Beauty & The Brain®

William C. Croley , Jerry Drinkard
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Medicine
  • Weekly

Welcome to Beauty & The Brain, the podcast where we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of medical aesthetics! I'm Dr. Chris Croley, and I'm joined by my co-host Jerry Drinkard, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Together, we co-own Skin & Tonic, a medical spa that's passionate about providing the latest and greatest treatments to help our clients look and feel their best. We started this podcast out of our love for medical aesthetics and our desire to share our knowledge and insights with others. Every week, we'll be discussing new trends, sharing our thoughts on controversial topics, and keeping you up to date on the latest technology in the industry. But we won't just be talking to ourselves! We're excited to bring in experts and industry leaders to share their perspectives and insights with our listeners. Our goal is to provide a podcast that's authentic, informative, and genuinely helpful for anyone who's interested in beauty and wellness. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or a medical professional, we hope you'll tune in every week to learn something new and join us on this journey of discovery. So, if you're ready to dive into the world of medical aesthetics, join us on Beauty & The Brain, and let's explore this fascinating industry together!

  1. 1d ago

    Beyond the Clinic: A Day in the Life of Jerry Drinkard

    What happens when you trade Botox and beauty treatments for horses, chickens, tractors, and a never-ending list of farm projects? This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley flips the script and puts his husband and co-host, Jerry Drinkard, NP, in the spotlight for a candid, funny, and surprisingly personal conversation about a day in Jerry's life. Listeners know Jerry from his work in medical aesthetics at Skin & Tonic, but what happens when he leaves the clinic? As it turns out, his second shift is just getting started! From tending to their three beloved poodles to managing horses, sheep, chickens, and a very busy farm, Jerry shares why the work most people would find exhausting is actually what brings him the most peace. Along the way, Chris and Jerry share plenty of laughs about their very different personalities, an ongoing chicken coop renovation, their sometimes questionable dinner negotiations, and what life really looks like when Chris is traveling. But beyond the farm stories and playful banter, this episode offers a genuine look at the routines, relationships, and passions that keep them grounded outside their professional lives. It's a little less beauty, a lot more behind the scenes, and exactly the kind of conversation that makes Beauty & The Brainfeel like catching up with friends. Enjoy getting to know Chris and Jerry beyond the clinic? Follow Beauty & The Brain on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss a new episode. And if you have a question you'd love them to answer, send them a message—they just might cover it in a future episode!

  2. Oct 22

    Why Your Melasma Keeps Coming Back (And What Actually Helps)

    Why is melasma so difficult to treat—and why does it keep coming back? If you've ever struggled with stubborn dark patches on your face, you know how frustrating pigmentation can be. You might try a new skincare product, invest in a treatment, or finally see improvement, only to have those spots return after a little time in the sun. In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, are going back to their roots for a one-on-one conversation about one of the most challenging conditions they encounter at Skin and Tonic Med Spa: melasma. Chris and Jerry explain why melasma isn't the same as ordinary sun damage, how hormones and UV exposure influence pigmentation, and why some popular aesthetic treatments can actually make the problem worse. They also share the approaches they've found helpful in practice, including Aerolase Neo laser treatments, VI Peels, tranexamic acid, hydroquinone, and specialized topical skincare. More importantly, they explain why managing melasma requires more than a single treatment—and why the right diagnosis, a customized plan, and long-term maintenance are so important. You'll learn what to look for when choosing a treatment provider, which questions to ask before committing to a procedure, and how to protect the progress you've worked so hard to achieve. Whether you're dealing with melasma yourself or simply want to understand the science behind stubborn pigmentation, this episode offers practical insight into what it takes to manage melasma with realistic expectations. Because when it comes to healthier, more even-looking skin, it's not just about treating the spots you see—it's about understanding what's causing them. Follow Beauty & The Brain on your favorite podcast platform for more conversations on aesthetics, skincare, health, and confidence. For educational purposes only. Consult a qualified medical professional for personalized treatment recommendations.

  3. Oct 8

    Why Are So Many Young Men Struggling With Erectile Dysfunction?

