Inside This Episode, Amy J. sat down with Bruce Taylor, who's been living with type 1 diabetes since 1977 and has dedicated over four decades to advocacy and policy reform in the healthcare industry. Together, they explored what it really means to "create victory" when living with and fighting for better diabetes care.

Bruce Taylor broke down critical issues facing diabetes patients today, from the hurdles of navigating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and shifting formularies to the importance of advanced technology like CGMs and insulin pumps. He explained how these decisions, often made far from the exam room, dramatically affect patient well-being and why direct advocacy is more important than ever.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Personal Stories & Progress: Both Bruce Taylor and Amy J. shared their journeys with diabetes from the '70s to now, highlighting advances in care and the real-life impacts of policy decisions.
• Understanding PBMs & Formularies: Learn how behind-the-scenes negotiations can force you to change life-saving medications, often for reasons that have nothing to do with your health.
• The Power of Advocacy: Bruce Taylor shared practical strategies, like the “rule of sevens”, for making your voice heard on Capitol Hill and in local policy.
• Join the Movement: Simple ways to add your voice to the fight, sign up with groups like the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Diabetes Leadership Council, or Beyond Type 1. They make it easy to contact your representatives (it only takes a minute!).

"A single voice can make a difference. Once a choir starts singing, people pay attention." — Bruce Taylor

Get Involved:

• Visit organizations like Diabetes Advocacy Coalition, Diabetes Leadership Council, and Beyond Type 1 to sign up for advocacy alerts.
• Share your personal experience with your Congressional representatives, your story matters!
• Remember the "rule of sevens": It takes just seven constituent contacts for lawmakers to start listening.

This episode is a reminder that although the system may feel overwhelming, you’re not powerless. Advocacy works, and every voice brings us closer to policies that truly put patients first.

Connect with Amy:

• Website: amyjordanspeaks.com
• Instagram: @amyjordanspeaks
• YouTube: @amyjordanspeaks

✨ Join our FREE community, get weekly newsletters, and create a Victorious Life—especially for struggling entrepreneurs and business people. Subscribe now at amyjordanspeaks.com!

More about Bruce:
Diagnosed with diabetes in 1977, Bruce has spent over four decades transforming patient advocacy into real-world impact. Recently retired after a 46-year healthcare career, he served as Senior Director of Government Affairs, Policy & Advocacy at Dexcom and held the same role at Roche Diabetes Care, helping expand access to advanced diabetes technology for millions worldwide. A co-founder of multiple national and global advocacy organizations, published author, and recipient of both the DCE National Champion Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Minority Quality Forum, Bruce continues his work today through board leadership with T-1 Today and the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition.

The holidays are upon us, and so are the shorter days, colder weather, and endless temptations at parties and gatherings. In this value-packed episode, Amy J. and Lori Haley celebrate the podcast’s approaching one-year anniversary and dive deep into how to not just survive, but truly thrive during the holiday season. Whether you’re navigating seasonal affective disorder, juggling family responsibilities, or trying to stay healthy amidst festivities, you’ll find actionable tips, honest stories, and a dose of laughter to help you end the year strong.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – 00:01:49 | Podcast anniversary & gratitude, reflecting on a year of insights and preview of upcoming plans.
• 00:01:54 – 00:03:18 | The real impact of seasonal shifts: shorter days, less motivation, and how menopause and health habits are affected.
• 00:04:29 – 00:05:43 | Lori’s strategies for preparing for a healthier holiday season—making wellness choices and prioritizing consistency.
• 00:05:44 – 00:08:40 | Smart holiday eating tips from Amy J.: eat before events, the importance of moderation, and why small choices matter.
• 00:10:06 – 00:14:20 | Victory Workouts unveiled! Amy J. introduces her accessible, at-home fitness routines for all ability levels.
• 00:16:25 – 00:18:32 | Breaking stress cycles: handling holiday overwhelm, family expectations, and the power of building simple habits.
• 00:19:44 – 00:22:00 | Gifts & Experiences: Rethinking holiday expectations, focusing on meaningful moments over material things.
• 00:28:07 – 00:30:20 | Call for community: Listeners are invited to share their favorite holiday wellness tips and stay tuned for the next episode on National Diabetes Awareness Month.

This holiday season, let’s do more than just get by, let’s create victories, one day and one choice at a time! Do you have a go-to habit or tradition that helps you through the seasonal shifts? Share it with us on Instagram or Facebook @AmyJordanSpeaks, and your tip may get a shoutout in our next episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review to help us grow our community of strong, healthy, and joyful listeners.

“Stressing out is our choice, and we can just enjoy and have the best time ever.” -Amy Jordan

To learn more about Amy as a speaker, author, fitness instructor, and more, visit amyjordanspeaks.com.

Connect with Amy on socials @amyjordanspeaks

✨ Join our FREE community, get weekly newsletters, and create a Victorious Life, especially for struggling entrepreneurs and business people. Subscribe now at amyjordanspeaks.com!

To learn more about marketing for your business, and how to start your own podcast, contact Lori Haley at thesharktectgroup.com.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Navigate holiday stress
• Maintain healthy routines
• Create lasting memories that matter (it’s not about the stuff!)
• Make choices that help you, and your family, feel your best!

Let’s create victory together. Like, subscribe, share, and drop your favorite seasonal tips in the comments below!

In this inspiring episode, hosts Amy J. and Josh Prince sit down with the extraordinary Josh Prince, founder of Dance Lab New York and acclaimed Broadway choreographer. From his early days in Indianapolis to shaping the future of dance across stages worldwide, Josh shares an open-hearted look at his journey, including the passion, obstacles, and calling that led to Dance Lab NY. This is a must-listen for anyone in the arts or anyone curious about the power of creativity and resilience.

Key Moments:

[00:02:38] Josh’s Origins: How support from family and his “calling” led him from Indiana to musical theater stardom.

[00:14:14] Founding Dance Lab NY: Josh reveals the challenges and breakthrough moment that inspired him to create a nonprofit supporting choreographers.

[00:19:41] Process Over Product: Why Dance Lab NY prioritizes creative freedom and process, and how they support dance makers at every stage.

[00:26:27] Building a Nonprofit: Real talk on funding, board building, and learning to delegate for the sake of the mission.

[00:39:48] Rejection, Relationships, and Long-Term Success: Josh and Amy share powerful advice for staying positive, making connections, and navigating career rejection.

[00:48:37] Words of Wisdom: Josh’s closing thoughts for young artists—including the value of healthy relationships, embracing surprises, and playing the long game.

Explore Dance Lab NY at dancelabny.org, connect with Josh Prince, and check out the latest events and programs that could help you create your own path in the arts. Join the Creating Victory community and make things happen, because your journey is uniquely yours.

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review, let’s keep creating victory and value in our lives and communities.

To learn more about Amy as a speaker, author, fitness instructor, and more, visit amyjordanspeaks.com. See you next time!

Thanks for listening! Keep listening for more uplifting stories from creative leaders who are making things happen.