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

Recorded live at the Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy Soft Tissue Congress 2025.

David and Jackie share their insights from a day surrounded by passionate therapists and educators. Sarah Nehme from BFT redefines how we use exercise prescription to approach pain and progression. Elicia Crook from Health Leader Co brought her energy to marketing and business strategy, showing how simple, consistent actions create sustaina...

Not every session goes to plan. Sometimes, even when you think you’ve done everything right, a client walks away disappointed—and lets you know it. In this episode, Jackie shares a recent experience that rattled her confidence, and David opens up about moments he’s missed the mark too. Together, they unpack how client expectations get misaligned, why intake forms matter more than you think, and what to do when feedback lands in you...

Policies and paperwork might not sound exciting, but they’re what keep your massage business safe, professional, and stress-free. In this episode, David and Jackie talk with Chantel Ryan, founder of Legally Healthy and former business lawyer turned naturopath, about the five essential policies every health practitioner needs, the legal blind spots therapists often miss, and why good documents protect both you and your clients.

Liste...

What exactly is a vibe—and how do therapists use it every day? In this conversation, philosopher, author and teacher Jason Del Gandio explains his 30-year exploration of vibes, which he describes as “bodily emanation”—the energy we project and perceive.

We dig into first impressions, setting therapeutic atmosphere, regulating your own state, shielding from “bad vibes,” and how to practise vibe awareness like a skill. You’ll leave w...

Massage therapist, teacher, writer and editor David Lobenstine shares how leaving New York—and choosing to commute back for three long clinic days every fortnight—reshaped his work and made sustainable technique non-negotiable.

We dig into Tai Chi-inspired mechanics (“pour, don’t push”), why body–brain–breath is the antidote to fatigue, and how gentle detachment lets change emerge without forcing it. David explains how sustainable t...

Mobile massage is rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges: endless travel, scattered notes, safety concerns, and admin that piles up fast.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Gabriele — therapist, educator, and co-founder of Noterro — to talk about what makes mobile practice so different from clinic work. Nick shares his journey from creating SOAP Vault, a simple note-keeping tool, to shaping practitioner-led solution...

After decades in the corporate world, Laura Jane Layton found herself in a hospital bed following a heart procedure. That moment became her wake-up call — the signal that she needed to change her story, her self-talk, and her approach to life.

In this conversation, Laura Jane shares what she calls “self-care from the inside out”: how to notice your body’s check engine light, how to shift the way you speak to yourself, and why choosi...

GST makes many massage therapists cringe, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode, Jackie and David unpack what GST is, why it exists, and how it affects massage businesses in Australia.

We talk thresholds, exemptions, and the myths that keep therapists hiding under $75k. We share stories of first-time BAS panic, mindset shifts, and why hitting the GST threshold is actually a milestone worth celebrating.

Whether you’...

You didn’t become a massage therapist to do spreadsheets — but understanding a few core numbers in your business can be the difference between burnout and sustainability, between “barely scraping by” and feeling confident in your pricing, schedule, and goals.

In this episode of Folding Towels, Jackie and David unpack the five key numbers every massage therapist should know — without getting buried in financial jargon or complica...

Anyeska O’Rourke was inspired to work in allied health from the age of 8. Put off by the prejudices of academics she went on to qualify as a Remedial Massage Therapist and work on the luxury resort island of Hayman Island. But it was an injury and a move to Canada that changed everything.

In Canada, she fell in love with the wellbeing side of the industry — the slower pace, the heart-led care, the space to work with people more deep...

Every now and then, a massage client crosses a line — and it leaves us feeling rattled, ashamed, or unsure of what to do next.

In this deeply personal solo episode, David tackles a topic no therapist wants to deal with — but most will face at some point in their career. We’re talking about creepers: the clients who mistake therapeutic massage for something else, ask inappropriate questions, behave in sexually suggestive ways, or bla...

Jackie reviews The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair and Amber Davies—one of her all-time favourite resources for understanding and treating myofascial pain. She shares how this book helped shape her practice, why it’s still relevant, and how both therapists and clients can use it for effective self-care. Whether you’re new to trigger point work or a seasoned practitioner, this practical, easy-to-follow guide deserves a place...

Is your diary looking a little empty? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jackie and David talk about how to handle those quieter patches in your massage business—without spiralling into panic or bingeing cat reels (well… maybe a few).

We chat about low-cost, practical ideas to reengage past clients, using your time wisely, and staying visible even when bookings slow down. From simple marketing tweaks to making admin time work for y...

In this episode, Jackie and David chat with Melissa Woodward, from Fearless Health in Dubbo, regional New South Wales. You're going to want to grab your notebook and pencil for this one because Mel's story is one of heart, grit, and just getting on with it.

From flipping burgers as a quiet teenager, working with footy players, cutting her teeth in allied health to starting a practice, growing it, working with her husband, c...

Anna Mitchell from That Accounting Stuff joins Jackie and David for an honest, practical, and surprisingly fun conversation about accounting for massage therapists.

From the shock of overdue tax returns to finding confidence with money, Anna shares how she went from massage therapist to accountant to online educator. Her mission? Helping sole traders get on top of their numbers without the fear or confusion.

If you’ve ever felt overw...

We’ve made it to 100 episodes!

To celebrate, we asked massage therapists from across the industry to share their funniest, quirkiest, and most heart-warming stories from the treatment room. From accidental client mix-ups to unexpected animal guests, tattoo surprises, and the occasional... moaning Mark, this special episode is full of laughter and love for the profession.

Join Jackie and David as we reflect on our podcast journey, th...

You've heard of ROCKTAPE right? You probably have a box at home or on your shelf at work. And you’d be forgiven for thinking that the ROCKTAPE Australian distributor was a faceless global giant. Except that they’re not!

In Episode 99, Jackie and David sit down with Tony Stahl, head of education and a Director of ROCKTAPE AUSTRALIA who shares his journey from sports trainer to an accountant in big business to bringing ROCKTAPE to Au...

Jackie reviews Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life by Cynthia Heep Spence - a compassionate and accessible book that provides massage therapists with practical strategies and heartfelt insights for supporting clients through palliative and end-of-life care.

If you are interested in working with oncology patients, elderly clients, or hospice care, then this book provides case studies, complementary therapy advice,...

Jackie and David reflect on their massage therapy journeys—sharing the biggest lessons they’d do differently if they had a time machine.

From finding a niche and setting boundaries to outsourcing, self-care, and backing ourselves earlier, we unpack the wins, mistakes, and lessons learned for building a sustainable, enjoyable career in massage.

Whether you’re new or experienced, this episode is packed with relatable stories and advice...