The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast

I've been doing a little work behind the scenes of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, and I thought it was time to bring you along. In this solo episode, I'm sharing what's happening with the podcast as we head toward 2027, including the lessons I'm learning from working with a voice coach, why I've tightened up my recording schedule, and how I'm finding ways to make the podcast more sustainable. I'm also sharing a little of the less glamorous side of podcasting. Think technical hiccups, editing my own episodes, recording from home with dogs wandering around, and learning to be more comfortable with a pause in conversation. Some of these lessons have been surprisingly relevant to my massage practice, too. A common theme: You Can Love What You Do and Still Want to Get Better at It. Thanks for being here and supporting this little podcast of ours. I appreciate you! 🩵 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: [email protected] Website: https://www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist Mentioned: Sylvia Larrass. Voice and Leadership Excellence: https://sylvialarrass.com/

Your next client may be living with cancer, recovering from surgery, or managing the long-term effects of cancer treatment. Are you confident in your ability to provide safe, effective massage? In this episode of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast, I'm joined by Janet Penny, RMT, oncology massage educator, and co-author of Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care. Janet shares her journey from social work to massage therapy, how she found her way into oncology care, and why oncology massage awareness belongs in every massage therapist's clinical toolkit. We explore the common fears surrounding massage and cancer, the importance of informed treatment adaptations, and how thoughtful intake, careful listening, and client-centred care can transform the therapeutic experience. In this episode, we explore: What oncology massage actually is and why it matters in every massage practice. Whether massage is appropriate during cancer treatment, after surgery, and at end of life. The common misconception that massage can spread cancer. What therapists need to know about ports, PICC lines, radiation, lymph node removal, and other treatment-related considerations. Why listening, communication, and client-led positioning matter. How oncology education can expand your clinical confidence and career opportunities. Where to find training and resources to become oncology massage-aware. Whether you're a new graduate, an experienced RMT, or a clinic owner supporting a team of therapists, this conversation will encourage you to keep learning, ask better questions, and recognize the meaningful role massage therapy can play in someone's life. 🩵 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 🩵 Resources from Janet https://drive.google.com/file/d/13qF51MmXk0v6QgtaGHSJiJnlkLKh9meG/view?usp=drive_link Connect with Janet Visit Oncology Massage Canada for training, educational resources, and information about Janet's introductory and advanced courses. Connect with The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast Email: [email protected] Website: www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist Live your best life, powered by your massage career.

What happens when you love massage therapy, but you’re starting to wonder how long you can keep doing hands-on work? And what if you’re earning a decent split, but you want to make more money? Two conversations in the massage community got me thinking about the same question: What’s possible when we stop treating our current career setup as permanent? In this solo episode, I’m sharing why clinic ownership became such a meaningful next step in my own career, how a small clinic could fit into a long-term plan, and why your income deserves a closer look before you wait for the whole industry to change its rates. We’re talking about specialized services, pricing, negotiating your split, and creating more options for the years ahead. All within 10 minutes! 🩵 My favourite software for online booking and charting is Jane.app . The radical massage therapist community can try Jane.app for 1 month using code: RADICALRMT1MO. Want to talk through your own next step? Send me a message on Instagram @theradicalmassagetherapist or book a free 30-minute clarity chat here Contact The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast [email protected] https://www.theradicalmassagetherapist.com

Why your massage career doesn’t have to look the same forever, The advice Karin gives new massage therapists before opening their own practice, and Why nervous system regulation belongs in the massage therapy curriculum 🩵 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 What does a 30-year career in massage therapy actually look like? For Karin Olsen, it has included hands-on practice, owning multiple businesses, managing a team of 30 employees, selling two businesses, teaching continuing education, business coaching, returning to solo practice and now stepping into her newest role: professor. In this episode, Karin and I talk about the many seasons a massage career can move through and why the version of your practice that works for you today doesn't have to be the version you keep forever. Karin also shares why she believes new massage therapists can benefit from spending time in a busy practice before starting their own business, why business education belongs in massage school and why nervous system regulation is becoming a foundational part of the new massage therapy program she is helping build at Centralia College. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is Karin's reminder that there are many ways to stay in this profession. Connect with Karin Moon Hill Mystery School www.moonhillmysteryschool.com Centralia College Massage Therapy Program Search "Massage Therapy" at Centralia College. Connect with The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast [email protected] www.theradicalrmt.com Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist About Karin Olsen Karin Olsen is a licensed massage therapist, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the field of massage therapy and wellness. Since becoming licensed in 1995, Karin has built a career centered on therapeutic bodywork, education, leadership, and helping others develop the skills and confidence to care for themselves and their communities. As the former owner of Radiance Herbs & Massage in Olympia, Washington, Karin spent 15 years building and managing a successful wellness business. She led a team of more than 30 employees, managed an annual budget exceeding $1 million, and developed a business that brought together massage therapy, herbalism, and holistic wellness. Education has become an increasingly important part of Karin’s work. She has taught massage therapy and wellness-related subjects and has extensive experience developing curriculum, creating experiential learning environments, and mentoring students. Her work with Centralia College has included developing a comprehensive Massage Therapy program, including feasibility research, curriculum development, course design, program outcomes, and student learning experiences. Karin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree in Ecopsychology from Naropa University. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to bring together hands-on clinical practice, business, education, creativity, and a deep understanding of the relationship between people and their environments. Whether working with a massage client, mentoring a student, or developing educational programs, Karin brings curiosity, practical experience, and a commitment to creating thoughtful, accessible, and meaningful learning experiences.

Have you ever said, “Why didn’t massage school teach us this?” Business. Marketing. Building a clientele. Managing money. Setting boundaries. HST. Creating a schedule. Running an actual massage practice. I have too. But lately, I’ve started looking at this conversation differently. Massage school had a pretty important job. It needed to help us become capable, confident, safe and ethical massage therapists and prepare us to enter the profession. Then comes the part nobody can completely prepare us for: building a career. In this quick solo episode, I’m sharing why I’ve changed my mind about everything massage school “forgot” to teach us, why I think some lessons make more sense once we’re actually working, and why taking responsibility for our continued learning might be one of the things that separates a good massage therapist from a great one. One of the best parts of massage therapy is that there isn't one correct way to build this career. You can work in a spa, build a solo practice, join a clinic, specialize, own a business, teach, work fewer hours, make great money, or create something completely different. You don't have to know which version you want on graduation day. You do have to be willing to keep learning once you figure it out. 🩵 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