Have you ever been in the middle of a really big project, a lifelong dream, something you are dedicating every waking moment to achieving and then realize- you know what would be even more amazing than this one massive goal...? Two! Ha!

This is exactly what Dr. Melanie Stewart did while she was completing chiropractic college. Realizing in her fourth year she had a bit more free time, she decided to take on the massage therapy diploma program and complete the board exams. When I first met her and she explained this to me, my jaw dropped. She assured me "it wasn't that bad" but, I couldn't imagine taking on the workload and exams required for both programs. 

I do understand the feeling of actively seeking purpose, keeping busy while continuing to learn and grow. When I finished massage school and I was waiting for my board exam results. After being in class, student clinic and studying with every spare moment I had for 18 months straight suddenly- nothing. I couldn't just sit around for a few months so I decided to go for my Pilates mat training and I also worked part-time with a family business. Even today, I have full-time massage hours and a full-time Pilates schedule. To be honest, I still have time to spare and that is where I enjoy creating the podcast and dreaming up new projects. It is one of the perks of our profession that our "full-time" hours leave us with extra time to pursue hobbies, build relationships, or even study for another career. Melanie sums it up nicely.

“I don’t think if you want to be successful that you can be passive.”  

That's the truth! Life is busy and your dreams aren't just going to land in your lap. Being active in the pursuit of your goals, even small steps or following a hint of curiosity can lead to big places!

Are you feeling like work is consuming your life and you couldn't possibly take on another task- even one that may bring you immense joy or take you to a new place in your practice? I want to help you not only make a living but, also to have a life! Ask me how.

- Krista 
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If you're interested in learning the right way to manage tasks and relationships, building your dream and play on your strengths, listen to this weeks episode of The Radical RMT with Dr. Melanie Stewart.  

The longest time I have spent away from my massage practice was approximately three weeks when I volunteered to be part of the support crew for team Xstrata in The Race Across America. I knew it was a once in a lifetime adventure that I couldn't pass up, and I enjoyed every minute of the experience! But, as a self-employed massage therapist, if I wasn't working, I wasn't getting paid. 

Does that last sentence resonate with you? Have you held out on vacations or missed opportunities because you were worried about the loss of income? 

When I recently met with Arlene Keith (formerly Doyle), an RMT of 38 years, she explained how she travels for months at a time and maintains a supportive massage practice. What advice would she give to those who are self-employed and hesitate to take more time off? “You can’t add up how much money you're losing for traveling”
I admit that the loss of income is a factor I struggle with when taking time off. However, over the years with planning and preparation- sometimes a bit of hustle afterward, it can all work itself out! Ask me how.

The truth is that we need to take time off for our own well-being, which Arlene also explains in this episode. 

I hope that you will consider the cost benefits of taking time off and make a plan for yourself to do so. 

Most people won’t because it’s easier not to. Are you most people?

- Krista 

P.S. If you're interested in learning ways you can travel long term and have a successful massage practice, listen to episode #007 of The Radical RMT with Arlene Keith.  

P.P.S. Start small, learn a few ways you can take time off without the stress of losing income. Check out this article. 

When I am asked what I do for "fun" or what one of my hobbies are, I honestly can't come up with one that most people can relate to or is "cool"-  I just enjoy having a project and the process of creating to make it a reality. My husband and I refer to it as "tapping" because most of these projects and "creating" happen on my laptop.  I have no experience in graphic design and I have yet to grasp coding (though I have taken courses with the amazing #Ladieslearningcode).  

For the podcast, I felt that this early in the game I could get the basics started and if it needs some professional help along the way I would be happy source it out. These elements of the podcast; the website, the logo, the podcast cover, the facebook posts, the instagram posts etc. take up my free time to create but, right now I enjoy it and continue to have a million ideas of how it might evolve.

I hope that this post will be a reminder that you don't have to be creative or tech savvy to just start working on your idea. If I have learned anything from this whole podcast experience it is that you have to be open to the process. It is an example of accepting that your original idea will be terrible at the beginning but, through growth and a willingness to learn, it will become something you are proud of for simply trying! Most people are not even willing to try for fear of not looking perfect or as an expert. It is an impossible expectation because, when you learn something new it can't be perfect or look good at the same time! 
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Check out the evolution of the cover design for The Radical RMT... 

Each logo was created in CANVA

The Main idea I wanted to represent was from the classic example we all know that "just outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens." The RMT in the box representing your comfort zone and the word "Radical" representing "where the magic happens."  Radical RMTs are definitely living "outside the box." 

Originally I didn't put the word "podcast" in the logo design as I knew the logo could be used to represent branding which could extend beyond the podcast.  
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The colours were chosen based on orange representing creativity and joy and a complementary turquoise colour found with the adobe color wheel. I'm not surprised I was drawn to the turquoise as it brings back memories of my own Radical RMT experience living and working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

Then came the addition of the Lotus flower or some variation. When I showed the logo to my husband, he suggested there should be something "massage-y" in the box and that it looked too plain. Fair enough, it did look a bit empty.

Upon searching for massage images that were neutral to the cause, all I came up with was the lotus flower. However, it didn't really suit the "radical" side of the podcast. 

Now, we are starting to get somewhere! 

