Tag: diabetes podcast

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The Palace and America’s Most Beautiful Historic Theaters

Throughout the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several stunning historic theaters across the country. Some of my favorite theaters include the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, the Temple Theatre in Saginaw, the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara, and the Palace Theater in Waterbury. While many may not consider touring theaters when visiting cities, these venues offer a remarkable insight into entertainment history. Most of these theaters were constructed in the 1920s, initially serving as vaudeville houses before transitioning into movie theaters with Wurlitzer organs accompanying silent films and eventually returning to hosting live performances.

The Palace Theater, with its luxurious tomato-red velvet curtain, has hosted a myriad of iconic performers over the years, from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Jackie Gleason to Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.

In 1924, during a performance by magician Harry Houdini, a crew had to cut an 8-foot-wide hole in the stage floor for a trap door. The hole was later patched up. Unfortunately, when Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus visited, an elephant named Shirley fell through the patched hole from Houdini’s act several years earlier. Sadly, the management had to put the animal down as they could not rescue it. Shirley, the elephant, is now part of Palace Theater lore as one of the four friendly spirits that supposedly haunt the theater.

In contrast to today’s black box-style theaters designed to accommodate various stage productions, these historic theaters, with their gleaming neon marquees, elegant lobbies, gold detailing, crystal chandeliers, and Art Deco carvings, were solely intended to transport their audiences from the mundane of everyday life to a magical world. The sumptuous plushness of the velvet seats instantly makes you feel like you’re about to experience something extraordinary.

During the pandemic, people stopped attending live shows for health and financial reasons. Still, they continued to stream music, films, and TV in record numbers, proving that entertainment is a necessary commodity. Divabetic’s podcasts, virtual workshops, and YouTube videos also experienced an uptick. There was a prevailing notion that live theater was a luxury. If that notion still holds, creating elaborate, glamorous theater spaces that encourage people to dress up, celebrate, and experience the joys of life is truly invaluable.

Watching performances by Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva in these beautiful settings is a treasure.

We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common. How realistic are these portrayals? How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care?  And how do we feel after viewing them?  With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark, and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder Marc Washington.  

Throughout this podcast, we will feature music from the album Score by 2Cellos, courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk, and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their healthcare providers, a translator of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with diabetes and its related complications. 

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Relationships And Diabetes: Who Do You Tell?

Living with diabetes can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to your relationships. That’s why it’s essential to talk to your loved ones about your diabetes diagnosis and how it affects your life. It can help you surround yourself with a more supportive and encouraging environment.

Dr. Janis Roszler, PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes, Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most. 

Thank you for helping us to better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes by participating in our first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes with Diabetes Sisters . This survey, titled Love Across All Life Stages of Diabetes, allowed you to share your thoughts and experiences with us so we can create more meaningful programming and resources to serve you.

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object. Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives.

After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.

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Luther Vandross Documentary Opens Coming To Theaters In November 2024

Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters starting November 1st!

I’ve seen it thrice and walked away with a different insight each time. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing Luther’s discipline, drive, and determination to succeed. It’s easy to think Luther had no trouble getting signed to a record deal, but the opposite is true. He spent his own money, earned from singing jiggles, to finance his demo and was rejected by several labels.

I never met anyone with his convictions. He taught me to believe in myself and my ideas and to invest in them.

The documentary relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his story with assistance from his closest friends, ME (!), and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.

It’s strange to see yourself on screen and share such a traumatic experience. I am grateful to everyone who has supported, participated, and partnered with me with my diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic.

After Luther’s stroke, I could have left his side and found work supporting another musical artist. Instead, I chose a different path. I educated myself about diabetes (I have a family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and helped educate and empower others so that we could all keep our house a home.

I still believe that’s the best way to honor Luther’s legacy.

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Divabetic Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard

After writing and producing ten mystery podcasts, I can say that our Suspect Boulevard podcast is my favorite.

One reason is that the format loosely follows Billy Wilder’s iconic Sunset Boulevard film. Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

  I tell the story of mystery, diabetes, and intrigue from backward to forward, and the setting is a gilded mansion in Beverly Hills.

