Beauty & The Brain®

It’s our favorite tradition—our annual “What We’re Thankful For” episode! This week, Dr. Chris Croley, Jerry Drinkard, and Allie Ballew share the heartfelt, hilarious, and totally unexpected things they’re grateful for in 2025.Inside this episode:• The weirdest things we’re thankful for (yes, Taylor Swift + countertop drama included)• Big wins at Skin & Tonic and the patients who feel like family• How GLP-1 medications are changing holiday meals• Our holiday plans, food debates, family chaos, and kitchen remodel updates• What it really means to be part of a growing aesthetic practiceIf you love candid conversations, industry insight, and a cozy dose of holiday reflection, this one’s for you.

Why does beauty look different in Miami than in the Midwest? Why is Korea the global leader in skincare, injectables, and advanced esthetic innovation? And are some beauty preferences universal—wired into the brain—regardless of where you’re born?In this week’s episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley, NP Jerry Drinkard, and NP Allie Ballew unpack how culture, environment, and neuroscience influence global beauty ideals.Inside this episode, the hosts explore:The rise of Korean esthetics, glass-skin standards, and advanced injectablesHow the U.S. regions (Miami, Midwest, California) each shape their own beauty aestheticDifferences in body & intimate wellness preferences globallyWhy facial symmetry and proportion are universally attractiveThe surprising neuroscience behind how children learn what is “beautiful”What the team hopes to discover during their upcoming Asia esthetics tour (Hong Kong → Singapore)How international conferences are changing the future of U.S. injectables and skin treatmentsThis conversation blends education, humor, and clinical insight—perfect for injectors, estheticians, skincare experts, med spa owners, and beauty lovers curious about worldwide trends.If you enjoy learning about culture-driven aesthetics and the science behind beauty, make sure to:✔️ Follow the show✔️ Leave a review✔️ Share this episode with a fellow esthetic provider or beauty enthusiast

In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard break down the most in-demand medications in modern weight loss and metabolic health: GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.Together, they explore how these drugs actually work, who they help most, and the unexpected ways they impact the body far beyond weight loss.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:How GLP-1 medications regulate appetite, cravings, inflammation & blood sugarThe shift from compounded semaglutide to manufacturer-direct optionsWhy some patients experience fertility changes, libido shifts, hair thinning & mood effects The rise of microdosing GLP-1s to reduce nausea, fatigue & muscle lossAnti-aging and neuroprotective research emerging around GLP-1 therapyWhy rapid weight loss accelerates facial aging—and how Sculptra can help preserve structureHow exercise, protein intake & body composition affect long-term resultsWhether you're a patient using GLP-1 therapy or a provider prescribing it, this episode offers evidence-based insight, real patient experiences, and practical solutions for navigating side effects and treatment longevity.Follow Beauty & The Brain for weekly conversations on aesthetic medicine, regenerative wellness, weight-loss science, and the future of medical aesthetics.GLP-1, semaglutide, tirzepatide, Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, medical weight loss, aesthetic medicine, Sculptra, microdosing GLP-1

Do “pretty people” really have an advantage in life, work, and relationships? In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard unpack the psychology, neuroscience, and cultural patterns behind beauty bias — the unconscious (and sometimes unfair) preference society gives to more attractive individuals.You’ll hear real-world examples from the exam room to the workplace, plus surprising research on how facial symmetry, grooming, hair color, and even skin tone influence trustworthiness, leadership perceptions, hiring decisions, and sentencing severity. They also explore how beauty standards vary across cultures, how social media reinforces appearance-driven expectations, and whether medical aesthetics fuels confidence or pressure.If you’ve ever wondered why certain faces are universally seen as “beautiful,” how injectables play into modern beauty ideals, or why blondes are perceived differently than brunettes, this episode delivers science-backed answers with humor and nuance.Topics Include:• How beauty bias forms — even in childhood• Why symmetry & even skin tone influence perceived health• How grooming affects job interviews & first impressions• Do attractive people get better career opportunities?• Why beauty helps men professionally but works against some women• Regional & cultural differences in beauty standards• Are blondes seen as less intelligent?• How aesthetic treatments enhance presentation & confidenceWhether you’re an injector, beauty professional, or simply fascinated by social psychology, this conversation offers data-driven insight into how aesthetics shape our lives.

