Category: Diva TalkRadio

‘The Ballad of the Jealous Sister’ poem by Maude E. Shenk inspires this year’s Diabetes Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard which premiered in September 2016. You can hear it for free on demand at i-Tunes, Divabetic.org and/or blog talk radio.

The Ballad of the Jealous Sister

Oh once an old woman

Lived by the seashore
Two daughters fair had she.
The younger one a lover had,
So brave and bold was he.

Young Bradford gave his love a ring
With shining stone and gold,
So they sat side by side one eve
And softly sweet words told.

The older sister jealous grew
Because she had no beau,
And so one evening on the lake
She planned revenge to know.

She threw her sister from the boat
Into the water blue,
And there she stood and laughed and laughed
And still no pity knew.

A tall old man was walking near
And chanced the girl to see.
Cried she, ‘I’ll give you much fine gold
If you but rescue me.’

He pulled her out and took her ring,
Then threw her in the lake;
Though loud her cries for succor rang,
He did no pity take.

Young Bradford walking by the shore
His true love chanced to see,
So plunging in, he rescued her
So brave and bold was he.

The tall old man still seemed to hear
The piercing cries for aid,
And wished he had the good deed done
For which he had been paid.

The older sister, mad with hate
Did wildly moan and rave.
That he should dare to thwart her there
And her young sister save.

But then the lovers lived and loved
For many and many a year,
But ne’er forgot the awful act
Caused by a jealous fear.

Two of the mystery’s main characters (TV actress Marlena Melbourne and Best-Selling Author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze) are ‘jealous sisters’ and loosely based on Jackie and Joan Collins. The famous real-life Collins sisters spent decades navigating the bright lights of Hollywood and fame together. Did it take a toll on their relationship?

Joan Collins told the Daily Mail that their relationship at one point had been ‘estranged’ – but quickly changed her choice of words and said they had simply not been as close.

She put their distance down to her relationship with a man who Jackie had ‘loathed’.

I imagine there was some sibling rivalry between the sisters after Joan Collins began her literary career. According to Peter Goldenthal, Ph.D., author of ”Why Can’t We Get Along: Healing Adult Sibling Relationships”, sibling rivalry continues to rear its head well into adulthood and even into old age. Dr. Goldenthal notes ‘don’t give up; you might be able to put your relationship with your sister on a grown-up track.’

In addition to sibling rivalry our murder mystery focuses on the link between diabetes and dementia and diabetes alert dogs. I spent many hours spent researching and consulting with Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN, Patricia Addie-Gentle, dog expert, Debby Kay, andMark Dagostino, author of “Elle & Me:The Fight for My Daughter’s Life and the Dog that Changed Everything”. If you are considering adding a diabetes alert dog to your healthcare entourage I encourage you to do plenty of research.

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled, “Suspect Boulevard“. Our madcap adventure involves dogs, divas, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. Cast members are: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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I believe that one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself which is a ‘challenge.’

Heller Keller said,”life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

For me, that gift/challenge is writing and producing our annual Diabetes Mystery podcast. I don’t consider myself to be a writer so to sit down and actually write a 50 + page script and numerous rewrites is actually a pretty daunting task.

My challenge began last September when I visited Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Hillwood Mansion in Washington, D.C. This gorgeous estate inspired the glamorous backdrop for our murder mystery as well as the central character, Best-Selling Author ‘Marjorie Melbourne Blaze’. The mansion features the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection, and twenty-five acres of serene landscaped gardens and a pet cemetery (!) It’s definitely worth a visit!

Writing can be a frustrating, humbling and lonely process so it’s great to involve a friend, especially a talented one. In my case, USA Today Best-Selling author Tonya Kappes was willing to spend endless hours with me over the phone or via e-mail consulting about motives, clues and dialogue. Somehow, in between all my calls she was able to put the finishing touches on several of her own mysteries which are coming out the Fall.

You can’t perform a mystery without a cast!! Our ‘Suspect Boulevard’ cast includes some familiar voices as well as few surprises. Susan Weiner, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Tonya along with my mom, Mama Rose Marie play themselves which is a challenge when writing dialogue. Susan and Patricia reviewed all the diabetes self-care information and advice to make sure it was accurate. My mom and I reworked her lines over and over again to get her feelings about aging right. Poet Lorraine Brooks wrote her own comments and funny remarks for our madcap adventure. Unfortunately Lorraine didn’t get to play the organ this year! Asha Brown (‘Primose Crump’) and Peter Arpesella (‘Nigel Lowenwirth’) who are both professional actors as well as amazing diabetes advocates returned again this year. Peter had to drop out at the last minute because of scheduling conflicts so my good friend, Chef Robert Lewis jumped in and gave a stellar performance. I also recruited Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller to join the cast. She was the only person I had in mind to play the ultra glamorous 80’s TV actress character, ‘Marlena Melbourne’. Catherine is always ‘up’ for a new challenge and drove in head first to her role with enthusiasm, excitement and even photos of herself looking like a glamorous Hollywood actress!

This year’s murder mystery focuses on the link between diabetes and dementia and diabetes alert dogs. In addition to many hours spent researching these topics I also consulted with Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN (author of the wonderful book on organization – see link below), Patricia Addie-Gentle, dog expert, Debby Kay, andMark Dagostino, author of “Elle & Me:The Fight for My Daughter’s Life and the Dog that Changed Everything”. If you are considering adding a diabetes alert dog to your healthcare entourage I encourage you to do plenty of research.

Additionally, I asked Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef to contribute recipes for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard”(see recipe below). If you love to entertain, check out Stacey’s recipes for flavorful, healthy options to add to your next party’s menu!

Finally, our hope is that Divabetic’s annual diabetes murder mystery podcasts inspire you to approach troublesome and worrisome unexpected blood sugar high’s and low’s like a detective; search for clues, look for patterns and above all, talk to the proper authorities (your healthcare team) about your symptoms.

Many of our favorite detectives including “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson”, “Charlie’s Angels” and “Scoopy-Doo & Freddy, Daphne, Velma an Shaggy” worked with partners or teams – you should too!

One way to help prevent complications is to take on a ‘team’ approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers and healthcare professionals in your self-care. Showing close friends where you keep your supplies and informing them of what you need when you’re experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Why not challenge yourself to do something new and different?

T.S. Elliot said, “if you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”

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We’re talking about BODY IMAGE & DIABETES with musical inspiration from superstar Meghan Trainor on October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Think about it. Have you considered if your body image impacts your diabetes?

For people with diabetes, these attitudes may be very healthy which actually helps them manage their diabetes or they may be unhealthy which may lead to blood glucose values that are damaging.

People with a healthy body image see themselves as they really are and are happy with the way they feel and look.

For people that do not have a healthy body image, the term body dysmorphic disorder is sometimes used.

One of the biggest hits of last year, Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” isn’t your typical pop song.

“My producer and I wanted to do a fun song, so we thought why not do a song about loving yourself and loving your body, because I don’t think girls love themselves as much as they should,” Trainor says.

Guests include Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE) Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from Meghan Trainor’s “Thank You” 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.”

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One of Divabetic’s goals is to make learning about diabetes and diabetes self-care management fun and entertaining. Our 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” mixes diabetes education with madcap adventures, suspense, humor and glamour.

This year’s mystery involves diamonds, diabetes, dementia and dogs and is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s classic film, ‘Sunset Boulevard.’

Superstar sisters, Joan and Jackie Collins are the inspiration for two of the main characters, Best-Selling author, Marjorie Melbourne Blaze and her sister, Actress Marlena Melbourne, in this year’s caper.

Although neither Joan nor Jackie Collins is or was living with diabetes their sensational lives and complicated relationship sparked enough interest in me to want to write about it.

The only thing better than one diva is two, right???!!!

Our annual diabetes mystery podcast hopes to encourage listeners to approach those troublesome and worrisome unexpected blood sugar high’s and low’s like a detective; search for clues, look for patterns and above all, talk to the proper authorities (your healthcare team) about your symptoms. Many of our favorite detectives including “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson”, “Charlie’s Angels” and “Scoopy-Doo & Freddy, Daphne, Velma an Shaggy” worked with partners or teams – you should too! One way to help prevent complications is to take on a ‘team’ approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers and healthcare professionals in your self-care.

“Suspect Boulevard” stars Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Tonya Kappes, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Actor and Author (“The Good This”) Peter Arpesella, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be playing the classic film scores by Franz Waxman courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

TUNE IN: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST

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Here’s one of my favorite podcasts, Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Tamar Braxton, from the past six years of broadcasting.

On this episode we’re turning up the volume on our ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ philosophy and talking about ‘SEXY SHOES YOU CAN DANCE IN’ with musical inspiration from Tamar Braxton.

Find a great looking pair of shoes that don’t hurt your feet can be a challenge especially if you’re living with diabetes.

Although Tamar Braxton faced this challenge each week when she famously competed on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ she’s probably still best known for being the brash talking, younger sister on the ‘Braxton’s Family Values’ TV Show. Tamar says, “Family’s can go through ups and downs. Who’s right or wrong but at the end of the day I love them and wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Did you know Tamar’s husband Vince recovered from a pulmonary embolism he suffered in November 2011? Since her husband’s sickness, Tamar Braxton has continued to spread the good word of health to her entire family. From her firstborn to her sisters, she’s creating opportunities for herself and everyone else to stay healthy as well.

