Massage Hodgepodge: Recent Episodes
Massage Hodgepodge
With Massage Hodgepodge, I am hoping to create something really special. In addition to my clinical practice, I plan to engage with the community and create conversations around bodywork. I’ll be doing this right here on the Podcast, my YouTube channel, and across social media. When it comes to massage therapy as a business, I believe in abundance over scarcity. I believe in community over competition. I believe that it lifts us all when bodyworkers collaborate, communicate, and share.
Well, better late than never? This pod is long overdo. I had the pleasure to connect with Ann Swanson well over a year ago. We chat about self care, neti pots, breathing techniques, and most importantly, her very cool book, The Science Of Yoga.
This pod has gone through a lot of transition, and that is a trend that will continue. This will be the last episode of the The Self Care Mission / Massage HodgepodgCast. I am turning my attention to other endeavors, including a special podcast I started with my kids call The Rathercast. Later this year, I hope to launch another project that comes at self care from a slight different angle, which I am calling Burnout Interrupted. You can find a teaser HERE.
In the episode….
- Ann’s personal self care practices
- Neti Pot
- Ann’s Neti Pot Video
- Consistency in self care
- Guiding clients on their health journey
- "Should" Mindset
- TikTok Talk
- Yoga Therapy
- The Science Of Yoga
- Yoga breathing techniques
www.annswansonwellness.com
Ann on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnSwansonWellness
Ann on TikTok - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMR9K9n2B/
Neti Pot - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/neti-pot/faq-20058305
Ann’s Net Pot Video - https://youtu.be/GwQquCx4YCU
The Science Of Yoga - https://amzn.to/3hx1v7v
Burnout Interrupted - https://anchor.fm/burnoutinterrupted
The Rathercast - https://therathercast.com/
Dr. Chris Cooper joins me on the podcast! Based in Portland, OR just like me, Dr. Cooper is a chiropractor who specializes in Atlas Orthogonal Upper Cervical Therapy. He illuminates that perplexing bit of jargon, and we touch on a lot of self care basics like sleep, hydration, movement, and mindfulness.
Find Dr. Cooper…
TikTok - @drchriscooper - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuusDfm/
Instagram - @cascade.chiro - https://www.instagram.com/cascade.chiro/
Web - www.eastportlandchiropractor.com
⬇️ And now it’s time for a break down ⬇️
- Dr. Cooper’s personal approach to self care
- Sleep / hydration / movement
- Mindfulness practice
- Getting back on track with healthy choices
- Views on chiropractic care
- Convincing patients/clients to show up for themselves
- Atlas Orthogonal Upper Cervical Therapy
- Migraine interventions
- TikTok
This episode was recorded as The Self Care Mission, but I have since decided to roll everything back into my original moniker, Massage Hodgepodge. More on that soon…
Stephanie Winn is a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist based in Portland, OR. Her resource, The Six Pillars of Self Care, is a practical framework that anyone can use when planning or assessing their relationship to self care. We talk about that and much more!
Find Stephanie…
IG @realtalktherapypdx
WEB realtalktherapypdx.com
⬇️ In This Episode ⬇️
- Thoughts on “self care”
- Stephanie’s current self care tools
- Getting her clients to show up for self care
- Getting out of the “should” mindset
- Gestalt Therapy
- Eisenhower Decision Matrix
- Elastic Habits by Stephen Guise
- Parenthood
- Schitt’s Creek
- How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price
- The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
- The Six Pillars of Self Care
The hard truth is that despite starting a project that is literally all about taking better care of yourself, I have not been taking better care of myself. And what's worse? I have not been showing up for this project. So I decided to take a breathe and do what I do whenever I feel overwhelm start to creep in.
I phone a friend.
A solid network of people you can call to air out your ideas, get some feedback, or just vent is a crucial part of self care. But...I don't have much of a network. I have a Bernard.
This episode of The Self Care Mission captures a recent check-in between myself and Bernard, where I air out many of the things that have been swirling for me, and we agree on some simple actions to move forward.
LINKS
- Forte Artist Management - Bernard's company
- You Gotta Check This Out - Nick & Bernard’s other podcast
Dr. Omar Qutub is a board certified dermatologist based in Portland, OR. He treats patients at his practice Dermatology By Design, where you can also find his custom skin care line. He joined me to talk about practical, every day skin care which is something I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I know very little about. Dr. Qutub shares the basics of effective skin care, and also offers up some ideas about how to level up!
Find Dr. Qutub: 🔎
Online - dermatologybydesign.com
Instagram - @dermatologybydesign
Here is rundown of our conversation + links:
- Why skin? Why Dermatology?
- How do you show up for yourself? What is in your current self care tool kit?
- Building habits to better show up for yourself
- Getting patients to take skin care seriously
- How often to see a Dermatologist
- Nutrition and your skin
- Stress, anxiety, and your skin
- Massage therapy sidebar
- Practical skin care
- Morning / Evening Routine
- Mask-ne (Mask acne)
- Exfoliation
- Tanning (spoiler - it’s not good!)