This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley, NP Jerry Drinkard, and NP Allie Ballew tackle common aesthetic misconceptions—perfect for Halloween season.From the fear that Botox is toxic or “kills empathy,” to worries that dermal filler always looks fake, the hosts break down the science behind the most persistent myths in cosmetic medicine. They also explore Vampire Facial & Vampire Facelift (PRP) treatments, collagen-stimulating procedures, platelet-derived growth factors, and how expectations differ across age groups and skin quality.Whether you’re an injector, beauty professional, or just curious about regenerative aesthetics, this episode offers clear, practical insight into the truth behind non-surgical cosmetic procedures.✅ Topics CoveredBotox “poison” + safety mythsNeurotoxins + empathy claimsWill filler make you look overdone?Understanding Vampire Facials + PRPCollagen stimulation + timelinesPlatelet-derived growth factor (ariessence)Does Botox affect sexual function?Do you have to keep getting Botox forever?✅ Featured ProceduresBotox / Dysport / XeominHyaluronic acid fillerPRP / PDGFVampire Facial & Vampire FaceliftMicroneedlingNew episodes every week — subscribe + leave a review!#Aesthetics #BeautyAndTheBrainPodcast #BotoxFacts #DermalFillers #PRP #RegenerativeAesthetics #VampireFacial #SkinHealth #CosmeticSafety

In this episode, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard tackle one of the biggest controversies in aesthetics right now — PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor). Is it a breakthrough or a legal gray zone? From under-eye rejuvenation to hair growth and even sexual wellness, this episode breaks down what PDGF is, how it compares to PRP and PRF, and why it has injectors across the country debating safety, science, and ethics.💉 You’ll learn:What PDGF actually does in the skinThe difference between topical and injectable useReported results (and side effects) from real providersWhy safety and science must always come firstWhether you’re an injector, provider, or curious listener, this candid conversation gives you the facts, the risks, and the real-world experience behind the hype.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, hosts of Beauty & The Brain, sit down to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, think, and even connect emotionally. In this first part of a two-part series, they unpack the rise of AI therapy, AI relationships, and how platforms like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Podium’s Avery are already influencing both business and personal life.Guest Ashley, a Navy mom, shares her experience using AI as a therapy tool—from parenting challenges to emotional support—revealing both the comfort and limitations of relying on a machine for understanding and guidance.Listeners will gain insights into the psychology of AI companionship, the ethics of digital intimacy, and how AI technology is already woven into daily life—whether we realize it or not.🧠 In This Episode:How AI therapy and chatbots provide emotional supportReal patient stories using AI for mental health and stress reliefAI in medspa business operations and marketingThe blurred line between connection and codePreview of Part Two: AI intimacy and digital relationships

Is “crunchy” the new cool — or just confusing? 🥦💉In this lively episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard are joined by Allie Ballew, NP, for a candid conversation about crunchy culture, clean living, and where we all draw the line between “natural” and “necessary.”They unpack the modern contradictions we all live with — from drinking Diet Coke and loving street hot dogs to choosing clean skincare and toxin-free beauty. The trio dives deep into what “natural” really means in the aesthetic industry and how patients often confuse natural results with natural ingredients.💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:🌿 What “crunchy living” means (and who really qualifies)🧴 The truth behind “clean beauty” and “natural injectables”💉 How patients decide what’s “safe” or “toxic” in aesthetics🍔 Why some unhealthy habits are just worth it🧠 How social media, celebrity marketing, and “Dr. ChatGPT” shape modern health beliefsWhether you’re a provider trying to navigate patient preferences or a consumer striving for balance, this episode will help you see that wellness is personal — and it’s okay to pick your battles.🎙️ Subscribe for more real, relatable conversations on aesthetics, wellness, beauty culture, and modern medicine.

