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LiveFree with T1D

Welcome to the LiveFree with T1D Podcast where we coach you to build your T1D stress-management plan like a sailboat. You are the captain. The hull is your diabetes knowledge and management. The sails are your mindset. The rudder is your behavior and the crew is your support team. If you build the five parts of your stress management plan correctly, you'll find smooth sailing with T1D. Every week we help a person with T1D just like you optimize their sailboat.
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Episodes

#131: How to Become a Person with T1D on a Mission

The definition of being stuck is not moving toward something. Your mission is what you want to work toward in your life. I know it sounds simple, but in order to move toward something, you have to know what you are moving toward! In this episode, I talk about why it's so important to have a mission in your life, and how having a mission can impact your emotional health with T1D. Once you have a mission, you'll know exactly where you want to go, and can take steps to move closer to that place eve...

Mar 09, 202322 min

#130: Why I Changed My Approach to T1D + Mental Health

For too long, I focused on treating the stress of T1D reactively. Feeling burned out? My approach was to help you feel less burned out . Feeling anxious about lows? My approach was to try and make that anxiety go away. However, I realized that there's a better way. Instead of dealing with the stress of T1D reactively, we need to manage it proactively. We need to make sure you have the tools, resources, and support to deal with whatever stress you might deal with it, and it's best if you have the...

Mar 02, 202329 min

#129: How to Move Past Your Fear of Insulin

Do you want to be a guest and get coaching on a future episode of this podcast? Click HERE to apply! Does taking insulin ever scare you? Do you ever find yourself second-guessing how much insulin to take? Insulin is the only way to manage T1D. Without insulin, your blood sugar will go high and scary things will start to happen pretty quickly. But even though insulin is a life-saving hormone for people with T1D, for some people, taking the correct amount of insulin can be terrifying. In this epis...

Feb 23, 202331 min

#128: How to Get the Support You Need at Work with T1D

Do you want to be a guest and get coaching on a future episode of this podcast? Click HERE to apply! Do you ever feel like the odd person out at work because you have T1D? We all know that you can do any job with T1D, but those raised eyebrows and passive-aggressive comments still sting. And they can make going to work while managing T1D a stressful experience. In this episode, I coach Natasha about how to set boundaries with her co-workers around her diabetes management. As she is finishing sch...

Feb 16, 202333 min

#127: An Easy Way to Start a New Routine with T1D

The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is now the LiveFree with T1D Podcast! If you made a New Year's resolution around your diabetes, how is it going? For most of us, those grand resolutions flew out the window more than three weeks ago! Stephanie has high hopes for starting an exercise routine. She knows how much just a little exercise can help to stabilize her blood sugars. But every time she tries to get started, she finds some reason why this isn't the right time, and she talks herself out of ev...

Feb 09, 202334 min

#126: How to Stay Sane with a CGM

The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is now the Live Free with T1D Podcast! Do you have a love-hate relationship with your CGM? That's been Jessica's experience. Jessica relies on her CGM to keep her blood sugars in range. And lately, Jessica finds that she has been paying a little too much attention to her CGM. In fact, she obsesses over it, causing her to make micro-corrections that send her low. Instead of improving her diabetes management, her CGM is making it even more challenging. In this epi...

Feb 02, 202337 min

#125: How to Set Boundaries Around T1D with Your Coworkers

The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is changing it's name to Live Free with T1D ! Is going to work uncomfortable because your coworkers don't know anything about T1D? Or worse, do your coworkers think they know about diabetes, so they want to "help" you manage your blood sugars? With more people returning to the office, work has become a landmine for some people with type 1 diabetes. In this episode, Dr. Mark coaches Tarra on how she can deal with a coworker who thinks he knows it all about T1D. A...

Jan 26, 202331 min

#124: Strategies to Get Better Sleep with T1D

How is your sleep with T1D? Do you wake up in the middle of the night to your CGM alerts and have trouble going back to sleep? Are you having trouble falling asleep because of anxiety about low blood sugar? Sleep is the bane of the existence for many folks with T1D, and it's something we don't talk enough about. In this episode, Dr. Mark coaches Nikki about how she can get better sleep with T1D. Nikki says that she has not gotten a full night's sleep in more than 30 years and T1D is to blame. Sh...

Jan 19, 202332 min

#123: Why Your Expectations for Yourself are (Probably) Too High

Are you frustrated with your T1D management? Do you ever feel like your blood sugars are never in range enough? I know how frustrating it can be when you are working hard to manage T1D, but the results don't show your effort. It's like you are climbing a mountain and no matter what you do, you just can't get to the top. When you can meet your own expectations, diabetes burnout is never far behind. It this episode, Dr. Mark coaches Ernie about how setting reasonable expectations for himself aroun...

