The P.t. Entrepreneur Podcast

Big Ship or Small Boat: Are You in the Right Organization? In this episode of the PT Entrepreneur Podcast, Doc Danny tells a story from his time as an Army PT in Hawaii and how a denied human performance proposal, that finally got implemented 13 years later, forced him to ask a hard question. Am I on the right ship or do I need to build my own boat? If you feel boxed in by red tape, slow decisions, and limited influence, this one will hit home. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The human performance proposal Danny and a strength coach pitched to their division in 2011–2012 Why a project that would save millions and improve readiness still got shut down What a general meant when he said "the Army's a big ship and it turns really slowly" How that moment planted the seed for Danny leaving to start his own practice How to tell if you are in the wrong organization for your personality and goals Why some people thrive in big systems and others feel suffocated by them Why regret is worse than trying and failing at you

Four Big Lessons from 2025 for Cash-Based PT Owners In this year-end episode of the PT Entrepreneur Podcast, Dr. Danny Matta shares the four biggest lessons he learned in 2025. From a small revenue dip at PT Biz to the rise of corporate cash clinics, the longevity wave, and why happiness cannot be tied to "winning," Danny breaks down what actually matters for clinic owners who want a sustainable, meaningful business and life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why PT Biz saw its first year-over-year revenue decline and what actually caused it The danger of chasing brand polish while neglecting core sales and marketing fundamentals Why corporate and private-equity backed cash and hybrid clinics are coming fast How to decide if you should stay small and lifestyle-based or grow and compete Why "health is wealth" is both a mission and a major business opportunity How to think about long-term performance, longevity, and lifetime value in your clinic Why happiness cannot be tied only to hitting revenue goals or "winni

Visionary vs. Integrator: The Two Types of Cash-Practice Entrepreneurs Clique away long enough and you lose your patient's attention. That's why Claire, our AI scribe built specifically for physical therapists, handles the documentation so you can focus on the person in front of you. Try it free at MeetClaire.ai. In this episode of the PT Entrepreneur Podcast, Dr. Danny breaks down two personality types that show up again and again inside cash-based practices: the Visionary and the Integrator. He explains why knowing your type gives you an immediate advantage, how it shapes your strengths, and which weaknesses can hold you back from scaling. What You'll Learn The difference between Visionaries and Integrators in a cash practice Why founders naturally lean toward one role—and how to spot yours Where each style excels (and where they struggle) Why early-stage entrepreneurs must build skills outside their comfort zone Two books that can change your trajectory depending on your type How to build momentum by pair

Rainmaker to Mastermind: Kim's Cash Practice Journey Guest Coach: Michael (PT Biz Rainmaker Coach) Guest: Kim (Rainmaker Alum, PT Biz Mastermind Member) Episode Overview In this episode, Danny introduces a live conversation from inside the PT Biz Rainmaker program between coach Michael and Rainmaker alum Kim. Kim started in Rainmaker while she was just getting her practice off the ground. Now she is in the PT Biz Mastermind, actively scaling her clinic. This episode walks through her journey, early fears, mindset hurdles, and what it looks like to go from "Can I really do this?" to building a growing cash practice. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Kim first got started in the Rainmaker program The mindset challenges of the early stages of a cash practice Imposter syndrome and self doubt when you are not full time yet Why the Rainmaker stage is often the hardest mentally Specific struggles Kim faced while starting her clinic What helped her push through and go all in on her practice How her business looks

Money, Happiness, and the Race You're Actually Running as a Clinic Owner Episode Overview In this episode, Danny shares his favorite book of the year — The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel — and why it hit so hard as a cash-based business owner. He breaks down how money, attention, and expectations shape your happiness, why comparison quietly wrecks clinic owners, and how to use your business as a vehicle for the life you actually want instead of letting it become your whole identity. Key Topics Covered Why money mindset is such a big problem in the PT profession Why Danny recommends Morgan Housel's books to clinic owners "May I Have Your Attention Please?" – how attention drives happiness The danger of comparing your clinic to someone else's revenue Context you never see behind other people's success "The Happiest People I Know" – business as vehicle vs. business as life Trading time for money vs. protecting what matters most Lifestyle creep and constantly moving the goalposts Defining the race you're

How to Use Gratitude as Fuel in Your Cash-Based PT Journey Episode Overview In this episode, Danny breaks down how gratitude isn't just a feel-good idea – it's a practical performance tool for stressed-out cash-based practice owners, especially those in the early "nights-and-weekends" grind. He explains why the early stage of business is mentally brutal, how gratitude helps you zoom out, and how to use it as fuel instead of living in frustration over goals you haven't hit yet. Key Topics Covered The hardest stage of business: early Rainmaker-phase grind Why your confidence wobbles when you're part time and building on nights/weekends How to reframe "I'm not where I want to be yet" with gratitude Using your "past self" as a perspective check Why high achievers are most vulnerable to frustration and burnout Being grateful beyond revenue: health, family, and relationships Balancing ambition with contentment Gratitude as Fuel, Not Fluff Danny shares a post from PT Biz head coach, Courtney Morse, written to earl

The Momentum Equation: Why Effort Alone Won't Grow Your Cash PT Clinic In this episode, Doc Danny Matta uses a simple physics concept—momentum—to explain why some cash practices take off and others stall out. He breaks down his "business momentum equation" (effort × accuracy), shows why hard work on the wrong things keeps you stuck, and explains how to aim your effort at the right tasks so your clinic actually moves forward. Quick Ask If this episode helps you see your business more clearly, share it with another clinician who's grinding but not gaining traction—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Episode Summary Physics meets practice: Danny borrows the momentum formula (mass × velocity) and adapts it to business. The new equation: In business, momentum = effort × accuracy. Effort isn't the issue: Most cash PT owners work hard; the problem is where that effort goes. Accuracy is the multiplier: Working on the right tasks, in the right order, is what creates real momentum. Wrong work, no progress: You

3 Choices When You're Thinking About Starting a Cash PT Clinic In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down the real decision points for clinicians who are thinking about starting their own cash-based practice. He explains why staying stuck in "research mode" is dangerous, what it actually takes to make the leap, and the three clear paths you can choose—staying employed, going solo, or getting guided support. Quick Ask If this episode helps you get clarity on your next move, share it with another clinician who's on the fence about starting a practice—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can see what resonated with you. Episode Summary Claire math: If Claire saves a staff PT 6 hours/week, even using 3 of those for patient visits at $200/visit can add ~$30k/year in revenue per clinician. Why decisions feel awful: Danny compares making a big move (like starting a clinic) to knowing you're about to throw up—you dread it, but feel better once it's done. The real problem: Most people hide in endless "learning" (podcasts, b

Longevity, Cash PT, and the $8 Trillion Opportunity You Can't Ignore In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down why the global shift toward longevity is one of the biggest opportunities cash-based physical therapists will see in their careers. He shares real-world examples from high-end longevity models, explains why proactive, long-term health programming is exploding, and shows how cash PTs are uniquely positioned to lead this space. Quick Ask If this episode gets your wheels turning about longevity and long-term care, share it with another clinician who needs to hear it—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Episode Summary Patient experience as an edge: While competitors step out mid-session to finish notes, you can stay fully engaged by using Clair, an AI scribe that handles documentation instantly. Operational advantage: Clair gives you more time for follow-ups, planning, and patient touchpoints—leading to better retention and more efficient operations. Danny's background: Staff PT, active duty

The Christmas Tree Lot, the Steak, and Why the Hard Part Is What Makes It Worth It In this episode, Doc Danny Matta shares a story about a Christmas tree lot in Columbus, Georgia, the best steak he's ever eaten, and how hard work—and the struggle that comes with it—makes success and reward deeply meaningful. He connects that experience to clinic ownership, growth, and why building a successful cash practice is supposed to be hard. Quick Ask If this episode helps you reframe the hard parts of business, share it with another clinician who's grinding through a tough season—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Episode Summary Documentation pain: The #1 complaint on satisfaction surveys is clinicians hating to write notes. Clair AI scribe: Clair has been trained specifically for PTs to write high-quality notes, like a meticulous student in the corner capturing everything. Time freedom: Using Clair allows clinicians to reclaim hours of documentation time and spend it with family, hobbies, or simply resting.

The Hardest Hire: How to Nail Your First Staff Clinician in a Cash PT Clinic In this episode, Doc Danny Matta explains why your first staff clinician is the hardest hire you'll ever make—and how to do it the right way. He breaks down why your business looks risky from a candidate's perspective, why most PTs are wired for security (not startups), and how to sell the future vision of your clinic instead of apologizing for your current "shitty little room." Quick Ask If this episode helps you think differently about hiring and leadership, share it with another clinic owner who's gearing up for their first hire—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Episode Summary Clair keeps you present: AI scribe Clair lets you focus 100% on patients instead of your EMR, improving rapport and outcomes. Time and outcomes: Better attention in the session = better engagement, better buy-in, and better clinical results. Danny's background: Staff PT, active duty military officer, cash practice founder, seller, and now CEO of

Little Rooms: Why Scrappy Starts Create Standout Cash PT Clinics In this episode, Doc Danny Matta unpacks a simple but powerful idea inspired by Andre 3000's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame speech: "Little rooms. Great things start. Little rooms." He connects Outkast's legendary basement studio—The Dungeon—to the tiny subleased spaces where most cash PT clinics begin, and shows why those gritty starts are not a disadvantage, but an asset that sharpens your skills, your story, and your impact. Quick Ask If this episode encourages you to see your "little room" differently, share it with another clinician who's thinking about starting or growing a practice—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Episode Summary AI scribe advantage: Clair saves staff clinicians ~6 hours per week, freeing up time for patient visits and revenue growth. Math of time: Even 3 extra visits per week at $200/visit adds roughly $30,000/year in revenue per clinician. Little rooms concept: Inspired by Andre 3000's "little rooms" quote and

Community: The Hidden Engine Behind Every Successful Cash PT Clinic In this episode, Doc Danny Matta shares the single theme that stood out after spending a full week embedded inside four different cash-based and boutique rehab businesses in Washington, D.C.: community. He breaks down why community involvement is the ultimate competitive advantage, how it fuels long-term growth, and why you can't fake it—or skip it—if you want a thriving practice. Quick Ask If this episode challenges the way you think about growing your practice, share it with another clinician who needs to hear it—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Episode Summary Documentation burden solved: AI scribes like Clair eliminate notes so you stay present with patients. The D.C. trip: Danny spent full days inside four thriving clinics, observing their operations, patients, and culture. One takeaway: Every successful clinic shared the same backbone—deep community involvement. Community is earned: You can't fake participation; you must sho

The Coming Wave: Why Cash PT Is Headed Toward National Consolidation In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down a bold prediction for the next decade of cash-based physical therapy: the rise of the first nationwide cash PT brand. He explains why the market is primed for massive consolidation, how well-funded companies will change the competitive landscape, and what independent PTs must do now to protect their clinics and stay ahead. Quick Ask If this episode helps you think strategically about your business, share it with another clinician who needs to hear it—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it. Let's help more PTs build resilient, future-proof practices. Episode Summary Documentation burnout: Notes are the #1 satisfaction killer for PTs—but AI scribes like Clair are changing that. The big prediction: A dominant, well-funded cash PT brand will emerge within 5–10 years. Why it's coming: Cash PT is a fragmented industry—making it ripe for consolidation. Parallel to CrossFit: Independent affiliates →

The Gratitude Reset: Why PTs Have the Best Job in the World In this episode, Doc Danny Matta reminds physical therapists why they have one of the most fulfilling professions on earth. From building lifelong relationships with patients to seeing the ripple effect of their work beyond the clinic, he shares how to reframe burnout and rediscover gratitude for what makes this career so meaningful. Quick Ask If this episode helps you reconnect with the "why" behind what you do, share it with another PT who might need the reminder—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare! Let's help more clinicians rediscover pride and purpose in the profession. Episode Summary The reality check: PTs often forget how rare it is to do deeply meaningful work that changes people's lives. Patient zero stories: Every great clinic has those first patients who became raving fans and fueled its growth. Personal satisfaction: PTs experience emotional rewards most careers never touch—gratitude, trust, and transformation. The burnout trap: Fee

