This episode of the Treatment Room Secrets Podcast features a captivating conversation with David Lobenstine LMT, a renowned massage therapist and educator based in Burlington, Vermont. Host and David bridge the geographical distance to dive deep into the nuances of a sustainable and impactful career in massage therapy.David introduces his new continuing education course, "Give a Great Massage Again," addressing the core challenge faced by many therapists: maintaining passion and physical well-being in a profession defined by repetition. He candidly shares how easy it is for therapists to mentally check out during sessions, even after years of practice, leading to diminished quality of work and ultimately, burnout. This "good enough" approach, while sometimes undetected by clients, takes a heavy toll on the therapist, both physically and mentally, often shortening careers prematurely.00:01 Introduction to David Lobenstine02:19 Challenges in Massage Therapy08:55 Understanding Burnout in the Profession12:51 The Need for Structural Change in Massage Therapy14:21 Reflections on the Evolution of Massage Therapy18:17 Advice for Aspiring Massage Therapists20:49 The Importance of Communication in Massage Therapy24:18 Integrating Breath Work into Practice25:50 Understanding the Mechanics of Breathing31:13 The Impact of Breath on the Nervous System37:45 Client Engagement and Self-Awareness in Massage41:31 The Importance of Client Engagement43:41 Observations on Client Transformations49:18 The Power of Breath Work56:49 Philosophical Insights from Therapy59:52 Shifting Perspectives on Change1:02:47 Balancing Self-Care and Care for Others1:04:44 Sharing Knowledge and Resources1:06:47 Valuable Insights for Massage Therapists

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast

For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

Dr. Carl Rothschild is the founder, researcher, and owner of Trifecta Light™ Technologies, Inc., the industry leader in the LED Infrared/Red Light therapeutic heating light lamp modality. Beginning in 1979, Carl Rothschild, DC applied his deep desire to help his patients find their path to health in his successful chiropractic practice. A true lover of learning, ‘Dr. Carl’ continually researched many healing therapies and initially landed on LED. He developed numerous LED products for various companies. Further research led him to find ways to harness the power that lies in LED Infrared/Red Light.

Dr. Carl recounts the “aha” moment that pulled him out of traditional practice and into decades of bench research, then breaks down the newest hardware breakthroughs, the three distinct infrared wavelengths (and why they matter), and the cellular cascade that lets light jump-start tissue healing, fat metabolism, and skin regeneration. We explore how the pandemic accelerated at-home adoption, hear case studies ranging from post-surgical recovery to mental-health support, and tackle the economics: why preventive, light-based care could slash long-term costs for patients and healthcare systems alike.

00:00 Introduction05:43 Discovery of Red Light Therapy 10:04 Advancements in Red Light Therapy11:48 Impact of COVID-19 on Therapy Practices15:45 Mainstream Healthcare and Red Light Therapy 17:37 Red Light Accessibility 28:07 Understanding Infrared Light Types33:12 Benefits of Red Light Therapy38:42 The Healing Mechanism of Red Light Therapy44:42 Real Life Case Studies49:44 Mental Health Care53:09 The Cost-Effectiveness of Preventative Healthcare 54:40 Skin Conditions 57:10 The Economics of Healthcare1:01:32 Resources for Red Light Therapy 1:03:38 Conclusion Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcastFor more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

Dr. Mark Olson, Ph.D., LMT is that rare bridge between the treatment table and the neuroscience lab. With an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Illinois, he has spent two decades studying how memory, attention, eye movements—and even our sense of beauty—are wired into the brain. Outside the lab, Mark is an aquatic therapist, a certified NARM® practitioner, and a licensed massage therapist who translates cutting-edge research into hands-on, trauma-informed care. His recent publications on chronic pain and nervous-system regulation have become go-to resources for clinicians, and the multidisciplinary courses he teaches attract helping professionals—and curious laypeople—who want the “why” behind the “how” of healing.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Olson reframes massage therapy through a modern neuroscience lens, moving beyond the old “muscle-knot” narrative to explain pain as a brain-generated protective signal that can be recalibrated through skillful touch, sensory-rich inputs, and trauma-informed communication. We unpack how stress heightens nociception, why “deep-tissue” requests are often a search for safer sensory data—not brute force—and how breath work, tempo, and therapist presence modulate the autonomic loop. Mark also explores posture as “stored story,” the psychological impact of chronic pain, and practical ways manual therapists can employ theory-of-mind skills, graded exposure, and narrative reframing to help clients rewrite their pain experience and foster true healing.

