Retreats & Offsites Unpacked

What if designing a retreat required the same level of intention as producing a great film?The most powerful retreats don’t happen by accident. Like films, they’re carefully designed experiences with a beginning, middle, and end—crafted to move people emotionally, not just impress them logistically.In this episode, Dan Berger speaks with Sean Buckley, CEO of Buck Productions, to explore the surprising parallels between retreat planning and filmmaking with an award-winning producer whose work spans unscripted television, documentaries, and feature films. Through the lens of Project Guatemala, the conversation unpacks how story, audience, environment, and shared challenge combine to create experiences that genuinely transform people.The discussion reframes retreats as immersive narratives—where participants leave their normal lives behind, step into discomfort, build community, and walk away with a story they’ll carry long after the retreat ends.Episode ThemesWhy retreats and films share the same narrative structureDesigning experiences with a clear beginning, middle, and endAudience-first thinking in retreat planningDiscomfort and challenge as catalysts for transformationCreating shared meaning through collective experienceThe role of environment in emotional impactPost-retreat integration and lasting connectionStory as the takeaway participants carry forwardChapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction01:20 – Introducing Project Guatemala02:21 – Chaos, luxury, and the turning point05:12 – Discomfort as the start of transformation08:06 – Why this experience qualifies as a retreat11:14 – Six weeks vs. lifelong impact14:33 – Interventions, breakdowns, and growth17:26 – Community after the retreat ends19:28 – Why storytelling matters in retreats20:57 – Audience-first design23:06 – Films and retreats as shared journeys23:59 – Closing reflectionsAbout the Guest – Sean BuckleySean Buckley is the CEO of Buck Productions and an award-winning producer with more than 30 years of experience in unscripted television, documentaries, branded content, and feature films. His work is known for pushing creative boundaries while centering deeply human stories.Through large-scale productions and purpose-driven projects, Sean has helped shape experiences that challenge people emotionally, physically, and ethically. His perspective brings a rare storytelling lens to retreat design—highlighting how narrative, audience awareness, and intentional structure can turn moments into meaning.Website: buckproductions.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

What actually makes a women’s retreat transformational—and not just a beautiful escape?Transformation doesn’t come from the location alone. It happens when people slow down, regulate their nervous systems, and feel safe enough to let go of urgency, perfectionism, and performance.In this episode, Dan Berger speaks with Kelley Hartman, founder of Wild Harts Collective, about how transformational retreats for women are intentionally designed—from nervous-system work and creative expression to nature-based ritual and integration.Drawing on more than 20 years of corporate leadership experience, the conversation explores the shift from burnout to sovereignty, how small-group retreats create safety and depth, and why creativity and joy are essential—not optional—ingredients in meaningful retreat experiences.Episode ThemesWhat differentiates transformational retreats from getawaysNervous-system regulation as the foundation for changeLetting go of urgency, burnout, and perfectionismCreative expression as an access point to embodimentDesigning retreats that balance structure and flowWhy small groups foster deeper trust and safetyRelationship-based approaches to marketing retreatsSupporting integration after the retreat endsChapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction01:40 – The retreat experience that changed everything03:22 – From corporate leadership to retreat creation05:09 – Failing forward and nervous-system regulation06:43 – Stillness, sovereignty, and pattern awareness08:12 – One-on-one work and post-retreat integration08:37 – Retreat size, pricing, and audience09:38 – Finding participants through community11:12 – Transformation stories from retreats14:12 – Nature-based rituals and somatic practices16:06 – Creative expression and painting joy17:47 – Expanding retreats and future plans19:55 – Advice for aspiring retreat leaders21:48 – Who these retreats are for and closing thoughtsAbout the Guest – Kelley HartmanKelley Hartman is the founder of Wild Harts Collective and a former corporate leader turned retreat creator. With over two decades of leadership experience, she designs transformational retreats that blend nervous-system regulation, creative expression, and nature-based ritual.Her work supports women—often high-performing and burned out—in reconnecting with joy, sovereignty, and embodied presence. Through small-group retreats, coaching, and experiential practices, she helps participants move beyond “shoulds” and build lives that feel aligned, regulated, and expansive.Website: wildhartscollective.comSocial Media: Instagram | LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

