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 summits.

Whether you're looking to build a sustainable practice, diversify income streams, or just stay motivated, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

Check out Gael’s resources:
🌐 Website: Elevate with Gael
🎙️ Podcast: Massage & Spa Success
📅 2025 Global Wellness Professionals Marketing Summit: Join the Summit

🎧 Visit f⁠⁠oldingtowelspodcast.com.au⁠⁠ for more.

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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 real clinical experience, upskilling through short courses, and why many therapists return to study after entering the workforce.

Kevin also reflects on the business challenges new therapists face, the need for stronger recognition of massage in health care, and why staying connected to your peers and your purpose really matters.

It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation for anyone in the massage profession.

👉Learn more about Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy: https://mimt.edu.au/👉Follow MIMT of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melbourneinstituteofmassage/

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🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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 raising your standards and safeguarding your practice, don’t miss this episode.

📙 Safety & Solicitation - Power Dynamics and Gaslighting - https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/GetThis/SafetySolicitation

🔗 Book - A Bodyworker's Guide to Safety & Solicitation: A look into power dynamics and gaslighting - https://amzn.asia/d/5qashba

🎧 Visit foldingtowelspodcast.com.au for more.

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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 power of long-term care plans tailored to each individual.

Kylie also unpacks how she combines bodywork with tools like NLP to gently shift emotional patterns and help clients stuck in long-term pain cycles find relief.

Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, this episode is full of practical insights and golden takeaways.

💡Learn more at kyliehickscoaching.com.

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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 cost a lot of money. There are coaches for solo practices through to empire builders. We explore why personality fit, communication style, and aligned values are critical to success.

We also cover the realities of money—what coaching might cost, what kind of return you can expect, and how to avoid common traps, like investing in coaching when you’re not ready to take action.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will help you understand what to look for in a business coach and how to get the most value from the relationship.

💡 Real talk, practical steps, and no zombie apocalypses (well, maybe a little).

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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 avoid burnout.

Plus, we share some heartfelt personal stories and real talk on learning, trust, and investing in yourself.

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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 massage, and fertility work.

They share real-world stories, personal reflections, and practical tips on how to align your work with your passions — and attract clients who truly value what you offer. Whether you’ve already found your niche or you’re still figuring it out, this episode will inspire you to think more creatively and confidently about the clients you love to work with — and the difference you want to make.

Tune in and discover new ideas, a fresh perspective, and maybe even your next professional pivot.

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

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, and anxiety, the role of human touch and humanity and how care towards the child is combined with care for the adult too, who also benefits from compassionate touch.

Mandy has contributed to research with a paper published in 2023, and she shares how a child whom she cared for is now a doctor in New York, and is now embracing massage in her own hospital for paediatric care.

This episode is a heartfelt look into how human touch has a role in far more than just sore and tired muscles, but using multi-disciplinary bodywork principles can provide effective medical care in one of the most challenging environments.

Research: UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital a National Leader in Massage Therapy for Paediatric Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Connect with Mandy: Mandy.Bartolovich@UHhospitals.org

🎧 Listen now and take your massage practice to the next level!

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc