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

Do you remember when you were a brand new massage graduate? Jackie and David have recently visited a student clinic for massage. And at one of those appointments, a student requested this episode. Jackie and David reflect on getting started in the industry. We talk about: Going to work in a clinic vs working for yourself Saving for and buying good equipment Self Care Confidence and client conversa...

Jackie and David have a deep and meaningful about life, the universe and everything as they reflect on where they want to take their own practices, plan the year out ahead, their own personal journeys and the possibility of being eaten by a bear in the Appalachian Mountains. This is a personal and reflective episode to help you take the steps that you need to take so that your year is as fulfillin...

In this episode, Jackie shares that she is both slightly concerned by and also grateful for David's obsession with policy. Policies and procedures are not everyone's zone of genius, but the truth is, policy is something you can't escape and shouldn't ignore. We chat about why we need them, how they are useful, tips and tricks for writing them (spoiler alert - your association usual...

Today Jackie and David delve into how to raise your prices without upsetting your clients (spoiler alert, a couple of them will probably get upset anyway). Raising your prices regularly is a good thing, especially as you do deserve to pay yourself well. Your costs are going up, and your clients know that too. We talk about things to do right, things that probably will upset your clients, and most...

Today, Jackie and David chat with Peter Harman from HY.GIENE Australia about removing oily residue from towels and linen. Yes, we're talking about laundry again! Not just throwing your towels into the machine after work, but how to prevent oil build up, extend the life of your washing machine and most importantly fire prevention because of hot, oily towels. We read about it in the massage grou...

Jackie and David delve into the importance of building trust with our clients through effective communication and understanding their health needs. This starts with taking a detailed history, which not only helps us to determine where and how we work, but it builds trust and helps to prevent us from doing something wrong. We talk about the necessity of intake forms, meeting client expectations upf...

Join Jackie and David in this light hearted episode as they lament about how unpredictable and bat crap crazy the lead up to Christmas can sometimes be. From strategies to tackle last-minute cancellations to the importance of showing compassion. We cover a range of strategies to keep the peace even when you want to scream. Find us on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jackie and David delve deep into a seemingly ordinary topic - gift vouchers. If you want to sell gift vouchers (and you don't have to if you don't want to, but your clients probably will ask) there are a few things that you need to do right ... sorry the rules aren't optional. From low redemption rates to legal complexities, businesses need to navigate carefully when incorporating gift...

In today's episode, David talks about a common challenge faced by massage therapists - non-attendance or no-shows and late appointment cancellations. It's a topic that affects us all at some point, and it can be frustrating, both in terms of lost income and disrupted schedules. But fear not, we've got you covered. Over the next 20 minutes, we'll explore the reasons behind non-atten...

Jackie and David chat with Paul Averill owner of Rub Massage in Adelaide, and SA director of Massage Myotherapy Australia. You can connect with Paul here: https://rubmassage.com.au/about/paul-averill/ and find his podcast The Man Bits here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YxZ6DN09oybOW7aAHPIj5 Paul started his career in corporate environments but felt drawn towards coaching roles within these setti...

It's going to happen sooner or later. Someone is going to leave you some feedback that you weren't quite expecting, and it will probably come in the form of a review. In this episode, Jackie and David kick things off with a story about United Airlines reducing costs by saving weight and hence saving money. We chat about deliberately asking for feedback for the purpose of growth. About how...

Do you you talk with your clients? Or do you work in blessed silence? In this episode of the Folding Towels podcast, Jackie and David talk about whether massage therapists should engage in conversation with clients during their massage sessions. If you were to read Facebook there are some pretty strong opinions out there on this topic! But it's not a simple yes / no! From using conversation as...

In this episode, David chats with Christine Knox from the Health Leader Co about her journey into massage, of moving to Australia from Scotland, back again, flying off to work in a helicopter and then moving back to Australia with the dream of opening a massage school. Arriving in Armidale, Christine started her Australian massage career as a locum, going on to open her own clinic, hire staff, and...

Join Jackie and David as they get pretty deep about whether or not being friends with a client is a good idea or not. David admits to cycling with a couple of clients, Jackie opens up about where a friendship outside of work affected her work. And I think we unanimously agree, that being romantically involved with any client is a plain old bad idea. We take quite a few tangents here, and we do exp...

Join Jackie as she shares about many options for massage oils and their properties, so many of which can be found in the local supermarket too! From good old faithful coconut oil, to water dispersible oils , oils that are good enough to eat and oils that are infused with botanical properties. Choosing your massage oil doesn't have to be hard, and it's always a fabulous idea to keep a coupl...

David and Jackie drop an E today! Yes they get all emo - because being human is complicated. We talk about some of the feelings you are probably feeling like fear and stress and loneliness and celebration and imposter syndrome and some strategies to keep on track especially when you are feeling the big feels. Find us on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Mu...

Ninety bucks an hour? Is that enough, is it too much? Jackie and David talk in depth (really in depth) about the things that you need to consider when setting your fee for your service. Spoiler alert .. there's no such thing as a standard fee. And you can't feed your family just by loving your job intensely. From location, to budgeting, to your experience, pricing isn't simple. But it...

Jackie and David talk about the pros and cons of running your massage business from your own home, the things you have to get right, business and personal safety and also client comfort. Don’t forget to talk to your Council, Landlord and your insurer … among other observations. Find us on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone&qu...

Jacquie and David get personal about music. What is Yacht Rock? Why do we even use music when we massage? What types of music are appropriate? Have you ever asked your client what music they love to relax to? We answer these questions and more in this deep dive into music. Music by Andy Salvanos Music by Justin Hunter Music by Sacred Earth Licencing for playing Commercial Music Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fa...

Maybe you've just got your Diploma and you're going it alone, or you have worked with others for some time and you're now ready to set up shop. Choosing your first clinic location is a big step. Jackie and David discuss a bunch of things that you will want to think about from geographic location, parking, neighbours, registering with Council, signage, facilities and much much more. Mas...

In this short-thought episode, David prepares to take a short break. Holidays are important! We need them to rest and recharge, so that you can give your best always. So when was the last time you took a break? We'll both be back and at our best next week! Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licenced use throug...

Do my massage appointments need to go for an hour? Do they need to be exactly an hour, or an hour of massage? What if my client doesn't like massage, but knows that massage is beneficial for their health? Jackie and David take on the myth of the one hour massage and answer these questions and more about appointment length, but more importantly communication. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠...

Do you use towels or sheets? Jackie and David get passionate about linen - after ourselves and our tables, probably the most expensive tools we own! Do you wash your own towels or use a towel service? How hot is hot enough? Towels vs sheets. We leave no thread unturned (groan) on this episode. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone&quo...

Who massages the massage therapist? Jackie and David talk about why it's so important to take care of yourself so that you can continue to take care of others for as long as you can. From regular massage, to strength and stretching and taking a long hot bath, you need to walk your talk. Find us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (202...

So what's the difference between implied consent, informed consent and ongoing consent? Jackie and David discuss how and why gaining consent in all aspects of your massage treatments is one of (if not the) most important things you can do to build trust, maintain trust and to get great treatment outcomes. David gets a little bit cranky!. Find us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Them...