Drew's Daily Dose

About Drew's Daily Dose

Drew’s Daily Dose Podcast is your new destination for inspiring, meaningful conversations with people who are thriving with type 1 diabetes—and beyond. I’m Drew Harrisberg—a happy, healthy guy thriving with type 1 diabetes. I’m also an exercise physiologist with a postgraduate certificate in diabetes education and management. In this podcast, I dive deep into the lives of incredible individuals living with or connected to diabetes—athletes, artists, health professionals, and anyone who inspires me to grow. We explore what they eat to manage their diabetes and fuel their performance, how they move their bodies, navigate daily life, and the mindset that helps them show up as their best selves. Some episodes feature a special segment called What’s On Your Plate, where my guest and I share a plant-forward meal, track our glucose, administer insulin, and unpack our real-time strategies for diabetes management. But this podcast isn’t just about diabetes—it’s about living fully, with purpose and vitality. Expect stories, science, and your daily dose of inspiration and education.

Publisher

Drew Harrisberg

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 May 2025

Latest episode

27 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Jul 2025

   Marcia Hines: Queen of Pop Opens Up About Life With Type 1 Diabetes

   From singing in Church to selling out stadiums, Marcia Hines has lived a life powered by rhythm, resilience and responsibility. In this episode, the Aussie icon opens up like never before—sharing the incredible story of leaving Boston at 16 to star in Hair, becoming a teenage mother in a foreign country, and carving out one of Australia’s most enduring music careers… all while quietly managing type 1 diabetes. Marcia doesn’t just talk about the highs and lows—she lives them, with grace, grit and a whole lot of groove. Here’s what we’re covering: -How gospel, Grace Jones and Tina Turner shaped Marcia’s sound—and her soul -Why becoming a mum at 16 was the making of her -The heartbreaking story behind her hit Many Rivers to Cross -What it was like to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 30+ years ago -How perspective (and one yellow-eyed angel) pulled her out of a post-diagnosis spiral -Why she gave up the insulin pump, but loved what it taught her -The importance of managing your mental game—and your blood sugar -What her self-care routine looks like today (hint: boxing, beans and blinged-out CGMs) -Why she says “we’re tight” when asked about her relationship with diabetes -Why animals, music and love always speak louder than words … and a whole lot more Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] The Birds on the Balcony: Believing in Signs ⏳ [01:07] Growing Up Jamaican in Boston ⏳ [03:06] Grace Jones is My Cousin: The Family Music Tree ⏳ [05:02] Tina Turner and the Ultimate Backhanded Compliment ⏳ [08:29] From Boston to Broadway: The Audition That Changed Her Life ⏳ [11:13] Falling Pregnant in Australia at 16: “You’ve Got to Deal With It” ⏳ [16:08] Hope in Hardship: Music, Grief and Many Rivers to Cross ⏳ [21:04] Diagnosed with Type 1: “We Could Really Be Sick, Couldn't We?” ⏳ [27:16] Early Symptoms, Finger Pricks and the Doctor Who Gave Her Hope ⏳ [31:12] On Stage with Type 1: Why Marcia Prefers to Run a Bit High ⏳ [34:47] The One and Only Hypo She Had Mid-Performance ⏳ [43:43] Why Marcia’s Never Had Diabetes Burnout ⏳ [46:06] The Pescatarian Performer: What Marcia Eats to Stay on Track ⏳ [52:13] Pets, Purpose and Paw Prints ⏳ [58:06] Her Letter to Diabetes—and the Angel Who Changed Her Mindset Hope you enjoy! You can follow Marcia on Instagram @themarciahines To learn more about Medtronic https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/ Explore the MiniMed™ 780 https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/products/minimed-780g-guardian-4-sensor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   20 Jul 2025

   "Why a Two-Year-Old? Why Not Me?" – James Bracey on His Daughter's Type 1 Diagnosis