What if the real work of retreats isn’t strategy or skills—but relationships?Many retreats struggle not because of poor agendas, but because of unspoken dynamics, unmet attachment needs, and a lack of psychological safety inside the group.In this episode, Dan Berger is joined by Patience Shutts, a retreat facilitator, keynote speaker, and licensed marriage and family therapist, to explore how family systems thinking can radically improve retreat and forum outcomes.The conversation unpacks why belonging is a felt, somatic experience—not an intellectual one—how facilitators can co-regulate groups, and why deep listening, shared agreements, and vulnerability are the real drivers of trust and transformation in retreat settings.Episode ThemesWhy retreats are fundamentally relational systemsFamily systems theory applied to forums and retreatsBelonging as a somatic, nervous-system experiencePsychological safety and attachment needs in groupsFacilitators as co-regulators of the roomTeaching vs. facilitating—and when to do eachVulnerability, credibility, and leading by exampleHow shared agreements shape healthy group cultureChapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction01:36 – The story behind the name “Patience”03:04 – What makes facilitation truly effective04:58 – Systems thinking and group dynamics08:13 – Teaching vs. facilitating in retreats08:44 – Forums, families, and relational systems11:39 – What belonging really feels like15:35 – Vulnerability and facilitator credibility16:42 – Co-regulating a group as a facilitator19:32 – Choosing the right facilitator fit23:24 – How family therapy informs retreat work27:25 – Final reflections and closingAbout the Guest – Patience ShuttsPatience Shutts is a retreat facilitator, keynote speaker, and licensed marriage and family therapist who blends human development, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and systems psychology. With thousands of clinical hours and global field experience, her work focuses on helping leaders and groups build emotional intelligence, belonging, and relational health.Patience has supported leaders and organizations across the world, including work with trauma survivors, executive forums, and alumni communities. Her facilitation style emphasizes embodied presence, deep listening, and the belief that meaningful growth happens best in relationship with others.Website: patienceshutts.comSocial Media: Instagram | LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

What actually happens inside a neotantric retreat—and why do people travel across the world to attend them?Neotantric retreats sit at the intersection of intimacy, nervous-system regulation, embodiment, and personal growth—yet they’re often misunderstood or oversimplified.In this episode, Dan Berger sits down with Dawn Cartwright, founder of the Chandra Bindu Tantra Institute, to unpack what neotantric retreats truly involve, how they’re designed, and why safety, structure, and presence matter just as much as vulnerability.The conversation explores tantra versus neo-tantra, how sexuality relates to flow states and leadership, and what retreat leaders must consider when facilitating deeply personal work in a group setting—without crossing boundaries or losing trust.Episode ThemesTantra vs. neo-tantra: ancient roots and modern applicationSexuality as a pathway to flow, creativity, and leadershipShame, control, and the challenge of receivingCreating psychological safety in intimate group retreatsDesigning neotantric retreats with structure and consentSomatic practices that build sensitivity and presenceWhy ritual matters in lasting transformationRetreat environments that support intimacy and trustChapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction01:40 – Why sexuality still feels taboo03:23 – Shame, success, and delayed pleasure05:41 – Sex, flow states, and peak performance06:59 – Tantra vs. neo-tantra explained10:13 – Belonging, control, and mutual presence12:26 – Creating safety in intimate group settings14:40 – What a neotantric retreat actually looks like17:34 – Integration, aftereffects, and long-term change19:23 – Inclusivity, pricing, and group size21:59 – Designing spaces for intimacy and privacy25:43 – What tantric sex really meansAbout the Guest – Dawn CartwrightDawn Cartwright is a tantric visionary, sacred writer, and teacher with more than three decades of study across classical and modern tantric traditions. She integrates ancient tantra, bioenergetics, psychology, and somatic practices to support embodied intimacy and human potential.As founder of the Chandra Bindu Tantra Institute, Dawn leads retreats and trainings around the world focused on presence, connection, and relational mastery. Her work emphasizes safety, consent, and practical integration—bringing esoteric teachings into modern relationships and daily life.Website: Chandra Bindu Tantra InstituteSocial Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

When COVID shut down her brick-and-mortar yoga studio, Bethany Forest was forced to rethink everything. What began as a crisis became the catalyst for a retreat business rooted in healing, nature, and deep human connection.In this episode, Dan Berger talks with Bethany—founder of Heal Yoga—about the leap from studio classes to immersive retreats, the hard lessons learned from her first retreat, and how thoughtful design, systems, and pricing make long-term sustainability possible.Bethany shares how yoga retreats go far beyond poses on a mat, why discomfort can be a powerful teacher, and how intentional outdoor experiences help people regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and form lasting bonds.Episode ThemesPivoting from a brick-and-mortar studio to retreats after COVIDWhy retreats create deeper transformation than weekly classesDesigning yoga retreats that balance movement, reflection, and adventureLearning pricing, margins, and systems the hard wayCreating psychological safety for first-time retreat guestsUsing nature and outdoor challenge to foster growthBuilding connection and belonging among strangersWhat makes people return to retreats again and againChapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction01:33 – COVID, studio closure, and the pivot to retreats03:36 – Why retreats felt more aligned than a yoga studio04:40 – Lessons learned from the first retreat06:42 – Building systems and pricing retreats sustainably08:46 – What a yoga retreat really looks like10:40 – Healing, the nervous system, and connection12:46 – Structuring retreat days and setting expectations16:02 – Adventure days and the role of discomfort17:51 – Retreat size, frequency, and growth18:27 – Marketing retreats and filling spots20:31 – Final reflections on facilitation and belongingAbout the Guest – Bethany ForestBethany Forest is the founder of Heal Yoga and a retreat facilitator who designs immersive experiences focused on healing, resilience, and connection. A multi-business entrepreneur, she brings a grounded, real-world perspective to wellness shaped by her background in product development, real estate photography, and business ownership.After a personal health journey and the challenges of the pandemic, Bethany shifted her work from studio classes to retreats that combine yoga, nature, outdoor challenge, and deep self-inquiry. Her retreats help participants reconnect with their bodies, build meaningful relationships, and explore growth at the edge of discomfort.Learn more: www.healyogastudio.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of the Assemble Podcast, Dan Berger sits down with Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots, to talk about what actually goes into designing retreats that are meaningful, sustainable, and worth running.The conversation explores Anna’s path from hosting her own retreats to planning retreats for entrepreneurs and leaders around the world. Along the way, they unpack common mistakes retreat hosts make, how to think more clearly about pricing and group size, and why leaving space for downtime and integration often matters more than a packed itinerary. The episode also looks at current retreat trends and how thoughtful planning can extend the impact of a retreat well beyond the final day.Episode ThemesDesigning retreats that balance intention, logistics, and guest experienceWhy overpacked itineraries often undermine retreat outcomesThe role of downtime in creating meaningful connection and clarityHow retreat pricing impacts sustainability and perceived valueIdeal group size and host-to-guest ratios for deeper engagementThe shift toward more content-driven, less excursion-heavy retreatsHelping guests integrate retreat insights back into everyday lifeChapters00:00 – Welcome to the Assemble Podcast01:00 – Anna’s path from biotech to retreat hosting03:30 – Creating approachable, accessible wellness retreats04:30 – How she first found retreat clients06:00 – Moving into retreat planning for others07:30 – Where most