We’ve all been told that motivation is the secret to success...but let’s be real, motivation is a liar. It shows up when things are shiny and new, then disappears the second life gets messy.

In this episode, I'm calling out the myth of motivation and sharing what actually keeps you moving when you’re tired, busy, stressed, or just plain over it. Whether it’s sticking to your nutrition plan, getting in a workout, managing your blood sugar, or resetting your mindset, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need motivation to keep going…you need structure, systems, and self-respect.

Because the truth is, motivation might light the match…but momentum keeps the fire burning. 🔥

🧩 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why motivation can’t be your foundation and what to build instead
• How to create structure that works even on your busiest days
• The “5-minute rule” that can turn dread into momentum
• How to use mindset shifts to separate your feelings from your follow-through
• The difference between motivation and purpose in managing diabetes
• Real talk: how to show up for yourself when you don’t feel like it

🩸 Key Takeaway:

You don’t need to “feel motivated” to make progress.
You just need to take one small step forward — again and again — until momentum takes over.

🧠 Perfect For You If:

You’ve ever thought “I just need to get motivated again” and you’re ready to stop waiting for the perfect mood and start showing up for the life you deserve.

❤️ Connect & Support:

If this episode hit home, share it with a friend 👯

👉 Listen to more real-talk episodes of Sick of Pricks on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe.

Want more support between episodes?
Join my free community, Sugar Mama Strong, or step into The Sisterhood for coaching, accountability, and a whole crew that gets it. (links below 👇🏻)

🏃 Looking for a 5k to complete this fall? Check out our Your Way 5k: Because Progress is Personal. Details can be found here---> https://sugarmamastrong.com/product/sms-virtual-5k/

***

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Description:
You can track your numbers, count your carbs, and plan your meals perfectly… until someone hands you a drink or a plate of cake and says, “Come on, live a little!”

Welcome to the real test of diabetes management...the social life struggle.

In this episode of Sick of Pricks, we’re talking about how to stay true to your goals without feeling like a buzzkill. From navigating parties and dinners to handling alcohol, buffet tables, and those well-meaning “food pushers,” this one’s packed with strategies you can actually use in real life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to go out, have fun, and still wake up feeling good, this one’s for you.

💡 In This Episode:

• Why social pressure around food and drinks hits so hard, and how to stop apologizing for your choices
• Real talk about alcohol: what it actually does to your blood sugar and how to drink smarter (or not at all)
• Tips for eating out, attending parties, and surviving potlucks without going off the rails
• How to deal with friends and family who don’t “get it”
• Why protecting your peace matters more than pleasing other people
• The mindset shift that turns “missing out” into feeling empowered

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you take care of yourself.
• Planning ahead beats perfection every time.
• Fun doesn’t require food or alcohol-connection does.
• The people who truly care about you will support your boundaries.

❤️ Connect & Support:

If this episode hit home, share it with a friend who’s trying to balance health and social life without the guilt.

👉 Listen to more real-talk episodes of Sick of Pricks on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe.

Want more support between episodes?
Join my free community, Sugar Mama Strong, or step into The Sisterhood for coaching, accountability, and a whole crew that gets it. (links below 👇🏻)

***

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

We’ve all been there-the Sunday night reset. The fridge is stocked, the new plan is written, and Monday morning feels like the start of a brand-new you.

But by Wednesday, life hits. By Friday, you’re off track. And by Sunday, you’re promising yourself, “Monday will be different.”

That’s the quit cycle. And it’s exhausting.

In this episode of Sick of Pricks, I break down:

• Why we get stuck starting over every Monday
• How breaking promises to yourself erodes your self-trust (and how to rebuild it)
• Why consistency beats perfection every time
• The mindset shifts that finally helped me quit quitting for good

If you’re stuck in the endless loop of stop, start, stop, start…this one’s for you. It’s time to quit the cycle...and start continuing.

🎧 Press play now and let’s get real about how to build trust, confidence, and habits that actually stick.

👉 Want support as you work on this? Join one of my communities:

• Sugar Mama Strong
  – free support group for women living with all types of diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance.
• Dudes With Diabetes – Diabetes Support for Men
  – because men need a safe space too.

Because you don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to keep starting over every Monday. 💙

***

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Description:
If you’ve ever heard the words “You did this to yourself” after your type 2 diabetes diagnosis, whether from a doctor, a family member, a stranger online, or even your own inner critic, you know how heavy and cruel those words can feel.

