This podcast is for massage therapists
Hosted by Chelsea DeSouza, Licensed Massage Therapist, who is reevaluating the massage profession and her career in it.
Listen in on convos with massage therapists nationwide who share their stories of burn out, success and encouragement.
You’ll be sure to find your story in here too.
Chelsea DeSouza explores the financial and regulatory landscape of the massage therapy profession, questioning the roles and influence of associations and key figures like Deborah Persinger. She emphasizes the importance of understanding where money flows and how it impacts the profession's future. keywordsmassage therapy, associations, regulation, FSMTB, Deborah Persinger, professional funding, advocacy, licensure, self-care, industry insights key topicsThe role of massage therapy associations and their influenceFinancial insights into FSMTB and Deborah Persinger's compensationThe impact of regulatory organizations on the professionVoluntary nature of associations and their real powerThe importance of transparency in professional fundingThe concept of self-care versus health and wellnessThe multi-state licensure and compact discussionsThe significance of legal and ethical practice requirementsThe need for community and partnership in the professionChelsea's personal journey and reflections on industry change sound bites"Massage therapy outperforms medicine 75 to 80 percent of the time""Deborah Persinger earns $600,000 a year""Associations don't regulate us, the public does"Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:14 Chelsea's passion for health and massage therapy04:20 Exploring the role of associations and Deborah Persinger06:28 Deborah Persinger's background and compensation09:01 Career trajectory of Deborah Persinger10:55 The role of FSMTB and regulatory organizations13:00 Membership dues and networking groups14:59 The voluntary nature of associations and their influence17:09 Chelsea's suggestions for membership and advocacy19:52 Financial transparency and where money goes22:04 Regulation by public and the role of the Department of Health23:50 Surveying massage therapists and funding sources25:50 Revenue streams from licensure and exams28:07 Legal requirements versus voluntary associations29:55 Chelsea's reflections and call for community32:01 The importance of partnership and well-being in the profession34:07 Closing thoughts and community engagement
8 Sept 2026
EP 47 Massage Therapists Following The Money Part 1
Subscribe to @chelseacdesouzalmt (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCpxbFMGIphGIEpQFxLofVFg) to not miss Part 2 of Following The Money. In this episode, Chelsea DeSouza reevaluates the massage therapy profession by following the money trail, comparing it to physical therapy, and exploring how associations fund and influence the industry. She discusses the financial structures, organizational transparency, and the potential impact on the future of massage therapy. key topics- The comparison between massage therapy and physical therapy models- How massage therapy associations fund their activities- The flow of money within the massage industry- The role of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in industry funding-Implications of moving towards a medical insurance model for massage therapistsChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and Chelsea’s reevaluation journey01:54 Sharing feedback and the importance of community conversation04:13 Comparison between physical therapists and massage therapists06:08 Following the money: industry financials and associations07:55 Details on the financials of major massage therapy organizations10:14 How associations fund scholarships and their financial transparency1986:06:19 The role of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the industry2302:46:21 Where the money goes: salaries, grants, and operational costs2702:46:21 The impact of industry funding on the profession’s future3011:06:22 Discussion on the potential shift to a medical insurance model3349:59:46 The influence of federal and state organizations in regulation3652:46:26 Financial compensation of key industry leaders39999:59:55 Where the industry’s money ultimately benefits43722:13:18 The economic differences between massage therapy and physical therapy46972:13:20 The importance of industry participation and transparency50166:40:00 Conclusion and next steps in understanding industry fundingKeywords: massage therapy, industry funding, associations, following the money, professional reevaluation, healthcare model, nonprofit organizations, financial transparency, industry influence, self-care
18 Aug 2026
EP 46: Massage Therapists Quit too Soon with Krista Dicks
In this heartfelt conversation, Chelsea DeSouza sits down with Krista Dickd from The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast to talk about the realities of building a long-term career in massage therapy. Together, they explore the emotional ups and downs of the profession, the tension between creative fulfillment and business demands, and why so many massage therapists struggle with discontent, burnout, and the pressure to keep evolving.
Krista shares her personal journey through 20 years in the field, including the moment she nearly walked away from massage therapy entirely—and how clinic ownership gave her a renewed sense of purpose. The two discuss the importance of flexibility, collaboration, community, and finding joy outside the treatment room so you can bring your best self back into it.
If you’re a massage therapist, clinic owner, or anyone reconsidering your path in a helping profession, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a powerful reminder: your career doesn’t have to look one way to be meaningful, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.
Making Self-Care Podcast
Massage Therapists Quit Too Soon
Chelsea DeSouza - www.instagram.com/chelseacdesouza
The Radical Massage Therapist - http://www.theradicalrmt.com/
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