retreat hosts get stuck10:40 – Over-scheduling, travel fatigue, and downtime12:30 – Current retreat trends13:30 – Integration and re-entry after retreats15:00 – When to say no to a client15:40 – Pricing advice for retreat hosts17:00 – Realistic retreat pricing benchmarks18:00 – Ideal retreat size and group dynamics18:50 – How Anna prices her planning services19:30 – Final advice for retreat plannersAbout the Guest – Anna VanAgtmaelAnna VanAgtmael is the founder of Wandering Roots, where she helps retreat leaders and entrepreneurs design thoughtful, well-run retreats rooted in connection, clarity, and sustainability. Her work blends travel planning, logistics, and intentional experience design to support hosts and guests alike.Website: www.yourwanderingroots.comSocial Media: Facebook | LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

How do you create peer groups and retreats that actually feel safe—while still driving growth, accountability, and real change?In this episode, Mo Fathelbab, founder and president of the International Facilitators Organization, joins host Dan Berger to unpack what makes peer groups, forums, and retreats truly work.Drawing on decades of experience facilitating thousands of retreats across the globe, Mo shares why vulnerability is the foundation of trust, how facilitators create real belonging, and what leaders often misunderstand about moderation versus facilitation.Whether you’re a facilitator, retreat leader, coach, or operator designing peer experiences—this episode offers a masterclass in connection, structure, and presence.Episode ThemesWhat peer groups and forums really are—and why they matterCreating psychological safety and confidentiality that actually holdsMatching peers for trust, belonging, and relevanceThe role of vulnerability in facilitation and leadershipWhy facilitators matter (and when moderators fall short)Designing exercises that lead to transformation, not performanceBuilding facilitator communities and scaling peer learningThe future of forums in an AI-driven, disconnected worldChapters00:00 — Welcome + what this show is about00:00 — Welcome to The Assemble Podcast00:41 — Introducing Mo Fathelbab and his work in facilitation01:39 — Why Mo founded the International Facilitators Organization02:38 — What facilitators really do—and why the work matters03:14 — Peer groups vs. forums: what’s the difference?04:27 — Why chemistry, matching, and belonging make or break groups06:48 — Setting the room: intentions, safety, and confidentiality08:01 — Levels of confidentiality and how to make them explicit08:41 — Mo’s most powerful facilitation exercises09:35 — Exploring mortality as a catalyst for transformation10:34 — Do groups really need facilitators—or just moderators?11:46 — Why facilitating and participating is so demanding11:54 — How Mo has led thousands of retreats over decades12:49 — The value and vision of the International Facilitators Organization14:37 — Membership tiers, pricing, and benefits15:25 — Mo’s three-year vision for the facilitator ecosystem16:39 — The size of the peer group and facilitation market19:44 — How facilitators should think about pricing20:53 — What Mo actually charges—and why it depends21:19 — Breaking into facilitation and building demand22:13 — Vulnerability as the currency of relationships23:56 — Seeing others as human to deepen connection24:47 — Setting intention so exercises land with meaning25:12 — Where to find Mo and closing thoughtsAbout the Guest – Mo FathelbabMo Fathelbab is the founder and president of the International Facilitators Organization and a global authority on peer learning, facilitation, and leadership development. He has worked with over 30,000 CEOs and entrepreneurs across 30+ countries and has led more than 2,500 retreats and programs worldwide.Mo is the author of The Friendship Advantage and Forum: The Secret Advantage of Successful Leaders, a Harvard Business School Alumni Forums co-founder, and a longtime facilitator within YPO, EO, and executive peer networks.Company website: internationalfacilitatorsorganization.comSocial Media: LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

