The Massage and Spa Success Podcast

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In this episode, Gael sits down with mobile massage therapist, CE provider, and co owner of Cupping USA and Cupping Canada, Michelle Roos , to dive into what it really takes to start and succeed with a mobile massage business. From pricing and scheduling to safety, logistics, and boundaries, Michelle shares hard won lessons from 23 years in practice so therapists can avoid burnout, earn sustainabl...

In this episode, Gael sits down with award-winning massage therapist and Hall of Fame inductee Shawn Stewart to explore one of the most overlooked skills in massage therapy: draping. From building instant trust to maintaining safety, professionalism, and client comfort, Shawn explains why a secure, intentional drape is one of the most powerful tools a therapist has. This conversation shines a ligh...

In this session, Gael sits down with Michael Ortiz Jr , a massage therapist turned multi-business owner, suite landlord, and founder of The Unreasonable Life. Michael built his first practice inside a shared room, scaled to a six-therapist operation, transitioned into business coaching, and now runs two multi-room salon suite locations while helping practitioners build profitable, peaceful, sustai...

In this episode, Gael sits down with Paul Kohlmeier , a clinician, educator, and co-owner of Cupping Canada and Cupping USA. With more than two decades of experience in clinical practice, Paul is known for blending traditional cupping techniques with current research, helping therapists understand not just how to cup, but why cupping works. His background spans massage therapy, athletic recovery,...

In this episode, Gael is joined by business, marketing, and mindset coach Felicia Brown for an uplifting and very real conversation about what it truly means to cultivate a positive mindset as a massage and wellness professional. Together they explore how the thoughts you choose about yourself, your clients, and your circumstances ripple into your business, your leadership, and the energy you brin...

In this episode, Gael sits down with licensed massage therapist, medical massage practitioner, YouTube creator, and World Massage Hall of Fame inductee Alfonso Smith , known online as “The Massage Expert.” With over a decade of experience working with professional athletes, running a mobile massage business, and now managing a thriving office-based practice, Alfonso shares the lessons and strategi...

In this episode, Gael sits down with business coach, AI developer, and former massage therapist Julie Campbell to simplify the path to Instagram success for wellness providers. From choosing the right content formats to making Reels feel less intimidating, Julie breaks down the practical steps that help massage therapists grow their audience and turn followers into real booked appointments. Whethe...

In this episode, Gael sits down with Jimmy Gialelis , a World Massage Hall of Fame inductee, seasoned educator, and certified End of Life Doula, to explore how massage therapists can support clients and families during one of the most profound stages of the human journey. With clarity, compassion, and decades of experience, Jimmy breaks down the emotional, physical, and spiritual realities of end...

In this episode, Gael sits down with Australian massage therapists and podcasters Jackie and David to explore the emotional side of running a solo practice. From the realities of isolation to the surprising ways community and shared experiences can support your longevity in the field, this conversation unpacks how to make business feel less lonely and far more fulfilling. Whether you’ve been in so...

In this episode, Gael sits down with Laura Ford , longtime educator, publisher, and community builder, for a powerful conversation about why connection is essential in the massage profession and how therapists can create it for themselves. With nearly three decades in the field and experience as a CE provider, program director, clinic owner, and publisher of PERG, Laura brings both wisdom and live...

In this episode, Gael sits down with licensed massage therapist, educator, grief counselor, and creator of Grief Massage , Aimee Joy Taylor, to explore an often unspoken but deeply felt experience: collective grief . From global crises to tragedies that ripple far beyond their epicenters, Aimee explains how these events affect our bodies, our sense of safety, and our work as massage therapists. Th...

In this powerful session, Gael sits down with Darryl “DJ” Turner, founder of Scaling Wellness , to break down what it takes to grow and scale a massage business. From solo practice foundations to seven-figure operations, DJ shares the mindset, and strategic decisions that separate plateaued practitioners from owners who build thriving, self-sustaining companies. This episode is a must-listen if yo...

In this episode, Gael sits down with reflexologist and educator Jenny Sheridan to explore how the feet can offer meaningful clues about what’s happening in the body. With more than 20 years of experience teaching reflexology, aromatherapy, and Indian head massage, Jenny brings insight, intuition, and clarity to a therapy that continues to fascinate both therapists and clients. This conversation op...

In this episode, Gael sits down with master aesthetician, award-winning spa business coach, and Retail Sales Catalyst Tazeem Jamal to explore why clients say yes, why they say no, and how service providers can communicate in a way that feels natural, ethical, and aligned. With more than 30 years in the industry, Tazeem has coached estheticians and spa owners around the world to build profitable, c...

In this episode, Gael sits down with massage therapist, CE provider, health coach, and industry mentor Melinda Loo to explore her signature framework: the Four Pillars of Private Practice Success. After building a multiple six-figure massage practice and coaching thousands of therapists, Melinda distills the mindset and business skills needed to build a sustainable career. This conversation is a r...

🎙️ Episode 14: Client Screening Tips + Rejuvology with Mia Towndrow Hosted by Gael Wood Massage Therapist | Business Educator | Podcast Host In this episode of the Massage & Spa Success Podcast , Gael shares client screening tips based on her own experience restarting a successful house call massage business — with over 30 bookings lined up this fall! If you’ve ever worried about how to avoid...

💡 Episode Overview We’re back after a summer break! In this episode, Gael dives into three red flags in massage text communications that every massage therapist should watch for — and shares exactly how she handles them in her practice. Plus, stay tuned for a Success Spotlight with Alexandra Paroulek-Bergbauer , a massage therapist who rediscovered her passion after burnout, a tough review, and c...

In today’s heartfelt book review episode, I’m diving into How to Talk to Grieving Massage Clients by Aimee Joy Taylor. This essential guide belongs in every massage therapist’s toolkit, offering practical communication tips, deep emotional insight, and compassionate, scope-appropriate strategies for supporting clients who are experiencing grief. Aimee, a massage therapist with nearly 20 years...

Feeling like your marketing isn’t working? You’re not alone! Many massage therapists expect instant bookings, but marketing is a process. In this episode, we’re diving into the six stages of the massage customer journey , so you can understand where your potential clients are and how to move them toward booking and loyalty. If you've ever thought, "I went to a networking event, but I didn't get an...

  10 Ways to Advertise, and Promote Your Massage Business for Free or on a Shoestring Budget Host: Gael Wood Podcast: The Massage and Spa Success Podcast Episode Summary: Welcome back to another episode of the Massage and Spa Success Podcast! Gael shares 10 practical and budget-friendly marketing strategies in this episode to help massage therapists attract new clients without breaking the ba...

Knowing your ideal client is the key to effective marketing, better rebooking rates, and a more enjoyable, sustainable business. In today’s episode, I walk you through how to define your ideal client and how this knowledge will help you attract more of the right clients while reducing stress and burnout. If you’ve never created an Ideal Client Profile (or it’s been a while), this episode will guid...

In this episode of the Massage and Spa Success Podcast , we explore 10 creative and fun Valentine's Day promotions that do not involve couples massage . If you’re looking to boost your sales, attract new clients, and sell more gift certificates, these ideas will help you craft unique specials without the hassle of scheduling couples treatments. Whether you’re a solo therapist or simply want to div...

In this episode, Gael shares innovative and profitable ideas for offering couples treatments—even if you're a solo therapist or don’t have space for a traditional couples massage setup. Learn how to create memorable experiences that your clients will love while boosting your income and standing out in your market. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to offer couples treatments as a solo therapi...