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 authorTonya 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.
After writing and producing ten mystery podcasts, I can say that our Suspect Boulevardpodcast is my favorite.
One reason is that the format loosely follows Billy Wilder’s iconic Sunset Boulevard film. Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.
I tell the story of mystery, diabetes, and intrigue from backward to forward, and the setting is a gilded mansion in Beverly Hills.
My main characters, two famous sisters, author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze and her actress sister Marjorie Melbourne, elude to Jackie and Joan Collins.
Diabetes alert dogs are one of the many diabetes health topics in this podcast. I interviewed my friend Debby Kay, a diabetes alert dog trainer, scent detection expert, and author, about them, their skills, and the training required.
Having a dog that reliably alerts to blood sugar levels can help individuals regain their independence in daily life. This degree of detection by your side gives many people with diabetes the confidence to return to activities they love.
Here’s a quick synopsis of Sunset Boulevard: On a bright sunny morning, our happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, arrives at the resplendent Beverly Hills estate of NYT Best-Selling Author and Socialite Marjorie Melbourne Blaze. He’s here to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Heart of the Diva Gala on diabetes and women.
But he soon learns that a roomful of rich and famous faces is full of way more drama than he had ever expected . . . and now murder.
So, can Max and our team find the killer before this red-carpet event is covered in blood?
Divabetic’s story of diabetes mystery and intrigue stresses why it can be deadly to blame others for your heart’s misfortunes.
FEATURING Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Lorraine Brooks, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and Mama Rose Marie. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
One way to help prevent complications is to take a team approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers, and healthcare professionals in your self-care. Showing close friends where you keep your supplies and informing them of what you need when experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes.
We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our Zoom outreach programs.
Mermaids of nearly every imaginable description (Swedish Fish singing ABBAand Mime-Maids) lined Surf Avenue in Coney Island for the 41st Mermaid Parade.
It was an incredible display of art, body positivity, cleverness, and creativity.
This year’s parade is billed as the nation’s largest arts parade. Hip-hop legend Kool Keith was its king, and city Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo was its queen.
The main goal of the parade is to spread positivity and fun, and it continues to do so year after year.
The Mermaid Parade is all about body positivity. Body positivity is a movement that promotes acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, a healthy body image means feeling good about looking and feeling comfortable in one’s body. Conversely, they report that having a negative body image can put one at a higher risk for mental health conditions, including eating disorders.
The true meaning of being positive about your body is self-acceptance and learning what is healthy specifically for you.
It’s a gathering of scantily clad folks who aren’t afraid to wear sequins, bare midriffs, fins, and sea-inspired costumes in broad daylight, with thousands of people watching.
The Mermaid Parade allows women to dress up as Drag Queens.
“Just like the Halloween parade — it’s all authentic New Yorkers. And this is an authentic New York event, she said.
The parade has been held nearly every year since 1983 but went virtual in 2020 and was canceled in 2021 because of the COVID pandemic.
The Mermaid Parade is a chance to get made up, express yourself, hear live music, see classic cars, and enjoy the creative spirit of New Yorkers.
Organizers estimate hundreds of thousands of people come out each year.
A ceremony on the beach also marks the start of the official summer swimming season on Coney Island.
Check out Divabetic’s Mystery podcast, Gypsies, Tramps & Peas.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Coney Island. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand.
Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Mama Rose Marie, and Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit-clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
Divabetic Mysteries podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
How did the lady in red wind up dead at the bottom of the pool on the lush estate of one of the world’s most famous writers? To solve this mystery, we have to step back in time.
SYNOPSIS
On a bright sunny morning, our happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, arrives at the resplendent Beverly Hills estate of NYT Best-Selling Author and Socialite Marjorie Melbourne Blaze. He’s here to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Heart of the Diva Gala on diabetes and women. But he soon learns that a roomful of rich and famous faces is full of way more drama than he had ever expected . . . and now murder. So can Max and our team find the killer before this red carpet event is covered in blood? Divabetic’s story of diabetes mystery and intrigue stresses why it can be deadly to blame others for your heart’s misfortunes.
FEATURING
Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Lorraine Brooks, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and Mama Rose Marie. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
We’re talking about feeling LIBERATED from the initial struggles, setbacks, and obstacles in diabetes self-care with musical inspiration from Christina Aguilera on this Divabetic podcast.
