Ben and Nate's Questions we ask massage therapists on the internet

Ben and Nate celebrated their 60th podcast episode by discussing the ongoing challenge of feeling competent in massage therapy despite continuous learning. They explored how adult learners approach continuing education classes, with some attending primarily to check credentials rather than genuinely learn. The hosts emphasized that learning in massage therapy is a lifelong process without a finish line, comparing it to music where understanding technique is different from creating musical expression. They concluded that the key is to embrace being a lifelong learner and recognize that "we do the best with what we know now, and when we know better, we'll do better."

In this episode, Ben and Nate talk about whether you should be doing your own taxes or hiring a professional, and what that decision actually costs you in time, stress, and money. They break down common mistakes therapists make, including not setting aside money, skipping quarterly payments, and misunderstanding deductions.Ben shares how working with a tax professional and using QuickBooks changed the way he understands his business, while Nate reflects on what he’s learned after years of figuring it out on his own.This episode is not about perfect systems. It is about awareness, responsibility, and making better decisions as your business grows.If you have ever felt unsure about your taxes, this conversation will help you think about them differently.

In this episode, Ben and Nate unpack the conversations they have over and over again with clients, friends, and family about what they actually do.From “Is it like chiropractic?” to trying to explain techniques that don’t fit into a simple category, they talk through why massage therapy can be so hard to describe and why those conversations matter more than we think.They also share how they’ve learned to simplify their explanations, focus on outcomes, and help clients understand the “why” behind their work without overwhelming them.If you’ve ever struggled to explain your work, or you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening during a session, this episode will give you a clearer way to think about it.Because it’s not just massage, and that’s where things get interesting.

A massage therapist, an accountant and a janitor all walked into a bar; just kidding! It was the same person. How do you balance being the therapist and tending to all the aspects of running a business? Ben and Nate talk about this on episode 57!

In this episode, Ben and Nate tackle a question that sparked honest conversation online: Do male massage therapists need stricter boundaries to maintain professionalism and avoid misinterpretation?Drawing from personal experience, they explore how perception, gender dynamics, and industry culture shape the way therapists set and enforce boundaries. From cold call clients versus referrals, to continuous consent, draping standards, and zero-tolerance policies, the discussion goes beyond headlines and into real-world practice.They reflect on how boundaries evolve over time, how experience sharpens judgment, and why professionalism is not about gender but about clarity, communication, and consistency.The conversation also weaves in teaching experiences, technology’s role in modern education, and how changing circumstances, including health and family responsibilities, can reshape professional decisions.If you are a massage therapist navigating client expectations in today’s climate, this episode offers thoughtful insight without drama, just honest reflection from two seasoned practitioners.

Burnout with me oh yeah, burnout! Its a word thrown around in our industry a lot! It can happen to anyone thought...Ben and Nate talk about some of the reasons and how to avoid it.

Social Media Influencers-Does it help us out in our field or hurt us, how about how clients see what we do--Take a listen to what might be Nate's favorite episode to date

Ben and Nate wanted to take an episode to discuss our origin story, how its been and where its going!- If you're curious about the inner workings of how we do this, check it ou!

In this episode-Ben and Nate discuss Deep Tissue Massage-What is it, what is the confusion and what is your clients perception,

Ben and Nate dig into massage add-ons and pricing, asking the big question: should tools and techniques be treated like “extras” or included in a standard session? They also share podcast updates and plans for Eric Stevenson’s book launch.

Ben and I made it to 50 episodes! Tune in as we recap our favorite ones; the evolvement of the show and whats next for us!

Ben and Nate had the opportunity to do a live podcast in Omaha Nebraska-We asked the question, what is your why? Why do you do massage? Several therapists were brave enough to answer this question in front of an audience!We hope that you dig deeper as to what your why is!

On this episode of Ben and Nate's questions; We tackle the hard question of Is you National Cert. necessary or just a paper on your wall? We heard from you and gave our 2 cents as well. Let us know what you think!