- Level Up Skin Care
- Facial masks, toner, and retinoids
- Laser hair reduction
- ⬇️ Products Mentioned (affiliate links)⬇️
- La Roche Posay for sunscreen
- Eucerin
- CeraVe moisturizers
- Gold Bond moisturizers
- Cetaphil Cleanser
- Dermatology By Design Line
Raina Munson is a movement and wellness coach with over 10 years of experience. She operates R|O|M Specialized Training, based in Portland, OR but she can help you wherever you are. We talk about getting started on a health journey, finding a solid “why”, building practical keystone habits, and so much more!
Find Raina…
Web: romspecializedtraining.com
Insta: @romspecializedtraining
Things we talk about…
- Raina’s Toolkit
- Showing up again after a slump
- Jumpstart clients who are not showing up
- Getting out of the all or nothing mentality
- Getting started on a health journey
- Finding a “why” - intrinsic motivation
- Setting goals
- Negative body image
- Nutritional focus / Sustainable living
- Intermittent fasting
- Practical habit building
- Keystone habits - Start small, community, what you like, get educated
- Approach to training - mobility, stability, movement patterns
- Breaking down how she created my program
- Tracking Progress
- Jordan Syatt
I am talking foot care with Andrea Lipomi! Andrea is a true triple threat! Not only is she an LMT, but she also a Licensed Esthetician AND a Licensed Nail Technician! Her practice Feetish Spa Parlor is located in Las Vegas.
I really appreciated Andrea’s openness in talking about her OCD, and helping me to better understand the condition. Later, we dive deep into a proper foot care routine, getting granular on nails, calluses, cuticles, and the tools and products you might consider to take better care of your feet.
Web: www.feetishspa.com
Insta: @feetishspa
Conversation Rundown…
- Andrea’s self care toolkit
- Time management
- OCD
- Advising clients to be consistent with self care
- Guys like pedicures too
- Self massage with a ball or trigger point tool
- How to trim your toenails
- Addressing ingrown nails
- Tools for nail care and foot care
- Nail care frequency
- Skin care for the foot
- Callous removals on Youtube - Gross Out Warning!!!
- Cuticle care
- Level Up care with buffing and shinning
- Selecting a Professional Nail Tech
The Foot Care Toolkit:
🔸 Full Disclosure: I may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases associated with these links. 🔸
Lacrosse Balls for Massage - https://amzn.to/3japTe1
Trigger Point Release Tool - https://amzn.to/3lwz3lV
Cuticle Nippers - https://amzn.to/3iC5gWX
Ingrown Nail File - https://amzn.to/36F7G4U
Toenail Clippers (Pro Style) - https://amzn.to/2SuO6jt
Fingernail Clippers - https://amzn.to/36FBq1w
Callus Softener - https://www.footlogix.com/Products/Professional-Range/Footlogix-Professional-Callus-Softener
Foot File - https://amzn.to/34oN5Pe
Nail File - https://amzn.to/3no0gsC
Elk River Soap Company - https://elkriversoapcompany.com/#hodgepodge
Skin Stick - https://www.perfectlyposh.com/home/?lang=en_US&consultant=feetish
Cuticle Pusher - https://amzn.to/2SyOiOw
Nail Buffer - https://amzn.to/3iCm543
High Speed Shiner - https://amzn.to/3no4h0a
I am so thrilled to welcome Kelleigh Kincaid as my first guest on The Self Care Mission! Kelleigh is a Holistic Nutritionist & Health Coach, an herbalist, yoga teacher, and spiritual seeker. You can find her posting all sorts of inspiration to level up your health and wellness on Insta @kelleighkincaidwellness. And her site, kelleighkincaid.com, offers a lot of great articles and free resources.
If you know me, then you know I love a list. Bullet points = self care. 🙂 So here are some bullet points to give you an overview of our conversation.
- Kelly’s take on self care
- Her current toolkit
- Breaking the cycle of not showing up
- Masculine & Feminine energy
- Burning the wagon
- How she supports her coaching clients
- My struggle to find a WHY
- Kelleigh’s approach to Nutrition
- The value of cutting out processed foods
- Good/Better/Best Philosophy
- The “F” it mindset
- Tips to jumpstart a healthier relationship with food
- Breathe work
- Increasing vagal tone
- Anxiety and poor food choices
- Leveling up your health
- Adaptogenic Herbs
- Radical Responsibility
- Joe Dispenza - Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself
- Byron Katie | The Work - Loving What Is
Please email me with your questions, ideas, feedback, topic suggestions, and especially guest recommendations.
nick@theselfcaremission.com
Welcome to The Self Care Mission! ➡️ @theselfcaremission ⬅️ This is the very first episode of something new. While I continue to own and operate Massage Hodgepodge, my private massage therapy practice in Portland, OR, I am shifting a lot of energy into this new endeavor.
So…what is it?
Basically The Self Care Mission is about showing up. It’s about being consistent with the things that you already know to promote your health. It’s about finding the best tools, tactics, and habits to become the best version of you there is. I also believe that by taking better care of ourselves, we can take better care of the world.
Here is a quick rundown of my main talking points in this episode.
- The Self Care Mission - the what and the why
- Thinking about self care frameworks
- Consistency
- My current self care toolkit
- Waking Up App
- Ideas about future interview topics
- Who I am and where I am from
- Body image
- A brief relationship history
- Struggling to be present with my kids
- Upcoming interviews with…find them on IG
-
- Kelleigh Kinkaid - @kelleighkincaidwellness
- Andrea Lipomi - @feetishspa
- Dr. Omar Qutub - @dr.omarqutub
Interested? Curious? Ready?
Accept the mission!
➡️ Get the Newsletter! ✉️Subscribe HERE. This is starting as a free weekly round up of my thoughts on self care. Expect short, actionable tips and ideas to get you in the right headspace to show up for yourself on the regular. A daily paid version is also in the works for those that could use more consistent encouragement.
➡️ Listen to the Podcast! 🎧 I have begun recording and interviewing some amazing people. Expect a lot on self massage, foam rolling, and stretching from me. I'll be bringing on other experts to talk mindfulness, nutrition, skin care, hair care, and so much more! The podcast should be rolling out across all the platforms over the next couple weeks.
➡️ Join the Community! 🤝 Okay….not quite yet, but it is coming soon. Imagine a platform with other like minded people on their own self care journey. You’ll be able to explore tools and tactics, refine your own toolkit, and get some support and accountability. To get notified when the Community is ready, just subscribe to the Newsletter!
The Massage Hodgepodgcast is evolving! This is a short episode to give a brief update and talk about what’s next.
Here are all the other massage based podcasts that I mention:
- Massage Business Blueprint
- Massage Therapy without Borders
- The Massage Startup Podcast
- The Successful Bodyworker Podcast
- The Massage Therapist Business & Marketing Podcast
- ABMP Podcast
- Align with The Massage Business Mama
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Sara Newberry is a Licensed Massage Therapist in Missouri joining me as part of an ongoing effort to interview a fellow massage therapist from all 50 states. Sara practices ashiatsu at her practice Somatic Sole Barefoot Massage, and she is a barefoot massage educator with Midwest Massage Training Center. She also provides business coaching for other bodyworkers. And she does all of this, amazingly, while raising three young children!
So what did we talk about?
- Sara’s massage origin story and what lead in to ashiatsu
- Massage for young people
- The basics of becoming a massage therapist in Missouri
- Maintaining a license in MO
- Impact of Covid in Missouri
- Reopening concerns
- Keeping busy during the shutdown
- Thinking around pivoting a wellness practice
- What her virtual sessions look like
- How this crisis changes massage therapy
- Suggestions for longevity in the field
- Thoughts for a startup massage practice
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Rebecca Tamm is on the Massage Hodgepodgcast to talk about Michigan in my ongoing series to interview a massage practitioner in every state. She is the founder of Michigan Massage & Wellness, where she specializes in Fascial Stretch Therapy, Lokte Method, MPS Therapy, and more.
Here is what we covered:
- Rebecca’s massage therapy origin story
- The basics of becoming a massage therapist in Michigan
- Maintaining a license in MI
- The state of Michigan during covid
- The trauma of having your business closed during the shut down
- How does this crisis change massage therapy?
- Longevity as a massage therapist
- Fascial Stretching
- The value of the therapeutic relationship
https://michiganmassageandwellness.com/
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Sharon Bryant is a Licensed Massage Therapist with Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology in Alabama. She joins me as part of the ongoing series to interview a fellow therapist in all 50 states. Sharon is also an educator with the Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center.
A Quick Conversation Rundown
- Massage origin story and the path to barefoot massage
- The basics of becoming a massage therapist in Alabama
- Maintaining a license in AL
- The unfolding of the covid crisis
- Keeping busy during the shutdown
- Contact tracing
- How does this crisis change massage therapy?
- Community vs. competition
- Therapeutic relationship
- Longevity as a massage therapist
- Ashiatsu post covid
- Reflexology
http://www.harvestmoonmassage.com
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Rebecca Brumfield joins me on The Massage Hodgepodgcast to talk about Louisiana! Yes, the video is a bit choppy, but the audio is clean. This continues my series to chat with a massage therapist from all 50 States. Rebecca’s practice in Baton Rouge is called Vida Pura Spa where she specializes in fire cupping. She also runs a coaching program for other spa and wellness business owners called Badass Bodyworkers. I would highly recommend checking out that site for some great free resources.
Here is a quick conversation overview.
