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 to help you skip some of the headaches.

Check out episode 305: Massage Business Blueprint - Ignore the Gurus and Just give a F*cking Massage

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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

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:

1. Client Communication: How to ask the right questions to gather relevant health information.

2. Observation and Documentation: Key details to include in your notes to track client progress and treatment efficacy.

3. Consistent Structure: Using frameworks like SOAP and ASTER to maintain clear, useful records.

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations: What you need to know about data protection, privacy, and client rights.

5. Referral and Follow-Up: How to use your notes to guide recommendations and ensure continuity of care.

Keeping client records and note-taking doesn’t have to be complicated — just consistent. Doing so not only protects you and your client but also elevates the level of care you provide.

Check out:

Episode 030 - Why Asking The Right Questions Makes You A Better Therapist

Episode 092:

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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

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 treatments to existing clients without disrupting their usual routine.
Making It Stick: Strategies for practising and refining your skills to ensure your investment in education pays off.

Whether you’re adding a few extra techniques or diving into something new like cupping, buccal massage, or acupressure, we’re sharing solid strategies for making your training work for you.

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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

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

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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

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

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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 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