   James Bracey is one of Australia’s most recognised sports presenters—fronting Channel Nine’s NRL and State of Origin coverage, plus Olympic Games coverage. But behind the scenes, James is also a father navigating the daily highs and lows of raising a daughter with type 1 diabetes. When Matilda (Tilly) was diagnosed at just two years old, James and his wife Margot were thrown into a world they knew nothing about. In this raw and emotional chat, James opens up about everything—from the chaos of diagnosis to midnight alarms, finger pricks and birthday parties with jellybeans on standby. But amidst the exhaustion, fear and steep learning curve, James has found purpose, perspective, and an unshakeable pride in his daughter’s strength. Here’s what we’re covering: -That surreal moment in the GP’s office that changed James’ life forever -The terrifying drive to hospital—and the chaos that followed -What no one tells you about managing type 1 diabetes in toddlers -How food became both a battleground and a language of love -The silent burden dads carry—and why James is finally talking about it -James’ biggest fear as Tilly grows up—and how he’s preparing for it -What he’d do if he could wave a magic wand and cure diabetes tomorrow -The exquisite letter to diabetes that left us all in tears … and a whole lot more Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] Diagnosis Day: The GP, the Finger Prick, the Rain ⏳ [02:18] Meet James Bracey: Sports Broadcaster, Proud T1D Dad ⏳ [07:13] “Is This Really Life Now?” The Emotional Aftershock ⏳ [13:34] Injecting a Two-Year-Old: The Part That Broke James ⏳ [18:14] Mealtimes, Meltdowns and the Jellybean Negotiations ⏳ [21:19] Finding the Loop: Tech, Community and the OmniPod ⏳ [26:15] Hope vs. Burnout: The Battle for Balance ⏳ [32:00] Birthday Parties, Buffets and Food Fixations ⏳ [36:24] Type 1 at Work: Balancing Live TV and Blood Sugars ⏳ [43:00] Swimming, CGMs and Surprising Blood Glucose Drops ⏳ [48:10] Stigma, Misconceptions and the ‘Bad Diet’ Myth ⏳ [51:16] The Magic Wand Moment: What a Cure Would Mean ⏳ [53:33] Breakthrough T1D: Raising Funds, Raising Awareness ⏳ [58:48] “Go Easy on Yourself”: James’ Advice to Fellow T1D Parents ⏳ [01:01:27] Dear Diabetes: James’ Letter That’ll Stay With You Forever Hope you enjoy! You can get in touch with James on Instagram @james__bracey To learn more about Medtronic https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/ Explore the MiniMed™ 780 https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/products/minimed-780g-guardian-4-sensor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. 

   13 Jul 2025

   How My Parents Faced My Diabetes Diagnosis as Doctors

   What happens when your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes—and you're both doctors, but still completely unprepared? In this raw and emotional episode, Drew sits down with the two people who were there from day one—his mum and dad, Jill and Brian Harrisberg. Both medical doctors, they open up like never before about what it was really like watching their son go from fit and thriving to chronically ill almost overnight. This is the side of diabetes you rarely hear—the parental perspective. Here’s what we cover: -The subtle early signs that something was seriously wrong -The gut-wrenching moment they heard the words “type 1 diabetes” -Why even as doctors, they felt helpless, hopeless… and ashamed -How Drew’s diagnosis reshaped their entire family’s health journey -Why type 1 diabetes is so misunderstood—even by medical professionals -The dark years after diagnosis, and what finally helped Drew turn the corner -The letters Jill and Brian wrote to diabetes—and why you need to hear them -How they’ve come full circle: from devastation to empowerment -The advice every parent of a newly diagnosed type 1 kid needs to hear Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] Train Wreck: The Day It All Fell Apart ⏳ [01:00] Meet Jill and Brian: Doctors, Parents… and Now Guests ⏳ [04:22] Childhood Dreams, Medical School, and Family Expectations ⏳ [07:17] Exercise Physiology vs. Medicine: Drew’s Career Crossroads ⏳ [13:08] Imposter Syndrome in Medicine—and in Parenthood ⏳ [23:00] “You Have Type 1 Diabetes”: The Diagnosis No One Expected ⏳ [31:22] From Doctor to Patient: Brian’s Journey with Diabetes Education ⏳ [35:05] The Slow Onset: Missed Signs, Mysterious Symptoms ⏳ [43:17] The Confirmation: Blood Tests, Glucose Meters and Denial ⏳ [50:11] “I Felt Like I Had No Purpose”: Drew’s Mental Health Spiral ⏳ [58:30] The Shift: Exercise, Nutrition, and Taking Back Control ⏳ [1:05:09] From Paleo to Plant-Based: A Family’s Food Evolution ⏳ [1:13:07] Darkness to Light: When Drew Finally Turned the Corner ⏳ [1:21:16] Social Media, Support Networks and Mental Resilience ⏳ [1:24:59] CGMs, Pumps and Public Perception ⏳ [1:31:18] Fear, Trust and Letting Go: A Parent’s Ongoing Journey ⏳ [1:42:09] If You’re a Parent Listening: The Advice You Need ⏳ [1:53:08] Dear Diabetes: Jill and Brian’s Letters From the Heart Hope you enjoy! If you're a parent of someone newly diagnosed—or if you just need someone who gets it—please know this: you're not alone. To learn more about Medtronic https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/ Explore the MiniMed™ 780 https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/products/minimed-780g-guardian-4-sensor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4. 

