Episodes

  • Aesthetic Moment: Seeing Beauty Through the Lens of an Oculoplastic Surgeon
    Jan 21 2026

    *This episode originally aired on April 2, 2024

    Dr. Sturm welcomes Dr. Eric Hamill to the show.

    During this conversation, they discuss the intricacies of the human visage, and the gentle touch necessary to deliver superior results for patients.

    They delve into the delicate relationship between the brows and eyelids, understanding their collaborative impact on our expressions and the rejuvenation techniques that can accentuate their natural harmony. Learn about the meticulous approach these seasoned practitioners take in treating brow ptosis and their less invasive methods that symbolize the finesse of modern cosmetic care.

    Hear personal stories from Dr. Hamill, an oculoplastic surgeon with a rich background and a passion for precision, who shares insights from his journey in medicine and the satisfaction derived from positively transforming patient lives.

    Finally, appreciate the human aspect behind the practitioners as they discuss the delicate balance between professional commitments and family life, painting a picture of the dedication required in their field.

    Turn up your earbuds, and see beauty through the lens of those who shape it with their hands and hearts.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Oculoplastic surgery focuses on eyelids and brows, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns.

    2. Training in oculoplastic surgery involves an ophthalmology residency followed by a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

    3. Choosing a niche within oculoplastic surgery allows surgeons to specialize and become experts in specific procedures.

    4. Advancements in brow and eyelid surgery have led to techniques like brow repositioning, which provide more natural and rejuvenating results.

    5. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but having a supportive network and flexible schedule can help.

    Timestamped Overview

    01:11 Training and Specialization in Oculoplastic Surgery
    03:09 Choosing a Niche in Oculoplastic Surgery
    04:06 Different Routes to Becoming a Plastic Surgeon
    05:06 The Focus of Oculoplastic Surgery
    07:00 Practicing Medicine in the Hometown
    07:58 Balancing Work and Family Life
    08:56 Advancements in Brow and Eyelid Surgery
    10:49 Changing Perspectives on Brow Lifts
    11:43 The Interplay Between Eyelids and Brows
    13:06 Repositioning the Brow for Rejuvenation
    14:25 Customizing Surgical Approaches
    16:10 Evolution of Brow Lift Techniques
    18:26 Markings and Technique for Upper Blepharoplasty
    19:20 Technical Nuances of Lower Blepharoplasty
    20:48 Preserving Fat in Lower Blepharoplasty
    23:11 Challenges with Filler in the Lower Lids
    25:55 Advice for Aspiring Oculoplastic Surgeons

    Learn more about Dr. Hamill HERE.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    29 mins
  • Beyond the Mirror: Rethinking Beauty in a Diverse World
    Jan 19 2026

    Stories reshape careers.

    Dr. Sturm interviews Dr. Jose Barrera, who shares his journey from immigration and a car accident to facial plastic surgery via the Air Force. Topics include jaw evolution, the meaning behind "ethnic rhinoplasty," global perspectives, and preservation rhinoplasty techniques. Collaboration and patient care take center stage.

    Connect with Dr. Barrera here.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dr. Barrera discusses his unconventional path into medicine and facial plastic surgery, influenced by a personal car accident, his immigrant background, and initial interest in research. His journey emphasizes that non-traditional backgrounds and life experiences can deeply shape and enrich medical careers.

    2. There’s an in-depth conversation between Dr. Sturm and Dr. Barrera about how diet, intermarriage, and cultural blending have shifted beauty standards and the physical features people desire or present today. The main takeaway is that beauty is neither static nor universally defined; rather, it’s continually reshaped by genetics, culture, and societal trends.

    3. They examine the terminology used in rhinoplasty, particularly the term “ethnic rhinoplasty.” They agree that such broad terms often “other-ize” non-Caucasian patients and can obscure important differences within ethnic groups. The key takeaway is the importance of using more inclusive, precise, and culturally aware language in plastic surgery to better respect and serve diverse patient populations.

    4. Dr. Barrera shares his adoption and innovation in preservation rhinoplasty, highlighting the importance of continual learning, hands-on skill development, and evidence-based practice. The core idea is that embracing new surgical techniques—and thoroughly testing them before broad application—leads to better patient outcomes and advances the field.

