Managing Type 2 diabetes can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of trying to "get back on track." One difficult meal, missed workout, or higher-than-expected glucose reading can make it feel like you've failed. But what if you didn't have to keep starting over? In this solo episode of Destroying Diabetes, Dr. Keith Hersey reflects on another birthday, more than 20 years of living with Type 2 diabetes, and one of the most important lessons he's learned along the way: Consistency matters more than perfection. Keith discusses moving away from all-or-nothing thinking and using blood sugar readings as information rather than a reason for guilt or shame. He also introduces the idea of generational health—how the health decisions and habits we develop today can influence our families and future generations. In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why perfection can actually make diabetes management harder
• How to stop the cycle of constantly "starting over"
• Looking at glucose readings as information rather than judgment
• Choosing a few realistic habits instead of trying to change everything at once
• The connection between food, movement, sleep, stress, and blood sugar
• Why getting older has Keith thinking differently about health and longevity
• What generational health means and how we can begin changing our family's health story
• Why small decisions repeated consistently can produce meaningful change

Your challenge Choose a few realistic actions you can repeat this week. That might mean drinking more water, adding protein to breakfast, taking a short walk, improving your sleep routine, monitoring your blood sugar as recommended, or taking your medications as prescribed. You don't need a perfect week. You need a pattern you can sustain. Blood Sugar Consistency Blueprint If you know what you're supposed to do but struggle with doing it consistently, check out the Blood Sugar Consistency Blueprint. It's designed to help you move away from all-or-nothing thinking and start developing realistic habits that fit your everyday life. Connect with Dr. Keith Hersey: Speaker • Health Educator • Host of Destroying Diabetes www.drkeithspeaking.com Email: [email protected] And remember: Be well. Be blessed.

Culture, Food & Diabetes: Eating Well Without Giving Up the Foods You Love What if improving your blood sugar didn't mean giving up the foods, traditions, and flavors you grew up with? In this episode of Destroying Diabetes, Dr. Keith Hersey sits down with Jasmine Westbrooks, MS, Registered Dietitian with EatWell Exchange, for an important conversation about diabetes, nutrition, culture, and creating a healthier relationship with food. For many people living with diabetes or prediabetes, nutrition advice can feel restrictive. We're often told what we shouldn't eat—but sustainable diabetes management is about much more than a list of foods to avoid. Jasmine shares a culturally relevant approach to nutrition and discusses how people can make healthier choices without abandoning the foods that are meaningful to their families and communities. In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why culturally relevant nutrition matters
• Common misconceptions about eating with diabetes
• Whether people with diabetes really need to eliminate foods like rice, bread, potatoes, and fruit
• How portion sizes, preparation methods, and food combinations can affect nutrition
• The roles of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates in blood sugar management
• Why labeling foods as simply "good" or "bad" can be problematic
• How traditional and cultural foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle
• Simple nutrition changes you can begin making today
• Why enjoyment and sustainability matter when changing the way you eat
• How to move beyond the cycle of restriction, guilt, and starting over

About Jasmine Westbrooks Jasmine Westbrooks, MS, is a Registered Dietitian with EatWell Exchange, an organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through culturally relevant nutrition education. Her work helps people understand that healthier eating doesn't have to mean abandoning their culture, traditions, or favorite foods. Please see ways that people can stay connected with Jasmine below: website: Eatwellexchange.org email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook Link Instagram: Instagram Link A Key Takeaway Managing diabetes isn't about eating perfectly. It's about finding realistic and sustainable ways to nourish your body, manage your blood sugar, and enjoy the foods that are part of your life and culture. If you've ever felt that managing diabetes meant giving up everything you love to eat, this conversation is for you. Connect With Destroying Diabetes If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation and subscribe to Destroying Diabetes for more practical discussions about diabetes, nutrition, medications, lifestyle, and living well. Better health doesn't require perfection. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference. Thanks, Ashley, let me know if you need anything else. Dr. Keith Hersey, PharmD Diabetes Educator | GLP-1 Coach | National Speaker Host, Destroying Diabetes Podcast www.drkeithspeaking.com Connect with me on LinkedIn (919) 808-2129