00:00 Introduction

02:15 The Psychology Behind Massage

10:36 Debunking Massage Therapy Myths

15:37 Rethinking Pain and Its Relationship to Tissue

18:15 Communicating the True Nature of Massage Therapy

20:39 Exploring the Connection Between Stress and Pain

26:08 Engaging with the Nervous System

30:19 The Power of Sensory Activation in Therapy

34:01 Navigating Pain Requests in Therapy

38:37 The Complexity of Pain Perception

42:38 The Importance of Pain as a Signal

44:34 The Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain

47:51 The Role of Massage Therapy in Healing

49:52 Understanding Emotional Responses in Massage Therapy

51:54 Posture as a Psychological Expression

54:54 Trauma and Its Impact 1:00:55 Changing Perspectives

1:07:09 Exploring Chronic Pain and Its Causes

1:09:43 Expanding the Role of Massage Therapy

1:11:32 Theory of Mind

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms and on https://nielasher.com/podcast

For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

Nazar Yasin, a multifaceted individual, shares his journey of embracing his 'weirdness' and the cathartic power of music, which he uses to process emotions, especially after the loss of his father. As a successful CEO and investor, he emphasizes the importance of spirituality in modern life, advocating for its role in personal growth and emotional well-being. Through his app, Sol, he aims to make spirituality accessible and engaging, encouraging users to reflect, connect, and find inspiration. Nazar believes that spirituality, akin to physical exercise, is essential for navigating contemporary distractions and fostering genuine connections. His reflections on vulnerability and compassion highlight the profound impact of sharing personal stories in building deeper relationships.

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Spiritual Connection to Music

05:20 Nazar's Background

07:02 Childhood Trauma and Life Questions

09:18 Investing in Global Emerging Markets

13:42 COVID Lockdown Reflections

15:30 What is Spirituality?

25:51 The Role of Connection and Inspiration

29:04 Personal Spiritual Journey

34:44 The Sol App

40:34 Building Spiritual Muscle

52:57 Navigating Distractions

57:39 Changing Perspectives

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast

For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Nammy Patel, DDA — a trailblazing holistic and functional dentist, author, and advocate for eco-conscious healthcare. Originally from Dharotha, India, and now based in San Francisco, Dr. Patel is the founder of Green Dentistry, a high-tech, spa-like dental practice designed to prioritize patient comfort and total body wellness. As a leader in the field, she is deeply committed to redefining dentistry by bridging the gap between oral health and overall health.

Dr. Patel shares her journey from childhood immigration to becoming one of the most innovative voices in holistic dentistry. We explore her unique approach to oral health, the science behind functional dentistry, and how oral conditions can be early warning signs for systemic diseases—including neurological and cardiovascular issues. The conversation also covers surprising misconceptions around mouthwash, the long-term effects of braces and retainers, and the essential role of proper breathing in oral and whole-body health.

00:00 Intro

04:37 Proactive Dentistry

14:31 Evolving Role of Dentistry

21:16 Nasal Breathing

35:49 Holistic Approaches to Dental Health

39:32 Ugly Vs Unhealthy Teeth

43:44 Importance of Early Oral Health Practices

48:51 Mouthwash Misconceptions

52:17 Habits That Harm Oral Health

1:05:25 Personalized Dental Care

1:08:57 Impacts of Alcohol and Smoking on Oral Health

1:10:55 Fluoride

1:15:31 Understanding Toothpaste Options

1:18:39 A Call for Holistic Dentistry

1:24:10 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcastFor more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

In this episode, our guest is Connie Brennan, NP -- a highly experienced aesthetic nurse specialist, educator, and industry leader with a passion for advancing the field of aesthetic medicine. Connie has trained thousands of healthcare professionals and is widely recognized for her expertise in injectables, regenerative treatments, and evidence-based aesthetic practices. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to empowering practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective treatments.

