OTs Gone Rogue

It's official! Today is our first "Friday episode" drop, where we're going to deliver a shorter episode that's focusing on business skill development and tangible resources for building a revenue stream outside of traditional therapy roles. 

To kick things off, we're going to talk about how our perception of business... Because how you see business is going to determine what's possible! 

We would also love your support in the form of a review, go to Apple Podcasts and let us know what you think!

In this episode, you'll hear: 

• How OT school didn't prepare us for what's possible in business
• The limiting beliefs I've been carrying around about launching + team building
• Why I love highlighting OTs with different business models
• Myths about what it takes to having an online business

If you resonate with this episode in any way, tag us on Instagram Stories @otsgonerogue.

LINKS

Connect with us on Instagram.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Debra Battistella, an occupational therapist and founder of Creative Concepts in Occupational Therapy PLLC. She’s a seasoned therapist with 20 years of experience working in physical and rehab medicine as a COTA and OTR, she also teaches and coordinates fieldwork in an OTA program. In more recent months, Debra has launched an online mirror therapy program to help rehab medicine OTs save time and improve patient outcomes. She’s also now a podcaster, co-hosting a show called The Noggins and Neurons Podcast, as she continues to find creative ways to BE in our profession!

In this episode we talk about: 

• Debra's love for learning and teaching
• Innovative ways of doing fieldwork in response to some gaps created by the pandemic
• Debra's fascination in technology and her idea of developing an ADL video library
• How occupational therapy is thriving in the online space
• OTs that are redefining how they show up in the world
• The importance of having clear leadership
• How Imposter Syndrome affected Debra and her sense of belonging as an OT
• The significance of creativity in occupational therapy
• What inspired Debra’s mirror therapy program

Links:

Find out more about Debra and her work on her website www.creativeconceptsot.com

Here is the link to her Mirror Therapy Program

Debra also recently started her own podcast, you can listen here: The Noggins and Neurons Podcast

If this episode inspired you in some way or if you resonated with anything we said, we'd love to know! And we'd love to share it with our community! Simply take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag us @otsgonerogue.

We would also love your support in the form of a review, go to Apple Podcasts and let us know what you think! 

Today’s episode is a high-energy interview with Landy Peek, an entrepreneur, a pelvic occupational therapist, a trauma worker, and a Certified Birth Healing Specialist. Landy helps women connect with their feminine energy and feel confident in using their intuition during birth and healing. She also supports therapists in terms of "healing the healer", releasing limiting beliefs and leaning into feminine intuition to bring ease and joy to your practice. There is so much wisdom being shared in this episode! 

You're going to hear us talk about: 

• How Landy started her journey as a pediatric practitioner and used it as a safety net before letting go of the vine and going all in on her pelvic health practice
• The unique challenges and struggles of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship
• Landy’s ideal client avatar and the types of services she provides in both her pelvic health and coaching practice
• How she manages her work-life balance and avoids burnout 
• The importance of letting go of limiting beliefs and stories that no longer serve us
• The power of women supporting women, especially when it comes to business
• Being intentional in how you're growing your business, which includes choosing your own hours and how you want to show up
• Building a thicker skin in terms of fear of judgment from others

And more!

Links:

You can connect with Landy on Facebook or Instagram.

Visit her website: Best Birth Healing

You can also download her workbook: 5 Step Workbook to Create Your Dream Therapy Practice

If this episode inspired you in some way or if you resonated with anything we said, we'd love to know! And we'd love to share it with our community! Simply take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag us @otsgonerogue.

We would also love your support in the form of a review, go to Apple Podcasts and let us know what you think! 

Today's episode is packed with all kinds of greatness! And yes, this is an episode where you *may* want to wear headphones if you have little ones in the background... 

Join me as we navigate the wonderful world of sex and intimacy with the fabulous Dr. Kathryn Ellis, a consultant and OT entrepreneur who champions enhancing OTs’ readiness to address sexuality in clinical practice through professional growth and program development. 