Do you treat setbacks as failures? Too many of us seem to forget this and try to assign blame when things go wrong. A better approach is to look at setbacks as challenges and learning opportunities in your self-care routine.
August’s musical inspiration, Christina Aguilera finds her way back to herself and her passion on her first album, “Liberation” in six years.
https://youtu.be/0Zb4P3WWKs0
“Liberation” showcases a creatively renewed Aguilera, but don’t call it a comeback: “I feel like a brand new artist,” she says.
Leaning mostly toward R&B and hip-hop, genres that have always informed her style, Aguilera’s new album isn’t about being progressive or chasing a trend — she’s not interested in any of that, she says — but instead it’s about showcasing an artist reborn after losing her footing.
Guests include Former Soloist Ballerina with the New York City Ballet & Author (‘Sugarless Plum’) Zippora Karz, We Are Diabetes founder Asha Brown, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout this podcast, we will be featuring music from Christina Aguilera’s ‘Liberation’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
Divabetic’s podcast is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hosts this free, fun Virtual Valentines-themed Baking Party on Zoom with our special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chefon Wednesday, February 9, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST.
During this virtual Baking Party on Zoom,The Diabetic Pastry Chefwill prepare a Valentine’s Day Sugar-Free Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and flours in your favorite recipes.
Over 150 people registered for our recent Divabetic Baking Parties on Zoom so don’t miss out!
We’d like to thank We Are Diabetesfounder, Asha Brown and Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman for helping to raise awareness for disordered eating behaviors related to diabetes on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. These two advocates performed a short skit highlighting symptoms and common behaviors of disordered eating before a follow-up discussion with Integrated Diabetes Services‘ Dana B. Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, andPatricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Below is the full script:
SOUND EFFECT: Street Sounds
Brittany (Asha): Thanks for coming with me to shop for Bridesmaid’s dresses. Glad you made it despite the traffic.
Jordan(Trisha): Sure, no problem.
Brittany: It’s so cool that Ashton’s letting us pick out our own dresses!
Jordan: I know, right? And we finally get to spend some time together. I never see you!
Brittany: Me too. Work is so crazy. I’m bummed I missed Ashton’s bridal shower. I heard about the cake!
Jordan: It was so much fun! Do you mean the Hummingbird cake from Magnolia’s?
Brittany: Yes, it sounded so good like everything else in there. I’m addicted to their chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting. I practically eat one every day.
Jordan: No way! If I ate cupcakes every day, I’d be as big as a whale.How do you stay so thin?
Brittany: You’re kidding, right? I’m huge. Diabetes always gets in the way.
Jordan: What was that?
Britany: Never mind, let’s look for dresses.
Jordan: Didn’t you already show Ashton a dress last month?
Brittany: You mean the blush-colored Vera Wang? There’s extra fabric bunching around my waist now. I look pregnant in it.
Jordan: I don’t believe that! Your waist is so tiny. What are you doing?
Brittany: Oh, you know the same ole thing. Just a few more yoga classes.
Jordan: Why can’t that work for me? I go to spin class four times a week and still, I can’t seem to lose any weight. Hey Britt – let’s take before and after selfies to send to Ashton. C’mon, smile!
Brittany: No! I don’t like what I am wearing.
Jordan: Hey, are you okay? You look kind of pale.
Brittany: I’m fine. Let’s just sit down for a minute, okay?
Jordan: Should you check your blood sugars maybe?
Brittany: No, I checked before we met. I’m fine. Work is stressing me out.
Jordan: Look, there’s a Jamba Juice over there. Shouldn’t I get you something?
Brittany: No way! I can’t drink that. Their drinks are so fatting- just like milkshakes.
Jordan: Are you sure? Don’t you need to drink something?
Brittany: I’m okay, okay? I know how to handle this.
SOUND EFFECT: Street noise
Research suggests that eating disorders are probably more common among women with diabetes than women who do not have diabetes. However, those with type 1 are twice as likely to suffer from disordered eating patterns.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating behaviors please contact We Are Diabetes.
To hear Asha and Trisha’s performance and our follow-up discussion click on the link below:
Tune into Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast when we raise the curtain on awareness for diabulimia with musical inspiration from Barbra Streisand on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 6 – 7:30 PM.