    Erectile Dysfunction in Your 20s or 30s? You're Not Alone. Erectile dysfunction is often associated with getting older, but what happens when you're young, healthy, and suddenly struggling with sexual performance? In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, open up an important conversation about erectile dysfunction in younger men—why it happens, what might be contributing to it, and why it doesn't have to be a topic surrounded by embarrassment or silence. With years of experience providing men's sexual health treatments at Skin and Tonic Med Spa, Chris and Jerry share their perspective on the physical and psychological factors that may affect sexual performance. They explore everything from performance anxiety, relationship dynamics, and stress to cardiovascular health, medications, and circulation issues. They also take listeners behind the scenes of an erectile dysfunction consultation, explaining the SHIM assessment, the importance of asking sensitive questions, and how treatment plans can differ based on the underlying cause. You'll also hear about potential treatment approaches, including the P-Shot, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and shockwave therapy, along with why individualized evaluations and understanding treatment risks are so important. The biggest takeaway? Experiencing erectile dysfunction at a young age doesn't mean you're out of options. Getting answers starts with having the conversation. Whether you're personally navigating sexual health concerns, supporting a partner, or simply interested in learning more about men's wellness, this episode offers a thoughtful, approachable look at an issue that deserves more open discussion. 🎧 Tune in, and if you enjoy conversations that make health, wellness, and aesthetics easier to understand, follow Beauty & The Brain so you never miss an episode. For educational purposes only. Consult a qualified medical professional for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations.

  4. Oct 1

    Can You Get Botox and a Chemical Peel at the Same Time?

    Is one aesthetic treatment enough—or can the right combination deliver a better overall result? This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are joined by Allie Ballew for a conversation about treatment stacking: intentionally combining or sequencing aesthetic treatments to address different concerns, different tissue layers, and different goals. They share some of their favorite combinations, including chemical peels with neurotoxin, energy-based treatments, radiofrequency microneedling with CO2 CoolPeel, and a multi-layered approach to acne scar revision. They also explain why treatment stacking doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything in one appointment. Timing matters. Swelling matters. Aftercare matters. And sometimes two great treatments simply shouldn’t be performed together. The conversation also covers why having a long-term aesthetic plan can be especially valuable when you’re preparing for a wedding, reunion, or other major event—and includes one unforgettable story about a bride who was very determined to get her lips done before her wedding. Most importantly, the team explains why effective treatment stacking should be personalized and provider-led rather than simply choosing procedures from a menu. The best combinations are designed around your priorities, anatomy, recovery time, and the way each treatment interacts with the next. Follow Beauty & The Brain for more approachable, candid conversations about aesthetics, beauty, skin health, and the science behind the treatments you’re curious about.

  5. Sep 17

    Cellulite, Stretch Marks & Loose Skin: What Really Works?

    Can you actually get rid of cellulite? Are some stretch marks easier to treat than others? And when it comes to loose, crepey skin, which treatments are worth your time? This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, welcome fellow Skin & Tonic nurse practitioner Allie Ballew for an honest, informative and entertaining conversation about cellulite, stretch marks and skin laxity. They explain why cellulite isn't simply a sign of excess body fat, why genetics can play a major role in stretch marks, and why even people who eat well and exercise regularly experience these common skin concerns. Drawing on their clinical experience, the team discusses everything from the discontinued cellulite injectable QWO to subcision, Radiesse, Sculptra and shockwave therapy. They also explore options for stubborn stretch marks, including Plexr, lasers and microneedling, and explain why combining treatments can sometimes be more effective than using a single approach. You'll also hear practical tips for supporting your skin through different stages of life, along with a few unexpected detours into beef tallow, tanning beds and Chris's memorable tanning history. Whether you're considering an aesthetic treatment or simply curious about what's happening beneath your skin, this episode offers a refreshingly candid look at what's possible, what's challenging and why realistic expectations matter. Follow Beauty & The Brain wherever you listen, and join us each week as we make aesthetic medicine a little easier to understand—and a lot more fun to talk about.

  6. Sep 10

    How to Treat Crepey Skin, Loose Skin & Aging Beyond the Face

    We spend a lot of time talking about facial aging — but your face isn’t the only place that changes. This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP are joined by Allie Ballew, NP, to talk about the “forgotten” areas of aging: the neck, chest, hands, earlobes, knees, elbows, and other places patients may notice changes but never realize can actually be treated. The conversation also explores an increasingly common concern after significant weight loss: loose, dry, crepey skin. Chris, Jerry, and Allie discuss what they’re seeing in patients using GLP-1 medications, why being thinner doesn’t always create a more youthful appearance, and how early treatment planning may help address some of those changes. You’ll hear their approach to options like hyperdilute Radiesse, Sculptra, NeoGen, Plexr, Ultherapy, CO2, chemical peels, PRP, PDO threads, radiofrequency treatments, and Botox — and why the best results often come from combining treatments rather than searching for one magic solution. They also get candid about downtime, complications, and an important misconception: the body isn’t necessarily easier to treat than the face. In many areas, it actually heals more slowly, making treatment selection, settings, aftercare, and realistic expectations especially important. If there’s an area that bothers you but you’ve assumed “that’s just aging,” this episode may change the questions you ask at your next consultation. Follow Beauty & The Brain so you don’t miss next week’s conversation — including, apparently, a future episode Jerry has already named “Hoo-hahs and Bootas.”