Vibe Magazine’s Diamond Hillyer reviewed Tamar’s “Calling All Lovers” album and said, “She meticulously strings the highs, lows and every in-between of love, sex and relationships.”

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Dr. Monique Renee Rolle, Samantha Shaken, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Mama Rose Marie. Prize giveaways courtesy of Earth Brand Shoes, Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot Creams, Cabot Cheese and Nu Naturals.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing songs from“Calling All Lovers” courtesy of SONY MUSIC. This podcast proudly supports the Spare A Rose campaign.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Tamar Braxton

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I’m thrilled that Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King is our featured music artist for August.

Perhaps best known for the 1977 dance music classic, “Shame,” the single was released just a year before disco reached its peak with commercial crossover acts including the Village People, Chic, Donna Summer and others.

The extended mix of the song, “Shame” began gaining radio play and eventually the Top Ten on the R&B and pop charts by spring 1978. The follow-up, “I Don’t Know if It’s Right,” also went gold, peaking at number seven R&B, number 23 pop in fall 1978. Smooth Talk went gold, and she made two more LPs with T. Life: Music Box and Call on Me.

It’s true that she was discovered as a young woman while working with her mother at Philadelphia International Records as an office cleaner. Producer Theodore T. Life overheard her singing in a washroom and began coaching her. She was eventually signed to a production deal with Life’s Galaxy Productions and a recording contract with RCA Records

These days King continues to be one of the genre’s most active and visible performers. Whether recording and performing on her own or touring as one of the First Ladies of Disco with Linda Clifford and Martha Wash, King’s crown shines as bright as ever.

The best advice that Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King ever received was from her mom. She told her daughter, “Don’t be anyone else, be yourself, and always remember that you are no bigger than anyone else. You can be a star for the moment, but stars do fall.”

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Evelyn “Champagne” King courtesy of SONY Music.

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We’re thrilled to announce that our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ (loosely based on Sunset Boulevard) will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC. This special Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6 -7 PM, EST.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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 podcast’s format is similar to popular late night talk shows and features topical monologues, celebrity interviews, games, prizes and music. Every month the show’s theme is inspired by a different celebrity to help listeners to stay happy and healthy. Show segments include Diabetes Hot Topics discussions, Diagnosis To Diva stories, Sweet Inspiration poems (by Lorraine Brooks), Diabetes Numerology Puzzles and Mother Your Diabetes commentaries.

The happy healthcare host, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek hosts Diabetes Late Nite. Considered a popular ‘cult figure’ in the diabetes community, Mr. Divabetic became a diabetes advocate after working for music legend, Luther Vandross, who suffered a stroke related to type 2 diabetes. As the founder of the national nonprofit organization, www.divabetic.org, Mr. Divabetic has presented original diabetes educational outreach in over 20 major US cities as well as on social media. He has partnered with the American Diabetes Association, JDRF, dLife, Taking Control of Your Diabetes and many major healthcare centers including Mount Sinai Medical, New York, NY, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA and Memorial Regional Hospital in Miami, FL.

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Mr. Divabetic takes on ‘ANGER & DIABETES’ on August’s Diabetes Late Nite show scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, 2016. 6-7 PM.

We all know what anger is, and we’ve all felt it: whether as a fleeting annoyance or as full-fledged rage.

Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But keeping your temper in check can be challenging especially while managing your diabetes.

Diabetes is the perfect breeding ground for anger. Anger can start at diagnosis with the question, “Why me?” You may dwell on how unfair diabetes is: “I’m so angry at this disease! I don’t want to treat it. I don’t want to control it. I hate it!”

One reason diabetes and anger so often go hand in hand is that diabetes can make you feel threatened. Life with diabetes can seem full of dangers – insulin reactions or complications. When you fear these threats, anger often surges to your defense.

While it’s true that out-of-control anger can cause more harm than good, that’s only part of the story. Anger can also help you assert and protect yourself. You can learn to use your anger. You can even put it to work for better diabetes care.

Ready to get your anger under control?

Podcast guests include Author of “Overcoming Destructive Anger” Dr. Bernard Golden PhD, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Laura Laria, Jill Knapp- Woolsey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, and the Charlie’s Angels Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from Fifth Harmony 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.”

TUNE IN: August’s Diabetes Late Nite show on ‘ANGER & DIABETES’ on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, 6- 7:30 PM, EST. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

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