Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are back with Allie Ballew, NP for a real-talk episode on something everyone wonders but few people know how to explain: how do you spot high-quality aesthetic work—and how do you spot the work that’s… not so great?

They cover the subtle signs of beautiful treatment (hint: you often shouldn’t be able to tell), the most common giveaways like overfilled lips and filler migration, and what “facial balancing” really means when it’s done well (or when it’s pushed too far).

Then the conversation turns serious: when “bad work” isn’t just about looking unnatural—it’s about patient safety. The team unpacks why certain areas—like the 11 lines—carry higher risks when treated with filler, what true informed consent should include, and why it’s always okay to ask your provider about licensure, training, product sourcing, and emergency protocols.

If you’re thinking about Botox, filler, or any injectables (or you’ve had them before), this episode will help you make smarter, safer choices—and understand what great work really looks like.

Follow/subscribe to Beauty & The Brain for new episodes every week with Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are talking winter skin — why it gets dry, flaky, and irritated, and what actually helps when your barrier feels “wrecked” this time of year.

They cover the sneaky culprits (hello, indoor heat + hot showers), how to adjust your home routine without overdoing it, and why winter is often the ideal season for more transformative treatments like CO₂ resurfacing, RF microneedling, and chemical peels — especially when sun exposure is lower and healing can be a bit easier.

You’ll also hear their practical take on post-procedure care (including what they love, what they don’t love, and why), plus a reminder that the best “anti-aging” move is still prevention year-round.

Follow Beauty & The Brain so you don’t miss next week’s episode — and share this one with a friend whose skin always freaks out when the temperature drops.

Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are back for the first episode of 2026, and they’re starting the year with a refreshingly honest conversation about goals — the kind that actually reflect real life.

Joined by Nurse Practitioner Allie from Skin & Tonic MedSpa, this episode explores what they’re focusing on this year: business growth, personal priorities, skincare simplification, peptides, and the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine.

Dr. Chris opens up about seriously considering a lower face and neck lift, sparking a thoughtful discussion on choosing the right provider, travel vs. local care, and what really matters when it comes to outcomes. The conversation naturally expands into leadership lessons, staffing challenges, patient experience, and why consistency often beats complexity — in skincare and in business.

This episode is reflective, insightful, and full of perspective for anyone navigating growth in aesthetics, healthcare, or life in general.

✨ You’ll hear about:

1. Immediate vs. long-term goal setting
2. Business growth stages in the medspa world
3. Peptides and patient-driven wellness trends
4. Why over-exfoliating (and overcomplicating) skincare is out
5. Regenerative and biostimulatory trends for 2026
6. Gratitude, resilience, and lessons learned from 2025

Follow Beauty & The Brain to stay up to date on future episodes covering peptides, injectables, skincare science, and what’s next in aesthetics — with real conversations from providers who live it every day.

Join Dr. Chris Croley and Nurse Practitioner Jerry Drinkard as they discuss restorative aesthetics and scar treatment. Discover how modern aesthetic procedures are changing lives, boosting confidence, and helping people overcome physical and emotional challenges. In this eye-opening episode:

Learn about innovative scar treatments for acne, tummy tucks, and more

1. Hear inspiring patient stories, including Bell's Palsy and congenital angioma cases
2. Explore cutting-edge technologies like PRP, Neogen, and microneedling
3. Understand the difference between vanity and life-changing aesthetic procedures
4. Get insights on body dysmorphia and responsible aesthetic practices

🔬 Trending topics covered:

#RestorativeAesthetics #ScarTreatment #MedSpa #AcneScars #BellsPalsy #BodyDysmorphia #PRP #Neogen #Microneedling

💡 Whether you're a provider or patient, this episode offers valuable information on the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine and how they're improving lives beyond just appearance.

🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on beauty, wellness, and cutting-edge aesthetic treatments!

Welcome to the first Beauty & The Brain episode of 2026.

In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, we rewind 2025 and unpack the ideas, stories, and challenges that shaped the year — from controversial discussions around sexual wellness to deeply personal stories of resilience and reinvention.

