc jockeys started to introduce the singles as “Change featuring Luther Vandross.”

It still boggles my mind that after all of his success, several major record label executives passed on signing Luther after hearing his self-financed demo records.  The fact that he kept shopping his demo around to labels pays tribute to his drive and ambition. I have never met anyone else in life with more purpose, ambition, and determination than Luther Vandross. Of course, he was mega-talented, but these other qualities that he possessed should not be overlooked. He was and still is an incredible inspiration in my life. How many people would keep on trying to succeed after being told ‘NO’ multiple times?

I also feel Luther gained invaluable insight into how to successfully shape his career from his years working behind the scenes. He learned from other’s successes and failures. Luther witnessed first-hand the struggles, fights, and frustrations that music artists experience with their record labels, managers, agents, and fans. He also made invaluable connections with other artists, musicians, and producers.

In 1981, a now thirty-year-old Luther Vandross finally got a record deal. The then-senior vice president of CBS Records, Larkin Arnold, and record executive Jerome Gasper sign him to the subsidiary label, Epic Records. Rumor is that they decided after hearing only one song, Never Too Much.

Read More about Never Too Much in this Related Article

In recognition of 40 years of Luther Vandross’s double-platinum selling album, Never Too Much, his keyboardist and songwriting partner,  John “Skip” Anderson remixes his classic hit as a mid-tempo ballad.

https://youtu.be/jr9Pp0RAeIk

Divabetic’s 2021 Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America. He appears slim and trim on the album cover. Unfortunately, the considerable amount of weight he lost on a liquid diet triggered a lifelong cycle of yo-yo dieting.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

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