Longevity, Lifestyle Medicine & the Next Evolution of Physical Therapy In this episode, Doc Danny Matta explores the growing trend of longevity and lifestyle medicine in physical therapy. From proactive health to performance-based rehab, he explains why the best clinics of the future will focus less on pain treatment and more on helping people live long, high-performing, pain-free lives. Quick Ask If this episode fires you up about the future of physical therapy, share it with another clinician who's ready to break free from the traditional model—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare! Let's help more PTs step into their true potential as leaders in longevity and performance. Episode Summary The longevity shift: More people aged 30–60 are embracing proactive, lifestyle-based health—and they're looking for experts who can guide them. The rise of lifestyle medicine: Functional medicine, med spas, and peptide clinics are exploding, but performance-based PTs can lead this movement with evidence-based care.

Profit Growth Cycles: Navigating the Financial Growing Pains of a Cash Practice In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down the financial growing pains every clinic owner faces when scaling from a small subleased space to a full standalone practice. He explains how to manage cash flow, survive low-profit growth cycles, and make smart reinvestments that turn short-term sacrifice into long-term stability. Quick Ask If this episode helps you think differently about your business finances, share it with a fellow PT who's growing their practice—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare! Let's help more clinicians build profitable, sustainable businesses. Episode Summary Profit growth cycles explained: Every clinic hits a point where growth requires reinvestment—usually when moving from a sublease to your own space. Why cash flow matters: Managing money across three core accounts (Operating, Tax, and Profit) keeps your business stable during transitions. Expect profitability dips: Early growth means more expenses—s

Stay Curious, Stay Strong: Longevity Lessons from a DC Clinic Tour In this episode, Doc Danny Matta shares powerful lessons on longevity, curiosity, and self-care after visiting four PT-owned clinics in Washington, D.C. From a 60-year-old Pilates enthusiast who crushed him in class to a marathoner aiming to beat his 27-year-old PR, Danny reflects on what these experiences revealed about health, purpose, and the long game of entrepreneurship. Quick Ask If this episode hits home, share it with a friend who's burning the candle at both ends—or post it to your Instagram stories and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare! Let's help more clinicians build healthy lives and businesses that last. Episode Summary Clinic visits in D.C.: Danny spent a week touring four PT-owned clinics (including a Pilates studio) and connecting with owners, staff, and patients. The Pilates powerhouse: A 60-year-old woman outperformed Danny in class and credited her vitality to one thing—staying curious and always learning. The marathoner

No Money, No Mission: The Truth About Pricing Your Cash Practice In this episode, Doc Danny Matta shares what he's seeing across dozens of clinics: most cash PT owners are undercharging—especially in high cost-of-living markets. He breaks down a four-clinic pricing test, why price ≠ local median income, and clear targets for sustainable margins so you can hire, retain talent, and keep your mission alive. Quick Ask Help us reach our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy: share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your Instagram stories and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare! Episode Summary Pricing drives scale: Bigger, healthier clinics almost always charge more and keep volume steady enough to grow. Four-clinic test: Comparing average visit rates vs. local median household income showed no clean correlation—the lowest-income market had the highest price point. Fear tax: Owners fear backlash when raising prices; in reality, drop-off is rare and usually limited to poo

Five-Star Clinic: Lessons from High-End Restaurants In this episode, Doc Danny Matta unpacks what elite restaurants do differently—then maps those exact moves to cash-based PT. From the reservation experience to ambiance, "the menu," service, and checkout, learn how details create premium value, command higher rates, and generate more referrals. Quick Ask Help us reach our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy: share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your Instagram stories and tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare! Episode Summary Reservation experience → Pre-visit touch: Don't rely on generic confirmations. Call/text with directions, parking, "what to expect," and a 1–2 day pre-visit email from the actual provider. Ambiance → Your space: Design matters. Lighting, smell, layout, materials, music, branding—create an intentional feel your ideal patient loves (and wants to refer into). Menu → Productized services: Name and package outcomes (e.g., "Pain-Free Performance