- Massage origin story
- The basics of becoming a massage therapist in Louisiana
- Maintaining a license in your state
- The state of LA right now
- Reopening
- Changes coming to massage post covid
- Where she has been focused during the shutdown
- Converting clients to 90 minutes
- Pivoting a massage practice to a more broad wellness center
- Longevity as a massage therapist
- Fire Cupping
Find Vida Pura on IG @vidapuraspa
Find Badass Bodyworkers on IG @badassbodyworkers
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Melinda Loo is on the podcast! She is here representing Connecticut in my series to interview a fellow practitioner from all 50 states. In addition to her private practice at Essential Bodywork and Wellness, she also offers business coaching for other practitioners at MelindaLoo.com.
An overview of our conversation…
- Melinda’s origin story
- The basics of becoming a massage therapist in CT
- The state of CT during the shutdown
- Lessons from the lockdown
- Ideas for LMTs to create other revenue streams
- How does this crisis change massage therapy?
- Longevity as a bodyworker
- The use of CBD oil in massage practice===
Find Melinda on Instagram @essentialbodyworkandwellness
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Abby Meyers joined me on the Massage Hodgepodgcast to talk about massage therapy in Illinois. This is part of the interview series 50 Massage Therapists | 50 States. Abby has over 16 years of experience, so I was excited for the chance to chat about a range of topics.
We dive into…
- Abby’s massage origin story
- Massage & bodywork for youth
- The basics of becoming a massage therapist in Illinois
- Maintaining a license in IL
- The covid crisis
- Grappling with re-opening
- Industry changes post covid
- Longevity as a massage therapist
- Headache interventions
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Shawn Kitzman was on the podcast to talk about massage therapy in the state of Minnesota. He is a manual therapist, movement coach, and wellness practitioner coach. This is part of my 50 Therapists 50 States series, and it marks the first time I have encountered a state without a regulated licensing program. Shawn presents some compelling ideas that might run against the grain of the status quo. There might also be some slightly stronger language. I really enjoyed this wide ranging and thought provoking conversation.
We talk about…
- Shawn’s origin story
- Practicing massage in Minnesota
- The absence of licensure and regulation
- Juicy Lucy and Hot Dish
- The unfolding of the covid crisis in Minnesota
- Pivoting during the shutdown
- Longevity as a therapist
- Motivating clients to take their self care seriously
- Giving clients homework
- How does the shutdown affect the massage field
Find Shawn online at ShawnKitzman.com.
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Beth Petersen is on the Massage Hodgepodgcast! Apologies for the audio quality this time! This is part of the 50 Massage Therapists | 50 States series. She practices Thai massage at her private practice Unwind Bodywork in South Dakota. She is also an instructor at Stewart School.
We talked about…
- Origin story into massage and the transition to Thai massage
- Licensure in South Dakota
- How the crisis unfolded in SD
- Re-opening
- What she has observed in clients
- Considerations for a Thai Massage pertaining to re-opening
- How does this crisis change massage therapy
- Post cover considerations for Thai massage
- How the school where she teaches is approaching re-opening
Find Beth on IG @unwindbodywork
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Happy to welcome Bailey Maddox to represent South Carolina on The Massage Hodgepodgcast in my ongoing series to interview a fellow massage therapist in every state. She is the founder of The Supine Studio in Columbia, South Carolina.
So what did we talk about?
- Bailey’s massage origin story
- Getting a massage license in South Carolina
- Maintaining a license
- The state of SC during the comic crisis
- Re-opening in SC
- What she has observed in clients resulting from the stress of this crisis
- How does this crisis change massage therapy?
- The Supine Studio
- Migraines
Find Bailey on Instagram @thesupinestudio
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Allissa Haines is on the podcast in my ongoing effort to chat with a fellow massage therapist from every state! She joins me from her home state in Massachusetts where she had over 15 years of experience as an LMT. Allissa is also a columnist for Massage & Bodywork Magazine and the co-founder of The Massage Business Blueprint, an online resource and community for massage and bodywork professionals. Along with her co-founder Michael Reynolds, she hosts a podcast of the same name with nearly 300 episodes helping bodywork professionals navigate business and marketing.
We chatted about…
- The Massage Business Blueprint
- Massage origin story
- Getting and maintaining a massage therapy license in MA
- Thoughts a national standard
- The state of Massachusetts during the cover crisis
- Concerns around reopening
- Keeping busy during the shutdown
- A digression on distance learning
- How does this crisis change massage therapy?
- Longevity as a massage therapist - Boundaries
- The value of the therapeutic relationship
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Deborah Kimmet is on the podcast to represent Montana in my ongoing series to interview a massage therapist in all 50 states. Deb has over 30 years of experience as an LMT and holds license #1 in her state! She is also a certified teacher with the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, and the founder of LMT Body Politic.
Here is a quick overview of what we discussed…
- Origin as a massage therapist
- Becoming a massage therapist in Montana
- Thoughts a national standard
- Maintaining a license in Montana
- Thoughts on continuing education
- The state of Montana during the coivd-19 crisis
- How does this crisis change massage therapy?