My main characters, two famous sisters, author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze and her actress sister Marjorie Melbourne, elude to Jackie and Joan Collins.

Diabetes alert dogs are one of the many diabetes health topics in this podcast. I interviewed my friend Debby Kay, a diabetes alert dog trainer, scent detection expert, and author, about them, their skills, and the training required.

Having a dog that reliably alerts to blood sugar levels can help individuals regain their independence in daily life. This degree of detection by your side gives many people with diabetes the confidence to return to activities they love.

Here’s a quick synopsis of Sunset Boulevard: On a bright sunny morning, our happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, arrives at the resplendent Beverly Hills estate of NYT Best-Selling Author and Socialite Marjorie Melbourne Blaze. He’s here to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Heart of the Diva Gala on diabetes and women.

But he soon learns that a roomful of rich and famous faces is full of way more drama than he had ever expected . . . and now murder.

So, can Max and our team find the killer before this red-carpet event is covered in blood?

Divabetic’s story of diabetes mystery and intrigue stresses why it can be deadly to blame others for your heart’s misfortunes.

FEATURING Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Lorraine Brooks, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and Mama Rose Marie. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

One way to help prevent complications is to take 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 experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

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 education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our Zoom outreach programs.

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New York Historical Society Talk On The Presidents

David Rubenstein‘s talk with historian Douglas Brinkley at the New York Historical Society on US Presidents was fascinating. It was part of their Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency series. David’s talk discussed how the American presidency has changed over time, including its responsibilities, expectations, and symbolism. 

I’m not a history expert or particularly interested in US history, but I find David Rubenstein’s humor and insight riveting. He makes history come alive by sharing interesting tidbits and insights into the lives of the Presidents. 

On this occasion, David Rubenstein shared personal anecdotes about  Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), Harry S. Truman, and Abraham Lincoln. 

Thomas Jefferson hated to speak in public because of his high-pitched, squeaky voice. The only public speech he made was at his first inauguration. 

David Rubenstein said Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s polio diagnosis might have helped the President develop the grit and determination to succeed in the Oval Office and win World War II. David shared how FDR wasn’t able to receive treatment to cure his polio because he went undiagnosed for thirty days. FDR was also obsessed with collecting postage stamps. 

Harry Truman was the only 20th-century U.S. President who didn’t go to college.

Mary Todd Lincoln‘s unlikeable disposition could be responsible for her husband’s assassination.  The First Lady’s rudeness caused General Ulysses Grant and his wife to decline an invitation to the Ford Theater. If the couple had agreed to accompany the Lincolns on that fateful night, there would have been the proper security to prevent John Wilks Booth from shooting the president. 

Douglas Brinkley, a New York Historical Society presidential historian, will also moderate the discussion. Brinkley frequently contributes to CNN, MSNBC, and CBS on presidential history. David Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and the host of History with David Rubenstein on PBS. He has written several books, including The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency and How to Invest: Masters on the Craft. He served under the Carter administration and purchased several copies of the Declaration of Independence for the public to view. He also owns the Baltimore Orioles. 

Speaking of baseball, several Major League Baseball (MLB) players are living with type 1 diabetes. Jordan Hicks, a 25-year-old-starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, adjusts his routine to monitor his blood sugar, insulin intake and meal plan.  “You Can be diabetic, and you can be a phenom,” Jordan Hicks said. “You can be phenomenal. You can do all those things. Just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you should let that take anything away from you.”

Mason Miller, pitcher for the Oakland A’s, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, wants to be a role model for children with diabetes. He has said that diabetes is part of who he is, but it’s not who he is entirely. He doesn’t need to be embarrassed about it or scared to share it. 

Jason Johnson was the first MLB player to wear an insulin pump while playing on the field. To accomplish this feat, Jason Johnson needed to experiment with infusion sites and the best place to attach the pump to his Tigers uniform. He knew he had to wear the pump in a spot safe from line drives. He also knew he had to insert the infusion needle under the skin in a spot where it wouldn’t get yanked out by the extreme torque that a major league pitcher generates during his delivery. So, Jason Johnson decided to clip the pump to his belt near the small of his back, a few inches below his uniform number.

