Tag: diabetes podcast

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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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Free Screening of Luther: Never Too Much Documentary Tonight!

Join me tonight for the free screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, live Luther Tribute performances by Keith Anthony Fluitt, and a Q&A Panel with Fonzi Thornton and Dawn Porter in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.

Knowing and working for such an incredible artist and caring man was an honor. It’s a privilege to appear in the documentary to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Seeing the trauma I experienced in my face on screen as I recalled the initial moments after Luther’s stroke made me realize how grateful I am to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and partnered with me on my various diabetes outreach efforts through my nonprofit organization, Divabetic. Org

Sadly, I wasn’t able to help Luther initially after he suffered a stroke. Heed my advice: if you are someone you love who has experienced a stroke, don’t wait to seek help or try to sleep. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.

Act F.A.S.T. to help identify the early signs and symptoms of a stroke:

F: Is there drooping on one side of the face? Is the person unable to smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped? 

A: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? Is there weakness or numbness in an arm or leg? 

S: Is the person’s speech slurred or garbled? Are they unable to speak at all? Do they need help understanding what you’re saying to them? 

T: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately

If you’re a Luther fan, please, “Keeping Your House A Home” by learning how to prevent diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and blindness has been my mission for the past 20 years, and it will continue to be.

If you see this documentary or love Luther’s music, you owe it to his legacy to educate and empower yourself about your health.

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Murder Plain As Vanilla Mystery Podcast

Enjoy our fully animated Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, packed with excellent diabetes information, a fun whodunnit, and many crazy characters.

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

The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Lily Frost, Best-Selling Cookbook Author, 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.

Diabetic Mysteries: Murder Plain As Vanilla features Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, MaryAnn Nicolay, 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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Chobani Zero Sugar Yogurts

Have you tried Chobani’s Zero Sugar yogurts? If so, please share your comments to add to our upcoming blog post. 

Small changes can help manage diabetes, but where do you start? Many zero-sugar, less-sugar, and reduced-sugar foods have a strange aftertaste or leave you unsatisfied and wanting to eat more. The more these products proliferate in grocery store aisles, the more hopeless our search becomes. We’d love to hear what works or doesn’t for achieving your diabetes health goals. Let’s help each other out with some valuable insights!

Mr. Divabetic talks to nationally-recognized Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND about The Beginner’s Guide To What To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes digital download.

Podcast guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.


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U. S. Open, Mental Health & Overcoming Setbacks

I attended the U.S. Open earlier this week and witnessed some incredible matches. While on the grounds, I heard Sloane Stephens playing in one of the stadiums. She was ahead 6-0, 4-1, but ultimately lost in three sets. I can only imagine how devastated she must have felt after the loss. How does one bounce back from such a disappointing defeat on one of the U.S. Open’s main courts, especially when commentators like Chris Evert are critical of your performance? Rennae Stubbs, whom I greatly admire as an announcer, mentioned that Sloane needs to learn how to win again after a tough summer season. Losing a tennis match can be frustrating and disappointing, especially if you have high expectations for your performance.

Similarly, managing unexpected blood sugar levels can be a setback that requires steadiness and resilience. Just as in tennis, where you need to stay focused and composed even when things don’t go as planned, managing blood sugar levels demands steadfastness and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Both situations require patience, determination, and the willingness to adjust your game plan when things don’t go your way.

Sometimes, you need a plan B. For someone living with diabetes, that may mean finding a new healthcare collaborator. If you feel your provider isn’t providing advice, encouragement, or resources to help you, which is expected, then it’s time for a change. Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or on court. Check out this HelpGuide.Org RESOURCE Guide. 

During the match I was watching, I saw LuLu Sun from New Zealand, the surprise Wimbledon quarterfinalist, playing in her first U.S. Open with high expectations. Unfortunately, her match coincided with the big-serving American Chris Eubanks‘s intense five-set battle, spilling large crowds of Eubanks fans into the stands at LuLu’s match. So, there she was, New Zealand’s tennis ace, playing her first match on an outside court with fans screaming nearby and planes flying overhead. On top of that, the lighting was rapidly changing from day to night, making things even more challenging. Watching LuLu, I realized that the U.S. Open isn’t as glitz and glamour as expected.

Having high expectations or setting high standards for ourselves may increase stress and pressure to meet those expectations. If we perceive ourselves as falling short of our dreams, this can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy. The fear of failure and the constant drive for perfection can take a toll on our mental well-being, potentially leading to burnout and feelings of frustration. It’s essential to strike a balance and set realistic expectations to maintain a healthy mindset and prevent unnecessary strain on our mental health. If you’re plagued by exaggerated worry and tension, there are steps you can take to turn off anxious thoughts. Chronic worrying is a mental habit that can be broken. You can train your brain to stay calm and look at life from a more balanced, less fearful perspective. Check out this HelpGuide.Org RESOURCE Guide. 

