Folding Towels - A Podcast for Massage Therapists with Jackie and David

In this replay episode, we revisit a standout conversation with Kylie Hicks from March 2024 — a must-listen for anyone working with chronic pain clients.

Kylie shares her unique, empathetic approach to treating pain — not just physical pain, but the emotional and nervous system loops that often underpin it. We explore the importance of being hands-on, especially for clients who’ve never been touched by their medical teams, and the p...

What does the research say about surviving a zombie apocalypse? Is a business coach the missing piece in your massage therapy journey?

In this episode, Jackie and David unpack whether a wooden stake or a silver bullet might stop a zombie …. what business coaching is (and what it isn’t), how it differs from mentoring, and how to know if it's the right move for your stage of practice.

There are so many options around - some who might ...

Mentoring can change everything. In this episode, Jackie and David unpack the role of mentorship in a massage therapist’s career — and why you should have one.

We explore what makes a great mentor, how it differs from coaching, where to find mentors, and how to get the most out of the relationship.

Whether you're fresh out of massage school or years into your career, a mentor can help you grow your skills, stay inspired, and av...

Are you still treating “everyone” — or are you ready to find your niche?

Niching in massage therapy isn’t just about marketing — it’s about building a more fulfilling, sustainable practice. In this episode, Jackie and David explore five unique niches that massage therapists might be overlooking, from working with diverse language communities and people with sensory processing needs to voice and swallowing disorders, corporate massag...

David chats with Mandy Bartovolich, the first paediatric oncology massage therapist at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mandy shares her incredible work with children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment and blood disorder management, and how as a massage therapist she woks alongside doctors as an integral part of the health care team.

We explore the role of massage therapy in reducing pain, stress, ...

Starting from scratch as a massage therapist can feel overwhelming, but what if you had a roadmap?

In this episode, David shares the 10 proven strategies that helped him build a thriving client base—starting from a side hustle to a fully booked massage practice. From letterbox drops and blogging to networking, referral partners, and client follow-ups, these are the real, practical steps that made all the difference.

If you're st...

In this episode of Folding Towels, Jackie and David sit down with Kylie Bradley, a massage therapist who made the bold move to niche her practice into lymphatic drainage. Kylie shares her journey from a general remedial practice to a specialist clinic, the challenges and rewards of focusing on a niche, and how her business has flourished. She also discusses the impact of lymphatic work, post-surgical recovery, and the growing aware...

In this episode of Folding Towels, Jackie and David tackle one of the biggest conversations happening in the massage industry right now—how do we build trust, improve public perception, and enhance client safety without waiting for external regulation?

Following recent discussions about unethical behaviour in the profession, we explore practical steps every therapist can take to strengthen our industry. From building public trust, i...

Sometimes massage therapists do bad things and sometimes those things are very bad. Massage Therapy is a beautiful profession, but we are not immune from people using their position of power and trust for the bad.

David and Jackie discuss the one thing we must hold as sacred in the massage industry: trust and safety. Following a recent high-profile case in South Australia, we discuss what went wrong, how therapists can better protec...

The new year is here, and it’s time to set yourself up for success! In this episode, Jackie and David guide you through setting personal, professional, and business goals that will shape your year in a way that feels exciting and achievable.

In this episode, we dive into:
✅ Personal goals – What do you really want to do this year? Travel? More time with family? A fitness challenge?
✅ Professional goals – How can you grow in y...

Join Jackie and David as we let our hair down and blow off some steam about the chaos and joy of "this time of the year", while looking back on an incredible 2024.

We have brought you 43 episodes including 14 guests who have shared their stories, experience and passion for the industry with you. Did you have a favourite guest this year? We thought they were all amazing!

With heartfelt thanks to listeners across Australia and aroun...

In this episode, we dive straight into the questions you’ve been asking. From the logistics of overseas training to the nitty-gritty of taxation and bookkeeping, we tackle the practical challenges faced by massage therapists. We share plans for a new finance-focused series featuring experts, offering the tools you need to manage your business confidently.

We also discuss the industry-wide debate about whether there should be one ...

In this episode of The Folding Towels Podcast, Jackie and David dive into the sometimes divisive topic of selling products in your massage clinic. Do you need to sell products? Not at all. But for therapists who choose to, selling the right products can boost income without the physical strain of more massage sessions.

They explore the importance of aligning products with your clinic’s values and niche, from spiky balls and TMJ too...

Feeling the weight of the year as December looms? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into the chaos, exhaustion, and all-too-familiar "blah" vibes that hit hard at the end of the year. David and Jackie get real about navigating burnout, from managing financial pressures to dealing with compassion fatigue and those pesky energy vampires in your schedule.

We share tips on scheduling meaningful breaks, finding hobbies that spa...

In this enlightening episode of the Folding Towels Podcast, Jackie and David dive deep into the world of massage therapy research with three inspiring guest speakers: Ronna Moore, Dr. Jan Douglass, and Dr. Sarah Fogarty. Together, they discuss how therapists can engage with research, the value of case studies, the limitations of traditional research paradigms, and the growing recognition of massage as a legitimate and evidence-base...

In this episode, David and Jackie dive into the complex topic of discounting for massage therapists, discussing when it makes sense and how to avoid undervaluing your services. They share practical strategies, like referral discounts, loyalty programs, and limited-time promotions, to attract clients without compromising your worth. David recounts real-life examples where thoughtful discounting helped his business, while Jackie emph...

Jackie and David dive into the realities of working as a massage therapist while pregnant. Drawing on Jackie’s personal experiences and David’s insights, they explore the unique challenges pregnancy brings to the profession, from managing morning sickness and adapting work routines to handling client communication and planning maternity leave.

Did you know that Jackie was still massaging even in the early stages of labour? With can...

David and Jackie sit down with Charlotte Keane and Paul Averill, non-executive directors of Massage Myotherapy Australia, to discuss the Certified Practitioner program. This certification, designed to ISO9001 standards, aims to bring consistency and professionalism to massage therapy in Australia by establishing a clear standard for qualified practitioners. In the wake of industry changes and public confusion surrounding massage s...

Jackie and David reconnect with Ronna Moore to explore the profound impact of palliative massage. Ronna shares her extensive experience working in palliative care, discussing the importance of addressing not just physical symptoms but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of clients. She delves into the misconceptions around end-of-life care, the unique challenges therapists face, and the essential role of massage ...