Tag: podcast

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Patti Austin’s Remarkable Health Journey


After two weeks of exploring Luther’s health crisis through the documentary Luther: Never Too Much on CNN, I want to take a moment to highlight the inspiring health journey of Luther’s friend, Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin.

Patti has faced several challenges, including struggles with weight management and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In 2005, she made the empowering decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

“I had gastric bypass surgery a year and a half ago, and my life was saved by it, ” Patti Austin said in an interview.

Since then, she has successfully managed her weight, proving that with the right support, change is possible.

Patti’s story serves as a testament to the idea that seeking help can empower individuals to take charge of their health.

While her surgical option may not be suitable for everyone, it’s a reminder to explore the various resources and tools available for improving one’s health an weight management.

If you tune into Patti Austin’s Facebook channel, you’ll see her radiating positivity and joy! Her infectious energy and great sense of humor are truly uplifting.

She looks and sounds fantastic, making it a pleasure to witness her living her best life!

We hope to highlight new tools available to support your diabetes wellness journey at our upcoming Divabetic’s free program in November 2025 in Philadelphia, PA.

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Yo-Yo Dieting


Two weeks ago, if your New Year’s goal was to try to drop a pants size or two again, you might have felt the frustration of yo-yo dieting — that pesky cycle of losing weight only to regain it. It can be disheartening!

If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone! Studies suggest that about 20–30 percent of adults deal with the ups and downs of weight cycling, with many experiencing over seven fluctuations in their weight.

Research shows that it’s common to regain even more than you initially lost when the weight returns. This adds extra challenges, especially when compared to more sustainable methods of losing weight.

Navigating this rollercoaster of emotions, doubts, and negative talk while hearing endless advice about needing more willpower is mentally exhausting. Our environments are also filled with tempting triggers, like those bright neon signs from fast-food restaurants, especially when coming home after a tough day. It’s no wonder it’s easy to slip back into old habits!

Consider making peace with food instead of going to war with your weight. Try to pay attention to your body’s signals for hunger and fullness. Consider embracing mindful eating, listening to your hunger cues, and not labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” This can help minimize your eating habits’ extreme ups and downs and promote healthier ones in the long run.

Remember, weight isn’t everything! Are you happy with your lab results? Are you surrounded by people who love and support you? Do you compliment yourself? Can you allow yourself to be in a photograph without flinching?

While tracking your progress with the scale can be tempting, many other important ways to gauge your overall health are often overlooked. You’ve got this!

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Remembering Levi Stubbs

Singer Levi Stubbs‘s life journey serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. His iconic contributions to music, particularly through the Four Tops, highlight the beauty and power of artistic expression. Yet, beneath the glittering surface of fame lies a stark reality that many artists and fans overlook—the fragility of health.

The alarming statistics surrounding strokes and health disparities in communities of color are especially poignant in the context of Stubbs’s life. Despite his immense talent and success, he faced significant health challenges, including prostate cancer and diabetes, which ultimately overshadowed his musical legacy. It’s a bittersweet reminder that even the most beloved figures are not immune to the realities of life, and the pressures of a demanding career can often lead to neglecting personal well-being.

The statements from those close to him, like Norman Whitfield, resonate deeply. They remind us that health should be prioritized, not just as a personal responsibility but as a communal one, particularly in conversations about race and health equity. The struggles of Levi Stubbs, Luther Vandross, Ella Fitzgerald, LaVerne Baker and Angela Bofill illuminate a critical narrative that transcends music, urging us to listen—both to the voices of these phenomenal artists and to our own bodies.

As fans, we often celebrate the triumphs of our favorite celebrities, yet we can easily forget the personal battles they may be facing. It’s essential to draw lessons from their stories, recognizing that health should never be taken for granted. Rather than focus solely on their public personas, we need to consider their holistic journeys, full of both shining moments and difficult struggles.

Levi Stubbs‘s legacy is a blend of soulful melodies and a reminder of the importance of health awareness. His approach to singing—living each song deeply—could be extended to how we approach our lives and well-being. It’s an invitation to not only appreciate the music but also engage in self-care and health advocacy, ensuring that we don’t repeat the patterns of neglect that can come with the pursuit of success.

In honoring his memory, let us strive to embrace a fuller understanding of health—one that encompasses not just the physical, but also the emotional and communal aspects of our well-being.

Ultimately, we can ensure that the voices we cherish continue to inspire us long after their passings.

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Listen To Your Body With The Same Insensity As Luther’s Music

Thank you so much for tuning in to the documentary Luther: Never Too Much on CNN. I want to remind you to take care of your health because it truly matters!

I know that prioritizing your well-being can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’re not completely happy with your body’s shape or size.

