Episode 35: Pivot & Purpose Rethinking Success as a Massage Therapist with Nathan Nordstrom - Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast

Ever caught yourself wondering if you’re even cut out for this work anymore—especially when that sense of passion starts to feel more like a trap than a fire? This conversation cuts right to the core of what so many massage therapists go through: you follow your joy, master a skill, maybe even get “successful,” and then wake up one day exhausted, disconnected, or not even sure if you want what you’ve built. Gretchen shares her own story of building a thriving clinic, only to realize she was burnt out and headed in a direction she never meant to go. She and Nathan Nordstrom get honest about the pivots it takes to build a truly sustainable career, the danger of mixing up your identity with your work, and why “passion” isn’t a straight line (thank goodness). If you’re the type who can’t help but chase new ideas or is forever pushing yourself to be “better,” you’ll appreciate the gentle nudge to slow down, get curious when you hit a wall, and see setbacks as feedback instead of failure. There’s a lot here on nervous system-friendly ways to audit your practice and set boundaries—plus, permission to find joy and stability beyond just cranking out more massages. If you’re spun out or craving more meaning, this one gives you some breathing room, a little perspective, and maybe a fresh place to start. To work with Nathan, reach out through his website Educated Touch, or reach out to him directly at [email protected] Be sure to stay tuned in for the release of his book “When Your Passion is Your Profession!” ----more---- Founder’s pricing for The Sustainable Bodyworker Membership is open until March 8th (lowest rate, locked in while you’re a member). Founder members also get a 90-day framework workshop in mid-March, and you can book a 1:1 call with me as soon as you join to map your best first steps. Click here to join! ----more---- Affiliate Links:  We’re careful about what we share here. Everything in this section is something we personally use and come back to again and again — tools that support our own bodies, nervous systems, and day-to-day work. Bon Charge: Use code SUSTAINABLE for 15% off! Swanwick Glasses: Use code GRETCHENPOPP for 10% off! InHarmony Meditation Mats: Use code NEURO5 for 5% off! Global Cupping: Use code NEURO for 20% off your first order! We are so grateful for your support of the Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast and would love to hear how we can better support you! Click here to give us your feedback on the show.  If you’ve got a story, skill, or insight you think would help other bodyworkers, we’d love to hear from you — click here to apply to be a guest on the Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast. The ideas and techniques shared by our guests on the Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast are their own unique perspectives and don’t necessarily reflect those of Gretchen Popp or the Sustainable Bodyworker team or community as a whole. Click HERE for your FREE Mindset Shift hypnotherapy session with Gretchen!