- Longevity as a massage therapist
- LMT Body Politic
- Human Trafficking - read more HERE
Listen / Watch! You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Cal Cates is a Massage Therapist, educator, writer, and the Executive Director of Healwell which seeks to improve the experience of living with acute, chronic, and terminal illness. They also co-host the podcast, Massage Therapy Without Borders. Based in Virginia, Cal joined me as part of my ongoing series to interview a fellow massage therapist from all 50 States.
What did we talk about?
- Cal’s origin story into the field and later transition into oncology massage
- Becoming a massage therapist in Virginia
- Maintaining a license in VA
- Thoughts about a national standard
- Concerns with the NCBTMB board certification
- The state of Virginia during the pandemic
- What they have been up to during the shutdown
- Healwell’s Back To Practice Training
- The divisions that this may create
- Oncology massage
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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The Nevada Episode with Andrea Lipomi continues my ongoing series to interview a fellow massage therapist from every state. Andrea is a true triple threat! Not only is she an LMT, but she also a Licensed Esthetician AND a Licensed Nail Technician! Her practice Feetish Spa Parlor is located in Las Vegas.
We had a great chat about many things…
- Andrea’s origin as a massage therapist
- Working in the Las Vegas spa scene
- Expanding her skills with Esthetics and Nails
- Becoming a massage therapist in Nevada
-
- Must pass a recognized national exam
- The state of Nevada during the Covid-19 crisis
- Trauma Recovery Yoga (TRY)
- Getting back to work…once we can
- What will see in our industry after the crisis
- Hopes for the massage industry
- Feet care
Find Andrea on Instagram @feetishspa
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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The Massage Hodgepodgcast is back with Zack Mayfield, a fellow Massage Therapist in the state of Arizona. In addition to having over 10 years of experience as a therapist, he is also a nationally ranked powerlifter! Zack created Successful Bodyworker and the MT Hybrid Athlete Program which teaches therapists how to train so they can avoid burnout. You should also check out the Successful Bodyworker podcast.
This is part of my ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Please subscribe and follow!
Here’s a quick rundown…
- Zack’s origin story as an LMT
- Becoming Licensed in AZ
-
- It’s actually 700 Hours now
- You can take either the MBLEx or BCETMB
- The state of Arizona during the crisis
-
- When we recorded, their stay-at-home was set to expire May 4th, but the Governor since extended to May 15th.
- How does massage therapy emerge from the crisis
- Longevity for massage therapists
Find Zack on Instagram @successfulbodyworker
Try the 30-Day MT Challenge: Lockdown Edition
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and watch the video version on Youtube!
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Fellow Massage Therapist Bonnie Rich is on the podcast to talk about Florida! Bonnie’s practice, Massage or Knot specializes in serving the needs of women in her community. This is part of my ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Please subscribe and follow!
We chatted about…
- Origin story as therapist
- Becoming a massage professional in FL
- Maintaining a license in FL
- Prevalence of human trafficking in Florida
- State of FL during Covid crisis
- What you’re doing during the shutdown
- How does this change massage therapy moving forward
- What she expects to see in clients when we get back to work
- Experience treating clients with PTSD
- Thoughts on lymphatic drainage massage
Find Bonnie on Instagram @massageorknotflorida
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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So thrilled to welcome Laura Allen, a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist based in North Carolina. She is also an educator, consultant, former restauranteur, and the author of several books. Her ethics column Heart of Bodywork appears in Massage and Bodywork Magazine. While continuing to serve a handful of dedicated clients, she is also the President of Sales and Marketing at ACH Ventures, parent company to Cryoderm which makes plant-based Pain Relief and Therapeutic Massage products.
This podcast is part of my ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Please subscribe and follow! Given Laura’s storied career, we did chat about much more beyond her state.
Here is an overview...
- Origin story as therapist
- Becoming a massage professional in North Carolina
- Maintaining a license in your state
- Thoughts on a National standard
- State of NC during Covid crisis
- What you’re doing during the shutdown
- Reaction to news that Georgia is re-opening
- Spending time during quarantine
- The new normal after this crisis
- What do you expect to see when we get back to work
- The Educated Heart and Nina McIntosh
Find Laura Online at lauraallenmt.com
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
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Wisconsin represent! The 50 Massage Therapists | 50 States series continues with Barb Helding, a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2007. Her practice Zendiggity Massage is based in Racine, Wisconsin.
Here is what we talked about…
- Origin story as therapist
- Becoming a massage professional in WI
- Maintaining a license in WI
- Thoughts on a National standard
- Side lying work
- State of your state during Covid crisis
- What you’re doing during the shutdown
- How does this change massage therapy moving forward
- What trends she had been seeing in bodies lately
- What she expects to see when we get back to work
Find Barb on Instagram @zendiggity
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Georgia is on my mind! I welcomed Angie Bretz, a fellow massage therapist based in Kennesaw, GA and the owner of The Healing Hippie Massage and Holistic Health. She is here as part of my ongoing series - 50 Massage Therapists | 50 States. After our initial recording, we had to circle back and splice in an update after the Governor of Georgia made waves when he announced moves to re-open the state.
