Tag: diabetes mystery

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Prime Suspect: The Cannoli Countess

Have you heard of the Canolli Countess?

She’s a famous Italian baker who has risen to fame with her delicious cannoli treats.

However, her romantic involvement with the victim, Conrad Rivera, also known as the Vanilla King of Madagascar, has caused her to become a prime suspect in our team’s ongoing murder investigation.

It’s all part of this year’s Divabetic Mysteries podcast titled “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” now available for streaming on popular platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

If you’re a fan of true crime and love solving mysteries, you won’t want to miss this thrilling podcast series.

Our mystery podcast isn’t only for mystery lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about diabetes and self-care. In between colorful characters, crazy adventures, and mysterious surroundings, we pack health and wellness tips that can help you take charge of your diabetes. We also hope to encourage you to think like a detective the next time you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Search for clues, collect data, talk to witnesses, and bring your ideas to the authorities (healthcare collaborators) for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes isn’t a bad idea either.

Here’s a short synopsis of “Murder Plain As Vanilla”:

When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. It’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother.

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive.

To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster. Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, Leisa Chester Weir, and Amparo Peterkin. Written by Max Szadek and Wendy Radford. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Animated by Max Szadek

Enjoy all of Divabetic Mysteries Podcasts streaming on Blog TalkRadio, iTunes and Spotify: Pink Panther Phantom of the Okra Suspect Boulevard Gypsies, Tramps & Peas Swan Wake Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes Kill Me Madam A Christmas Peril Tomorrow Is Not On the Menu Website: Divabetic.Org

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Divabetic Mysteries Podcast: Murder Plain As Vanilla Coming in Fall 2023

Divabetic will present its 10th Annual Divabetic Mysteries podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, this fall. The cozy mystery podcast features a Murder She Wrote-style whodunit with loads of diabetes and self-care information.

Murder Plain As Vanilla Synopsis

When Max’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls late at night, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. After all, it’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother for using her credit card at the Jersey Shore to buy kitchen equipment.
He arrives bright and early at the historic Hedge’s Inn in East Hampton, New York, with nothing to lose.  But before his hands touch a flour canister, he discovers the dead body of the competition’s sponsor, Conrad Rivera, the Vanilla King of Madagascar, lying in the Hedges Inn’s bed of roses. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. Soon, rumors are swirling about Max’s involvement in legendary TV Chef Sweet Sally Buttercup’s untimely demise at Central Park’s Gingerbread Man competition. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, health educators MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s baking station, even his mother refuses to taste his newest recipe. Could it be as lethal as a cup of kale hot cocoa?
Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying. To win the Visions Of Vanilla grand prize, it will be a fight to the death.
This popular podcast will be available for free on all streaming platforms. Stay tuned for more details!

Tune in to Divabetic’s 9th Annual Mystery podcast, Tomorrow Is Not on The Menu.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything seems low pressure and low calorie until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation!

Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Or will he be trading his fruit suit for coveralls with stripes?

Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Dave Jones, Catherine Schuller and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Special thanks to our colleague, the multi-talented Wendy Radford.

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, our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit hoping 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 chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring 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. 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.

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’.

But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?

Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

 

 

 

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Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade 2023

Mermaids of nearly every imaginable description (Swedish Fish singing ABBA and Mime-Maids) lined Surf Avenue in Coney Island for the 41st Mermaid Parade. 

It was an incredible display of art, body positivity, cleverness, and creativity.

This year’s parade is billed as the nation’s largest arts parade.  Hip-hop legend Kool Keith was its king, and city Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo was its queen.

The main goal of the parade is to spread positivity and fun, and it continues to do so year after year.

The Mermaid Parade is all about body positivity. Body positivity is a movement that promotes acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, a healthy body image means feeling good about looking and feeling comfortable in one’s body. Conversely, they report that having a negative body image can put one at a higher risk for mental health conditions, including eating disorders.

The true meaning of being positive about your body is self-acceptance and learning what is healthy specifically for you.

