
Folding Towels - A Podcast for Massage Therapists with Jackie and David
Jackie Kerin and David Clayton met over a massage table in Adelaide (Australia) back in 2015 - now they bring their quirks, and passion for the industry to this brand-new podcast. Discussing all the things they never told you about in massage school - complex cases, difficult customers, maintaining boundaries, administration, being in business and making decisions, and the never-ending pile of laundry. Most importantly, staying passionate to do what you actually trained to do and love. Folding towels is the massage class you wish you could take; with all the questions you wish you'd asked.
Latest episodes

Jul 31, 2024 • 58min
Episode 062: Cost-Effective Strategies for a Thriving Massage Practice
In Part 2 of our budgeting for massage therapists episode
Jackie and David unpack the nitty-gritty of financial management for massage therapists. You might have heard business gurus throwing around the term "six figures" when talking about success, but bringing in $100,000 to your business isn't as daunting as it seems (you just don't get to keep it all). But you can keep more by being careful about where you spend your money, without being a cheapskate or feeling like a cheap backyard therapist. We talk about bill shopping, regularly reviewing your expense including your rent and insurance, knowing where your clients come from and investing in those channels, and how charging more means you can have more or work less or both.
** Support the Show **
If you have gotten value from the show, consider sending a small token of appreciation our way:
https://buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
https://foldingtowelspodcast.com.au
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/FoldingTowelsPodcast
https://www.instagram.com/foldingtowels_podcast/
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 061: Budgeting Tips for Massage Therapists
Ding dong, it's July and the start of a new financial year, at least in Australia it is. Today, Jackie and David dive into budgeting tips for massage therapists. We talk about how to set a basic budget so that you can properly plan for your year (and plan for the unexpected), paying yourself a living wage, and prioritising your income. Discover the key items to include in your budget, the discipline of putting money aside for taxes, and documenting your expenses regularly using spreadsheets or software so you don' have to do it all at the end of each year. Finally, do you really need the latest iPhone and iPad on that expensive plan? If you wonder where your money goes every month or year, and how to take control of it then sharpen your pencil and listen in.
Support the Show:
If you have gotten value from the show, consider sending a small token of appreciation our way:
https://buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
https://foldingtowelspodcast.com.au
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/FoldingTowelsPodcast
https://www.instagram.com/foldingtowels_podcast/
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jul 17, 2024 • 49min
Episode 60: Liz Sharkey - The Journey Beyond Hands On Skills To Running a Practice
From marine biology, to working in retail, to learning massage to connect with her mother with dementia. Join Jackie as she talks with Liz Sharkey from Massage Training Australia. Liz recognised early on that many of the training colleges aren’t teaching the really basic skills that therapists need to know (like report writing and notation). These might not be the skills that many of are excited about (hello we are tactile people), but skills that we NEED to have. Liz is on a mission to ensure that massage therapists in Australia (and worldwide) have access to the correct information, can do all the things they need to do to be compliant, and can upskill to be excellent at what they do. Her venture, Massage Training Australia, isn’t merely a business; it’s a lifeline offering practical courses designed to navigate real-world challenges not just how to knead muscles but how to navigate the intricate realm of running a successful practice.
Join Liz’s free Facebook Community –Australian Massage Therapists Community
Learn more with Liz at Massage Training Australia
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jul 9, 2024 • 56min
Episode 059: Can I Work Only With Women As A Massage Therapist?
Join Jackie and David as they unpack whether or not it is okay to only work with women as a massage therapist. We discuss in general "what does the law say". Explore the reasons why massage therapists might want to only work with women, and ways to do this directly and indirectly. We discuss branding that specifically targets women (e.g. Sportsgirl), and ways to say no to male clients who might want to seek massage with you (perhaps they were referred by a friend). We want you to know that your own safety is paramount and that gender-specific services can be both ethical and lawful when ensuring your own and client safety and comfort.
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jul 2, 2024 • 33min
Episode 058: Ten Free or Low-Cost Tips for Massage Therapists to Attract Clients
In this episode of the Folding Towels Podcast, we're diving into practical, low-cost strategies to help massage therapists attract more clients and grow their business. David shares ten actionable tips that require more courage than cash, perfect for any massage therapist looking to expand their clientele without breaking the bank.
We'll explore the power of digital communication, from crafting engaging email newsletters to creating relatable video content. Learn about the "Law of 666" for personalized outreach and discover the pros and cons of running a gift voucher campaign.
Networking with local health professionals, following up with clients through thoughtful texts, and writing engaging blogs are just a few of the additional strategies we'll cover. We'll also delve into structured email campaigns and unique approaches to engaging male clients.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to boost an established practice, these tips will provide you with the tools and inspiration to take your massage therapy business to the next level. Tune in and find out how small, courageous steps can lead to significant growth.
