The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Join Healwell in examining and bringing context to the world of massage therapy beyond the table. We have ideas. We have opinions. We want change, and that will only come with an understanding of who and what massage therapy truly is. A variety of topics are up for grabs: history, philosophy, development, and all the other shiny things that fascinate us. Healwell is a non-profit based out of the Washington DC area. Check us out at www.healwell.org

Episodes

April 22, 2025 11 mins

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Read our blog post for more in-depth information on why CAMTC should be sunsetted.

California is one of only five states without massage therapy licensing, operating instead under a questionable "voluntary certification" system run by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). This system requires minimal education, no continuing education, and no examination, while creating barriers for therapist mobili...

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Suicide hotline: call or text 988
International Suicide Hotlines

Register for the Community Processing Event on February 25th

Corey Rivera and Cal Cates address the alarming suicide rates among massage therapists by exploring underlying risk factors, including perfectionism, isolation, and occupational stress. By recognizing these nuances, the conversation encourages community engagement and accountability to promot...

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The episode discusses the hidden mental health crisis within the massage therapy profession, spotlighting alarming suicide rates and the pressing need for open dialogue and community support. By exploring the complexity of suicidal ideation and the current model we use to understand suicide, we aim to equip listeners with tools to recognize and address these critical issues.

Suicide hotline: call or text 988<...

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December 28, 2024 47 mins

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Corey Rivera and Cal Cates explore the existence of rubbing robots and how (unsurprisingly?) they prompt a critical examination of what defines massage therapy. This episode dives into what the robots can and cannot do, why they're happening now, and how you need a human to do massage therapy.

Unreal Rubbing Robot Images
Michael and Aubrey's Podcast
Aescape
Alex: Massage Robotics
Phi...

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December 21, 2024 18 mins

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Topics:

  • Healwell News 0:44
  • State and National News 2:44
  • Massage Envy Settlement  2:49
  • Association News 7:20
  • AMTA, MPPR, and Veteran's Affairs 9:58
  • Upcoming Live and Online events 14:30

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession

Opening to the Mystery with Cal Cates (21 CEUs for most healthcare)

Department of Justice
AMTA's Letter to Veteran's Affairs
MTF Grant...

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November 20, 2024 9 mins

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This episode contains a discussion about suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis call or text 988 on your phone to reach the suicide hotline or click the lifeline link.

Healwell believes it is important to talk about the hard things. In this short episode,  with an introduction by Cal Cates, Corey Rivera talks about their recent experience with suicidal ideati...

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AI is everywhere. And it does everything...or does it?

In this episode we break down the different types of AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT. We'll explain how each AI type operates uniquely, with a focus on their current roles and limitations. And boy, do they have limitations.

Corey provides a clear breakdown of AI, explaining the distinction between weak AI, which performs specific ta...

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August 2, 2024 12 mins
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July 10, 2024 22 mins

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When is a tool a robot?

Join your host, Corey Rivera on the meandering development of tools used for massage (but not necessarily massage therapy). We'll talk about:

  • Tools that help
  • Tools that don't
  • Tools that are robots
  • Tools that are fish

Cathy Ryan, The Fascia Nerd also stops by to explain cellulite! Stay tuned after the outro to hear bonus Cathy.

Take a class with Cathy Ryan!
Yo...

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July 5, 2024 12 mins
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June 7, 2024 10 mins

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In this episode of "The Rubdown," your host Corey Rivera brings you the latest news and updates from the massage therapy profession for May 2024.

Topics:

  • Healwell News
  • State and National News
  • Coalition for National Massage Organization Meeting 
  • Upcoming Live and Online events

Healwell's Glossary of the Massage Therapy Profession
Support Georgia joining the interstate compact with ABMP

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Welcome to an exploration of intersectional identities, featuring those who live at the crossroads of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This episode is a departure from The Rub's usual style, and we hope you enjoy this brief detour.

Here is the audio piece about addiction that inspired this episode: Life Left In Me

All audio is from interviews on Healwell's podcast "Interdiscipl...

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May 1, 2024 13 mins

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In this episode of "The Rubdown," your host Corey Rivera brings you the latest news and updates from the massage therapy profession spanning from January 1st to April 30th, 2024.

Topics:

  • Massage Therapy Foundation Grants
  • Healwell News
  • FTC Non-compete ban
  • Gainful employment 
  • Interstate compact 
  • National Association updates
  • IJTMB Journal review
  • Upcoming Live and Online events

Support Georgia joining t...

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Welcome to "The Rub," a captivating podcast delving into the world of massage therapy. Join your host, Corey Rivera, as they explore the intricacies of continuing education in massage therapy with guests Ruth Werner, Whitney Lowe, and Rebecca Sturgeon.

In this enlightening episode, Corey engages in insightful conversations with industry experts about the transformative shift in massage therapy education, part...

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March 27, 2024 15 mins

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Join us on a journey through the intricate landscape of medical philosophy as we explore the dynamic interplay between reductionism and holism. In this thought-provoking podcast, we delve into the contrasting perspectives that shape modern healthcare and challenge traditional notions of disease and wellness.

At the heart of our discussion lies the age-old debate between reductionism and holism. While reductionism champ...

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Embark on a journey of professional transformation with me, Corey Rivera, as we break free from the confines of routine massage therapy practice. Our latest Rub episode invites you to discover the untapped potential of interdisciplinary collaboration, with valuable takeaways from the Shiley conference in palliative care. Dr. Melinda Kavanaugh joins us, bringing her passionate insight as a social worker and researcher,...

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February 26, 2024 3 mins

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Wednesday's episode will be slightly delayed due to bipolar disorder! (All is well, but productivity takes a backseat to mental health.)

I'm leaving the description the podcast AI wrote (mostly) intact because it's a great example of writing for SEO and not for purpose. 

  • My "sleep and focus wavering" does not sharpen my resolve, it mostly makes me tired and frustrated. Also my focu...
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Embark on an eye-opening exploration of the often misunderstood world of massage therapy with me, Corey Rivera, your guide through the intricate landscapes of human touch. We're not only unmasking the differences between a casual massage and professional massage therapy, but also diving into why individuals across the spectrum seek out these services—ranging from celebrations on a cruise to seeking solace amid pe...

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