    5. Both Dr. Sturm and Dr. Barrera talk about the value of mentorship, collaboration, and networking within the field, from supporting each other’s practice growth to sharing resources and learning from leaders. The takeaway is the power of professional relationships in personal growth, navigating challenges, and elevating standards of care for patients.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 "Life-Changing Accident and Journey"

    03:33 "Flight Doc Adventures in Asia"

    09:18 "Global Similarities in Beauty Ideals"

    10:08 "Diversity in Rhinoplasty Norms"

    13:19 "Diversity in Rhinoplasty Standards"

    19:13 "Influences and Advancing Surgical Techniques"

    20:48 "Surgical Expertise and Experience"

    23:25 "Surgical Center Relocation Plans"

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    26 mins
  • Big Butts, No Lies: The Empowering Side of Plastic Surgery Journeys
    Jan 12 2026

    Success rarely looks like a straight line.

    Mavi Rodriguez joins Dr. Angela Sturm to discuss her transition from patient coordinator to the host of Big Butts No Lies and creator of Bruise Juice. Time blocking helps her balance roles as a mom and entrepreneur. She helps patients choose surgeons, explains industry differences, and guides them through recovery.

    Connect with Mavi here.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mavi highlights the importance of patient advocacy, helping mostly women understand the complexities of plastic surgery—from choosing the right surgeon and understanding pricing differences, to supporting them during the recovery process. Her approach is about empowering patients with information and a support system, ensuring safety and successful outcomes.

    2. Mavi discusses her path from medical assistant and patient coordinator, to launching her own podcast and product line. She openly shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, but reveals that her patient-side perspective became her unique strength. Persistence, curiosity, and grit are emphasized as essential qualities for carving out a new path and making an impact.

    3. A significant portion of the conversation centers around educating patients about the differences between cosmetic surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons. Mavi stresses the need for thorough research, not just relying on social media or a single consultation, and being alert to red flags. Making informed choices can mean the difference between a positive transformation and a problematic or even dangerous outcome.

    4. Dr. Sturm and Mavi explore how social media often distorts the realities of plastic surgery, with photoshopped images and misleading presentations of results. They emphasize the need for patients to look beyond the curated images, to healed and long-term results, and not let filtered content set unrealistic expectations.

    5. Mavi provides emotional support, acting as a “surgery bestie” for her clients, holding their hand from consultation, through recovery, to their post-op transformation. The conversation underscores the priceless value of having someone knowledgeable to reassure, guide, and advocate for patients—an element often missing from traditional medical care.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 "Journey from Assistant to Innovator"

    05:51 "Developing a Better Recovery Solution"

    07:20 "Creating a Unique Podcast"

    12:25 Choosing the Right Surgeon

    13:39 "Choosing the Right Surgeon"

    18:59 Predatory Practices in Cosmetic Surgery

    21:56 Patient Guidance and Realistic Expectations

    23:25 Surgery Preparation and Support Process

    26:28 "Feeling Good, Looking Amazing"

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    28 mins
  • 'Beauty Unveiled' Season 3 Wrap Up (and What’s Next!)
    Dec 8 2025

    In the season three finale of Beauty Unveiled, Dr. Angela Sturm reflects on the year’s conversations about surgery, recovery and self-image, while thanking listeners for their support. She recaps themes like support systems, embracing the recovery process and using surgical and non-surgical options to align appearance with how patients feel, then previews expert guests and deeper dives coming in 2026 and invites listeners to subscribe, share and stay connected.

    Key takeaways

    1. A strong support system is crucial for a smoother, more positive surgical recovery.

    2. Recovery is a gradual process, and accepting that helps manage expectations and emotions.

    3. Aesthetic procedures can be a form of self-care and empowerment that lets people rewrite their story.

    4. Non-surgical treatments like injectables, microneedling, lasers and medical-grade skincare can significantly improve skin quality and perceived age.

    5. The next season will feature expert guests, deeper education on rhinoplasty and recovery, and encourages listeners to stay engaged and suggest topics or guests.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    13 mins
  • Redefining Purpose: Resilience and Reinvention in Media and Medicine
    Dec 1 2025

    Dr. Sturm is joined by entrepreneur and Beauty Unveiled producer Freddy Cruz, who traded a career in radio for the leap into business after hundreds of job rejections. Both reveal how stepping away from established institutions in pursuit of new ventures requires vision and resilience. Their conversation shares insights about embracing risk and finding fulfillment in entrepreneurship, whether transforming patients’ lives in surgery or building a brand from scratch.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Watch Dr. Sturm on Freddy's podcast Cruz through HTX here.

