Shows
Between the SessionsSix Hours. Seventeen Athletes. One Story the Body Keeps TellingI spent six straight hours working on 17 student athletes at a George Mason track meet — runners, throwers, different events, different bodies.But by the end of the day, I realized I wasn’t treating 17 different problems.I was seeing the same two patterns over and over again.Runners with low back, hamstring, knee, and calf tension.Throwers with shoulder pain that actually started in the chest and shoulder blade.And it hit me…The...
2026-02-0406 minBetween the SessionsDifferent Lives, Same Strain: What snow, Stairs, and Desk Jobs Do to the BodyIn this episode of Between the Sessions, Jason talks about a pattern he sees every single week on the massage table.A person who lifted too much snow.A mom who slipped down the stairs.An engineer sore from long hours at a desk.Different lives. Different stories.Same strain in the body.We explore how shoulders, hips, and low backs end up telling the same story no matter the job, the accident, or the lifestyle — and what your bod...
2026-01-3013 minBetween the SessionsThe Cost of Our FreedomWe talk a lot about freedom. We celebrate it. We assume it.But we rarely stop to ask — what did it cost, and who is still paying for it?In this episode of Between the Sessions, Jason shares a reflection on the unseen toll carried by military members, first responders, and veterans long after the headlines fade and the uniforms come off.This is not a political conversation.This is a human one.We talk about: • The physical cost stored in the body • The emotional weight...
2026-01-2803 minBetween the SessionsThe Q&A Table: Questions and Answers About Stress Recovery and BurnoutNo guest this week — just you and me. In this episode of Between the Sessions, I answer real questions people have asked in the treatment room and in chat about stress, recovery, and why your body feels like it’s carrying more than you realize.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, tired in a way sleep doesn’t fix, or like you’re “holding it together” for everyone else -this episode is for you.MilFirst supports recovery for military members and first responders through massage therapy.Support the mission: https...
2026-01-2316 minBetween the SessionsThe Push That Mattered: When Winning Isn' the PointIn a longdistance race in Spain, an elite runner from Kenya was leading- until near the finish.Right behind him was a runner from Spain with the strength and opportunity to take the win.Instead of passing, he slowed down.He placed his hands on the other runner’s back and pushed him forward.When asked why, his answer was simple:“He deserved it. He had run the better race.”This episode unpacks why that moment matters -not just in sport, but in life, leadership, and recovery.B...
2026-01-2110 minBetween the SessionsS2E2- Emotions at Work- Why We Need an Emotion Revolution (Chapters 10-11 “Permission to Feel”)In this episode of Between the Sessions, we close out Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett with a deep dive into Chapters 10–11: Emotions at Work, and the book’s final call to action: Creating an Emotion Revolution.We explore why emotions are the most powerful—yet most ignored—force shaping workplaces, leadership, and burnout. From emotional contagion and disengagement to compassionate leadership and organizational culture, this episode breaks down what the research shows and why pretending emotions don’t belong at work is costing people their health, creativity, and sense of purpose....
2026-01-1609 minBetween the SessionsA Midweek Detour :A Mental Load Reset (Between the Sessions)This midweek offering is a brief detour from our usual book review.Instead of analysis or instruction, this episode offers a simple mental load reset - built from everyday habits people already use when weeks get heavy.It’s not a lesson, method, or medical advice. Just a quiet pause to help you set something down for a moment, narrow your attention, and move through the rest of the day with a little more space.Between the Sessions is a podcast offering short moments of reflection and reset- not the wh...
2026-01-1404 minBetween the SessionsS2E1- Permission to Feel – Chapter 9 Review| Between the SessionsThis episode of Between the Sessions is a quiet walk through Chapter 9 of Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett.Chapter 9 focuses on what happens when emotions are ignored, dismissed, or left unnamed—and how that disconnect slowly shows up in our bodies, our relationships, and our work.In this episode, we talk about: • Why avoiding emotions doesn’t make them disappear • How unprocessed feelings often surface as tension, burnout, or numbness • The cost of “pushing through” without checking in • What it looks like to pa...
2026-01-0914 minBetween the SessionsA Pause Before the Next Season/ Between the SessionsBefore moving into the next season of Between the Sessions, this episode serves as a pause.A moment to acknowledge where the podcast is now, reflect on what has taken shape so far, and set direction for what’s ahead ,without rushing or recapping.Thank you to everyone who has listened along the way. Your time and attention matter.This podcast exists alongside MilFirst, a nonprofit supporting recovery for military members, first responders, and their families.• Instagram: @milfirst.npo (DMs always welcome)• Support the work: https://www.gi...
2026-01-0703 minBetween the SessionsS1E10- We Started Late -and Right on TimeWe didn’t start this podcast in January. We started it when it needed to start.In this year-in-review episode, I reflect on why Between the Sessions began in October, what these first few months have taught me about burnout, permission, recovery, and why quiet conversations matter.No highlight reel.No big promises.Just an honest look at the beginning-and what I’m carrying forward.This space exists as a pause between the demands.A place to notice what we’re holding before it harden...