What if leadership, trust, and communication could be revealed without a single slide deck? In this episode, Dan sits down with Kristine Palmer, founder of Horse + Bow, to explore how horses—and mindfulness-based archery—surface the gap between what we intend and the impact we actually create, especially under pressure.Episode ThemesWhy intention doesn’t matter if your impact says otherwiseHow horses respond to incongruence you can hide from peopleA simple “handoff” exercise that exposes team friction fastWhy pressure (time limits, no talking) reveals real operating habitsHow archery reinforces presence, focus, and grounded decision-makingWhen a short session works—and when real change needs a full day or moreChapters00:00 – Welcome to the Assemble Podcast00:40 – Introducing Kristine Palmer and Horse + Bow01:34 – Why teams are craving deeper connection right now02:39 – How Kristine found equine-assisted learning05:30 – Intention vs. impact: what horses reveal immediately06:23 – How horses respond to incongruence and energy08:04 – Skepticism, proof, and seeing patterns repeat09:56 – The “handoff” exercise and leadership breakdowns12:01 – Half-day activities vs. multi-day retreat work14:25 – Why pressure exposes real habits15:40 – Nonverbal leadership and losing connection19:42 – Why horses choose safety over compliance20:03 – Why archery became part of the experience22:40 – Advice for building retreats around a specialty26:11 – Connecting experiential work to business outcomes27:08 – Final thoughts and where to find KristineAbout the Guest – Kristine PalmerKristine Palmer is a team-building and leadership development facilitator and the founder of Horse + Bow, based in Marble Falls, Texas. With a background in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship—and certification in equine-assisted learning—Kristine designs experiential sessions that help individuals, couples, and executive teams build self-awareness, strengthen communication, and create trust through hands-on work with horses and mindfulness-based archery.Her work focuses on the gap between intention and impact, using real-time experiences under pressure to surface patterns teams often know exist but rarely see clearly. Kristine works with leaders, facilitators, and organizations seeking meaningful change beyond traditional team-building activities.Website: Horse + BowCompany Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedInPersonal: LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

Brent McCann went from Marine Corps infantry + 15 years in HR to building True North men’s retreats — and he did it without a big audience, big budget, or flashy ads.In this episode, Brent breaks down what actually moved the needle: simple offers, outcome-based messaging, DM follow-up, and a post-retreat integration path that keeps the work going (and stabilizes revenue).Episode ThemesHow Brent’s military + HR background shaped his retreat style (push + comfort)Marketing men without “bro marketing” or spiritual cosplayHis simple ad formula: image + outcomes (not itinerary)Why he skips talking-head ads (and what he does instead)DM conversion lessons (and the follow-up mistake that cost him $10K)Post-retreat integration: 1:1 calls + a 10–12 week community + “mastery summit”Chapters00:00 – Welcome + who Brent is01:18 – HR to men’s retreats: the real origin story03:47 – Marine Corps “what not to do” and how that shaped his leadership06:02 – Balancing comfort + challenge for first-time retreat guys07:27 – The marketing challenge: reaching men who’ve never done this10:13 – Men in crisis + Brent’s lens (neuroscience, nervous system, self-worth)12:32 – Pricing: $3,500–$5,000 all-inclusive13:06 – Growth: from ~100 followers to hundreds + “800 DMs in two months”14:42 – The campaign format: Canva + outcomes (keep it simple)15:48 – Integration + community model (and why the real work starts at home)19:02 – Advice for new facilitators: clarity, reverse engineering, and practice21:42 – Win + loss: the zipline breakthrough vs. losing $10K on retreat #224:30 – Mechanics: what he literally does to launch a first campaign27:19 – Why he avoids talking-head ads28:29 – Closing + Don commits to attendingAbout the Guest – Brent McCannBrent McCann is a mindset coach and men’s retreat facilitator who helps high-achieving men build clarity, confidence, and meaningful direction. A former Marine Corps infantryman and longtime HR leader, Brent blends neuroscience, meditation, breathwork, and emotional mastery to create experiences that move men from “successful but stuck” into grounded self-leadership. He leads True North Men’s Retreats and a post-retreat integration community designed to help men break old patterns and live with intention.Website: www.fulfillmentfinders.com/unstressSocial Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

