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.

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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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.

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.

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 ([email protected]).

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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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.

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.

*This episode originally aired during Season One of Beauty Unveiled on March 12, 2024.

Dr. Angela Sturm welcomes Dr. Terri-Ann Samuels to the show.

Find out about Dr. Samuels' journey to becoming a surgeon and how she has transformed the lives of many through her personalized approach. Discover the discussion on the differences in healthcare systems and the evolving landscape of women's pelvic health.

Listen to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing a successful career, motherhood, and the importance of understanding the business side of medicine. Listen as Dr. Sturm and Dr. Samuels share their experiences, invite you to join the conversation, and empower yourself with the knowledge that could influence your well-being in more ways than one. 

Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and share the wisdom with your loved ones. Let's embark on this journey together.

Key Takeaways

1.) Urogynecology is a comprehensive field that addresses the health and functionality of the pelvic floor, including the urethra, vagina, and anus.

2.) Menopausal symptoms can vary greatly among individuals, and it is important to recognize and address each person's unique experience.

3.) Balancing work and family is a constant juggling act, and it is important to create your own formula that aligns with your values and priorities.

4.) Understanding the business side of medicine is crucial for physicians to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their patients.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:22 Journey to Urogynecology
03:06 Personal Background and Cultural Influence
04:01 Comparison of Healthcare Systems
05:21 Definition and Scope of Urogynecology
06:46 Cosmetic Considerations in Urogynecology
07:44 Passion for Menopausal Symptoms
09:37 Changing Perspectives on Menopause
10:33 Symptoms and Individual Experience
11:32 Challenges and Acceptance of Menopause
13:26 Defining Symptom Severity
15:14 Individual Experience and Genetic Factors
18:12 Balancing Work and Family
19:39 The Myth of Balance
20:05 Creating Your Own Formula
22:03 Encouraging Children in Medicine
23:30 Understanding the Business of Medicine
24:28 Recognizing and Owning Your Value
25:25 Taking Care of Yourself

Learn more about Dr. Samuels HERE.

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plastic surgery with Dr. Sturm goes beyond the surface.

Change can feel intimidating, but her approach is all about helping people shed insecurity and gain freedom, whether that means fixing a feature that’s always bothered them or celebrating a new phase of life. She believes confidence should come from doing something positive for oneself, not chasing anyone else’s approval.

Her favorite result? Patients reclaiming energy and joy for the things that matter most.

Key Takeaways

1. Change is central not only to facial plastic surgery but also to many life decisions. Dr. Sturm emphasizes that embracing change—rather than avoiding it—is empowering, whether it’s altering your appearance or making shifts in your personal or professional life. Taking an active role in change leads to better outcomes and personal growth.

2. Unlike other forms of surgery, facial plastic surgery is highly visible and can’t be hidden. This raises the stakes and emotional investment for patients. Understanding the significance and psychological impact of changing one’s facial features is essential for both surgeons and patients when making these important decisions.

3. Continuous improvement—both in surgical practice and in business operations—is key to delivering better results. Dr. Sturm discusses her commitment to analyzing every procedure and process, seeking ways to innovate and refine for better patient care and business effectiveness.

4. Taking action to change something about yourself—whether it’s a feature you’re self-conscious about or simply wanting to look and feel better—shouldn’t be seen as vain or superficial. Dr. Sturm frames self-care and self-improvement as legitimate, meaningful acts that positively impact mental and emotional well-being.

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

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plastic surgery is for self-confidence, not for pleasing anyone else. The first days post-surgery can feel rough, so Dr. Sturm recommends having positive people for support. Honest conversations up front and a cheer squad in recovery make the biggest difference.

Key Takeaways

1. After undergoing plastic surgery, patients often feel more emotionally sensitive and vulnerable during recovery. It’s common to feel uncertain or self-conscious due to temporary side-effects like bruising and swelling. Recognizing this vulnerability ahead of time helps both the patient and doctor prepare for the emotional aspects of the healing process.

2. Having supportive people around you—especially immediately after surgery—is crucial. Positive, encouraging friends and family help smooth the recovery process. Conversely, negative or judgmental individuals can hinder emotional and physical healing, making a tough time even harder.

3. Patients should feel comfortable having honest and open discussions with their surgeon about all aspects of their procedure and recovery, including emotional challenges and support systems. A strong, communicative relationship with your doctor leads to better experiences and outcomes.

4. Plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision made for oneself, not for validation or approval from others. Patients do not need permission to make changes to their body—it’s about their own wellbeing and desires.

5. A surgeon’s compassion and the overall culture of the clinic—as reflected in the attitudes and behaviors of the staff—greatly influence the patient experience. Being treated with kindness, respect, and gentle care can make a significant difference in the healing journey, as highlighted by Laurie’s positive testimony.

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No, she doesn’t do Tinkerbell noses.

Dr. Sturm wants every nose to look natural and suit the face for a lifetime, not just follow a trend. Those tiny, upturned noses may seem cute at first, but they usually don’t age well or look real over time. Her goal is a nose that quietly flatters, not one that stands out or changes oddly years later.

Key Takeaways

1. Dr. Sturm emphasizes the importance of creating noses that look natural and harmonious with the patient's overall facial features. A well-done rhinoplasty should be subtle and not draw attention, ideally leaving people unable to tell that surgery was performed.

2. She highlights that overly sculpted or "Tinkerbell" noses may look good initially but often do not age well. Over time, issues like exaggerated scooping or an overly upturned tip can become more pronounced, compromising both appearance and structure.

3. Dr. Sturm advocates for noses that are proportionate to each person's unique facial characteristics. Rather than pursuing trendy or dramatic changes, she customizes the nose to fit and complement the individual’s features and personal style.

4. She warns that creating unnaturally small or aggressively altered noses can weaken the structural integrity of the nose, leading to long-term complications. Preserving the internal support of the nose ensures durability and better long-term outcomes.

5. Dr. Sturm contrasts rhinoplasty with other procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction, noting that while those results are meant to be noticed, an ideal nose job should "disappear" into the face, letting the person’s eyes and lips stand out instead.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.