Here is everything we talked about…
- Origin story as therapist
- Becoming a massage professional in Georgia
- Maintaining a license in your GA
- Thoughts on a National standard
- State of your state during Covid crisis
- UPDATE on Georgia Governor’s decision to begin re-opening the state
- What you’re doing during the shutdown
- How does this change massage therapy moving forward
- What trends she had been seeing in bodies lately
- What she expects to see when we get back to work
“This is not the time to feel guilty about "feeling the feels." This is the time to welcome the highs and lows, listen to them, process them, accept them as your current reality. This is an unprecedented time and there is no "right" answer on how to cope.” - Angie Bretz
Find Angie on Instagram @thehealinghippiekennesaw.
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
For this episode I welcomed not one, but two amazing massage therapists from my original home state in the heart of it all - OHIO! Megan Strohhacker, with Pure Tranquility Massage Therapy has over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She breaks down the basic requirements to obtain and maintain a license in Ohio. In the second half, I loop in Kathleen Goggin who owns Corporate Oasis Massage. She sheds some light on a darker side of massage in Ohio.
What we talk about:
Part 1 with Megan
- Megan’s massage origin story
- Becoming a massage therapist in Ohio
- Viability of a national standard for massage
- State of Ohio during the Covid crisis
- Changes to massage as a result of this crisis
- Longevity and avoiding burnout
Part 2 with Kathleen…
- The prevalence of unlicensed, “relaxation” massage practitioners
- Human trafficking
- The lack of continuing education requirements in Ohio
- How she is navigating the shutdown
- What massage will look like when we can get back to work
Listen / Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Ali Boehm is a Licensed Massage Therapist in Colorado and she joins the podcast as part of my ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Please subscribe and follow! She is the owner of Kneading Hands in Steamboat Springs and the founder of The Massage Business Mama.
Topics we discuss…
- Ali’s origin story as a massage therapist
- Starting Massage Business Mama
- Getting a license in Colorado
- Viability of a national standard
- Continuing education
- State of your state
- What she’s doing with the downtime
- How does this change massage therapy moving forward
Find Ali on Instagram @themassagebusinessmama.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and find the video on Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Thrilled to welcome Joyce Gauthier, a fellow massage therapist who originally trained and practiced in upstate New York. After running a successful medical massage clinic for seven years, she set sail aboard Duchess, a 32′ sailing ketch, accompanied by her wonderful husband, Matthew, and a lazy shih tzu named Loki. Together, they travel the east coast and the Bahamas. Joyce continues to practice massage in both New York and North Carolina when she finds a welcoming port.
She joined me on the podcast as part of an ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Please subscribe and follow!
Special Note Yes, the video quality is a little choppy, but all of the audio made it through okay. All the more reason to subscribe to the podcast and just listen.
Topics we discuss…
- Joyce’s massage origin story
- Why she decided to set sail
- Becoming a massage therapist in New York
- The Eastern/Western approach of the New York massage school model
- Spending time during the Covid shutdown
- The role of her community on Facebook
- The Respect Massage campaign
- New York continuing education requirements
- Hopes for massage therapy after the crisis
Find Joyce on Instagram @thesailingmassagetherapist and on the web at sailingmassagetherapist.com. Learn more about the Respect Massage campaign at respectmassage.com.
Listen | Watch! You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. You can also scroll a bit and watch the video.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn - + video versions on Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Allison Denney is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 20 years of experience. Her practice, Rebel Massage, is based in Long Beach, California. She is also one of the founders of the Panacea Holistic Institute.
She joined me on the podcast as part of an ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Please subscribe and follow!
Topics we discuss…
- Allison’s massage origin story
- Getting licensed in California
- Potential for a national standard
- Continuing Education
- The state of California during the shutdown
- Focusing on community during the shutdown
- Hopes for changes in our industry coming out of the pandemic
- Her educational videos, anatomy body painting, and bodywork butters
Find Allison on Instagram @rebelmassagetherapist and on the web at www.rebelmassage.com.
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Victor Terrazas is Licensed Massage Therapist in El Paso, Texas with over 20 years of experience. He is the owner of Rejuvenate Wellness Center, and the host of the Massage StartUp Podcast. He joins me today to chat about massage in Texas and more!
This is part of an ongoing effort to have a chat with a massage therapist from every state in the USA. Be sure to subscribe and follow!
Here are some things we talk about….
- Victor’s massage origin story
- Longevity and avoiding burnout
- Body Mechanics
- Texas massage requirements
- Creating a national standard for massage licensure
- Victor’s signature style of deep muscle therapy
- The current state of massage as a business in Texas
- What we are focusing on during the pandemic shutdown
Find Victor on Instagram @massagestartuppodcast
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Crystal Calanca returns to the Massage Hodgepodgcast!