My talk with Kathryn was truly insightful! In this episode, we talk about:

• How she came about doing work in program design, curriculum development, training and research as it relates to sexuality in clinical practice 
• The importance for OTs to be comfortable in talking about sex and how to help them navigate and address sexuality with their clients
• How Kathryn started her own continuing education company for therapists
• Where to draw the line for health professionals in terms of being sexual beings
• How OTs can manage vulnerability and awkwardness when growing in this area of practice
• The Sex-Savvy OT program and other courses that Kathryn currently offers
• The importance of including sex and sexuality in the OT curriculum
• Dealing with push back and challenges on social media when your marketing includes sex and sexuality
• More about Kathryn's experience and ongoing journey in entrepreneurship, both with her educational company and her private practice
• And last but not least... We talk about sexy-time occupations!

LINKS:

You can connect with Kathryn on Instagram or join her free Facebook group, Sexuality and Occupational Therapy Discussion Group.

Her website for her continuing education company: Institute for Sex, Intimacy & Occupational Therapy

Her website with a focus on her sexuality counseling: Dr. Kathryn Ellis Sexuality Counseling.

You can also watch videos of her interviews on her YouTube channel where you can learn more about sexuality, sex and intimacy.

If this episode inspired you in some way or if you resonated with anything we said, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag us @otsgonerogue.

Or better yet, go to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Today's episode is all about happy, rested families and health homes! I'm joined by my special guest, Heather Boyd, an OT based out of Ontario, Canada with a private practice that incorporates her two passions -- a holistic, attachment-based approach to infant sleep and environmental health, where she supports families around indoor air quality and indoor health concerns. It turns out that Heather is the only OT we know of that's working in environmental health so this episode is also serving as a match-making opportunity, where we want your help in connecting her with other OTs who might be working in this area! 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Heather's journey as a pediatric OT, a private practitioner and a sleep-deprived mama
• The different services Heather offers to families based on her experience and training in infant development and holistic, attachment-based alternatives to sleep training
• The challenges of being a bed-sharing, co-sleeping family while also being a rule-following healthcare professional
• Why I wish I had a Heather in my life 9 years ago!
• Her lived experience with mould in their family home and how this led her down a path less travelled as an OT now niching down in environmental health

LINKS:

You can connect with Heather on Instagram and Facebook, or through one of her websites: www.heatherboyd.ca for sleep consulting/infant development programs
www.ahealthyhome.ca for environmental health consulting

If this episode inspired you in some way or if you resonated with anything we said, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag  us @otsgonerogue

Have I mentioned that I love to interview trailblazers and visionaries in the OT profession? I also love when these trailblazing OTs really lean into curriculum design and program development, helping to pave the way for more therapists to do this work. Which is why I am thrilled to be featuring Laura Rowan in today’s episode, an OT that is quickly developing a name for herself in the world of pelvic health AND professional development. 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• What helped Laura jump from the world of SNF and geriatrics to pelvic health therapist and purpose-driven entrepreneur
• How Laura inadvertently signed up for her first pelvic floor course, not quite knowing what she was getting herself into
• Why pelvic health helped her to rediscover her passion for OT
• The first time Laura discovered she could use her hands therapeutically to listen and communicate with the brain
• What Laura learned from working in the insurance world as a pelvic health therapist 
• How CoVid was an instigating factor in Laura creating her first professional development course
• The different ways Laura currently works with her clients through her practice
• A breakdown of Laura’s CEU-approved weekend course, PR-MATT (Pelvic Rehab Manual Assessment & Treatment Techniques)

LINKS:
 
You can connect with Laura on Instagram and Facebook, or through her website Essential Pelvic Health.

Here's the link to check out her PR-MATT course:
https://www.essentialpelvichealth.com/professional-continuing-education/

And since recording this episode, Laura has launched a supportive network for ongoing pelvic health mentorship! If you're interested in knowing more, CLICK HERE. 