   6 Jul 2025

   Type 1 Teammates: Playing Netball for Australia with Sarah and Verity

   Netball players Sarah Klau and Verity Simmons discuss thriving in professional sports with type 1 diabetes, sharing game-day strategies and experiences with host Drew, revealing their resilience and proactive management.

5. 

   29 Jun 2025

   A Father’s Life-Changing Invention for Daughter Lisa Clark

   Lisa Clark recounts how her father Stanley Clark, an electronics engineer, invented the first portable blood glucose tester to improve her life with type 1 diabetes, revolutionizing diabetes care globally in this interview.

6. 

   24 Jun 2025

   Type 1: Stigma, Language, & Hope — Beyond the Numbers with Lucy Casson

   Paediatric nurse practitioner Lucy Casson discusses the mental and emotional challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, including the impact on kids, parents, and practitioners, in an interview with Drew.

7. 

   15 Jun 2025

   Olympian Steph Ratcliffe: Throwing Loose and Hammering Type 1 Diabetes

   Olympian Steph Ratcliffe discusses her journey with type 1 diabetes, from diagnosis at age six to competing at the Olympics, and shares insights on managing the condition as an elite athlete in an interview with Drew.

8. 

   8 Jun 2025

   An Unexpected Diagnosis During Pregnancy: Juliet Love’s Type 1 Diabetes Story

   TV presenter Juliet Love shares her experience with a surprise type 1 diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy and how she built a joyful life while managing the condition daily in this interview.

9. 

   1 Jun 2025

   A Kid with Type 1 and an NBA Dream: Tyson Dale and His Mum Kirsten

   Kirsten Dale and Tyson Dale share their journey of managing Tyson's type 1 diabetes diagnosis and his pursuit of basketball dreams, highlighting resilience and family support in an interview.

10. 

    25 May 2025

    "You'll Never Race Again" - The ‘Crazy Things’ Jack Perkins Did to Keep Type 1 Diabetes a Secret

    Race car driver Jack Perkins discusses with host Drew how he secretly managed Type 1 diabetes to continue his racing career, revealing the physical and mental challenges he overcame to achieve his dreams in this interview.

11. 

    18 May 2025

    More Than Footy: Paddy McCartin on Owning Type 1 and Its Biggest Life Lessons

    When Paddy McCartin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just eight years old, his world shifted—but his passion for footy never wavered. Despite ongoing battles with diabetes and a career-ending series of concussions, Paddy carved out a remarkable AFL journey that took him from Geelong to the Sydney Swans and back into the hearts of the diabetes community. In this episode, Paddy opens up about the highs and lows of elite sport with type 1, how technology transformed his management, and the power of letting people in. From the locker rooms to life after retirement, this is Paddy like you’ve never heard him before—raw, reflective, and real. Here’s what we’re covering: -The early signs of type 1 and how an 8-year-old learned to self-manage with stubborn independence -Why finger pricks were Paddy’s most hated part—and how he eventually overcame that barrier -The “carrot” that got him back on a pump and chasing his AFL dream -The real reason he kept his diabetes quiet in footy circles—and the moment he finally opened up -How everything changed with a single speech to the Swans playing group -Game day routines, insulin strategies and the tech hacks that helped him thrive on the field -The bittersweet reality of early retirement—and how he found purpose in giving back -What he’d say to his diabetes if it were a person (spoiler: it’s not all bad) … and a whole lot more Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] “I Just Didn’t Want to Play Footy”: The Diagnosis That Changed Everything ⏳ [01:59] Meet Paddy McCartin: Footy Star, Type 1 Role Model, Reluctant Retiree ⏳ [07:10] First Symptoms, First Needles, and an 8-Year-Old’s Determination ⏳ [13:05] Rebel with a Cause: Fighting Against Diabetes Burnout ⏳ [19:10] Back on the Pump: The Deal Paddy Made to Chase the AFL Dream ⏳ [25:22] Hidden Fears and Public Perception: Why Paddy Stayed Quiet ⏳ [28:07] The Swans, the Speech, and the Shift in Identity ⏳ [34:16] From Draft Night to Diabetes Tech: How It All Played Out ⏳ [36:13] Game Day Strategy: Insulin, Oats, Temp Targets and Gels ⏳ [45:11] Playing with Tech: Pumps on the Sideline, Physios with Phones ⏳ [50:11] Post-Match Highs, Hypos and Recovery Routines ⏳ [55:21] Sydney Swans and a Second Chance: The Comeback Chapter ⏳ [58:30] Forced Retirement, Lasting Gratitude, and a Whole Lot of Perspective ⏳ [01:04:41] Pilates, Weights and Wiser Habits: How Paddy Moves Today ⏳ [01:10:14] Diet, Fasting and Feeling Good in 2025 ⏳ [01:16:08] The Magic Wand Question: Would He Cure His Diabetes? ⏳ [01:20:10] The One Lesson He’d Pass on to Every Young Type 1 Hope you enjoy! You can reach Paddy on Instagram @paddymccartin To learn more about Medtronic https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/ Explore the MiniMed™ 780 https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/products/minimed-780g-guardian-4-sensor