I love Luther’s music as much as anyone. But as a man at hight risk for type 2 diabetes, his enduring legacy has been a 20-year wake-up call for me to take better care of my health.

I don’t set unrealistic goals, have an ‘all or nothing’ mindset, or use workouts to compensate for bad behaviors. I have adopted a Divabetic goal to be a better, not a perfect eater. I work beside my healthcare collaborators to create a wellness plan.

A friend who watched the documentary mentioned that my scene highlights how much the people around us care about our well-being.

Perhaps this can inspire you to take those first steps toward protecting your health! I’ve had the opportunity to chat with many of Luther Vandross’s musical family members, both on stage and behind the scenes.

We are thrilled to see your passion and enthusiasm for him. I am grateful for your love and support of Luther’s musical journey and for joining us in this celebration of his legacy!

Over 75 million adults in the United States have prediabetes and are unaware of it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Take a quick Prediabetes Risk Test from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

People with diabetes have a 1.5–2 times higher risk of stroke than people without diabetes. The risk increases with the length of time a person has diabetes and how well their condition is managed. Luther’s stroke is linked to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

The symptoms of diabetes health-related stroke are the smae the symptoms of any stroke. Dizziness, problems with balance or trouble walking and severe headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms you take action immediately.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following of the symptoms, call 911 immediately: Face drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, or difficulty raising both arms, difficult speaking, and slurred speech. The sooner you get yourself or a loved one to the hospital, the better chances of recovery. There’s a clot-busting medication called ‘TPA’ that if given within a few hours of symptom onset can greatly reduce the severity of storke.

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Luther Vandross Stories: The Making Of The Song “Here And Now”

We’re diving into the enchanting world of R&B with one of its all-time greats, Luther Vandross, and his beloved wedding song Here and Now.

Joining our host, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, is Terry Steele, the talented co-writer who helped bring this classic to life. Terry will take us behind the scenes of the creative process, sharing the inspiration that fueled the heartfelt lyrics and the song’s enduring legacy. 

Terry Steele also reflects on Luther’s hero, Dionne Warwick’s pivotal role in Luther’s song recording.  

Growing up in the Bronx, Luther Vandross was mesmerized by the magic of music, particularly by Dionne Warwick‘s enchanting voice.

Hearing her on the radio ignited a passion in him, and seeing her perform live at the Brooklyn Fox Theater left a mark on his heart. He fondly remembers, “She came on stage and just killed me,” capturing how deeply her music resonated with him. The song Anyone Who Has a Heart inspired him to pursue his own musical dreams.

Luther Vandross won his first Grammy in 1991 for Here and Now after being nominated 9 times.

Billboard magazine included Here And Now on their list of the Best 30 Wedding Songs of All Time stating, “everything about the song suggests flowing curtains and candlelight, and Luther’s voice is pure butter.”

Terry Steele is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who has toured internationally and performed in places like Russia, Japan, and Brazil.

As a professional songwriter, he has collaborated with superstars like Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder, among others. As the principal writer of the hit Here and Now.

Terry received his first Grammy nomination for “Best Rhythm and Blues Song” in 1990. He has held esteemed songwriting roles at major music companies and even tours occasionally with the renowned jazz band HIROSHIMA as their lead singer.

Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers. Enjoy our exclusive interview with this iconic singer and songwriter.

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Don’t Go Into Your Fear Box

Fear isn’t the best way to motivate ourselves, and while it might give you a little boost to take better care of your diabetes, it often doesn’t last.

The stress and anxiety that come along with fear can really weigh us down. Instead, a more effective way is to mix a little fear with positive incentives, creating a supportive environment that encourages actions in a happier, more uplifting way.

As I reflected on the experience of finding my boss, Luther Vandross, after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, I became acutely aware of the trauma I endured. Those memories still feel fresh, even after two decades!


Rather than using Luther’s health journey to scare or pressure people at Divabetic programs into tighter diabetes management, I created an upbeat atmosphere using games, music, crafts and makeover experiences to empower people.

I aim to boost everyone’s confidence in their ability to manage their self-care and guide them towards optimal health. Inspiring someone by uplifting their self-belief is far more effective—encouraging them with a heartfelt ‘Yes, you can do it!’ is much better than saying ‘Be careful, watch out!’

It could be fact or fable, but I was told that director Dawn Porter’s team listened to my Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts while developing. the Luther: Never Too Much documentary.

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Best Of 2024: Here and Now Unconventional Wedding Dress

BEST OF 2024: Challenging myself to create an unconventional wedding dress with corrugated cardboard, magazines, newspaper, and Fed Ex envelopes for the Here and Now Fashion Show at the Luther Vandross Style & Music celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City in April 2024.

