

Folding Towels - A Podcast for Massage Therapists with Jackie and David
Jackie Kerin and David Clayton
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 24, 2026 • 56min
Episode 127: Simple Systems for Sole Traders with Oliver Garside (Rounded)
Running a massage business isn’t just about what happens on the table. It’s everything behind the scenes that can trip you up.In this episode, we sit down with Oliver Garside, co-founder of Rounded, to talk about the real challenges sole traders face when it comes to finances, admin and tax. From messy spreadsheets and confusing software to cash flow surprises and BAS stress, Oliver shares practical ways to simplify your systems and stay in control.We cover common mistakes, simple habits that make a difference, and how the right tools can free up your time so you can focus on your clients, not your bookkeeping.Rounded is an Australian accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically for sole traders to manage income, expenses, and tax with simple, easy-to-use tools.Try Rounded for FREE for 30 days (Australian users only): https://app.rounded.com.au/partner_signup/aOYiEz New Australian users can access a free 30-day Rounded trial with no credit card required. After that, you can subscribe or delete your account and download your data at any time at no cost.Rounded on FacebookRounded on InstagramRounded on YouTube👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 12min
Episode 126: Coby du Preez on Purpose, Practice and Professional Growth
In this episode, David and Jackie are joined by Coby du Preez, remedial massage therapist, clinic owner of Muscle Medicine Double Bay, and Independent Director on the board of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.Coby shares his journey into massage therapy, beginning not in healthcare, but in the fast-paced world of professional kitchens. What followed was a shift toward work that felt more meaningful, grounded in human connection and the impact of touch.The conversation explores how his thinking has evolved over more than twenty years in practice. From early, technique-driven treatment focused on tight muscles and symptoms, to a broader understanding of fascia, breathing, load, and the nervous system.Coby shares of his transition from sole practitioner to clinic owner, the realities of leading and mentoring other therapists, and the importance of building confident, ethical professionals who can work collaboratively within the wider healthcare system.Coby is passionate about advocating for the industry through professional bodies like ATMS and the need to position massage and myotherapy as a respected and viable first career choice for school leavers.Connect with Coby: https://musclemedicine.com.au/👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 12min
Episode 125: Touch Is Older Than Medicine: A Short History of Massage
Massage may feel like a modern wellness practice, but therapeutic touch has existed for thousands of years. In this episode, David and Jackie explore the history of bodywork across cultures - from ancient Egyptian carvings and Chinese medical texts to Ayurvedic oil massage, Roman bathhouses, and early European healing traditions.They discuss how massage became systemised through Swedish gymnastics, how it shaped rehabilitation during wartime and the polio era, and how pioneers like Janet Travell helped shift understanding of pain. Along the way, they reflect on why oils, salves, and hands-on care appear in nearly every healing tradition.From ancient rituals to modern hospitals, this episode explores how massage has persisted across time - and why healthcare is once again recognising the importance of human touch.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Feb 24, 2026 • 22min
Episode 124: (Revisiting) Non Attendance and What To DO About It (Yes You Can Charge a Fee)
No-shows still hurt.Late cancellations still cost you time, money, and energy.This week, David revisits one of the most practical episodes we’ve recorded – originally released in October 2023 – on non-attendance, cancellation policies, and charging fees.If you’re unsure whether you can enforce a fee… you can.If you’re worried what clients might think… clarity matters more than approval.If you don’t have a written policy yet… it’s time.In this episode we cover:Why a booking is a contractual commitmentWhat Australian Consumer Law says about “frustrated contracts”The difference between having a policy and having a procedurePrevention strategies that reduce no-shows before they happenHow to enforce fees consistently and professionallyWhen compassion is appropriate – and when to draw a lineProfessional boundaries are not harsh. They are clear.If your cancellation policy has drifted, softened, or never existed… this is your reset.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Feb 17, 2026 • 48min
Episode 123: Planning Like a Human: Building A Year You Will Be Proud Of
In this episode, David and Jackie walk through a simple, practical way to write your personal plan for the year ahead. This is not about five-year forecasts or complicated spreadsheets. It is about deciding who you want to be, where you are now, and what you are willing to resource with time, money, and energy.We cover:Choosing identity before outcomesBeing honest about your current realityMaking CPE intentional instead of reactiveSetting personal goals that actually matter to youPlanning rest and holidays properlyTurning vague intentions into concrete stepsWhether you are a clinic owner, subcontractor, employee, or still figuring things out, this episode will help you move from drifting to deliberate.One page. Clear thinking. A year you can be proud of.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Feb 9, 2026 • 36min
