In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Whitney Ray Di Bona, a former personal injury lawyer turned holistic health coach. Whitney shares her experience representing clients affected by mesothelioma from cosmetic products and botched plastic surgery, highlighting the risks of choosing unlicensed providers or underqualified med spas. They discuss the key difference between board-certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, and why doing your research is crucial before any aesthetic procedure.

Whitney also talks about the dangers of unregulated recovery homes and the impact of lack of oversight on patients. Whitney opens up about her own transformation, leaving the legal field after motherhood to become a certified coach and business owner. She now helps moms grow their brands on social media and navigate career transitions with confidence. Together, she and Dr. Rednam reflect on personal growth and the meaning of coaching.

Key Topics Covered:

• Legal risks in cosmetic procedures and med spa treatments
• Why board certification matters in plastic surgery
• The dangers of unlicensed recovery homes
• Career reinvention after motherhood
• Starting a business and coaching with purpose
• How social media empowers women in transition

Listen for a powerful conversation on reclaiming identity, protecting your body, and building a career that aligns with your season of life.

Follow Whitney Ray Di Bona:
Low Tox Lawyer: www.lowtoxlawyer.com
Instagram: @lowtoxlawyer
Podcast: The Wellness Verdict

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, a Certified Physician Executive with over 20 years of experience in clinical medicine, innovation, and leadership. Dr. Hoedebecke explains what it means to be a Certified Physician Executive, the education and experience needed, and how physicians can follow unique paths into leadership roles. He also shares the personal motivations behind his journey and the steps he took to become a leader in the healthcare space.

They explore general investments in healthcare and how Dr. Hoedebecke co-founded 1836 Ventures to help physicians create alternative revenue streams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what you're investing in. The conversation also dives into AI in medicine, including the distinction between true AI and mislabeled tools, as well as the rise of new technologies that reduce reliance on medications and allow treatment without in-person visits.

Key Topics Covered:

• What it means to be a Certified Physician Executive
• Career pathways for physicians in leadership
• Healthcare investing and launching 1836 Ventures
• Artificial intelligence and tech innovation in medicine
• Programs that reduce medication use and support remote care

This episode offers powerful insights into medical leadership, AI in healthcare, and the future of innovation for physicians and professionals in Houston and beyond.

Follow Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke:
X: @khoedebecke
LinkedIn: @khoedebecke
Instagram: @1836vc
Email: kyle@1836-vc.com

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Rednam sits down with Dr. Algie LaBrasca, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of LaBrasca Plastic Surgery. Dr. LaBrasca shares how his grandmother inspired his path into medicine and what ultimately led him to open his own practice. He reflects on his favorite procedures and how the pandemic pushed him to show his true personality through social media, creating authentic connections with his audience.

They discuss how he approaches patient care, especially for out-of-town clients, and how he integrates mental health awareness into every consultation. Dr. LaBrasca details the technologies available in his practice, including VASER liposuction, power-assisted lipo, and lasers in his medspa. He also shares his excitement for the role AI will play in the future of plastic surgery and outlines what’s next for his practice.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Algie LaBrasca’s journey into plastic surgery
• How the pandemic inspired a more authentic social media presence
• Supporting patients’ mental health during their surgical journey
• Advanced tools at LaBrasca Plastic Surgery: VASER, PAL, and laser technology
• Personalized treatment plans for in-town and out-of-town patients
• The future of plastic surgery and the role of AI in patient care

This episode gives an inside look at how Dr. LaBrasca blends innovation, transparency, and compassion to deliver personalized care in the world of modern plastic surgery.

Follow Dr. Algie LaBrasca:
Website: LaBrasca Plastic Surgery
Instagram: dr.labrasca
Tiktok: @dr.labrasca

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Rednam sits down with Amber Hurdle, a globally recognized brand strategist and keynote speaker. Amber shares how she helps companies, from Fortune 100s to fast-growing startups, build magnetic brand experiences by aligning identity, purpose, and strategy. She reflects on her journey into branding and explains why true branding goes far beyond logos and colors, diving into values, personality, and impact.

They explore how personal identity shapes brand voice and why authenticity is essential in digital communication. Amber breaks down how she uses AI to enhance branding efforts without losing the human touch, including training her own AI to replicate her tone for more natural-sounding, on-brand content. She emphasizes the value of using templates as a foundation for personalized, impactful messaging.

Key Topics Covered:

• Amber Hurdle’s journey into branding and strategy
• Why branding is more than just visuals
• How to use personality to shape your brand
• Staying authentic while using AI tools
• Communicating with purpose and clarity
• Real examples of branding with AI

Tune in for a conversation on brand alignment, personal growth, and the tools that help businesses and individuals leave a lasting impression.

Follow Amber Hurdle:
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamberhurdle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theamberhurdle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamberhurdle/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amberhurdle/

Brand Edge Accelerator

Your reputation is your currency—and it should be working overtime for you. Brand Edge Accelerator is a membership program designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are scaling their brands and need a strategic, results-driven approach to positioning themselves as authorities in their industries while leveraging the power of AI.

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, recorded in the heart of Paris, France, Dr. Vinaya Rednam sits down with internationally acclaimed fashion designer Kobi Halperin. Known for his signature blend of timeless elegance and detailed craftsmanship, Kobi shares his unique journey through the fashion world—from his earliest inspirations to becoming a globally celebrated designer whose work is deeply rooted in heritage and storytelling.

Throughout their conversation, Kobi reflects on how fashion can serve as a powerful language for connection, identity, and personal empowerment. He emphasizes the value of embracing change, challenging creative limits, and staying true to one’s vision. Kobi also shares personal insights into his family life, his evolving sources of inspiration, and what lies ahead for his brand and the future of fashion.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kobi Halperin’s journey to becoming a fashion designer
• How fashion fosters connection and celebrates individuality
• The importance of personal and creative growth
• Finding inspiration and pushing creative boundaries
• A glimpse into the future of fashion and design

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Kobi Halperin, where creativity meets transformation!

Follow Kobi Halperin:
📌 kobihalperin.com
📌 Instagram: @Kobi_KGM | @KobiHalperin

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Rednam sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and gender-affirmation surgery. Dr. Knackstedt shares her journey into plastic surgery and what it means to be an academic surgeon.

They explore the concept of surgical prehabilitation—how improving nutrition, stress, and sleep can lead to better outcomes. Dr. Knackstedt breaks down functional medicine, how it focuses on lifestyle changes, and why it can be confusing based on a provider’s background. They also touch on the issue of insurance not covering helpful pre-surgery treatments.

The conversation covers the future of plastic surgery, including how AI could help create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Knackstedt explains her approach to surgical decision-making and reminds patients their choices can change over time. The episode ends with insights on neurotization, current research, and the importance of lifelong learning in surgery.

Key Topics Covered:

• Prehabilitation: The role of optimizing nutrition, stress, and sleep for better surgical outcomes
• Functional medicine: What it is and why it can be confusing for patients
• Insurance challenges: Why beneficial pre-surgical treatments often aren't covered
• Personalized care: How AI could support personalized surgery plans
• Evolving decisions: Surgical choices don't have to be permanent

Follow Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt on Instagram @rknackstedtmdphd
Visit clararecovery.com for more resources
Follow Surgical Recovery on Instagram @surgical_recovery, on TikTok @surgicalrecovery, on YouTube @Surgical_Recovery, and on Facebook at Surgical Recovery

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston-based plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam welcomes Jill Reno, Founder and CEO of Jill Reno Collection and L'Artisan Reno. Jill shares how her grandfather inspired her journey into jewelry design and how she transitioned from retail to private appointments, eventually creating couture pieces for celebrity clients.

Jill also opens up about her thoughts on lab-grown diamonds versus earth-mined diamonds, her other business ventures, and what excites her about the future of fine jewelry. She walks us through the collaborative process of designing custom pieces and what goes into bringing each unique vision to life.

Key Topics Covered:

• How Jill started her jewelry business and moved into couture design
• The influence of her grandfather and early inspirations
• Lab-grown diamonds vs. earth-mined diamonds: Jill’s perspective
• What goes into designing a custom jewelry piece
• Jill’s expanding business ventures and vision for the future

Follow Jill Reno on Instagram @jillreno and Facebook @jillrenocollection
Explore the Jill Reno Collection at www.jillrenocollection.com

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this season 5 premiere of The Confidence Doc from Paris, France, Dr. Vinaya Rednam sits down with Kelly Flores-New, a Houston-based international stylist, fashion consultant, author, and speaker with over 40 years of experience in personal style, image consulting, and global fashion influences.

Kelly shares her journey from business to fashion design and how she helps clients discover their unique style by drawing out their innate fashion sense. She breaks down the difference between short-term trends and long-term style, the impact of fast fashion versus handcrafted pieces, and the value of investing in one-of-a-kind wardrobe essentials. Plus, she shares expert tips on curating a wardrobe that reflects confidence and individuality.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to define and refine your personal style
• The difference between short-term trends and long-term wardrobe investments
• Fast fashion vs. handmade pieces: Finding quality and uniqueness
• The psychology behind fashion choices and self-expression
• Kelly’s expert tips on building a wardrobe that boosts confidence

A must-listen for anyone looking to transform their style, embrace individuality, and make fashion a true expression of self!

Follow Kelly on Instagram @stylevagabond

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)