You’ll hear:

1. Why female sexual dysfunction is defined differently than any other medical condition
2. The limitations of traditional healthcare — and why longer, more human conversations matter
3. How wellness retreats, community, and environment can transform both health and business
4. A raw, inspiring story of growing up in instability — and turning adversity into entrepreneurial success
5. Why the same core business principles apply everywhere, no matter the industry

This episode is thoughtful, honest, occasionally funny, and designed to make you think differently — about medicine, business, and the paths we take to get where we are.

If you love conversations that blend science, wellness, entrepreneurship, and real life, this one’s for you.

It’s officially the season of Peppermint Lattes & Panic Appointments 🎄

In this holiday episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard sit down with NP Allie Ballew to talk about why the end of the year sends so many people into aesthetic overdrive — and how to approach holiday treatments without stress, regret, or unrealistic expectations.

We cover:

1. Why people suddenly panic about their appearance during the holidays
2. How far in advance you should plan Botox and skin treatments
3. What can still be done last-minute for a confidence boost
4. The psychology behind “New Year, New Me”
5. Low-downtime treatments that actually deliver before big events

This episode is equal parts education, humor, and holiday reality, reminding you that aesthetics should make you feel better — not more stressed.

If you’ve ever booked an appointment thinking “My party is tomorrow — help!” … this one’s for you.

🎄✨ New episodes weekly. Happy Holidays from the Beauty & The Brain team.

Is spray tanning actually safe — and why does proper training matter more than the solution itself?

In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP welcome Stacey Fike, founder of Glo Girl and creator of GloPro Training, to explore the science, safety, and business of modern sunless tanning.

With more than two decades in the industry, Stacey explains how spray tanning has transformed into a professional, science-backed service — and why education is essential for both results and skin health.

Topics covered include:

• How DHA works on the skin
• Why spray tans do not protect against sun damage
• The importance of SPF after sunless tanning
• How red light therapy supports hydration and longevity
• Why most spray tan mistakes happen — and how professionals prevent them
• How beauty professionals scale spray tanning into profitable services

This episode blends science, skin health, and business strategy with real-life experiences — making it valuable for consumers and providers alike.

🔗 Follow & Learn More from Stacey Fike

Instagram: @glogirlspraytan

Website: https://glopro.glogirltanning.com

YouTube: @glopro2024

LinkedIn: Stacey Fike GloPro

This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley, NP Jerry Drinkard, and NP Allie Ballew have an unfiltered conversation about something most MedSpa owners think they’ve mastered… but rarely have a system for:

👉 Clinic Culture — the real driver of patient experience, trust, retention, and referrals.

They break down:

• How patients instantly sense stress, chaos, or tension

• Real culture missteps inside Skin & Tonic — and what they learned

• Why great injectors fail without a strong support team

• The difference between “customer service” and hospitality

• How to hire, onboard, and train for personality alignment

• Why rushed energy destroys patient confidence (even when the work is good)

• How leadership sets the tone — intentionally or accidentally

If you're an injector, MedSpa owner, manager, or anyone building a patient-facing aesthetic business, this episode will change the way you think about workflow, communication, and client care.

Culture is not an afterthought. It’s your brand.

This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard unpack one of the most controversial — and misunderstood — topics in aesthetics: Who is the safest, most qualified injector?

A patient recently called the clinic requesting “physician-only” injections, and that simple request sparked a deep conversation about titles, training, competency, and why consumers are often confused about who should perform aesthetic procedures.

You’ll learn:

• The differences in education & clinical training across physicians, NPs, PAs, CRNAs, dentists & estheticians

• Why scope of practice laws vary wildly from state to state

• Whether titles actually predict skill or safety

• How to evaluate an injector beyond credentials

• What really causes complications — and who’s equipped to manage them

• The rise of unsafe med spa models, poor supervision, and unlicensed injectors

• Why trust, communication, and treatment approach matter more than letters behind a name

This episode gives both consumers and aesthetic providers clarity on an issue that impacts every corner of the industry.

Perfect for listeners interested in:

Botox | Filler | Aesthetic injector training | Med spa education | Patient safety | Filler complications | Choosing an injector | Aesthetic industry trends | Scope of practice laws | Facial anatomy for injectors

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 practice

If you love candid conversations, industry insight, and a cozy dose of holiday reflection, this one’s for you.