2026-01-0210 minBetween the SessionsMidweek Reflection: Permission to Feel — Chapter 8 (Emotion Regulation)In this MW episode of Between the Sessions, we continue our walk through Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett, focusing on Chapter 8: Emotion Regulation.Emotion regulation isn’t about shutting feelings down or “handling it better.” It’s about understanding what emotions are asking of us — and responding with intention instead of reaction.In this episode, we explore: • What emotion regulation actually means (and what it doesn’t) • Why regulation is a skill, not a personality trait • How stress, service, and constant responsibility affect our ability...
2025-12-3113 minBetween the SessionsS1E9- Before the Table: Teaching the Next Generation of Massage Therapists with LoriBetween the Sessions is where we explore the quiet work that happens before healing is ever visible.In this episode, I sit down with Lori, an educator who helps shape future massage therapists at the very start of their journey. We talk about what it really means to teach—not just techniques, but awareness, curiosity, responsibility, and respect for the stories bodies carry.This conversation dives into: • What students really need before they ever touch a client • The responsibility educators carry in shaping safe, thoughtful therapists • Why curiosity matters more tha...
2025-12-2650 minBetween the SessionsMidweek Reflection: Permission to Feel — Chapter 7n this episode of Between the Sessions, we dive into Chapter 7 of Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett and explore an idea: Expressing Emotion.So often,especially in high-stress roles like military service, first response, healthcare, and caregiving—we’re taught to push through, diagnose quickly, or shut emotions down. But emotions are information. When we slow down enough to understand what we’re feeling, we gain clarity, resilience, and choice.This conversation connects emotional literacy to recovery, readiness, and real-world application—both on and off the massage table.Between the Sess...
2025-12-2420 minBetween the SessionsS1E8- Between the Sessions: Finding your fit- Stephanies's Journey into EstheticsCareer paths aren’t always straight — and sometimes the right move is listening closely to what fits.In this episode of Between the Sessions, Jason sits down with Stephanie, a former high school student who made the courageous decision to change direction and pursue a career in esthetics.Stephanie shares what led her to pivot, the challenges of starting over, and how working hands-on in wellness has reshaped the way she thinks about care, confidence, and connection. Her story is a reminder that growth often shows up quietly — in moment...
2025-12-1924 minBetween the SessionsMidweek Reflection: Permission to Feel — Chapter 6 (Naming Emotions Without Control)In this episode of Between the Sessions, we continue our review of Permission to Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett, focusing on Chapter 6 -the practice of naming emotions accurately without letting labels become limitations.We explore why emotional vocabulary matters, how vague labels like “fine” or “stressed” can keep us stuck, and why naming emotions is meant to create clarity, not identity. Drawing from real-world examples- including service culture, caregiving, and recovery -this conversation connects emotional awareness to readiness, resilience, and real recovery.This episode is especially relevant for military members...
2025-12-1716 minBetween the SessionsS1E7- Maria from Texas Roadhouse- Serving Community with heartIn today’s episode of Between the Sessions, Jason sits down with Maria from Texas Roadhouse Manassas — a leader, a community builder, and someone whose heart for service has already made a huge impact on MilFirst.From supporting our Marine Corps Birthday Banquet to empowering local first responders, Maria brings a perspective on hospitality that goes far beyond food.In this conversation, we dive into: • What makes Texas Roadhouse culture so unique • How service and hospitality shape community wellness • Why giving back isn’t just a program — it...
2025-12-1219 minBetween the SessionsMidweek Reflection: Permission to Feel — Chapter 5 (Understanding Emotions)In today’s episode of Between the Sessions, we dive into Chapter 5 — the heartbeat of emotional awareness: understanding your emotions before you try to label or fix them.This chapter teaches one powerful truth:👉 You can’t regulate what you don’t understand.In this conversation, Jason breaks down the four components of emotion (biological, cognitive, motivational, expressive), explores why misunderstandings lead to misreactions, and shares how emotional understanding becomes the foundation for resilience, recovery, and readiness.If you’re military, first responder, a...
2025-12-1006 minBetween the SessionsS1E6- Behind the scenes with Courtney- What really happens at WoodhouseStep behind the curtain at Woodhouse Day Spa in Gainesville as Jason sits down with Courtney — the one who keeps the entire spa running smoothly during the busiest time of the year.In this short but meaningful episode, Courtney shares what guests don’t always see, what December is really like behind the scenes, and which services people should be booking as the holidays hit full swing.If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great spa experience feel seamless, this is the episode for you.S...
2025-12-0507 minBetween the SessionsMidweek Reflection: Permission to Feel — Chapter 4In this episode of Between the Sessions, Jason breaks down Chapter 4 of Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett — a chapter that exposes something many of us were never taught: emotional skills. For most military, first responders, and service-driven people, the “rules” we learned growing up were simple — don’t cry, stay strong, shake it off, keep moving.But real strength begins with permission.Permission to name what we feel, permission to sit with it, and permission to stop treating emotions like threats.This episode explores:• The emotiona...
