Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman Joins the Cast of Divabetic’s Mystery Podcast: Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes

We’re thrilled to announce that Coach the Cure, Trisha Artman is joining the cast of Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6 -7 PM, EST. 

Trisha Artman is a motivated Health Coach, Educator, and Writer. With personal diabetes experience, compassion, and professionalism, she nurtures trusting relationships—promoting healthy changes in an empowered environment.

“I teach people that they do not have to wait until things are at their worst to change negative thoughts and behaviors, but to start right where they are. Not because they have to, but because they choose to live out the life they desire and deserve,” says Trisha Artman. “Today, I spend my days not simply surviving, but instead thriving—inspiring other people to finally experience the freedom of getting “control” over diabetes, other chronic illnesses, and their lives. I’m excited to invite you on my latest journey— helping others realize their potential and strength within. Let’s live out loud!”

Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes Discussion Guide

This year’s Divabetic Diabetes Mystery Podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes, takes place at the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the competition with headless cookies and pureed kale hot cocoa for the judges to sample. As if this dreadful combination wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges. Things go from bad to worse when the snake phobic Mr. Divabetic hears about the giant python’s escape.         

Now, the happy healthcare host must decide to face his fear of snakes and recipe rejection or throw in his apron and risk getting caught up in another murder investigation. Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?

The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR), Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes featuring the iconic Carol Channing courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

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It’s the Year of ‘THE DIVA’ on Diabetes Late Nite

Heading into our tenth year of podcasting, Divabetic declares this to be the year of ‘the Diva’! We’ll be featuring music from only DIVAS on our free monthly Diabetes Late Nite podcasts for the next 12 months courtesy of SONY Music.

Enjoy music from LaBelle, Celine Dion, Ann Margaret, Phyllis Hyman and more to lift your spirits and motivate you to live well with diabetes. Between your favorite diva musical selections, the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic will interview Certified Diabetes Educators CDE’s), Best-Selling Authors, Beauty & Fashion experts, Chefs, Celebrities and passionate people living with diabetes. 

Why Divas?
“Divas have always been the bedrock of Divabetic’s glamorous approach to educating people about diabetes,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “My former boss, Luther Vandross loved the divas too.”

Divabetic’s podcast library contains 150 podcasts averaging over 1,000 listeners per podcast.  All podcasts are available on demand for free at i-Tunes, and Blog Talk radio. Divabetic’s podcasts were mentioned in Diabetes Forecast Magazine’s Recommended Diabetes Podcasts List in January 2019. 

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. 

Luther Vandross

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.

Paula Abdul Falls but Snaps Back!

Paula Abdul took a tumble during her concert on stage at the Billboard Music Awards but we’re still ‘head over heels’ for the superstar.

The former “American Idol” judge also fell head-first into the crowd at the Hard Rock Live in Biloxi, Mississippi as she sang her 1991 hit “The Promise of a New Day.”

Paula Abdul Appears In Las Vegas

“She did not seem hurt at the time of the fall and still finished like a champ,” the fan who posted the video told People. “She stated she was a dancer, and falls and drops she has gotten used to over the years.”

Paula Abdul wowed the crowd at the Billboard Awards 2019 and proved her age isn’t stopping her from performing at her best.

Paula’s dancers had her performing back flip in midair even though she suffers from chronic pain . She was injured as a 17-year-old cheerleader. In 2004, she was diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which causes severe pain. Later, cortical integrative therapy was able to help manage the symptoms.

RSD/CRPS goes by many names: reflex sympathetic dystrophy, reflex neurovascular dystophy, complex regional pain syndrome, hand-foot atrophy, Sudeck’s atrophy, amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome, and causalgia (to name a few common ones).

So what is RSD/CRPS? To start, it is the most painful medical condition known to man at a 45/50 on the McGill Pain Scale. Because it is so painful and it is hard to find good doctors to treat this condition, CRPS has a grim nickname: the “suicide disease.” We lose too many RSD/CRPS warriors because the pain is just so unbearable. I personally have lost several friends to the disease, and I’m always fearing who will go next. Many people with RSD/CRPS have been to the deep dark place, where they just want to escape the pain, but not everyone climbs out of it.

