Tag: diabetes podcast

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Broadway’s The Hills Of California Inspires Art

I had such a wonderful time at the brilliant Broadway show The Hills of California! It’s an Olivier Award-winning play by Jez Butterworth, directed by the amazing Sam Mendes.

The story revolves around a very ambitious mother who dreams of seeing her four daughters become a successful singing group, much like the Andrews Sisters. It beautifully captures themes of love and loss, and it truly left a mark on me.

After the show, I dove deep into a rabbit hole of YouTube, watching interviews, performances, and documentaries about the Andrews Sisters, the Boswell Sisters, and the McGuire Sisters. I was mesmerized by the glamorous fashions and stunning fabric patterns from the 1940s and 50s.

It hit me that these designs could inspire my Halloween displays for next year! For Halloween 2025, I’m excited to create some fabulous clothing for my displays using paper, paint, and polyurethane.

I’ve drawn inspiration from Isabelle de Borchgrave, the incredible self-taught Belgian artist who creates breathtaking painted paper dresses. Her historical gown recreations are always captivating and seem to pop up in exhibitions worldwide.

I started by flattening some brown paper grocery bags and painting them with acrylic and house paint. Then I spent some time researching 1940s and 50s fabric patterns. With a few paint cans in hand, I let my creativity flow, despite my limited skills!

My dress designs are loosely inspired by the fabulous stage outfits of the Andrews and Boswell sisters, along with Loretta Young. For my sculptures, I’m getting creative with all sorts of materials like kid’s plastic masks, shoe boxes, Tide detergent containers, Coffee Mate bottles, newspapers, and paper towel rolls.

The powerful drama and acting from that Broadway experience have stayed with me for days. Isabelle de Borchgrave’s fashion creations sparked my imagination, while the music and style of the Andrews Sisters entertained me as I embarked on my artistic journey!

There’s a long way to go before my creations go on display. I’m still testing the various ways to waterproof my paper dresses so they don’t get damaged outdoors. I’m also aiming to write and draw a picture book based on the characters I create.

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Divabetic Mysteries Podcast: Kill Me Madam

Divabetic’s Mysteries podcast, Kill Me Madam, is packed with loads of diabetes information and self-care tips wrapped up in a cozy mystery radio drama.

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 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 become a complete and utter baking disaster.

Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, too.

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?

Stevia, acesulfame K, and sucralose are low-calorie sweeteners that can be 200–600 times sweeter than sugar. Our friend, Stacey Harris known as the The Diabetic Pastry Chef recommends using multiple sugar substance rather than just one substitute in your best recipes for the best results.

Almond or coconut flour are lower in carbohydrates and higher in fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.

For more baking tips and a captivating murder mystery, tune in to Divabetic’s Mysteries podcast: Kill Me Madam on YouTube, Blog Talk Radio, iTunes and Spotify.

FEATURING
Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, CoachThe Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams.

Carb Kitty make carbohydrate counting fun! Carbohydrate counting, or “carb counting,” can help you manage your blood glucose levels. Foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood glucose values. By monitoring the amount of carbohydrates you eat can help to better understand your blood glucose levels.

Carbohydrates (“carbs”) can be counted 2 ways: by grams or by carb choices. Remember: 1 carb choice = 15 grams of carbohydrate. Mr. Divabetic’s new educational game, Carb Kitty, makes counting carbs fun.

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Dazzle Like A Diva

Living with diabetes can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. At Divabetic we offer podcasts featuring experts on mind, body and soul to help you manage your emotions, fears and spirit.

When you have panicky thoughts, try to reframe them. Focus on what you can manage: Try to simplify self-management and focus on what you can manage rather than what you can’t manage. Connect with others and find a support group.

Barry Manilow’s classic hit, “I Made It Through The Rain” sparks real-life confessions about overcoming challanges related to diabetes health.

Babyface’s iconic hits help us celebrate Divabetic’s 12th Year Podcast Anniversary.

We’re talking about Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a chronic mood disorder that causes severe emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms in the week or two before menstruation.

We’re talking how our choice of words can make a difference in our attitude about living with diabetes.

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Divabetic Mysteries: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas

Check out this delightful scene from Divabetic’s Gypsies, Tramps, and Peas murder mystery podcast, available on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, and BlogTalkRadio!

This isn’t just for the mystery enthusiasts; it’s a fun and engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Between the vibrant characters, wild adventures, and intriguing settings, we sneak in health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes.

Next time you find yourself facing unexpected blood sugar changes, think like a detective! Look for clues, jot down your observations, chat with your support system, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for solutions.

A collaborative approach to managing diabetes can work wonders!

Synopsis: Meet Mr. Divabetic, a diabetes advocate turned amateur sleuth, as he takes a leap into his new role as a healthy caterer. With the help of his quirky co-workers and his nosy Italian mother, he heads to Coney Island to cater a party on a yacht for his old swim coach, Ted Rockow.

But things take a dark turn when the guest of honor turns up dead! Was it just an unfortunate accident, or is something more sinister at play?

