The Tox Drop
Welcome to The Tox Drop! This is the podcast where beauty, business, and real life collide. Hosted by Maggie McIntyre, a mom of three, entrepreneur, educator, and esthetic injector, this show dives deep into the real stories behind women who are chasing big dreams, taking bold risks, and balancing it all without the filter.
After earning her M.Ed. from the University of Virginia and spending six years as a special education teacher, Maggie opened Rejuvalase Medspa in Stafford, Virginia, and later founded NoVa Laser & Esthetics Training (NVLET), drawing from her education background and clinical experience to mentor new and master estheticians, nurses, and providers.
Now, Maggie is taking the conversation beyond the treatment room, giving women a platform to get raw, unhinged, and real about life behind the success stories. Each week, you’ll hear from inspiring women, entrepreneurs, mothers, and creators who’ve turned struggle into strength and passion into purpose. From navigating the chaos of motherhood to building thriving businesses and embracing self-care that actually means something, The Tox Drop is your front-row seat to unFILLtered conversations that celebrate resilience, growth, and everything it takes to create a beautiful life inside and out.
Whether you’re in the esthetics industry, a small business owner, or simply need the reminder that you're not alone in your struggles, or if you love a good story of triumph with a touch of beauty and Botox, this podcast is for you.
The Tox Drop
04: Turning Struggle into Strength: Nikki Smith’s Story of Homelessness, Adversity, and Surviving Naked and Afraid | Part 1
Nikki Smith is a U.S. Army veteran, future doctor, and Season 14 survivalist on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid—but her story of grit and resilience started long before national television. In this episode, Maggie gets the drop with Nikki to talk about growing up homeless, joining the military at seventeen, and what it really takes to push through life’s toughest moments. Nikki shares how she learned to find strength in chaos, embrace her story without shame, and redefine what it means to be unbreakable.
From surviving instability in her childhood to walking miles to school, serving in Afghanistan, and facing the toughest conditions in South Africa, Nikki’s journey is a masterclass in mental toughness and perseverance. She opens up about her time in the Army, meeting her husband in the most unexpected place, and what it’s really like behind the scenes of Naked and Afraid—from psychological testing to surviving without food, clothes, or outside communication.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay resilient when life gets heavy, part one of Maggie's conversation with Nikki will inspire you to keep going. Nikki’s resilience and honesty are a reminder that strength isn’t about never breaking; it’s about refusing to give up. So whether you’re on your morning commute, walking your dog, or cooking dinner, grab your favorite drink and get ready to be moved by Nikki’s powerful story.
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