2025-12-0312 minBetween the SessionsA moment to support the missionThis is a short message from Between the Sessions, supporting the MilFirst mission.Every massage session we provide to a military member or first responder is powered by people just like you who believe recovery matters — especially during the Christmas season.MilFirst exists to give our nation’s heroes access to real therapeutic care through massage and stress-recovery practices. When you support this podcast, you support the mission.✨ Support the Mission & Listen to the ShowYour donation helps fund therapy sessions right now and keeps the wo...
2025-12-0200 minBetween the SessionsGiving Tuesday: Help Us Fund RecoveryThis Giving Tuesday, MilFirst is on a mission: fund more therapy sessions for the heroes who serve our communities. Your gift goes straight to recovery — massage therapy, breathing tools, stress relief, and support.Donate today:https://www.givesendgo.com/MilFirstBook a recovery session anytime. @woodhousedayspa.Gainesville Before you go, hit follow and tap that like button — it really helps the show grow.
2025-12-0203 minBetween the SessionsS1E5- Life After the Uniform: Honest Conversations About Identity and ServiceWhen the uniform comes off, the weight doesn’t always leave with it.This roundtable conversation explores identity, service, and what it’s like to speak honestly without rank, filter, or performance.If you’ve ever wondered who you are outside the role you served in, this episode will resonate.The episode closes on a hopeful note: use the free education, secure your relationship with God, guard your integrity, and don’t try to carry it all alone.
2025-11-2838 minBetween the SessionsS1E4-Burnout Isn't Weakness:What "Permission to Feel" Reveals About Emotional ShutdownBurnout doesn’t always look like stress — sometimes it looks like numbness.In this episode, we walk through key insights from Permission to Feel (Chapters 1–3) and why people in high-responsibility roles often disconnect from emotions to keep functioning.If you carry responsibility for others, this episode offers language, clarity, and a simple way to begin resetting your system.Support MilFirst: https://www.givesendgo.com/MilFirstBook a recovery session at Woodhouse Gainesville: @woodhousedayspa.Gainesville
2025-11-2109 minBetween the SessionsA Five Minute Reset for When Your Nervous System Is FriedWhen your nervous system is overloaded, thinking harder doesn’t help -regulation does.This short episode offers a simple reset you can use when you feel fried, on edge, or unable to settle.No fixing. No forcing. Just a pause to help your system come back online.Book a session & support MilFirst: https://www.givesendgo.com/MilFirst
2025-11-1908 minBetween the SessionsS1E3-What Real Recovery Looks Like (Inside the Spa with the Owner of Woodhouse Gainesville)Recovery isn’t a buzzword -it’s a process that happens quietly, over time.In this conversation, we go inside the spa to talk about what people actually bring into sessions, what therapists notice, and what real recovery looks like beyond quick fixes.This episode is for anyone curious about what happens when people finally slow down enough to be helped.Brought to you by MilFirst - providing recovery and wellness for our nation’s military and first responders.Support the mission: GiveSe...
2025-11-1423 minBetween the SessionsMidweek Reflection: Marine Corps Banquet & Veterans DayA quick mid-week reflection after the Marine Corps Birthday Banquet and Veterans Day. Jason shares gratitude for those who serve, highlights the meaning behind the event, and reminds us that recovery is part of readiness.Follow @MilFirst.npo for updates.Support a therapy session: GiveSendGo.com/MilFirst
2025-11-1202 minBetween the SessionsS1E2-Staying in the Fight: Faith, Service, and Recovery with David OsborneRetired law-enforcement officer and Army veteran David Osborne joins Between the Sessions to talk about the tour that shaped him (Iraq, 2007), the leadership lessons he carried forward, and how faith anchors his recovery from the long grind of service.Now a missionary with Cadence International, serving Marine Security Guard students at Quantico, David shares practical tools for staying calm under pressure — combat breathing, deliberate pauses, and knowing when to simply be still.We talk about why integrity is a young officer’s greatest asset, how slowing down to listen — to God...
2025-11-0735 minBetween the SessionsS1E1 -Why MilFirst ExistsThis is the story behind why MilFirst exists.I grew up as an Air Force brat. My family lived in motion — new bases, new towns, new people — but the constants were service, hospitality, and taking care of others. After the military, my dad became a chef. He didn’t talk about service… he lived it. He served people through food, presence, and care.When he passed in February of 2023, something shifted in me. The Mission got clearer.MilFirst was founded to serve the ones who serv...
2025-11-0506 minBetween the SessionsWelcome to Between the SessionsWelcome to Between the Sessions, a MilFirst podcast about real recovery, readiness, and the human side of service. Each week we’ll talk massage, stress, and the science of touch—with voices from first responders, veterans, and the people who care for them. Follow for weekly episodes and short “MilFirst Mini Resets.”Support the mission: GiveSendGo.com/MilFirst
2025-10-3101 minBetween the SessionsS1E0- Introducing Between the SessionsThis is the Day Zero preview.Between the Sessions is a MilFirst podcast created for military, first responders, veterans, and the people who serve them. I’m Jason — massage therapist and founder of MilFirst — and every day I sit with people who carry stress, trauma, responsibility, and a weight that most never see.This podcast is where we talk about what helps in real life.The simple tools, the small changes, the conversations, the breathwork, the stretches — the things that make the next call, the next shift, or the n...
2025-10-2900 min