Now, Mr. Divabetic is grilling a colorful cast of characters—a lively group of Burlesque dancers, a charming lifeguard, a mystical gypsy fortune teller, and even a few sparkling mermaids—each trying to keep their secrets hidden beneath the waves.

Can Mr. Divabetic conquer his fear of green peas and uncover the truth about his coach’s death: murder or mishap? Will he float to safety or sink into despair?

Tune in to see if he can crack the case with a bit of help from his loving Italian mother and his friends. Along the journey to unveil the murderer, he’ll share valuable diabetes self-care tips perfect for those sunny summer days!

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, best-selling author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Asha Brown of We Are Diabetes, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams.

Enjoy the adventure!

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Diabetes Murder Mystery: Murder Plain As Vanilla

Enjoy Divabetic’s animated 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care.

We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions.

A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a summary of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.” Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his arch-nemesis, Renata Whisk, to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition.

The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess. Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation.

However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive.

To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk.

Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or 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.

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Shame And Diabetes

The bedrock of my advocacy work for the diabetes nonprofit Divabetic has been helping women and their loved ones affected by, at risk, and living with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes overcomes shame.

As an openly gay man, I am acutely aware of how toxic shame can be in your life and the obstacles and barriers it can create to prohibit you from achieving your health and life goals.

In 2003, when I began my diabetes outreach efforts, I instantly recognized a similarity between my experience of accepting my sexuality and the experience of many people receiving their diagnosis. This connection pushed me to add layers of empowerment, self-love, and pride to traditional diabetes educational programming.

Accepting yourself (and your health) is a fluid, ongoing experience. After 30 years, I have good days and bad days. Being gay has been a superpower and a cross to bear. I can walk through life unnoticed or be the target of hate and blame for no apparent reason. At times, I still stumble with my confidence and resolve around my identity, so I can understand why, after two decades of dealing with the daily grind of diabetes, people throw up their hands rather than roll up their sleeves.

Recently, I was called out for being ‘obviously gay’ by two film reviewers who reviewed the Luther: Never Too Much documentary even though I made no mention of my sexuality. I was left scratching my head after hearing their comments about me. I can only hope that someone struggling with their sexuality sees me on screen and finds comfort and connection. I didn’t have many older role models to turn to when I was coming out during the AIDS crisis, so it would be a blessing to be one of the next generation.

Experts advise you to accept love and kindness from others, explore positive traits to help overcome feelings and thoughts related to shame, and share your experience living with diabetes to help conquer misinformation. This advice, taken as a whole, can be overwhelming. If you feel that way, you’re not alone. Hopefully, you will turn to Divabetic on the bad days for encouragement and be a source of encouragement for others by sharing your experience on the good days.

This week has been a source of celebration for some and distress for others in our community. I am laser-focused on continuing to build a bridge between all the different types of divas and their loved ones, creating strength through support and being a bright light in moments of despair for everyone. Shame has an insidious way of showing up at the absolutely wrong times in your life to knock you down and out.

Please continue to turn to us and allow us to turn to you to empower each other to dazzle in our diabetes lives.

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Single-Use Plastics Are Overwhelming

According to the Los Angeles Times, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo misrepresent the environmental impact of their plastic bottles.

I used art, creating my Halloween displays with single-use plastic, to draw attention to the alarming prevalence of single-use plastics in our lives.

The two companies are among the world’s top plastic polluters. Currently, just 9% of the world’s plastics are recycled. The rest are incinerated and set to landfills or in rivers and oceans. Experts say that almost 3.5 billion bottles are left unaccounted for and can only be recycled once or twice.

One of the other major concerns related to the abundance of single-use plastics is our health. The tiny particles in plastics known as microplastics have been detected in every ecosystem on the planet. Microplastics have been found in the brain, heart, lungs, blood, and semen.  Microplastics have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes because they contain additives that act as endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which can alter the body’s hormone system and impair glucose homeostasis. 

Collecting my single-use plastics, including water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages over two months, really opened my eyes to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis.

My single-use plastic swamp comprises plastic bottles and cardboard packaging that I painted to resemble foliage.

Everything used to make my displays, except the wigs and crowns, is made from recycled materials – water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, damaged comic books, broken lamp shades, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam. 

If you’re concerned about the abundance of single-use plastics and their harmful effects, focus on reducing or replacing one plastic item at a time, like your daily iced coffee container. You can also bring your reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and utensils when you go out. 

Avoid buying new clothing, especially polyester, which is spun from plastic. Instead, look for secondhand options or natural fibers like cotton, wool, rayon, or silk.


Plastic containers can be reused for years, but don’t use them for hot foods or liquids, and don’t microwave them.

Please do some research to learn more about the harmful effects of single-use plastics. 

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Max Szadek Interviewed on Solar Radio’s Soul Life


I was thrilled to be interviewed by Richard Marzetti on his Soul Life show on the UK radio station Solar Radio. Richard’s show features an uplifting selection of the newest and contemporary soul releases, classics, and modern goodies.

