Episode 35: Pivot & Purpose Rethinking Success as a Massage Therapist with Nathan Nordstrom - Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast

Ever caught yourself wondering if you’re even cut out for this work anymore—especially when that sense of passion starts to feel more like a trap than a fire? This conversation cuts right to the core of what so many massage therapists go through: you follow your joy, master a skill, maybe even get “successful,” and then wake up one day exhausted, disconnected, or not even sure if you want what you’ve built. Gretchen shares her own story of building a thriving clinic, only to realize she was burnt out and headed in a direction she never meant to go. She and Nathan Nordstrom get honest about the pivots it takes to build a truly sustainable career, the danger of mixing up your identity with your work, and why “passion” isn’t a straight line (thank goodness).

If you’re the type who can’t help but chase new ideas or is forever pushing yourself to be “better,” you’ll appreciate the gentle nudge to slow down, get curious when you hit a wall, and see setbacks as feedback instead of failure. There’s a lot here on nervous system-friendly ways to audit your practice and set boundaries—plus, permission to find joy and stability beyond just cranking out more massages. If you’re spun out or craving more meaning, this one gives you some breathing room, a little perspective, and maybe a fresh place to start.

To work with Nathan, reach out through his website Educated Touch, or reach out to him directly at nathan@educatedtouch.com

Be sure to stay tuned in for the release of his book “When Your Passion is Your Profession!”

Founder’s pricing for The Sustainable Bodyworker Membership is open until March 8th (lowest rate, locked in while you’re a member). Founder members also get a 90-day framework workshop in mid-March, and you can book a 1:1 call with me as soon as you join to map your best first steps. Click here to join!

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The ideas and techniques shared by our guests on the Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast are their own unique perspectives and don’t necessarily reflect those of Gretchen Popp or the Sustainable Bodyworker team or community as a whole.

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