Today’s episode is jam-packed in value if you’re an OT that wants to really put yourself out there in terms of professional networking, career development and marketing. I’m joined by Tanya Peterson, an OT that’s recently switched gears and is now a career coach, resume writer and LinkedIn strategist for healthcare professionals. I’ve listened and re-listened to this episode twice now and it’s GOLD in terms of concrete tips and tools that Tanya so generously shares with us. 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How Tanya got started as an OT entrepreneur -- and the different ways she had to pivot during the pandemic
• An example of finding balance between shiny object syndrome and being open to opportunity
• The different ways that OTs can and should be using LinkedIn  
• The ins and outs of marketing on LinkedIn and how to measure your return of investment
• Common mistakes that therapists are making when it comes to their resumes
• Why it makes sense to go to the experts rather than figuring this all out for yourself

LINKS: 

If you enjoyed hearing about Tanya’s wealth of knowledge, check out her website at www.polish2prosper.com, connect with her on LinkedIn or on Facebook.

Or check out her coaching program:

https://polish2prosperhealthcarecareeracademy.teachable.com/p/clinician-s-guide-to-career-fulfillment-a-professional-framework-for-landing-your-dream-job

Today’s episode is a beautiful example of how OTs can think big in terms of their impact on the world. I’m joined by my special guest Bronwyn Paynter and as mentioned in the intro, this conversation goes in a few different directions, covering topics related to nature through an OT lens, trailblazing, sustainability, online entrepreneurship, the power of connection and finding joy in our work. 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How Bronwyn sees nature through an OT lens -- and trust me, it’s much more than you might think!
• Her personal journey in searching for work that filled her with joy
• Why Bronwyn started doubting herself as an OT (and how she rectified the situation)
• Her entrepreneurial journey from forest therapy guide to online business owner, niching down to serve OTs
• The connection between climate change, human occupation and sustainability
• What lights Bronwyn up in terms of helping OTs to flourish and be well

LINKS: 

Bronwyn’s Facebook page and Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NatureOTs

Today’s episode is a little bit different in that it's a replay recording from my friend Claire's show, "The Pelvicpreneur Podcast".  This is a movement, marketing and mindset podcast for FitPros, Physios, Personal Trainers and Pilates instructors who work with clients with pelvic floor dysfunction. And I had the opportunity to join Claire to highlight the role of OT and ow we fit in into the bigger picture when it comes to client-centered care and pelvic floor dysfunction.

This episode was a lot of fun to record, which is why Claire and I agreed -- more OTs need to hear this conversation! We're republishing it on my podcast, to help get this information out to as many of you as possible. I'll admit, it was also fun to be the interviewee as opposed to always being the interviewer!

If you enjoy this episode, you know I'd love to hear about it! Tag our podcast account (@otsgonerogue).  Let me know what you learned today!

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How I describe my services to someone from outside the OT profession
• How I started out treating anyone and everyone in private practice (birth to 74, to be exact)
• My journey in niching down in women's health (yes, it took me awhile!) 
• The roundabout way that I stumbled through my early years of entrepreneurship (and came very close to bankruptcy)
• My passion for restorative exercise + natural movement (which is how I connected with Claire!)
• My decision to take the plunge, close down my clinic and go all in on serving OTs
• The ups and downs of my very first online course for therapists (a classic example of taking imperfect action)
• My best attempts at explaining the role of OT in pelvic health to a fitness professional (haha, I did my best!!)
• Why I'm so passionate about helping OTs to rewire their brains in order to grow from the inside out as an entrepreneur! 
• The commonalities between OTs + fitness professionals when it comes to business and marketing
• How CoVid effected my business, both the good and the bad

PS. Please note, when talking about my emergency C-section, I was discharged 36 hours post-op (NOT 18 hours post-op!). That was a slip up. Whoops! 

Ok, folks, it's time! Today we're releasing our first special edition episode as part of our newest offering, "The OTs Gone Rogue Coaching Call Series".

What is this all about, you ask? 

Once a month, I'm inviting an OT from our Rogue Community to join me on the air for a coaching call (that's intertwined with teachable moments for our audience), where I'm going to help  them take the next steps in building a sustainable online revenue stream. 

