Naked Beauty

Madison Utendahl returns to the show on the heels of an incredible career pivot and with her burnout in check. Madison has appeared as a guest on the show in her capacity as the Webby-Award-winning and Forbes 30 Under 30 director of the Utendahl Creative Branding Studio, and founding member of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Refinery29’s 29Rooms, and Museum of Ice Cream. Today she arrives as the Founder of Utendahl Consulting, the magnetic voice behind BURNT on Substack, and a fractional CMO. Madison has proven that she can do it all, and her nervous system tells the story of what happens when she does. During our conversation, we talked all about what having massive ambition and a work ethic in overdrive costs and how she’s healing in public.   During our chat, Madison walks us through her earliest experiences with ambition, success, and burnout in school and work. She shared that she always knew she wanted more from life than others, and that she was willing to do whatever it took to achieve it. And while she has achieved incredible success, Madison has also learned difficult lessons about burnout and how it manifests itself in her body and mind. We talked about how she came to understand when she needs to take a step back and sometimes away from her professional pursuits and pivot to something new. Madison explained that this can mean a career change, shuttering a successful business, or trying non-Western therapies to find peace and healing. In this incredibly transparent conversation, Madison opens up about the highs and lows of building a fulfilling career and defining success on her own terms and with her mental health intact.Tune in as we discuss:(00:00) Welcome Madison(8:55) How Being Raised In New York Shaped Her Work Ethic(16:00) Her Burnout Triggers(17:50) Taking A Sequential Approach To Life(26:55) How Burnout Shows Up In Her Body(33:33) Experiencing Burnout As An Entrepreneur(40:20) Why She Turned Down A Multi-Million Dollar Opportunity(43:03) How She Ethically Closed Utendahl Creative(49:08) How She Became An Artist and CMO(50:45) Why She Turned To Non-Western Therapy(54:45) Dealing With Intergenerational Trauma & Anxiety(59:00) The Hoffman Process and Ketamine Therapy(01:08:14) How She Navigates Estrangement With Her Mother(01:10:25) Designing Her Day(01:24:01) When She Feels The Most BeautifulRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on AppleJoin the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanetThanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you're listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Ruth @madison.utendahl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very special episode of Naked Beauty, I had the privilege of talking to my grandfather, Calvin George Kemp, about his being 102 years old. He shared his experiences growing up in the segregated Vine City in Atlanta, Georgia. He explained how his father and other elders sheltered local children from the harsh realities of racism, and raised him in a community of Black people where he felt comfortable and safe. Things changed after he was drafted into the United States military, and he faced encounters no one should have. My grandfather, a brilliant and accomplished man, talked about rising in the ranks and fighting for the right to apply his skills and brilliance in Okinawa, Guam, and a host of other countries.We talked about his memories of historic moments in American history that most people would only learn about in history books. My grandfather was open about the emotional toll of his experiences, including the joy of meeting my grandmother, who inspired him to step up his style. This conversation was a lovely reminder that “acting one’s age” is a choice, and that you can have a full and interesting life, so long as you commit to it. This conversation was intimate and revealing, and I’m excited to share his wisdom on how he’s managed to live a life filled with adventure and love for over a century.Tune in as we discuss:(0:10) Life at 103 Years Old (1:20) What His 20’s Were Like(1:50) 1940s Pop Culture(3:30) Growing Up In Segregated Atlanta(5:55) His Being Drafted Into The Military(9:40) Encountering Mounting Segregation In The Military(17:08) Initially Feeling Embittered By Racist Experiences(21:44) Memories of Historic Black Events(22:35) Voting For President Barack Obama  (26:40) Meeting His Wife of 45 Years(27:30) Tips For Having A Long And Happy Marriage(32:50) Having an Immaculate Personal Style(37:20) What A Beautiful Life Means To HimRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We gathered in NYC on the first Tuesday in May to debrief the 2026 Met Gala, and my wonderful guests did not hold back. We started with the artists behind two of our favorite looks: Coree Moreno and Sir John, who discussed their respective visions and approaches to hair and makeup for Chase Infiniti and Naomi Osaka. Then, Crystal Anderson and Sean Garette delivered rapid-fire hot takes on the night's best and worst looks — from Cardi B's "colonoscopy couture," to Beyoncé's sheer dress, Emma Chamberlain's Mugler moment, and more.I was also joined by Darian Harvin, Recho Omondi, and photographer Steven Simioni to discuss why the Met Gala has lost some of its magic, how celebrity image control works behind the scenes, and the