Align with The Massage Business Mama

Break Room Banter is back — and this episode is packed with the kinds of conversations massage therapists actually have when the door is closed and the table’s empty.Ali and Beca kick things off with a surprisingly satisfying business win: realizing Past Self set up an auto-ship for massage oil just in time. From there, the conversation expands into systems that quietly support a sustainable practice, including ordering supplies, navigating Amazon vs ordering direct, and why convenience sometimes matters just as much as values.They also dig into:Supporting small, massage-specific companies (and what good customer service actually looks like)Why “Best Of” contests can be a goldmine for newer therapists — and a double-edged sword for full practicesHow to leverage free marketing without burning yourself outStaying open to dream clients even when you’re booked outThe power of referrals, goodwill, and community over competitionAnd because it is break room banter, the episode wraps with an unexpected client preference that sparks a thoughtful conversation about feedback, criticism, and the tiny details clients notice — including something neither of them had ever considered before.This episode is equal parts practical, reflective, and validating for therapists navigating fullness, boundaries, growth, and longevity.🎧 Listen in and join the conversation.

In this episode of Break Room Banter, Ali and Beca sit down for wide-open, real-talk about the very human side of massage therapy—the stuff no one prepared us for in school.Ali kicks things off with a personal story about accidentally letting her short-term rental license lapse on a rental unit she owns. And how this suddenly finds herself tangled in municipal red tape. It sparks a larger conversation about power differentials, the temptation to lean on clients for help, and the importance of knowing where the ethical lines actually sit.From there, the conversation flows into:When Clients Tell You Big Things FirstPregnancy. Divorce. Affairs. Life-changing news.As massage therapists, we’re often the first to hear intimate information—and we don’t always talk about the emotional weight that comes with that role. Ali and Beca unpack the energetics of holding space, grounding rituals, and how to protect your own nervous system.Beca’s Big Money EpiphanyAfter running her numbers, Beca had a major lightbulb moment about how to price your services based on the income you actually want to earn. She breaks down the simple equation that changed how she thinks about rate setting—and how you can use it too.Connection in a Disconnected WorldWith AI, rushed medical appointments, and less human contact in daily life, massage therapy has become one of the few spaces where people feel truly cared for. The hosts talk about the responsibility and privilege of that closeness.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT:When client relationships blur—and how to navigate that with integrityHow to keep emotional boundaries when clients share deeply personal infoReframing your rates based on your actual income goalsWhy the container we create as massage therapists matters more than everHave something coming up in your treatment room? A boundary question, ethical tangle, or aha moment? Send us a message! We may feature your topic in a future Break Room Banter episode.

060: Break Room Banter — Health Insurance, Triggers, and Swearing in a Massage PracticeWelcome to our newest segment: Break Room Banter — a more relaxed, behind-the-scenes corner of the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in our practices each week. Think of it as the conversations you’d overhear (or jump into!) while refilling your water bottle between clients.In this episode, we’re diving into:Health insurance uncertainty — specifically how the potential government shutdown and the possible loss of health insurance subsidies could impact massage therapists nationwide. We talk through what it means, why it matters, and how we’re personally navigating the unknown.Triggers that catch us off guard — because even seasoned therapists have moments where something hits a nerve, and managing those internal reactions is real, ongoing work.Swearing in a massage practice — Is it ever appropriate? When does it help break tension, and when does it cross a line? We share some candid stories and reflections.If you’ve ever wanted to feel less alone in the daily ups and downs of this profession, Break Room Banter is for you. Pull up a chair, grab a snack, and join us for some honest, messy, and surprisingly comforting conversation.

There has been an increase lately in the massage coaching world, where coaches are pushing hard to help therapists have booming "gift-certificate seasons."And while sometimes, "Yes!" this is a great option. It's an opportunity to promote your business and get noticed. It opens the door for future referrals.It's a tap in the vein for your bank account...There are other times when you may want to pump the brakes on this kind of heightened emphasis. Listen on to hear why I chose to take gift certificates off of my website.