Luther Vandross’s song, Here and Now became a wedding song anthem for couples in the mid 80’s and 90s’.

Luther’s idol, Dionne Warwick played a role in her son, David Elliott and Terry Steele’s song,  “Here & Now” landing in Luther’s hands.  

“I was at the house of my Godmother (Dionne Warwick). Her son David and I were fooling around in the basement, playing music; and I asked him to listen to this song I had just written for my pastor’s daughter’s wedding, “said singer, songwriter Terry Steele.

“Davie heard it and said it would be really good if I put a little groove under it. Then Dionne, being the proud Momma, took it to Luther, and Luther liked it,” responds Terry Steele.

In 1985, Luther Vandross released the song, Here and Now his Greatest Hits album, The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love. Luther Vandross won his first Grammy for Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song.

Special thanks to Alicia Nelson, Verna Henry, Pam Lewis, and Joe Murray for their help in bringing my creation to life. Photography: Carol Seitz

I’m looking forward to hosting the Second Annual Luther Vandross: Music & Style Celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City.

 CNN Films examines the captivating story of the iconic Luther Vandross as he paves his own course to become one of the most decorated and influential artists of all time in Luther: Never Too Much. From award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (CNN Films’ John Lewis: Good Trouble) and produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, the film will premiere on January 1, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.

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The Best Of 2024: Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration

One of the standout highlights of 2024 was undoubtedly the Luther: Music & Style Celebration held in April at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York. We were thrilled to have Luther Vandross’s talented choreographer, James Ervin, with us to share his expertise!

The atmosphere was electric as James taught the audience the unforgettable choreography from “Never Too Much.”

His passion and enthusiasm were contagious, making it an unforgettable experience.

He also shared fascinating stories about how he collaborated with Luther to create that signature romantic elegance that we all love. It was a heartwarming moment that brought everyone together in celebration of Luther’s incredible legacy. All photos by Carol Seitz photography.

We’re looking forward to hosting Luther: Music & Style Celebration in 2025.

The Luther: Never Too Much documentary airs on CNN on January 1, 2025.

Inspired by Halle Berry, American actress, international superstar and seriously fit diva living with diabetes, Mr. Divabetic presents a work-out of diabetes self-care solutions featuring the Divabetic Angels of Diabetes Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and real diva, Jessica C. of Cincinnati, OH. 

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Christmas Song Of The Week: Pink Champagne


I’m thrilled to share that my holiday ballad, “Pink Champagne,” featuring Paulette McWilliams, is creating a buzz and has been named ‘Christmas Song of the Week’ on Toni B.’s UGONE Radio Show.

Additionally, it has been added to RhythmAndSoul‘s festive playlist and will be highlighted on Steve Quirk’s Christmas Eve show.

In the Black Muse video podcast, my friend and talented singer-songwriter Paulette McWilliams discusses the story behind our lush holiday ballad, “Pink Champagne.”

“Pink Champagne” is more than just a song; it serves as a heartfelt tribute to anyone grappling with heartbreak during the holidays.

Toni B shared her reasons for choosing “Pink Champagne” as her Christmas Song of the Week, saying, “I simply love the sentiments of the lyrics, the arrangement, Paulette’s delivery, and the fabulous storytelling.” Toni also expressed that Paulette, Ivan Hampden Jr., and my passion for creating music and celebrating Luther Vandross‘s musical legacy warm her heart.

Be sure to subscribe to the Black Muse YouTube channel, hosted by Clarence Waldron, to hear Paulette reflect on her incredible musical journey, discuss the new documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” and share insights about her collaborations with notable artists like Bette Midler, Johnny Mathis, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. To top it off, she showcases her stunning vocals with a few signature riffs that are sure to leave everyone wanting more.

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Paulette McWilliams Talks About Her New Holiday Classic, “Pink Champagne”

My friend, singer-songwriter Paulette McWilliams, shares the story behind her lush holiday ballad “Pink Champagne” on the Black Muse video podcast.

This song is more than just a tune; it’s a heartfelt tribute to anyone facing the challenges of heartbreak during the holidays.

“Pink Champagne” by Paulette McWilliams and Ivan Hampden Jr. has been making waves, earning the title of ‘Christmas Song of the Week’ on UGONE Radio with host Toni B .

Toni B’s UGONE Radio Show

It has also been added to RhythmAndSoul‘s festive playlist and will be featured on Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavour’s Christmas Eve show.

Be sure to subscribe to Black Muse’s YouTube channel, hosted by Clarence Waldron, to hear Paulette reflect on her incredible journey in music, the new documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” and her collaborations with Bette Midler, Johnny Mathis, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin.

To top it all off, she showcases her stunning vocals by performing a few signature riffs that will leave everyone wanting more.

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