Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes
Episode 1795 – “Had Enough” (Part 2)
Date: March 11, 2026
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Justin
Episode Overview
This episode continues the candid conversation between Scott Benner and longtime type 1 diabetic Justin. Building on Part 1, the discussion dives into the real-world challenges of diabetes management, the hidden knowledge gaps within the diabetes care ecosystem, and the unique role the Juicebox Podcast fills for type 1s. The interaction blends humor, frank frustration, and gratitude as Justin explains his evolving experience with devices, finances, community, and content—while Scott reflects on the driving philosophy, impact, and honest motivations behind the podcast.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Realities of Diabetes Complications and Management (02:52)
- Justin talks about his mild diabetic retinopathy, how better control has resulted in some improvement, and the impact of hardware costs.
- Quote:
"I would say the only other complication is financial and with hardware stuff costs more now." – Justin [03:48] - Justin recounts switching from outdated insulin pumps (Medtronic) to Omnipod, and CGM sensors from Medtronic to Dexcom—pointing out significant cost savings.
- Switching supply channels (pharmacy vs. DME) cut his out-of-pocket expenses by $1,000–$2,000/year.
- Quote:
"Where is somebody to say, hey, maybe you should check that out?” – Justin [08:06]
Information Gaps & The Role of Patient Advocacy (06:51)
- Both express frustration that vital, cost-saving knowledge isn’t proactively shared by healthcare providers or the system.
- Justin credits the Juicebox Podcast for filling these information gaps and empowering listeners.
- Quote:
"There are roughly 10,000 people who are listening to you every day because they are scared. We are scared. We are let down. We are lost. And we need you, the guy from Jersey, to basically tell us and show us what we're not being told." – Justin [11:08]
Podcast Impact & Philosophy (08:48, 12:21)
- Scott shares metrics: 21 million downloads, top 1% among 800,000+ podcasts, reaching a global audience (12th in Apple Medicine, top 200 in 42 countries).
- He positions the podcast as a “megaphone” for type 1 voices, focusing on real stories rather than influencers or pre-packaged answers.
- Quote:
"I just take my megaphone every day and I hold it up and I find somebody with type 1 diabetes who's impacted by diabetes somehow. And I say, here's my megaphone. You go ahead and use it." – Scott [12:21]
Balancing Education & Entertainment (15:21)
- Scott highlights the blend of anecdote, real talk, and educational guests (Jenny, Erica, Dr. Blevins) to make learning about diabetes less intimidating and more accessible.
- Quote:
"I think I trick you into taking care of your diabetes by entertaining you." – Scott [15:33]
Accessibility & Language — Innovation in Sharing Information (18:01)
- Discussion of podcast transcripts, ASL translations, and technology enabling real-time translation and accessibility.
- Scott notes investing in resources out of pocket (e.g., ASL Bold Beginnings), with the hope that AI/tech will soon make universal language access seamless.
- Quote:
"For the person who needs that, my gosh, that's going to be big for them, right?" – Scott [19:07]
Community, Social Platforms, and Managing Growth (20:03, 23:05)
- Scott debates the merits of Facebook groups vs. custom/focused communities (Circle), noting challenges in changing user habits despite valuable, curated content.
- Mentions 80,000-member Facebook group: mostly self-sustaining positivity, but requires daily moderation and time investment.
Podcast Business Model & Integrity (28:12)
- Scott outlines sponsorship model, ensures editorial independence.
- Declines to promote high-fee coaching or products/services he doesn’t genuinely believe in.
- Quote:
"There are things that I have, like, personal discomfort with. I don't begrudge anybody a living. But I am not going to drive you towards a coaching service that's basically just going to tell you you can do it. And here's how you pre bolus. I don't think you should have to pay for that." – Scott [28:12] - Scott openly discusses the production effort involved (60+ hours/week), recognizing the need to sustain the work, but frames the ad content and financials as serving the core mission—making expert, peer-driven diabetes info free to listeners.