Welcome back to the Destroying Diabetes Podcast! In this special episode, I reintroduce myself and share the personal experiences that shaped my passion for helping people take control of their health and diabetes. For those who are new to the podcast, I'm Dr. Keith Hersey, PharmD. I've lived with Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, and I've spent over three decades working in healthcare. My journey with diabetes is not just professional—it's deeply personal. I've experienced the challenges, frustrations, victories, and setbacks that come with managing a chronic condition. In this episode, you'll learn: My personal diabetes journey Why I started the Destroying Diabetes Podcast Lessons I've learned from living with Type 2 diabetes for over 20 years The impact diabetes had on my family Why education, support, and consistency matter more than perfection What you can expect from future episodes My mission is simple: to empower people to make sustainable changes that improve their health, reduce complications, and live fuller lives. Whether you're living with diabetes, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to improve your health, this podcast is for you. ### Ready to Take the Next Step? Schedule a complimentary discovery call: Discovery Call: https://masteryourglp.com/ Questions about coaching, speaking engagements, or partnerships? Email: [email protected] ### Connect with Dr. Keith Hersey Follow, subscribe, and share this podcast with someone who needs encouragement on their health journey. Remember: Progress beats perfection. Small daily actions can create life-changing results. Until next time, keep moving forward and keep destroying diabetes.

In this episode of Destroying Diabetes, host Keith Hersey sits down with Dr. Sophia Miranda, a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and founder of She'sEmpowered Coaching & Consulting Services, to explore the intersection of diabetes, women's health, and behavioral change. Dr. Miranda shares how metabolic health challenges uniquely affect young women and women navigating perimenopause, a stage of life where hormonal shifts, stress, and lifestyle changes can significantly impact blood sugar regulation and long-term health outcomes. Together, Keith and Dr. Miranda discuss how many women are left without clear guidance during these transitions and why compassionate, culturally responsive health education is essential. The conversation also highlights the role of health coaching and behavior change in helping individuals manage chronic illness, reduce stress, and build sustainable lifestyle habits. Dr. Miranda explains how confidence, mindset, and emotional well-being influence health decisions and how empowering women with the right tools can lead to lasting transformation. Listeners will gain practical insights on prevention, self-advocacy, and creating sustainable strategies to support metabolic health across different stages of life. This episode is especially valuable for women, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in diabetes prevention, stress management, and whole-person wellness. In This Episode We Discuss Why diabetes risk can increase for young women and women in perimenopause The role hormones, stress, and lifestyle play in metabolic health Why many women feel overlooked in traditional healthcare conversations How health coaching supports sustainable behavior change Strategies for building confidence, reducing stress, and protecting long-term health About Our Guest Dr. Sophia Miranda is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and the founder of She'sEmpowered Coaching & Consulting Services LLC, a North Carolina HUB Certified Minority-Owned Business and North Carolina Small Business Enterprise. She specializes in helping individuals navigate chronic illness, burnout, stress, and life transitions through evidence-based coaching and personalized wellness strategies. With a background in healthcare, behavioral health, and leadership, Dr. Miranda empowers professionals—especially women and emerging leaders—to build confidence, reduce emotional fatigue, and create sustainable lifestyle change. In addition to private coaching, she leads wellness retreats and facilitates workshops on mindfulness, stress management, and behavior change to support long-term health and personal transformation.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Keith sits down with Jasmine Canady, a dynamic national speaker, wellness advocate, and Type 2 diabetic who brings both personal truth and professional expertise to the wellness space. Jasmine opens up about her journey of living with Type 2 diabetes, how she transformed adversity into empowerment, and how she now helps others step boldly into intentional living. From self-leadership to daily habits that matter, Jasmine delivers powerful reminders about resilience, mindset, and taking ownership of your wellness journey—mind, body, and spirit. This episode is equal parts motivation, wellness education, and practical wisdom, especially for individuals navigating Type 2 diabetes or personal transformation. About Our Guest: Jasmine Canady Jasmine Canady is a powerful voice in the world of wellness and personal development. A national speaker, "52 Faces of the Community" award winner, and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jasmine blends lived experience with professional insight to inspire meaningful change. With a degree in Mass Communication, a background in Public Health and athletic coaching, and personal experience as a Type 2 diabetic, Jasmine speaks boldly about resilience, self-leadership, and the power of intentional living. Her message empowers audiences to break through barriers, own their story, and prioritize whole-person wellness. What We Discuss in This Episode

• Jasmine's personal diagnosis story and how she reframed it as a catalyst for change
• The intersection of mindset, behavioral change, and chronic disease management
• What intentional living looks like for people navigating diabetes
• How public health and communication shape her approach to wellness advocacy
• The role of self-leadership in long-term health
• Barriers faced by communities of color—and how Jasmine is helping shift the narrative
• Tools and habits Jasmine uses daily to support blood sugar stability and overall well-being
• The spiritual and emotional components of thriving with Type 2 diabetes

Helpful Links & Resources Join the 10-Day Blood Sugar Reset A fast start for busy professionals who want to gain control, lower glucose variability, and feel better in 10 days. https://MasterYourGLP.com/reset Book Dr. Keith to Speak Workplace wellness • Diabetes education • GLP-1 medication insights • Mindset & transformation https://DrKeithSpeaking.com Final Takeaway Jasmine Canady reminds us that diabetes is not the end of the story—it's an invitation to become the leader of your own life. Her message is a powerful blueprint for resilience, self-compassion, and choosing the life you truly want.