It’s a gathering of scantily clad folks who aren’t afraid to wear sequins, bare midriffs, fins, and sea-inspired costumes in broad daylight, with thousands of people watching.

The Mermaid Parade allows women to dress up as Drag Queens.

“Just like the Halloween parade — it’s all authentic New Yorkers. And this is an authentic New York event, she said.

The parade has been held nearly every year since 1983 but went virtual in 2020 and was canceled in 2021 because of the COVID pandemic.

The Mermaid Parade is a chance to get made up, express yourself, hear live music, see classic cars, and enjoy the creative spirit of New Yorkers.

Organizers estimate hundreds of thousands of people come out each year.

A ceremony on the beach also marks the start of the official summer swimming season on Coney Island.

Check out Divabetic’s Mystery podcast, Gypsies, Tramps & Peas.

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Coney Island. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand.

Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Mama Rose Marie, and Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit-clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

Divabetic Mysteries podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

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Divabetic Mysteries: Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu, Part 4

Divabetic Mysteries podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu is packed with loads of diabetes information, and self-care tips wrapped up in a cozy mystery radio drama.

Brief Synopsis: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything seems low pressure and low calorie until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation!

Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Or will he be trading his fruit suit for coveralls with stripes?

Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Dave Jones, Catherine Schuller, and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Special thanks to Wendy Radford.

Divabetic Mystery Podcast’s goals are: Encourage people with diabetes to problem-solve issues related to their self-care, like their favorite TV detectives (i.e., write things down, search for clues and share information with your healthcare collaborators and ask questions). Manage diabetes as a team rather than go it alone. Make learning about diabetes fun and interesting.

Don’t miss the first podcast of the year featuring guest Rachel Zinman, a yoga instructor and author living with LADA. Rachel shares a Guided Meditation about Compassion. It’s our 6th consecutive year of partnering with Rachel at the start of the New Year to encourage our loyal listeners to reset with a fresh, clear mindset about managing their diabetes.

Visit: https://divabetic.org

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divabeticorg

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Podcasts: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1

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Divabetic Mysteries: Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu, Part 2

Divabetic Mysteries podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu is packed with loads of diabetes information, and self-care tips wrapped up in a cozy mystery radio drama.

Brief Synopsis: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything seems low pressure and low calorie until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation!

Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Or will he be trading his fruit suit for coveralls with stripes?

Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Dave Jones, Catherine Schuller, and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Special thanks to Wendy Radford.

Divabetic Mystery Podcast’s goals are: Encourage people with diabetes to problem-solve issues related to their self-care, like their favorite TV detectives (i.e., write things down, search for clues and share information with your healthcare collaborators and ask questions). Manage diabetes as a team rather than go it alone. Make learning about diabetes fun and interesting.

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Divabetic Mysteries: Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu, Part 1

Divabetic Mysteries podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu is packed with loads of diabetes information, and self-care tips wrapped up in a cozy mystery radio drama.

Brief Synopsis: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything seems low pressure and low calorie until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation!

Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Or will he be trading his fruit suit for coveralls with stripes?

Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Dave Jones, Catherine Schuller, and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Special thanks to Wendy Radford.

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Arthel Neville Gets Carried Away With Words To Help Empower Women

I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of my friend and Divabetic supporter, Arhel Neville!

Arthel is helping me shower the cast and crew of Divabetic’s upcoming Mystery podcast: “Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu” with gratitude by supplying everyone with beautiful Arthel Neville Design™ handbags. Her generous heart is one of the many reasons I love her so much!

