Sir John & Brooke on Practicing Radical Self-Care In Work & Life - Naked Beauty

Transcript

A (0:00)

Foreign. Hello. Hello, it's Brooke Devard and you're listening to the Naked Beauty Podcast. And if you're here with us on YouTube, you are watching the Naked Beauty Podcast. Today, I'm joined by Sir John.

B (0:18)

What's going on, guys?

A (0:19)

Literally needs no introduction to the Naked Beauty family. You are. You're a part of Naked Beauty.

B (0:23)

What's up, cousins?

A (0:24)

Yes. We're going to talk today about what's inspiring us, who we're becoming, what's been getting in our way, and the boundaries that are just really saving our lives right now. It's going to be a fun. Yes.

B (0:38)

I love that.

A (0:38)

I feel like this is really. I mean, of course we love talking about beauty and glamour and all those things, but, like, just lifestyle and mental health is really your bag.

B (0:47)

This is. Yeah, this is. Yeah, this is. This feels good. It's timely, too, you know, it's so timely, especially as we. We close out such a tumultuous year.

A (0:56)

So our listeners will be hearing this at the top of 2026, which I feel like is always this time for, like, do you do New Year's resolutions?

B (1:03)

No, I try to be in that mind space daily, you know, of how to renew or be the best version of myself or declare better for me, for the team or whoever. I just feel like I can't wait until January. I know January can't wait for me.

A (1:19)

I love it. Well, I want to start with what's inspiring you right now.

B (1:22)

Love the shared nurturing that our community has done organically this year. When we think about self care, we think about, oh, I need to put a mask on or I need to, you know, a wellness shot or a juice or, or hit the treadmill, but it's also discipline. It's also, you know, it's not that you don't want to feel. You want to have your full range of emotion. You want to feel everything. But how long are you going to feel that? How long are you going to let that bother you, upset you? And so we've been in a situation this year from the top down that has been so provocative and provoking to all of us. And I just love, for the first time, I'm just taking notes from the Village on how not to be provoked or how not to fall into the traps or the ills.

Summary

Naked Beauty Podcast with Brooke DeVard

Episode: Sir John & Brooke on Practicing Radical Self-Care In Work & Life
Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this dynamic and deeply personal episode, host Brooke DeVard sits down with celebrity makeup artist and wellness advocate Sir John. Together, they explore what true radical self-care means in the context of both work and life—going far beyond beauty trends to candidly discuss boundaries, setbacks, health, creative inspiration, and the evolving landscape of authenticity in personal and professional spaces. The conversation is a rich blend of industry wisdom, vulnerable life lessons, and practical advice, all delivered with camaraderie and warmth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining Self-Care and Inspiration

[01:22–02:05]

Sir John values "shared nurturing" in his community, emphasizing self-care as both discipline and emotional regulation, not just physical acts.
- Quote (Sir John, 01:22):
  "We think about self care, we think about a mask or a wellness shot...but it's also discipline...how long are you going to let [something] bother you?"
The aftermath of a difficult year urges both hosts to study how their “village” copes and avoids falling into emotional traps.

2. Navigating Corporate Spaces & Authenticity for Black Professionals

[02:10–05:39]

Brooke and Sir John discuss the nuanced realities of showing up as one's “authentic self” at work, especially as Black professionals.
- Quote (Brooke, 04:23):
  “The idea that you should bring your whole authentic self is just false...It’s still a workplace at the end of the day.”
- Quote (Sir John, 05:26):
  “If you can’t translate well...if you can’t edit what this room needs or read the room, that’s the work for you to do.”
They reflect on the balance between authenticity, professionalism, and self-protection.

3. Global Work & Cultural Adaptation

[05:47–07:26]

Sir John dives into his work as Global Creative Director at Medicube, a South Korean beauty brand, highlighting how heritage shapes their culture differently than in Western contexts.
- Quote (Sir John, 06:00):
  “One thing I love about Seoul...they have this beautiful way of honoring heritage...they cultivate their garden every day, every hour.”
The challenge and reward: making the brand truly “omnipresent” and culturally inclusive.

4. Creative Revivals & The Role of Great Art

[07:41–11:43]

Brooke's reflections on Chanel’s recent creative transformation, and both hosts’ excitement for genuine artistry amid media overload.
- Quote (Brooke, 08:26):
  “You can have an old house...someone can come in and just reinvigorate something A to Z.”
Sir John predicts a new artistic renaissance often forged in tumultuous eras, referencing cultural upswings following social upheaval.
- Quote (Sir John, 09:19):
  “I’m waiting again for that resurgence of the art.”
Both measure great art by its ability to endure and to be revisited, not just ‘liked’ in passing.

5. Setbacks, Mental Health, and Overexposure to Negativity

[12:02–14:08]

Sir John speaks about consuming too much news and the toll of witnessing evil and trauma on one’s mental health:
- Quote (Sir John, 13:29):
  “As an artist, you can’t lose that sense of what inspired...you have to have that little ball of light that stays lit.”
Both hosts share strategies for reclaiming joy and resilience.