I discussed my experience working for Luther Vandross. Thirty years ago, Luther changed my life when he relocated me from San Francisco to New York to become his full-time assistant. I was a big Luther fan before I started working for him, and I became an even bigger fan while working alongside him.

After Luther had a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I became his caregiver. During that time, I began my work as a diabetes advocate, which led to the creation of Divabetic, the national diabetes organization. Through live programs, videos, podcasts, and Zoom programs, I aim to empower women and their loved ones to stay upbeat about their diabetes care and create an ‘entourage of care’ of friends, family members, and healthcare collaborators to help them stay on track with their self-care management.

Luther Vandross was an incredible entertainer with an exceptional eye for detail. Luther invested in his live shows to create memorable experiences for his fans.

From his beautifully designed, crystal-encrusted costumes and Art Deco-style stages to evocative lighting and elegant choreography, Luther, his band, and his vocalists took audiences on an emotional journey with his music.

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Princess Frog Poems: Rapunzel

Finally, all four of my Princess Frog sculptures are displayed for Halloween at West 69th Street in New York City.

I was overjoyed when a young girl pointed at each frog and said, “Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit.”

West 69th Street is one of New York City’s iconic Halloween Streets, where over 2,000 children trick-or-treat annually.

Rapunzel 

Once upon a time, there was a little frog,
Who lives in a pond, in a cozy little bog
One day, she meets a prince who is lost in the woods,
And she asks him kindly If she can do him any good.

 “Please help me find my way to the tower up ahead,
Where my dear Rapunzel lives with her long, luscious hair, unfed.”
The smart little frog knows the way, and she hops along the road,
Leading the prince until they reach the tower of cobblestone

But when they find Rapunzel l, She is no longer a maid,
But a slimy green frog, who has been cursed and betrayed.
The prince is surprised, But he takes the frog in his hands,
And kisses her on the cheek, Breaking the witch’s spell demands.

 And lo and behold, The frog turns into a princess fair,
With golden locks of hair and eyes like the sun’s glare.
Hand in hand, the happy couple go on their merry way, 

leaving the little frog to deal with the tower’s disarray.

On the floor, the frog sees Rapunzel‘s beautiful locks of hair

And decides to make a wig that she can wear
Next, she sees a big pile of pretty, lacy dresses
All of which seem fit for a Queen or Princess

Beautiful dresses covered with buttons and stripes, 

others with purple flowers in designs she likes 

The frog tries on a pink dress with long, pillowy sleeves
She looks in the mirror and decides it suits her to a tee
She hops to the bureau, where she finds a gold crown
She stares in the mirror, sees her reflection, and laughs out loud

Suddenly, she hears a creak when the couple opens the door
To find the little frog draped in velvet, pearls, and furs galore
Rapunzel and the Prince shriek at the frog in delight
Thrilled to see the frog beaming in jewels shining bright

Rapunzel runs to the little frog and gives her a squeeze
“You saved my life, little frog. Take whatever you please.”

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Princess Frog Poems: Croak-A-Hontas

Slowly, I am staging my upcoming Princess Frogs displays for Halloween. After quickly staging all the display elements – the four Princess Frogs, handpainted signs, lily ponds, and foliage—together in a temporary location, I am relocating them to their permanent location on West 69th Street.

I was overjoyed when a young girl passing by screamed, “Princess Frogs!” when she spotted my display. Her mother told me that her daughter loves to dress up as a princess. My target audience gets me!! My display will be on one of New York City’s iconic Halloween Streets, where over 2,000 children trick-or-treat annually.

Everything, except the wigs and crowns, is made from recycled materials – water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam. 

Croak-A- Hontas

Once upon a time, in a far-off  tranquil stream

Lives a princess frog named Croak-A- Hontas, with high self-esteem

She is green and slimy but oh so regal, 

And her croak is sweet and pure, like a golden eagle. 

 Her father is the king of all the reptiles

that live near the stream for miles and miles

And Croak-A- Hontas is friends with one and all

if there is a fight, she is quick to break up the brawl

But one day, an evil stork comes to the pond, 

And snatches her up, leaving her father beyond. 

Croak-A- Hontas is scared, but she doesn’t give up, 

She knows she can escape without a hiccup. 

So she kicks, and she wriggles and finally breaks free, 

And lands with a splash in a nearby tree. 

There, she meets a nervous snake

with a rattle on his tail, he likes to shake

She comforts him as best she can

and promises to take him back to her land

Together, they begin to trek across the valley

making new friends and often stopping to dillydally

Croak-A- Hontas is fascinated by all that she sees

Her mind fills with a boundless curiosity

For every rock and tree and creature 

has a life, has a spirit, has a name that can teach her

My Princess Frogs display is a twist on the perennial tale Frog Prince. Instead of a woman kissing a frog to break the spell and turn it back into a prince, I wondered if a man would be willing to kiss a frog and turn it back into a princess.

If a man was willing to kiss a frog, would the frog want to be turned back into a Princess? Sarah Ferguson, Diana Spencer, and Meghan Markle‘s comments about a princess’s real life make it clear it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Life as a frog might be much easier than life as a princess.

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