Dr. Simon Rakoff has spent 25+ years helping executives, teams, athletes, and performers get better under pressure — and he and Dan go way back.In this episode, they unpack Simon’s core framework (focus, relaxation, connection), why “bring the calm” is a real skill, and how tiny habits (like how you brush your teeth) can re-train a mind that’s always sprinting ahead.They also get into the messy reality of team coaching: confidentiality, board dynamics, why a facilitator shouldn’t “perform,” and why sometimes the best move is letting tension breathe long enough for the team to build the habit of working through it.If you lead retreats or facilitate leadership teams, this one is a practical playbook — and a reality check.Episode ThemesBring the calm: why calm is contagious (and how leaders transmit it)Relaxation as a skill: not “just relax,” but training the mind through the bodyMicro-habits: practicing presence in normal life (teeth, walking, writing, driving)Individuals + teams: why coaching only the CEO caps resultsTrust + confidentiality: how to surface issues without blowing up relationshipsFacilitation philosophy: it’s not a performance — it’s the group’s timeConflict + habits: teams can change their defaults faster than they thinkThe long game: building a career by stacking life experiences into a point of viewChapters00:00 — Welcome + Simon’s background02:10 — First responder mindset: “bring the calm”03:45 — Why Simon starts with relaxation (and why “just relax” is useless)07:10 — Micro-practices: teeth, walking, writing, driving10:30 — Why coach the whole team (not just the principal)13:20 — Confidentiality + transparency inside team dynamics16:05 — Facilitation under tension: truth over comfort19:10 — Why Simon doesn’t always jump in (and why that helps teams)22:00 — Education path: conflict resolution → industrial psychology → Aikido25:10 — Advice for facilitators: stack your story + design for what the group really wants29:40 — Wrap: the group’s time, not the facilitator’sAbout the Guest – Dr. Simon RakoffDr. Simon Rakoff is a performance psychologist with more than 25 years experience helping executives, teams, athletes and performers grow, develop and excel. Simon’s proprietary and proven approach cultivates three specific abilities that are fundamental to success: 1)Focus 2)Relaxation and 3)Connection. Simon is an experienced facilitator, having worked with leadership teams across a wide range of industries. He is a former career firefighter, paramedic and technical rescue specialist. His time working in public safety taught him how to work closely with a team effectively, even in high stress situations, and became the basis for Simon’s approach to helping teams and individuals achieve peak performance.Social Media: LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

Meg Sylvester leads retreats that don’t rely on hype, hierarchy, or spiritual performance. Instead, she creates what she calls the “retreat bubble”—a contained, intentional space where people feel safe enough to slow down, create, and reconnect with themselves without judgment.In this episode, Meg breaks down the two very different types of retreats she runs, how she balances structure with intuition, and why true facilitation isn’t about having answers—it’s about creating the conditions for others to find their own. She also shares how health challenges, creativity, and lived experience shaped her work, and why environment, pacing, and psychological safety matter more than buzzwords.Episode ThemesThe “retreat bubble” and why containment creates safetyTwo retreat models: inner work vs. curated group travelStructure vs. intuition — why both matterCircular leadership and facilitation without hierarchyCreativity as a tool for healing, clarity, and confidenceJudgment-free spaces and avoiding “spiritual gaslighting”Why slow mornings, free time, and pacing matterHosting retreats that feel grounded, not performativeChapters00:00 — Welcome + what this show is about00:40 — Meg’s background and retreat philosophy01:55 — Two types of retreats: inner work vs. group travel04:25 — Defining the “retreat bubble”06:10 — Structure, intuition, and earning participant trust07:55 — Tools Meg uses: writing, yoga, breathwork, creativity09:35 — Why slow mornings and free time matter11:40 — Judgment-free facilitation and psychological safety14:45 — Masculine / feminine energy and inclusivity16:10 — Men in retreat spaces and authenticity in marketing18:45 — Health, creativity, and lived experience as teachers23:00 — Group travel retreats and third-party planners25:00 — Where to find Meg and closing thoughtsAbout the Guest – Meg SylvesterMeg Sylvester is a published author, speaker, and retreat facilitator known for her playful, soulful storytelling and grounded facilitation style. She leads two retreat experiences: an “inner work” retreat bubble focused on creativity, mental health, and self-trust — and a curated group travel format designed for mindful travelers who want connection and adventure without the heavy, all-day processing.Meg’s work blends gateless creative writing, breathwork, Kundalini-inspired practices, sound healing, music-led embodiment, and creative play — with a clear agenda and structure, plus intuitive flow inside the container. She’s built a large audience through honest sharing around health and personal growth, including the food–mood connection, Lyme disease, grief, and hormonal health in midlife.Website: www.megsylvester.comBook: The Body Positivity Journal: Inspirational Prompts and Practices to Boost Self-Love and AcceptanceSocial Media: Instagram | YouTubeAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

