13 episodes

Over two decades, Dr. Fredric Brandt went from a small dermatology practice in Miami to being Madonna's personal skincare consultant and the go-to for public figures desperate to stave off aging. His clients loved him. Fashion magazines profiled him. But as Brandt continued to build his empire—a best-selling product line, pristine homes in New York and Miami, and an absurd modern art collection—he was slowly becoming addicted to his own product. Popular speculation has it that it was Martin Short's scathing portrayal of a clearly-based-on-Brandt character in the 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' that pushed him to his death, but the truth is far more complicated. From Justine Harman and the team behind 'Broken Harts.'

The Baron of Botox Imperative

    • Society & Culture
    • 3.6 • 56 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Over two decades, Dr. Fredric Brandt went from a small dermatology practice in Miami to being Madonna's personal skincare consultant and the go-to for public figures desperate to stave off aging. His clients loved him. Fashion magazines profiled him. But as Brandt continued to build his empire—a best-selling product line, pristine homes in New York and Miami, and an absurd modern art collection—he was slowly becoming addicted to his own product. Popular speculation has it that it was Martin Short's scathing portrayal of a clearly-based-on-Brandt character in the 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' that pushed him to his death, but the truth is far more complicated. From Justine Harman and the team behind 'Broken Harts.'

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Easter Sunday | Chapter 1

    Easter Sunday | Chapter 1

    On April 5, 2015, cosmetic dermatologist to the stars Dr. Fredric Brandt is found hanging from an electrical cord at his home in Coconut Grove, Florida. Who or what led to his untimely demise?

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    • 33 min
    Origin Story | Chapter 2

    Origin Story | Chapter 2

    A peek behind the curtain and into Fredric Sheldon Brandt's challenging and formative years in post-World-War-II Newark, where his parents run a candy shop. Young Fred is exceptionally bright, but...different.

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    • 33 min
    Spin Doctor | Chapter 3

    Spin Doctor | Chapter 3

    After graduating from medical school, Brandt relocates to Miami, where he opens up a humble practice next to a Publix supermarket and invents new ways to use off-label pharmaceuticals.
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    • 31 min
    Heart and Commerce | Chapter 4

    Heart and Commerce | Chapter 4

    The practice expands to Manhattan, where Brandt becomes a darling. He dazzles beauty insiders with his unconventional technique, but what makes him stand out is something much harder to define.
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    • 29 min
    Fame Game | Chapter 5

    Fame Game | Chapter 5

    As Dr. Brandt's influence and fortune continues to grow, the narrative around the man with the golden hand gets taken over by professional storytellers.

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    • 31 min
    Perfection | Chapter 6

    Perfection | Chapter 6

    The injectables market is crowded with competition, but Dr. Brandt refuses to give up his hard-earned crown.
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    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

3.6 out of 5
56 Ratings

56 Ratings

AussieJayHi ,

A little too much filler, but good

The podcast is well produced and mostly entertaining, but starts to feel a bit padded and directionless in later episodes. The never ending promotion of “The Dream” podcast is annoying

Snappididoo ,

Footage from the funeral?

Is that legit footage from this persons funeral being used in a podcast?? How was sharing this in any way ground breaking or necessary? That’s just gross. No thanks.

Laubla249 ,

Insightful, in depth and Compelling

What an incredible dive into the life of this pioneer of the brave new world that is the modern day beauty industry and what constitutes beauty in this era. While I'm not sure I agree with some of the more extreme types of treatments, I think it's tragic that Dr Brandt had to endure so much negativity from others because he was the best and he genuinely cared so deeply for his patients.

I will be recommending it to others, as it was recommended to me.

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