She is the first in a new series with the goal of interviewing a massage therapist from all 50 States.
Topics we discuss:
- Becoming a massage therapist in Oregon
- What it’s like to practice in Oregon
- Response to the pandemic
Crystal on Instagram @crystalcalancalmt
You can browse all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Megan Grace is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Somatic Coach based in Portland, OR. She joins me on the podcast to discuss a variety of topics including her experience as survivor of Post Concussive Syndrome and how it lead her to a career in Massage Therapy.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- Massage origin story
- Her practice today
- Thai Massage
- Influence of her psychology background
- Somatic coaching
- Mal-aversay
- Essential oils
- Approach to Self Care
- Longevity as a Massage Therapist
- Travel adventures
- Thai Massage in Thailand
- The Megan Grace MVMT
Find Megan at www.themegangracemvmt.com & IG @themegangracemvmt.
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LINKS
Post Concussion Syndrome
East West College
dōTerra
Brazilian Zouk
Thai Massage
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Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL. 📺
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Please subscribe to the show and pass this along to a friend or two or ten. 🤩 I have many more exciting episodes already in the works!
Ryan Russo is on The Massage HodgepodgCAST! This is part 1 in an ongoing series where I will following along Ryan’s journey into massage therapy. This initial episode sets the stage to provide some context about Ryan and why he decided to jump into the massage profession. We will be having regular conversations after he gets started at East West College in April 2020.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Ryan
- Premise of the “Making Of A Massage Therapist” series
- What drew Ryan to massage therapy
- Initial concerns on starting school
Follow Ryan on IG @ry.russ21
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LINKS
East West College
Jenelle Woodlief
Gregg Boughton at George Fox University
George Fox University
Daniel Bettencourt on episode 7
Muscolino Coloring Book - heads up! That’s an affiliate link!
Dr. William Pleau
Crystal Calanca
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Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Browse 🔍 all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Please subscribe to the show and pass this along to a friend or two or ten. 🤩 I have many more exciting episodes already in the works!
Marissa Emery is a Licensed Massage Therapist with her own private practice called Mama Needs Massage. As the name of her practice suggests, she specializes in treating Mamas at all stages of their journey in motherhood from pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Path to massage therapy
- Specializing in Mamas
- The importance of postpartum care
- Positioning the client for pre-natal massage
- Supporting Mamas after the birth
- Educating kids on healthy touch
- Massage for kids and teens
- Thoughts on self-care
- Thoughts on longevity as a bodyworker
- Energy work
- Access to care
Find Marissa
mamaneedsmassage.com
Facebook @MamaNeedsMassage
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LINKS
Massage In Schools
Acupuncture is like Noodles
Working Class Acupuncture
Listen 🎧 \ Watch 📺 You can listen right here, or with a podcast app of your choice. Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Browse 🔍 all previous episodes on Libsyn and Youtube!
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Please subscribe to the show and pass this along to a friend or two or ten. 🤩 I have many more exciting episodes already in the works!
Fellow massage therapist, Daniel Bettencourt is on the Massage HodgepodgCAST! His practice, Kaizen Massage & Bodywork is the Garden Home area just outside of Portland, OR. I had such a great time discussing a variety of topics ranging from very specific practice building tips to the energy of the universe.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Daniel’s path to massage therapy
- Meaning of Kaizen
- Practice building - a practical, organic approach that is a great model for students
- Being a male massage therapist
- Self care practices
- Float tanks
- Longevity as a therapist
- Top of mind techniques / muscles
- The energy of the universe
Find Daniel! Website | Facebook
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LINKS
- Trader Joe’s
- Ensõ Float
- Muscle Manual by Dr. Nikita A. Vizniak
- Oculus Go - VR Headset
- Human Anatomy in VR
- Miss Renée - tarot reading
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Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Please subscribe to the show and pass this along to a friend or two or ten. 🤩 I have many more exciting episodes already in the works!
Thrilled to have Dr. Jenny Brocker on the podcast! She is a Board Certified Pediatric Chiropractor with the Portland Chiropractic Group in Portland, OR. Fun fact - she has been treating my own kids for years including working with my former spouse to help her and my first son while he was still in utero! Please enjoy this wide ranging conversation!
Topics we discuss:
- Dr. Jenny’s history with Chiropractic care
- Her journey to becoming a chiropractor and then pediatric specialization
- Responding to skepticism around chiropractic care for kids
- What chiropractic care looks like for a newborn
- What chiropractic care looks like for kids as they grow up
- Craniosacral therapy
- Learning to tune into the craniosacral rhythm
- Chiropractic care for expecting moms
- Self Care
- Longevity as a bodyworker
- Providing bodywork for youth and adolescents
Find Dr. Jenny: Website | Facebook
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LINKS
- Dr. Elise Hewitt
- East West College
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Carol Gray
Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
Julie Gustafson is the Executive Director of the Pearl District Business Association in Portland, OR. In this role she is responsible for managing the 200+ business members, making connections, hosting events, and much more.
