podcasting – Page 3

11/07/2023

Don’t Miss Divabetic’s Gift Guide

This November, we’re sharing gift ideas to help you live life to the fullest in Divabetic’s Gift Guide.

Gift-giving can be stressful, especially when you’re shopping for someone’s wellness and are committed to finding the perfect present. We’ve rounded up our favorites from practical to “just because” for 2023 with exclusive discounts for you to enjoy. You’ll find many options we hope to infuse a little bit of joy or ease into your daily diabetes life. We sourced gift ideas from our community members, including people living with diabetes and professionals who work with people with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes.

Let us know what you think of our suggestions, and feel free to email me with your favorites, too —after all, you’re the expert on what will put a smile on your loved one’s face.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free culinary diabetes program with Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef on November 30, 2023 at 3 PM, EST.

During this fun-filled Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef prepares a holiday Sugar-Free Dessert recipe, demonstrates her favorite kitchen tools, and shares expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and alternative flours in recipes.

Win a Splenda Baking Kit! Plus, gifts courtesy of Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes’s Camper Cozy Mystery and Peak 10 Skin‘s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our Baking Party to enter our gift drawings to win.

Celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month with us. Over 150 people have participated in our past Divabetic Baking Parties on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge, named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

10/18/202310/18/2023

Divabetic Podcast on Keto Diets

If you have followed your favorite celebrity on social media, gone to a gym, or picked up a fashion magazine, you have probably heard about the keto diet. But what is it, what are the pros and cons of adhering to a keto diet, and what information should you share with your healthcare collaborators?

We will discuss these issues on October’s Divabetic podcast with my special guest, Dr. Michael Grego. He is a Naturopathic Physician, a Chiropractic doctor, and the author of 3 books: The Nutritional Ketogenic Diet, Clean Keto vs Dirty Keto, and the latest best-selling book, The InsulThin Diet.

Keto is short for ketogenic, a process during which your body uses fat as its primary fuel source instead of carbohydrates. Calories on this diet primarily come from sources of dietary fat, such as butter, oil, and nuts, and moderate amounts of protein-rich foods, such as meat, full-fat cheese, fish, and eggs.

Before engaging in any dietary plan, please consult with your healthcare collaborators.

Throughout the podcast, we feature music from The Essential John Luongo album courtesy of SONY Music.

Our music inspiration, John Luongo, is considered the first to create dance remixes and extended mixes of our favorite songs. He’s a DJ, remixer, writer, publisher, and manager.

10/09/2023

Sound Bites: Jill Weisenberger

We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.

This excerpt is from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel singer Pat Lacy.

Jill Weisenberger is recognized internationally for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes, and prediabetes. She worked as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, and health coach in hospitals, research, and private practice settings.

Jill helps leverage resources, recipes, and scientific insights to find better ways to improve eating and smart living, reduce the risk of mismanaged diabetes health-related complications, and support better health.

Jill Weisenberger is the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, 2nd edition, Diabetes Weight Loss Week By Week, 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart, and The Overworked Person’s Guide To Better Nutrition. Additionally, she offers the Prediabetes Meal Planning Crash Course, Prediabetes Turnaround, Type 2 Eating Guide, and a Stick With It Video Course.

Gospel Singer Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health.

This podcast features music from Pat Lacy’s upcoming gospel album, I’m Taking You To Church.

09/25/2023

Sleep And Diabetes

We’re talking about sleep and nighttime diabetes self-care management with musical inspiration from Gladys Knight & The Pips on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you get less than 7 hours of sleep per night regularly, your diabetes will be harder to manage. Too little sleep can increase insulin resistance.

People with insulin resistance have built up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective. As a result, more insulin is needed to persuade fat and muscle cells to take up glucose and the liver to continue to store it.

If you have insulin resistance, you want to become the opposite—more insulin sensitive (cells are more effective at absorbing blood sugar, so less insulin is needed).

Mr. Divabetic discusses insulin resistance and sensitivity with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, in this video.

A lack of sleep makes you hungrier the next day and reduces how full you feel after eating.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Children and teens need more.

Gladys Knight, known as The Empress of Soul, doesn’t have diabetes, but the disease is close to her heart. Her mother, Elizabeth Knight, died of complications from the disease in 1997. A five-time Grammy award winner, Gladys Knight is as busy as ever gracing the entertainment world with her exceptional voice. Yet she never misses an opportunity to voice the message of early detection and treatment of diabetes.

Gladys shares her final words of wisdom: ” Do something about diabetes … Know more, do more!” Knight feels nearly as passionate about spreading that message as she does about the incredible singing career her mom helped her launch some 54 years ago.

Podcast guests include Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CEC, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, SleepyHead Central founder Tamara Sellman RPSGT, CCSH, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

09/20/2023

Karyn White Spreads Joy At City Winery

Last night, I saw Karyn White at City Winery in New York.

For those too young to remember, there was a moment in the late 80s when Karyn White was right up there with the best of Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, and Miki Howard. She became the first female artist to have her first three solo releases hit #1.

Her iconic R&B singles: “Superwoman,” “Secret Rendezvous,” “The Way You Love Me,” and the Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Romantic” are part of the soundtrack of my life.

I was looking forward to the concert, but I was a bit hesitant. Karyn White disappeared from the music industry as quickly as she arrived.

Her career took off like a rocket after signing to Warner Bros. Records, where she was paired with Babyface and LA Reid on her debut album. Karyn White hit the jackpot.

Her platinum-selling debut made her a star right out of the gate, quickly becoming recognized as one of the best releases of the New Jack Swing era.

She worked with Jimmy Jam and future husband Terry Lewis on her sophomore album, Ritual of Love.

Sadly, lOL reports her absence from the industry was partly due to a terrible divorce from the love of her life and icon, Terry Lewis, and her mother’s death. On the upside, she started an acting career.

Back to seeing the show. I arrived at City Winery feeling a bit apprehensive. Recent lackluster Miki Howard and Regina Belle performances will do that to you.

However, I’m happy to say that from the moment Karyn White stepped on stage, she had me. She was so exuberant and enthusiastic about being in New York and performing. I couldn’t help but feel her joy even though I was sitting in the back row. Her voice was strong, vibrant, and full of emotion, And at 60, “The Queen of New Jack Swing” held her own with two much younger backup vocalists. New Jack music isn’t kind to the knees of people over 50, but she turned it out.

I yelled, “YASS, QUEEN!”

I’d love to restructure her setlist, add a few cover songs, let go of her dancers and dress her in a fabulous gown.

If Karyn. White’s in town, I recommend going to see her!

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 12th Year Anniversary of Podcasting with musical inspiration from Babyface and music from his A Closer Look album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, Ivan Hampden Jr., and Collage Artist Tom Cocotos. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

Our musical inspiration, Kenneth Edmonds, known professionally as Babyface, has written over 250 top-10 R&B and pop hits, working with Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston.

“The blessing of being able to write music and let the music speak for itself is you let the melodies and the lyrics and the groove talk to people instead of me talking to people,” says Babyface.

What makes Babyface so great? His ability to craft a song that touches our emotions captivates our ears and perfectly harmonizes every word. It’s a rare gift that not many people have in music.

“I would say that I’ve been lucky. Being blessed and not really ever giving up,” says Babyface.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your diabetes wellness journey! We’re looking forward to sharing more insight and advice on diabetes self-care from experts and peers, along with more great music in the next year!

08/24/202308/24/2023

Dining Out With A Dietitian

Some people looking at this photo may see a cozy place to sit and eat, while others see a minefield.

Chances are, if you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, the concept of food and eating may be overwhelming. If you’ve never paid attention before to what you’re eating, you may find there’s a steep learning curve to learning to count carbohydrates and monitor saturated fats, added sugar, and calories. Plus, the chaos and contradictory messages surrounding what to eat and what not to eat can make you want to give up before you pick up a fork or order.