Our friend, Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CD, shares “Fear of Diabetes Complications” with our Divabetic community in this blog post. READ MORE. In the blog post, “Dr. Bev” states the topic of diabetes complications stirs up a lot of emotional issues. Some well-meaning but uninformed people (they call themselves your family and friends) may tell you that if you eat that slice of cake, you will lose a toe or go blind. Trying to guilt you into eating healthy does not work. It makes many people with diabetes become oppositional and eat that slice – and more – just because they want to be assertive.


National Mindfulness Day is coming up on Thursday, September 12, 2024. One tip to help cope with worrying is to write down your worries. If an anxious thought or worry comes into your head during the day, briefly note it and then continue about your day. Remind yourself that you’ll have time to think about it later, so there’s no need to worry about it right now. Also, writing down your thoughts—on a pad or on your phone or computer—is much more complex than simply thinking about them, so your worries are more likely to lose their power.

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Divabetic’s Barbie Sex Talk Is A YouTube Hit

Sometimes, being clever pays off. 🙂 We’re thrilled by the response to our Barbie-themed podcast on “Love and Intimacy with Diabetes” with ‘Sweet Romance‘ Co-Authors Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, PhD and Donna Rice RN, PhD, CCNE, CNE, which has become a summer YouTube hit.

I approached my friends, highly credentialed educators Janis and Donna, with an idea to discuss sex, sexual dysfunction, and diabetes using Barbie and Ken. Since Barbie and Ken aren’t equipped to have sex, talking about the sexual dysfunction issues that stop us from intimacy made sense to me.

The good news is that Donna and Janis willingly agreed to play along, and people from around the globe have been tuning into our conversation, which is packed with good advice and tips.

We’ve gained 100+ views on YouTube over the last month and hundreds on Blog Talk Radio, Spotify, and iTunes!! I’m happy we can offer free advice on a sensitive topic in an entertaining way.

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Romantic relationships play an essential role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. Intimacy-related issues can be complicated to discuss with a partner or a healthcare collaborator. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance.

The Sweet Romance series provides practical information and expert advice on this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.


Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

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Under The Vines: Adult-Onset Blindness

Season 3 of one of my favorite Acorn TV shoes, Under The Vines, tackles the challenges of adult-onset blindness.  The blindness of the owner of the neighboring vineyard, Hilary (Catherine Wilkin), is worsening. What Hillary is experiencing isn’t just a great storyline in a TV drama; it’s more common than you think. 

One of the leading causes of blindness in U. S. adults is mismanaged diabetes.  Diabetes Retinopathy is a condition caused by diabetes, which disrupts the body’s ability to convert food into energy and can damage the eyes. 

Many people with diabetes don’t realize they have it until organ damage has occurred, so regular health and vision check-ups are essential. 

Hilary struggles to accept her condition and ask for help. She is stubborn, willful, and narrow-minded, much like many people struggling with worsening health conditions. She flatly refuses her rival, Miranda’s offers to take her to the doctor, clean her house, and help run her vineyards. Of course, Miranda has ulterior motives for helping Hilary, but that’s another story. 

If you’re concerned about your vision, follow the advice of healthcare collaborators on how often you should go for exams. Always contact an eye care provider when you have a change in vision or something wrong with your eyes. Wear your prescription glasses and contact lenses when necessary.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels tightly managed, and manage your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They cause the eye’s lens to harden and turn yellow. In the US, nearly 20.5 million people over 40 have cataracts.

The type of treatment available depends on your condition. Providers can treat some forms of blindness with medications or glasses but can’t treat others, such as those where your eyes are missing or completely damaged. In these cases, your provider may recommend visual rehabilitation. Vision rehabilitation aims to enhance visual functioning to meet your goals and improve your quality of life. 

Actors Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards star in Under The Vines as two city slickers who inherit a failing vineyard, Oakley Vineyards, in rural New Zealand. The only problems are that neither of them has ever done a hard day’s work—and they despise one another.

Under The Vines is a fun, easygoing watch. 

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Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story at Central Park Film Festival

Last night, I saw the National Geographic and Disney+ nature documentary Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story at the Central Park Film Festival. Directed by Charlie Hamilton Jones, it explores a love story between a lonely man and a lonely river otter—an unexpected duo that forms a bond.

As the man, Billy, and the otter, Molly’s bond develops, his wife, Susan, and their dog, Jade, are pushed to the side. Billy neglects his promises to Susan and ignores Jade. Susan narrates the film. Her narration details Billy’s mental state, which he might not have shared, and expresses how she feels like the ‘other woman’ in Billy’s life. The story is told with heart and humor and with a musical score by composer Erland Cooper.