Previous Episodes we mention:
Episode 052: Why You Should Be Using E-mails To Stay Connected With Your Clients
Episode 028: Managing Gift Vouchers Like a Pro
Episode 014 - Mythbusting the One Hour Session Length
Episode 007 : Networking for Introverts - Building Your Network One Connection At A Time
Episode 005 - Finding Your Niche and Standing Out (and 5 niches you've probably never thought about)
EPISODE SPONSOR
HY.GIENE Australia has worked with the spa and hotel industry and also washing machine manufactures to develop specific washing products and a procedure to guarantee that your towels come out 100% free of oil, your washing machine lasts longer and that your fire risk
is pretty much zero.
Order through https://www.hygieneaustralia.com.au/
Discount code: 15OFFFOLDINGTOWELS
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 19min
Episode 057: Even More Stuff They Never Told You About in Massage School Pt 3
In this extended and final episode in this series, Jackie and David chat about even more stuff that they never told you about in massage school.
Do you need a mentor and how to choose one?
How much can you expect to be paid as an employee?
What's "the going rate" for rental and profit share and is it as good a deal as it sounds (spoiler alert, no it isn't)?
How often do you stop and listen to what your client is actually trying to tell you?
Are you charging what you are worth, or are you being greedy?
We might not be registered health professionals but we sure are regulated! (David might have some big feelings on this) -==>Check out this 60 minutes investigation into Cosmetic Surgery in Australia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKlQu2oGeh0
Can I massage in the first trimester of pregnancy?
Can I massage a person who has a cancer diagnosis?
Does massage detoxify the body? Read this article here ==> https://www.painscience.com/articles/poisoned-by-massage.php
Did you know that there is a world Championship for Massage therapists? ==> video teasers from the 2023 Championships https://worldchampionship-massage.com/best-videos-2023/
Jackie and David talk about all these things and more in this listener requested episode - with even more stuff that they never told you about in massage school.
Unregistered Health Professionals Codes (as at June 2024):
Australian Capital Territory: https://www.hrc.act.gov.au/health/code-of-conduct-for-health-care-workers
New South Wales: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/phact/Pages/code-of-conduct.aspx
Northern Territory: https://hcscc.nt.gov.au/for-providers/support-and-resources-for-service-providers
Queensland: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/policies-standards/national-code-of-conduct
South Australia: https://www.hcscc.sa.gov.au/code-of-conduct-for-unregistered-health-practitioners/
Tasmania: https://www.healthcomplaints.tas.gov.au/national-code-of-conduct
Victoria: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-workforce-regulation/national-code-of-conduct-for-healthcare-workers
Western Australia: https://www.hadsco.wa.gov.au/News/2022/11/08/National-Code-of-Conduct-for-health-care-workers
EPISODE SPONSOR
HY.GIENE Australia has worked with the spa and hotel industry and also washing machine manufactures to develop specific washing products and a procedure to guarantee that your towels come out 100% free of oil, your washing machine lasts longer and that your fire risk
is pretty much zero.
Order through https://www.hygieneaustralia.com.au/
Discount code: 15OFFFOLDINGTOWELS
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jun 18, 2024 • 53min
Episode 056: More Stuff They Never Told You About in Massage School Pt 2
What would you do if someone "raised a flag pole"?
Do you know how to drape to work on someone's glutes without pulling their pants all the way down?
Do you know how to use your body weight to generate pressure and do you massage with just your hands or are you also making good use of broad forearms?
Ever been asked to commit health fund fraud?
And just what do you say if someone calls you a masseuse?
Jackie and David talk about all these things and more in this listener requested episode - with more stuff that they never told you about in massage school.
EPISODE SPONSOR
HY.GIENE Australia has worked with the spa and hotel industry and also washing machine manufactures to develop specific washing products and a procedure to guarantee that your towels come out 100% free of oil, your washing machine lasts longer and that your fire risk
is pretty much zero.
Order through https://www.hygieneaustralia.com.au/
Discount code: 15OFFFOLDINGTOWELS
*** Connect with Jackie and David ***
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and fill in the contact form.
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Jun 11, 2024 • 42min
Episode 055: Some Of Our Favourite Podcasts
Jackie and David are back from a break - Conference, Coronavirus and just other stuff. It's rolling into the end of financial year. Jackie is Registering for GST for the first time, David is doubling down on compliance stuff. But really, this week we are here to talk about the podcasts that we listen to and enjoy. Remember, not everything that you do and listen to has to be professional - which is why we crack off this episode with One Song (Jackie's favourite) and Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe (David's favourite).
