Dr. Dustin Portela is not your typical dermatologist. Based in Boise, Idaho, he’s a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, skincare educator, and founder of Treasure Valley Dermatology and Dēne Skincare. But what really sets him apart? He’s bringing accessible skin health straight to underserved communities by driving a mobile dermatology clinic himself.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela shares how growing up with a science teacher father inspired his love for healthcare. He walks us through his journey into dermatology, and why he refused to listen to those who said the specialty was out of reach. Today, he’s not only running a thriving practice but also educating millions via social media while making good on a promise he made in med school: to offer charitable care through a mobile clinic.

Janelle and Dr. Portela dive into the challenges and impact of launching his Mobile Health Initiative, the importance of early skin cancer detection, and how partnering with local clinics has helped fill critical access gaps. He also shares why he founded Dēne Skincare to give patients a safe and consistent product they can trust all while funding his mobile outreach.

They talk about the real stories behind skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa and how patient storytelling is the next frontier in dermatology awareness. From busting myths online to offering no-cost Mohs surgery in his clinic, Dr. Portela is building trust and breaking barriers.

This episode is a powerful look at how one doctor is using technology, compassion, and a whole lot of gas money to make dermatology more equitable. Follow Dr. Portela on social media @drdustinportela or learn more at dermatologyboise.com.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham, board-certified dermatologist and founder of LivSo, joins Janelle for a meaningful conversation about textured hair, scalp care, and how inclusive dermatology can change lives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Hicks-Graham brings deep expertise in treating scalp and hair conditions, particularly those that disproportionately affect Black patients.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Hicks-Graham shares the story behind her journey into dermatology, from completing a research fellowship at Harvard’s Wellman School of Photomedicine to founding her own thriving practice, Downtown Dermatology. Through this work, she saw firsthand how limited and often ineffective existing treatments were for people with textured, kinky, or curly hair suffering from dry, itchy, or inflamed scalps. That realization led her to create LivSo: a science-backed, accessible product line that prioritizes scalp health without sacrificing hair integrity.

In this episode, Janelle and Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham talk about the emotional and physical effects of scalp issues, why early intervention matters, and the long-standing myths and misinformation that often surround Black hair care. Dr. Hicks-Graham offers advice on how dermatologists can build trust with patients by taking time to listen, observe, and understand the lived experiences that shape hair and scalp routines.

They also discuss hormonal hair loss, styling practices, and why scalp health should be considered the foundation for hair retention, not an afterthought. Whether you're a dermatologist, a stylist, a parent, or someone on a personal hair journey, this conversation is filled with practical insights and empowering messages.

Dr. Hicks-Graham reminds us that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp and that every patient deserves solutions that are backed by science and built with them in mind.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Kelly Barta, President of ITSAN and Executive Director of the Coalition of Skin Diseases, joins Janelle to shed light on a condition that often flies under the radar: Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). After personally experiencing a severe health crisis related to long-term topical steroid use, Kelly turned her journey into a mission, advocating for greater awareness, support, and accountability across the dermatology and pharmaceutical spaces.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In this powerful conversation, Kelly Barta shares her own TSW story and why navigating eczema can be far more complex than what appears on the surface. She discusses how her organization, ITSAN (the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network), is helping patients find answers, connect with community, and reclaim their health after years of misdiagnosis and confusion.

As Executive Director of the Coalition of Skin Diseases, Kelly also offers insight into the bigger picture. She shares how patient advocacy is reshaping medical conversations and influencing decision-making at every level, from the American Academy of Dermatology to the FDA. She also emphasizes the importance of centering the patient experience and validating stories that have long gone unheard.

Kelly’s story is one of resilience and purpose, but also a reminder that healing isn’t always linear, and that the right support can make all the difference. Whether you’re a provider, patient, or just someone looking to better understand the eczema and TSW experience, this episode offers clarity, connection, and compassion.

This is what advocacy looks like: one voice sparking change for many.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

At just 11 years of age, Vivianne and Aaliyah might be young, but they’ve got a lot to say about skincare, self-care, and sunscreen! In this lighthearted poolside edition of That’s Derm Good!, Janelle sits down with her daughter and niece for a fun and honest chat about growing up, skincare routines, and what confidence means to girls their age.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

From face masks and lip gloss to dance competitions and cheerleading, the conversation flows with giggles, good advice, and a few surprising takes, like whether popcorn-scented skincare could be the next big thing. Vivianne and Aaliyah share how they care for their skin, what they’ve learned about sun safety, and why they check with their moms before trying new products.

The girls also open up about feeling pretty, experimenting with makeup, and how self-care means more than just washing your face; it’s about taking care of your whole self, from dry knees to flaky scalps. As Vivianne puts it, “I like to feel like I’m pretty,” reminding listeners that confidence is something you can create for yourself.

Whether they’re joking about sugar cubes or inventing their dream skincare lines (think: glitter, roses, and watermelon scents), Vivianne and Aaliyah show just how powerful it can be when kids are invited into the skincare conversation with curiosity and creativity.

This sweet and sunny episode is perfect for families, tweens, or anyone who remembers the excitement of discovering self-care for the first time. And yes—spoiler alert—they remembered to put on their sunscreen before jumping into the pool.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Jonathan Scott knows what it means to face challenges both on and off the field. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Jonathan, former NFL offensive lineman, author, entrepreneur, and board member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, sits down with Janelle to talk about his personal journey with plaque psoriasis and how it transformed his life.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Diagnosed during his NFL career, Jonathan Scott shares how the experience initially left him feeling isolated, confused, and even ashamed, especially when team doctors couldn’t provide answers. It wasn’t until he discovered the National Psoriasis Foundation that he finally found both support and direction. Today, Jonathan is not just living with psoriasis, he’s advocating for others who are walking that same road.

In this heartfelt conversation, Jonathan opens up about navigating the stigma around skin conditions, especially in communities of color, and how his mindset shift from "suffering with” to “living with” psoriasis changed everything. He shares his passion for helping kids facing psoriatic disease, his work with the NPF across the country, and how he uses his platform to promote confidence, inclusion, and holistic health.

Janelle and Jonathan also discuss his book, The Winning Playbook, and how he brings lessons from football and life into every advocacy effort. For Jonathan, it’s all about stewardship; using his voice, time, and platform to leave the world better than he found it. Whether you live with a skin condition or just want to be a better advocate for yourself or others, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and community.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Michael Kroin, CEO and Managing Partner of Physician Growth Partners, knows that selling a medical practice isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a deeply personal one. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, he joins Janelle to unpack what private equity looks like for dermatologists and aesthetic practice owners today.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

With a background in healthcare investment banking and years of hands-on experience guiding independent physician groups through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, Michael offers clear, no-fluff insight into a landscape that’s often confusing or intimidating. He breaks down why private equity has become such a hot topic in dermatology, what physicians should look for in a partner, and how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

SPONSOR: Sanofi and Regeneron invite you to learn more about DUPIXENT (dupilumab) at www.DupixentHCP.com. No Wonder it’s Possible.

Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasizes a founder-first approach; one that protects the identity of the practice, respects the team, and prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains. He also addresses the role of younger physicians in succession planning, the evolution of aesthetics-focused partnerships, and what the current market tells us about timing and opportunity.

This episode also digs into what practice owners can do before they’re ready to sell, whether that means organizing their financials, clarifying long-term goals, or identifying potential gaps in operations or leadership. Michael shares what makes a practice attractive to buyers and how owners can prepare years in advance to keep their options open and their values intact.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

That's Derm Good! is a special podcast. It was created to foster engaging conversations around dermatology, specialty medications, patient access, and enthusiasm from host Janelle Ball. It's evident in every episode that Janelle has a deep-rooted passion for these topics and is clearly having a lot of fun hosting That’s Derm Good!

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In Episode 79, Janelle answers questions from the podcast audience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her pre-recording routines, where she records, and advice to new podcasters and content creators. 

ADVERTISER: Sanofi and Regeneron invite you to learn more about DUPIXENT (dupilumab) at www.DupixentHCP.com. No Wonder It’s Possible.

