Ep 132: From Maximum Security to Accidental Therapist with Bruce Stark
Release Date: 07/31/2025
Ep 139: When The Body Speaks: Mental Health, Boundaries & The Massage Room
The Health Leader Podcast
What happens when your client’s pain goes beyond the physical? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Runnalls, a mental health advocate whose story is as powerful as it is important for every massage therapist to hear. This conversation goes beyond techniques and into what’s really happening beneath the surface. The nervous system. The patterns. The “knots” in someone’s timeline that continue to show up in the body. Matt shares how many of the challenges we face are not random. They are moments in our life that we have attached meaning to. And unless we change that meaning, we keep...
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Ep 138: Active Listening and Informed Consent: Fundamentals to Successful Practice – with Pam Fitch
The Health Leader Podcast
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...
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Ep 137: Building Strength, Resilience, and Global Impact with Sarah Nehme
The Health Leader 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,...
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Ep 136 Boobs, Lymph Flow and Why It Matters with Chelsey Jean
The Health Leader Podcast
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...
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Ep 135 The 2025 Health Leader Co Wrap Up
The Health Leader Podcast
🎙️ 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...
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Ep 134: The 5 Rules for Building a Sustainable Massage Career with Brad Hiskins from MWax
The Health Leader Podcast
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...
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Ep 133: Elevating Hygiene Standards in Therapy Spaces with Ibrahim Samaan from Purifas
The Health Leader Podcast
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!
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Ep 132: From Maximum Security to Accidental Therapist with Bruce Stark
The Health Leader Podcast
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...
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Ep 131. National Conference Recap with Ann Davey - CEO of Massage & Myotherapy Australia
The Health Leader Podcast
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...
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Ep 130: The Hidden Power of Decluttering with Lauren Winzar
The Health Leader Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn 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:
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What Ortho-Bionomy actually is and why it’s so effective
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Why client and practitioner comfort is central to long-term success
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How Bruce transitioned careers (and countries!) to follow his calling
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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.
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