What happens when life forces you to reinvent yourself? In this empowering episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard sit down with Lori McDowell, a PhD chemical engineer turned mindset coach, author, and retreat planner.After three decades in the corporate world, Lori shares how being fired became her greatest gift — launching her into a purpose-driven chapter helping others overcome fear, reframe limiting beliefs, and rediscover joy through her book The Reinvention Mindset.You’ll learn:🔄 How to reframe fear and turn uncertainty into opportunity💡 Why reinvention at any age can unlock your happiest chapter🧠 The power of mindset coaching, belief, and higher purpose🌴 How transformational retreats can change your life and business✨ Lori’s journey from STEM to spirituality, blending science with soulWhether you’re an entrepreneur, provider, or simply craving a reset, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you reinvent your mindset, reimagine your future, and rewrite your story.🎙️ Subscribe for more expert conversations on aesthetics, wellness, business growth, and personal transformation.Go Follow Lori on her socials and check out her website! IG: @lori.mcdowell.5Website: https://reimagineu.net/about-us/

Struggling with sagging jowls or a jawline that’s lost its definition? In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard break down everything you need to know about non-surgical jowl treatments and jawline contouring options.From Sculptra® for collagen stimulation, to Ultherapy® skin tightening, plasma resurfacing with PLEXR® and NeoGen®, PDO thread lifts, dermal fillers, and even Kybella® for fat reduction, they cover the latest anti-aging procedures that can lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the lower face—without going under the knife.You’ll also learn:Why rapid weight loss (GLP-1 medications) can make jowls worseHow combination therapy delivers the most natural jawline resultsThe real cost and downtime comparison: facelift vs. non-surgical treatmentsCommon mistakes (like overfilling the jawline) that can actually make you look olderWhether you’re curious about jawline sculpting in your 30s or weighing your options before a facelift, this episode is packed with insight on how to restore definition, confidence, and youthful balance to your face.

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Beauty & The Brain, co-hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard sit down with fellow provider and fan-favorite guest Allie Ballew to unpack the rising influence of podcasting in aesthetic medicine, wellness marketing, and patient education.Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, medical injector, or podcast lover, this episode dives into:Why more patients are turning to podcasts for aesthetic treatment educationThe difference between short-form and long-form podcast content—and what listeners really preferHow Beauty & The Brain balances expert education and relatable conversationOur favorite podcasts (from The Toast to Call Her Daddy to Unreasonable Hospitality) and what makes them stickThe power of video podcasting, facial expressions, and YouTube for building trust and connectionHow we choose guests, prep content, and handle edits with authenticity in mindYou'll also hear candid takes on listener feedback, TikTok-length attention spans, and the evolution of Beauty & The Brain into a trusted resource for both consumers and providers in the aesthetic space.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to get to know the voices—and real personalities—behind Skin & Tonic Med Spa in Pace, Florida.📲 Want to be featured on the show? DM us @skinand_tonic or email info@skinandtonic.pro We're always looking for inspiring guests in the world of medical aesthetics, wellness, entrepreneurship, and beauty innovation.

In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, FNP sit down with industry leader Dr. Mark Tager to explore the rising movement of integrative aesthetics—the powerful blend of functional medicine and aesthetic treatments.💡 You’ll learn:How “Beauty From Within” is reshaping the future of aestheticsWhy nutrition, lifestyle, and personalized care are key to better outcomesHow providers can future-proof their practice with integrative approachesCommunication tips to connect with patients and enhance your presenceInsights from Dr. Tager’s books, courses, and upcoming symposiumsWhether you’re a provider looking to elevate your practice or a patient curious about holistic approaches to beauty, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.📖 Mentioned in this episode:Feed Your Skin Right by Dr. Mark Tager on AmazonIntegrative Aesthetics: Your Roadmap to Practice SuccessChangewell Academy & upcoming Beauty From Within symposiaDr. Mark Tager Socials: https://www.drtager.comIG: @drmtager👉 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of aesthetics and wellness.🔔 Subscribe to Beauty & The Brain for weekly episodes on revolutionary treatments, cutting-edge devices, and the business of beauty.#BeautyAndTheBrainPodcast #IntegrativeAesthetics #FeedYourSkinRight #MedSpaBusiness #BeautyFromWithin

✨ Welcome back to Beauty & The Brain with Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard! In this special episode, we’re joined by our very own nurse practitioner, Allie Ballew, for a candid conversation about her journey from small-town roots to critical care nursing — and eventually into the world of aesthetics.Allie opens up about:Why she chose nursing school and her early dreams of dentistry 🦷The challenges and lessons of working in the ICU during COVID 🏥Making the leap into aesthetics and her fears of “not having the eye” 👀The steep learning curve of threads, lip injections, and building confidence 💉The importance of patient relationships, empathy, and connection 💕Behind-the-scenes stories of growing with the Skin & Tonic family 🌟This episode is part inspiration, part real talk, and packed with insights for both providers navigating their own career transitions and patients curious about the people behind the syringe.🎧 Whether you’re a nurse, injector, or simply love stories of resilience and growth, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more insider conversations on beauty, aesthetics, and wellness!#NursingJourney #AestheticMedicine #MedSpaLife #BeautyAndTheBrain

