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
    • 4.1 • 1.4K 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

4.1 out of 5
1.4K Ratings

1.4K Ratings

Ericorn ,

Fascinating Subject

Very interesting story and fascinating doctor. The reporting was thorough and I enjoyed the information. I didn’t quite understand the beginning and ends of episodes…felt like there could have been longer episodes or maybe a 4 part story. Or more of a reason that the podcaster brought in her own background, more of a connection there?
Although overall, I really liked this! Mostly because Dr. Brandt is just so interesting.

Jasperjenko ,

Eh

Could’ve been half the time because repeated and drawn out a lot of the sameness. I wish Jane Marie did this topic instead with a more critical journalistic eye, this felt very pro Botox and coming from journalist perspective, interviewing a derm and getting free (gift) Botox In exchange is a no no. It had good moments but also a bit vapid, in my opinion. But a decent listen I did t know about dr Brandt and a good story, but yea just issues with it

stanislavia ,

Neurodivergent friendly

I really appreciated the relative lack of distracting background music while people are talking.

There seems to be a trend recently of Podcasters thinking background music and sound effects are somehow helpful to the story. They are not, and particularly for us Neurodivergent folks, it can make podcasts really frustrating if not completely impossible to enjoy.

Top marks to this podcast for really thoughtful production, making it possible to really enjoy getting absorbed in the story. Thank you!

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