6. The Realities of Public “On-ness” and Fashion Industry Pressure

[14:08–17:32]

Discussion about the hidden labor behind always being “on”—from appearances to Zoom calls, fashion, and the actual cost of stylists.
- Quote (Sir John, 16:04):
  “Stylists also make these girls’ careers...they are the gateway for you to get a fashion campaign.”
Both prefer investing in personal wardrobes over high-priced stylists, sharing practical tips and humorous asides on shopping.

7. Remote Work Challenges: Zoom Etiquette, Anxiety, and Generational Shifts

[17:37–23:41]

Sir John admits to Zoom-related anxiety and the loss of natural feedback in virtual meetings.
- Quote (Sir John, 19:16):
  “When we started zooming, I started having anxiety attacks...it’s not natural or healthy to have this transactional [interaction].”
Both discuss camera-on expectations, adapting boundaries for early meetings, and the so-called “Gen Z stare”:
- Quote (Brooke, 23:02):
  “It’s a whole thing...this dead-eyed...Gen Z stare.”

8. Health Scares and the Primacy of Physical Wellbeing

[24:04–29:41]

Brooke opens up about her recent diagnosis with Graves’ disease; both stress the importance of advocating for one’s health, especially navigating medical systems as Black women.
- Quote (Brooke, 24:04):
  “Your health is the most important thing, and when your health is compromised, nothing matters.”
- Quote (Brooke, 25:18):
  “If you feel like something’s even a little bit off...see a specialist, do bloodwork.”
Sir John notes men’s tendency to ignore symptoms, underscoring gendered differences in health engagement.

9. Boundaries Bingo: Setting Limits in Work and Life

[30:46–50:56]

Brooke hosts “Boundaries Bingo,” presenting classic boundary failures. Both reflect on:
- Overcommitting and people-pleasing (Sir John’s struggle).
- Delayed text replies and the “art” of voice notes (Sir John as king of voice notes).
- Working on days off and protecting weekends (Sir John is strict; Brooke admits to working anyway).
- Attending appearances when unwell (Sir John shares moving stories about showing up despite back injury and grief).
- Letting clients push past limits, and learning to advocate for oneself (Sir John candidly discusses refusing to work with certain challenging personalities, standing his ground).
  - Quote (Sir John, 44:31):
    “There’s no money that I would take for me to know I’m going to step out of my shoes on somebody.”
Both discuss the importance of not ignoring gut feelings and the nuances of leadership, motivation, and forming genuine connections with teams.

10. Envisioning the Higher Self & Life Philosophies

[50:58–53:09]

Lightning round: each shares their higher-self routines and boundaries.
- Sir John’s ritual is opening the drapes and flooding home with light.
- Both don’t tolerate disrespect and prioritize unique wellness practices (Sir John: Chinese herbs, “dried ants” capsules for zinc).
- Their philosophies center on staying steady (“Rocksteady – Aretha,” Sir John) and finding beauty in feeling loved.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On self-care during triggering times:
Sir John, 01:22
“I’m taking notes from the Village on how not to be provoked or fall into the traps.”
On authentic self at work:
Brooke, 04:23
“Your authentic self, it’s almost a sacred thing. I’m not saying to code switch...but I don’t think you need to show up A to Z...It’s still a workplace.”
On health priorities:
Brooke, 24:04
“Your health is the most important thing, and when your health is compromised, nothing matters.”
On artist resilience:
Sir John, 13:29
“You have to have that little ball of light that stays lit, no matter what happens outside your doors.”
On boundaries and self-worth:
Sir John, 31:17
“I grew up feeling like part of my value was in showing up or services to other people...I say yes and it always messes me over in the end.”
On client relationships and self-advocacy:
Sir John, 44:31
“There’s no money that I would take for me to know I’m going to step out of my shoes on somebody.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

[01:22] – Self-care and community discipline
[02:10] – Black professionals and workplace authenticity
[05:47] – Cultural adaptation in global creative roles
[07:41] – Artistic inspiration & revival in turbulent times
[12:02] – Mental health, setbacks, and staying inspired
[14:08] – Public “on-ness” and hidden cost of appearances
[17:37] – Zoom, remote work, generational differences
[24:04] – Health scares and advocating for oneself
[30:46] – Boundaries Bingo: Practical boundary setting
[39:00] – Stories of working through illness & grief
[44:31] – Dealing with difficult clients & knowing your worth
[50:58] – Higher self rituals & beauty philosophies

Final Thoughts

Brooke and Sir John’s conversation is a masterclass in vulnerability and self-respect, breaking down how true self-care requires intentional boundaries, honest health advocacy, and selective authenticity. Their candor about industry realities makes the episode essential listening for anyone seeking resilience and true beauty—from the inside out.

For listeners:
Expect to leave this episode with practical wisdom, hand-in-hand with laughter, realness, and two inspiring voices redefining what self-care looks like in both beauty and life.