Guest: Rod Carter – Evening News Anchor at CBS17 (Raleigh–Durham, NC), journalist, and fellow type 2 diabetic Host: Dr. Keith Hersey 🎧Episode Overview In this inspiring episode in conjunction with National Diabetes Awareness Month. Keith Hersey sits down with Rod Carter, evening news anchor at CBS17 in the Raleigh–Durham television market since 2021. Rod opens up about his type 2 diabetes journey, from the day he discovered his diagnosis to how he manages his health and mindset in the high-pressure world of live television. This conversation is about real stories, practical adjustments, and the mindset shifts that help busy professionals stay on top of both life and blood sugar. 🔎In This Episode You'll Learn How Rod discovered he had type 2 diabetes — and the early warning signs he ignored The mindset shift that helped him go from fear to focus How he balances medication, nutrition, and movement with a demanding news career Why community, accountability, and education make the biggest difference 🩺Key Takeaways "Stay in your lane, do what you do best— especially when the camera's on and life gets loud." – Rod Carter "It's not about doing everything right. It's about doing the next right thing." – Dr. Keith Hersey 🔗Resources & Links 🎙️Book Dr. Keith for Speaking: www.DrKeithSpeaking.com 🗓️Free 15-Minute Discovery Call (Coaching Program): https://www.calendly.com/herseypharmacy/podcast-preview 🧠Learn more about managing type 2 diabetes with free 10 day blood sugar reset at: www.MasterYourGLP.com/reset 🔑Tags & Keywords Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1, blood sugar, health mindset, accountability, coaching, CBS17, Rod Carter, Dr. Keith Hersey, Destroying Diabetes Podcast, Raleigh Durham Episode Description CBS17 news anchor Rod Carter joins Dr. Keith Hersey to share his personal journey with type 2 diabetes — from diagnosis to disciplined daily habits. Hear how mindset, medication, and movement work together to help him stay in control while managing a high-pressure career in broadcasting. 🎧Subscribe to Destroying Diabetes podcast and join the conversation on practical, real-life strategies to take control of your health.

In this episode of Destroying Diabetes, Dr. Keith Hersey sits down with Dr. Rachel Goode from the UNC School of Social Work to discuss the growing risk of type 2 diabetes among young Black women. Dr. Goode shares insights from her research, highlighting the role of social determinants of health, systemic inequities, and the importance of community-based interventions in addressing the health disparities that contribute to higher diabetes rates in this group. Dr. Goode also offers valuable advice on the importance of culturally relevant health education and support systems that can empower young Black women to take control of their health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about the intersection of social work, public health, and diabetes prevention. Key Topics Discussed:

• The impact of social determinants of health on the risk of type 2 diabetes
• The intersection of systemic inequities and chronic diseases like diabetes
• How community-based interventions can reduce diabetes risk
• The role of mental health and stress in diabetes management
• Empowering young Black women through education and support

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• The HONOR Study: If you're an African American adult living in the Charlotte, NC metro area, consider participating in the HONOR study. The study, based in Kannapolis, NC, is focused on advancing health equity and improving outcomes in the African American community. For more details and to sign up, visit www.uncnri.org/HONOR.
• 10-Day Blood Sugar Reset: Ready to take control of your blood sugar? Join Dr. Keith's 10-Day Blood Sugar Reset to reset your metabolism and improve your blood glucose levels with simple, effective strategies. Sign up today at www.masteryourglp.com/reset.
• Hire Dr. Keith to Speak: If you're looking for a dynamic speaker for your group, event, or organization, Dr. Keith is available to deliver impactful talks on diabetes management, chronic disease prevention, and more. Learn how to hire him at www.drkeithspeaking.com.

Subscribe and Follow Us: Stay up to date with future episodes by subscribing to Destroying Diabetes on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to leave us a review and share the episode with others who could benefit from this critical information.

