What do you do when a client freezes, over-explains, rushes the intake… or tells you way more than you expected?

In this episode, Christine Knox interviews Pam Fitch, on the foundations of trauma-informed massage: legitimate consent, deep listening, boundaries without shutdown, and building trust that keeps clients coming back.

Pam is a dedicated massage therapist with over 40 years in practice, and she shares from her personal experience as well as dep knowledge of the industry.

If you want practical language you can use in practice today – this one's for you.

MENTIONED:

– See more about Pam on her website: https://www.pamelafitch-rmt.com/about.html

– Watch more of The Health Leader Podcast and our other free trainings: https://healthleaderco.com/podcast

Join me on The Health Leader Podcast as I speak with Sarah Nehme, global head of programming at BFT, about her incredible journey in elite sports, athlete rehabilitation, and running multiple gyms while leading global training programs.

Sarah shares her strategies for mastering time management, balancing work and life, building strong networks with other practitioners, and staying disciplined while chasing big goals like marathons.

Whether you're a health professional, clinic owner, or someone striving to perform at your best, this episode is full of inspiration, actionable insights, and stories that show how passion, discipline, and smart choices lead to extraordinary results.

What if the most overlooked system in the body is the key to reducing inflammation, improving energy, supporting immunity and changing women's health outcomes forever?

In this powerful and honest conversation, we're joined by Chelsea Jean, sports therapist, naturopath, educator and the woman famous for saying "I rub boobs" (and meaning it in the most professional way possible).

Chelsea shares how lymphatic health became her life's work, why lymphatics have been overcomplicated for far too long, and how therapists can confidently integrate lymphatic education and treatment into their practice without fear, fluff or confusion.

From Boob Camp to compression boots, breast health to business growth, Chelsea Jean brings big energy, a big mission, and zero hesitation when it comes to helping women take control of their health. With a bold personality and deep expertise in lymphatics, she is a true force in the wellness space.
Guest Links

Learn more about Chelsea Jean and her work here:
https://chelseyjean.com.au/

🎙️ 2025 Wrap Up – The Health Leader Co

What a year.

In this special wrap-up episode, Elicia, Christine, and James reflect on an extraordinary 2025. From global conferences and industry-leading training to podcast highlights, unexpected opportunities, and a LOT of Zoom hours, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead, grow, and evolve in the health and bodywork industry.

We revisit standout podcast guests, international events like LYMPHYCON and the International Bowen Global Summit, the Massage & Myotherapy Australia Conference, Health Leader Mastery intensives, and the continued growth of Gentle Scar Therapy around the world.

You'll also hear personal reflections on family, study, career pivots, and the lessons that shaped the year, plus a glimpse of what's coming in 2026, including events you may be able to attend.

If you're a therapist, clinic owner, or health professional creating a practice you love, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and excited for what's next.

🎧 Listen in and wrap up 2025 with us.

Links:
LymphyCon 2026
https://lymphbalance.com/lymphycon-welcome/about-lymphycon

Massage Myotherapy Australia - National Conference 2026 - Geelong, Vic
https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/Professionalism-and-Excellence/2026-National-Conference

Massage Therapy Media
https://www.massagetherapymedia.com/

Gentle Scar Therapy
https://healthleaderco.com/gentle-scar-therapy

Hands on Work Shops for The Health Leader Co in 2026
https://healthleaderco.com/workshops

Geelong - February 7th and 8th
Calgary, Canada - April
Cairns - July
October - where do you want us to come?

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