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 Romanceseries 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.
“I needed to explore my talents and versatility and see if I had another side of me, another sound,” says Brandy Norwood.
Singer, songwriter, and actress Brandy Norwood is from McComb, Mississippi. Brandy received her first recording contract with Atlantic Records while she was still in 9th grade of high school. Soon, she also received a role on an ABC television sitcom, Thea. Although the show was canceled shortly after its premiere, Brandy took it as a good sign to focus on her priorities. She told Vogue, “It was a good thing, because I could do what I had to do, because I wanted to sing.”
Her song “I Wanna Be Down” from her debut album, “Brandy,” reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, staying there for four weeks in 1994. The album earned Brandy two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Brandy returned to acting in the UPN sitcom “Moesha.” The popular show ran for 6 seasons, and Brandy received an NAACP Image Award.Brandy released her second album, “Never Say Never,” featuring the duet, “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica. The song reached the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and won the Grammy for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. Brandy’s “Never Say Never” became the bestselling R&B album of 1998 in the United States and sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.
Dubbed “The Vocal Bible,” Brandy’s body of work is filled with glorious vocal moments that many have attempted to duplicate. The way she harmonizes with herself has been compared to Enya and Janet Jackson in the intricate precision and speed. “In my life right now, in my music, and just overall I feel like I’m winning. It doesn’t matter what this person is saying or what the charts are saying or what award shows are saying, the public opinion doesn’t matter. I feel like I’m winning in my spirit.”
The song, “Have You Ever?” was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. According to Wikipedia, the recording of the song marked the first time Brandy “had been in the studio with a producer like David Foster”, she said in a 2005 interview. “My voice wasn’t as developed as it is now and the song required what producers call ‘money notes’ — the kind that get you a No. 1 on the charts! I was nervous but it all worked just fine.”
Her music and acting success allowed her to work with Whitney Houston on the TV movie Cinderella. Brandy said, “Whitney Houston is my idol and my mentor and my dream forever, like she will always be my favorite artist, ever, on the planet.”
The TV movie drew over 60 million viewers during its premiere on ABC in November 1997. In 1998, it earned an Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction.
Over the years, Brandy has also dealt with heartache and tragedy. Sadly, she was involved in a heavily publicized car accident in 2006.
“I went through a struggle, and I really needed to get myself together and connect with my purpose which is music.”
In April 2015, Norwood made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.”
Most recently, Brandy announced her major label return after signing with Motown Records.
“It just feels like I’m no the right path musically and I’m in the right mindset to continue out my mission in the music because I’m not putting myself in a box.”
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!
Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.
We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.
MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.
FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.
LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.
STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.
COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.
If you’re living with diabetes, then you know firsthand the challenges it can bring to daily life, including in your relationships.
My organization, Divabetic, is proud to partner with Diabetes Sisters on the first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes, entitled Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes.
By taking this survey, you can help our organizations better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes and their partners. Your insights can lead to better resources and programming to support you.
Your voice matters, and your participation in this survey can make a real difference. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences by taking this unique survey.
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.
Podcast guests: 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, available on Amazon.
We’re back! Our website, Divabetic.Org, crashed. It’s been headaches and heartbreaks for over two weeks trying to restore the sparkle to the internet. Navigating help chat rooms with our hosting agencies, listening to bad music, and decoding our dashboards was less fun than a day at the beach. Thankfully, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig provided wonderful distractions and podcast inspiration.
Please enjoy our latest podcast on Love, Sex, and Intimacy with Diabetes with inspiration from Barbie & Ken. Our guests: Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, are the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, soon-to-be available on Amazon. Podcast music by Doug Clay.
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.
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. Inside you’ll find:
The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women.
An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy.
Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner.
Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments.
Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way.
This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.
Enjoy A Daily Dose of Diva Inspiration
“My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself. I don’t use special creams or treatments—I’ll use a little bit of everything. It’s a mistake to think you are what you put on yourself. I believe that a lot of how you look is to do with how you feel about yourself and your life. Happiness is the greatest beauty secret.” – Tina Turner
