The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast

Dear People-Pleasing Massage Therapist, This episode is for you. The one who says yes when they want to say no. The one who stays late, over-explains, undercharges, and then wonders why they feel drained at the end of the week. Today, we’re joined by Annette Montgomery. Annette is a massage therapist, micro business owner, and recovering people pleaser and she is ready to unpack something most therapists experience but rarely talk about honestly: People-pleasing is not a personality trait. It’s a business strategy. And it backfires. We get into the real, behind-the-scenes moments: The “whispers” your business gives you before things feel off What over-giving actually looks like in a treatment room Why resentment is often a boundary that hasn’t been set yet How scripts can support your nervous system (not make you robotic) The identity shift from “nice” to professional If you want a massage career that gives you freedom, flexibility, financial stability, and space for your life outside the clinic, this conversation is a must-listen. - Contact Annette www.annettemontgomery.org IG: @the_annettemontgomery bfpwellness@gmail.com More From Annette HERE HEREHEREHERE Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast Krista Dicks, RMT 📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com 🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com 📱 @theradicalmassagetherapist

Let’s talk about money. Because the truth is- most of us were never taught how to manage the income we earn in this career. That’s where the stress around taxes, time off, and long-term planning starts to creep in. In this solo episode, I am sharing the three money habits that completely changed my relationship with finances — and helped me move from stress and uncertainty to feeling more in control, confident, and supported in my massage career. These aren’t complicated systems. They’re simple, repeatable habits that allow your massage career to actually support your life — not just take from it. If you’ve ever felt behind during tax season, hesitant to take time off, or unsure about your future… this episode is for you. 🩵 This Episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com Website: www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist 30 Minute Clarity Chat (On Me) Book Here Mentioned Tangerine High Yield Savings Account Want to see why I love banking with Tangerine? Become a Client using my Orange Key 56112811S1, and you could earn $50! Learn more at tangerine.ca/referral Episodes featuring Emilie McKay #85 How to Prepare for Mat Leave as a Massage Therapist (With Kelly Salvador, RMT) #69 How to Give Yourself Vacation Pay as a Self-Employed Massage Therapist #37 Effective Networking Touching on Retirement #6 Changing the Dialogue Around Massage Income with Jana Veltheim, RMT and Owner of Align Massage Therapy Financial Advisor Thomas Thorne #83 Hope for the Best but then Plan for the Worst

Opening a clinic takes courage. It also takes patience, vision, and a willingness to move forward even when the path isn’t perfectly clear. In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, I sit down with Nancy Kahl, RMT, owner of Align Massage Therapy Kanata, to talk about what it really looks like to step into clinic ownership. Nancy’s path to this chapter was anything but linear. After graduating as a massage therapist in 2002, she stepped away from the profession and spent eight years working in mental health and recreational therapy, supporting individuals living with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression. Eventually, she returned to massage therapy with a deeper understanding of the nervous system, emotional labour, and the realities of caring professions. Six months into opening her clinic, Nancy shares what she has learned about leadership, building a supportive workplace, navigating uncertainty, and creating a practice that feels meaningful for both clients and practitioners. We also talk about something that many therapists experience but rarely name clearly: the mental load of practice and how it differs from physical fatigue. This episode is an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and building something steady over time. If you’ve ever thought about opening a clinic, returning to massage after time away, or designing a career that supports your life outside the treatment room, this episode will resonate deeply. 🩵 This Episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO - Contact Nancy Kahl, RMT Instagram @liftxbadgerxcycle Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast Krista Dicks, RMT 📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com 🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com 📱 Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist Mentioned Align Massage Therapy Kanata Recreational Therapy in mental health Mohawk College (guest lecturing experience) Sanford Fleming College (Massage Therapy program) “The Man in the Arena” poem by Theodore Roosevelt