And today, we're kicking things off with our first guest, Moira Pena! 

Moira is an OT, a speaker and an educator with over 20 years’ experience working with children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as other individuals experiencing sensory processing differences. She applied for this coaching call to get a better understanding on how she can grow and scale an online course that she’s created to help OTs become confident and effective in their use of sensory-based interventions. 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• The importance of making CEO decisions when creating your course
• The T.L.C. method of building your audience and gaining more customers
• When to stay away from paid advertising and focus instead on organic traffic
• Why most OTs are doing things backwards in terms of what to post on social media
• Launch runways and why it's important to talk about your program BEFORE you start selling it!
• Common misconceptions to a longer "cart open" period 
• The importance of rhythms and recovery time in launching
• The benefits of a wait list and how to use it to nurture your audience
• Why there's no "best way to launch" and we ALL have to start somewhere!
• Creating a community experience for our students while setting clear boundaries on our time
• What to include in your "about me section" on your sales page

If you liked this special episode, please let me know your takeaways! Tag me on Instagram @otsgonerogue.

LINKS: 

Moira's Website and Instagram.

If you would like to check out Moira's course, click here -- Autism & Sensory Processing: Concepts, Evidence & BEST Strategies

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

Here is the link for the free training from my business mentor, James Wedmore:
==> Discover How to Attract Your First 100 Leads

Here is the link for the template you can use as a layout for YOUR next online course:
==> Online Course Template | Google Spreadsheet 

Today’s episode is going to keep you on your toes as we do a deeper dive into many hot topics related to passion-driven OT entrepreneurship. I’m joined by my special guest Cheryl Crow and we’re talking about the trials and tribulations of idea overload, connecting with our people through video marketing, social entrepreneurship and how to craft an offer from a lived experience. 

If you enjoy this episode and resonate with it in any way, we’d love to hear about it! Please take a moment to leave a review on the show. You can also send either of us a DM or better yet, create an IG Reel of your takeaways and tag us (@otsgonerogue and @arthritis_life_cheryl).

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How Cheryl created a sustainable business from a passion project
• Why she considered a non-profit organization and ultimately decided against it as her business model
• The journey from a school-based therapist to a course creator focusing on rheumatoid arthritis 
• Making the decision to monetize her lived experience with a chronic health condition 
• The thought process that goes into pricing an offer from the heart
• Navigating the online space as an educator vs a therapist 
• Supporting other OTs in not only showing up through video marketing but having fun in the process! 

LINKS: 

Cheryl’s Website and where you can find her on social media: 

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

If you would like to check out Cheryl’s offer for social media consulting, here’s the link: 

https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/social-media-video-consultation-available/

For many therapists, the road to entrepreneurship is not a smooth, linear process -- and on today’s episode, you’ll hear about that journey firsthand. Sarah Good is an OT, a mindfulness teacher and an entrepreneur based out of Ontario, Canada. She’s had her own practice for over six years but it was during the pandemic when she really leaned into being creative with her service delivery model while on lockdown with her family. 

If you enjoy this episode and resonate with it in any way, we’d love to hear about it! Send either of us a DM or better yet, take a screenshot of you listening to our show, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @otsgonerogue and Sarah @sarahgoodot 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How Sarah supports clients with invisible health challenges, including mood disorders, chronic pain and sleep challenges
• The trials and tribulations of embracing technology as a practice owner
• An OT approach to supporting women through perimenopause
• Sarah’s journey from accidental entrepreneur to CEO 
• The major shifts to her business as a result of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions 
• The biggest hurdle she had to overcome in bringing her program online (hint: it had nothing to do with technology!)
•  How Sarah is bringing more mindfulness tools to members of the OT profession

LINKS: 

Sarah’s Website, Facebook Page and Instagram

Today’s episode is yet another reminder of why I love what I do! This podcast is giving me the opportunity to connect with so many kindred spirits in the OT profession -- and Sujata Martin is now high on that list. 