Jan 12, 202333 min

#122: Your Plan to Manage the Stress of T1D

The format of this podcast is changing! When you listen to this episode it will sound a little different from what you have heard before—but not to worry! You'll still be getting the same high quality content around T1D + mental health. This episode of the podcast is an introduction to the new name and format! You'll get an overview of how to build your T1D stress management plan like a like a sailboat, where: You are the captain. The hull your blood sugar management. The sails are your mindset....

Jan 05, 202327 min

#121: Ask Dr. Mark

I love getting questions from my listener's and recently, you've sent in some good ones! This episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is dedicated to answering your questions. In this episode of my podcast, I answer questions about: ✔️ How to cope with new information about managing T1D more effectively ✔️ How to manage T1D with an unpredictable schedule ✔️ How to create healthy diabetes habits that stick Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on Amazon or on my website, ...

Dec 29, 202218 min

#120: How to Set Boundaries with Others Around T1D

The holidays are here and you and I both know that T1D can make your relationships with others challenging during this time of year.To help you have a joyful holiday season with T1D along for the ride, we are going to the archives and bringing back one of the most popular episodes. This is the second episode in a 2-part series about boundaries and T1D. I know you've been there. I know you've had that friend or family member - even a doctor - who tries to be helpful but crosses the line with you ...

Dec 22, 202225 min

#119: How to Set Boundaries with T1D

The holidays are here and you and I both know that T1D can get in the way of your fun this time of year. To help you have a joyful holiday season with T1D along for the ride, we are going to the archives and bringing back a couple of the most popular episodes. This is the first episode in a 2-part series about boundaries and T1D. On this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist podcast, we talk about your boundaries with T1D and with yourself. Do you let T1D take up too much energy, or do you not fo...

Dec 15, 202223 min

#118: How To Be Assertive with Your Diabetes Care Team

Going to see your endocrinologist can be intimidating. You have things that you want to talk about, but you may be wondering how to bring them up. There may be new technology, insulin, or other medications that you want to integrate into your diabetes management toolbox, but you are not sure how your endocrinologist will respond when you ask. On this episode of the podcast, I talk about how you can get your needs met with your diabetes care team. After listening to this episode, you'll have stra...

Dec 08, 202223 min

#117: How to Eat What You Want with T1D

When you feel limited in what you can it because of type 1 diabetes, it can lead to all kinds of emotional challenges. You feel resentful, stuck, and helpless. You feel like you have to make the impossible choice between eating foods you love and managing your diabetes. This conversation will give you hope! My guest on this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is Ben Tzeel. Ben is a Registered Dietitian, strength coach, and T1D vet of over 20 years who specializes in providing you with t...

Dec 01, 202232 min

#116: How to Find Your Voice with T1D

My guest on this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is Brooke Bennett. In January 2022, Brooke gave a TEDx Talk called Why the Price of Insulin is a Danger to Diabetics . This talk has more than 1 million views on YouTube and has helped Brooke find her voice. In this episode, Brooke tells us how her TEDx talk came to be and how she has used her platform to help people with T1D around the world be seen and heard. Be sure to listen to the end of the episode where Brooke tells us about wh...

Nov 24, 202225 min

#115: A Plan to Deal with Severe Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar is the nemesis of every person with type 1 diabetes. Lows are inconvenient, annoying, and can be scary. What happens when you have a severe low blood sugar? In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I talk about the physical and psychological impact of having a severe low blood sugar and I give you a 4-step plan you can use to help you recover psychologically if you ever do have a severe low. Thanks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals for making this episode possible! Diabetes ...

Nov 17, 202221 min

#114: Why the CEO of JDRF Runs So Much

My guest on this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is Aaron Kowalski. Aaron is an active runner AND the CEO of JDRF. In this episode, Aaron talks about his path to becoming the leader of the world's largest nonprofit funder of type 1 diabetes research, and how he balances his responsibilities as CEO with his passion for running. Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on Amazon or on my website, www.thediabetespsychologist.com/book . Follow The Diabetes Psychologist ...

Nov 10, 202228 min

#113: Introducing the World's Worst Diabetes Mom

Parenting a child who has T1D can be stressful. It takes patience, grit, and sense of humor. Just ask my guest on this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast. Stacey Simms a T1D mom. Her son Benny was diagnosed with T1D more than 15 years ago just before his 2nd birthday. In this episode, Stacey talks candidly about her experience parenting a son with T1D, how she is letting go, and how she brings humor into her family's life with T1D. Stacey also just published her second book called S ti...