What happens when two leaders in aesthetics step off the clinic floor? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard invite you to their farm—The Rose House—to reveal a side of their lives you’ve never seen.From chasing escaped lambs to sharing skincare routines for farmers, this episode blends laughter, real-life farm chaos, and thoughtful conversations about business, wellness, and balance. Discover how running a med spa and running a farm have more in common than you might think—quality, growth, and a whole lot of problem-solving.🌿 Highlights you’ll hear in this episode:Life on their sheep farm (and a few escapee lambs)How farming principles apply to building a med spaSkincare tips for life under the sunCandid takes on trends in aesthetics (goodbye, overfilling!)Stories of rescue animals, agri-tourism, and legacy farmingThe vision for Double Crown Farm as a retreat & event destinationWhether you’re here for beauty, business, or a peek into the secret lives of Chris and Jerry, this episode will leave you smiling—and maybe planning a farm visit.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations at the intersection of aesthetics, wellness, and real life.

Welcome back to Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with serial entrepreneur and founder of Combat Syndicate, Sam Lionelli. In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard go even deeper into Sam’s personal story of resilience, transformation, and purpose-driven business.🎙️ After sharing his entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Combat Syndicate in Part 1, Sam now opens up about his difficult childhood—including time spent in a homeless shelter—and how those early struggles shaped his passion for mentoring troubled and underprivileged youth through martial arts and community.🧠 In Part 2, You’ll Learn:Why mentorship matters more than material supportHow Sam is creating safe spaces for youth through martial artsReal stories of teens whose lives were transformed at Combat SyndicateHow to scale a mission-driven business while preserving its cultureBehind-the-scenes insight into Sam’s experience on The BloxSam’s advice to those who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsupportedWhether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, coach, or simply someone who believes in second chances, this episode will light a fire in your soul.🔗 Missed Part 1?Watch it here → https://youtu.be/b7gx4JG7wUo?si=eELikMNlOIrsinMu🔗 Connect with Sam Lionelli & Combat SyndicateInstagram: @hobosam_ @combatsyndicate Facebook: / samuel.lionelli https://combatsyndicate.org🧠 Beauty & The Brain brings you honest conversations at the intersection of aesthetics, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence. Hosted by Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, we spotlight thought leaders, disruptors, and real people making real impact.📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes.👍 Like, Comment, and Share to help amplify Sam’s mission.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.

In this powerful episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard sit down with Sam Lionelli — serial entrepreneur, founder of Combat Syndicate, and owner of multiple businesses — to share his raw, unfiltered story of resilience, grit, and success.From a childhood marked by homelessness, instability, and adversity to building thriving businesses including a jiu-jitsu & MMA gym, a 24/7 weightlifting facility, and even an ice cream shop, Sam’s journey proves that your past does not define your future.💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn:How Sam overcame a turbulent upbringing to create financial and personal successThe role martial arts and self-defense training played in transforming lives — including bullied youth at risk of self-harmBehind-the-scenes of The Blox reality entrepreneurship competitionBusiness lessons from starting a gym, a med spa, and other ventures with no formal business backgroundHow mentorship, mindset, and persistence can change your life trajectory🔗 Connect with Sam:Instagram: @hobosam_ @combatsyndicate Facebook: http://Facebook.com/samuel.lionellihttps://combatsyndicate.org💬 Tell us in the comments: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your journey?