    Connect with Freddy (freddy@spekepodcasting.com).

    Key Takeaways

    1. Both Dr. Sturm and Freddy share their transitions from structured employment to entrepreneurship, highlighting the uncertainty and risks of going out on your own. A clear vision and commitment with “no plan B” stand out as vital for success.

    2. Professional relationships and a solid reputation provide support and continuity when leaving established systems. Freddy’s first clients came from former connections, and Dr. Sturm’s loyal patients followed her into her private practice. Authenticity and rapport remain crucial across careers.

    3. A willingness to learn—drawing from podcasts, mentors, and thought leaders—is emphasized over raw skill. Both value being coachable and recognize that sometimes a new perspective delivers a breakthrough realization.

    4. Balancing business and family life is a recurring challenge. Dr. Sturm reflects on working with her significant other, the need for clear boundaries, and assigning roles based on strengths to maintain harmony both at work and at home.

    5. Dr. Sturm explains why many physicians become entrepreneurs, citing inadequate business education and the burnout of traditional systems. She discusses building a practice with scalable processes for long-term value and fulfillment.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 Entrepreneurship and Resilience Insight

    05:18 Growth Through Podcasts & Learning

    07:16 Embrace Tasks with Positivity

    13:54 Embracing Growth Through Struggles

    18:24 Focus on Strengths, Not Paperwork

    22:04 Embracing Failure in Your 20s

    23:47 Finding Purpose Through Uncertainty

    28:06 Residency Commitment Through Generations

    32:04 Medical Practice Value Challenges

    35:36 Advocating for Self & Others

    38:13 Residency Shift Work Struggles

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    41 mins
  • ENCORE: Embracing Confidence with a Facelift
    Nov 24 2025

    What goes into the decision to get a facelift?

    Dr. Stum delves into the considerations and procedures involved in choosing a facelift. She notes that many patients transition from simply pulling their skin in the mirror to committing to surgery. A facelift primarily lifts the skin and muscle from the cheeks to the neck. Additional procedures such as brow lifts, CO2 laser resurfacing, and fat grafting can be combined for enhanced results. Dr. Sturm emphasizes the importance of selecting a surgeon whose aesthetics match your own and having a support system during recovery.

    Understanding these elements can assist in making informed decisions about facelifts and achieving a natural, rejuvenated appearance. For more insights, visit Dr. Angela Sturm's website or follow her on social media.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Individuals seek facelifts not out of vanity but as a form of self-care. Feeling good about one's appearance can significantly boost self-esteem and overall well-being.

    2. A facelift primarily targets the area from the cheeks to the neck, lifting the skin and muscle to enhance facial appearance. It is often misunderstood, so clear communication with a surgeon about expectations is crucial.

    3. Facelifts can be complemented with other procedures like CO2 lasers and fat grafting to achieve more comprehensive results. These additional treatments address skin texture, volume loss, and other aging changes.

    4. Selecting a surgeon involves considering their aesthetic sense, looking at before-and-after photos, and ensuring clear communication. Additionally, having a support system during recovery is important.

    5. Preparing for a facelift involves avoiding certain non-surgical treatments like deep dermal energy treatments (e.g., microneedling with RF) and fillers that can complicate surgery. Opt instead for treatments like botox and lasers that prime the skin without creating deep scar tissue.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 Combine brow lift and facelift for rejuvenation.

    03:48 Face lift adds fat to aging faces.

    08:55 Communication with surgeon, timing, and treatment choices.

    13:06 Sculptra is an injectable for adding volume.

    14:11 Fillers can persist, impacting surgical procedures.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    18 mins
  • Breathe Better, Live Better: The Hidden Power of Nasal Surgery
    Nov 17 2025

    A simple nose surgery can have a major impact on overall health and sleep quality.

