Episodios

  • Ep 351 – Sunscreen Safety

    Ep 351 – Sunscreen Safety
    Oct 1 2025
    Even though we’re heading into fall, sunscreen is still a product we recommend daily — for every skin type, for every client. But if it’s not performing the way it should, that’s a major red flag for us as professionals. Recently, the FDA issued warnings to brands accused of “sunscreen doping” and to those producing sunscreen in foam formats. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down the reasoning behind the FDA’s actions and why it matters. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Pomp is the leading platform created exclusively for estheticians who want to elevate their skincare business. Pomp offers over 40 professional skincare brands, such as iS Clinical, Truth Treatments, EltaMD, Colorescience, and so many more. Estheticians can recommend from a selection of over 2,000 skincare products—without managing inventory. The platform provides easy-to-use tools, educational resources, and marketing support to help estheticians grow their client base and earn up to 30% commission on retail sales. Pomp empowers estheticians to confidently enhance services, educate clients, and build a thriving business with seamless product recommendations and a supportive community—all in one place. Visit www.pompbeauty.com for more details! Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
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    16 m
  • Ep 350 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Free Radicals

    Ep 350 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Free Radicals
    Sep 26 2025

    Free radicals get a bad rap, while antioxidants are hailed as the ultimate defense—but the science is a little more nuanced than that. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs breaks down the science and explains what free radicals really are and how antioxidants defend against them.

    Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science.

    Benjamin Knight Fuchs is a registered pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben’s expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients’ at-home skin care routines.

    Connect with Ben Fuchs:

    Website: www.brightsideben.com

    Phone: 844-236-6010

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/

    About Our Sponsor:

    All Truth Treatment Systems products have one thing in common—they work! Our products are made with 100 percent active and functional ingredients that make a difference to your skin. No fillers, preservatives, waxes, emulsifiers, oils, or fragrances. Our ingredients leverage the latest biochemical understandings and use proven strategies gleaned from years of compounding prescription skin health products for the most discerning physicians and patients.


    Website: www.TruthTreatmentsPro.com

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/truthtreatments

    Private Facebook Pro Group: www.facebook.com/groups/truthtreatments

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/truth.treatments
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    15 m
  • Ep 349 – The Beauty Pendulum

    Ep 349 – The Beauty Pendulum
    Sep 24 2025
    The beauty industry loves a pendulum swing. From CoolSculpting and body contouring to the rise of “skinimalism” and self-acceptance, then on to GLP-1s and now compression creams—are we ever really satisfied? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella dive into the irony, science, and psychology behind the latest “instant tightening” trend. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Pomp is the leading platform created exclusively for estheticians who want to elevate their skincare business. Pomp offers over 40 professional skincare brands, such as iS Clinical, Truth Treatments, EltaMD, Colorescience, and so many more. Estheticians can recommend from a selection of over 2,000 skincare products—without managing inventory. The platform provides easy-to-use tools, educational resources, and marketing support to help estheticians grow their client base and earn up to 30% commission on retail sales. Pomp empowers estheticians to confidently enhance services, educate clients, and build a thriving business with seamless product recommendations and a supportive community—all in one place. Visit www.pompbeauty.com for more details! Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
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    17 m
  • Ep 348 – Esty Book Club

    Ep 348 – Esty Book Club
    Sep 17 2025
    What do bestselling books about psychology and human behavior have to do with esthetics? More than you might think! In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk dive into three of Malcolm Gladwell’s most popular books—Talking to Strangers, Blink, and Outliers—and uncover surprising connections to the treatment room and your career as an esthetician. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Pomp is the leading platform created exclusively for estheticians who want to elevate their skincare business. Pomp offers over 40 professional skincare brands, such as iS Clinical, Truth Treatments, EltaMD, Colorescience, and so many more. Estheticians can recommend from a selection of over 2,000 skincare products—without managing inventory. The platform provides easy-to-use tools, educational resources, and marketing support to help estheticians grow their client base and earn up to 30% commission on retail sales. Pomp empowers estheticians to confidently enhance services, educate clients, and build a thriving business with seamless product recommendations and a supportive community—all in one place. Visit www.pompbeauty.com for more details! Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
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    24 m
  • Ep 347 – Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Business with Erin Kuhn Bhansali

    Ep 347 – Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Business with Erin Kuhn Bhansali
    Sep 12 2025

    As a skin care professional, you juggle clients, treatments, business growth, and more. Qnity ensures that money doesn’t hold you back. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, president and CEO Les Sweeney speaks with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, president/partner of Qnity & Qnity for Schools, about ASCP’s partnership with Qnity, which allows members to gain access to practical, easy-to-follow financial literacy programs designed for skin care professionals at every stage of their career.