Nov 03, 202230 min

#112: Moving Beyond the Familiar with T1D

People with T1D tend to be creatures of habit. In some ways, this can be helpful. However, being a creature of habit can also get in the way of trying new things and expanding your diabetes management toolbox. In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, you'll get some practical tips you can use to get out of your own way and be willing to expand your toolbox. Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on Amazon or on my website, www.thediabetespsychologist.com/book . Fo...

Oct 27, 202215 min

#111: What It Is Like to Participate in Clinical Trials

My guest on this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is Krystle Samai. Krystle has been living with T1D since she was 9 years old and she has participated in over 100 clinical trials in the diabetes space. In this episode, Krystle tells us about her experience with clinical trials and how they have helped her. She gives some tips about how you can get involved in the exciting world of diabetes-related clinical trials. This is a conversation that you don't want to miss! Thanks to Vertex ...

Oct 20, 202229 min

#110: Playing in the NFL with T1D

Dream big because you do do anything in life with T1D. This includes playing linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Just ask Brandon Green. Diagnosed with T1D a boy in Texas, football became part of his life at a young age. After playing for Rice University in Houston, he was drafted in 2003 by the Jacksonville Jaguars and then went on to play for the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. In this episode of the podcast, Brandon talks about how he managed his blood sugars while play...

Oct 13, 202234 min

#109: How to Get Involved in Clinical Trials

My guest on this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast is Dave Walton, the CEO of the T1D Exchange. You have probably heard about the T1D Exchange and are curious about what they do. Dave breaks it down for us in this episode. You'll learn about the work that the T1D Exchange is doing to help doctors and people with diabetes better serve the T1D community. Thanks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals for making this episode possible! Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on Amazon...

Oct 06, 202233 min

#108: ReImagine Your Life with T1D!

In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I challenge you to think bigger about your life with T1D. You want to show up in the world, without letting diabetes get in the way. But we all know that, sometimes, it does. Identifying and living out your values can be the leverage you need to accomplish big things, without T1D stopping you. I show you how to use your values to your advantage on this episode of the podcast. Register for ReImagineT1D at www.reimaginet1d.com . Diabetes Sucks ...

Sep 29, 202217 min

#107: Why Your Diabetes is Not Special

In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I tell you why your diabetes is not special (even though you think it is!). You'll learn the reasons why you tell yourself that the stress you experience with T1D is different from everybody else's stress, and why telling yourself this story is not helpful. Then I'll give you some strategies you can use to see that your diabetes isn't special, and you'll learn how this approach will help you thrive! Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can no...

Sep 22, 202223 min

#106: How to Invest in Your Mental Health with T1D

In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I talk about why it takes work to manage the stress of living with T1D, and why putting in the work is an investment worth making. You have all kinds of excuses as to why you can't focus on your mental health, but none of them hold water. In this episode, I give you easy ways that you can invest in your emotional health with T1D and get a guaranteed return. Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on Amazon or on my website, ...

Sep 15, 202223 min

#105: Think Bigger with T1D + Mental Health

In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I talk about how you can think bigger in your life with T1D. Do you ever get fixated on NOT feeling burned out, stressed out, or overwhelmed with T1D? Working on your mental health in this way is important, but it is not enough. In this episode I talk about why getting rid of negative emotions is not enough, and I give you some practical tips for thinking bigger with your T1D + mental health. Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be pu...

Sep 08, 202221 min

#104: Take the Stress Out of Planning with T1D

In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I talk about how you can plan for managing T1D so that it doesn't get in your way. I'll give you some logistical tips and mindset hacks you can use so you can be prepared for anything T1D throws your way, without letting the stress and worry hold you back. After listening to this episode, you'll know exactly what you need to do to reduce the burden of planning in your life with T1D. Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on...

Sep 01, 202226 min

#103: How to Help Your Therapist Understand T1D

In this episode of The Diabetes Psychologist Podcast, I talk about what you can do if your therapist does not understand type 1 diabetes. I give you practical tips for helping your therapist learn about your experience with T1D so they can give you the support you need. After listening to this episode, you'll have the tools and resources to get the most out of therapy. Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It can now be purchased on Amazon or on my website, www.thediabetespsychologist.com/book . Fol...

Aug 25, 202224 min

#102: The Key to Accepting T1D

My book, Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It, is available on Amazon or from my website, www.thediabetespsychologist.com/book . Follow The Diabetes Psychologist on Instagram @thediabetespsychologist and join The Diabetes Psychologist Community on Facebook....

Aug 18, 202222 min
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