The Great Friends Podcast

Hosted by John Wheeler

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Latest episode

Dec 2025

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EN-US

About the show

The Great Friends Podcast empowers med spa owners, injectors, and all aesthetic medical professionals on how to become masters at their craft and grow their businesses. Join your host and Alpha Aesthetics Partners CEO, John Wheeler, for real and inspiring conversations with some of the brightest minds and highest achievers in the aesthetics industry as he teases out what makes them great. You'll also receive actionable tips you can implement into your practice IMMEDIATELY. Learn more and join our Alpha community at https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn

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60 recent

December 11, 20251 hr 18 min

075: Doug Cartwright | From Objections to Trust: The Inner Game of Sales

In this episode of Great Friends, John Wheeler sits down with Doug Cartwright, founder of Alchemy Sales Coaching and author of Holy Sh!t We're Alive, to explore how leaders and entrepreneurs can elevate their performance by mastering their inner state. Doug shares the framework of State, Story, Strategy—showing why energy and mindset drive results more than tactics ever will. From regulating emotions to reframing limiting narratives, he offers practical tools to help leaders stay calm, confident, and clear under pressure. The conversation dives into objection handling, building trust with clients, and closing without force, while also highlighting how to manage systems instead of relying on moods. Doug's insights move beyond sales, offering a roadmap for leading with alignment and presence in every area of life. Thanks, Doug, for inspiring leaders to sell, connect, and lead with clarity. LEARN MORE ABOUT DOUG: https://www.alchemysalescoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/doug_cartwright https://www.instagram.com/alchemysalescoaching FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/

October 7, 202559 min

074: Phil Sitter | Beyond the Product: Culture, Systems, and the Future of RepeatMD

Phil Sitter returns to the show for a focused conversation on building teams that live their work and on leading through dark stretches of scale. He shares how RepeatMD evolves from product-first to people-first, arguing that as companies grow the equation becomes "90% people, 10% product." Phil defines exceptionalism as a personal standard that elevates culture, and he and host John unpack the role of a unified operating system, strategic anchors, and values that both attract and deter. He details a hiring playbook—pre-hire tests, paid case studies, third-party validators, and a 30-day bar—that raises the team's baseline while increasing ENPS, productivity, and product quality. The conversation previews RepeatMD V3 and its "automated revenue" theme, including SkinDrop and humanized AI treatment advisors that personalize recommendations and convert without adding work for clinics. Throughout, Phil models responsibility, clarity, and presence, showing how leaders transmute pain into meaning, alignment, and momentum. LEARN MORE ABOUT PHIL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philsitter https://www.instagram.com/philsitter https://repeatmd.com https://www.instagram.com/repeat.md FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/

July 17, 20251 hr 19 min

073: Andrew Horn | Lead with Clarity: Integrity, Agreements, and Mindset Shifts

In this Season 2 premiere, John sits down with executive coach and leadership expert Andrew Horn to explore the deeper work of becoming an authentic leader. Together, they dive into the power of personal integrity—living your values, speaking the truth, and honoring agreements—as the foundation for effective leadership and a fulfilled life. Andrew shares practical tools like the drama triangle, the empowerment dynamic, and the mindset shift from reactivity to responsibility, offering a roadmap for leaders to step fully into their highest potential. This episode invites listeners to rethink how they show up in their work, relationships, and everyday decisions. Thanks, Andrew, for inspiring leaders to lead with courage and clarity! LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDREW: https://www.itsandrewhorn.com/ FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/

December 11, 202432 min

072: Kevin Balzer & Bekah Wilkinson | Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Forward at 2025

In the latest episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," John Wheeler reflects on an incredible 2024 with Bekah Wilkinson and Kevin Balzer. Together, they look back at Alpha Aesthetic Partners' rapid growth, including the launch of multiple new podcasts, supporting nearly $100 million in revenue across 26 locations, and building connections throughout the aesthetics industry. They share stories of lessons learned, unexpected challenges, and the personal and professional milestones that defined the year. With a heartfelt look at the journey so far, the team also discusses their vision for 2025, from Alpha's continued expansion to the evolution of the podcast and their shared goals for the future. This episode is full of insights, laughter, and inspiration as they toast to the year behind and gear up for what's ahead. FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/

November 20, 202449 min

071: Mitchell Outka | Strategies to Scale Your Practice with Digital Marketing

In this episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," John Wheeler is joined by Mitchell Outka, Director of Digital Marketing at Alpha, to share his journey from entrepreneurial ventures as a teenager to leading transformative digital strategies for Alpha's partners. Mitch reflects on his early successes, including a six-figure fidget spinner business at 17, and dives into the innovative campaigns that have driven exponential growth for practices like Esthetics Center. Together, they explore the power of understanding lifetime value, crafting compelling offers, and leveraging automation to maximize efficiency and results. This insightful conversation is packed with actionable takeaways on building winning marketing strategies while staying ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/