  7. Sep 3

    Healthy Habits for Travel, Stress & a Packed Schedule

    This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP, are getting a little more personal. Chris spends a huge amount of time traveling for work, and while conferences in places like New York, Miami, California, Puerto Rico, and London may sound glamorous, life on the road comes with a very different reality. So how do you maintain skincare, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and some sense of normalcy when you’re constantly moving? Chris shares the routines he’s great at keeping—especially his very regimented skincare routine—and the healthy habits he’ll readily admit still need some work. You’ll hear about the products that always make it into his suitcase, his surprisingly loyal haircut routine, the pharmacy-like collection living inside his backpack, and his weakness for Hershey’s Kisses and airport snacks. Chris and Jerry also dig into something many busy people can relate to: what happens when being productive becomes so normal that slowing down actually creates anxiety. They discuss exercise, meditation, intentionally creating downtime, and why learning how to disconnect may be just as important as checking everything off your list. And if you’ve ever wondered what Chris does when he actually relaxes at home, the answer involves a barn, a pair of Meta glasses, and some very opinionated chickens. It’s an honest conversation about wellness without pretending anyone has it completely figured out—and why taking care of yourself often requires more intention when life gets busy. Follow Beauty & The Brain so you don’t miss next week’s conversation, and send Chris and Jerry your questions about aesthetics, wellness, Skin and Tonic, travel, farm life, or anything else you’d love to hear them unpack on the show.

  8. Aug 27

    Why You Still Have Cellulite Even If You’re in Great Shape

    You can exercise, eat well, have low body fat—and still have cellulite. This week on Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, NP tackle one of the most common and frustrating concerns in body aesthetics: cellulite. They explain why cellulite isn’t simply “fat,” how fibrous bands beneath the skin create dimpling, and why genetics, hormones, skin thickness, body composition, and aging can all influence its appearance. That also explains why cellulite can show up in people who are extremely fit. Then they get into treatment. Chris and Jerry discuss why cellulite often responds best to a combination approach rather than a single procedure, including subcision to release tethering bands, collagen biostimulators such as Sculptra or hyperdilute Radiesse, and shockwave therapy to improve the surrounding tissue. They also talk candidly about what patients should expect: results take time, treatments may require multiple visits, improvement isn’t always permanent, and the goal should be meaningful improvement rather than an unrealistic promise of perfection. For aesthetic providers, there’s also a practical discussion about designing treatment packages, pricing expensive technology and injectables appropriately, and why recommending the complete treatment protocol is ultimately about achieving better outcomes—not simply selling more treatments. Whether you’re considering cellulite treatment yourself or you’re a provider trying to build better treatment plans, this episode offers a realistic look at what works, what takes time, and why the right sequence of treatments matters. Follow Beauty & The Brain so you don’t miss next week’s conversation on beauty, health, confidence, and the science behind aesthetic medicine.

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Trailer

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About

Welcome to Beauty & The Brain, the podcast where we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of medical aesthetics! I'm Dr. Chris Croley, and I'm joined by my co-host Jerry Drinkard, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Together, we co-own Skin & Tonic, a medical spa that's passionate about providing the latest and greatest treatments to help our clients look and feel their best. We started this podcast out of our love for medical aesthetics and our desire to share our knowledge and insights with others. Every week, we'll be discussing new trends, sharing our thoughts on controversial topics, and keeping you up to date on the latest technology in the industry. But we won't just be talking to ourselves! We're excited to bring in experts and industry leaders to share their perspectives and insights with our listeners. Our goal is to provide a podcast that's authentic, informative, and genuinely helpful for anyone who's interested in beauty and wellness. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or a medical professional, we hope you'll tune in every week to learn something new and join us on this journey of discovery. So, if you're ready to dive into the world of medical aesthetics, join us on Beauty & The Brain, and let's explore this fascinating industry together!

Information

  • Creator
    William C. Croley , Jerry Drinkard
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 William C. Croley , Jerry Drinkard
  • Show Website
    Beauty & The Brain®

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