Episode 122: Setting the Tone for the Year Ahead: Learning, Planning, and Working Well
The start of a new year often comes with pressure to do more, grow faster, and fix everything at once. In this season opener of the Folding Towels Podcast, Jackie and David take a different approach.We talk about setting the tone for the year ahead, not through rigid goal setting, but through clarity, learning, and intentional decisions that support long-term practice sustainability.In this episode we cover:Why early-year planning should focus on direction rather than overload.Two standout professional development opportunities for therapists working with chronic and persistent pain:The Australian Traditional Medicine Society Integrative Pain Science Symposium (21 March, Sydney + livestream);The Massage & Myotherapy Australia Conference 2026, focused on multidisciplinary care for chronic pain.David’s current experiment using ChatGPT as a thinking and planning tool, particularly for building a targeted, sensible marketing plan without burnout.Jackie’s priorities for 2026, including sustainability, clinical depth, and energy management.David’s plans for a more focused, intentional year that balances business, learning, and life.This episode is for massage therapists who want to work well, think clearly, and build a year they can sustain.Links mentioned in the episodeATMS Integrative Pain Science Symposium (21 Feb, Sydney + Livestream)https://atms-integrative-pain-science-symposium-2026.eventsair.site/Massage & Myotherapy Australia Conference – May 2026 https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/Professionalism-and-Excellence/2026-National-ConferenceElevate with Gael – Mini Courses https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/store👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Dec 16, 2025 • 20min
Folding Towels: Our 2025 Wrap-Up
We wrap up the year with a fast, fun look back at our favourite moments, big laughs, unexpected lessons, and the episodes that made 2025 unforgettable. Join Jackie and David for a light, joyful finale as we celebrate the wins, thank our listeners, and share what’s coming next year.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "The Twelve Days of Christmas Jazzy Version", Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Dec 9, 2025 • 49min
Episode 120: Slow Down, Switch Off: A Gentle Guide to Holiday Breaks for Therapists
December hits. Schedules implode. Clients shuffle like mad. And every therapist asks the same thing: should I just take a break? David and Jackie cut through the chaos with a fast, honest look at Tetris Month, why January goes flaky, and how to protect your sanity. Learn how to plan time off, set boundaries, manage client expectations, and actually return rested rather than wrecked. We chat about what it really means to pause, breathe, and take a holiday. the seasonal rhythms, the emotional load of December, and how to communicate time off with kindness and clarity.From creating space to rest to easing gently back into work, this episode offers a gentle reminder that breaks aren’t indulgent. They’re essential.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Dec 2, 2025 • 43min
Episode 119: Gifts at Christmas (and Why You Don’t Owe Anyone One)
It’s December, the Facebook groups are buzzing, and massage therapists everywhere are asking the same question: Do I have to give my clients gifts? In this episode, Jackie and David dive straight into the holiday chaos and cut through the pressure, guilt, and mixed messages that show up every year.They explore why you never owe anyone a present, how to express genuine gratitude without turning Christmas into extra labour, and what actually lands as a meaningful gesture. Expect stories from their clinics, clever low-cost gift ideas, a reminder that referrals are the ultimate compliment, and a few hilarious moments (including a client who 3D-prints surprises best kept off your desk).This is a lively, practical conversation that helps you finish the year with confidence, boundaries, humour, and a clear sense of what truly matters in your client relationships.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

Nov 24, 2025 • 23min
Episode 118: Raising Your Prices Without Upsetting Your Clients (Revisited)
It’s that time of year: calendars are turning, and price changes are on the horizon. In this replay (Season 1, Episode 32) of one of our most practical episodes, David and Jackie break down exactly how to raise your massage prices - without guilt, anxiety, or losing clients.If you’ve ever typed out an apology post or stressed about charging your worth, this episode is for you. Your business needs to grow, and your prices should reflect your experience and value. And YOU probably deserve a pay rise too! So, if you’ve been waiting for permission, this is it. In this re-released episode, we cover exactly how to raise your prices without upsetting your regulars.This conversation will help you do it with confidence and grace.👉 Got thoughts on this topic? Let us know on Facebook and on Instagram👉 Support the podcast: [buymeacoffee.com/foldingtowelspodcast]👉 More episodes & resources: [foldingtowelspodcast.com.au]Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc