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Apthropologie’s Holiday House In New York City

Decor, Design, and Diabetes

As I strolled down the street in September, I was taken aback by a brownstone adorned with holiday decorations, two months ahead of schedule!

Seeing the lavish garlands adorning the exterior stair railing piqued my curiosity, prompting me to dash up the stairs to unravel the mystery behind Christmas’s early arrival in the Upper West Side of New York City.

Upon stepping through the magnificent oak doors, I found myself in the Anthropologie Holiday House in collaboration with Terrain. This free four-story holiday extravaganza was a dream come true for holiday enthusiasts.

The immersive experience offered a plethora of festive decor available for purchase. It was truly a sight to behold, a treat for the eyes!

For individuals managing diabetes who often perceive the holidays as a time of deprivation, this experience was a game-changer.

The guilt-free enjoyment of holiday decor and decorations was a delightful revelation. It offered a way to savor the holiday spirit without the concerns of excess fat, alcohol, calories, and salt. After all, it’s not the plate but what you serve on it that causes unexpected highs and lows in blood pressure and blood sugar.

One of the most striking sights was the floating holiday tree on one of the upper floors, a truly unique and captivating display.

The checkerboard cabinet in the kitchen caught my eye with its playful design and practicality. It provided a clever solution for concealing a second set of plates and dishware.

The luxurious sheets, lush throws, and comfy duvet covers were irresistible to the touch.

They boasted exquisite designs and unparalleled softness that would complement any bedroom in the house.

The whimsical Christmas tree decorations were equally enchanting.

They featured vibrant colored glass ornaments that breathed life into any home during the holiday season.

Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, offer advice on managing diabetes sexual-health related issues in the bedroom.

The dining room tablescape was a masterpiece for those with a more refined taste.

Anthropologie had collaborated with the MET Museum to create a one-of-a-kind Gilded Age-inspired collection of dishware and crystal.

The design team meticulously studied historical flatware and dishware at the MET, infusing the museum’s cherished pieces with a distinctive Anthropologie sensibility.

The result was a tablescape that set the stage for the entire Holiday House experience.

Set your table in truly artistic fashion with timeless tableware from Apthropologie’s conversation pieces in a variety of modern and classic styles.

Pattern Management is a skill that can help you manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host is Mr. Divabetic, and Neva White, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE, the leader of the Divabetic Club—Philadelphia. These two advocates discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management.

Dviabetic Club was a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH, and Philadelphia, PA, that boasted 75-100 participants monthly. Our unique mixture of traditional diabetes education, motivation support, beauty and style tips, and hobby demonstrations offered something for everyone.

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Itzhak Perlman Peforms Back-To-Back Performances in Richmond, Virginia

This past weekend, Richmond, VA’s historic Carpenter Theater, built in 1926, was ablaze with back-to-back performances by Itzhak Perlman.

The legendary violinist has been a long-standing advocate for accessibility after being diagnosed with polio. I chose to seek employment working for Mr. Perlman after experiencing Luther Vandross‘s difficulties using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

I discuss finding Luther after his stroke in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, which will be released on streaming platforms in January 2025.

I decided that if I returned to personal assistant work, I would prefer to work with an entertainer who requires my help beyond picking out the green M&Ms from a bowl in the dressing room. Mr. Perlman’s ongoing issues related to accessibility in travel and hotel accommodations piqued my interest. Helping a legendary performer of Mr. Perlman’s stature do what they love, like performing live for an audience, brings me joy.

His first performance, “Cinema Serenade,” featured film scores by John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

Valentina Peleggi conducted this survey of cinema’s most moving melodies from iconic films such as Casablanca, Cinema Paradiso, Out of Africa, and many others.

Sunday’s “Afternoon with Itzhak Perlman” had the legendary violinist sharing childhood memories, telling jokes, and recalling career highlights interspersed between musical selections encompassing his phenomenal career. Itzhak Perlman’s back-to-back performances closed the Richmond Symphony‘s spectacular Strad Fest.