 “As a mentor, I’ve always been looked upon for words of encouragement. As a result, I’ve adopted sisters of all ages across the globe,” says Arthel. “I find inspiration in inspiring others, and I’m all about female empowerment. This led me to create Arthel Neville Design™, an accessories collection adorned with my original quotes.”
These words of affirmation made it onto her new accessories collection, as they serve as a personal reminder of proud accomplishments and doors Arthel dares to continue to open. By accessorizing with Arthel Neville Design™, she wishes her original quotes will encourage and inspire ‘girls’ of all stripes.
I met Arthel almost twenty years ago when I took a brief break working for Luther Vandross to go on a European Tour with Lionel Richie.  I’m still unsure how I convinced Luther to let me have three weeks off.  Arthel visited her fiance and future husband, the talented Taku Hirano. Taku played percussion in Lionel’s band under the music direction of Chuckii Booker. Arthel and I became fast friends. A few years later, she graciously agreed to be our celebrity co-host at two Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach programs in her hometown, New Orleans.

Earlier this year, Arthel offered her beautiful tote bags as prize giveaways at Divabetic’s Mother’s Day-themed Baking Party featuring the Diabetic Pastry Chef on Zoom. Our next Baking Party is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 7 PM EST. Click HERE to register.
Arthel hopes her accessories line will speak to you and allow you to send a message about yourself to others. Arthel Neville Design™ – an accessories collection that lets us get carried away with words.
Arthel Neville’s help boosting attitudes toward women at risk, affected by and living with diabetes means so much to our community.
At Divabetic we aim to help our community overcome barriers and live to their potential. Specifically, shame and guilt are two common barriers for many women (and men) living with type 2 diabetes. We want to encourage you to live well with diabetes.

Make sure to tune in to Divabetic’s upcoming Mystery podcast, Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu, on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 6 – 7 PM EST.

Here’s a quick synopsis: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything is hunky-dory until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation! Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, and Lorraine Brooks. Music by Ivan Hampden Jr.

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9 Divabetic Mystery Podcasts Available On Demand

This year we celebrate presenting our ninth original Divabetic Mystery podcast on Blog Talk Radio.  We fill our mystery podcasts with diabetes and diabetes self-care information, a suspenseful cozy mystery, and a few laughs.

We use a cozy mystery format to show how the average person can make a difference. It doesn’t matter if the protagonist is a knitter, a librarian, or in our case, a diabetes advocate with a passion for baking —that person can solve a murder.

In cozy mysteries, the amateur sleuth is surrounded by a group of family and friends, cheering her or him on to solve the crime. These supporting characters help and hinder, and it is a story about a community banding together for what is right.

You can apply the basic principles of our mystery podcast to managing your diabetes. We suggest you work with a team of healthcare collaborators to achieve optimum health rather than go it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘stupid’ questions – knowledge is power. And when you are in doubt, know that we believe in you! You can do it.

Divabetic’s First Mystery Podcast: Pink Panther

Will ‘Orange’ be the new black for Mr. Divabetic?

When a murder occurs in the Divabetic studios, the primary suspect becomes the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic. Our fruit suit-clad amateur sleuth sets out to prove his innocence with the help of USA Today’s Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes. As they try to solve the crime, Mr. Divabetic and the Diabetes Late Nite cast discover the harmful side effects of dietary supplements for people with diabetes.

If you are not cautious, diabetes and dietary supplements can be dangerous. Some supplements are contaminated with substances other than those stated on the label. Others should be avoided with certain medications.

The first step in deciding whether or not to mix diabetes and dietary supplements is to talk to your doctor. He or she can discuss the possible benefits and risks of dietary supplements.

Guests include Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Leisa Chester Weir, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories, Author Peter Arpesella, and Mama Rose Marie.

The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Second Mystery Podcast: Phantom Of the Okra

Mr. Divabetic gets caught up in a murder mystery when he agrees to host the Red Tomato Carpet at the 6th Annual Bake Bethesda A Pie Contest at Central Farm Market in Bethesda, MD.

Will orange be the ‘new black’ for Mr. Divabetic? Find out what happens when Mr. Divabetic, the Diabetes Late Nite cast, and some special friends try to solve this diabetes murder mystery loosely based on “The Phantom Of The Opera.” Enjoy diabetes self-care advice and nutrition information in-between moments of suspense, wide-goose chases, and entertaining banter.

