Ep. 18 | Where Beauty Meets Science: Real Talk on Aesthetic Dermatology With Dr. Lycia Thornburg

Ep. 18 | Where Beauty Meets Science: Real Talk on Aesthetic Dermatology With Dr. Lycia Thornburg

What happens when a board-certified dermatologist decides the system isn't working — and builds something better from the ground up? In this episode, Amelia sits down with Dr. Lycia Thornburg to find out. Dr. Thornburg just opened her own solo dermatology practice — housed in a former bank she gutted and redesigned from scratch. She's a national speaker, the author of Chasing Beauty, and the newly named Allergan Aesthetics flagship provider for her region, winning out of 16 states. She also founded Made for Shade, a skin cancer prevention charity that's been running for 18 years. In this conversation, they dig into the science behind Botox, fillers, and lasers, how to tell if your skincare is truly pharmaceutical-grade (or just expensive marketing), why the aesthetics industry is called the Wild West — and how patients can navigate it safely, what it takes to write a book and how the process transformed Dr. Thornburg's expertise and professional network, and how a last-minute airplane upgrade set the entire journey in motion. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: • [1:00] Leaving a 50-doctor practice to go solo — and what her first week felt like • [3:00] How a former bank became a living room lobby • [7:00] The accountability moment in the book-writing process that changed everything • [9:00] Meeting the chief scientific officer at Allergan and doing the research that shaped the book • [11:00] The Wild West of aesthetics — and how patients can vet their providers • [16:00] Pharmaceutical-grade skincare vs. expensive advertising • [20:00] Lasers explained: what resurfacing actually means and why modern treatments are nothing like the 1990s • [28:00] Winning a national Allergan flagship and building an experiential clinic lobby • [29:00] The origin of Made for Shade and 18 years of community impact • [39:00] Why aesthetic medicine isn't vanity — and how Botox visits save lives In this episode: Dr. Lycia Thornburg is a board-certified dermatologist, author, national speaker, and founder of Lycia Thornburg MD Dermatology in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Her book, Chasing Beauty, was written with the help of Pithy Wordsmithery and explores science-backed aesthetics, patient safety, and the ethics of an industry evolving faster than anyone can regulate. Amelia Forczak is the founder and CEO of Pithy Wordsmithery, a boutique firm that helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders write and publish their books. A New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, Amelia and her team provide end-to-end support from ghostwriting and developmental editing to cover design, audio, and launch strategy. Resources: • Dr. Lycia Thornburg MD Dermatology – lyciathornburgmd.com [https://www.lyciathornburgmd.com] • Instagram / Linktree: @lyciathornburgmd [https://linktr.ee/lyciathornburgmd] • Instagram: @capturedbeautyaesthetics [https://instagram.com/capturedbeautyaesthetics] • LinkedIn: Lycia Thornburg [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lycia-thornburg-89b610317/] • Chasing Beauty by Dr. Lycia Thornburg [https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Beauty-Science-Business-Aesthetics/dp/B0DW9CH459] • Made for Shade – madeforshadesd.com [https://madeforshadesd.com] • SkinMedica – skinmedica.com [https://skinmedica.com] • Allergan Aesthetics – allerganaesthetics.com [https://allerganaesthetics.com] • Chris Dyer – chrisdyer.com [https://chrisdyer.com] • Pithy Wordsmithery – pithywordsmithery.com [https://pithywordsmithery.com]

Ep. 17 | The Real Authority Is Vulnerability: Aaron Calafato on Authentic Storytelling

What makes someone truly trustworthy as a communicator? According to storytelling expert Aaron Calafato, it's not credentials, authority, or a polished script — it's vulnerability. Aaron is the creator and host of 7 Minute Stories, the leading short-form autobiographical storytelling podcast in the world with over 30 million listeners. He's also a narrative strategist who helps brands like Indeed, Glassdoor, and CyberArk build story channels that create community and fuel growth. In this conversation with Amelia Forczak, Aaron breaks down how he discovered his natural seven-minute storytelling rhythm, why humans are neurologically wired for narrative, and how the simple act of catching stories can transform the way you communicate — whether you're writing a book, giving a keynote, or pitching in a boardroom. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why vulnerability — not authority — is what actually earns trust in storytelling • How to become a story catcher before you try to become a storyteller • The neuroscience behind why humans are already wired for narrative • How big brands can tell authentic stories while still being brand safe • Why public storytelling means careful curation, not oversharing This episode is brought to you by Pithy Wordsmithery, a boutique ghostwriting firm founded by Amelia Forczak. Amelia is a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter who helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders write and publish their books. Learn more at pithywordsmithery.com [https://pithywordsmithery.com/]. Connect with Aaron Calafato: 7 Minute Stories Podcast: 7minutestoriespod.com [https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/] Website: aaroncalafato.com [https://www.aaroncalafato.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaroncalafato [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaroncalafato/] Connect with Amelia Forczak + Pithy Wordsmithery: Website: pithywordsmithery.com [https://pithywordsmithery.com] Subscribe to Sticky: Stories That Stick wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review if you love the show!