Based out of Buffalo, New York, she’s a birth doula, a sexuality coach, a pelvic floor therapist, an entrepreneur and more recently, an author. Did I mention she also does professional mentoring, community advocacy work AND has a little one at home? How does she balance it all? Join us for this fantastic interview as Sujata opens up about doing work that makes her happy AND makes her money, while setting healthy boundaries with her time. 

If you enjoy this episode and resonate with it in any way, we’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening to our show, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @otsgonerogue and Sujata @conciergepelvicfloor.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How an OT is showing up in the coaching world with a focus on sexuality
• A mind-body approach to pelvic floor therapy that combines Eastern and Western medicine
• What it means to help women prepare for the birthing year 
• An occupational perspective on “pre-hab” vs rehab when it comes to core strengthening 
• The benefits of having more than one location for your therapy practice
• How a community workshop booklet evolved into a best-selling e-book on Amazon

LINKS: 

Sujata’s Website, YouTube Channel, Facebook Page and Instagram

Her mentioned book on Amazon: Not Just Kegels: The Exhausted Mama's Guide to Pregnancy & Postnatal Wellness

Today’s episode is another deep dive into the world of OTs serving OTs. I’m delighted to be joined by my guest, Courtney Smith, and we’re going to not only share about our mutual love of marketing but we’re going to enlighten you on the power of email! 

Courtney is a dual therapist, credentialed as both an occupational and physical therapist. After working all over the US as a travel therapist for four years, in 2020 she ventured into entrepreneurship and started an email marketing copywriting business, The Office On Call, LLC. She now spends her time empowering therapists to grow their practice with sales funnel strategies and through writing copy that attracts, nurtures and converts online traffic into paying clients 

If you enjoy this episode and resonate with it in any way, we’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening to our show, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @otsgonerogue and Courtney @theofficeoncall.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How a clinical degree is still valuable even when it’s used in a different way.
• Exactly why email marketing is so powerful – you’re going to become a believer too!
• Why many OTs struggle with writing copy as a clinician.
• A little secret that no one starts with their marketing all together – but learning it all yourself isn’t the fastest pathway to success.
• Her plans to connect healthcare entrepreneurs with virtual assistants. (I think I just heard a cheer of gratitude!) 

LINKS: 

Courtney’s Website, Facebook Page and Instagram

Her mentioned freebie: The Lead Magnet Creation Guide

In today’s episode, I’m once again pulling back the curtains and getting personal, where I share about a recent situation that turned my world upside down -- and why I'm doubling down on supporting the OTs in my circle to make good money and do great things!

I’m also going to make an announcement about something new that we’re adding to the OTGR podcast, which many of you are  going to be very excited about! 

In this episode you’ll hear:

• My understanding of the Law of Dharma and how it applies to my work
• What our Visionaries on Fire high performance coaching program is all about
• Our program impact goal for 2021 (and I'll give you a hint, it's a big number that feels amazing to say!)
• The bonus episode I'm rolling out once per month, where I'm hosting a live coaching call with a fellow OT gone rogue, where I'm going to support them in building an online revenue stream

LINKS: 

If you're ready to take things to the next level as an online course creator, a coach or an influencer in the online space, check out our Visionaries on Fire program and see if you're a good fit! 

To apply for one of our upcoming coaching calls with Melissa, please click here ==>

Coaching Call Application

If you can't tell by the enthusiasm of my voice during the intro, I'm so excited to welcome Laura Park Figueroa to the show, where we share the details of our business coaching relationship in 2020. More specifically, Laura gives us an honest look into how she's leaned into the challenges of growing not one but two businesses during a pandemic, while also studying for her phD doctorate AND taking on the role of homeschooling mama. And did I mention she pulled this off while also hitting her revenue goals?