The Emotional Impact of the Podcast (34:44)
- Justin highlights the deep, emotional resonance the podcast has for listeners: support for newly diagnosed families, making people feel understood, and normalizing vulnerability.
- Quote:
"You just gotta scroll through, like, three screens worth of your Facebook group to see the people that you've helped and touched and made cry. And that means something." – Justin [34:24]
Radical Honesty, Inclusivity, and Vulnerability (36:22, 37:09)
- Scott discusses his willingness to share personal and sometimes sensitive stories, setting the tone so guests can be honest and vulnerable.
- Quote:
"I don't know how to expect you guys to come on here and open up if I'm not willing to do it as well." – Scott [36:22] - Critiques shallow, formulaic diabetes content and insists that only unfiltered, honest, longform conversations cultivate genuine insight and connection.
Personal Motivation – Legacy and Family (41:32)
- Scott emphasizes his primary motivation: creating a living library of knowledge and support for his daughter as she grows into adulthood.
- Quote:
"If you guys are enjoying the podcast or it's helping you, I'm glad for you, but I'm making this thing for my daughter, like, that's it." – Scott [41:32]
On Criticism and Authenticity in Media (38:34, 40:00)
- Scott remains transparent about his lack of ulterior motives, aiming only to help, support, and provide sustainable free resources.
- He addresses both the praise and criticism he receives, underscoring that universal approval isn't the goal—helping people is.
Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps
- “It pisses me off that I went... probably 5 years paying the rates for DME through my insurance for the Medtronic supplies... and I could have saved so much.” – Justin [05:04]
- “If you don’t think to look up and ask a ton of questions, you’re never going to find out. It does stink, man, the way it works.” – Scott [08:09]
- “I provide the wants of the stories alongside the needs of the curriculum.” – Justin [15:53]
- “The ADA has a podcast... but to get a million downloads took them like 10 years... That’s insignificant as far as a podcast goes.” – Scott [16:03]
- “It’s the embarrassing, the sensitive, the vulnerable stuff that you pull out of us and that you add... at a dinner party, you probably wouldn’t tell to somebody else.” – Justin [35:34]
- “We need people being really clear and honest about what’s happening to them so that you can say ‘Oh, wow, that happened to me too’... then actually have that leveling up of your life.” – Scott [37:10]
- "If you like this podcast, you've got Howard Stern to thank. And if you like that it's a podcast, you also have Kevin Smith to thank." – Scott [32:45]
- "I am trying to put together a spot where [my daughter] can go as an adult when I'm gone. And get answers that she might need." – Scott [41:32]
- “Annoyed me. But lower my A1C.” – Justin [45:19]
- “I don’t like that guy. But you should see my A1C. That makes me so happy.” – Scott [45:22]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:52] Justin discusses eye health & retinopathy experience
- [06:50–08:09] Medical supply financials, system failures, and the importance of information sharing
- [10:19–12:21] Podcast reach, global audience, and Scott’s “megaphone” metaphor
- [15:21–16:03] Blending stories and education, contrasting with other diabetes media
- [18:01–19:07] Accessibility efforts: transcripts, ASL, future of live translation
- [23:05] Managing online community growth
- [28:12–29:06] Business model, editorial integrity, ads vs. information access
- [34:24–36:22] Building safe spaces for emotional honesty and community support
- [40:00–41:32] Reflections on authenticity, motives, and legacy for his daughter
- [45:22] Look back at impact and Scott’s favorite “rave reviews”
Conclusion
Episode 1795 is a heartfelt, humorous, and at times raw look at the lived experience of type 1 diabetes and the importance of honest, accessible patient-driven content. Justin’s journey reflects the frustrations and triumphs of navigating the medical system, while Scott’s openness about the podcast’s mission, business, and community-building efforts reveal what makes the Juicebox Podcast a unique pillar in the diabetes world: a place where being “annoyed, but lowering your A1C” means true success.
For more resources, support, series, and upcoming events like the Juice Cruise 2026, visit juiceboxpodcast.com.