Navigating your favorite restaurant’s menu can prove difficult for anyone with dietary issues and living with diabetes.

Our Dining Out With A Dietitian segment is among our most popular on Divabetic’s monthly podcast. During the segment, a registered dietitian, like our friend Constance Brown-Riggs, reviews the menu and advises us on what to order without letting us feel deprived.

First and foremost, we’re told to watch our portions. Restaurants tend to serve large portions, possibly double what you normally eat or more. Eating half and getting a container to take the other half home is better.

Frequently, we’ve been advised to avoid fried and battered options and instead choose grilled or poached entrees. And if we’re going to have a burger, order it without cheese but with tomato and lettuce; also, look for turkey or veggie burger options.

Don’t search for the parking spot closest to the restaurant. Get a little extra activity by parking farther away, leaving the car at home, and walking. A brisk walk can help you avoid after-meal blood sugar spikes.

Sally Field inspires this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with all the glamour and style of the red carpet hosted by the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic.

Sally Field’s films, interests, and relationships infuse our Hot Topics discussion, Dining Out with A Dietitian, Sexy Little Numbers, and Diabetes Numerology Game segments with Oscar-worthy advice. Go ahead, “Drink your juice, Shelby!”

Did you know the film, Steel Magnolias’ was based on a true story?

Actor and writer Robert Harling wrote the play based on the true story of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who died from complications related to mismanaged diabetes.

Podcast guests include diabetes advocate, author, and coach Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Connie Elder, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDCES, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA, who is living with diabetes.

08/19/202308/19/2023

Divabetic Remembers Diana Ross in Lady Sings The Blues

Diana Ross’s iconic performance in Lady Sings The Blues inspires us to discuss the link between diabetes and depression and diabetes distress.

When Diana Ross chose to make her feature film debut playing the role of Billie Holiday in the biopic Lady Sings The Blues; there were more than a few skeptics. The Motown Queen’s solo career started as a slow burn – only one of her four post-Supremes albums to date had made the US Top 40.

Thankfully, she persevered through people’s doubts and the physically and emotionally grueling film production. Her captivating performance on film and record earned her an Academy Award nomination and a #1 solo Pop Album in the US — aptly, on the chart date that would have been Billie’s 58th birthday, April 7, 1973. The double LP features Ross singing gems from the tragic singer’s catalog, such as God Bless The Child, Strange Fruit, and the title song.

Sadly, Billie Holiday had already been gone for 13 years when Lady Sings The Blues was released.

Why Is It Called the Blues?

In the 19th century, the English phrase blue devils referred to the upsetting hallucinations brought on by severe alcohol withdrawal. Over time it was shortened to the blues, which described states of depression and upset, and it was later adopted as the name for the melancholic songs that the musical genre encapsulates.

If you’re feeling blue, symptoms include sadness, lack of sleep, or loss of appetite. Depression has these symptoms and more, including prolonged insomnia, significant weight loss or gain, and extreme fatigue or disinterest in regular activities.

Many people with diabetes struggle with depression. The daily demands of diabetes can be stressful and lead to symptoms of depression. Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may make symptoms of depression worse. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

What Is Diabetes Distress?

According to our friends at Diabetes.UK, diabetes distress is what some people feel when they’re overwhelmed by the relentlessness of diabetes. This can lead to diabetes burnout.

Diabetes distress has been described as worrying about not taking enough care of your diabetes but not feeling motivated to change. Symptoms include avoiding going to appointments or checking your blood sugars, making unhealthy food choices regularly, and feeling alone and isolated.

Many people feel like this sometimes, but you must get help.

Billie Holiday was a true artist of her day and became a social phenomenon in the 1950s. Her soulful, unique singing voice and ability to boldly turn any material she confronted into her music made her a superstar of her time.

Today, Billy Holiday is remembered for her masterpieces, creativity, and vivacity, as many of Holiday’s songs are as well known today as they were decades ago. Holiday’s poignant voice is still considered to be one of the greatest jazz voices of all time.

Billie Holiday inspires us to talk about the ‘MILESTONES’ related to diabetes wellness with a stellar lineup of guests featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Susan Wiener RD, CDCES, Best-Selling Author Brenda Novak, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

This Divabetic podcast features music from across Billie Holiday‘s extraordinary career, including What A Little Moonlight Can Do, Them There Eyes, That Ole Devil Called Love, Blue Moon, Strange Fruit, God Bless the Child, and more courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

08/18/202308/18/2023

Diabetes At the Movies

A recent trip to the Central Park Conservatory‘s Film Festival, presented by National Geographic, triggered our interest in how diabetes is portrayed on the big screen. From Steel Magnolias to Soul Food, how realistic are these depictions?

This year’s festival features an array of documentaries. I admit, many of which I probably would never see. But they were free, and the knoll where they’re showing the movies is located close to my office. I grabbed my blanket and decided to go. I’m glad I did. Not only were the topics fascinating, but also the different storytelling styles.

Although documentaries contain primary sources, I became aware that filmmakers select, frame, and interpret their subjects to suit their purposes. Regarding topics like climate change, viewers either buy into it as a whole or shake their heads in disgust at the fearful images and righteous pleas being shown.

Since it was announced that Jamie Fox and Colin Firth are producing the first-ever documentary on my boss, Luther Vandross, with The Ladybird Diaries director Dawn Porter,

I’ve become hyper-sensitive to the ethics of retelling life stories on the big screen. Do the directors stray from facts or choose to cherry-pick moments and memories to build suspense and create drama? And if they get the story wrong by omitting information, does anyone care besides those closest to their subjects? Basically, can you trust them?

One topic filmmakers tend to get wrong in their depictions on the big screen is diabetes. With all the emotional and physical complications related to the day-to-day up’s and down’s of self-care comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen. Popular films featuring diabetes include Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common. We explore how realistic these portrayals are and how accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

Podcast 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. This podcast features music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

Tuesday night’s documentary, The Space Race, directed by Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, tells the story of Black Astronauts. The film follows pioneers who fought to overcome not just the obstacles of their NASA astronaut training but also the challenges that stemmed from the racial prejudice, injustices, and discrimination present at the time. Lisa’s amazing ability to infuse music into telling her stories was evident throughout the film. She has a unique knack for finding the right song and placing it at the right time to heighten interest and excitement in the subject matter.

Wednesday night’s film, Arctic Ascent, captures Alex Honnold and his two expert climber friends’ attempt to climb Greenland’s Ingmikortilaqf while scientists collect data on the melting glaciers and the impact of climate change.

Thursday night’s film, Wild Life, directed by the team behind the Oscar-winning Free Solo, Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. This film follows billionaire conservationists Kris and Doug Tompkins’ obsession with creating National Parks throughout Chile and Argentina—the highs and lows of their journey to effect the largest private land donation in history.

The hype surrounding one of the biggest Summer Blockbusters of all time, Barbie, inspires us to examine the doll’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, soon-to-be available on Amazon. 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.

08/17/202308/17/2023

We’re Back! After Our Website Crashed

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

07/26/202307/26/2023

In Bed With Barbie And Sometimes Ken Podcast Coming Soon!

Sweet Romance co-authors Janis Roszler & Donna Rice explore Barbie’s impact on Love, Sex, and Intimacy for People with Diabetes on Divabetic’s next podcast, In Bed With Barbie And Sometimes Ken, scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 1 PM, EST.

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or as Megyn Kelly referred to her on her podcast, the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be with her teenie tiny waist, enormous boobs, and forever legs – basically a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie in a whole new way, including our bedrooms. I say this because of Ken and Barbie’s exchange about having a sleepover in the movie trailer that’s constantly on TV.

If they’re confused about what to do in the bedroom, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. That’s why we’re taking a laser beam focus on the way Barbie and, sometimes, Ken have shaped and molded people’s thoughts, ideas, desires, and fantasies about sex, love, and intimacy who are living with diabetes.

Our podcast guests: Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s forthcoming e-book Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy with Diabetes.