Chronically Will Podcast - Type One Diabetes
Willie Streets Chronically Will Podcast
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The Chronically Will Podcast, hosted by Willie Streets, features unscripted and real conversations about the experiences of living with Type One Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, and Fibromyalgia, particularly within communities of color. The show aims to change the narrative around people of color seeking medical and mental health help by addressing topics like race, healthcare, and acceptance. Through honest dialogue and community support, Willie encourages listeners to heal and become the best versions of themselves. It’s a mix of personal experience and broader discussions to bridge the divide between race and healthcare.
Épisodes
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Episode 123: Letter To Troy 16.09.2026 53minTroy thought he was just getting tired from football, but it turns out it was Type 1 diabetes changing everything. Troy was 13, playing at Bristol City, when he suddenly couldn’t run, couldn’t eat, and couldn’t ignore the signs anymore. What looked like “just growing up” was actually a life changing diagnosis. Troy was on the edge of a diabetic coma before his dad pushed him to the hospital. From learning through trial and error to continuing his professional football career, becoming a PE teacher, and building a life rooted in community, Troy refused to let diabetes define him. His story is a reminder that diabetes isn’t just medical but it’s mental, emotional, and personal. Seeing someone who looks like you can make all the difference. Follow Troy on Instagram @troywalters9 -
Episode 122: I Just! 11.09.2026 44minType 1 diabetes can feel like a life sentence of science, math and relentless invisible trauma, but Yvonne shows what it looks like to turn that reality into community and hope. If you live with diabetes, love someone who does, or have ever felt alone in the chaos, this conversation will hit home fast. Raised in Indiana and diagnosed at just four years old, and also having a grandmother with T1D, Yvonne has spent nearly 29 years navigating the condition from childhood, through the middle school burnout years, into adulthood with CKD and a deep understanding of how diabetes rewires everyday life. She breaks down what most people miss about living with T1D, the emotional toll, the social misunderstandings, the difference between low and high symptoms over time, and why support from family, partners, and peers can be the difference between feeling isolated and surviving. Yvonne’s story is a reminder that community changes everything and that hope is still possible, even in the hardest times.Follow Yvonne on Instagram @bynomeansavg_ -
Episode 121: One Night Out 04.09.2026 1h 1minOn this episode we get to hear from Ryanne. Ryanne was diagnosed with T1D around February 2023, not too long after the passing of her grandfather. She breaks down what it was really like to learn she had type 1 diabetes at Howard University, why the symptoms were easy to miss, and how finding community changed everything. Ryanne opens up about the fear, confusion, and burnout that can come with a chronic diagnosis, especially when you are young and trying to keep up with school, friendships, and life on your own. She also shares the moment a routine doctor visit turned into a hospital stay, the misconceptions that make type 1 diabetes harder to recognize, and why representation matters so much when you are looking for proof that you can still thrive.Together we unpack the hidden mental load of managing T1D and the confidence that comes from learning to speak up for yourself. Ryanne is the kind of voice newly diagnosed listeners need right now: honest, grounded, and full of hope. If you are living with type 1 diabetes, supporting someone who is, or trying to make sense of a life changing diagnosis, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, informed, and a lot less alone.Follow Ryanne on instagram @ryanne.coleman -
Episode 120: Why Do I Have Bad Luck? 03.09.2026 32minLeslie Ann is a life coach and the founder of Brown Girls Embrace LLC, a community built to help women, especially Black women and girls feel seen, supported, and unashamed of who they are. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at nine shortly after losing her father, she grew up carrying grief, stigma, anxiety, and the pressure of managing a chronic illness. Those experiences shaped her into an advocate for self acceptance, mental health, and community care. She now uses her story to encourage others living with diabetes to get organized, protect their peace, and seek supportive spaces.Follow Leslie and her movement on all social media platformsbrowngirlsembrace_llc -
Episode 119: Pull The Plug 30.08.2026 1h 13minIn this episode we sit down with Teresa from the Bay Area for an emotional conversation about living with type 1 diabetes since age three. Teresa shares how growing up in foster care, being adopted before her 12th birthday, and navigating her family dynamic shaped her resilience and deepened her understanding of both health and identity. The conversation explores the challenges of managing diabetes as a child and teenager, including bullying, hiding medical devices, school routines, sports, nighttime lows, and the emotional toll of trying to feel “normal.” Teresa opens up about the fear of serious complications like DKA, blindness, organ failure, and losing a limb, while also reflecting on the support she received through her adoptive family, therapy, diabetes camps, and community connection. Together, we discuss the importance of self-advocacy, family education, and not letting diabetes become your whole identity. Teresa shares how she’s learned to set boundaries in friendships and relationships, make healthier choices, and move through life with more confidence, gratitude, and faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that type 1 diabetes is only one part of a much bigger life story.Follow Teresa on instagram @tluboviski -