In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Albumthat resulted inmassive success, both critically and commercially.
Barbra’s inspiring us to spotlight the issues and symptoms of diabulimia by staging a scene between two friends followed by a group discussion. Afterward, we will talk to one of our favorite NYC-based endocrinologists, Dr. Noel Maclaren, and his wife, Sunita Singh Maclaren, about their new book. Then actress and Know Diabetes By Heart ambassador and advocate Karen Dawson shares her experience suffering an eye stroke.
The happy healthcare host, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek paraphrasing Ed Sullivan would like to say that, “We have a really big show tonight!”
We will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music throughout the podcast.
Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (‘Divabetic’). Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines, and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.
Click on LINK to listen live or on-demand at any time
We’re raising the curtain on important diabetes health-related topics such as diabulimia, stroke, and insulin resistance on this Broadway-themed podcast.
Are you ready to make a comeback!
Never in its 120 years has Broadway been dark this long. Producers are on Zoom calls every day, trying to figure out when and how their industry can reopen. What are you doing to manage your diabetes health?
There is no way to know your blood glucose levels without monitoring. You need to be able to see what it is you need to do and when you have time to do it. Being able to sync your “to-do” list with your appointments and daily diabetes-related tasks is the essence of creating a time sense and time planning.
Broadway employs 90,000 people and contributes over $2 billion a year to the city’s economy. But theater people and theatergoers can find a measure of comfort in the past. Broadway has faced several existential crises before and has always managed to claw its way back, often more vibrant than ever.
You can do it too!
Sometimes the best way to overcome an obstacle is to identify it. Think about what is keeping you from being active and/or cognizant of your self-care. Then google some of the American Diabetes Association’s solutions to the most common barriers. Is there a solution for you?
Learning effective time-management and diabetes self-management skills requires embracing new behaviors as well as utilizing your own unique strategies.
Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include We Are Diabetes Asha Brown, Maximize Your Metabolism Co-Authors Dr. Noel Maclaren and Sunita Singh Maclaren, Coach The Cure Trisha Artman, andPatricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.
In 1985, Barbra Streisand returned to her roots with the release of her twenty-fourth album, The Broadway Album. Having decided that Broadway musicals were no longer in the same league as some of the more commercial music dominating the charts in the early ‘70s, Streisand ended up taking an unforeseen fifteen-year break from Broadway and show tunes. This return to her “roots” was a shock to many, worrisome for some, but ultimately a massive success, both critically and commercially.
From the Putting It Together introduction right through the explosive Somewhere finale, this album is a sumptuous combination of the ultimate in voice, selected material, and arrangements. Standouts include Putting It Together, which kicks things off with laughter and lightness with some biting insights and undercurrents into the hopes and fears of this project, and the upbeat Something’s Coming.
It’s almost time to raise the curtains again in New York City, says Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Broadway needs to come back, and we will move heaven and earth to bring Broadway back,” he said. New York City’s theaters have been shut down for more than a year, since Mar. 12, 2020.
Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Barbra Streisand’s The Broadway Album courtesy of SONY Music.
Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (‘Divabetic’). Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines, and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.
Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!
The symptoms of PMDD are similar to but more severe than those experienced in PMS.
Symptoms of PMDD include:
mood changes, including irritability, nervousness, anxiety
severe fatique
crying and emotional sensitivity
difficulty concentrating
heart palpitations
paranoia and issues with self-image
coordination difficulties
forgetfulness
abdominal bloating, increased appetite and gastrointestinal upset
headaches
backache
muscle spasms, numbness or tingling in the extremities
hot flashes
dizziness
fainting
sleeplessness
vision changes and eye complaints
respiratory complaints, such as allergies and infections
painful menses
decreased libido
easy bruising
heightened sensitivity
Biologic, psychological, environmental, and social factors all seem to play a part in PMDD. It is important to note that PMDD is not the fault of the woman suffering from it or the result of a “weak” or unstable personality. It is also not something that is “all in the woman’s head.”
Rather, PMDD is a medical illness that impacts only 3% to 8% of women. Fortunately, it can be treated by a health care professional with behavioral and pharmaceutical options.