Increased back pain has been reported in people with diabetes, but the cause is unknown. People with diabetes are more likely to report back and neck pain, according to a new study. However, it is not clear whether diabetes is the cause reports Diabetes.co.uk.

The study’s authors suggest looking at the impact of medications, such as insulin, which are known to affect blood flow and muscle mass, and may affect the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. 

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Phyllis Hyman

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, 6 PM, EST.

R & B superstar Phyllis Hyman was a sensational singer-songwriter and actress. Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman sang with a life-affirming energy and emotional intensity found in few other female vocalists.

Unfortunately Phyllis Hyman committed suicide, leaving a suicide note behind in 1995. Part of the note read “I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.”  It has been reported that she suffered from bi-polar disorder and depression and had a history of substance abuse which involved alcohol and cocaine. Who knows what accomplishments she would have achieved if she had lived longer?

Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, ‘Sleep, Insomnia, Stress’ Author Patricia Farrell PhD, Kristina Wolfe, Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, Elizabeth Vaughan Gallagher, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach with Patricia Addie-Gentle.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Phyllis Hyman’ album courtesy of SONY Music

TUNE IN


Diabetes Late Inspired by Phyllis Hyman

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from Phyllis Hyman scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, 2019, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Phyllis Hyman was a sensational singer-songwriter and actress. Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman sang with a life-affirming energy and emotional intensity found in few other female vocalists.

Though her uncompromising principles put her at odds with the mainstream music business, she worked consistently for 20 years—from the moment that jazz drummer Norman Connors discovered her in a New York club in 1975 to when she took her life in June 1995

Phyllis Hyman committed suicide, leaving a note behind in 1995. Part of the note read “I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.”  It has been reported that she suffered from bi-polar disorder and depression and had a history of substance abuse which involved alcohol and cocaine. Who knows what accomplishments she would have achieved if she had lived longer?

If you’re struggling with some tough emotions or feeling lonely, don’t hesitate to call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, ‘Sleep, Insomnia, Stress: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You’ Author Patricia Farrell PhD, Elizabeth Gallagher, Kristina Wolfe, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog‘ Author Matt Pelicano, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach with Patricia Addie-Gentle.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Phyllis Hyman’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

Fibromyalgia & Insulin Resistance

Researchers have noticed that metformin can also address the pain of fibromyalgia, which has provided them with a new clue about this chronic condition reports Medical News.

“We showed that most — if not all — patients with fibromyalgia can be identified by their A1c levels, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months,” said lead researcher, Dr. Pappolla from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.

When the researchers compared the A1c test results of the people with fibromyalgia with those of age-matched controls, they found that the former group had significantly higher levels of hemoglobin A1c than the latter, indicating a measure of insulin resistance.

“[People with prediabetes] with slightly elevated A1c values carry a higher risk of developing central (brain) pain, a hallmark of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders,” notes Dr. Pappolla, pointing out that this link between insulin resistance and fibromyalgia has been around for a long time.

READ MORE

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes abnormal pain all over the body, increased sensitivity to pain, and heightened feelings of fatigue, among other symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia affects 4 million people in the United States alone, which equates to about 2% of the population

Mr. Divabetic Raises Awareness for Diabetes at the Mermaid Parade

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is proud to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

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Walmart Sells $25 Insulin – So What?

Walmart offers a low-cost insulin option without a prescription, but it’s far from ideal for all patients.

According to Vox, doctors and diabetes advocates point out that while ReliOn may help patients in a pinch, especially those without health insurance, it’s also a formulation (known as “human” insulin) that came on the market in the 1980s, more than a decade before more refined insulins started to emerge.

The newer insulins, known as analogs, appear to be more effective at preventing dangerous blood sugar swings in people with Type 1 diabetes or those at a higher risk for severe low blood sugar. (The evidence of insulin analog’s benefits is less clear for Type 2 diabetes, but the studies are also low quality so it’s difficult to make conclusive statements.)

There’s one more problem: Because it’s available without a prescription, patients can get the drug without the supervision of a doctor, and they sometimes get into trouble as a result. So stories have surfaced about patients who required emergency care because of severe blood sugar highs and lows after self-dosing with Walmart insulin, or even dying as a result.

The cost of the four most popular insulins has tripled over the past decade, forcing many of the millions of Americans with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who rely on the drug to skimp on or skip doses.

READ MORE 

We’re talking about ‘HUSH HUSH’ topics in diabetes wellness such as insulin’s staggering costs, intimacy issues, fears, and food issues on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music.

H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.

Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot’.

The 6 Best Questions to Ask Your Cardiologist

Everyday Health spoke with heart doctors to find out the right questions to ask to maintain heart health, and why they matter.

Question 1:  What is my risk of having a cardiovascular problem in the future?

Why You Should Ask Understanding your risk for future heart disease, stroke, aneurysm and the like drives much of your care. Someone whose cholesterol is borderline but who has diabetes and a family history of heart disease will need their cholesterol treated much more aggressively than someone with a lower risk, for example. READ MORE

Question 2: What symptoms might indicate a worsening of my specific condition?

Why You Should Ask  You may think you know the symptoms for some conditions, like chest pain indicating a heart attack, but a large percentage of women, and even some men, never experience these signs. That’s why it’s important that your doctor goes over all the warning signs that are personalized for you. READ MORE

Question 3: How important do you think it is to adopt new treatments and procedures?

Why You Should Ask You don’t want a doctor who just jumps on the bandwagon because every new technique needs to be studied and confirmed. But equally important, you don’t want someone so stuck in their ways that you don’t receive the benefits of medical advances. READ MORE

Question 4: Why are you recommending I take this test?

Why You Should Ask Most tests are important but patients should ask whether a test is accurate and reproducible, and will lead to a specific recommendation or change in therapy. Guidelines for appropriate tests can be found in medical journals online; if you look up a prescribed test and have questions about its value, call the office to ask more questions. READ MORE

Question 5: Why are you prescribing this medication?

Why You Should Ask Doctors — not your friends or social media buddies — are best positioned to explain the pros and cons of a drug based on the science. READ MORE

 

Question 6: Will any changes in my lifestyle make a difference?

Why You Should Ask Cardiovascular disease is an area where changes in lifestyle — diet, exercise, stress reduction, sleep — can greatly impact the course of the condition.

For example, the Mediterranean diet — which is high in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, and low in saturated fats and added sugars — was shown to improve many of the risk factors associated with heart disease in a study published in December 2018 in JAMA Network. The right diet is especially important if you are overweight or obese.

Healthline created a guide outlining what treatment options are covered by Medicare for Seniors. Find out the different parts of Medicare and what services, medications, and treatment are included under each part:

Does Medicare Cover Treatment for Heart Disease?
What You Need to Know About Medicare Part C


We’re talking about ‘hush hush’ topics in diabetes wellness such as intimacy issues, fears and food phobias with musical inspiration from H.E.R. on Diabetes Late Nite courtesy of SONY Music.

H.E.R. chooses to keep her true identity a secret but that’s proving harder to do after winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards this past year.

Guests include Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Michael Priv, Cheryl Farley “Food as Medicine” Nutritionist, Dr. Dugan Maddux and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from H.E.R.’s “I Used To Know Her: The Prelude” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.

Some doctors will go over lifestyle information with you, while others will refer you to dietitians, physical therapists, and other professionals they work with. Be sure to talk to your cardiologist about lifestyle changes to develop a plan that works for you. READ MORE

Divabetic’s New Mystery Podcast ‘Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes’ Debuts in September

This year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast ‘Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes’ airs on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM on Blog Talk Radio.

Our annual mystery podcast stars the fruit suit clad, happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle and MaryAnn Nicolay. Additionally, We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown stars as ‘Renata Whisk’, Chef Robert Lewis as ‘Former Councilman Skeeter Jones’, Seveda Williams as ‘Agnes Frumpster’, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller as ‘Consetta Caruso’, Wendy Radford as ‘Natasha ‘Knockout’ Buchanan’, Dave Jones as ‘Damon Swain’ and Lorraine Brooks as the Narrator.