12. 

    12 May 2025

    Tackling Type 1 Diabetes and Proving The Doctors Wrong with Rod Kafer

    When Rod Kafer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 15, he was told he’d never play rugby again. That it was too dangerous. That his dream of putting on the Wallabies jersey was over. But Rod didn’t just ignore that advice—he used it as fuel to forge a legendary career representing Australia on the world stage. In this episode, we dive deep into Rod’s journey—from diagnosis to debut—and the mindset that helped him turn a “life sentence” into a life of purpose, power and pride. Here’s what we’re covering: -How a devastating diagnosis became the fire that fuelled Rod’s Wallabies dream -The brutal words from a doctor that Rod turned into his lifelong mission -Rod’s battle with injury—and the test match moment that made it all worth it -What it was really like managing type 1 diabetes while playing elite-level rugby -Why adversity doesn’t define you—but amplifies who you already are -The one lesson Rod teaches every parent of a type 1 kid -How he manages his health and mindset today, 37 years post-diagnosis … and a whole lot more Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] Diagnosed at 15: The Words That Changed Everything ⏳ [02:14] Introducing Rod Kafer: Wallaby, Commentator, Type 1 Trailblazer ⏳ [07:13] The Moment Rod Turned Adversity Into Motivation ⏳ [13:08] Injury After Injury: Why Rod Refused to Give Up ⏳ [23:00] Playing with Type 1: Lows on the Field and Halftime Insulin ⏳ [31:31] Wallabies Redemption: The Night Rod Silenced Every Doubter ⏳ [35:05] The Jonah Lomu Story You Won’t Believe ⏳ [43:17] From Rugby Boots to Broadcast Booths: Rod’s Career Pivot ⏳ [50:11] Golf, Goals and Getting Older: How Rod Moves Today ⏳ [58:30] Dear Diabetes: Rod’s Reaction to Drew’s Letter Hope you enjoy! If you want to connect with Rod, contact Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) by clicking this link https://breakthrought1d.org.au/contact/ If you are interested in joining the Medtronic family go to http://www.drewsdailydose.com/medtronic

13. 

    9 May 2025

    "Dear Diabetes” Trailer – Letters from Those Who Live with Type 1

    Dear Diabetes is a segment like no other. In each episode of the Drew’s Daily Dose Podcast, guests read a personal letter they’ve written to their diabetes, reflecting on the highs, lows, lessons, and emotional weight of living with type 1. Some are angry. Some are grateful. All are deeply honest. This trailer gives you a taste of what to expect from this powerful, recurring feature—real voices, real letters, and real emotion from those living every day with diabetes. Whether you live with T1D or love someone who does, Dear Diabetes will move you.

14. 

    9 May 2025

    Season 1 Trailer - Real Talk on Life with Type 1 Diabetes

    Welcome to Season 1 of the Drew’s Daily Dose Podcast—a show where we dive deep into the human experience through the lens of diabetes, health, and meaningful connection. This season features 12 powerful episodes with incredible guests who open up about the realities of life with diabetes, the pursuit of purpose, and how we can all show up more fully—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Expect raw honesty, expert insights, and long-form conversations about diabetes that are rarely heard in mainstream health media. Subscribe now and get ready for real talk that goes beyond blood glucose. New episodes every week.

Who has been a guest on Drew's Daily Dose

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sarah Klau
• Verity Simmons
• Lisa Clark
• Lucy Casson
• Steph Ratcliffe

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

85

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Drew's Daily Dose

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.