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Diabetes Outreach At the New York Auto Show

We’re bringing our dazzling approach to diabetes outreach to the New York International Auto Show in New York City. The New York International Auto Show is North America’s first and largest attended auto show, featuring 1,000 vehicles plus the latest in tech, safety, and innovation.

Play along with Mr. Divabetic and participants in Divabetic’s ‘Serve, Taste or Trash!’ Game. In the game, you’re given three choices of popular foods. You must decide which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste, and which one you’d trash. The game’s goal is to encourage people to become more open-minded eaters:

Mr. Divabetic wants to raise awareness of the precautions people living with diabetes should take before getting behind the wheel. Did you know that sudden bouts of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can lead to confusion, delayed reaction, visual disturbances, or loss of consciousness when driving? Even in the absence of low blood sugar, people with diabetes may have impaired vision or nerve function in the feet, which can affect driving. While most accidents related to diabetes complications happen to a small group of people with Type 1 diabetes who need to take insulin, people with Type 2 diabetes are also at risk.

Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly podcasts hosted by Mr. Divabetic on blog talk radio. Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel features live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare collaborators, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.

Join Divabetic’s Facebook page, follow Mr. Divabetic on Twitter, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities and event details.

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Luther: Never Too Much Documentary Trailer

Watch the trailer for LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH, an intimate look into a musical icon’s stunning life and career. From filmmaker Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble), it features interviews with many of Luther’s closest friends, collaborators, me(!), and fans, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warick, Valerie Simpson, Roberta Flack, Jamie Foxx, and more.

Luther fans will hear how he got his start after crashing a recording session for David Bowie’s Young Americans and becoming one of the most sought-after backup singers for artists such as Chic, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, and Aretha Franklin before his 1981 solo breakout R&B hit Never Too Much.

The Here and Now artist suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes in 2003. This inconceivable occurrence was the founding inspiration for me to start Divabetic. As Luther’s assistant, I wanted to encourage a new attitude about diabetes. One of our guiding principles is for people living with diabetes to create an entourage of care featuring family, friends, and healthcare collaborators to help with their self-care management.

Sadly, Luther was never able to recover fully. I stayed with him, supervising his care and rehabilitation until he died in 2005. Diabetes may have silenced one of the world’s greatest voices, but his worldwide influence endures.

Get inspired to stay healthy and upbeat about your self-care through Divabetic’s tribute podcasts, videos, Zoom meetups, and more.

Luther: Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters in select cities beginning November 1. Nationwide preview screenings October 30. Presented by Giant Pictures and CNN Films.

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Freddie Jackson Diagnoses With Kidney Disease

Freddie Jackson has been diagnosed with kidney disease. According to People Magazine, he made the statement yesterday on his social media.

“After a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve come to a point where I feel I’m ready to talk about a recent chapter in my life,” Freddie Jackson, 67, said in the video. 

Freddie Jackson, who topped Billboard’s R&B singles charts in the 1980s with a slew of hits including “You Are My Lady,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” said that he hopes his work with the National Kidney Foundation will “help shine a light on the importance of this issue.”

“It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference,” Freddie Jackson said. He’s partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about kidney health and provide support. 

Freddie Jackson is not living with diabetes, but there is a strong link between mismanaged diabetes and kidney disease. 

Over time, diabetes that isn’t tightly managed can damage blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. This can lead to kidney damage and cause high blood pressure.

High blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys. When the blood vessels are damaged, they don’t work as well. 

On this Divabetic podcast, we’re talking with Nephrologist Dugan Maddux about kidney health. The music is by H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music.  


High blood pressure can also damage your kidneys.

Keeping your blood glucose levels and blood pressure within your target range is the best prevention for kidney disease. But it sounds easier than it is. If you’re struggling to manage your diabetes and blood pressure, seek help. A team approach to managing health conditions with competent, friendly, and open-minded collaborators.

Freddie Jackson thanked his fans for their support: “As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease.

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