Taking a look at podcast cover designs that stood out, the characteristics were bold colours and  eye catching design. The cover layout filled the entire space effectively, it was simple and it was also very obvious what the podcast was about, even if it was only with words or an image alone. 

Going back to the original idea of  "where the magic happens" I made changes based on the above observations and I was way more happy with the result. I felt it shared the right message and it represented the listener I wanted to attract. 

The Font is "Selima" and "League Spartan." Why? Because I liked how Selima looked as "Radical" and then I google searched the best font pairings that go with Selima.
​See, if I can do it, you can do it! 

The current design is a result of my first meeting with JP Davidson of Pop-Up Podcasting. JP has provided guidance on the entire process of podcasting and his help has been invaluable! If you have been thinking of starting a podcast but, you are scared of the tech side or not sure how to get started- JP is your guy! 

When it came to the cover design, he gave his feedback on the designs I had completed and the one that worked best, he suggested to make the text bigger, the proper dimensions to use, and also to remove the word "podcast" from the title as it was obvious since people would find it on a podcast platform. 

I darkened the turquoise colour so that the text would be more legible and voila, I now have the latest cover design!

So what do you think of the whole cover design process? 
What do you think of the latest cover design for The Radical RMT? 
Do you have any suggestions for creating an eye catching cover design? 

Are you having any challenges creating your own cover design?
​I would love to try and help! [email protected] 

I am getting excited to share The Radical RMT with my fellow massage community and thought it would be fun to share some other massage therapy podcasts that have inspired me to give it a try! 

CANADA

2 MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND A MICROPHONE
https://anchor.fm/2massagetherapists

Mark and Amanda of The Con Ed Institute are already providing both a physical and online space to educate massage therapists and bodyworkers on a continual basis. It seems only natural that they would begin a podcast. In their relaxed, completely unscripted conversations with a range of guests, [they] discuss all things Massage Therapy, Health, Wellness, and Fitness. Join [them] in creating a network to share knowledge and educate the masses.

USA

MASSAGE BUSINESS BLUEPRINT
https://www.massagebusinessblueprint.com/podcast/

"Alissa Haines and Michael Reynolds bring you the leading podcast discussing the business side of massage therapy and how to grow your practice.” I originally found these two through their free monthly content email which was usable on social media and as blog posts. Each episode is usually short and to the point about the content they want to share. They are both committed to success and having fun in their massage business and have actionable advice. I find them very approachable and I am excited to see the progress of their business as they now have memberships and conferences.

HOW'S THE PRESSURE?
https://howsthepressure.com/

Besides having an amazing title for a podcast directed at Massage Therapists, this podcast is progressive as demonstrated by one of my favourite episodes here (https://howsthepressure.com/pronouns-and-allies-w-sparkle-thorton/). Lots of great reviews for the substance this podcast provides as well. "This podcast is a collection of interviews and conversations from the field of massage therapy. Guests include successful bodyworkers, business owners, and teachers. The goal for host Haley Winter is to create a forum to discuss best practices and share meaningful experiences. The subject matter ranges from table etiquette to the future of massage therapy. It is a place for bodyworkers to come together, ask questions, and participate in the progression of the industry."

UNITED KINGDOM

BUSY HIVE'S MASSAGE PODCAST- THE TRUTH ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY 
http://busyhive.co.uk/community/podcasts/

Based in the UK, I like listening to Krzys and his colleague Sinead for the relaxed conversation, desire to improve for themselves and the community, and the ability to say “we don’t know- but, let’s find out!” It has been encouraging to see their confidence grow each episode, their gratitude for the support they receive, and the appreciation of how far they have come in a short time. They are creating a community of massage therapists and bodyworkers online that everyone can benefit from the practical to just good for a laugh. "Every week on the Busy Hive Podcast, Krzys Klinowski interviews the massage world most inspirational characters in the massage industry. To extract their stories of the beginning – on how they started as a therapists or business. And to bring some inspiration and find out all the secrets of the massage – here you will find The Truth about massage therapy. Popular topics include massage, techniques, business, stories, inspiration and much more. Find out more at www.BusyHive.co.uk."

NEW

MASSAGE THERAPY CANADA PODCAST: ON THE TABLE
https://www.massagetherapycanada.com/news/podcast-on-the-table-%E2%80%93-current-and-critical-information-for-massage-therapists-in-practice-4510

"On the Table casts a contemporary view into the professional-cultural issues facing Massage Therapists in Canada. The podcast aims to be the medium that gathers practitioners together and provides a platform to share views on critical issues." This is a new release and I have not listened to any episodes yet. 
*Fun fact: “OFF the table” was a runner up for my own podcast title.

COMING SOON…

THE SPIRIT OF RMTS
https://www.domandlesliermt.com/podcast.html

My fellow colleague, Dom Labre has created his own podcast! A lover of fine spirits, home brews, and creating cocktails, his podcast brings the unique and fascinating personalities of massage therapists paired together with a cocktail, beer or spirit that is perfect for them. Dom “foresees much fun and great conversations over fine drinks.” I agree! Dom will release his premier episodes in April 2019.  

YOUR TURN
Do you have recommendations for some other great massage podcasts I should try?