This is a list of the podcasts that we are listening to for fun and for learning:
One Song - https://www.youtube.com/@OneSongPodcast
Stuart McLean – Backstage at the Vinyl Café - https://vinylcafe.com/
Stuart Hinds - Talking Tissue Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6KW3vKtjym3KbTVxeH18xM
ABMP PODCASTS FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS & BODYWORKERS - https://www.abmp.com/podcasts
Ruth Werner - “I have A Client Who …” https://ruthwerner.com/podcast/
Paul Averill - The Manly Bits - https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yrhr7U7QNRAemhJkAwsgm
Sydnee and Justin McElroy - Sawbones: A Misguided Marital Medical Mystery - https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/sawbones/
Dr Karl kruszelnicki – Science With Dr Karl Podcast - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/dr-karl-podcast
Australian Birth Stories - https://australianbirthstories.com/podcasts/
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Arnie’s Pump Club - https://www.arnoldspumpclub.show/
Til Luchau and Witney Lowe - The Thinking Practitioner - https://www.thethinkingpractitioner.com/
Tim Reid - Small Business Big Marketing - https://smallbusinessbigmarketing.com/podcasts/
Nick Loper – The Side Hustle Podcast - https://www.sidehustlenation.com/side-hustle-show/
Emily Hanford - Sold A Story Podcast - https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/
EPISODE SPONSOR
HY.GIENE Australia has worked with the spa and hotel industry and also washing machine manufactures to develop specific washing products and a procedure to guarantee that your towels come out 100% free of oil, your washing machine lasts longer and that your fire risk
is pretty much zero.
Order through https://www.hygieneaustralia.com.au/
Discount code: 15OFFFOLDINGTOWELS
Connect with Jackie and David
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our https://foldingtowelspodcast.com.au and
fill in the contact form.
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FoldingTowelsPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foldingtowels_podcast/
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

May 21, 2024 • 54min
Episode 054: What Do Associations Do? Ann Davey & Selena Hagen Massage and Myotherapy Australia
Recorded at the Massage and Myotherapy Australia 2024 Conference in Tweed Heads, David and Jackie chat with Ann Davey (CEO) and Selena Hagen (Vice President) from Massage and Myotherapy Australia.
Have you ever wondered what your Association does for you? Are you even a member of one? Do you ever question why you are a member at all?
Ann and Selena take us on a journey of the 21 year history of Massage and Myotherapy Australia, its role in advocating to the Australian government about key issues affecting the industry and members, and also some of the initiatives. The association has launched scholarships, supported new research, reviewed the national training packages, partnered with University of Technology Sydney, collaborated with super peak associations, all while promoting the advancement and legitimacy of massage therapies and myotherapy in Australia. It's a lot!
Do you have a burning question for the Association that you want to be answered? Send them an email:
info@massagemyotherapy.com.au
Looking for more information about the certification process? Check out the website link here. The best part is, that any massage therapist in Australia can join!
You can find the Massage and Myotherapy Australia website here.
Connect with Jackie and David
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and
fill in the contact form. Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

May 14, 2024 • 42min
Episode 053: 7 Free or Low Cost Options for Continuing Education
Jackie and David chat about ways to keep up your education without breaking the bank. If you are a member of a professional association, you need to commit to education every year. And even if you're not a member, continuing education helps to keep you fresh, motivated, up to date and connected with your industry. From borrowing books from the library, to watching webinars and listening to podcasts, to super affordable memberships and then there is MOOCS (it's 100% free y'all) learning has never been easier or more accessible.
Technical Books, DVDs, CDROMs etc: https://terrarosa.com.au/product-category/dvds/
Stuart Hinds Inner Circle - https://stuart-hinds.com/pages/inner-circle
Paula Nutting: Mastery Mentoring Program - https://www.yourmusculoskeletalspecialist.com/chapmans-reflexes-mastery-mentorship-program/
Neil Asher Technique - https://nielasher.com/
Australian Traditional Medicine Society - https://www.atms.com.au/education-training/continued-professional-education/
Association of Massage Therapists - https://www.amt.org.au/members/webinars.html
Massage and Myotherapy Australia - https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/Professionalism-and-Excellence/HALO
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals - https://www.abmp.com/learn/courses
Advanced Trainings (Til Lucau) https://advanced-trainings.com/product-category/online-courses/
Erik Dalton - https://erikdalton.com/courses/
Massive Open Online Course - https://www.mooc.org/
EPISODE SPONSOR
HY.GIENE Australia has worked with the spa and hotel industry and also washing machine manufactures to develop specific washing products and a procedure to guarantee that your towels come out 100% free of oil, your washing machine lasts longer and that your fire risk
is pretty much zero.
Order through https://www.hygieneaustralia.com.au/
Discount code: 15OFFFOLDINGTOWELS
Connect with Jackie and David
Do you want to reach out to us? Head to our Website and
fill in the contact form. Find us on Facebook and on Instagram
Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc