In this inspiring interview, James sits down with Brad Hiskins - one of Australia's most respected names in the massage industry and co-founder of MWax, for an in-depth look at what it really takes to achieve long-term success as a therapist and business owner.

Drawing on over 35 years of experience, Brad unpacks his five core rules for building a sustainable massage career.

Hear rom how Brad built his first clinic with just $3,000 to the business lessons learned from his time at the Australian Institute of Sport. The episode also covers the real-world challenges of starting and scaling a clinic, the importance of being "extraordinary" in your field, and Brad's favourite innovative marketing technique.

If that's not enough, Brad shares wisdom on mentorship, building networks, ethical promotion, and why passion is the ultimate ingredient for thriving in the massage industry.

Links:

- Click here to read Brad's "5 Rules" article

- Clinic88: clinic88.com.au

- MWax: mwax.com.au

In this episode, we chat with Ibrahim Samaan, founder and CEO of Purifas - an Australian-owned medical hygiene manufacturer on a mission to raise the bar for cleanliness, efficiency, and client comfort in therapy spaces.

Ibrahim shares how his journey from physiotherapist to innovator led to developing sustainable, time-saving products used in clinics across the world.

We explore how Purifas reduces laundry, boosts client experience, and offers fully recyclable single-use solutions - plus how you can try their full product range for free!

In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Stark, a former U.S. policy maker who made the bold leap from criminal justice research to full-time bodywork practitioner and trainer. Bruce shares how a personal experience with Ortho-Bionomy changed his life, how he became an "accidental therapist," and why after 30+ years - he's still deeply in love with this gentle, transformative modality.

We talk about:

• What Ortho-Bionomy actually is and why it's so effective

• Why client and practitioner comfort is central to long-term success

• How Bruce transitioned careers (and countries!) to follow his calling

• His advice for therapists seeking longevity and fulfillment in the profession

If you've ever questioned your path or wanted a deeper connection to your work, this episode will reignite your purpose.

🔗 Links:

brucestark.com.au

In this episode, Alicia chats with Ann Davey, CEO of Massage & Myotherapy Australia, live from the 20th National Conference in Perth.

They unpack the highlights of this sold-out event - from standout presenters like Emma Holly, Robert Libbey, and Marty Fry, to big conversations around AI, business compliance, and building lasting community connections.

Ann shares what goes into planning an event of this size, why networking matters more than ever, and what's ahead for the 2026 conference in Geelong. If you've ever wondered what makes a professional conference truly special - or you're thinking of attending the next one - this episode will give you all the inside scoop!

Links:

https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/Professionalism-and-Excellence/2026-National-Conference

Discover how transforming your physical space can transform your mindset in this episode of the Health Leader Podcast.

James sits down with decluttering coach Lauren Winzar, who shares her unique approach to decluttering - not just as a way to tidy up, but as a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional wellbeing, and even business success.

Lauren explains how the patterns we use to manage our physical environment reflect our internal processes, and how becoming conscious of these patterns can help reduce overwhelm, improve relationships, and create a more harmonious workspace.

Tune in for practical strategies, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on the deep connection between our surroundings and our state of mind.

Links:

www.laurenwinzar.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/LWDeclutteringCoach

https://www.instagram.com/laurenwinzar/

This week, Elicia sits down with Scott Dartnell - Massage Therapy Hall of Fame inductee, clinic pioneer, and co-creator of the World Massage Conference - for an energising conversation about shaping the massage industry over 33 years.

Scott shares his journey from founding Canada's first accredited private multidisciplinary clinic to launching major international conferences and building Massage Therapy Media, the "Netflix for massage therapists."

Discover what keeps Scott inspired after decades in the field, why community and in-person connection matter more than ever, and how his passion continues to elevate the profession worldwide.

Links:

https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/

https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/virtual-events

https://www.instagram.com/massagetherapymedia/

Jarrod Fritz's journey into the world of sports massage and bodywork is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Jarrod shares how a series of "happy accidents" led him from considering a career in medicine to becoming a sought-after sports therapist, educator, strongman competitor, and professional wrestling referee. With over two decades of experience, he's worked with elite athletes at the Olympics, WWE, and US Soccer, blending hands-on expertise with a passion for teaching and personal growth.

Through candid stories and practical insights, Jarrod discusses the realities of working at the highest levels of sport, the importance of adaptability and humility, and why genuine curiosity is essential for both practitioners and educators. He also opens up about the lessons strength sports have taught him, the value of being present, and how caring for others-whether clients, students, or rescue cats-shapes his approach to life and work.

In this energetic episode of the Health Leader Podcast, Christine Knox chats with the incredible Robin Devine – an internationally trained lymphatic therapist, passionate educator, and the mastermind behind LymphyCon, a superhero-themed conference for all things lymph!

Robin shares:

• Why she calls herself a "lymphomaniac" 😄

• How LymphyCon started in her hometown of Calgary and grew into a global event

• What makes this conference unmissable for massage therapists, bodyworkers, and wellness professionals

• A sneak peek into the quirky lymph superhero squad (👋 Nancy Node and The Lymph Collector!)

• And why this year's event is bigger, better, and more accessible than ever – whether you're attending in person or tuning in from across the world 🌍

If you've ever wondered why lymphatics matter (and how to make learning about them FUN), this episode is for you.

🎟️ Tickets + access info at: https://lymphycon.com 📅 LymphyCon 2025 is happening April 26–27 🎥 Replay access available for 12 months

In this episode, we chat with Norelle Pratt, founder of HR for Health Leaders, about how to grow your allied health team with confidence.

Norelle shares her experience from both running a clinic and working in HR for over 15 years. We talk about the real differences between hiring employees, using contractors, or renting out rooms - and what the law actually says about each option.

Norelle explains how to set up pay, bonuses, and KPIs, and how to make sure you're following the rules with things like superannuation and tax.

We also cover how to work out what you can afford to pay, how to keep your business profitable, and why it's important to be clear about your expectations when hiring.

If you're thinking about growing your team or want to make sure you're doing things right, this episode is full of practical tips and real stories from the field.

Links:

https://hrforhealthleaders.com.au

Wages & Profitability Worksheet: https://hrforhealthleaders.com.au/lm-profitability-worksheet

In this episode, James, Elicia, and Christine dive into the fascinating and often challenging world of ethics in massage therapy, exploring the grey areas that professionals encounter in their daily practice.

From navigating difficult client conversations to setting clear professional boundaries and safeguarding confidentiality, they share real-life stories and scenarios that are equal parts insightful, thought-provoking, and entertaining. The trio tackles questions like how to address inappropriate client behaviour, manage dual relationships, and deal with ethical dilemmas that arise unexpectedly.

You'll gain valuable insights into handling sensitive situations with confidence and grace while learning practical strategies to uphold ethical standards in your practice.