We’re taking a brief but important "closer look" at what it means to truly own your skin health journey. After a brief two-week hiatus to navigate a demanding night-shift rotation and prioritize essential rest and mental clarity, Caleb is back with a powerful reminder for the end of the year.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of Skin Health Stewardship. Before the New Year’s resolution noise begins, learn why it is vital to advocate for yourself, lean into your own research, and protect your energy. Your skin journey isn't just about products—it's about the tools and the mindset you use to navigate them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The reality of managing health and high-demand schedules (professional transparency).

• What it means to be a "Steward" of your own skin.

• The importance of advocating for yourself in clinical and retail spaces.

• How to build a sustainable "Toolbox" for 2026.

I want to hear from you! To celebrate our return in January, I’m inviting one lucky listener to join me on the show for a custom Q&A session.

To enter:

1. Listen to the episode.

2. DM me on IG @Closerlookproject with one tool you are putting in your 2026 Skin Health Toolbox.

3. That’s it! One winner will be selected to co-host a Q&A segment on topics of their choice.

We officially return with full-length episodes the first week of January. See you then!

LISTENER OPPORTUNITY!

Would you send a gardener to work without tools? Would you trust a landscaper who had never studied the soil?

In this episode of The Closer Look Podcast, we are opening up the "Steward's Toolbox." Your skin is your body’s largest organ—a living landscape that protects you from pathogens, regulates your temperature, and serves as your window into internal health. Yet, most of us walk through the world without the basic tools needed to protect it.

Join host J. Caleb Runyon, NP-C, as we go totally sponsor-free to vet the best digital and analog tools for skin cancer prevention. From AI-powered apps that track changes in your moles to the physics of why a black t-shirt might be your best sunscreen, we are covering the "extra credit" assignments that could save your life.

In this episode, we take a closer look at:

• The Gardener Analogy: Why treating your skin like property changes how you care for it.

• Digital Detectives: A review of Mole Mapper (OHSU) and Skin Vision—how to use your phone to track changes before they become dangerous.

• Risk Calculators: Using data from the Melanoma Institute Australia to understand your personal risk profile.

• Breaking Bias: Why we are moving from the Fitzpatrick Scale to the Eumelanin Scale for better inclusivity in dermatology.

• The Physics of Protection: UPF clothing explained (and why regular white tees fail you), plus the science behind UV detection stickers.

• Family History 101: How to interview your relatives to uncover genetic risks—without the awkwardness.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Apps: Mole Mapper (OHSU), Skin Vision

• Tools: Spot My UV Stickers, UPF Clothing

• Resources: Melanoma Institute Australia Risk Calculator, The Eumelanin Human Skin Color Scale

Download The Steward's Toolkit PDF:Get the full checklist, the Family History Interview Script, and other resources at www.closerlookproject.com.

Disclaimer: This episode contains no paid sponsorships. All products and resources mentioned are for educational "toolbox" purposes only and have been vetted by our team as supportive adjuncts to your routine. This content is not medical advice and does not replace professional diagnosis or regular visits to your dermatologist.

-The Closer Look Project

Welcome to Season 2 of the Closer Look Podcast. We are shifting the narrative from aesthetic perfection to long-term preservation with a concept we call Skin Health Stewardship. From mastering the annual exam to asking 'power questions' that actually get answers, we explore why this mindset shift matters. Because ultimately, it’s not vanity, it’s vitality.

Tool Box:

• Mole Mapper by Oregon Health & Science University https://www.ohsu.edu/war-on-melanoma/molemappertm-mole-tracking-app

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• CRAAP Test https://libguides.rbc.edu/c.php?g=484846&p=3320444

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• Digital Power Question Card https://www.closerlookproject.com/skin-health-stewardship

-The Closer Look Project

Does chocolate cause breakouts? Can you actually "sweat out" your toxins? Join your host and expert guest, Mercy Viator, MSN, NP, a board-certified Dermatology Nurse Practitioner, as we dive into the biggest skincare myths you grew up believing. In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and setting the record straight on everything from acne triggers and anti-aging hacks to the real rules of sun protection. Prepare to toss out your old beliefs and get the science-backed facts you need for your best skin ever.

-The Closer Look Project

Is your massage therapist part of your healthcare team? They should be! In this essential episode, we sit down with licensed massage therapist Kayla Carpenter to discuss their vital role in early detection. Learn the subtle signs they're trained to spot, from unusual tissue texture and postural shifts to new lumps or swelling, and understand when a massage turns into a "closer look." We cover how regular bodywork provides a baseline for your health, offering a non-invasive way to flag potential issues with your doctor sooner. If you are interested in joining The Closer Look Project's learning program OR becoming a partnering clinic, please check out our website at www.closerlookproject.com!

-The Closer Look Project

How can a simple trip to the salon become a life-saving moment?

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking initiative that bridges the gap between everyday services and proactive healthcare. We sit down with Brent Tomblin & Shayla Procopio from Coalfield Health, our very first partner in a new referral network.

We'll dive into the details of this innovative program, which empowers hairdressers, aestheticians, nail techs, massage therapists, and even tattoo artists, to act as a crucial frontline for early detection. Our guests from Coalfield Health will share the story of this partnership and explain how it provides a direct, trusted path for clients to get suspicious skin lesions checked by a medical professional.

Join us to learn how this collaborative effort is leveraging community relationships to save lives, one referral at a time. This isn't just a conversation about health, it's about the power of connection.

You can check out more information about this program at www.closerlookproject.com! See you next time!

Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre es el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, y dedicamos este episodio especial a un tema esencial: la salud de la piel y la concientización sobre el cáncer en la comunidad hispana. Nos acompaña Juliana Irurita, bióloga y educadora colombiana, quien ofrece su perspectiva única. Acompáñenos a profundizar en los conceptos erróneos comunes sobre la protección solar en pieles morenas, explorar temas relacionados con el acceso a la atención médica y discutir los pasos cruciales para evaluar y proteger adecuadamente la piel de color. Esta conversación es imprescindible para la concientización, la educación y la equidad en salud.

-El Proyecto de Mirada Más Cercana