True to Form

Host Audrey Neff sits down with renowned facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kay Durairaj, for a candid conversation on where aesthetics is headed — and what practitioners need to understand right now. Dr. Kay shares her journey from reconstructive surgery into aesthetics, how longevity medicine is beginning to intersect with cosmetic care, and what's driving growing interest in regenerative treatments and peptides like BPC-157. Together, Audrey and Dr. Kay unpack current industry debates (including PDGF), shifting consumer preferences around HA fillers versus collagen stimulators, and the realities of navigating social media responsibly as a medical professional. The episode also offers practical guidance for providers evaluating emerging technologies and treatments — with an emphasis on clinical integrity, patient education, and building sustainable practices in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What does it really take to build a high-performing team in aesthetics and why is culture your greatest growth lever? Audrey Neff sits down with Kim Burke, APN, FNP-C, founder and CEO of Kiss Aesthetics, for an honest, energizing conversation about leadership, hiring, and scaling without burning out your people (or yourself). Kim shares her journey from a flexible yet unfulfilling career to becoming a sought-after injector and respected business leader — and the pivotal moments that shaped how she leads today. Together, Audrey and Kim dive deep into what actually works when hiring in a competitive market, and explore how intentional culture and team cohesion become non-negotiables as you grow. From expanding to multiple locations to implementing creative hiring strategies and building a team that truly buys into the vision, this episode is packed with real-world insights for practice owners who want sustainable success — not just fast growth. Connect on Instagram: Audrey Neff Kim Burke Aviva Aesthetics Kiss Aesthetics

Audrey Neff moderates a powerful M&A roundtable with industry leaders Annie Hockey, Ben Hernandez, Carlos Arce, Esq., Mark Estes, MD, and Tyler Weinberg, unpacking what med spa owners need to know about growth, valuation, private equity, and consolidation heading into 2026. From building a sellable business and navigating legal considerations to understanding market trends, GLP-1 impacts, EBITDA multiples, and exit readiness, this conversation delivers clear, practical insights for aesthetic entrepreneurs focused on scaling strategically — whether they're preparing for a future growth partnership, transaction, or simply just aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Resources: Aviva Aesthetics Skytale Group Florida Healthcare Law Firm

Audrey Neff sits down with Rick O'Neill, distinguished digital marketing expert known for transforming the landscape of medical aesthetics marketing, globally. Packed with both humor and radical transparency, Audrey and Rick delve into the intricate world of digital strategies, emphasizing the importance of building a strong, omnichannel marketing foundation. They explore the evolution of patient behavior, the increasing role of AI in search engines, and the essential components of a successful practice marketing strategy. With deep dives into practical tactics like local search optimization and nurturing patient leads properly, the episode expertly guides listeners through the dynamic and often daunting terrain of digital marketing in the aesthetics industry, making it a must-listen for any medical spa owner.

In this special crossover episode from the Healthcare Disrupters Series, Audrey Neff is invited on the show as the first female disrupters guest. Her and Jeff Cohen — founder of the American IV Association, the American Peptide Association, and the Florida Healthcare Law Firm — explore the evolution of medical aesthetics and wellness. From her own personal career journey over the last decade to the current realities of private equity and consolidation, this conversation offers a candid discussion that challenges industry norms and empowers practice owners to think differently about growth.

Host Audrey Neff welcomes Jessica Christy, PA-C, founder of Beauty Culture Med Spa and Cultured Wellness, for an eye-opening discussion on building a brand rooted in purpose. The two explore the art of developing high-performing teams and leading through core values — while also addressing some of the industry's most talked-about topics, including PDGF, Plated, and the expanding role of peptides and regenerative medicine. Packed with insights, strategy, and substance, this episode is a must-listen for any aesthetic leader looking to grow their business and redefine what it means to deliver care that goes deeper than skin. To learn more about The Wellness Aesthetic Fusion Method click here.