Podcast Guests: Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skin founder Connie Elder, We Are Diabetesfounder, Asha Brown, and Laura L. who are both living with type 1 diabetes.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from P.M. Dawn’s live album courtesy of SONY Music.
Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.
Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org
Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Connie Elderis passionate about helping women put their best foot forward. With a well-earned reputation as one of the most trusted developers of lifestyle products for women, entrepreneur Connie Elder launched her PEAK 10 SKIN skin care line featuring SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream to elevate skin health and hydration to new heights with pure, clean, active ingredients.
Connie Elder (CE): Skin care is not just about the face! Our skin is the largest organ of the body and we need to take care of ‘all of it’, including our feet. Especially this time of year we are wearing more open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops and our feet our more visible. This makes most people more aware of how their feet look. While this is important, it is also important to take care of the health of the skin on your feet. Our feet are really good to us and take us everywhere we go. Therefore, I believe they deserve pampering and a little TLC.
SAVE MY SOLE a spa-inspired foot cream, not only provides nourishment that can help prevent and rescue dry feet, is has a menthol and eucalyptus aroma that provides a cooling and refreshing sensation. I personally find it extends the life of my safe pedicures!
Q: Many people with diabetes are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from rollercoaster blood sugars can cause dry skin. How does SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream work to help heal cracked heels?
CE: In my past, I worked with a wound care center where we saw lots of diabetic wounds that would not heal. Many of these were on the feet and caused those who suffered with the wounds ambulatory problems. If we keep the skin on our feet hydrated and moisturized, it is less likely to become dry and crack, causes a wound that is slow to heal.
SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream is 25% pure refined Shea Butter. This provides much needed nourishment to the skin on the feet. Shea Butter combined with Vitamin E and coconut oil will lock in moisture for the feet and encourage the repair process for dry, cracked skin.
Skin is like leather, the more nourished it is the stronger it is. With proper conditioning it is less likely to experience cracking and tearing. You can’t break a conditioned piece of leather, but a dried out piece of leather can tear.
Q: Do you have any advice for preventing dry feet?
CE: The best way to keep the skin on your feet from getting dry is to be kind and treat them with foot cream daily. Once a week, use a pumice stone or a fine sand paper block to gently dust off the excessive dry skin. Once you remove the dry skin apply SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream to your feet daily. Within a few days you will notice your feet are less dry and they will feel nice to the touch. Visit your podiatrist to keep your feet well-manicured and your nails trimmed. You’ll enjoy sleeping with your feet again!
*If you have an open wound on your feet consult your doctor first.
Q: There’s been a lot of chaos surrounding different Sunscreen SPF levels and their benefits in the news lately. With the Summer months quickly approaching what advice can you give for shopping for sunscreen?
CE: There’s a lot of discussion around sunscreen, for sure. Sunscreen is very important to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. I personally believe using an SPF above 30 provides a false sense of security. We tend to think it last longer and it doesn’t. Reapplication of sunscreen is most important to maintain protection through the day.
There are some chemicals used in many sunscreen that should be avoided, especially for everyday use.
I personally use sunscreen with a combination of Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide (natural mineral) and a small percentage of Octinoxate. Safe levels of the organic compound Octinoxate mixed with the natural minerals are known for absorbing UV-A and UV-B rays of the sun, protecting the skin from damage.
Q: What words of wisdom can you offer to help women love the skin they are in?
CE: First, remember aging is the gift of life. If you are 60, don’t expect to look 30…no one does! Be the best you can be for the age you are. Healthy, hydrated skin looks radiant, at any age.
This can be achieved by using products daily that are pure, clean and effective. Be diligent in caring for your skin. Wash your face in the evening and nourish it with products containing quality ingredients. Products with a shorter ingredients list are usually best! If you are over 40, add a serum to your skincare routine. Make sure you are also hydrating from the inside. Drink lots of water! Limit your skin’s exposure to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen!
Peak 10 Skin offers a complete spa line of products to exfoliate, hydrate and protect skin, and has a well-deserved reputation for its pure, clean, active ingredients.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic discusses Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on this podcast. Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skin founder Connie Elder, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, and Laura L. who are both living with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from P.M. Dawn’s live album courtesy of SONY Music. PODCAST LISTENER SURVEY