Ben and I re-visit the idea of Massage Competitions--Do they help or hurt our industry?

Every massage therapist has a story that sticks with them. In this episode, Ben and Nate share their proudest moments of helping clients out of pain—and what those experiences taught them about trust, education, and boundaries in the massage room.They talk about challenging cases, client communication, and how to celebrate professional wins without losing humility. From tough calls about when not to treat, to the joy of watching clients regain hope and movement, this episode reminds us why this work matters.

What's the first thing you do when moving into a new space? What is your processing for creating a new space?Recently Nate moved his practice, and we talked about the process of moving, the essentials and how you set up your space..Check it out!

In this episode Ben and I asked if there was a specific technique or modality you avoid and why,We discuss at length your answers, as well as ours as well as tips and tricks to get more confident!

In this episode, Ben and Nate asked the questions- What is your Massage superpower? Whether its listening, the art of touch, the art of compassion and more-Ben and Nate discovered their own superpowers and talked about yours too!

Ben and Nate discussed the evolution of social media presence and its impact on professional life, particularly for massage therapists. They explored how personal and professional personas might intersect online, with Ben sharing his approach of maintaining separate social media presences and Nate emphasizing the importance of keeping his social media presence "vanilla" to align with his professional image. The conversation highlighted the challenges of managing multiple online identities and the potential risks of mixing personal and professional content, especially in light of recent incidents where public figures faced backlash for their social media posts.Nate and Ben discussed the ethical implications of individuals losing their jobs due to their personal activities, particularly on platforms like OnlyFans. They explored cases where teachers and CEOs were terminated for their off-duty behavior, questioning whether personal life should affect professional life. They debated the societal expectations of morality and ethics, highlighting the disconnect between public personas and private lives, and the evolving nature of family structures. The conversation also touched on the challenges of balancing multiple jobs and the impact of social media on perceptions of personal and professional conduct.

Do you use AI in your business? Ben and Nate discuss there own discoveries using AI and what the possibilities are down the road-From soap notes, time management to social media-How can AI work for you

Nate and Ben discuss various accomplishments in the massage therapy field, including overcoming industry misconceptions and developing innovative products. They reflect on their own experiences, noting that it took them about 5-8 years to establish successful practices, which is longer than the average career expectancy of 6 years or less for massage therapists. They also explore ideas for inventions in massage therapy, with Ben humorously suggesting tables that can flip or roll clients over. The conversation highlights the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship within the massage industry.Nate and Ben discuss their accomplishments in the massage therapy field. Nate highlights his 20-year career, full practice without advertising, and taking over Eric Dalton's Costa Rica retreat. Ben emphasizes the importance of being happy at work and chasing excellence rather than trying to impress others. They both express gratitude for loving their jobs and looking forward to work, even on Mondays.Massage Therapy Career Reflections

Massage is an ever-evolving process, many of us rely heavily on continuing education to help shape our path as well as our techniques and technical application. What class changed your life?Ben and Nate discussed their experiences and evolution in their respective fields. Nate shared how his work changed after taking a continuing education class, which inspired a different way of working and thinking. He also mentioned how his work evolved over time, taking about two to three years to fully incorporate new techniques and confidence in his practice. Ben shared his similar experience, mentioning how he transitioned from Swedish massage to more substantial work, and how he evolved his approach over time. Both agreed that their work evolved gradually, and it was not a sudden change.Nate and Ben discussed the importance of continuous learning and evolution in their respective fields. They shared their experiences with mentors and the value of seeking knowledge, even when they thought they had mastered a subject. They also emphasized the need to step out of their comfort zones and explore new areas of interest. The conversation ended with a reflection on the importance of maintaining a beginner's mindset and the potential for growth in learning.

