Episode 116 - Diabetics Doing Things 2018 in review with Rob Howe

It’s that time of year again! The final podcast of 2018.

Rob sits down solo to talk about all the ups and downs of 2018. From appearing in Medtronic’s “Inspired by You” TV commercial, to the American Diabetes Association Conference, to the first international trip for Diabetics Doing Things, 2018 was a marquee year. But it was not without loss. Rob opens up and talks about losing his father, and how that has affected the way he looks at the world and why it means there will be more effort put into meaningful relationships and helping people with Diabetes more than ever.

Rob also shares his travel schedule for the first quarter of 2019, and teases out his newest project “Tools of Type 1s” which will debut on January 8, 2019.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from Rob and the rest of the Diabetics Doing Things team.

Episode 115 - Diabetics Doing Pescatarian Lifestyle and Blogging with Alyssa Soukup

This is the second to last episode of 2018! Alyssa Soukup (@ddpyblog on Instagram) from St. Paul Minnesota, was diagnosed in early 2016 at the age of 25.

Alyssa takes us through some of the emotions that go along with being diagnosed later in life, and some of the lifestyle changes she’s made as a result of her T1D.

She also talks about where the inspiration for the DDPY Blog (Diabetic Dancing Pescatarian Yogi) came from, and walks us through her experience as a professional dancer. When Alyssa was 18, she picked up the book “Skinny Bitch” thinking that it would be a humorous read, and discovered many principles of Veganism that others have shared on the pod as well. Although after living as a vegan for some time, Alyssa discovered that the pescatarian diet would be more suitable to her long term.

She is a super great resource and I’m glad she took the time to come on the podcast. Give her pages a follow!

Episode 114 - Diabetics Doing Vegan Marathons with Amy McKinnon

Amy McKinnon (@amymckinnonnutrition on instagram) joins the podcast in yet another episode I thought I’d lost but that has since been found! Amy is a Type-1 Diabetic, nutritionist and long distance runner.

Amy and I talk about her diagnosis at the age of 12, and all the little things that pile up to make a big difference when you’re diagnosed as a teen. Diabetes is the experiment with too many inputs, and Amy discusses how her diet, exercise and mindfulness routines help her maintain a balance, even while running marathons all over the world.

Amy has run 7 marathons and over 40 half marathons over the past 5 years, and has qualified for the Boston Marathon 3 times. Since 2013, Amy has followed a plant based diet, and she and I discuss some of the ins and outs of her Vegan diet and how it plays into her diabetes and training.

Amy is an awesome figure in the T1D community, and a real splash of positivity and energy. She also inspired Marie Diaz to become a runner, and they both recently completed the 2018 NYC Marathon.

Episode 113 - Rob Answers Your Questions - How to start a successful Diabetes blog or podcast

There are a few questions that I get very regularly on the podcast and Instagram (@robhowe21 on Instagram) and I decided to use the podcast to address them.

This episode is my exploration of the question “How did you start a Diabetes blog, social media account or podcast?”

I do my best to dig into what compelled me to start Diabetics Doing Things, and what has kept me going over the past 3 years. I also dive into some of the mistakes people make by setting unrealistic expectations early on, which make them feel defeated and burn out and stop.

Hopefully you’ll enjoy this episode, and maybe a few of you will be inspired enough to start your own podcast, blog or Instagram account. If you have any questions about this episode, be sure to reach out!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods the makers of the 4g Net Carb Pizza! Real Good Foods has amazing tasting products that are friendlier on blood sugars for people with Diabetes, so you can enjoy the foods you love without the roller coaster of blood sugars. Use code RobHowe at checkout and you can save 10% and get FREE SHIPPING! On all Real Good Foods products.

Episode 112 - Diabetics Doing Whatta Prick with Adam Schreiner

We all know Diabetes can be a real downer, but did you ever consider Whatta Prick Diabetes is? Adam Schreiner (whatta.prick on instagram) did and his new book by the same name, chronicles his journey through his Type-1 diabetes management, along with recommendations for people with Type-1 and Type-2 Diabetes.