Massage therapy can give you incredible freedom — freedom of schedule, freedom of lifestyle, and the ability to build a career that actually supports your life. But that doesn’t happen automatically. In this solo episode, I am sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I organizes my week first for me and then as a massage therapist and clinic owner to protect my energy, stay motivated in the profession, and continue enjoying the career I have built. These are not complicated productivity hacks. They are realistic routines that help create a sustainable massage career that supports life outside the clinic. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why protecting your energy is one of the most important parts of a long massage career • How simplifying everyday decisions can reduce stress • Why designing your schedule before clients fill it can change your entire career • The routines that help Krista stay healthy, organized, and happy as a massage therapist If you’ve ever wondered how to create more freedom, flexibility, and longevity in your massage career, this episode offers a simple place to start. 🩵 This Episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO Mentioned Mackenzie Chilton: @loveyourmondays Goodfood Try today with 70% Off LesMills On Demand Pilates on Beechwood Mentorship My Free 15-Minute To Clarity Chat: ⁠Book here

Gentle note about about medical and surgical references in this episode In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist, I sit down with Bobbi-Jo Corbett, RMT, to talk about something that deserves way more attention in our profession: scar tissue and hypermobility. Bobbi-Jo treats what she calls “like a weirdo” — meaning she questions the default, follows the research, and approaches scar tissue gently, strategically, and systemically. We talk about why scar care isn’t an add-on… it’s healthcare. We explore the snowball effect of poorly treated scars, the ripple effects on our healthcare system, and how massage therapists can step into a bigger role. Bobbi-Jo has taken the leap to share her experience and unique approach to treatment and educate practitioners on scar tissue treatments with online and in person workshops. We also dive into hypermobility — what it actually looks like in real bodies, how it changes assessment and treatment, and why some of our go-to techniques might not be as supportive as we think. This conversation is about curiosity. It’s about evolving your lens. And it’s about building a career that keeps you mentally engaged, professionally growing, and excited to show up. 🩵 This Episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠ 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO Instagram: @rmtbobbijo.c Krista Dicks, RMT 📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com 🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com 📲 @theradicalmassagetherapist

Topic Warning: Mental Health. Death and End of Life Care. Menstrual Cycles. Harry Potter. Sex and The City. I am sharing some of the most impactful advice I've implemented in my own massage career — insights that didn’t require another certification, workshop, or degree, but did require some Radical Massage Therapists sharing their journey on the podcast. Drawing from conversations with past podcast guests, I'm exploring how the treatment environment influences client outcomes, how massage therapists can create their own paid time off, why syncing your schedule with your menstrual cycle matters, how clear cancellation policies protect your nervous system, and what it looks like to hold compassionate boundaries in emotionally heavy work like palliative care. This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start shaping a massage career that supports your health, finances, and life outside the treatment room. - Explore The Episodes Mentioned: #146 Jamie Smith: Massage Therapy Deserves Better Treatment Rooms #069 Emilie McKay: How To Give Yourself Vacation Pay As a Self-Employed Massage Therapist #063 Samantha Storozuk: Go With The Flow And Sync Your Schedule #115 Christine Anderson: Breaking Free From Cancellation Burnout #128 Olivia Sadler: Compassionate Touch. Massage Therapy For The End of Life -- Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast 📧 Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com 🌐 Website: www.theradicalrmt.com 📲 Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist --

What if building a sustainable massage career didn’t require more hustle, more techniques, or more sacrifice? In this episode, I chat with Michelle Ratz-McGuire, RMT and hypnotherapist from Waterloo, Ontario, for a grounded, honest conversation about designing a massage career that supports your life—not the other way around. Michelle shares her journey from social work to massage therapy, why she transitioned to a mat-based, Thai-inspired approach, and how addressing money mindset, boundaries, and nervous system regulation changed everything. This episode explores what it really takes to earn well, protect your energy, and enjoy your work long-term—without abandoning hands-on care. If you’ve ever thought “must be nice” while scrolling social media, struggled with over giving, or wondered how to make this career feel better day-to-day—this conversation is for you. - Contact Michelle Socials @rmt.michelle Website: RMTMichelle.com Freebie: reverse engineering your income goals https://rmtmichelle.com/incomegoals Mentioned in This Episode For the full list check out The Radical Massage Therapist Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast Email: ⁠⁠krista@theradicalrmt.com⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠www.theradicalrmt.com⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠ @theradicalmassagetherapist⁠⁠ Let's Chat- 30 Minutes to Clarity (On Me): ⁠Book Here