From Overthinking to Action Building a Business That Sells While You Sleep With Krissy Chin

Krissy Chin is the Owner and Co-founder of K+C Creative, a full-service branding, website design, and copywriting agency that helps coaches and service providers grow and scale their businesses online. She specializes in business strategy, conversion-focused messaging, and building sales funnels that drive revenue and automate growth. As the strategic half of the sister-led company, she combines marketing expertise with practical systems to help clients sell more efficiently. Krissy is also a podcast host and business coach known for helping entrepreneurs create scalable digital offers and sustainable online businesses. In this episode: What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't strategy, resources, or timing — but your own tendency to overthink? Many entrepreneurs stay stuck waiting for clarity, perfection, or the "right" moment to act. But what if the real path to growth comes from doing before you feel ready? Krissy Chin, a multi-business owner, podcast host, and author, believes that progress comes from action, not perfection. She explains that clarity is a result of taking steps forward, not waiting for all the answers upfront. She highlights how many entrepreneurs fall into analysis paralysis, preventing them from testing ideas, refining their offers, and gaining real-world feedback. By embracing a "done is better than perfect" mindset, business owners can build momentum faster and make smarter, experience-driven decisions. She also emphasizes aligning business models with lifestyle goals and implementing systems that support sustainable growth. In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak is joined by Krissy Chin, Owner and Co-founder of K+C Creative, to talk about overcoming overthinking and building a business that sells while you sleep. They discuss taking imperfect action, creating strategic funnels, and simplifying marketing efforts. Krissy also shares advice on delegating effectively and writing a book efficiently.

The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Alan Gregerman on Turning Ignorance Into Innovation

Alan Gregerman is President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS, a consulting, training, and learning firm that helps organizations drive innovation and develop new products, services, and strategies. He is an internationally recognized expert, bestselling author, and keynote speaker focused on helping companies unlock the genius within their people. With decades of experience advising organizations globally, he is known for his work on curiosity, collaboration, and breakthrough thinking that leads to measurable business results. In this episode: What if the very thing you've been taught to avoid — ignorance — is actually the key to innovation? In a world that rewards expertise and certainty, admitting what you don't know can feel like a weakness. But what if embracing ignorance is exactly what leads to breakthrough ideas? Alan Gregerman, an innovation expert and bestselling author, argues that ignorance can be a strategic advantage because it removes the blind spots created by expertise. He explains that when people rely too heavily on what they know, they limit their ability to see new possibilities. By intentionally stepping into the unknown, asking better questions, and observing the world with fresh eyes, individuals can turn ignorance into a catalyst for innovation. This mindset shift encourages more experimentation, adaptability, and creative problem solving. He also highlights the importance of seeking new experiences to continuously challenge assumptions and expand thinking. In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Alan Gregerman, President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS, to talk about how to turn ignorance into innovation. They explore why expertise can limit creativity, how embracing not knowing leads to better ideas, and practical ways to stay curious in a fast changing world. Alan also shares advice on using observation and new experiences to spark breakthrough thinking.

Rewriting Your Inner Story Through Psychedelics: Dr. Sabrina Hadeed on Going From Stuck to Softened

Dr. Sabrina Hadeed is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, and founder of Love and Psychedelics, a platform dedicated to exploring how altered states can transform relationships and personal narratives. With nearly 20 years of experience in marriage and family therapy, Dr. Hadeed is recognized for her pioneering work integrating psychotherapy, feminist theory, and psychedelic-assisted healing, helping countless individuals and couples move from conditioned patterns to conscious choice. She is one of the first licensed psilocybin facilitators in Oregon, a state at the forefront of legal psychedelic therapy, and her innovative approaches have been featured in various mental health forums. Dr. Hadeed's unique perspective draws from her own journey through conscious uncoupling and her expertise in trauma and liberation, making her a sought-after voice on how psychedelics can expedite growth, healing, and self-discovery. In this episode: We all have stories we tell ourselves — about who we are, what we deserve, and why we feel stuck. But what if those stories aren't fixed, and with the right tools, they could shift in ways that unlock healing and connection? What if transformation begins not by forcing change, but by softening what's already there? Dr. Sabrina Hadeed, a licensed psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, explains that transformation happens when our internal defenses begin to soften, allowing us to access deeper truths about ourselves. She highlights how psychedelics can gently disrupt rigid thought patterns, making space to re-examine limiting beliefs and inherited narratives. The result is often a profound reconnection to one's authentic self and greater emotional clarity. By creating conditions for insight rather than control, this work helps individuals move from reactivity to conscious choice. It also supports healthier relationships by reshaping how people interpret conflict, identity, and connection. In this episode of the Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Dr. Sabrina Hadeed, founder of Love and Psychedelics, to talk about how psychedelics help rewrite inner narratives. They explore breaking stuck patterns, softening emotional defenses, and transforming relationships through new perspectives. Dr. Hadeed also shares insights on microdosing and its role in everyday healing.