If you enjoy this episode and resonate with it in any way, we’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening to our show, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @otsgonerogue and Laura @lauraparkfig.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What it means to love what you do and lean into mastery
• How a passion for nature therapy turned into a successful digital product
• A breakdown of the Laura's revenue goals for 2020 (yes, she openly shares her numbers!)
• The myriad of ways that Laura is supporting OTs to grow as entrepreneurs
• Why business coaches can benefit from business coaches
• The mindset work that goes into launching products and programs

LINKS: 

Laura's Podcast, Business Bedrocks Program, OT Entrepreneur Facebook Group and Nature-Based Paediatric Therapy Resources

Today we’re doing a deeper dive into the world of coaching in the online space. More specifically, I have a fascinating conversation with Rhaya Lynn about working with our coaching clients to grow from the inside-out, supporting them on their journey of personal growth and development as they navigate life transitions. 

If you enjoy this episode and resonate with it in any way, we’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening to our show, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @goingroguewithmlp and Rhaya @rhayalynnn.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Rhaya found her way as a mindset coach and therapist with a holistic approach to addictions and mental health
• The trials and tribulations of being location independent as an entrepreneur
• Thoughts and beliefs that were perpetuated in OT school that no longer serve us as OT practitioners and entrepreneurs
• Why in some situations it makes sense to drop the OT title 
• How entrepreneurship drives personal growth and transformation — and the challenge of finding the right coaches or personal therapists to support that growth
• Honest conversations about setting healthy boundaries in our relationships

For the first of my guest episodes, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Janelle Gullan, an OT based out of Melbourne, Australia who runs her own practice specializing in helping women connect with their bodies and natural rhythms. 

Together, we’re diving into topics related to integrative pelvic health, mothering, menstrual cycles and doing things differently in women’s health. If you’re craving a fresh perspective on how OTs are showing up in the world, tune into this episode and let’s connect! 

And if you resonated with parts of our discussion and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening to our show, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me and Janelle, @otsgonerogue and @thewildorangetree.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Janelle’s personal journey of matrescence led her away from the medical model and into a holistic practice focused on women’s health. 
• Her words of wisdom for setting energetic boundaries while helping others move through difficult life experiences.
• Thoughts on balancing the role of trailblazer with regulatory body restrictions and practice limitations. 
• What she has learned about marketing OT, especially when offering a service that people avoid talking openly about. 
• How to experience increased life satisfaction by aligning your work rhythms to that of your body’s natural cycles.

LINKS: 

Janelle’s Facebook Page, Website & Instagram

Janelle’s free Facebook group, OTs Gone Menstrual

Connect with us on Instagram & Facebook! 

Ever wonder how to blaze a trail and make decisions with confidence... When you're doing something you've never done before? This is what I have to do all the time and today, I'm sharing more about the guiding principles in MY business. More importantly, we're talking about how my core values help me to focus on the things that really matter.

In this episode you’ll hear more about:

• Why we must carve out the time to identify our guiding principles
• The four core values that drive my behaviour and guide my decision-making
• How this information relates to business development, lifestyle AND personal growth

If you resonate with anything in this episode and it inspires you in some way, I’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, share your biggest takeaway and tag us, @goingroguewithmlp. 

And if you haven’t left us a review yet, please do so as it makes a big difference in the podcasting world.  All you have to do is go to the main show page, scroll down, and click "Write a Review"... You can keep it short and simple. Your efforts are very much appreciated!!

Like the title says, this is our first official episode where I kick off this latest project and join the podcasting world! Today I’m sharing a little more about who I am, where I came from, what I do and who I serve. If you’re curious about what this show is all about, tune into this episode and let’s connect! 

In this episode you’ll hear stories about:

• The rocky start to my OT training
• My history and background as a therapist
• When I started going rogue -- and why
• My transition from a pediatric therapist to a women's health entrepreneur
• Why I’m so passionate about a brain-based approach to family wellness
• How I became a heart-led entrepreneur amidst the chaos
• What motivated me to start this podcast

If you resonate with anything in this episode and it inspires you in some way, I’d love to hear about it! Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, share your biggest takeaway and tag us, @goingroguewithmlp.

And if you haven’t left us a review yet, please do so as it makes the world of difference in the podcasting world.  All you have to do is go to the main show page, scroll down, and click "Write a Review"... You can keep it short and simple. Your efforts are very much appreciated!