In this solo episode, I'm sharing the six questions that come up again and again in mentorship calls with massage therapists. These questions span pricing, scheduling, clinic loyalty, mobile massage, clinic ownership, and the desire to grow without doing more hands-on work. Through real mentoring stories and practical frameworks, this episode offers clarity, permission, and actionable steps for building a sustainable massage career. Topics Covered 🩵 This Episode is brought to you by ⁠Jane.app⁠ 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO __ Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast Email: ⁠krista@theradicalrmt.com⁠ Website: ⁠www.theradicalrmt.com⁠ Instagram:⁠ @theradicalmassagetherapist⁠ Let's Chat- 30 Minutes to Clarity (On Me): Book Here __ Mentioned in this episode; Fear Setting- Why you should define your fears instead of your goals | Tim Ferriss | TED #075 How to Use Ghost Appointments in Your Massage Practice

What if your treatment room was doing half the work for you? In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, I’m joined by Jamie Smith — a former massage therapist of nearly 20 years turned interior designer and founder of Happy Haüs Studios. Jamie specializes in designing restorative spaces for healthcare providers and wellness practitioners, and she brings a rare perspective that bridges hands-on care with science-backed design. We explore why the divide between “clinical” and “relaxation” spaces doesn’t actually serve clients or therapists, how nervous system safety affects treatment outcomes, and why design choices like lighting, sound, storage, and visual clutter matter more than we’ve been taught. This conversation is practical, thoughtful, and deeply validating for massage therapists who want their work environment to support their body, their clients, and their long-term career. This Episode is brought to you by Jane.app 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO - Contact Jamie Smith Happy Haüs Studios Free DIY Treatment Room Design Guide (instant download) Online CEU Course: Treatment Room Design for Practitioners Blog: https://happyhausstudios.com/blog Email: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist

TBD

What if the aches and pains you’ve been told are “part of the job” actually aren’t? In this episode, I sit down with Lauriann Greene, one of the most respected voices in injury prevention and ergonomics for massage therapists. She’s been researching, writing, and teaching on this topic for nearly 30 years and is the author of Save Your Hands!: The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists—a book many massage schools still recommend or require. We unpack some of the most common myths in massage education, including the idea that pain is normal, that good body mechanics alone will keep you safe, and that therapists simply need to push through discomfort. Lauriann shares the research behind injury rates in our profession, explains why injuries are multifactorial, and outlines what actually supports long-term career longevity for hands-on practitioners. We also talk about treatment room ergonomics, gradual workload increases, and how listening to your body is a professional skill—not a weakness. This conversation is grounded in evidence, experience, and deep care for the people doing the work. ✨ At the end of the episode, we dive into a special listener Q&A with Lauriann, where she answers real questions from massage therapists about hands-on workload, tools, ergonomics, and practical ways to protect their bodies across a long career. If you want to keep practicing on your terms—and enjoy a full life outside the treatment room—this episode is a must listen. OFFER: Get 20% off the regular price of Save Your Hands! 3rd Edition with THIS LINK CONTACT LAURIANN: EMAIL: info@saveyourhands.com WEBSITE: https://saveyourhands.com 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is ⁠Jane.app⁠ and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠⁠Jane.app⁠⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO CONNECT WITH THE RADICAL MASSAGE THERAPIST PODCAST Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com Website: www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist

Impostor syndrome has a way of sneaking in at every stage of a massage career—new grad, seasoned therapist, clinic owner, educator, or mentor. In this solo episode of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, I gett honest about what impostor syndrome has looked like across my own career, from hands-on clinical work to clinic ownership, podcasting, and leadership. This episode is a grounded conversation about confidence, self-trust, and learning how to keep moving forward even when doubt shows up. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “good enough,” wondered if you’re actually helping your clients, or felt like you’re somehow winging it—this episode is for you. As mentioned, this episode is inspired by this Ted Talk "How you can use impostor syndrome to your benefit | Mike Cannon-Brookes" 💻 My favourite software for online booking and charting is Jane and now, the radical massage therapist community can try ⁠Jane⁠ for 1 Month using Code: RADICALRMT1MO - Connect With The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast: 📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com📱 Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist -

For our last episode of 2025, We welcome back Samantha Storozuk, RMT to the podcast for a “Reddit stories” episode diving into the wild, weird, and wonderfully relatable side of massage therapy. From client awkward moments to therapist mishaps. You’ll laugh, cringe, and leave with a few practical reminders about communication, comfort on the table, and what clients are allowed and encouraged to ask for during a treatment. In this episode, we cover: Why this format works: therapist stories + client stories (and what each teaches us) Client comfort: shifting on the table, speaking up, and “you’re not being annoying” energy - Contact Samantha Storozuk, RMT Instagram: @samanthastorozukrmt - More from Samantha Storozuk, RMT Episode #063 "Go with the flo and sync your schedule" Union 108 - Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast krista@theradicalrmt.comwww.theradicalrmt.com@theradicalmassagetherapist- Mentioned On & Off The Table Podcast: Client Horror Stories. Real or Reddit?GesundheitMerriam-Webster

In this episode, I chat with Len Liang, double gold medalist at the 2025 World Massage Championship, to talk about what it really takes to compete—and teach—with heart. Len shares the artistry of Thai massage, how adaptability keeps therapists effective and inspired, and why being yourself is the ultimate competitive advantage. Len shares lessons from international travel, mentorship, and losing as gracefully as winning, while breaking down the misconceptions about Thai massage and showing how it can extend your career and creativity. Contact Len: Instagram: @waikru.massage Website: www.bahnthaispa.com Mentioned: Bahn Thai Spa & School (Toronto, ON): bahnthaispa.com International Massage AssociationITM Chiang Mai – International Training Massage School, Northern ThailandNew Massage AssociationWorld Massage FederationAmerican Massage ChampionshipCanada Massage Therapy Summit World Association of Nuad Thai and Spa Team Canada Massage Competitors Canadian International Massage Therapy Championship: Laval, Quebec — April 18–19, 2026 Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast 📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com 🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com📸 Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist

In this episode, Krista chats with massage therapist, coach and educator Amy Bradley Radford @amybradleyradford to talk about how defining client expectations can transform your massage practice. Together they explore Amy’s six-question framework, the art of communication, and how to design a schedule that supports both your clients and your life. Perfect for massage therapists ready to fill their books, create repeat clients, and step into the CEO role of their own business. Key takeaways from this episode... Amy Bradley Radford: Coach. Educator. Massage Therapist. Encourager of Big Dreams. Discover the six simple yet powerful questions that will transform first-time massage clients into loyal, repeat customers. Download Here Contact Amy Bradley Radford: Website: https://amybradleyradford.com Instagram: @amybradleyradford Contact Krista (The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast) Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com Website: www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist

In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, I sat down with Michael Feraday, Executive Director and CEO of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO). Since 2020, Michael has been at the helm of the association, navigating the challenges of the pandemic and leading the way on advocacy for massage therapists in Ontario. As Michael shares his the role of the RMTAO as your voice at the table when decisions are being made that impact your practice. From the push for HST exemption to how massage therapy is represented in the media, Michael shares the work being done behind the scenes to strengthen the profession. We also talk about: What the RMTAO actually does and how advocacy shows up week to week. The importance of building government relationships. Why membership matters How the RMTAO helps RMTs communicates changes from the regulator into everyday practice. If you’ve ever wondered what role the RMTAO plays in your career, or why joining the association makes a difference, this episode gives you a transparent look straight from the CEO’s perspective. _ Contact Michael and the RMTAO RMTAO website: www.rmtao.com Email michael@rmtao.com Call: 705-828-5007 (yes, he wants to hear from you!) - Contact Krista and The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast 📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com🌐 www.theradicalrmt.comIG @theradicalmassagetherapist