In this special episode, Dr. Keith Hersey—newly appointed Director of Experiential Learning at CareSync Concierge—sits down with Ken Sternfeld, the Concierge Pharmacist who developed the innovative Diabuddy Experience Program. Together, they explore how peer support and pharmacist coaching are reshaping how we support patients, especially those with prediabetes. Ken shares his vision behind The DiaBuddy Project, its real-world impact on adherence and outcomes, and how students, providers, and patients can all play a role in creating a more human, connected, and successful approach to diabetes care. The Mission and Purpose of The DiaBuddy Experience is to Destroy Diabetes With Prevention ! 🔑Key Takeaways: What the Diabuddy Experience Program is and how it works Why GLP-1 adherence requires coaching, not just prescriptions How pharmacy students gain real-world experience by supporting patients How patients benefit from relatable, consistent communication A new vision for experiential learning in pharmacy education 🔗Connect with the The Diabuddy Experience: 👉For Patients: Interested in getting personal support while on a GLP-1? Are you prediabetic, type 2 diabetic or just want gain control of your blood sugars? Join the Diabuddy coaching experience here: www.masteryourglp.com/master-your-blood-sugar-today 👉For Pharmacy Students: Want to become a Diabuddy Coach and gain clinical experience? Email [email protected] 👉For Healthcare Providers & Schools of Pharmacy: Partner with the Diabuddy program to expand care and experiential learning: Email [email protected] 🎙️ About the Guest: Ken Sternfeld is a longtime advocate for pharmacist-led innovation in healthcare and the founder of the Diabuddy Program. His work focuses on patient engagement, digital coaching, and creating new pathways for healthcare students to get involved in improving outcomes. 🗣️About the Host: Dr. Keith Hersey is a former pharmacist, Type 2 diabetic, and host of Destroying Diabetes. He is the Director of Experiential Learning at CareSync Concierge and founder of the Master Your GLP coaching program, helping patients thrive on GLP-1s and reverse chronic disease. 🌐Want Dr Keith to speak to your school or organization? Learn more at: www.drkeithspeaking.com

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Keith Hersey sits down with Janae McKnight, a North Carolina native and passionate advocate for preventative wellness. Janae shares her philosophy of "training for life"—a holistic approach that helps men and women make better food choices, stay active despite age or injury, and rebuild confidence from the inside out. From small steps to sustainable changes, Janae helps listeners understand how to build a healthier lifestyle rooted in discipline, self-love, and smart habits. Whether you're starting your health journey or getting back on track, this episode will motivate you to take ownership of your well-being—one choice at a time. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to build confidence regardless of age, injuries, or past setbacks Simple strategies to improve food choices without extreme dieting Why training for life means focusing on consistency, not perfection The mindset shift needed to make wellness a lifelong journey Connect with Janae McKnight: http://beacons.ai/trainwithjanae trainwithjanae - Link in Bio & Creator Tools | Beacons @trainwithjanae | Check out my links to (linktr.ee, TikTok, Instagram). Subscribe to my email list.Shop my products (TRAIN WITH JANAE FITNESS GUIDE (JAN 2024)). beacons.ai Based in North Carolina – available for coaching and wellness events Continue the Conversation with Dr. Keith Hersey: Learn more about GLP-1 education and coaching www.masteryourglp.com Book Dr. Keith for your next event: DrKeithSpeaking.com Dr Keith Speaking | reverse type 2 diabetes Energize your audience with Dr. Keith's captivating keynote speaking! Join him in conquering chronic disease and gaining control of your health. Dr Keith is a former pharmacist with 20 years of experience as a pharmacist and a type 2 diabetic. Learn how Dr Keith is helping others to reverse one of the most prevalent disease in the U.S., type 2 diabetes! Book Dr Keith today for your upcoming event or conference at www.drkeithspeaking.com www.drkeithspeaking.com

Guest: Dr. Jen Cadenhead, Executive Director of the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy, Columbia University. In this powerful episode, Dr. Keith Hersey sits down with Dr. Jen Cadenhead, a professor at Columbia University and an advocate for ending nutrition insecurity across America. As the Executive Director of the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy, Dr. Cadenhead brings deep insight into the intersection of food justice, public health, and diabetes prevention. We tackle some critical questions for anyone newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes: ✅ What first steps should you take after diagnosis? ✅ What mindset shifts will determine your long-term success? ✅ How can you make healthy changes on a tight budget? Whether you're living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, Dr. Cadenhead offers wisdom, empathy, and a realistic path forward that blends policy, education, and practical, affordable action. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jen Cadenhead on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jencadenhead 💥 Ready to Take Action? If you're tired of trying to manage diabetes alone, it's time to get the support you deserve. 🎯 Book Dr. Keith for speaking events on diabetes reversal, and lifestyle transformation at: 🌐 www.DrKeithSpeaking.com Interested in personalized or group coaching to take control of your diabetes using GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound or Mounjaro? 💪 Learn more at: 🌐 www.MasterYourGLP.com