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Mark Menning, PhD, pharmaceutical scientist and founder of MARK Los Angeles, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack how flavonoids, clinical trials, and advanced delivery systems are reshaping skincare. From FDA-approved antivirals to cold sore serums and acne care, he shares how science—not hype—is driving the next era of beauty and wellness.

We'll talk about:

• Why drug delivery—not just ingredients—defines whether skincare works
• How a career in pharma led to groundbreaking skincare innovations
• The role of flavonoids as powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral actives
• Lessons from running full clinical trials in an industry that avoids them
• Why consumer feedback forced MARK Los Angeles to reposition products—and why it worked
• How inflammation became the “enemy” driving premature aging and poor skin health
• What the future of beauty looks like when science—not marketing—sets the standard

For more information, visit Mark Menning's LinkedIn.

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Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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Susanah Zeffiro, Brand Partnerships Lead at BeReal and former Spotify and Epic Games exec, joins Lara Schmoisman to explore the future of social media, authenticity vs. AI, and how brands can win with Gen Z by leaning into raw, unfiltered connection instead of glossy campaigns.

We'll talk about:

• Why Gen Z is rejecting filtered perfection and demanding authenticity
• The throughline of Susanah’s career: spotting what’s next before it hits the mainstream
• Lessons from Spotify, gaming, and now BeReal on building brand partnerships that actually work
• How raw, iPhone-shot creatives are outperforming polished campaigns
• The rise of “monocultural moments” and how real-time engagement reshapes brand storytelling
• Why BeReal isn’t chasing algorithms—and why that matters for users and brands
• How social platforms are shifting from entertainment to search, and where BeReal fits in
• The future of influencer marketing in an era of authenticity and unfiltered connection

For more information, visit Susanah Zeffiro's LinkedIn.

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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Steven J. Edelstein, VP of Growth & Partnerships at MyFBAPrep, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack why most brands fail before they scale—covering pricing strategy, supply chain traps, trade show mistakes, and the future of beauty innovation through personalization and smarter storytelling.

We'll talk about:

• Why pricing strategy must start with your audience—not just your ingredients
• The real margin rules that make or break a brand
• The hidden costs in supply chain and trade shows that drain young businesses
• How copying formulas and white-labeling kills true innovation
• Why personalization and lifestyle-driven products will define the next decade
• The shift from discounts and one-off sales to loyalty and continuity programs
• How to create emotional connection that keeps customers coming back
• The future of beauty: smarter delivery systems, niche focus, and brands that actually solve problems

For more information, visit Steven J. Edelstein's LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter.

Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

Support the show