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

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,...

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 y...

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 wo...

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 burie...

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...

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, behav...

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, ea...

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 twe...

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, grow...

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...

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...

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...

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 st...

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 pac...

Join with Jackie and David as they dive into the essential, unexciting and often overlooked skill of effective note-taking for massage therapists. Learn how structured, consistent record-keeping can protect you, support client care, and streamline your practice. We cover: Client Communication: How to ask the right questions to gather relevant health information. Observation and Documentation: Key...

You’ve completed the course — now how do you integrate those new techniques into your treatments effectively? In this episode, Jackie and David outline practical steps to confidently implement new massage skills without feeling overwhelmed. We cover: Choosing the Right Clients: Identifying ideal clients to practise new techniques on and build confidence. Communicating the Change: Introducing new t...

How do you stay in the massage industry for 30 years and still love what you do? Gael Wood shares her journey from a 19-year-old therapist struggling to find clients to becoming a marketing mentor and industry educator. In this episode, Gael dives into her biggest mistakes, the marketing strategies that still work today, and how she’s helping therapists thrive through her online courses and summit...

Jackie and David chat with Kevin Xiao CEO of Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy (MIMT) for a grounded and insightful chat about the realities of massage education in Australia. Kevin talks about how accredited training is regulated, what’s in the national training package, and how RTOs like MIMT build on the foundations to better prepare students for practice. We talk about the value of...

In this essential conversation, Ann Davey, CEO of Massage & Myotherapy Australia, joins Jackie and David to explore professionalism, ethics, and the complaint process in massage therapy. Learn what self-regulation really means, how therapists can protect themselves and their clients, why strong clinic notes matter, and how even small slip-ups can impact your career. If you’re committed to rais...

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 touch...

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 m...

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...

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...

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 massa...

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...