In this candid and thought-provoking continuation of last week’s conversation, Beauty and the Brain hosts Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard welcome back the legendary Dr. Charles Runels, creator of the O-Shot®, P-Shot®, Vampire Facelift®, and pioneer in sexual wellness and regenerative medicine.This episode dives deeper into:The science and training behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments for sexual health and aestheticsNew innovations like Clitox™ and Priapus Toxin™, combining botulinum toxin with PRPThe systemic approach to the female orgasm system and its profound link to overall wellnessThe challenges of teaching sexual medicine in traditional medical educationHow providers can improve communication around taboo topics like sexual dysfunction, low libido, and vaginal drynessYou’ll also hear stories from Dr. Runels’ early training sessions, laugh about a certain “disco penis” in the office, and walk away with the “best sex question ever” to improve intimacy and self-understanding.Whether you’re a provider looking to expand into sexual health treatments or a patient curious about cutting-edge solutions for intimacy, this episode blends medical insight with real-world perspective.👉 Topics Covered:PRP injections for sexual dysfunction (O-Shot, P-Shot)Erectile dysfunction and female sexual arousal disorderBotox for sexual medicineSexual identity, fantasy, and communication in couplesThe intersection of spirituality and sexualityCertification through the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA)🔗 Links mentioned:Cellular Medicine AssociationOrgasmCollege.com – Learn about the 12th body system: the orgasm systemBook recommendation: A Religion of One’s Own by Thomas Moore🎧 Listen, learn, and join the sexual wellness revolution.

In this powerful and intimate episode, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard welcome a true pioneer in aesthetic medicine—Dr. Charles Runels, the creator of the world-renowned Vampire Facelift®, O-Shot®, and P-Shot®. Together, they reflect on their two-decade-long friendship and professional journey that started with personal Botox appointments and evolved into becoming educators for Dr. Runels' globally recognized procedures.You’ll hear untold stories from the early days of PRP injections, the birth of regenerative sexual wellness treatments, and how trademarking procedures revolutionized patient safety, practice growth, and medical ethics. Dr. Runels also pulls back the curtain on the stigma, legal battles, and political wars that shaped the med spa landscape—and how he stood his ground with science, transparency, and a bit of Alabama grit.🔥 Topics Covered:The origin of the Vampire Facelift® and sexual wellness proceduresWhy Dr. Runels trademarked treatments (and why it matters for patients)The controversy around sexual health—especially for womenHow PRP transformed aesthetic medicineThe value of education, protocols, and professional collaborationHilarious and heartfelt stories from the Blox show and beyond👉 Whether you're a provider or a curious patient, this episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered how aesthetic medicine and sexual wellness collided to change lives—one orgasm at a time.🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week as Dr. Runels shares the one question everyone should ask about sex and dives deeper into the emotional, spiritual, and clinical impact of regenerative medicine.🔗 Learn more & join the official provider group:http://CellularMedicineAssociation.orghttp://PriapusToxin.comhttp://Clitoxin.com

In this week’s episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard are joined by fellow injector and trainer, Allie Ballew, for a deep dive into one of the most buzzed-about concepts in aesthetics right now: face mapping.Whether you're an experienced injector, a new provider, or a curious client, this episode breaks down how looking at the face holistically—not just treating individual “problem spots”—can elevate your results and enhance patient satisfaction. From facial balancing and treatment planning to the tools and devices we love (hello, Quantificare!), the team shares real-world insights, training pearls, and business tips that drive long-term patient relationships and better outcomes.💉 Topics we cover:What face mapping really means (spoiler: it's not just drawing lines)The importance of personalized treatment plansTools that elevate the patient experience and injector confidenceHow face mapping supports retention, trust, and business growthCommon mistakes providers make when treating in isolation

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley, NP Jerry Drinkard, and their favorite unofficial co-host Allie open up like never before. We’re diving deep into our own aesthetic transformations, sharing before-and-after glow-up photos, and revealing the treatments that shaped our self-image—from Botox and chemical peels to veneers, lip filler, and laser resurfacing.🎙 Episode Highlights:Cringe-worthy teen phases, childhood chaos, and body image strugglesHow acne, confidence issues, and beauty culture sparked our interest in aestheticsEarly experiences with skincare, injectables, and even a teenage nose jobHonest takes on body dysmorphia, glow-up culture, and aging in the aesthetic industryProcedures we don’t regret, what truly made a difference, and why we’re still evolvingWhether you're a provider in medical aesthetics or just a beauty lover who's ever stared at old photos and cringed, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and powerful insight into how we see ourselves—and how that changes over time.💬 Your Turn!We want to see your glow-ups too! Send us your throwback pics or tag @skinand_tonic on IG with #BeautyAndTheBrainPodcast and you might be featured in a future episode!🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights into injectables, skin health, aesthetic devices, and wellness trends—all with a healthy dose of humor.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.