We will play music from the original Broadway cast recording of ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

We hope our listeners find this story of diabetes mystery and intrigue to be further proof that you don’t have to feel trapped in a diabetes life. You can make changes, even tiny incremental ones, and get into a life that feels just right for you.

Enjoy Divabetic’s 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” mystery podcast starring Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie & Lorraine Brooks.

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Diabetes Podcast Week 2019

Divabetic is proud to participate in the 4th year of Diabetes Podcast Week (startingFebruary 10) in support of theSpare a Rose. Save A Rose’ campaign, to benefit Life for a Child.

Organizer Stacey Simms explains she got the idea after seeing an article about diabetes podcasts in the news site, Diabetes Mine in the summer of 2015.  “I had just launched Diabetes Connections and I didn’t realize how many other D-podcasts there were,” she explains. “I started thinking about what we could do together to help the greater community.”

Spare a Rose – Save a Child (PRNewsFoto/Partnering for Diabetes Change ()

The idea behind Spare a Rose, Save a Child is simple: buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and donate the value of that flower to children with diabetes. Donations go to Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation program which provides life-saving diabetes supplies, medication, and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

.For the first time, #DPodcast Week includes a Spanish-language podcast and one hosted by diabetes dads. The list also includes shows about sports, nutrition, general news and lots of great personal stories for people with diabetes. “There are new diabetes podcasts popping up all the time so I’m sure we’ve missed a few,” says Stacey Simms, who encourages other shows to reach out.

“I have so much respect and appreciation for everything that Stacey Simms does on behalf of the diabetes community,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “My Diabetes Late Nite team is proud to particapte in #DPodcastWeek again this year! We’re encouraging all our listeners to take a page from Barbra Streisand‘s handbook and tell their significant others not to bring them flowers for Valentine’s Day but instead donate to a wonderful cause!”

Don’t miss February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’ campaign on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.  We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with musical inspiration from Country Superstar, Dolly Parton. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.  TUNE IN

Holly Clegg’s Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

All we can think about lately are dumplings as we gear up for February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from  Dumplin’ (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Dolly Parton courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.  

The film, Dumplin’ is based on the book of the same name by Julie Murphy. It tells the story of Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson (actress Danielle Macdonald), the plus-sized teenage daughter of former beauty queen Rosie Dickson (actress Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her mom’s teenage pageant as a protest.

“Netflix’s Dumpin’ film has an emotionally impactful message of self-acceptance, wrapped in a charming coming-of-age story and steeped in Dolly Parton music,” says ScreenRant. 

I reached out to my friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg for a healthy dumpling recipe.

“This ultimate comfort food and soothing soup is made with rotisserie chicken and chicken and drop dumplings and is ready in no time at all!,” says Holly Clegg.  

Easy Chicken and Dumplings from Holly Clegg’s KITCHEN 101 cookbook

Ingredients 

1 onion, chopped

1 cup baby carrots

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cups fat-free low sodium chicken broth, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

2 cups chopped skinless rotisserie chicken breast

2 cups biscuit baking mix

2/3 cup skim milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. In large nonstick pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic over medium heat until tender.

2. In small cup, stir flour and 1/3 cup chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture and remaining broth to pot; bring to boil. Add thyme and chicken.

3. In bowl, stir together biscuit baking mix and milk. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls into boiling broth.

4. Return to boil, reduce heat, and cook, covered, carefully stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes or until dumplings are done. Season to taste. If soup is too thick, add more chicken broth.

Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 212, Calories from Fat 22%, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 32mg, Sodium 563mg, Carbohydrates 26g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Total Sugars 4g, Protein 15g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 lean meat

Terrific Tip: A short-cut for dumplings: cut flaky biscuits into fourths and drop into boiling broth or you can even use flour tortillas cut into fourths. You can slice carrots — but I find baby carrots a time-saver.

With over 1.5 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim &TERRIFIC®, Kitchen 101 and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

Tune in to February’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more.  TUNE IN