StarrCast

Wellness travel is no longer a luxury; it’s a movement. In this episode of the Starrcast Podcast, host Lisa Starr explores the rise of boutique wellness retreats with industry veterans Sallie Fraenkel and Wendy Bosalovage, the co-founders of Redbird House in the Catskills of New York. From building a three-story retreat property during COVID to curating transformative guest experiences, Sallie and Wendy share how they turned a plot of land into one of the most buzzworthy destinations in wellness travel, and what their story reveals about the future of retreats, hospitality, and community-driven health.   What You’ll Learn: The business of transformation – How Redbird House balances creative retreat design with a solid revenue model that includes proprietary programming, Airbnb rentals, and partnerships with outside retreat leaders. Designing for impact – Why the “built environment” and guest experience planning are as critical as the retreat programming itself. Creating conditions for transformation – Practical insights into pricing, capacity planning, and delivering value while fostering authentic personal growth. Trends in wellness travel – The rise of specialty retreats (menopause, conscious leadership, urban day retreats) and why segmentation is the next growth frontier. Leadership lessons – How two seasoned wellness professionals navigated risk, uncertainty, and creative collaboration to build a thriving business during a global pandemic.   Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Why wellness retreats are booming beyond the traditional spa visit 05:30 – Sallie’s journey from entertainment to wellness entrepreneurship 12:40 – Wendy’s path from fashion to corporate wellness and spa development 20:15 – The serendipitous story behind the Redbird House name and design 28:05 – Building a three-story retreat home during the challenges of COVID 36:20 – How Redbird House creates “conditions for transformation” in every retreat 44:10 – Pricing strategy and the business model behind a successful wellness retreat 50:25 – Future trends: menopause retreats, urban day programs, and the global retreat economy   Meet the Guests: Sallie Fraenkel is President of MindBodySpirit Network, an event curator and wellness consultant who has organized over 55 industry networking experiences and worked with leading properties like Canyon Ranch, Rancho La Puerta, and Retreat Costa Rica. Wendy Bosalovage is President of The Wellbeing Collective and a longtime spa and wellness strategist known for her expertise in operational design, new business development, and creating transformative built environments. Together, they co-founded Redbird House, a boutique wellness retreat destination in Bethel, New York, dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves through community, curated programming, and playful-yet-profound experiences.   Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: MindBodySpiritCamp seasonal retreat series for summer programs “Middle Cappuccino Layer” Retreat Design – a unique metaphor for balancing depth and playfulness Synergy Retreat Show – a global gathering of wellness and retreat leaders influencing the next wave of wellness travel   Closing Insight: “We create the conditions, but transformation is an inside job.” – Sallie Fraenkel Redbird House proves that with vision, collaboration, and careful planning, wellness retreats can be both meaningful and profitable. Explore upcoming retreats or learn more at redbirdhouseny.com and discover how intentional spaces can unlock connection, creativity, and personal growth.   Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses   Other Links: Contact Sallie Fraenkel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salliefraenkel Contact Wendy Bosalavage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-nierel-bosalavage-1001287/   Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd   Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness

Microplastics aren’t just an environmental problem; they’re a hidden human health crisis. In this eye-opening episode of the Starrcast Podcast, host Lisa Starr speaks with Dr. Gerry Bodeker (Oxford public health researcher and Global Wellness Institute leader) and Trent Munday (Senior Vice President International, Mandara Spa) about the alarming presence of microplastics in our air, food, water, and even our brains. Discover how these invisible particles impact mental wellness, what new science reveals about Alzheimer’s and inflammation, and how AI-powered tools are helping track and fight this global threat.   What You’ll Learn: The hidden pathways of exposure – How microplastics enter the body through air, water, food, and everyday objects like car tires and kitchen utensils. The brain connection – Groundbreaking research linking microplastic accumulation to Alzheimer’s disease and neurological decline. Practical defenses – Simple actions to reduce personal exposure, from boiling water to replacing common household items. Global policy & wellness implications – Why the UN Plastics Treaty failed to cap production and how wellness leaders can drive health-focused advocacy. AI for public health – How the new Microplastics Watch Initiative and AI tools are transforming massive data streams into actionable insights. Episode Highlights: 03:15 – A shocking Nature Medicine study finds 10x more plastic in Alzheimer’s brains 12:40 – The surprising top source of airborne microplastics: car tires 21:05 – Why boiling water can reduce microplastics by up to 90% 29:18 – Everyday habits that accelerate microplastic ingestion and absorption 38:52 – Inside the UN Plastics Treaty debate: capping production vs. recycling 47:36 – The birth of the Microplastics Watch Initiative and AI-powered research tools 56:10 – Wellness action steps: from spa operations to personal lifestyle choices   Meet the Guests: Dr. Gerry Bodeker is a public health researcher with two decades at Oxford University, adjunct professor at Columbia, and co-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative. Trent Munday is Senior Vice President International for Mandara Spa and co-founder of the Microplastics Watch Initiative, leveraging AI to track global microplastics research.   Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Microplastics Watch Initiative – A Global Wellness Institute project aggregating daily research and news. Lucient AI Suite – Trent’s custom-built AI toolkit for creating a dynamic, continuously updated white paper. Boiling + Metal Filtration Method – A simple household practice that removes up to 95% of microplastics from drinking water.   Closing Insight: “Microplastics are not just polluting our oceans, they’re infiltrating our brains and bodies. Measurement, awareness, and collective action are the next frontier in wellness.” – Dr. Gerry Bodeker   Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Contact Dr. Gerry Bodeker: https://my.linkedin.com/in/gerrybodeker Contact Trent Munday: https://my.linkedin.com/in/trentmunday Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness

STARRCAST IS BACK for Season 9! We are thrilled to return to bring you more insights and fresh perspectives to help your spa business thrive! Thinking about opening a sauna or bathhouse, or scaling the one you’ve got?  To kick things off, we’re replaying an incredibly informative webinar that unpacks the operating math behind the hydrothermal business: capacity planning, MEP-first (“engine room”) design, admissions-led pricing, and the real bottleneck no one budgets for: laundry throughput.  Expect candid lessons from operators and designers shaping the U.S. market, including Bathhouse (NYC) and leaders from the Global Wellness Institute initiatives. You’ll learn how to right-size back-of-house, choose between open-ended admission vs. timed sessions, and design people-flow, so staff can manage more guests with less friction, all while protecting margins and guest experience. What You’ll Learn: Why bathhouses are surging now: the shift to social wellness, accessible pricing, and admissions-first business models. MEP > “wow rooms”: how an engine-room-first approach (ventilation, filtration/sanitation, drainage, electrical) prevents constant firefighting. Capacity & pricing mechanics: choosing dynamic pricing, timed sessions, or walk-ins based on footprint, software, and throughput. Back-of-house math: planning for ~⅓ non-guest area, with laundry and storage sized to daily towel turns and peak flow. Revenue mix that actually works: admissions as the margin engine, treatments as add-ons, and F&B designed to extend dwell time—not clog operations. Episode Highlights (Chapters): 00:52 – Why “social wellness” is driving the U.S. sauna/bathhouse wave—and how this model differs from appointment-led spas. 06:18 – The hydrothermal specialist team you need on day one (designer + MEP) and why wet areas blow up naïve $/ft² assumptions. 12:40 – “Start with your engine room”: air changes, filtration, drainage, and electrical that determine guest comfort and uptime. 18:55 – Lessons from Bathhouse NYC: designing around laundry first (thousands of towels/day) and keeping sightlines open to reduce staffing. 25:03 – Admission strategy: open-ended stays with dynamic pricing vs. timed sessions in smaller/hotel footprints—software and UX trade-offs. 33:27 – Lease vs. buy: why most startups lease to preserve capex for fit-out; right-sizing scope and contingency. 41:42 – What really makes money: admissions > treatments; F&B for physiology and community, not margin. 49:58 – Guest norms & flow: no-photo policies, wet-to-dry separation, and the contrast-therapy circuit (hot → cold → rest). Meet the Guests Don Genders — CEO, Design for Leisure; Chair, GWI Hydrothermal Initiative (global authority on thermal & wet-area design). Lynn Curry — Principal, Curry Spa Consulting; member, GWI Consulting Initiative (concept-to-opening spa development). Travis Talmadge — Co-founder/operator, Bathhouse (NYC: Williamsburg & Flatiron), a high-volume, admissions-led urban bathhouse. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Engine-Room-First Design: lead with MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), ventilation/air changes, filtration, drainage, and storage. Capacity/Throughput Modeling: people-flow tracking, dynamic pricing, and sightlines to manage density with fewer staff. Contrast-Therapy Circuit: hot → cold → rest cycle embedded in layout and wayfinding. CFO Lens for Scope: capex vs. opex trade-offs, contingency, and location-first site selection. Closing Insight “We design around the laundry first.” The margin lives or dies in the back-of-house—build the plant right and the guest magic follows. If this episode helped, follow/subscribe and share it with a developer, hotel GM, or wellness entrepreneur planning a hydrothermal project.   Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning?   Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses   Other Links: Contact Dr. Gerry Bodeker: https://my.linkedin.com/in/gerrybodeker Contact Trent Munday: https://my.linkedin.com/in/trentmunday Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd   Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness

In this immersive live episode, host Lisa Starr brings listeners into the heart of the first-ever U.S. Aufguss World Masters Trials, recorded on-site at the newly expanded Bathhouse Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY. As the ancient European tradition of Aufguss—a multisensory, storytelling sauna ritual—makes its competitive debut in America, Lisa interviews several key figures shaping this cultural movement. From competition judges and spa innovators to passionate sauna performers, including a dynamic sister duo with Cirque du Soleil experience, this episode highlights the artistry, athleticism, and emotional resonance of the Aufguss ritual. Listeners will gain insight into the rising popularity of sauna culture in the U.S., the business potential for spa operators, and how this ancient practice is inspiring a new wave of wellness. Guest Highlights Lasse Eriksen – VP of the Aufguss World Masters and Development Director at Farris Bad, Norway. Lasse shares the competition’s structure, judging criteria, and the emotional power of storytelling through heat, scent, and movement. Travis Talmadge – Co-founder of Bathhouse Brooklyn and Flatiron. Travis explains how his facilities are leading the charge in U.S. sauna culture and how Aufguss became an essential part of guest onboarding and programming. Joli & Alexi Irvine – Las Vegas-based professional dancers turned sauna meisters. Representing Fontainebleau’s Lapis Spa, they share how dance, breathwork, and storytelling combine in their team Aufguss performance. Don Genders – CEO & Principal of Design for Leisure and pioneer in building world-class spas and saunas. Don discusses the evolution of sauna culture in the U.S. and why Aufguss is poised for growth as both a wellness tool and performance art. Key Takeaways Aufguss is a theatrical, multisensory sauna ritual with global roots, now gaining traction in the U.S. Competitions judge heat control, scent integration, waving techniques, hygiene, and storytelling. Sauna programming, when done right, enhances wellness, builds community, and can create strong ROI for spas. U.S. winners of this event will go on to represent the country at the world championships in Verona, Italy. Aufguss is both accessible and inspiring—open to anyone willing to learn and perform with passion.

This compelling episode of StarrCast comes to you live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where host Lisa Starr sits down with the dynamic Dr. Ebtissam AlMadi, co-owner of the Kadoon family of businesses, wellness visionary, and cultural bridge-builder. Together, they explore the remarkable evolution of spa and wellness in the Kingdom—from the first medical spa in 2003 to the creation of the Kadoon integrated ecosystem including a spa, beauty school, and wellness product distributorship. Dr. AlMadi shares her personal journey from dentistry to becoming a national leader in wellness, highlighting how global standards are being harmonized with Saudi cultural values. The episode dives deep into the rapid transformation of wellness education, the role of local traditions in spa treatments, and the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a world-class wellness destination. Guest Highlights Dr. Ebtissam AlMadi: Co-founder of Kadoon Companies; wellness entrepreneur; trained dentist and university professor. Visionary behind Saudi Arabia's first medical spa and the country's only licensed beauty and wellness training institute under technical and vocational education authority. Catalyst for creating the Saudi Wellness Association, connecting global thought leaders with local policymakers and health authorities. Key Takeaways Integrating Eastern and Western Values: Dr. AlMadi’s unique upbringing and professional background allow her to blend international spa trends with deep respect for Saudi traditions. Educational Evolution: Kadoon Academy provides formal training and certification, creating a pipeline for local spa professionals—a critical step as global hotel brands expand in the Kingdom. Cultural Adaptation & Innovation: From hijab-friendly scalp care to heritage-inspired treatments using quartz and sand beds, local needs are redefining spa experiences. Wellness as National Strategy: Wellness tourism is rising fast, especially within mega-projects like Neom and Red Sea Global. Regulatory bodies are updating rapidly to support innovation. Staffing Solutions: With challenges in recruiting trained staff, the academy helps “grow local talent,” focusing on long-term workforce sustainability. Vision for the Future: Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography and heritage are being leveraged for holistic, high-impact wellness tourism offerings.

Host Lisa Starr sits down with Leah Crump, founder of Leah Crump Consulting and author of the forthcoming book Be Well, Do Well, in this inspiring episode of the StarrCast Podcast. A trailblazer in spa consulting, Leah shares her unique path from the treatment room to global wellness consulting and authorship. With a deep focus on healing, authentic leadership, and sustainable business practices, Leah opens up about the realities of the consulting world, the burnout epidemic in wellness leadership, and how she’s helping shape the next generation of consultants through her mastermind course. She also offers an inside look at her new book, which aims to blend practical guidance, personal storytelling, and soulful strategy. Whether you're a spa director, a wellness entrepreneur, or just curious about the evolving world of wellness, this episode is rich with professional insight, heartfelt reflection, and powerful lessons on how to “be well and do well.” About the Guest: Leah Crump Founder of Leah Crump Consulting, specializing in spa and wellness development and operational strategy. Creator of a Spa Consulting Mastermind course. Author of Be Well, Do Well, a field guide to healing work, lasting leadership, and defining success on your own terms. Known for blending operational precision with soulful leadership and visionary creativity. Key Takeaways: Why great spa consultants are equal parts problem-solvers, artists, and guides. How “soft power” and feminine leadership can positively impact hospitality and wellness. Tips for avoiding burnout and embracing balance as a wellness professional. How Leah structured and self-published her first book—and what others can learn from that journey. Predictions for the future of wellness: from tech-touch balance to community-focused "third places."

In this powerful episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr sits down with Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Senior Director of Wellness Strategy for Red Sea Global, to explore one of the most ambitious hospitality and wellness developments in the world. From her beginnings in luxury hospitality to leading wellness vision for giga-projects like Amaala and Red Sea, Lindsay offers insights into the massive transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia’s wellness tourism sector. With candor and vision, Lindsay shares how Saudi’s Vision 2030 is reshaping global tourism, why Amaala is set to become the world's most comprehensive wellness destination, and how wellness is being designed from the ground up — with cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and commercial strategy at the core. Guest Highlights: Lindsay Madden-Nadeau began in luxury hospitality and clinical massage therapy and rose through major global hotel groups including Fairmont, Accor, and Banyan Tree. Founded Meraki Bespoke Wellness Strategies in France before joining Red Sea Global. Now leads the wellness strategy for over 30 luxury hotels and 12 dedicated wellness brands across Saudi’s Red Sea giga-projects. Key Takeaways: What is Red Sea Global? A government-backed developer responsible for Saudi’s giga projects, including Amaala and Red Sea Projects. Wellness Beyond Spas: From coral regeneration and solar-powered staff villages to culturally rooted wellness rituals, Lindsay emphasizes that wellness isn’t inserted — it’s embedded.

In this enlightening episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes wellness visionary Belgin Aksoy, the founder of Global Wellness Day. From her beginnings in the Turkish hospitality industry to the creation of a worldwide movement touching over a billion lives, Belgin shares the deeply personal journey that led to the birth of Global Wellness Day—and the unstoppable passion that continues to drive it. Listeners will hear how a cancer diagnosis at age 29 sparked a transformation not only in Belgin's own life but in the wellness journeys of people around the globe. With a mission rooted in gratitude, simplicity, and service, Belgin reveals the surprising origins of Global Wellness Day and how it's grown from a small hotel event to a massive celebration in 170 countries. This episode is a must-listen for spa professionals, wellness entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in turning personal insight into global impact. Key Takeaways The origin story of Global Wellness Day started with a personal health crisis and a mysterious inner calling. True wellness is not about perfection, but balance—and it’s accessible to all, regardless of status or income. The event is founded on volunteerism and authenticity, operating without a formal organization or profit model. Global Wellness Day encourages simple, impactful actions through its 7-Step Manifesto, such as drinking more water, walking more, and doing a good deed. The movement's annual theme—"Reconnect Magenta"—reminds us to reconnect with ourselves, our community, and nature.

In this insightful episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes two industry leaders—Tony Nicastro, Senior Global Manager of Spa & Fitness at Marriott, and Derek Hofmann, Senior Director of Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons— for a deep dive into the evolving practice of yield management in spas. Once a foreign concept in wellness, dynamic pricing is now gaining traction as spas seek to balance rising demand, staffing challenges, and revenue growth. Drawing on years of leadership in global hospitality, Tony and Derek explore how spas can apply airline-style pricing to spa appointments, the technology that supports this shift, how to implement it without guest pushback, and how it's even enhancing guest satisfaction. With practical takeaways, real-world examples, and forward-looking strategies, this episode is a must-listen for spa leaders ready to evolve their pricing models and maximize profitability. Key Takeaways: Yield management is underutilized in spas—yet it's perfectly suited to spa services due to time-sensitive, limited inventory. Technology now enables flexible pricing based on day, time, utilization, and demand—automatically and without manual input. Guest satisfaction may improve, not decline, under dynamic pricing, by offering better access and clarity. Staff compensation strategies must evolve in tandem, balancing fairness, motivation, and profit. Online booking systems encourage upselling and reduce pressure on front desk teams. Dynamic availability (managing service duration) is another tool to optimize flow and elevate guest experience. Cultural and operational differences affect adoption across global markets, but the momentum is growing. Guest Highlights: Tony Nicastro brings a global view from Marriott's vast portfolio, where he's helped pioneer dynamic spa pricing practices across North America. His data-driven approach blends guest psychology, technology integration, and measurable ROI. Derek Hofmann helps to shape wellness strategy for Four Seasons and shares candid insights into market variability, team adoption challenges, and why dynamic pricing isn’t just about profit—it’s about elevating the guest journey.

In this inspiring episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr sits down with Vivienne Tang, founder and CEO of Destination Deluxe, a luxury wellness and travel company, to explore the dynamic world of wellness retreats. Vivienne shares her journey from fashion publishing to becoming a global thought leader in wellness travel, offering insider perspectives on the evolution of wellness experiences, the essential elements that make retreats transformative, and how travelers are seeking more profound, meaningful experiences beyond traditional spa services. Whether you’re a spa professional, wellness entrepreneur, or simply wellness-curious, this episode offers a compelling deep dive into where the industry is headed—and how you can tap into it. About Vivienne Tang Founder & CEO of Destination Deluxe, a leading online magazine and platform for curated wellness and luxury travel. Former Editor of Asia Spa Magazine and co-owner of The Sanctuary, a holistic wellness center in Hong Kong. Vivienne is recognized worldwide for her expertise in wellness retreats, and is often called upon by top hotels and resorts to consult on designing wellness programs. Key Takeaways The Rise of Wellness Retreats: How consumer needs shifted from spa services to holistic, transformative experiences. Authenticity Matters: The importance of genuine programming, expert practitioners, and personalized guest experiences. What to Expect: A breakdown of typical retreat structures—consultations, activities, food, and digital detox strategies. Medical Meets Wellness: How biohacking and preventative medicine are blending with traditional wellness practices. Building a Successful Retreat: Essentials like customized guidance, community building, connection to nature, and standout culinary offerings. The Ongoing Journey: How retreats offer a gateway, but true wellness is a lifelong path—not a one-week fix. Visit our website Connect with me on LinkedIn Watch StarrCast episodes and other useful content on YouTube

In this episode of The StarrCast Podcast, Lisa Starr speaks with James Gu, Director of Spa and Wellness for Equinox, and Greg Kasparian, founder of The Creek Retreat in Serenbe, Georgia. The episode, recorded live at the We Work Well spa event at Chateau Elan, offers a dual perspective on the future of wellness.  James discusses how Equinox is evolving its spa offerings across over 90 properties with a focus on performance, biohacking, and accessibility. Greg shares his journey from the supplier side of the industry to launching a cutting-edge wellness facility based on intention, technology, and personal reinvention.  This episode reveals how two leaders are shaping wellness spaces that respond to modern health demands, staffing limitations, and shifting consumer expectations. Why It Matters: As wellness merges with fitness and personal optimization, both guests demonstrate how vision, adaptability, and innovation are crucial to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Key Takeaways: The future of spa is rooted in performance, personalization, and technology-driven recovery. Equinox is shifting from one-size-fits-all spa models to specialized tiers and touchless modalities. The Creek Retreat embodies a deeply personal reinvention of wellness care, offering hyperbaric therapy, red light, cryotherapy, and pain-relieving SoftWave technology. Biohacking, longevity, and stress regulation are top wellness trends guiding design and service innovation. “Rewirement” is the new retirement: wellness entrepreneurship as a second act. Other Topics:  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Cryotherapy Red light therapy Wellness retreats Biohacking Vibroacoustics Recovery labs Touchless therapy Healthspan Visit our website Connect with me on LinkedIn Watch StarrCast episodes and other useful content on YouTube

Live from FIBO Part 2 of 2; Longevity Center CEO Joanna Bensz discusses her Center's focus on expanding preventive health and lifestyle optimization and László Puczkó, Hospitality and Wellbeing Strategist, advises on incorporating true wellness activities into your business model. Event organizers Andrew Gibson and Sven Huckenbeck comment on the many innovative takeaways of the Spa & Wellness International Day.

Live from FIBO, the largest fitness show in the world, we're sharing excerpts from the Spa & Wellness International Day, where expert speakers shared innovative business models integrating longevity and wellness with hospitality and membership. This episode, part one of two, features Andrew Gibson, Oliver Patrick of Pillar Wellbeing, and Claire Bourne of Eden One.

Live from LEC Innovation Summit: industry veteran operators Maggy Dunphy and Tammy Pahel share thoughts on the current state of the wellness industry and future innovation, including touchless wellness options.

Live from the Health & Fitness Association's annual conference, three panelists from different corners of the world discuss how their innovative business models are redefining what it means to be well, and why they’re quickly becoming the go-to destinations for individuals seeking comprehensive, transformative health experiences that promote physical recovery, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Featuring Emili Hernandez, of Inner Flow, Daniel Stickler of The Covery, and Matthew Riemann of ShaeFit.

Every year, wellness is included on more trend lists from popular publications and thought leaders, but it can be difficult to discern a trend from a fad. Business management has to navigate these forecasts to ensure their business is providing options that are sought after, but not too far ahead of the curve. Jessica Shea, VP of Wellness, Retail and Leisure Operations for Hilton Americas, helps us to find the practical applications in the haystack.

Africa is a continent rich with indigenous wellness rituals and unique botanicals, but growing the wellness industry within Africa is a challenge on many levels. Mariane Akwenye of NomadSpa and Michelle Saudan of Amanzi Wellbeing, Chair and Vice-Chair of the African Wellness Initiative from GWI, are passionate about the continent's history and culture and determined to spread the word globally.

Chiropractor and Concierge Wellness Doctor Jonathan Leary recognized the need among patients for an opportunity to participate in holistic healing activities that did not feel isolated, and the idea for Remedy Place was born. On the cusp of opening their 4th location, Dr. Leary discusses the journey so far and his vision for the future of this new and exciting business model.

Entrepreneur Jennifer Pahl took a yoga class and said, I can do this too! Using a practical approach, Jennifer shares her journey from idea to studio owner, yoga instructor, and yoga studio business coach, creating a vibrant Twist-Yoga community along the way.

What's ahead this year in wellness? The eagerly awaited annual Global Wellness Summit Trend report, released live in NYC, sheds light on how to position and market our wellness businesses for the future. We spoke with journalists and attendees Heather Mikesell, Jennifer Walsh, Sandra Sadowski, Francisco Lugo and Sallie Fraenkel for their expert opinions and first impressions. Learn more details here on the GWS site.