Colette Sloane, RMT and Clinic Owner shares how freedom fuels her clinic ownership, why communication is core to care, and how small details—from intake questions to hot towels—turn good treatments into memorable experiences that keep clients returning. We cover specific prompts she uses before, during, and after sessions to earn clearer feedback and stronger results. Resources: FREE Communication Resource Guide for RMTs In this Guide Colette provides you with some examples of questions that she utilizes during her time with patients during the Intake Process, During the Treatment, and After the Treatment. Book: Stop Selling, Start Asking — Roman Kmenta Book: Massage MBA — Rachel Beider Book: Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service. Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles Course/Teacher referenced: Walt Fritz, PT on IG @waltfritzpt Contact Colette Sloane, RMT Instagram & Facebook: @mimicomassagetherapy Email: colettesloanermt@gmail.com Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com Web: www.theradicalrmt.com IG: @theradicalmassagetherapist

In this episode, I sit down with Marta Hanrahan—RMT, Structural Integration practitioner, and owner of Myosense Clinic in Ottawa. Marta shares how her love of adventure (and a few sports injuries) led her into massage therapy, and how her career evolved from heliski operations and spas to clinic ownership and Rolfing. She also opens up about her work mentoring RMTs who are reentering the profession after stepping away, especially during the pandemic. We talk about why therapists left, what’s drawing them back, and what that return really looks like. Plus: the realities of owning a clinic, launching workshops, and why she moved her practice after 10 years Contact Marta Website: www.myosense.ca Instagram: @myosenseclinic YouTube: @myosenseclinic Podcast Contact Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com Website: www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist

In this dynamic roundtable episode, I chat with four radically different RMTs to explore the many ways you can run a massage practice that actually works for your life. From home-based to mobile to multidisciplinary and group practice models, these therapists share the why behind their setup, the trade-offs they’ve faced, and what makes their practices sustainable and enjoyable. Special thanks to Lisa de Souza, RMT, Aimee Sutton, RMT, Katrina Pimentel, RMt, and Shaun Castor for sharing your time to pull this episode off! Whether you’re dreaming of more freedom, flexibility, or fulfillment, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s possible. Guests + Contact Info Lisa – Savannah Massage Therapy & Wellness Clinic Amy – Well Daze (Group Practice, Eco-conscious) SeanWellness on Wheels (Mobile Practice)Kat (Katrina)KP RMT (Home Practice) Noterro (Mobile-friendly booking software) Jane App (Practice management software) Canva The ConCast Contact The Podcast krista@theradicalrmt.com www.theradicalrmt.com @theradicalmassagetherapist

In this solo Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, as your podcast host, I am answering your questions about brand building, podcasting, TikTok trends, and more. From how massage therapists can show up more authentically online to what to do when clients arrive with misinformation from social media, this episode is packed with real talk and practical insights. I am also sharing how I run the podcast, what I've learned about monetization and aligning with the right sponsors, and I highlight past guest wisdom from Joanna Sapir and Trevor Chisman. 🔹 Topics Covered: Brand-building tips for RMTs How trends on TikTok affect client expectations The time it takes to run a podcast What’s really in a podcast media kit Why some therapists struggle with creating content Resources and Mentions: Joanna Sapir – Episodes #46 & #120 Trevor Chisman – Episode #93 My Free 15-Minute To Clarity Chat: Book here Pop Up Podcasting (Ottawa studio)The Concast Contact Email: krista@theradicalrmt.com Website: www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist