The Health Leader Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 tripping over them again and again.

As therapists, we often become the place where people finally feel safe enough to open up. But where is the line? How do you support without stepping outside your scope? And how do you protect yourself while still holding space?

Inside this episode, we explore:

• Why presence is one of the most powerful tools you have
• How emotional experiences show up as physical tension
• The concept of "knots" in your timeline and how to reframe them
• Why changing meaning can change everything
• How to hold strong, healthy boundaries in your clinic
• What to say when a client shares something deeper
• How to refer with confidence and integrity

This is a conversation that will shift how you see your clients, your role, and even your own experiences.

Because when we stop trying to remove the pain and instead learn from it, that's where real change happens.

Meet Matt

Over many years, Matt Runnalls has worked tirelessly as a mental health advocate to create awareness, acceptance, and education. Having lived with a mental illness, surviving suicide attempts, and losing several friends to suicide, Matt utilizes his knowledge of lived experience to encourage others to feel comfortable to speak up and manage their well-being just as he continues to do.

Since devoting himself to advocacy full-time, Matt has delivered over 600 presentations, workshops, and events across Australia, Canada, and America. His story and journey have been featured in books, documentaries, songs, podcasts, films and throughout most big Australian media outlets. Matt's dedication and tireless efforts have been recognised as he was awarded an Australia Day Medallion in January 2018 and as a 2021 Australian of the Year nominee.

Matt is committed to using his voice and experiences as a platform to instill acceptance, purpose, and hope.

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

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.

In this episode, we delve into the critical world of cybersecurity for small businesses with Kimberly from Cyber Wardens.

Kimberly shares valuable insights on the common cyber threats that small businesses face, such as business email compromise, fake invoices, and online banking fraud.

She emphasises how these threats can have devastating effects, including financial loss and reputation damage. Kimberly also highlights the importance of being proactive and discusses practical strategies to enhance your cyber resilience.

Learn about the free Cyber Wardens initiative, a government-funded program designed to provide accessible and straightforward cybersecurity training for small businesses.

Join us as we explore simple yet effective habits to protect your business online and ensure a safer digital environment. Whether you're a massage therapist, healthcare professional, or operate in any other small business capacity, this episode is packed with actionable advice to safeguard your business in today's digital landscape.

Join Elicia, James, and Christine as they explore the world of pricing for bodywork practitioners.

Discover common mistakes therapists make when setting their rates and learn how to confidently charge what you're worth. From understanding inflation to pricing strategies that reflect your expertise, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you elevate your business and attract clients who value your unique services.

Tune in to transform your pricing approach and grow your practice with confidence! Explore how pricing can impact your perceived expertise and how to avoid common pitfalls like discounting and commodity pricing.

Learn how to create outcome-driven treatments that set you apart and attract clients willing to pay for your specialised skills.

Helen Dobra, a passionate Bowen therapist and visionary leader, shares her incredible journey from treating back pain to producing an award-winning documentary on Bowen therapy.

In this episode, Helen discusses the transformative power of Bowen therapy, her mission to expand its reach globally, and the upcoming Bowen Global Summit 2025.

Learn how Helen is revolutionising natural healing through education, collaboration, and abundance mindset, while championing the legacy of Tom Bowen and empowering practitioners worldwide.

Discover the intersection of holistic health, filmmaking, and personal growth in this inspiring conversation about igniting change in the wellness industry.

Links:

https://www.naturaltherapyinstitute.com/thesetwohandslist

https://www.instagram.com/bowentherapydocumentary/

https://www.facebook.com/bowentherapydocumentary