In this episode, we're calling out the blame game for what it really is: unhelpful garbage. You’ll hear why blame doesn’t fix anything, how to separate fault from responsibility, and how to start reclaiming your power instead of living under shame.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why “fault” keeps you stuck, but “responsibility” sets you free
• The real factors behind type 2 diabetes (spoiler: it’s not just cake)
• How blame shows up in doctors’ offices, families, and our own self-talk
• Practical strategies for shutting down blame

If you’re tired of carrying guilt, shame, and judgment on top of everything else diabetes throws at you, this episode is your permission slip to drop the blame and start focusing on what really matters: how you move forward.

Links & Resources:

• 💬 Join the free Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sugarmamastrong
• 👊 Join the Dudes With Diabetes group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/150784108831511
• 🎧 Follow Sick of Pricks on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
• ❤️ If this episode hit home, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more people find this real-talk diabetes community.

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Do You Really Need All These Doctors?

When you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, suddenly it can feel like the entire medical system has your number on speed dial. Primary care, endocrinologist, podiatrist, cardiologist, eye doctor....where does it end?

In this episode of Sick of Pricks, we’re breaking down:

• Which specialists are essential for type 2 care.
• Who you might only need if certain issues come up.
• How to know if a doctor is the right fit for you (or a giant red flag).
• Three simple questions to ask yourself after every appointment.

Because let’s be real: you don’t need a whole army of white coats. You just need the right team...the ones who see you, respect you, and help you live your life without drowning in appointments.

💬 Real talk, zero fluff. Hit play to hear how to simplify your care team without sacrificing your health.

***

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

It’s one thing to manage your blood sugar.
It’s another thing to manage your blood sugar and your partner’s opinions about it.

In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when the people closest to you just don’t understand life with type 2 diabetes. From the “Should you be eating that?” comments to the eye rolls when you check your numbers, to the flat-out food sabotage. It can leave you feeling alone, frustrated, and ready to scream.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• Why your partner or family may not “get it” (and what’s really behind those comments).
• The emotional, physical, and mental toll of feeling unsupported.
• Red flags vs. growth opportunities...how to tell if it’s ignorance or sabotage.
• Practical strategies for setting boundaries, educating without lecturing, and giving your partner a role that actually helps.
• What to do when you’ve tried everything and they still don’t get it, from outsourcing your support to protecting your peace.

👉 If your relationship has ever felt like an extra obstacle in your diabetes care, this episode is for you.

Listen now, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one, and if this resonated with you, leave a quick review. It helps more people living with type 2 find this show and feel less alone.

***

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Let’s talk about the kind of denial nobody warns you about.

In this episode, I’m opening up about the quiet, sneaky version of denial I lived in after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes...the one that looks like “I’m fine” on the outside, while everything’s actually falling apart underneath.

We’re getting into:

• What denial really looks like (hint: it’s not just refusing your diagnosis)
• Why I stayed stuck for longer than I’d like to admit
• What finally shook me out of it-and it wasn’t a doctor, a scare, or a number
• How to come out of denial without shame, pressure, or perfection

If you’ve ever felt like you’re coasting, avoiding, or waiting for a magical Monday to get it together, this one’s for you.

This episode is raw, real, and full of the stuff we don’t say out loud often enough.
You’re not alone in this. And you’re not stuck.

Thanks for listening...and if this episode hit home, share it with someone else who needs to hear it.

***

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

The words “blindness,” “amputation,” “kidney failure,” and “heart attack” get thrown around real quick after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, but no one tells you what to do with the fear that follows you around afterward.

In this episode, we’re going there.

We’re unpacking the emotional weight of fearing complications and what it actually means to take care of yourself from a place of awareness, not anxiety.

What we cover:

• Why fear-based care doesn’t work long-term
• The early signs of complications you should know about
• How to tell the difference between real risk and doom-spiraling
• What actually helps you feel better, stronger, and more in control
• Why perfection isn’t required and never was

This episode is part science, part pep talk, and 100% real talk.
You are not a ticking time bomb.
You are allowed to live your life: fully, freely, and without shame.

🎧 Listen now and take your power back.

*****

🫶🏻 Connect with Mary:

On Facebook

On IG

On TikTok

Join The Sisterhood, Mary's wellness program for women here

Find diabetes support for women here--> Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support

Find diabetes support for men here--> Dudes with Diabetes

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.