Audrey Neff sits down with Dr. Leslie Apgar — national trainer & speaker, owner of PuraVida Med Spa and co-founder of Aviva Aesthetics — for a powerful conversation on the changing face of modern medicine and the evolving M&A landscape. Dr. Apgar shares her expertise on blending functional medicine seamlessly into aesthetics, along with the entrepreneurial lessons that have fueled her success along the way. Together, the pair dive into topics ranging from empowering med spa owners to step out of their comfort zones, breaking through industry misconceptions, and exploring the impact of consolidation and private equity in today’s current state. Packed with humor, passion, and candid insights, this episode offers listeners practical strategies and fresh perspectives on how to disrupt the status quo to build a thriving aesthetics practice.

Audrey Neff sits down with Alexis Bowhay, PA-C, to explore her unique transition from cardiology PA to a standout figure in aesthetic medicine. Together, they dive into the real-life challenges and triumphs of breaking into the aesthetics industry, including the importance of mentorship in what can often feel like a lonely path. Audrey and Alexis discuss why fostering community over competition is essential for the future of aesthetic medicine, and how authenticity — both online and offline — can build stronger connections with peers and patients alike. From managing complications and communicating risks transparently to balancing business and life while staying true to yourself, this conversation is packed with empowering insights for every injector. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned provider, this episode is a powerful reminder to own your journey, celebrate your wins, and find your people.

Host Audrey Neff sits down with Amanda Baldwin of Designs for Health—a recognized leader in the functional medicine and nutraceutical space. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of aesthetics and wellness, uncovering how practices can unlock new levels of treatment outcomes and business growth by integrating nutritional supplements. Audrey and Amanda dive into key strategies for 2025, including how to select professional-grade supplements, implement functional lab testing, and build comprehensive GLP-1 protocols that incorporate nutrition and gut health. They also share practical tips to enhance patient outcomes, drive retention, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Whether you're new to nutraceuticals or looking to elevate your current offerings, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you thrive at the cutting edge of aesthetic medicine and wellness.

Join Audrey Neff as she welcomes back Olivia Salmen and Tracy Olson, to discuss the critical topic of training & career development in the medical aesthetics industry. Olivia Salmen, master injector and social media influencer, and Tracy Olson, owner of Youthtopia Med Spa and founder of the Aesthetic Injector Academy, share their insights on how to effectively transition into the aesthetics field and advance your craft. They highlight the importance of pre-training education, break down FDA-approved vs off-label applications, and the need for practitioners to be well-versed in not just anatomy and rheology, but also complication management. The three also touch on the role of social media, the significance of self-investment, and their shared excitement for the upcoming Aesthetic Extender Symposium to be held August 7-10th in Boca Raton, FL – and why every injector should put this must-attend event on their calendars in 2025.

Get ready for a raw and unfiltered conversation as Audrey Neff sits down with industry pioneer, Dr. Alexander Rivkin, to dissect the powerful influence of social media on consumer sentiment and perception. In a world flooded with emerging “beauty influencers” and misinformation, how can providers rise above the noise? Audrey and Dr. Rivkin tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by Instagram and TikTok, revealing strategies to not only combat false narratives but also leverage social platforms to educate patients and grow your business. Plus, Dr. Rivkin shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his own social media strategy—how he carves out time, capitalizes on trending content, and stays unapologetically true to himself.

Join Audrey Neff as she sits down with Katlin Cauffman, renowned aesthetic business consultant and founder of Diamond Accelerator, for a powerful conversation on boosting profitability and ensuring long-term success for medical spas in 2025. In this episode, they uncover the importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), dealing with toxic employees/injectors, retaining top talent, and seamlessly integrating aesthetic and wellness services. Discover game-changing insights on maximizing profits through before-and-after photos, flexible financing options, and effective upselling and cross-selling techniques. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is your ultimate guide to optimizing business operations, enhancing systems, and empowering your team to thrive.

Join Audrey Neff as she sits down with Kara McClanahan, CEO of Aesthetic Practice Partners, for a deep dive into the top industry trends and success strategies for 2025. Kara unveils the most common start-up pitfalls, the power of strategic business planning, and the keys to crafting a standout brand identity. This episode goes beyond the basics—exploring expert pricing and consultation techniques, the booming field of regenerative medicine, and innovative ways to maximize revenue per appointment. Plus, discover how culture and a strong unique selling proposition can set your aesthetic practice apart in today’s competitive market. Don’t miss this insightful and game-changing conversation with two industry experts.

Audrey Neff kicks off 2025 with Vanessa Bird, The Aesthetic Consultant®️, bringing a fresh perspective to the table. In this exciting episode, Vanessa shares her journey in medical aesthetics from an extensive background in sales to becoming one of the world’s leading consultants known for transforming practices through ethical sales strategies. She sheds light on some of the most common challenges practitioners face globally through her 15 years of experience working with clinics across the U.S., UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and The Middle East. The discussion revolves around expert insights for aesthetic providers in generating revenue, optimizing patient experiences, improving lead conversion, and successfully launching new treatments and devices. Tune in to hear insightful perspectives, real-world examples, and innovative strategies designed to boost your bottom line and set your practice up for success in 2025 & beyond.

Audrey Neff closes out Season 7 with Dr. Jennifer Levine, award-winning facial plastic surgeon who has been featured in Forbes, Elle, Vogue, WSJ, Bravo, Good Morning America, and many more popular media outlets. The pair dive head first into building a strong personal brand and the importance of finding your authentic voice on social media. Tune in to hear their expert pearls for leveraging Instagram as a powerful driver for your business – including how to perfect before & after photo posts, carving out the time to create content, building an education-first strategy, combating influencer misinformation, and the crucial importance of always staying “true to form."

Audrey Neff closes out Season 7 with Dr. Jennifer Levine, award-winning facial plastic surgeon who has been featured in Forbes, Elle, Vogue, WSJ, Bravo, Good Morning America, and many more popular media outlets. The pair dive head first into building a strong personal brand and the importance of finding your authentic voice on social media. Tune in to hear their expert pearls for leveraging Instagram as a powerful driver for your business – including how to perfect before & after photo posts, carving out the time to create content, building an education-first strategy, combating influencer misinformation, and the crucial importance of always staying “true to form."

Audrey Neff and Dr. Gretchen Frieling return for an enlightening part-two discussion on True to Form. The conversation picks up where the last episode left off, as Dr. Frieling unpacks her unconventional approach of training injectors, offering insights into her unique hiring practices that prioritize personality, ethical standards, and leadership opportunities beyond injecting. Tune in to also hear expert insights on scaling to multiple locations, practical strategies for improving patient experiences, consultation techniques, launching a private-label skincare line, and more, all while navigating the evolving landscape of medical aesthetics.

Audrey Neff speaks with Dr. Gretchen Frieling (“Dr. G”), an internationally recognized, Harvard-trained, triple board-certified Dermatopathologist, and the founder and owner of GFaceMD, a multimillion dollar medical aesthetic practice. Tune into this insightful conversation as Audrey and Dr. G discuss perseverance, the power of creative entrepreneurship, leveraging social media, fostering team empowerment, and the art of balancing personal ambition with professional growth.

(*Episode Sponsored By: Coverwell) Audrey Neff speaks with Coverwell CEO, Patrick Tighe, and CMO, Kandis Hughes, to discuss maintaining integrity and ensuring patient safety in the medical aesthetics industry. Throughout the episode, the three delve into the prevalence and nature of adverse events within the elective medical field, highlighting the often unforeseen complications and the gap in patient care that needs addressing. This candid discussion underscores the significance of setting patient expectations, informed consent, proper education, thorough screening processes, and the essential defensive measures practices should adopt—emphasizing the role of businesses like Coverwell in providing a safety net for both practitioners and patients.

Audrey Neff sits down with Olivia Salmen, advanced aesthetic nurse injector, international trainer, and “Best Injector of Nashville” by Nashville Scene. From excelling at the consultation, navigating patient objections, improving your before & after photo process, public speaking, and more, this episode unpacks it all when it comes to mastering the art of selling yourself…whether it's in the audience of patients or peers. With 135K followers on Instagram and 187K on TikTok, Olivia also breaks down her insights to social media success, including lessons learned along the way and expert tips for building your brand online. Having both broken into the medical aesthetics field at the ages of 22, Audrey and Olivia dive into their personal experiences over the last nine years around building credibility and trust as some of the industry’s younger speakers/trainers, plus share their advice to fellow ambitious aesthetic professionals. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation, packed with practical advice, industry secrets, and forward-looking trends.