Guests include Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown (founder of the We Are Diabetes organization), Central Farm Markets Co-Founder Debra Moser, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Author Peter Arpesella, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Leisa Chester Weir, Terri Seidman, and Mama Rose Marie.

This podcast features song selections from “The Phantom Of The Opera” soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Third Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard

Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds, and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard.

Our cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast, we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philharmonic 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 the Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

Divabetic’s Fourth Mystery Podcast: Gypsies, Tramps And Peas

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Fifth Mystery Podcast: Swan Wake:

When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix-up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets, he’s faced with an even bigger problem – a MURDER! To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten-free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet, and its members that have everyone walking around on tiptoes. Could our happy healthcare host’s wacky culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic, with the help of his team of Certified Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery Author, and his own nosy Italian Mom, must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.

Our Swan Wake cast features Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

The podcast will feature music from Leonard Berstein’s recording of ‘Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20’ celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Sixth Mystery Podcast: Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes

Enjoy Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes. The mystery is set in the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s healthy 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 Prefers Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR, The Happy Diabetic Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Jillian Walsh, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks, and Max Szadek.

Throughout this podcast, we will feature music from the original Broadway cast recording Gentlemen Prefer Blondes courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

Divabetic’s Seventh Mystery Podcast: Kill Me Madam

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin.’ But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake an edible cake?

Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s Eighth Mystery Podcast: A Christmas Peril

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home 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 and 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.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Terri Seidman, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. 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.

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 they teach.

Divabetic’s Ninth Mystery Podcast: Tomorrow Is Not On The Menu

Mr. Divabetic lands his to-die-for job as a caterer for the nation’s hottest health guru, Wendy Wattage’s Wellness Retreat on the Jersey Shore. Everything is hunky-dory until the body of the nasty food critic, Marilyn Macaroni, is found stabbed to death with one of Max’s new chef knives. Now he’s the prime suspect in a big, fat murder investigation! Can he and his team of friends, diabetes educators, and his nosey Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, find the killer before the police arrive? Weight loss murder never tasted so good.

Starring Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Maryann Horst Nicolay MEd, NTDR, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage,’ Seveda Williams, and Lorraine Brooks. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir. Music by Ivan Hampden Jr.

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Divabetic Reader #2: Viola Shipman’s The Summer Cottage

Summer reading is fun. However, Summer snacking while reading can quickly derail your diabetes health goals. For example, this past weekend, I spent several hours in the airport reading and snacking after multiple plane delays. Aunt Annie’s Pretzels and aisles of Chex Mix galore, as well as any carb-heavy snack, are like kryptonite for me. I am usually entirely powerless when they’re within my reach. But now that I can walk longer and play tennis without difficulty or pain, my health goals have been re-ignited after sustaining a significant leg injury. So instead of Traditional Chex Mix, I snacked on The Fresh Market’s Everything Parmesan Crisps as I read Viola Shipman’s book, The Summer Cottage. This keto-friendly snack has 2 g of net carbs per serving versus the Chex Mix’s 23 g of net carbs per serving. 

 

We all know that manufacturers of unhealthy snacks masquerade their food products as healthy snacks with catchy names, health claims, and green-friendly packaging so it’s important to read the nutrition label.

The Mayo Clinic recommends you start with the list of ingredients.

  • Keep an eye out for heart-healthy ingredients, especially those that are less processed, such as whole-wheat flour, soy, and oats. Monounsaturated fats — such as olive, canola or peanut oils; nuts; and seeds — promote heart health, too.
  • Avoid unhealthy ingredients, such as excessive salt or added sugars, saturated fats, or hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil.
  • Look at total carbohydrates, not just sugar.

Keep in mind that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The main (heaviest) ingredient is listed first, followed by other ingredients used in decreasing amounts.

MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, DTR‘s summer nutrition tips, echoed in my ear as I scanned the snack aisle before approaching the cash register. She encouraged participants to spend their carbs wisely throughout the day on a recent Divabetic virtual outreach program on Zoom. By the way, we will be hosting our next free Divabetic On Zoom program in Fall. For details, visit Divabetic.Org. 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states people with diabetes should aim to get about half of their calories from carbs. If you usually eat about 1,800 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight, about 800 to 900 calories can come from carbs. At 4 calories per gram, that’s 200–225 carb grams a day. That’s a general guideline but for a more personalized approach, consult with a registered dietitian.

What was I reading? 

I read Viola Shipman’s The Summer Cottage. Here’s a short synopsis:

“Adie Lou Kruger’s ex never understood her affection for what her parents called their Cozy Cottage, the charming, ramshackle summer home—complete with its own set of rules for relaxing—that she’s inherited on Lake Michigan. But despite the fact she’s facing a broken marriage and empty nest, and middle age is looming in the distance, memories of happy childhoods on the beach give her reason for hope. She’s determined not to let her husband’s affair with a grad student reduce her to a cliché, or to waste one more minute in a career she doesn’t love, so it becomes clear what Adie Lou must do: rebuild her life and restore her cottage shingle by shingle, on her terms.”

I have been looking forward to reading a Viola Shipman book since Wade Rouse appeared on Brenda Novak’s virtual Book Club on Facebook Live. Best-Selling Author Brenda Novak is a passionate diabetes advocate. She has raised millions of dollars for Diabetes Research with her online auction! 

Before Brenda’s interview, I didn’t know Viola Shipman and Wade Rouse are one and the same. Wade chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, as a pen name to honor the woman whose heirlooms and family stories inspire his fiction. And he’s successful to boot! 

 If it’s true what Elizabeth Marvel said, “if you can see it, you can be it. And I believe in that”, then Wade’s writing journey just might inspire me to write too. I just didn’t think a man could or would be embraced to write the kind of books I tend to read. Now that I know it’s a possibility, my brain is spinning with so many storylines. I just might have to open a new google document once I finish rewrites and edits for this year’s Divabetic Mystery: A Christmas Peril. We have another rehearsal scheduled for tonight! 

Enjoy last year’s Divabetic Mystery podcast: Kill Me Madam using the link below:

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?

Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

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Divabetic Celebrates Earth Day!

Today is World Earth Day!

Divabetic is happy to support awareness about pollution and to celebrate the environment of the blue planet. Our two previous Diabetes Mystery podcasts, Kill Me Madam and Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes pack strong Earth Day’s messages between all of the action, diabetes information, intrigue, laughs, and suspense!

We’re According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. consumes around 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually, and globally, around 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year. In fact, four out of five grocery bags in the U.S. are plastic, but a person only uses a plastic bag for around 12 minutes before being discarded or stored.

The environmental costs of plastic remain at an all-time high. Since only five percent of plastics are effectively recycled, that means the remaining 95 percent are left all over the planet.

Plastic pollution is poisoning our oceans and land, injuring marine life, and affecting our health.

Plastic has been collecting in the marine environment since plastic production began in the 1950s — in fact, each square mile of the ocean contains more than 46,000 pieces of floating plastic. Eight million metric tons of plastics make their way into the ocean each year.

You can do your bit to help end plastic pollution by finding out how many plastic items you consume every year and make a pledge to reduce the amount.

How You Can Reduce Plastic In Your Daily Life

Avoid using straws. Do you really need a straw? When at a restaurant, ask that no straw be brought out with your drink.

Stop using disposable silverware.

Use reusable produce bags

Buy in bulk

Stop buying bottled water

Buy cardboard over plastic

Avoid fabrics with plastic microfibers, such as nylon and polyester.

Since you can buy your own water filtration system, there is no need to buy bottled water. It’s just a waste of plastic. Plus, this is one of the easiest targets for reducing waste. And, for water on the go, keep a refillable bottle around.

Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes is set in the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s healthy 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), The Happy Diabetic Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Jillian Walsh, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks, and Max Szadek.

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

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?

Kill Me Madam podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.

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