You know that feeling when you wake up on game day filled with hope? That was me this weekend — decked out in maroon, ready to watch my Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Texas Longhorns. I was convinced this was going to be our statement game. The energy was high, the snacks were prepped, and I had my victory post already half-written in my head.

And for a while, it looked good. The Bulldogs fought hard, showing flashes of brilliance that made me believe. But, of course, sports love a little drama — and this one ran into overtime. My heart was pounding, my voice was gone… and then it happened. The heartbreak. The Longhorns pulled it out in overtime, and just like that, my Saturday joy turned into a “maybe next week” sigh.

But surely Sunday would bring redemption, right? Wrong.

Because then it was time for my Dallas Cowboys to take the field. Except this time, it wasn’t just about the opponent — it was about what we didn’t have. The absence of Micah Parsons from the defensive line was felt immediately, painfully, and repeatedly. The defense looked lost, the offense sputtered, and the Denver Broncos walked away with another win they had no business taking from us.

At this point, I had to ask the universe the eternal question every sports fan knows all too well:

Why can’t my team ever win?

Still, no matter how many times they break my heart, I’ll keep watching. Because that’s what real fans do — we hope, we believe, and we come back every week thinking this will be the one.

So here’s to the Bulldogs, the Cowboys, and the eternal optimism of sports fans everywhere. We may lose more often than we’d like, but at least we’re never short on passion — or drama.

From Fear to Fulfillment

In the 14th episode of Skin, Self and Everything Else, we welcomed the brilliant and compassionate Vaunda Hickman, RN, a respected nurse injector whose story reminds me that every chapter in our professional journey can lead to unexpected and beautiful destinations.

A Connection Rooted in Experience

From the very start, it’s clear that Vaunda and I share an undeniable connection—a mutual respect for one another and our patients, a shared love for aesthetics, and most memorably, a past professional relationship with Brandon, which brings a heartfelt familiarity to the conversation.

Together, we reflect on the intersections of careers and how shared experiences, both professional and personal, can weave unexpected bonds.

Stories that Inspire — and Heal

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to a mix of laughter, reflection, and a few tender moments. Some stories are funny, sparking genuine joy and camaraderie, while others are more heart-breaking, touching on the challenges and fears that often accompany both personal growth and professional change.

But at the heart of it all lies a universal truth — the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Vaunda’s journey is a testament to courage, reinvention, and the beauty that comes from stepping beyond what’s comfortable.

The Takeaway: Living Our Best Life

As the episode closes, we are reminded that our best life is often waiting just beyond our fears. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, embracing change, or rediscovering purpose, courage is the bridge between where we are and where we’re meant to be.

Tune in to Episode 14 of Skin, Self and Everything Else to hear this inspiring conversation with Vaunda Hickman, RN — a story of connection, resilience, and the power of saying “yes” to the life waiting right in front of you.

Whether you’re a fellow injector, a medical professional, or simply someone who loves hearing stories of passion and purpose, this episode will leave you feeling both informed and inspired.  Check out DrEllenTurner.com if you like this.