The Health Leader Podcast

Ep 134: The 5 Rules for Building a Sustainable Massage Career with Brad Hiskins from MWax

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

Ep 133: Elevating Hygiene Standards in Therapy Spaces with Ibrahim Samaan from Purifas

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!

Ep 132: From Maximum Security to Accidental Therapist with Bruce Stark

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

Ep 131. National Conference Recap with Ann Davey - CEO of Massage & Myotherapy Australia

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 2025 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.

Ep 130: The Hidden Power of Decluttering with Lauren Winzar

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/