The No Tax on Tips Act is being celebrated by some in the service industries, but there are several key details massage therapists need to understand before assuming it's a tax-free free-for-all.Massage therapists often receive tips—especially those working in spas, franchises, hotels, and even private practice. This bill recognizes tipping as a customary part of compensation in “beauty service” roles, which includes body and spa treatments.So YES—massage therapists qualify for this tax break if:They receive tips reported to their employer (or themselves, if self-employed).Their total tips are within the $25,000 annual deduction limit.But the story doesn't end there. Listen to learn more about the nuance behind how this bill ACTUALLY works.

What if you could grow your massage practice without spending a dime on ads? In this episode, we sit down with returning guest Amie Kraft, a massage therapist who has mastered the art of leveraging Google My Business reviews to build a thriving practice.Together, we unpack why Google reviews hold so much weight for local businesses, how to ask for them in a way that feels natural, and the psychology behind why potential clients trust reviews almost as much as a recommendation from a close friend.You’ll learn:✨ Why Google reviews boost your SEO and visibility in local searches✨ The psychology of social proof and how it influences client decisions✨ Amie’s personal system for requesting, tracking, and responding to reviews✨ How to handle negative feedback with professionalism and graceIf you’ve ever hesitated to ask for feedback, consider this your reminder: reviews aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re one of the most powerful tools to grow your practice without relying on paid ads.

Have you ever wondered if a career in massage therapy could provide freedom, fun, and financial success?Spoiler: It totally can.In this episode, we are joined by the amazing Krista Dicks, Canadian RMT, clinic owner, and host of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast. With nearly two decades of experience—and a resume that includes spas, multidisciplinary clinics, race crews, and tropical destinations—Krista is living proof that massage therapy offers unmatched flexibility and opportunity. What we cover in this episode:The surprising joys of massage schoolExciting career paths (hello, cruise ships and Caribbean contracts!)Why the industry is growing fast—but we’re not training enough therapistsThe difference between the U.S. and Canadian marketsHow to build a massage career that supports your life—not the other way around Did you know?The U.S. massage industry is worth over $18 billion and projected to grow 22% between 2018 and 2028. Yet the number of therapists has only grown 4.6% in the last decade. The demand is there. Are you ready to meet it? Whether you're a seasoned pro or considering the profession for the first time, this episode will remind you why massage is a career like no other.

This episode of Align with The Massage Business Mama dives into the natural ebb and flow of running a massage business. It explores why massage therapists often experience peaks and valleys in their client load and how these fluctuations aren't always a bad thing.

Ahhh, buying a home — the American dream! For many, it’s a goal woven into the fabric of our upbringing, a milestone that symbolizes stability and success. But in today’s world, especially for those of us in the massage industry, the dream of homeownership can often feel out of reach. Rising costs, fluctuating markets, and the unpredictable nature of running your own massage practice can make the process feel daunting. That’s why today’s episode is so special. Beca has some BIG news to share — she’s buying a home! Cue the celebration music: Yippee, Beca! This is such an exciting achievement and a moment of inspiration for anyone wondering if homeownership is possible for them. As Beca has navigated this milestone, she’s realized that many massage therapists feel overwhelmed by the home-buying process. The terminology, the paperwork, the financial preparation — it can all feel like too much. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be! Today, Beca is breaking down the essentials of buying a home in a way that’s accessible and easy to understand.

In this episode, we are sans Beca and joined by Nicole Keane. Nicole recently published a book, "The Tao of The Polyvagal Theory." Inside the book, she teaches and explores the connection between polyvagal theory and five element theory as a means to heal the spirit and balance the autonomic nervous system.  We talk about how our interpretation of traditional eastern medicine might be flawed and why the method she has developed (while contradictory to much of the general knowledge around five element theory) has so many benefits! 

Sometimes when we cannot work it is expected, like pregnancies or a planned surgery. Other times it hits you out of the blue. Either situation is hard as a therapist who only gets paid if they work! But, with a little preparation, you can turn a potentially disastrous situation into a nice reprieve from an ordinarily chaotic schedule. Tune it to hear our top tips for when life gets the best of you.

In today's episode, we delve into a crucial topic that affects every massage therapist's professional journey: safety. Join us as we explore the essence of our upcoming workshop, "Empowered Practitioner — A Safety Workshop for Massage Therapists." Discover how this workshop can transform your practice and empower you as a massage therapist. Our workshop will be hosted on 12/8/23 at 9:00 am MDT and replays will be available!