This special episode celebrates 25,000+ downloads of That’s Derm Good! podcast episode. WOW! 25,000 downloads and five seasons. Janelle chose to celebrate with the podcast audience and express gratitude for their engagement, support, encouragement, and attention. If you'd like to be a guest on That’s Derm Good! or have questions for Janelle, please send an email to [email protected]. Your question may be selected in a future episode. 

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Elle Black is on a mission to connect the dots between your hormones, your skin, and your daily life. As the Founder of SAME, a hormone-friendly skincare brand and predictive skin health app, Elle is using her personal experience with Stage 4 endometriosis and her background in product design to build a whole new category of cycle-aware skincare.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Elle joins Janelle to break down why so many people feel frustrated by breakouts, unpredictable skin, and the endless promises of the beauty industry. She shares how SAME combines biometric data (from wearables like Oura and Apple Health) with cycle tracking to help users see patterns and predict breakouts before they happen.

Elle explains how understanding factors like heart rate variability, sleep, stress, and lifestyle triggers can reveal what your skin is trying to say about your hormones. By pairing this data with practical, hormone-friendly skincare products, free of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, SAME aims to empower users to prevent problems instead of reacting to them.

SPONSOR: Sanofi and Regeneron invite you to learn more about DUPIXENT (dupilumab) at www.DupixentHCP.com. No Wonder it’s Possible.

Elle Black also talks about the big picture: creating a supportive community where people don’t feel alone navigating conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or perimenopause. With personalized insights, protocols, and a feedback loop built into the app, SAME is setting the stage for a new era of predictive, proactive skin health.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

This week on That’s Derm Good!, we’re doing things a little differently. In partnership with BC Educators, we’re bringing you a powerful and honest roundtable discussion featuring experienced Biologic Coordinators from across the country. These behind-the-scenes heroes sat down with Janelle to share their real-world experiences navigating the ever-changing world of patient access and biologic support.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In this open forum, panelists discuss the growing complexity of prior authorizations, appeals, and insurance hurdles—and how they stay grounded despite the pressure. They highlight the emotional labour that comes with the job, from managing patient frustration to setting boundaries and avoiding burnout, all while trying to provide timely and compassionate care.

To download the dosing worksheets mentioned in this episode, click here. If you are interested in learning more about BC Educators, email [email protected] or sign up for the monthly BC Insider Newsletter so you don't miss any updates. 

You’ll hear about challenges with documentation, the disconnect between providers and coordinators, and how small wins—like a same-day approval or a grateful patient—can be deeply meaningful. The panelists also share the systems and workflows that help them stay organized, including the importance of templates, collaboration, and provider education.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Dr. Keira Barr, Founder of the Center for Mind-Skin Medicine, is on a mission to change how we think about skin health—starting from the inside out. In this thought-provoking episode of That’s Derm Good!, she joins Janelle to explore the complex, science-backed relationship between mental health, the nervous system, and chronic skin conditions.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

A dual board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in somatic trauma therapy, mind-body medicine, and breathwork, Dr. Barr explains how traditional treatments often fall short for patients dealing with acne, eczema, rosacea, and other persistent skin issues. Why? Because they rarely address the underlying stress response, trauma history, and nervous system dysregulation that drive or prolong symptoms.

Dr. Keira Barr shares how her own experience with skin cancer – and a medical system that couldn’t give her the answers she needed – led her to redefine both her career and her approach to healing. She unpacks the polyvagal theory, explains why the skin is both a stress response organ and a communication tool, and offers a new definition of skincare; not just product-based, but relational, embodied, and deeply personal.

The conversation dives into how somatic tools like breath awareness, micro-movements, and nervous system “cues of safety” can help patients feel more grounded and supported. Dr. Barr also discusses how trauma can alter gut health, hormonal balance, and even autoimmune responses, and how healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about building capacity, resilience, and a new relationship with the body.

Through her work, Dr. Keira Barr encourages patients and providers to move beyond surface-level treatments. She offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to building resilience, fostering curiosity, and working with the body to support long-term well-being.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.