From Cannibal Corpse to ambient music-what's the soundtrack to your massage room?We talk about it all and then some-Music with words, no words? Heavy Metal or Music for Airports-What do you think is the soundtrack to your Massage is?

In this episode Nate and Ben discuss their referral relationships and strategies for building a professional network. Ben highlights that referrals should primarily aim to help people rather than just increase business. They agree that a team approach is essential for addressing clients' issues comprehensively. The conversation also covers methods for establishing new professional relationships, including personal experience, word-of-mouth recommendations, and reaching out to other practitioners to learn from them.

Remember Groupon?Nate and Ben discussed various topics, including tipping culture, membership programs in their practice, and the management of a large practice. 

In this episode Ben and Nate have a broad discussion about all things massage and dive into different topics in the massage profession-Enjoy!

Nate and Ben discussed their experiences with clients who had undiagnosed serious health issues presenting as low back pain. Nate shared two instances where clients were diagnosed with stomach cancer and bone cancer after prolonged periods of low back pain. He emphasized the importance of knowing when to stop manual therapy and refer clients to other professionals. Ben shared an instance where a client experienced excessive bleeding after oral surgery, which he initially dismissed as a minor issue. Both agreed on the importance of being vigilant and cautious in such situations, and not to assume that everything is musculoskeletal or joint-related. They also discussed the need for a team approach in treating clients, and the importance of not over-treating clients.

In this episode-Ben and Nate had the opportunity to meet in person and record our first podcast live! Nate was in Omaha to celebrate and teach the work of Erik Dalton; and we took the opportunity to discuss a question that came up in class- How do you add new things into your practice? Enjoy this live episode with Ben and Nate

Ben and Nate, both male massage therapists, discussed their experiences entering the profession. They both faced skepticism and disbelief from their families and friends, but persevered. Ben decided to become a massage therapist after reading a book about successful people making quick decisions, and he recognized he would have to work harder and present himself differently to be taken seriously. Nate, who had a background in music, found the academic aspects of massage therapy challenging but decided to work harder to succeed. They both noted that massage therapy has evolved and is now more widely accepted as an alternative to drugs and surgery.

In this episode, Ben and Nate dive into the reality of burnout in massage therapy, exploring both the physical and emotional tolls of the profession. From sharing their own experiences with career fatigue to discussing ways to prevent physical strain, they cover techniques like optimizing body mechanics, the importance of self-care, and the benefits of using a hydraulic table. They also touch on the importance of work-life balance, financial planning, and finding purpose in the profession. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of the massage industry and create a sustainable, fulfilling career.

In this Episode, Ben and Nate pose the question What are essential skills for a new massage therapist to be successful? We discuss everything from learning time management, developing a business plan, to learning how to interact with the public specifically when they come to you in pain.

Where does change begin? According to Michael Jackson, he was looking at the man in the mirror. How has the perception of massage therapy changed over the years? Ben and I explore this question and more! Tune in-and let us know what you think.

Do you suffer from imposter syndrome, and if so how do you deal with it? In episode 25 Ben and Nate discuss this topic and give our own thoughts-as well as our listeners!

In this episode Ben and Nate posed the questions: Do you accept gifts from clients, what is your reason for accepting or being against accepting gifts.

We as therapists should have policies and procedures in place-But how do you communicate these with your client and get them to agree to them, so you don't have muddy waters in the relationship. In this week's episode we asked the question about policies-Enjoy and we hope you learn something.

In this episode we asked the question: As a massage therapist is it important to “specialize” in a modality or a particular technique? If so why, and how did you go about finding this particular area of focus?

In season 2 episode 1- we discuss firing a client! Have you had to do this? How did you do it and what was the outcome? Many massage therapists play the role of therapist, front desk person! Often times playing the bad guy can be difficult but sometimes it's a necessity. If you are on the fence of how to let a client go, tune in for this great discussion!

In our 20th episode celebration, we invited everyone to join us to discuss "What do you love most about being a Massage Therapist?" We had several massage therapists join in to discuss there take and to celebrate with us!

In episode 17 Ben and I asked the question: What do you think about when you chose your rates? Ben and Nate explore some ideas about what to charge and what to think about; We also discussed your answers as well! This is a not miss episode for any therapist looking to increase their rates! In Part 2 we brought in an expert-The Massage Mentor, Diane Matkowski- Who runs the multi therapist practice Freedom Massage. In this episode-Diane weighs in on running a practice, how to charge what to think about and gives her thoughts on how to run an amazing practice.

In episode 18 Ben and I asked the question: In evaluating and working with a client- does posture matter? Is our perception of bad posture relevant (or vice versa) based off your answer how do you think the conversation on posture has changed if at all. Sit back, or sit up straight and enjoy episode 18!

Hey! It must be the money! What do you think about when you chose your rates? Ben and Nate explore some ideas about what to charge and what to think about; We also discussed your answers as well! This is a not miss episode for any therapist looking to increase there rates!

The good and the bad It's not all bad is it? In this episode Ben and I tackle the topic on A good versus bad massage therapist. What qualities make a good massage therapist and what qualities make a bad massage therapist?

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? In this episode we discuss success, what defines success and how you do you know you made it as a Massage Therapist. In this episode we have special guest Eric Stephenson to join the discussion. Eric Stephenson, LMBT is President of imassage, Inc. in Chapel Hill, NC, an education and consulting company dedicated to extending the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized wellness programs. These include workshops focused on career longevity for massage therapists “No Thumbs Deep Tissue Techniques” and entire team workshops- “Creating A Respectful Workplace Culture” and “Designing A Personalized Health And Wellness Plan”.

In this weeks episode, Ben and Nate asked the question: Ben and Nate have a question this week:Let’s talk therapeutic tools (cupping, IASTM,massage guns..) Do you use them? If so what would the benefits be to using something in place of your hands? Are your therapeutic outcomes different? And bonus question- how do you explain the why behind using therapeutic tools?

We asked the questions What does Massage do? Is the answer simply YES!? Perhaps! In this episode we discuss what was taught to us, how the stories may have changed over the years and some of the things that we can safely say that therapeutic massage does. We are joined by special guest Jeremy Cowin; Jeremy owns a successful practice in California and has over 30 years of experience in the Massage Industry. Check him out on instagram at JC_stretch.

A Coach, A Mentor and a Consultant walk into a bar.... In sports, music and business we may turn to a coach, or a consultant. But how about in the world of Massage Therapy? In this episode we talk about the differences in the 3, why you might hire a coach or mentor and what to look for when hiring one.

Hot off the press-Episode 12In this episode Ben and Nate talk about Myths! We explore myths that have been in the massage industry-We explore myths that our perpetuated on both sides. From the therapist and from the client-We picked some of our favorite responses you and discussed how we can speak with our clients on dispelling these myths. Also in this episode, we received our first audition tape! This came in from one of our listeners, James Waslaski. So we want to hear from you- did James pass the audition, comment below!

Hot off the press-Episode 12In this episode Ben and Nate talk about Myths! We explore myths that have been in the massage industry-We explore myths that our perpetuated on both sides. From the therapist and from the client-We picked some of our favorite responses you and discussed how we can speak with our clients on dispelling these myths.

In episode 10; we feature special guest Michelle Quigley. Michelle is a Licensed Massage Therapist from Connecticut. In this episode we discuss What makes an industry leader- Is it someone that has a higher ranking? Is an industry leader someone that has a lot of experience or is it someone that is charismatic. Which of these aspects matter, and what do we think makes up an industry leader.

Can you explain pain to your clients? If a client asked you why they have pain what would you say? Pain is one of the most complicated subjects, people come to us for various reasons, but if someone asked you what pain is what would you say to them? In episode 9 we discuss the different definitions of pain and how they can be discussed in your room