Success rarely looks like a straight line.

Mavi Rodriguez joins Dr. Angela Sturm to discuss her transition from patient coordinator to the host of Big Butts No Lies and creator of Bruise Juice. Time blocking helps her balance roles as a mom and entrepreneur. She helps patients choose surgeons, explains industry differences, and guides them through recovery.

Connect with Mavi here.

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Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. Mavi highlights the importance of patient advocacy, helping mostly women understand the complexities of plastic surgery—from choosing the right surgeon and understanding pricing differences, to supporting them during the recovery process. Her approach is about empowering patients with information and a support system, ensuring safety and successful outcomes.

2. Mavi discusses her path from medical assistant and patient coordinator, to launching her own podcast and product line. She openly shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, but reveals that her patient-side perspective became her unique strength. Persistence, curiosity, and grit are emphasized as essential qualities for carving out a new path and making an impact.

3. A significant portion of the conversation centers around educating patients about the differences between cosmetic surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons. Mavi stresses the need for thorough research, not just relying on social media or a single consultation, and being alert to red flags. Making informed choices can mean the difference between a positive transformation and a problematic or even dangerous outcome.

4. Dr. Sturm and Mavi explore how social media often distorts the realities of plastic surgery, with photoshopped images and misleading presentations of results. They emphasize the need for patients to look beyond the curated images, to healed and long-term results, and not let filtered content set unrealistic expectations.

5. Mavi provides emotional support, acting as a “surgery bestie” for her clients, holding their hand from consultation, through recovery, to their post-op transformation. The conversation underscores the priceless value of having someone knowledgeable to reassure, guide, and advocate for patients—an element often missing from traditional medical care.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Journey from Assistant to Innovator"

05:51 "Developing a Better Recovery Solution"

07:20 "Creating a Unique Podcast"

12:25 Choosing the Right Surgeon

13:39 "Choosing the Right Surgeon"

18:59 Predatory Practices in Cosmetic Surgery

21:56 Patient Guidance and Realistic Expectations

23:25 Surgery Preparation and Support Process

26:28 "Feeling Good, Looking Amazing"

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In the season three finale of Beauty Unveiled, Dr. Angela Sturm reflects on the year’s conversations about surgery, recovery and self-image, while thanking listeners for their support. She recaps themes like support systems, embracing the recovery process and using surgical and non-surgical options to align appearance with how patients feel, then previews expert guests and deeper dives coming in 2026 and invites listeners to subscribe, share and stay connected.

Key takeaways

1. A strong support system is crucial for a smoother, more positive surgical recovery.

2. Recovery is a gradual process, and accepting that helps manage expectations and emotions.

3. Aesthetic procedures can be a form of self-care and empowerment that lets people rewrite their story.

4. Non-surgical treatments like injectables, microneedling, lasers and medical-grade skincare can significantly improve skin quality and perceived age.

5. The next season will feature expert guests, deeper education on rhinoplasty and recovery, and encourages listeners to stay engaged and suggest topics or guests.

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sturm is joined by entrepreneur and Beauty Unveiled producer Freddy Cruz, who traded a career in radio for the leap into business after hundreds of job rejections. Both reveal how stepping away from established institutions in pursuit of new ventures requires vision and resilience. Their conversation shares insights about embracing risk and finding fulfillment in entrepreneurship, whether transforming patients’ lives in surgery or building a brand from scratch.

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Watch Dr. Sturm on Freddy's podcast Cruz through HTX here.

Connect with Freddy (freddy@spekepodcasting.com).

Key Takeaways

1. Both Dr. Sturm and Freddy share their transitions from structured employment to entrepreneurship, highlighting the uncertainty and risks of going out on your own. A clear vision and commitment with “no plan B” stand out as vital for success.

2. Professional relationships and a solid reputation provide support and continuity when leaving established systems. Freddy’s first clients came from former connections, and Dr. Sturm’s loyal patients followed her into her private practice. Authenticity and rapport remain crucial across careers.

3. A willingness to learn—drawing from podcasts, mentors, and thought leaders—is emphasized over raw skill. Both value being coachable and recognize that sometimes a new perspective delivers a breakthrough realization.

4. Balancing business and family life is a recurring challenge. Dr. Sturm reflects on working with her significant other, the need for clear boundaries, and assigning roles based on strengths to maintain harmony both at work and at home.

5. Dr. Sturm explains why many physicians become entrepreneurs, citing inadequate business education and the burnout of traditional systems. She discusses building a practice with scalable processes for long-term value and fulfillment.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Entrepreneurship and Resilience Insight

05:18 Growth Through Podcasts & Learning

07:16 Embrace Tasks with Positivity

13:54 Embracing Growth Through Struggles

18:24 Focus on Strengths, Not Paperwork

22:04 Embracing Failure in Your 20s

23:47 Finding Purpose Through Uncertainty

28:06 Residency Commitment Through Generations

32:04 Medical Practice Value Challenges

35:36 Advocating for Self & Others

38:13 Residency Shift Work Struggles

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