    Dr. Angela Sturm explains that nasal surgery often improves breathing, increases energy, and enhances rest for many patients. More young people are choosing procedures like rhinoplasty to strengthen both their physical and mental well-being. Even a small issue such as a deviated septum can interfere with restful sleep and daily concentration.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nasal surgery (including rhinoplasty and functional procedures) can significantly improve overall health, longevity, sleep quality, energy levels, and general well-being by optimizing breathing. Dr. Angela Sturm emphasizes that many patients seek surgery not just for aesthetics but to feel better physically and mentally.

    2. Challenges such as snoring, sleep apnea, and non-optimal breathing can be related to nasal structure issues (e.g., deviated septum, turbinate enlargement). Surgical correction can lead to more efficient breathing during sleep, reducing tiredness and improving daytime focus and energy, even for those without severe sleep disorders.

    3. The anatomy of the nose—including the septum, nasal valve, and turbinates—plays a key role in airflow. Small changes, like widening the nasal valve or reducing turbinates, can make a big difference in oxygenation and sleep quality by allowing more physiological breathing patterns.

    4. Many patients choose to address functional concerns and cosmetic preferences simultaneously. Procedures like septoplasty and rhinoplasty can be combined for improved breathing and appearance, with minimal downtime and more efficient use of nasal cartilage for shaping the nose.

    5. There's an increasing trend of younger patients seeking surgery for holistic health reasons, not just cosmetic enhancement. People are becoming more educated about how breathing, sleep, and nose function influence their overall quality of life, brain function, physical performance, and even senses like smell and taste.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    10 mins
  • How a Cancer Researcher Reinvented Chocolate for Lasting Health and Wellness
    Nov 10 2025

    Dr. Beata Lerman, a pioneering cancer researcher and survivor of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, relied on a drug she helped develop to beat her illness. Motivated to prevent a recurrence, she cut out sugar and environmental toxins, which led her to create a ketogenic chocolate designed to boost health. Her story traces a path from patenting breakthrough cancer therapies to launching a unique entrepreneurial venture, highlighting personal resilience and scientific innovation.

    For more information, visit sinlesstreatschocolate.com.

    Follow Sinless Treats Chocolate on Facebook and subscribe to Heal Me with Chocolate on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

    Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

    Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dr. Beata Lerman shared her unique story as both a cancer researcher and patient. Remarkably, she helped invent an immunotherapy treatment that was later used as part of her own successful cancer care. This highlights the intersection of scientific innovation and personal experience, illustrating how deep expertise and personal stakes can drive impactful medical breakthroughs.

    2. After her diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Beata Lerman radically transformed her lifestyle by eliminating sugar and other environmental toxins. She emphasized the scientific basis for sugar fueling cancer growth and advocated for a medical ketogenic lifestyle as a way to support both treatment and long-term health. Her story underscores that lifestyle changes can play a critical supportive role in disease prevention and recovery.

    3. Both Dr. Beata Lerman and Dr. Angela Sturm discussed the addictive qualities of sugar, likening its withdrawal to that of hard drugs. They emphasized that sugar is embedded in our neurobiology and social habits. Understanding sugar’s impact as a genuine addiction is essential for creating effective strategies for healthful change.

    4. Motivated by her passion for sweets and her health journey, Dr. Beata Lerman founded a company making metabolically healthy, keto-friendly chocolate. She was driven by the lack of tasty, healthy alternatives available, leading her to study traditional chocolate-making practices and source clean, sustainable ingredients. This theme demonstrates how personal challenges can inspire entrepreneurship that addresses real gaps in the market.

    5. For people looking to improve their health, Dr. Beata Lerman recommended small, incremental changes, such as cutting out soda first, then gradually replacing processed foods with healthier alternatives. Building new habits slowly and associating positive emotions with healthy actions makes long-term change more achievable. The key is to take a stepwise, community-oriented approach to transform lifestyle habits for the better.

    Timestamped Overview

    00:00 Gene Therapy and CRISPR Breakthroughs

    05:43 Inventor Diagnosed, Own Invention Used

    09:28 Cancer Diagnosis and Symptom Management

    15:14 Withdrawal Process and Support Strategy

    18:36 Failed Sugar-Free Treat Attempts

    21:28 Journey to Chocolate Origins

    25:35 Healthy Sourcing for Optimal Benefits

    27:25 Health-Boosting Chocolate Creation Story

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    31 mins