Reject and Inject: Why Cosmetic Procedures Aren’t Just Skin Deep
Brave New Us: Choosing Human in the Age of Biotechnology
In a culture that normalizes medical means for non-medical problems, where do we draw the line in the pursuit of beauty?In This Episode We explore the ethics of cosmetic procedures—from “baby Botox” and fillers to plastic surgery—and what they communicate about our bodies, our worth, and our deepest desires. Through the story of “Katie” and reflections from Theology of the Body, we ask:Does altering a healthy body help us love ourselves…or teach us to reject the gift we’ve been given?Is cosmetic “enhancement” actually making women more confident, or more insecure?How do we distinguish healing therapies from enhancements driven by cultural pressure?What does aging reveal about love, humility, and what lasts forever?Mentioned & Linked in This EpisodeEssay: Reject and Inject: The Ethics of Cosmetic ProceduresConcepts from Theology of the Body (St. John Paul II)Reflections inspired by the life of Servant of God Chiara Corbella PetrilloCultural trends: “Sephora kids,” filters, and beauty consumerismResources from SamanthaBrave New Us podcast back catalogEssays on biotechnology, beauty culture, and being human at choosinghuman.orgSubscribe to the newsletter For essays, link roundups, and book updates.Grow Where You’re Planted — preorder bonuses include a downloadable list of favorite non-toxic productsJoin the Conversation Have thoughts on this episode or beauty culture? Join the discussion at choosinghuman.org.If this episode resonated with you, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find the show.
About Podcast
From gene editing and artificial wombs to brain implants and digital immortality—what does it mean to be human in a world trying to remake us?
Brave New Us explores how emerging technologies are reshaping what it means to be human. Hosted by Catholic bioethicist and author Samantha Stephenson, the podcast sits at the crossroads of faith, science, and ethics, featuring expert interviews and incisive commentary on biotechnology, AI, transhumanism, reproductive technologies, human enhancement, and the moral questions they raise.
Whether you're questioning the ethics of cutting-edge science, navigating a rapidly changing technological world, or simply seeking clarity in an age of unprecedented innovation, Brave New Us will help you think critically, live intentionally, and choose what is deeply human.
Samantha Stephenson holds master's degrees in theology and bioethics, served as a Paul Ramsey Fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Culture, and taught for the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame. She is the author of several books helping readers grow in faith and navigate the spiritual and ethical questions shaping our rapidly changing world. In addition to hosting the Brave New Us podcast, Samantha writes the Choosing Human newsletter on Substack where she explores faith, family, and the future of being human. Learn more at www.snstephenson.com.
Subscribe now—and stay human in an age that’s forgetting how.