 The story is filmed in the remote Shetland Islands, just above the mainland of Scotland. The scenery is breathtaking. Shetland Islands is known as the last barrier of the UK before the Arctic Circle. During a dramatic winter storm scene, with crashing waves and torrid winds, a large branch fell off a tree next to the outdoor screen. Everyone in the audience gasped.  The film leaves your heart feeling all warm and fuzzy.

After you see this film, you’ll have many questions about how they did it. I found this interview very insightful. 

The Annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, presented by National Geographic Documentary Films, in August is truly a treat! For five nights, award-winning films are shown for free in the middle of Central Park. 

The film revolves around the importance of family in our lives. In many ways, Billy serves as Molly, the otter’s surrogate mother/father figure. As strange and unusual as their relationship is, it brings Billy joy and fulfillment.  

Many people with type 2 diabetes admit their children, and their grandchildren motivate them to stay on top of their self-care. However, changing one’s lifestyle can be a constant, difficult struggle after diagnosis. Experts agree the keys to success include social support and relatedness, achievement of results, support from healthcare collaborators, and acceptance of your diagnosis. 

At Divabetic, we believe confidence in managing lifestyle adjustments and handling the challenges of living with diabetes is crucial. Our ongoing efforts in diabetes education and empowerment testify to our belief that if you believe it, you can achieve it. 

Please take a minute to support our efforts and purchase Divabetic’s new lip balm (watermelon flavor). For $10, you’ll receive three of our Divabetic branded lip balms. Shipping and handling fees are not included. For more information, contact: mrdivabetic@gmail.com

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Diana Ross Pursuing Fame At All Costs

Diana Ross’s monstrous ego has long been blamed for the Supremes’ demise. According to sources, it all started because Florence Ballard wasn’t happy when a young ‘Diane’ (Mary Wilson’s favorite Diana Ross jab) Ross was made the lead singer. 


Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson’s relationship strained for decades despite their humble beginnings and journey to iconic status.


Florence started the group and was the lead singer, but Berry Gordy wanted Diana to be the lead singer. The dye was cast after they scored their first number-one hit with Diana Ross singing lead. From that moment on, Diana Ross took centerstage. Resentment, anger, or frustration caused Florence to leave the group. 

Sadly, after Florence left the Supremes, her life spiraled downward. After leaving the group, she didn’t find gainful employment, and her house was foreclosed. Florence died in 1976 at age 32. 


In her books and the media, Mary Wilson was outspoken about her personal and professional conflicts with Diana Ross. Many fans believe their two strong personalities found it challenging to share the spotlight. Mary stated that Diana Ross tried different tactics to separate herself from the group once the Supremes began succeeding. She alleged that Diana would change her costumes to set herself apart. During TV appearances, Ross allegedly stood far away from her group members on stage so the camera would pan to her solo. Mary’s public refusal to join Diana Ross on a Supremes reunion tour due to a disagreement over fees garnered much attention and ill will. 

 At the time, Mary Wilson alleged that Diana Ross would earn $15-$20 million while she and the others would only pocket $2-$3 million.


However, Smokey Robinson’s recent confession that he had a yearlong affair with Diana Ross makes me wonder if there is more to the story. It appears that most men at Motown thought Diana Ross was ‘hot stuff’. She had sexual relationships with Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Gaye was attracted to her. These men changed the face of pop music. Together, they

 made music that defined its era and significantly influenced modern pop and R&B. You have to hand it to Diana Ross for her excellent taste in men. 


According to Martha Reeves, the Supremes took a long time to break through. She told the Daily Mail, “They (the Supremes) were desperate for a hit.”  Some people will do almost anything when they’re desperate, and some will do nearly anyone. 
Diana’s affairs with the head of Motown and the label’s most successful songwriter probably helped secure the Supremes better songs and priority over other artists.  Mary and Florence professionally benefited from her affairs as members of the Supremes. However,  Mary and Florence’s relationships with other labelmates could have suffered. If the other Motown acts knew about Diana Ross’s affairs, they might have lacked respect for Mary, Florence, and Diana. It’s a case of guilt by association. One can assume the others would think the Supremes weren’t offered hit songs because of their talent but because of who she’s sleeping with. If everyone’s fighting for a hit record, but only one woman’s getting the lion’s share because of her love life, it’s easy to see why the others would hate you for being her group member.  
Is this pure speculation? 

For many years, Martha Reeves vied with Diana Ross for the mantle of Motown’s First Lady. Even though Martha Reeves denies they feuded, several stories have reported the contrary. 


Sleeping with someone for professional gain doesn’t always mean success. 

However, occasionally, it works to blur the lines between professional and personal lives to achieve your goals. There’s no question that it worked for Diana Ross. The most successful men in the music industry were attracted to her. She had the world on a string and the talent to match. No one can deny her triumphs in her Central Park concert or on screen in “Lady Sings The Blues.”

So what do you think? 

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