November 6, 202454 min

070: Karin Durham | Building a People-First Culture

In the latest episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," John Wheeler sits down with Karin Durham, Chief Human Resources Officer at Alpha, to delve into the people-centric strategies that fuel Alpha's success. With a career spanning high-level HR roles at Jamba Juice, Forever 21, and Bare Minerals, Karin brings a wealth of knowledge on cultivating strong teams, navigating fast-paced growth, and crafting a culture that resonates with employees. Throughout the conversation, Karin emphasizes the importance of "knowing your people"—understanding who they are, what they need, and aligning these insights with the organization's goals. She also shares fascinating stories from her career, illustrating how the unique personalities of founders and leaders impact a company's direction and culture. Whether you're a business owner looking to strengthen your team or an HR professional seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable takeaways on the art of building a resilient, people-first organization. FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/ FOLLOW KARIN DURHAM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karindurham/

October 9, 202436 min

069: Michelle Doran | Mastering the Art and Science of Aesthetic Injecting

In the latest episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," host John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetic Partners, sits down with Michelle Doran, founder of RN Esthetics and one of Alpha's esteemed partners. With 12 years of experience, Michelle shares invaluable insights into building a thriving aesthetic practice, fostering a strong team culture, and delivering exceptional patient care. Listeners will hear about Michelle's unique approach to hiring and building a team that is as kind as it is hard-working. She discusses the importance of intuition in consultations, her love for cannula techniques, and the art of balancing clinical expertise with creativity in aesthetic treatments. Michelle also reflects on her growth as an injector and trainer, offering pearls of wisdom for new providers. This episode is packed with tips on how to cultivate a great team, provide personalized care, and grow a successful aesthetics business. Tune in to learn from Michelle's journey and her vision for the future! FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/ FOLLOW MICHELLE DORAN: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.rnesthetics/

October 2, 202422 min

068: John Wheeler | How to Run Your Business Like a Boss, Aesthetic Next 6.0

In the latest episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetic Partners, presents his talk from Aesthetic Next 6.0, "How to Run Your Business Like a Boss." In this episode, John shares valuable insights on building a successful med spa business, drawing from his own experiences and lessons learned over the years. Listeners will discover practical strategies for managing financials, including using the Profit First system, understanding key performance indicators (KPIs), and optimizing profit margins. John emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and leveraging financial statements like the P&L to ensure business growth and success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your med spa, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world takeaways to help you run your business like a boss. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your operations and financial management for long-term success. FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/

September 25, 202456 min

067: Henry Neely | Essential Financial Metrics for Med Spa Owners

In the latest episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetic Partners, sits down with Henry Neely, CFO of Alpha, to dive deep into the financial side of the med spa industry. Henry shares his experiences as a CFO, including his journey from accounts receivable analyst to leading the finance departments of major companies. They discuss essential financial metrics, the role of a CFO in guiding strategy, and the importance of building a strong team. Tune in to hear insights on leadership, financial best practices, and how to create lasting impact in the aesthetics world. LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/ FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha FOLLOW HENRY NEELY: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-neely-1547b859/

September 18, 202434 min

066: Aesthetic Next 6.0 SUPERPOD

In this special superpod episode of "The Great Friends Podcast," John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetic Partners, shares live conversations recorded at Aesthetic Next 6.0. This episode features three engaging interviews, starting with Waseem Garbia and Erika Barry—two dynamic personalities who share insights into injection techniques and balancing clinical expertise with a strong online presence. Next, John sits down with Sara Browning and Chelsea Speer, co-founders of Aesthetic Collective, who discuss their journey from full-time jobs to building their own med spa. Finally, John talks with Marcus Curtis from Aesthetic Record about leadership, business growth, and the evolving aesthetics industry. Tune in for a jam-packed episode full of inspiring stories, practical advice, and exciting takeaways from top industry professionals. LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE ALPHA COMMUNITY: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ FOLLOW ALPHA AESTHETICS PARTNERS: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-aesthetics-partners/ FOLLOW JOHN WHEELER: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerjohn https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha FOLLOW ERIKA BARRY: https://www.instagram.com/injectorbunny/ FOLLOW WASEEM GARBIA: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredinjector/ FOLLOW AESTHETIC COLLECTIVE: https://www.instagram.com/aesthetic.collective.tx/ FOLLOW MARCUS CURTIS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-a-curtis/