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The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast
The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast
Author: Krista Dicks
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© Krista Dicks
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Hi, I’m Krista, and I love sharing the stories of massage therapists from around the world. I am constantly fascinated by the way our career allows freedom, flexibility, fun, and financial success. I find massage therapists who are living proof that we have a profession like no other that allows us to live life on our terms. Why me? I'm an RMT since 2006 and a clinic owner but, I started this podcast to share YOUR story. Not mine. YOU are the Radical Massage Therapists who inspire me each day. Thanks for being here to support our goals beyond massage, build up the profession, and enjoy life!
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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, RMTInstagram @liftxbadgerxcycleContact The Radical Massage Therapist PodcastKrista Dicks, RMT📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com📱 Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapistMentionedAlign Massage Therapy KanataRecreational Therapy in mental healthMohawk 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 therapistIf 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: RADICALRMT1MOMentionedMackenzie Chilton: @loveyourmondaysGoodfood Try today with 70% Off LesMills On Demand Pilates on BeechwoodMentorship My Free 15-Minute To Clarity Chat: Book here
Gentle note about about medical and surgical references in this episodeIn 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: RADICALRMT1MOContact Bobbi-JoInstagram: @rmtbobbijo.cKrista 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.🩵 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-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.🩵 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 MichelleSocials @rmt.michelleWebsite: RMTMichelle.comFreebie: reverse engineering your income goals https://rmtmichelle.com/incomegoalsMentioned in This Episode For the full list check out The Radical Massage Therapist Contact The Radical Massage Therapist PodcastEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @theradicalmassagetherapistLet'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 CoveredRaising rates without guiltCreating balance without abandoning clientsLeaving a clinic while honoring yourselfBuilding a mobile massage practice with structureClinic ownership clarity and lease red flagsExpanding your career without adding massage hours🩵 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 PodcastEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @theradicalmassagetherapistLet'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 SmithHappy Haüs Studios Free DIY Treatment Room Design Guide (instant download)Online CEU Course: Treatment Room Design for PractitionersBlog: https://happyhausstudios.com/blogContact The Radical Massage Therapist PodcastEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist
This solo episode is a candid reflection sparked by my chat with Amy Bradley Radford on her podcast Massage. Business. Success.The thoughtful questions Amy prepared created space for real reflection — the kind we rarely slow down enough to do.I wanted to share more in this episode about what it means when your business quietly becomes the boss, how defining success as a full schedule can limit freedom, and why ownership (even as an independent contractor) changes everything. I also share a behind-the-scenes update on her upcoming meeting with an Ontario MPP regarding OCF-18 forms, how I prepared, and what advocating for our profession actually looks like in real life working alongside the RMTAO.This episode is about leadership, responsibility, mentorship, and building a massage career that supports time freedom, financial security, flexibility, and joy outside the treatment room — not one that quietly drains it.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 in This Episode:Amy Bradley Radford – Massage Business Success PodcastExtreme Ownership – Jocko Willink (I liked the audiobook)Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO)Episode #139 – The Voice at the Table with Michael FeradayEpisode #140 – Define It to Deliver It: Client Expectations with Amy Bradley RadfordNo Hurry No Pause: 17 Questions that Changed My Life from with Krista Dicks, RMTTim Ferriss – 17 Questions That Changed My Life -Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast📧 krista@theradicalrmt.com🌐 www.theradicalrmt.com📸 Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist
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 LINKCONTACT LAURIANN:EMAIL: info@saveyourhands.comWEBSITE: 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: RADICALRMT1MOCONNECT WITH THE RADICAL MASSAGE THERAPIST PODCASTEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @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.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:📧 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 What a client can do when they feel uneasy with a therapist’s vibe Therapist “oops” moments, social awkwardness, and how to recover with professionalism. -Contact Samantha Storozuk, RMTInstagram: @samanthastorozukrmt-More from Samantha Storozuk, RMTEpisode #063 "Go with the flo and sync your schedule" Union 108 -Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcastkrista@theradicalrmt.comwww.theradicalrmt.com@theradicalmassagetherapist-MentionedOn & Off The Table Podcast: Client Horror Stories. Real or Reddit?“Gesundheit” comes up as a sneeze-response discussion point; it’s a German word meaning “health,” commonly used after sneezing. (Merriam-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.comInternational 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 CompetitorsCanadian International Massage Therapy Championship: Laval, Quebec — April 18–19, 2026Contact 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...Defining client expectations is crucial for success.Effective communication shapes the client experience.Understanding and adjusting pressure improves satisfaction.Tailoring each session to the individual matters.Time freedom is a real benefit of this career.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 HereContact Amy Bradley Radford: Website: https://amybradleyradford.comInstagram: @amybradleyradfordContact Krista (The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast)Email: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @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 RMTAORMTAO website: www.rmtao.comEmail 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 Slone, 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 BowlesCourse/Teacher referenced: Walt Fritz, PT on IG @waltfritzptContact Colette Slone, RMTInstagram & Facebook: @mimicomassagetherapy Email: coletteslonermt@gmail.com Contact The Radical Massage Therapist PodcastEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWeb: www.theradicalrmt.comIG: @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 yearsContact MartaWebsite: www.myosense.comInstagram: @myosense_wellnessPodcast ContactEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @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 InfoLisa – Savannah Massage Therapy & Wellness Clinic Amy – Well Daze (Group Practice, Eco-conscious) Sean – Wellness on Wheels (Mobile Practice) Kat (Katrina) – KP RMT (Home Practice) Noterro (Mobile-friendly booking software)Jane App (Practice management software)Canva (Marketing/branding tool)Connor Collins –The ConCastContact The Podcastkrista@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 RMTsHow trends on TikTok affect client expectationsThe time it takes to run a podcastWhat’s really in a podcast media kitWhy some therapists struggle with creating contentHow I support other massage therapists through mentorshipResources and Mentions:Joanna Sapir – Episodes #46 & #120Trevor Chisman – Episode #93My Free 15-Minute To Clarity Chat: Book herePop Up Podcasting (Ottawa studio)Connor Collins: The Concast ContactEmail: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist
In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist, I'm chatting with Aimee Sutton, founder of Well Daze Collective.Topics include:How and why Aimee rebranded her clinic into a collectiveWhat functional sustainability looks like in a massage practiceCreating a non-competitive, collaborative work environmentTips for treating infants, kids, and supporting new parentsMentorship, motherhood, and staying adaptable as a long-term RMTAimee’s upcoming expansion to a 7-room wellness studio!About Aimee:Aimee has been a RMT since 2008, opening her first practice in 2014 to create a collaborative space where therapists can work together in a unique wellness setting. In 2021 a rebrand for her studio brought her passion for wellness and eco-consciousness together to create the sustainable wellness studio now known as well daze collective.Aimee is also a CIMT (Certified Infant Massage Trainer) working with babies to teach parents and care givers techniques to help massage their babies. -WELL DAZE COLLECTIVE , Guelph, ON www.welldaze.ca IG @well.dazeAt Home Guide for Baby Massage-Email: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comIG: @theradicalmassagetherapist-Mentioned in this episodeWell Daze Collective on InstagramThe Unscented Company (Canadian eco-product brand)Dixon’s Distilled Spirits (hand sanitizer during COVID)Sustainable product line by Aimee Gua Sha + TMJ + cupping references
Are you waiting for the perfect moment to open your clinic? In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, I am sharing the real-life lessons I learned about what I thought I needed before becoming a clinic owner—and how most of it simply isn’t required (it's BS really)Tune in to hear my candid reflections on:Why home ownership has nothing to do with business successWhether you truly need to be the busiest RMT before opening a clinicFinancing your clinic—even without perfect savings or creditWhy going solo might be the best business decisionLearning by doing—and why you’ll never feel “fully ready”If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll open a clinic when…”—this episode is your sign to get moving!-Email: krista@theradicalrmt.comWebsite: www.theradicalrmt.comInstagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist























