Interdisciplinary

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You can listen to the complete episode on our new podcast The Rub!

To hear the full version of each interview, check out our Patreon!

Witness the dawn of a healthcare revolution with Healwell, where the nurturing power of touch meets the rigor of palliative care. Join the Healwell team of Cal Cates, Kerry Jordan, Laura Bryant-Earner,  Rebecca Sturgeon, and Corey Rivera as we reveal the heartfelt aspirations and bold missions driving our nonprofit organization. Together, we dissect the formidable task of integrating palliative massage therapy into mainstream healthcare, advocating for a future where the art of human connection through touch is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental pillar.

We're not just hands-on practitioners; we're educators, advocates, and most importantly, agents of change, envisioning a world where the healing touch of massage transcends traditional healthcare boundaries. Through our stories, you'll discover how we're crafting a new narrative for massage therapy—one where passion and professional growth coalesce to shape a brighter, more empathetic future.

The episode culminates with a call to join the ranks of those challenging the status quo and fostering a community of growth and camaraderie. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Healwell is a testament to the power of collective action and unyielding dedication to enhancing the human experience. Whether you're a practitioner, a patient, or simply a believer in the transformative potential of compassionate care, your support and participation are the keystones to this healthcare revolution. Thank you for sharing in our journey—a journey toward a more compassionate and inclusive world, one massage at a time.

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This episode originally aired in August 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

Pam Fitch is back! This time, it's conversational. Cathy, Cal, and Pam tackle the touch question of what to do when your client is expressing uncomfortable opinions.

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About Our Guest:

For more than thirty years, Canadian massage therapy educator, writer, researcher and long-time practitioner, Pamela Fitch, has explored professional, ethical and communicative challenges faced by manual therapists. She remains particularly interested in how massage therapy affects clients who have experienced trauma, post-traumatic stress and complex pain conditions. A committed educator, she has been recognized with several awards for teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This episode originally aired in October 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

Cal and Cathy welcome Dawn Hogue to the podcast to talk about human trafficking, how it intersects with massage therapy, and our responsibility as humans and as professionals.

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About Our Guest:

Dawn M. Hogue, MA, LMT

A graduate of the Cayce/Reilly® School of Massage, Dawn has been in the healing arts profession over 20 years. She serves as the Executive Director for COMTA where she manages the business operations, compliance responsibilities, and support of all Commission activities. Dawn was appointed to the Massage Therapy Advisory Board for the Virginia Department of Health Professions in 2015 and was a member of the Human Trafficking Task Force for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Dawn is a graduate of Naropa University having earned a Master’s degree in Somatic Psychology. Trained in the Matrixworks model of leadership and group facilitation, she is passionate about holistic health and supporting others on their path of personal and professional development.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This week, Cathy and Cal talk with Gordon MacDonald, Executive Director of the RMTBC, about the return to practice.

This episode originally aired in June 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

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About Our Guest:

Gordon has a long history of working at a senior level within British Columbia’s health care, education and regulatory sectors. Most recently he was Senior Consultant at Health Match BC where he was responsible for collaborating with each of the province’s seven health authorities in the recruitment of registered nurses, physicians and allied health professionals. Previously he held the positions of Vice President, Regulation and Program Development, CIBT Education Group, and Associate Director, Douglas College where he was responsible for development and administration of a number of retraining programs for internationally educated health professionals, including their Skills Connect program. He is the former Executive Director/Registrar of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC and formerly the Program Director, Healthcare Labour Adjustment Agency of BC where he was responsible for overseeing and developing training and transition programs for the health care professionals affected by the restructuring of the BC health care system.

Gordon has been the lead on a number of key projects in the health sector including the development of Prior Learning Assessment tools for internationally educated health care professions seeking practice registration as well as managing the development of courses in nursing, medical imaging and laboratory technology. He has provided strategic leadership in working with several health regulatory bodies, both provincially and nationally.

Additionally, he has served on several boards and committees. He has been a member of the Health Human Resources Advisory Committee for the BC Ministry of Health, the BC Labour Force Development Board for the Ministry of Labour and the BC SARS Strategy Committee. He is currently the Executive Director of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia and Secretary of the Canadian Massage Therapy Alliance.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This episode originally aired in April 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

Cathy and Cal welcome the one and only Ann Blair Kennedy to the podcast this week -- a guest so fancy she only needs initials. (ABK)

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About Our Guest:

ANN BLAIR KENNEDY, LMT, BCTMB, DRPH

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

Dr. Kennedy is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She became a board certified and a South Carolina licensed massage therapist in 1999 and was in clinical practice prior to pursuing her Doctor of Public Health degree in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina. She completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Human Performance Lab at the USC School of Medicine Greenville in April 2017. Dr. Kennedy’s specific research interests include: patient and stakeholder engagement in research, implementation monitoring and process evaluation, integrative medicine, and stress/wellness particularly in health professionals. Finally, she is the Director of the Patient Engagement Studio and the Executive Editor/Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Cathy and Cal welcome the one and only Ann Blair Kennedy to the podcast this week -- a guest so fancy she only needs initials. (ABK)

**********

About Our Guest:

ANN BLAIR KENNEDY, LMT, BCTMB, DRPH

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

Dr. Kennedy is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She became a board certified and a South Carolina licensed massage therapist in 1999 and was in clinical practice prior to pursuing her Doctor of Public Health degree in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina. She completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Human Performance Lab at the USC School of Medicine Greenville in April 2017. Dr. Kennedy’s specific research interests include: patient and stakeholder engagement in research, implementation monitoring and process evaluation, integrative medicine, and stress/wellness particularly in health professionals. Finally, she is the Director of the Patient Engagement Studio and the Executive Editor/Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This episode originally aired in April 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

Cal and Cathy talk with the legendary John Balletto.

About Our Guest:

John Balletto is a licensed massage therapist, author, educator, and mentor in private practice in Rhode Island. He is a past National Vice-President of the American Massage Therapy Association, past President of the Massage Therapy Foundation, and currently holds memberships in the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, and the Kinesio Taping Association International.

In addition to his private practice, John is on the faculty of the Downeast School of Massage in Waldoboro, ME and serves as the massage therapist for several collegiate and professional athletic teams. Currently, John is the Chair of the RI State Board of Licensed Massage Therapists.

A graduate of Bates College, Lewiston, ME, John is an avid walker, cyclist, gardener, beekeeper and nature photographer. He lives with his wife, Janet, in Warwick, RI.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This episode originally aired in April 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

COVID-19 has affected many industries around the world, Massage Therapy being one of them. Everyone is trying to navigate through this critical time.

Join Dr. Donelda Gowan on the Massage Therapy Without Borders podcast to discuss the world of massage therapy after COVID-19 and the opportunities it presents.

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About Our Guest

Dr. Gowan is the Research Chair of the Board at MTAS and a highly qualified health professional offering her insight into how the profession can grow in the new landscape emerging from the effects of COVID-19.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

This episode originally aired in April, 2020 on the "Massage Therapy Without Borders" podcast.

Cal Cates and Cathy Ryan welcome Pam Fitch to discuss the question of essential vs. non-essential, and how massage therapy fits into healthcare, even while we are not practicing.

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About Our Guest:

For more than thirty years, Canadian massage therapy educator, writer, researcher and long-time practitioner, Pamela Fitch, has explored professional, ethical and communicative challenges faced by manual therapists. She remains particularly interested in how massage therapy affects clients who have experienced trauma, post-traumatic stress and complex pain conditions. A committed educator, she has been recognized with several awards for teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

Interdisciplinary has ended, but our new podcast "The Rub" will begin January 2024!

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"

Send us Fan Mail

Corey and Cal talk with Paul Malley, President of Aging with Dignity, about Five Wishes. Five Wishes is a legal advanced care planning program without the legalese.  Cal comes a little late because they had a small snafu involving a lack of available ATMs and a tradesman who only accepted cash.

Links:
Five Wishes
Aging With Dignity
The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC)

Paul Malley is president of Aging with Dignity, a position to which he was named in 2002. He previously served as the organization’s communications director since 1998. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of aging and advance care planning, Paul is a national expert, frequent speaker, and advocate for quality and dignified care at the end of life. He served on the Florida delegation for the White House Conference on Aging, and is a member of the national Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. Paul holds a Master of Arts degree in Communications from Florida State University.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Check out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:

• Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts
• Let us know what you think! Send us an email: [email protected]
• Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon!
• Check Healwell’s live and online classes
• Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community
• Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here
• Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care"