Last week, we opened the door to a harder, often unspoken conversation about the darker side of the massage industry. If you joined me for that episode, you know just how important it is to bring those realities into the light.

This week, we’re continuing that conversation—but shifting into empowerment.

We’re diving deeper into boundaries: what they look like in practice, why they matter so much, and how I actively uphold them within my business. I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the policies I’ve put in place to protect my energy, my safety, and the integrity of the work I do. These aren’t just rules—they’re the foundation that allows me to show up fully, grounded, and able to hold space for my clients in a healthy, sustainable way.

Whether you’re a fellow therapist, a client, or someone navigating your own boundaries in life, this episode is an invitation to reflect on what it means to honor yourself while still showing up with care and compassion.

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of these real, meaningful conversations.

Last week, we kept things light and real with a day in the life of a solo massage therapist—what it looks like behind the scenes, the flow of sessions, and the heart that goes into the work.

This week, we’re shifting into something heavier—but incredibly important.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, inappropriate client behavior, and experiences that may be upsetting or triggering to some listeners. Please take care of yourself and listen at your own pace.

In this episode, I’m opening up about the darker side of the massage industry—the parts that don’t get talked about enough. We’re diving into the uncomfortable realities that some therapists face, the harmful expectations certain clients bring into the room, and why boundaries, safety, and respect are non-negotiable in this work.

This is an honest, unfiltered conversation meant to bring awareness, support fellow therapists, and help create a deeper understanding of what it truly means to hold space in a profession that is so often misunderstood.

As always, I’m so glad you’re here. Take what resonates, and take care of yourself as you listen.

What does a day in the life of a small-town massage therapist actually look like?

Not the polished version… not the highlight reel… but the real, in-between moments that don’t always make it to social media.

In this solo episode, I’m taking you inside my day-to-day life as a bodyworker—balancing clients, running a small business, keeping up with the pressure to stay visible, and trying to take care of myself somewhere in the middle of it all.

We’re talking about the good, the chaotic, and yes… the slightly unhinged moments that come with doing this work and living this life.

Because behind the calm treatment room is a very real human trying to stay grounded, avoid burnout, and keep showing up.

So come into the hobbit hole, pour yourself a cup of tea, and settle in for an honest look at what this life really feels like.

Last week, we stepped into the world of romance novels with Tiffany, owner of Seventh Shelf, a romance-only bookstore right here in Hanover, and explored the magic of storytelling, connection, and escape.

This week, we’re shifting that idea of romance into something a little different… the way we nourish our bodies.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Amanda, a registered dietitian, as we talk about breaking away from diet culture, unlearning harmful habits, and finding a more balanced, sustainable approach to food.

We dive into what it really means to fuel your body, how to stay on track through different seasons of life, and simple, realistic ways to build a healthier relationship with what you eat.

So come settle into the hobbit hole, pour yourself something warm, and let’s talk about the romance of nourishment.

The Book Nook Chronicles continue…

We first opened the door with K. L. Leadingham, diving into her journey as an indie author and the magic behind storytelling. And now, we’re stepping further into that world with Tiffany, owner of Seventh Shelf—a romance-only bookstore right here in Hanover.

In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to turn a dream into reality, how Tiffany built a space centered around love stories and community, and the heart behind creating something that brings people together. From book clubs to the day-to-day of running a niche bookstore, this conversation is full of passion, intention, and a little bit of bookish magic.

And this isn’t the end…

The Book Nook Chronicles will be wrapping up with a future roundtable featuring both K. L. and Tiffany, bringing these stories together in one final cozy conversation.

So come into the hobbit hole, settle in, and let’s get lost in the romance of books, business, and building something meaningful.

Last week on The Haven Within, we sat down with my husband Brett and opened up about what it’s really like to love someone who holds space for others every day—the challenges, the growth, and the ways we’ve learned to stay grounded in our marriage through it all.

This week, we turn the page and step into a new kind of conversation. I’m joined by local indie author K.L. Leadingham as we explore her writing journey, the heart behind her book, and the role spirituality plays in her life and creative process. We also wander into the energy of Mercury retrograde, what it can stir up for us, and how to move through it with a little more awareness and grace.

It’s a thoughtful, soul-filled conversation about creativity, connection, and what it means to follow the path that’s unfolding in front of you—plus a peek at what’s next for her.

In the last episode of The Haven Within, we explored what it means to live in our heads versus being present in our bodies. We talked about disembodiment, simple breathwork practices, and even shaking it out—just like zebras do—to release tension and reconnect with ourselves. Don’t forget to keep checking in with your body regularly and noticing what you’re feeling.

This week, we gather around the hearth for a different kind of conversation. I’m joined by my first guest—my darling husband, Brett. Together we talk about what it’s like from his side of the marriage: loving a body worker and healer, navigating the emotional waves that can come with this work, and the ways we’ve learned to cope, regulate, and grow through the chaos together.

It’s an honest, heartfelt look at partnership, support, and finding steadiness in the middle of it all.

In this episode of The Haven Within, I briefly reflect on the story I shared in the last episode about why I became a massage therapist and the heart behind this space. From there, we begin exploring something many of us experience—living mostly in our heads instead of being present in our bodies.

What does it really mean to come back into your body? And how might it feel different for you?

I share simple, approachable techniques you can begin weaving into your daily life to help you reconnect, slow down, and create small moments of presence throughout your day.