Episode 051: The Neuroscience of Stress with Charlotte Roden In this episode, we're delving deep into the fascinating world of stress and how understanding the neuroscience behind it can empower us to manage it effectively. We're joined by Charlotte Roden, an expert in stress management with a background in finance, neuroscience, psychology, and naturopathic health. Charlotte's mission is to help people proactively manage stress, enabling them to thrive amidst life's demands. Guest Introduction: Charlotte Roden, founder of Embrace Stress, brings over 20 years of experience in finance to her role as an Executive Coach. With a unique blend of expertise in neuroscience, psychology, and naturopathic health, Charlotte advocates for a holistic approach to stress management. She specializes in empowering individuals to recognize, reframe, and reset stress triggers, building resilience and confidence. About Embrace Stress: Embrace Stress, Charlotte's brainchild, emphasizes putting you in control of your stress. It harnesses the motivating aspects of pressure while equipping you with tools to thrive through challenges. The "Embrace Reset" framework focuses on enhancing knowledge, self-awareness, and mindset, enabling the creation of personalized, practical strategies. Talking Points: Defining Stress: Charlotte explores the comprehensive spectrum of stress, from its definition to its dual role in both harming and motivating us. Understanding the intricacies of the stress response lays the foundation for effective management. Recognizing Early Signs: We delve into recognizing the early signs of stress in our lives. By identifying these signs, we gain valuable insights into tailoring strategies for reduction and relief. This awareness is crucial for both self-care and helping others. Strategies for Minimizing Stress: Charlotte shares practical strategies to minimize stress impact, both in the moment and over time. Discover daily habits that can be integrated into your routine, serving as effective stress-reset tools and building resilience against future challenges. Challenges Faced by Massage Therapists: As massage therapists, the episode addresses the unique challenges you face. Balancing the emotional and physical aspects of clients' stress while managing your own can be overwhelming. We discuss the pressure of being self-dependent workers, exploring ways to maintain energy levels, stay focused, and strike a balance between work and personal life. Join us in this insightful conversation as we unlock the secrets of managing stress through neuroscience and practical strategies. This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence. Connect with Charlotte Roden: Instagram & Facebook: @iembracestress Website: Embrace Stress LinkedIn: Charlotte Roden Email: charlotte@embracestress.com Thank you for joining us in this episode! Don't forget to subscribe, and if you found this episode helpful, please share it with others. Stay tuned for more empowering discussions. Until next time, embrace stress and thrive!

Get ready to amplify your online presence and connect with your dream clients! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Stacey Hagen, a marketing and visibility coach, share her wisdom on navigating the world of social media with authenticity and purpose. Stacey dives deep into the art of showing up confidently, crafting engaging content, and attracting the right audience. Discover how to honor your strengths, share compelling personal stories, and create a magnetic online persona that resonates with those you're meant to serve. If you've ever felt the challenges of social media overwhelm or struggled to strike the right balance between marketing and passion, Stacey's insights are a game-changer. Tune in to gain actionable strategies that will empower you to shine on social media and make a lasting impact.

In this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by Christine Boye to discuss diversifying by becoming a "soul care coach" – yes, you heard me correctly, that's soul care, not self-care. Alongside her soul care work, Christine Boye is also a doula, cancer survivor, and podcast host. We explore the world of soul care, a realm that will transcend self-care and open up new avenues of revenue. We discuss how to pursue true sustainability with less hustle and more impact. Using Christine's 3 pillar soul care work. 1) Breath 2) Mindfulness 3) Movement We hope this episode will shatter the conventional limits we impose on ourselves and help you discover innovative ways to bring in revenue, and create multiple streams of financial abundance in your life as an entrepreneur.

This episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama" is a nugget. A gentle reminder of what we all already know! That it is important and even cool to take care of your mental health! We aim to break the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations about our emotional well-being.  It's easy to neglect our mental health in today's fast-paced world! We get caught up in the cycle of trying to care for our clients, our families, and our friends, and all of a sudden, we are neglecting ourselves.  This episode addresses something especially crucial: taking care of your mental health is cool. We live in a time when self-care is gaining recognition and acceptance. Taking care of your mental health is a powerful act of self-love and empowerment. It shows that you value yourself enough to prioritize your well-being. It's cool to be proactive about your mental health. To invest in activities that bring you joy. To seek support when needed. And to break free from the outdated notion that mental health concerns should be kept silent. Taking care of your mental health is not only cool, it's also a sign of strength and resilience. In a world that often focuses on external achievements, how can we encourage others to embrace this mindset? It starts with being role models ourselves. By openly discussing our mental health journeys, sharing our self-care practices, and highlighting the positive impact they have on our lives. In doing so, we can inspire others to follow suit. We can challenge outdated norms and create a culture where mental health is not only prioritized but celebrated. We can empower individuals to embrace self-care and seek support without fear of judgment. Don't complicate self-care! It can be as simple as starting a gratitude journal, practicing meditation or mindfulness, engaging in regular physical exercise, or pursuing creative outlets that bring joy. Encouraging open conversations about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues can also normalize the topic and create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help. Above all, remember that you deserve to be mentally healthy and happy. Embrace self-care, seek support when needed, and never hesitate to prioritize your well-being. Taking care of your mental health is not only cool but an act of self-love that will positively impact every area of your life. Note: This podcast episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.

On this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by Christine Walsh — a money mindset strategist, mentor, and speaker who has used her 25+ years of experience in finance and accounting to help visionary businesswomen master their inner money game. Founded in personal growth and practical strategies, Christine brings clients her cutting-edge money wisdom, forward-thinking entrepreneurial mindset, and Wall Street investment experience together so they can breakthrough their money ceiling, reduce financial fear, and increase their income without compromising their lifestyle or busting their a$$ to get there.

Some believe that therapists should never discount. But here at Align with The Massage Business Mama, we believe there are times when it is appropriate! NOT all the time, but certainly at times. And today, we get into our top 4 times when we think it is appropriate to discount your services.

While it may seem funny that we have the power to "fire" our clients, the truth is that if clients aren't honoring the boundaries, policies, and procedures we have set up in our practice, we have every right to put them on the chopping block. And while it might seem scary at first, the idea of conflict and loss of income, sometimes moving forward in this manner is the best approach. When you start to cut out clients who abuse your time and energy, you make room for those who respect and appreciate all you have to offer. You make room for increased growth and abundance. Your time and energy are no longer drained from negative interactions. Listen on for our 6 tips for firing a client.

Us massage therapists are not notoriously known for our financial savvy. Having a scarcity mindset or "Starving Healer Syndrome" unfortunately describes an awful lot of us in the healing professions! We operate from the belief (often unconscious) that we don't deserve to become wealthy or even financially comfortable from the work we perform. But Therapists, that's a lie! We deserve all that and more! A few months back, inside my membership, we were focused on retirement—a topic I often see neglected by Massage Therapists. In fact, in an informal quiz I conducted on Instagram, 65% of you said that you hadn't started planning for retirement yet. You might be saying, "Contribute towards retirement? Are you kidding me? There is nothing left over at the end of the month." And I get it. It's really hard to budget when you don't know how much is coming in. Especially in the beginning stages when income and expenses are unknown. And it's not like we have anyone contributing to a 401k on our behalf... But Therapists, there is a better way. I want to see you thrive and succeed NOT only during your career but also into your retirement!!! Which is why I invited financial literacy coach Sheri Rozeski to come chat with my membership group. This podcast episode is pieces of that conversation. Sheri has been a 1:1 financial coach for over 11 years and is passionate about helping people create positive relationships with their money. Getting on track for retirement can and should be a priority! Listen on as we discuss how to kick scarcity mindset to the curb and create abundance. We HAVE resources within our control as self-employed entrepreneurs to change our destiny! ----- Listen and Learn: How much to pay yourself. How many bank accounts to have as a solopreneur. How to eliminate financial crisis. How to continue to be your own boss. And, if you choose to tackle your money, what you give up: frustration confusion tax season loathing disappointment creeping balance on debt