Episode 118: Got My Mojo Back 21.07.2026 52minRaKiya was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at 14. She shares those earlier teen years of rebellion/burnout but always having her families support to help her make it out ok. As a young adult she became a fierce advocate for mental health, community, and authentic representation in the T1D space, even creating a podcast. Kiya opens up about the emotional toll of living with T1D and the support that helped her thrive. From day one of her diagnosis she had the support of her family. Today she is a young mother and recent MBA graduate.Follow RaKiya on instagram @kiyajenell -
Episode 117: Such a Beautiful Journey 15.07.2026 51minMost people think living with type 1 diabetes means sacrificing your dreams—but Dr. Nimisha Gupta breaks that myth wide open. Nimisha was diagnosed 18 years ago with T1D at age 10. Living in India, part of the country with the world’s highest diabetes prevalence, she’s defying the odds with a radiant confidence that’s both inspiring and transformative. She's not only managing her condition with remarkable maturity but also advocating for change, technology access, and awareness in a system that still has a long way to go. This is her story, her insights, and her vision for a future where diabetes does not hold you back. -
Episode 116: The Lost Files 15.06.2026 58minShikha, is an entrepreneur from Mumbai, India, who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since she was 15. For years, Shikha struggled with her diagnosis, exploring alternative treatments, which led to repeated health crises. It wasn't until recently that she fully embraced managing her condition, realizing that acceptance is a gradual process. Family support has been crucial. Her parents and younger brother have been there for her, though the emotional burden affects them all. Despite their support, Shikha often felt isolated, believing she was alone in her experience. Finding a community transformed her perspective, providing the understanding and support she needed. Shikha emphasizes the importance of emotional support, noting that the mental aspects of diabetes are often overlooked. CGM's have played a crucial role in her management, helping her make informed decisions about her health. Despite the challenges, Shikha remains hopeful. She advises others with T1D to seek community support and live fully, embracing their dreams and managing their health with resilience. Her story highlights the power of acceptance, community, and hope in overcoming adversity. Follow Shikha on mShikha.Singhal7 -
Episode 115: It's A New Chapter 09.06.2026 45minRenee was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 7 years old, 22 years ago today! HAPPY DIAVERSARY SUNRAYYYY!! She recently had her first child. She was told for years that she wouldn't be able to have her own kids.Most people living with type one diabetes feel alone in the fight until they meet someone who truly understands. Renee, a sunshine in the T1D community, shares her remarkable journey from diagnosis at age seven to becoming a new mother at 28, all while managing Type One Diabetes. Her smile, unwavering in the face of life's challenges, reveals a depth of strength that will inspire anyone navigating similar struggles.During our conversation, Renee breaks down what it’s really like growing up with T1D, from early diagnosis to battling DKA and high-stress moments during adolescence. Her family’s unwavering support shaped her outlook, why community and connection are vital, and how modern diabetes technology like insulin pumps and CGMs keep her moving forward. She candidly discusses the emotional toll of living with T1D, the importance of advocacy, and the hope for a future when a cure might finally become a reality.Renee is someone we all should get to know Follow Renee on m@sunrayy97 -
Episode 114: Ain't No Party Like a Type One Party 10.05.2026 46minIn this episode, we hear from Eva, a dedicated advocate for the type 1 diabetes community. Eva shares her journey from working at a diabetes camp to pursuing a career in endocrinology. When we recorded in October 2025, Eva was pursuing her NP in Endocrinology. As of this past week, she has graduated with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and is a Board-Certified Family Nurse, highlighting her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes. This episode underscores the power of advocacy and the impact of compassionate care.Follow Eva and her journey to continue lessening the burden of T1D, Instagram @evakat -
Episode 113: Walking, Talking, Breathing Mo Milli 04.05.2026 1hLiving with diabetes isn’t just a medical condition — it’s a journey of resilience, understanding, and unfiltered strength. Mo Milli’s story will shatter misconceptions and reveal what it truly means to navigate life with type 1 diabetes from childhood to adulthood. If you think it’s all about sugar levels and insulin, think again. This episode dives into the raw, real experiences only those living it can tell — trauma, triumph, and everything in between. Mo Milli, a passionate artist and advocate, shares her powerful journey from being diagnosed at age five with a sugar level of 1200, to becoming a voice for countless others misunderstood by society and even healthcare professionals. She reflects on the trauma of her early diagnosis, the mental and emotional toll of managing her condition, and the unrelenting resilience that keeps her thriving despite the odds. Her story isn’t just about diabetes — it’s about purpose, faith, and turning adversity into advocacy.Follow Mo Mill on instagram @m.ocahontas -
Episode 112: Liberation 21.04.2026 1h 20minUnlock the resilience of Dalyce and discover how advocacy, art, and community can revolutionize living with chronic illness. Dalyce was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at the age of 7. Dalyce’s story isn’t just about surviving; it's about reclaiming agency in a society built on systemic oppression and medical injustice. From childhood fears to decades of pushing her body to prove societal assumptions wrong, Dalyce shares an unfiltered look at what it truly means to live with a disability in America. She vividly recounts her diagnoses, the mental and physical toll of managing health in a system that often neglects or dismisses POC, and how her journey abroad in Ireland and Thailand offered a glimpse of freedom that she fights to reclaim every day. Dalyce reveals the trauma of medical neglect, the heartbreak of food and insulin insecurity, and the emotional weight of isolating systemic barriers, all while embodying fierce creativity and advocacy.Follow Dalyce on instagram @black_bird_photo -
Episode 111: For 12-Year-Old Me 07.04.2026 52minRachael Celine @thechronicallyillest has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since she was 12 years young. Rachael launched thechronicallyillest with the intent to fight diabetes and chronic illness stigma, foster REAL community an,d create unapologetic products for those who are sicker than the average!From the age of 12, Rachael has been the captain of her diabetes ship, and 20 years later, she continues to keep little Ray Ray afloat while giving hope to other young people and their caregivers that living with diabetes today can be better than anything of the past. -
Episode 110: I'm Thankful Pt 2 28.03.2026 50minBebe is a resilient woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes since her diagnosis at age six in 1982. Despite early warnings of severe complications, she took charge of her condition, managing her insulin independently. Her family, especially her grandmother, supported her understanding of diabetes. Against medical advice, Bebe became a mother, raising her children while managing her health. She faced complications like retinopathy, requiring retina surgery, but remained proactive and hopeful. Bebe's story is one of perseverance, highlighting self-advocacy and community support in living with a chronic illness.Follow Bebe on instagram @iamimanistarcor -
Episode 109: I'm Thankful 16.03.2026 36minBebe is a resilient woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes since her diagnosis at age six in 1982. Despite early warnings of severe complications, she took charge of her condition, managing her insulin independently. Her family, especially her grandmother, supported her understanding of diabetes. Against medical advice, Bebe became a mother, raising her children while managing her health. She faced complications like retinopathy, requiring retina surgery, but remained proactive and hopeful. Bebe's story is one of perseverance, highlighting self-advocacy and community support in living with a chronic illness.Follow Bebe on instagram @iamimanistarcor -
Episode 108: The Perfect Cure with Dr. Paidamoyo Katsande 23.02.2026 1h 8minDr. Paidamoyo Katsande joins us from the UK by way of Zimbabwe. Since Paida was a small girl she had dreams of helping Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is her heart. Dr. Paidamoyo is a research scientist and dedicated a great part of her career in T1D research for a cure to help those impacted at home. Growing up in Zimbabwe, she moved to the UK at eight years old, carrying with her a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She wanted to contribute to improving people’s quality of life.Coming from a community with limited healthcare resources, Paidamoyo saw how reduced access to diagnostics and education could leave people undiagnosed or struggling to manage their conditions. Those observations sparked a lifelong desire to raise awareness and pursue science that makes a tangible difference.Paida has PhD in molecular biology and Immunology. While I’m not a medical doctor, her work focuses on the science that can lead to groundbreaking treatments for type 1 diabetes and prostate cancer.Beyond the lab: A researcher’s journey to tackling type 1 diabetes | Breakthrough T1D UKFollow Dr. Katsande on instagram @dr.paidayourfavscientist -
Episode 107: Flowers 2 My Mom - Calculating Keeping Myself Alive 01.02.2026 49minOn this episode, we hear from Ricky. He hails from Brooklyn, New York, and was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 1992 at the age of 3 and spent the next year in a coma while hospitalized. Ricky spent his 4th birthday in the hospital.Early on, he would hear medical professionals say things, such as that he wouldn't make it. Ricky struggled a lot as a kid with mean adultsRicky has become a prominent figure in the diabetic community. He is not only a survivor but also an advocate, martial artist, and father, using his experiences to inspire others. Ricky has endured many complications with diabetes, including losing full vision at one point, but even that couldn't stop him!Get to know Ricky t1dknight -
Episode 106: Simply Cam 28.01.2026 50minIn this episode we get to meet Cam @cam_simply and engage in a heartfelt conversation, where we discuss the importance of community and representation within the diabetes online community (DOC), particularly for people of color. Cam shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he has faced since his diagnosis at age nine. The conversation touches on themes of advocacy, the evolution of diabetes management, and the significance of finding a supportive community. Cam and Will reflect on their shared experiences and the impact of their work in fostering a more inclusive and informed space for those living with diabetes. -
Episode 105: Book of Elijah 24.01.2026 1h 3minIn this episode, we hear from Elijah (@elyja_), who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 21 years since being diagnosed at age 11. We explore his T1D journey, reflecting on the challenges and growth that have come with managing the condition over the years. The discussion touches on the emotional and psychological impacts of diabetes, the value of community support, and the advancements in diabetes management technology. Elijah shares personal stories about his experiences, the support he’s received from his family, and his hopes for a future cure. This episode highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of sharing one’s story to inspire and educate others. Elijah is truly someone worth knowing in the Diabetic Online Community and beyond. Follow him on Instagram @elyja_ -
Episode 104: Monday Funday 18.01.2026 1h 39minCWP host Willie Streets shares his life with T1D plus everything else.