Episodes

  • Episode 29: Building an Email List, Why It's Your #1 Asset
    May 19 2026

    Summary

    This episode explores the often overlooked power of email marketing for acupuncturists and herbalists. Learn how building and nurturing an email list can create a direct, reliable connection with patients, reduce reliance on social media, and grow a sustainable practice.

    Check Out The TCM Teach Practitioner Hub: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach/membership

    Key Topics

    The importance of owning your email list over social media platforms

    Strategies for growing and nurturing an email list ethically

    How email marketing builds trust, loyalty, and patient retention

    The role of email in pre-qualifying patients and reducing no-shows

    Ethical considerations and best practices for email marketing

    Sound Bites

    "Your email list could be your number one asset"

    "You own your email list, not rent it"

    "Email builds loyalty and reduces no-shows"

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to TCM Teach Podcast

    01:32 The Importance of Email Lists

    06:12 Building Trust Through Email Communication

    10:35 Strategies for Effective Email Marketing

    14:21 Ethical List Growth and Engagement

    19:35 Navigating Polarization in Marketing

    21:30 Email Marketing in the Context of TCM

    25:10 The Role of Email in Patient Retention

    28:42 Conclusion and Next Steps

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    29 mins
  • Episode 28: Podcasting & Youtube As An Acupuncturist
    May 12 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt discusses the importance of long form content for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine herbalists. He explores how platforms like podcasting and YouTube can help build authority, connect with patients, and provide valuable educational resources. The conversation emphasizes the need for practitioners to choose the right platform that aligns with their communication style and to focus on creating sustainable content strategies that foster long-term relationships with their audience.


    Takeaways

    Long form content allows patients to connect with you.
    Building authority is key for practitioners.
    Choose the platform that fits your communication style.
    Long form content is ideal for education and depth.
    Not everyone will engage with your content, and that's okay.
    Focus on building long-term authority, not quick wins.
    Consistency is crucial for long-term success.
    Repurpose content to maximize its reach.
    Podcasting and YouTube can pre-qualify patients.
    Clarity and trust are essential in patient relationships.


    Sound Bites

    "Long form content does build depth."
    "You want to build long-term authority."
    "They are about clarity and trust."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Long Form Content for Practitioners
    02:55 The Role of Long Form Content in Building Authority
    05:46 Choosing Between Podcasting and YouTube
    08:46 Identifying the Right Audience for Long Form Content
    12:00 Creating a Sustainable Long Form Content Strategy
    14:51 Conclusion and Next Steps

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    16 mins
  • Episode 27: Educating Patients Without Giving Away Too Much
    May 8 2026

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses the importance of content marketing for acupuncturists and herbalists. He addresses common fears practitioners have about sharing knowledge, emphasizing that education can enhance demand for services rather than diminish value. The conversation explores how to create effective educational content that meets patient needs, builds trust, and positions practitioners as guides. Matt introduces the 'Explain Until Curious' rule, advocating for clarity and simplicity in communication. He concludes by highlighting the benefits of educational content in pre-qualifying patients and reinforcing the practitioner's authority.

    • "Don't try and gatekeep your knowledge."
    • "Your goal is not to fully explain."
    • "Let the results demonstrate the depth."
    00:00 Introduction to Content Marketing for Practitioners 01:54 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Knowledge 06:46 Understanding Patient Needs in Educational Content 10:40 The Explain Until Curious Rule 12:35 The Balance of Education and Expertise 16:53 Building Authority Through Intentional Teaching
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    18 mins
  • Episode 26: Instagram Reels & TikTok for TCM: Tips That Convert
    Feb 11 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses the importance of short form video content for acupuncturists and how it can be used effectively to build trust and engage potential patients. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and clarity in video creation, while also addressing common mistakes practitioners make. The episode provides practical strategies for integrating video into a busy practice and highlights the significance of understanding different social media platforms.

    Resources "The Practitioner Hub":

    https://www.patreon.com/collection/1893437

    Takeaways

    Short form video can build trust faster than static posts.

    Patients want to see your face and hear your voice.

    Authenticity is key in video content creation.

    Focus on local audiences rather than trying to reach everyone.

    High converting video themes include patient reassurance and common myths.

    Avoid perfectionism; just start posting content.

    Speak directly to potential patients, not other practitioners.

    Video should capture your authentic self and shen.

    Consistency in posting is more important than frequency.

    Use video as a tool for announcements and patient engagement.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Short Form Video for Acupuncturists

    02:54 Building Trust Through Video Content

    06:11 Understanding Different Platforms: Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts

    09:07 Creating High-Converting Video Content

    12:06 Common Mistakes in Video Creation

    14:52 Sustainable Video Strategies for Busy Practitioners

    18:01 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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    19 mins
  • Episode 25: Social Media For Acupuncturists, What Actually Works
    Feb 3 2026

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses practical and ethical social media strategies tailored for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, local engagement, and the effective use of various platforms to attract patients and build trust. The conversation covers common mistakes practitioners make on social media, the types of content that convert, and how to create a sustainable social media strategy that aligns with their practice goals. Matt also highlights the significance of integrating social media into a broader business strategy, ensuring it serves as a tool for connection rather than a source of stress.

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach

    Takeaways

    Social media is not about going viral; it's about visibility and trust.
    Focus on attracting local patients rather than a global audience.
    Authenticity is key in social media presence.
    Educational content is effective for building authority.
    Google business profiles can be more beneficial than social media.
    Consistency in posting is more important than frequency.
    Avoid comparing yourself to influencers; focus on your unique offerings.
    Clarity in messaging is crucial for patient engagement.
    Social media should support your practice, not overwhelm you.
    Batch content creation can help prevent burnout.

    Sound Bites

    "Educational content builds authority."
    "Don't compare yourself to influencers."
    "Clarity beats creativity in posting."

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    33 mins
  • Episode 24: Attracting Patients Who Value and Pay for Care
    Jan 27 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses the importance of attracting high-value patients in the acupuncture and Chinese medicine field. He emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand their worth, communicate their value confidently, and avoid common pitfalls that lead to undervaluing their services. The conversation covers practical strategies for attracting the right patients, the significance of transformational services, and the mindset shifts necessary for success. Matt also shares insights on how to effectively market practices and the impact of attracting patients who truly value care.

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    16 mins
  • Episode 23: How To Market Acupuncture Without Sounding "Woo-Woo"
    Jan 20 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of the TCM Teach podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses the challenges practitioners face in communicating the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to modern patients. He emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable language that avoids jargon and mystical terms, while still honoring the roots of TCM. The conversation covers common pitfalls in communication, the significance of first impressions, and practical storytelling techniques to engage patients. Matt also introduces resources for practitioners to enhance their marketing strategies without losing authenticity.

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    15 mins
  • Episode 22: Storytelling for Acupuncturists: How To Explain What You Do
    Jan 13 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of the TCM Teac Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith emphasizes the importance of storytelling for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners. He discusses how effective storytelling can create connections with patients, helping them understand the benefits of acupuncture without relying on complex terminology. Matt shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for crafting an engaging origin story, using relatable language, and sharing patient success stories to enhance communication and build trust. The episode concludes with actionable storytelling techniques to help practitioners connect with their audience authentically.

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    23 mins