    Resources:

    https://www.ascpskincare.com/ascp-x-qnity

    Host:

    Les Sweeney is the President and CEO of ASCP.
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    25 m
  • Ep 346 – 3 Pillars to Achieve Skin Results

    Ep 346 – 3 Pillars to Achieve Skin Results
    Sep 10 2025
    Are we treating skin—or just selling solutions? This episode of ASCP Esty Talk challenges the symptom-based, brand-driven approach dominating esthetics today by introducing a deeper, more intentional framework: functional aesthetics, clinical reasoning, and “wholistic” client care. We explore how a pimple isn’t always simple, and how real results require curiosity, conversation, and care that extends beyond the treatment room. With reflections on physiology, emotions, and even the surprising skin benefits of a certain “little pink pill,” this episode encourages estheticians to think bigger, dig deeper, and treat more meaningfully. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Pomp is the leading platform created exclusively for estheticians who want to elevate their skincare business. Pomp offers over 40 professional skincare brands, such as iS Clinical, Truth Treatments, EltaMD, Colorescience, and so many more. Estheticians can recommend from a selection of over 2,000 skincare products—without managing inventory. The platform provides easy-to-use tools, educational resources, and marketing support to help estheticians grow their client base and earn up to 30% commission on retail sales. Pomp empowers estheticians to confidently enhance services, educate clients, and build a thriving business with seamless product recommendations and a supportive community—all in one place. Visit www.pompbeauty.com for more details! Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
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    22 m
  • Ep 345 – Men’s Trend Report

    Ep 345 – Men’s Trend Report
    Sep 3 2025
    What do rock climbing, microneedling, and 90s inspired outfits all have in common? According to Pinterest, they’re all part of the new wave of male self-care. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss Pinterest Predicts: The 2025 Men’s Edit—the platform’s first-ever trend report focused entirely on men. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Pomp is the leading platform created exclusively for estheticians who want to elevate their skincare business. Pomp offers over 40 professional skincare brands, such as iS Clinical, Truth Treatments, EltaMD, Colorescience, and so many more. Estheticians can recommend from a selection of over 2,000 skincare products—without managing inventory. The platform provides easy-to-use tools, educational resources, and marketing support to help estheticians grow their client base and earn up to 30% commission on retail sales. Pomp empowers estheticians to confidently enhance services, educate clients, and build a thriving business with seamless product recommendations and a supportive community—all in one place. Visit www.pompbeauty.com for more details! Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
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    16 m
  • Ep 344– The Rogue Pharmacist: Insulin and the Skin

    Ep 344– The Rogue Pharmacist: Insulin and the Skin
    Aug 29 2025

    We all know insulin is key for blood sugar regulation - but what about its effect on the skin? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, we explore the effects of insulin on the skin and what estheticians should look for.

    Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science.

    Benjamin Knight Fuchs is a registered pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben’s expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients’ at-home skin care routines.

    Connect with Ben Fuchs:

    Website: www.brightsideben.com

    Phone: 844-236-6010

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/

    About Our Sponsor:

    All Truth Treatment Systems products have one thing in common—they work! Our products are made with 100 percent active and functional ingredients that make a difference to your skin. No fillers, preservatives, waxes, emulsifiers, oils, or fragrances. Our ingredients leverage the latest biochemical understandings and use proven strategies gleaned from years of compounding prescription skin health products for the most discerning physicians and patients.


    Website: www.TruthTreatmentsPro.com

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/truthtreatments

    Private Facebook Pro Group: www.facebook.com/groups/truthtreatments

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/truth.treatments
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    11 m