I’m a big fan of Adam’s outlook on diabetes, not just because of his humor, but also his attention and focus on mindfulness. Be sure to give his podcast a listen as well, which you can find on his Instagram.

What’s your favorite Diabetes book, and why? I really enjoyed “Whatta Prick” and I hope you’ll get a little insight as to why from my interview with Adam.

Episode 111 - Diabetics Doing College Diabetes Network with Christina Roth

In a very special episode of the podcast, we are joined by Christina Roth, the Founder and CEO of College Diabetes Network (CDN @collegediabetes on Instagram). CDN creates opportunities for students and young adults living with Type-1 diabetes to connect, share, and succeed in their academic and professional life. 

Previous guests have mentioned CDN on the podcast as an instrumental support system in their college careers with Diabetes. Their programs seek to guide students through the many new experiences and challenges of attending college with T1D.

Christina and I talk about her own personal journey with T1D as well as where the idea for CDN came from and how it’s grown since 2010. We talk about the entrepreneurial journey and what it’s been like to learn as a CEO on the go. 


Christina and CDN are amazing resources in the community, and I’m grateful she was able to spend time with us on the podcast. Visit CollegeDiabetesNetwork.org today to become a member, find a chapter at your local college or university or download information on advocacy, mental health and more. 

Episode 110 - Diabetics Doing Aviation 2 with John Roth

In an episode I was sure I’d lost, I speak with John Roth, a commercial pilot who nearly 4 years ago lost his wings to T1D. John’s interview is similar to those of past pilots like Jeremy Robertson, who found a new outlet for advocacy after losing their wings. 

John also talks about how his very regimented life with T1D with regard to diet and exercise help him keep his levels extremely well managed, and discusses how his decisions with food and dosing come easier for him because of how good he feels. John heard about my podcast from my interview on Vinnie Tortorich’s podcast, which I’d also encourage you to check out.

When I switched computers in early 2018, I thought I’d lost his interview, but I’m very glad I was able to find and publish this very insightful episode of #diabeticsdoingthings. 

This episode is sponsored by HealthIQ, who is rewarding people with Diabetes who actively manage their A1C and live an active lifestyle with lower rates on their life insurance. I also cover why it’s important on the Diabetics Doing Things blog

Episode 109 - Diabetics Doing 1000 Miles of Portraits with Annalisa Van Den Berg and Erik Douds

Join Annalisa Van Den Bergh and Erik Douds (@annalisavdbergh & @erikdouds on Instagram) on a journey through their lives with Type 1 Diabetes as they prepare for yet another incredible feat of distance biking. We’re talking about @milesofportraits, the dynamic diabetic duo’s 1,000 mile journey across Alaska, snapping photos of everything and everyone along the way. 

You can learn more about their journey in their film series below, but I sat down with Annalisa and Erik to talk about their various journeys across the world that led up to this trip, and how they were preparing for this one.

I’m LONG overdue in posting this interview, but I think the insights these two provide leading up to their 1,000 mile journey across Alaska are just as poignant today as they were this summer. 

I’m big fans of Annalisa and Erik, and I’d highly recommend you follow their journeys all across the world as closely as possible. Check out milesofportraits.com and keep an eye on their social media for more amazing “things” that Diabetics do.

Episode 108 - Diabetics Doing A Future with Hope with Carl Armato

Join us for an in-depth interview with Carl Armato, President and CEO of Novant Health and the author of “A Future With Hope.” Diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes at just 18-months old, Carl’s life was shaped by his diagnosis in ways he couldn’t have imagined as he was growing up.

Carl’s life with T1D ignited a passion for healthcare from the patient’s perspective, and helped shape Carl’s career which has led him to becoming President and CEO of one of the largest healthcare systems in the Southeast United States.

Listen as Rob asks Carl for his insights on his mindset, finding success and family alongside his diabetes.