politics of Anna Wintour's guest list. Last but not least, stylist Ivy Coco and content creator Aston closed the show by speaking on body diversity, identity in fashion, and how social media has throttled people's willingness to take risks on the carpet.This episode was made possible with support from 111 Skin, Merit, and MAC Cosmetics.Watch the full Naked Beauty Live show on YouTube Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Molly Sims is a true Renaissance woman. From gracing the covers of French Vogue to acting to founding the YSE beauty brand, she’s done it all in the beauty and entertainment industries. After years of hearing that she should model, she accepted an opportunity to take a semester off from Vanderbilt to give it a try in Europe. Her career ramped up quickly, and she soon found herself building a new and unexpected career overseas. Molly is very transparent about that time in her life, and how modeling quickly changed her relationship to her body. Her time in fashion enabled her to build a robust portfolio, which she leveraged into an on-screen career on MTV’s House of Style, Las Vegas, and more. She’s also worked behind the scenes as a producer on multiple shows and has built strong communities across nearly every major social media platform.No stranger to pivoting, Molly realized that she no longer wanted to be the face of a brand; she wanted to build something of her own. This realization was coupled with serious bouts of melasma and hyperpigmentation that may have been caused by ageing and or pregnancy. None of her usual treatments and products were working for her, but like always, she accepted this as a personal challenge to solve. She quickly realized that the skincare market for women over 35 was missing affordable products with scientifically backed results. Women with similar skincare needs were not being marketed to, and Molly knew just how to fill that gap: enter YSE Beauty. Built on years of professional experience working with makeup artists and skincare professionals, Molly built a brand that is now in hundreds of Sephora doors. During our conversation, Molly shared other examples of how she has faced challenges head-on and refused to accept any subpar answers. We talk openly about our health challenges and how we’ve had to advocate for ourselves when we know that something in our bodies is not quite right. Molly also talks about why she is called the Barrier Queen, her favorite beauty treatments, and why you should never ever settle. Tune in as we discuss:(18:45) Did She Feel Beautiful Growing Up In Kentucky(24:15) Being Thrown Into The Heroin Chic Era(25:15) On Thinness Being Mandatory(27:07) How Modeling Changed Her Relationship To Her Body(32:52) Why Create YSE Beauty(33:35) How Motherhood Shaped Her Professional Choices(40:41) YSE Is Clinical And Regulatory Focused(44:50) Marketing Without Anti-Aging Language(46:00) Lessons On Using Retinol(50:42) Cutting Over Filling or Surgery Vs. Filler (52:45) Peptide Injections Are The Next Big Thing In Beauty (53:20) The Importance Of GLP-1 And NAD Wellness Transparency(1:00:35) When She Feels The Most Beautiful(1:03:05) Reminder To Never SettleNaked Beauty Listeners get a discount on YSE beauty with code NAKED15Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Molly @mollybsims Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coree Moreno is a renowned hair artist who regularly works on editorial and red-carpet events, including the MET Gala. Some of his impressive celebrity roster includes Zendaya, Queen Latifah, Natasha Lyonne, Lil Nas X, and more. But how did someone who began doing hair at 13 in PG County come to sculpt hair for Hollywood’s A-List? Coree grew up as a creative and inquisitive child who had a front-row seat to his mom’s hair rituals. Before graduating from high school, he was preparing to enroll in cosmetology school. Besides experimenting with colors and cuts on himself, he served prominent women from his community. Working with elite Black professionals in PG County provided Coree a foundation for working with chic women with very high standards, which he would build on in Hollywood. Coree’s expansion to L.A. was the result of a bold DM to the iconic Vernon François, stating his interest and availability to assist when the opportunity arises. The opportunity arose two weeks after he sent the DM, and he was assisting Vernon with Serena Williams’ hair on a W Magazine set.​When Coree describes how supportive his family was about his decision to pursue hair full-time and when he came out, it’s clear why he’s so confidently chased his dreams around the globe. During our chat, Coree talks about developing his artistic point of view over the past 18 years. We also discussed current hairstyle culture, and what he thinks about new hair rules and the changing relationships between clients and stylists. I couldn’t miss an opportunity to get Coree’s professional opinion on Black Girl Haircare 101, like the best edge styling products, the steps to a great silk press, fixing breakage, and his protective style hot takes. We got personal and explored how yoga changed his life, his favorite escapist video games, and why working with Lil Nas X was one of his most iconic creative assignments. Unbelievably, this is Coree’s first podcast interview, but with his breadth of knowledge and desire to pour into the next generation of stylists, we know it is the first of many.Tune in as we discuss:(5:00) His Mom’s 90s Beauty Practices(5:20) Why Hairstylists Are Losing Recipes(10:45) How A Cold DM to Vernon François Led Him To Assisiting In LA(13:40) What He’s Learned Working With Talent On Set(17:15) What Working With Queen Latifah Is Like(23:29) Products & Tools To Lay Edges By Texture(25:45) How To Fortify Your Silk Press(29:33) Achieving A Press With One Pass(30:55) Tips For Fixing Breakage(34:16) How To Blend Stubborn Leave Out(35:30) Best Protective Style For Growth(37:45) Most Damaging Protective Style(39:00) How To Protect Your Scalp In Braids(40:05) A Hair Steam Trick When Wearing Synthetic Hair(47:35) Why Yoga Has Been So Transformative Personally & Professionally(58:31) When Coree Feels The Most BeautifulRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Coree @coree.morenoProducts Mentioned:Bask & Lather Edge ControlWooden Denman BrushH2 Pro Diamond Plateamika SoulfoodCecred Scalp LineMiriam Quevedo Sublime Gold Luminous Conditioner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nia Reneé Hill is an accomplished actress, entertainment executive, producer, and master of reinvention. Like many of us, her earliest attempts at reinvention happened after she started a new school in LA. She was immediately introduced to a new set of beauty and style expectations that were different from what was allowed at her prim and mandatory-uniform Catholic School. Growing up traveling between parents and cities, Los Angeles and Atlanta, provided her with the foundation to assess and adapt to new surroundings quickly. While her mother was stricter in how she allowed Nia to self-express, her father, a well-known comedy agent, was more lenient. Her early exposure to the entertainment business, coupled with music video inspiration on BET, Nia quickly carved out her own path personally and professionally.During our conversation, Nia shared that while she studied acting in college, her father dissuaded her from pursuing a career in acting. The Harlem Renaissance inspired her to move to New York during the early 2000s. After interning at the famous Apollo Theater, she embarked on a career as an executive and landed roles at Comedy Central, The Chappelle Show, and even MTV. Despite a successful career and blossoming relationship with her now-husband, Bill Burr, she was unfulfilled. She transitioned to a full-time stay-at-home mother, but still felt called towards creative work. Nia decided to invest fully in herself and her interests, only to find that she was the career of her dreams. Her current role, as a purveyor of the best in Black fine dining, is created in her image; truly original, funny, and endlessly entertaining. Tune in as we discuss:(5:40) Why Nia Isn't Pursuing A Professional Comedy Career(6:30) Why She Didn’t Feel Beautiful Growing Up(8:45) Growing Up Between Atlanta & LA(9:08) Her Nepo Baby Experience(10:30) How Summer School In LA Helped Reshape Her Identity (11:15) Finding Style Inspo On BET(11:45) Her Experience In Y2K Harlem (12:10) How The Harlem Renaissance Inspired Her Move(12:40) A Mild Diddy Run-In(13:05) What Early 2000s Braid Shops Were Like(14:10) Defining Her Second Wind Career(15:00) From Acting & To Media Exec(16:16) Recovering From Corporate Unhappiness(17:50) Why She Felt Unfulfilled As A SAHM(19:08) The True Cost Of Investing In Herself(21:00) Why Vanity Inspired Her Public Rebrand(25:08) Building Her Team With Personal Connections(26:28) The Day-To-Day Stylist Rundown(31:45) How People Responded To Her Evolution(38:52) Invest In Yourself, Even If It’s Small(39:59) Beginning Her Fine Dining Journey(44:40) Why She Chooses To Highlight Black Chefs(47:55) LA Food Lightning Round(54:41) Nia's Advice For People Who Feel StuckRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Nia @niasalteregoProducts Mentioned:Ami Cole Lip OilMakeup Forever Hydra GlowMAC Chestnut Lip PencilEADEM Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip BalmForlle'd Hyalogy P-effect Refining LotionAquaphor Healing OintmentVaseline Cocoa Radiant LotionBiologique Recherche Masque VivantPurple Rain Prada Beauty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year, Beauties! I wanted to start 2026 by shifting focus from productivity to seeking inspiration from creative figures. Instead of advocating for work ethic and goals, I introduce you all to my 'creative board of directors' to offer perspective. Diana Vreeland, Andre Leon Talley, Zora Neale Hurston, Walt Whitemand, and Thich Nhat Hanh are the 'creative ancestors' who help guide the way I live and work. In this episode, we explore the wisdom I've gleaned from these people, from keeping one's imagination fresh like Diana Vreeland wrote about, to the importance of not shrinking oneself, as taught by Andre Leon Talley. I reflect on Andy Warhol's views on combining commerce with creativity, and highlight the spiritual resilience of writers Zora Neale Hurston and transcendentalist Walt Whitman. To conclude, I drew on the wisdom from the mindfulness teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh regarding the importance of being present. Tune in for a reminder to embrace the present moment, stay curious, and relish the current season of their lives.Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.