Topics we discuss:
- Julie’s path to the PDBA
- What Julie loves about event planning
- Planning big events
- Planning my open house event
- Streetcar Summit
- A big idea
PDBA Website | PDBA on Instagram @pearlportland | Julie on LinkedIn
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LINKS
- Portland Streetcar
- Streetcar Summit
- Oregon Mission of Mercy
Find a video of this podcast HERE.
Honestly, I am still reeling from this conversation with Crystal Calanca, Licensed Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy educator. This is only the fourth episode of the Massage Hodgepodgcast, and I am over the moon about getting to sit down and chat with amazing, thoughtful people.
And Crystal has…A LOT of thoughts. But these are not surface level flights of fancy, oh no! I have no doubt that any one of the topics we touch on could (and should) produce an hour long conversation in its own right. Even her thoughts on Star Wars are fully considered. What does Star Wars have to do with massage therapy? I find that most good conversations include a Star Wars tangent at some point. Next you’ll be asking what midichlorians have to do with the force…uh…no comment. Nerd talk over.
If you are a bodyworker, you should listen. If you are a student of massage or bodywork, you should listen closely. If you are even considering such things, lean in. You are about to get schooled!
Topics we discuss:
- Crystal’s path into Massage Therapy
- East West College of the Healing Arts
- Boundaries
- Longevity - a more holistic approach
- Balance in life
- Reverse scheduling
- Being present with kids after a challenging day
- A Star Wars tangent
- Crystal’s go-to self care
- American style massage
- International massage
- Traveling as a massage therapist
- Imposter Syndrome
- Practice building and pricing
Crystal’s Website | Crystal on Instagram @crystalcalancalmt
Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Complete, slightly wonky transcript HERE.
LINKS
- East West College
- University of Montana Missoula
- Le Petit Outre
- Article reference from International Journal of Bodywork and Massage Research on Boundaries
- Massage Hodgepodgcast with Jenelle Woodlief
- Brené Brown
- Henry David Thoreau
- Billy Holiday’s Greatest Hits
- The Music of Jenny Lewis
- Star Wars Episode IX
- The Mandalorian
- Loyly Sauna
- Maria Mercati
- Universit
Dr. William Pleau is not your average chiropractor. Specializing in Visceral Manipulation, his work is well suited to address chronic pain and help patients work through issues that have failed to respond to traditional methods. In this wide ranging conversation, we trace his path from martial arts to massage to chiropractic, and then continuing to hone and specialize. He also has great perspectives on self-care, meditation, longevity as a bodyworker, and so much more!
Topics we discuss:
- Dr. Pleau’s path from martial arts to massage to chiropractics
- Personal experience with Reiki
- Studying at the Barral Institute
- His unique approach to chiropractic care
- Cranial sacral rhythm
- Longevity / Avoiding burnout
- Self-care & body mechanics
- Massage as a mindfulness practice
- Dr. Pleau’s personal self-care habits
- Squaring the life curve
- Muscle song challenge
Dr. Pleau’s Website | Dr. Pleau on Linked In | Dr. Pleau on Facebook
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LINKS
Colorado School of the Arts
Frank Lowen
Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo
The Barral Institute
Oregon School of Massage
Wendy Ward
East West College
World Of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Nick’s Geniohyoid Song
Music "Swing House" by RKVC via Youtube Audio Library
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Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Complete, slightly wonky transcript HERE.
Jenelle Woodlief is an empowered bodyworker in Portland, OR specializing in Thai Massage. She is also a Mom, Entrepreneur, Bodywork Coach, and all around positive force in the world.
She is also actively starting a Self Care revolution that seeks to place a self care coach in everyone’s pocket.
I was thrilled to have her on the show to discuss a range of topics.
Topics we discuss:
- Jenelle’s path to bodywork and then to founding her business
- Radical Self Care
- Cultivating Authenticity and Vulnerability
- Loving Yourself
- Thai Massage
- Empowered Bodywork
- Convincing clients to invest in their own healing process
- Jenelle’s Bodywork/Coaching
- Work/Life balance
- Practice Building
- Changing the world in 2020
- Jenelle’s self care revolution
Jenelle’s Website | Jenelle on Instagram | Jenelle on Facebook
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Links
East West College
Vida Co-Working Space
Abundology Podcast
Lose You To Love Me by Selena Gomez
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Video of this episode available on the Massage Hodgepodge YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Complete, slightly wonky transcript HERE.
On the very first episode of the Massage Hodgepodgcast, I am here to talk about what I’ll be talking about. This is the foundation. This is the framework. This will probably change over time.
On the show today…
- Who is this podcast for?
- What will this podcast will tackle? What are the recurring themes and topics?
- Format and structure.
- Why should you subscribe?
- About Nick.
My name is Nick Peterka, and I am starting my own practice here in Portland called Massage Hodgepodge. I only recently reactivated my massage license after a number of years focused on raising my boys. Those boys are bigger now so I decided to get back to