Connie shares her journey in the evolving world of aesthetic medicine, offering insights into the importance of continuing education and staying ahead in this rapidly growing industry. We explore the intricacies of teaching aesthetics, common misconceptions about Botox, and the critical aspects of selecting the right practitioner. The conversation delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of aesthetic treatments, the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, and the influence of early life experiences on career choices. Additionally, Connie provides valuable perspectives on alternative skincare methods, the benefits of red light therapy, and the importance of lifelong learning in the field.

00:00 Intro 00:20 The Evolution of Continuing Education 03:38 Teaching Aesthetics 06:42 Debunking Myths About Botox 12:10 Potential Risks and Treatment Complications 14:48 Learning from Experience 16:24 Choosing the Right Practitioner 22:07 Impact of Aesthetic Treatment on Mood 27:48 Navigating the Aesthetic Medicine Landscape 30:25 Influence of Early Childhood on Career Choice 36:42 Botox Use Cases 41:02 Alternative Methods for Skin Care 44:22 Understanding Aesthetic and Regenerative Health 50:26 The Reality of Aesthetic Practices 53:50 Benefits of Red Light Therapy 57:49 Personal Evolution and Insights 59:41 Importance of Sleep 1:08:43 Educational Resources and Online Courses

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

In this episode our guest is Danny Jensen -- a former Division 1 soccer player at Ohio State University, where he consistently ranked in the top 10 for goals and assists. After discovering Pickleball in Scottsdale, Danny found a sport that challenged him in new ways, emphasizing personal responsibility and technical skill. He has been working tirelessly to reach the top of professional Pickleball.

Danny shares his journey from D1 collegiate soccer to the world of professional Pickleball, highlighting the mindset and discipline required to excel at both sports. We delve into his experience transitioning between sports, the growth of Pickleball as a competitive discipline, and the lessons he’s learned about athletic maturity and resilience. The conversation also touches on his time as a student-athlete, insights into college athletics, and the physical and mental adjustments needed to compete at the highest level.

00:00 Introduction 01:54 The Rise of Pickleball 05:02 Skill Levels in Pickleball 07:17 Professional Pickleball 12:09 Maturity and Mindset in Competitive Sports 17:54 Transition from Soccer to Pickleball 24:11 Choosing the Right College for Athletic Growth 26:58 Maximizing Resources as a Student-Athlete 30:06 Analyzing Sports from a Technical Perspective 39:59 Balancing Fitness and Skill Training 42:45 Transitioning to Full-Time Pickleball 47:02 Injury Reflections 50:34 Stepping Away from Soccer 56:23 Sponsorship Aspirations 59:20 The Impact of Different Sports on the Body 1:01:42 Reflections on Soccer Career 1:08:42 Parental Influence on Athletic Development 1:15:29 Learning from Injuries

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

In this episode our guest is Jenna McCarlie – a student-athlete at Queen's University in Belfast, studying Dentistry while excelling in field hockey. As the team captain and a representative of the U23 Irish National Team, Jenna shares her journey balancing intense academics with high-level athletics, offering insights into the mindset and discipline required to study and compete at the highest levels.

Jenna discusses her path to becoming an athlete, her choice to study at Queen’s University, and the unique challenges of pursuing a career in dentistry while competing at Ireland's highest levels of field Hockey. The conversation explores her strategies for injury prevention, experiences with indoor hockey, and her aspirations of joining the Olympic team. Jenna also opens up about her role as a leader and mentor, shedding light on the mental health aspects of competitive sports and her goals for a future where she can continue to excel in both her academic and athletic pursuits.

03:09 Journey into Field Hockey 10:17 Choosing Queen's University 13:23 Dentistry as a Career 17:38 Academic Journey and Challenges 22:22 Injury Prevention Routine 28:57 Opportunities in America 30:22 Indoor Hockey 37:27 Making the Olympic Team 45:51 Leadership and Mentorship 48:22 Mental Health in Sports 54:56 Aspiration for Dual Careers

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/