Jacob Green built a facilitation firm of 30 leaders after a career in local government — but his earliest facilitation training started at 14, helping run retreats aimed at reducing hate and conflict on a public high school campus. In this episode, Jacob shares what makes facilitators effective (curiosity, language, listening), how public-sector retreats really work, and why “cognitive diversity” is one of the biggest levers for high-performing teams. He also makes the case that environment isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the container that determines what’s possible.Episode ThemesJacob’s origin story: brain injury, rehab, and the leadership lessons that became his bookBuilding a facilitation firm of 30: structure, quality control, and learning from each otherFacilitation fundamentals: ask better questions, listen more, stop “performing”How to break into public sector retreats: conferences, niches, relationships, and languagePublic vs. private sector: different constraints, same human problemsCognitive diversity: what it is, why it matters, and how to work with gaps on a teamWhy environment matters more than people think — and why facilitators should own the venue decisionChapters00:00 — Welcome + what this show is about00:40 — Jacob’s background and why Dan starts with the book01:15 — “See Change Clearly”: brain injury, rehab, and leadership lessons03:20 — Building a company: why Jacob didn’t want to be a solopreneur05:40 — Facilitation at 14: retreats, conflict, and learning the craft early08:10 — What good facilitators actually do: curiosity, questions, listening10:00 — Training experienced execs to stop telling war stories12:00 — Landing public-sector clients: where to speak and who to target16:10 — Language that works (and fails) in government environments18:05 — What public-sector retreats look like in reality20:00 — The AEM Cube + cognitive diversity (and how to handle gaps)23:40 — What happens when facilitation scales (and why it improves quality)26:40 — The environment argument: space, memory, trauma, and why venue matters29:10 — Closing thoughtsAbout the Guest – Jacob GreenJacob Green is a nationally recognized leadership and organizational development expert, bestselling author, and master facilitator with nearly two decades of executive experience across local government and the private sector. As President and CEO of Jacob Green & Associates, he leads a nationwide team of 30 facilitators who work with public agencies and Fortune 500 organizations to help teams improve alignment, communication, and performance. Jacob’s work is deeply informed by his personal recovery from a traumatic brain injury, which shaped his approach to facilitation, curiosity-driven leadership, and cognitive diversity in teams.Jacob Green and Associates: jacobgreenandassociates.comBook: See Change ClearlySocial Media: LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

How do you help people speak the truth—with courage and compassion—without shutting others down?In this episode, Coach In Motion founder Kim Mensh Weinberg joins host Dan Berger to explore how leaders can elevate self-awareness, strengthen team trust, and navigate difficult conversations with honesty and care.From her CLEAR communication model to her experiences teaching at UVA and Georgetown, Kim shares how she blends candor with compassion, structure with humanity, and professionalism with presence.Whether you lead a team, facilitate groups, or just want to get better at hard conversations—this episode’s for you.Episode ThemesCourage + compassion—the dual mindset of effective leadershipBringing candor into coaching and facilitationManaging “terminal politeness” and getting real in teamsKim’s CLEAR Model for courageous communicationHandling “jerks” with awareness and empathyHolding space without losing authorityWhen connection matters more than correctionAbout the Guest – Kim Mensh Weinberg Kim Mensh Weinberg is an executive coach, facilitator, and organizational consultant with over 30 years of experience helping leaders grow through conscious awareness and action. She’s a UVA and Georgetown faculty member, YPO-certified facilitator, and founder of Coach In Motion, where she helps teams transform how they lead, communicate, and connect.Learn more: coachinmotion.comSocial Media: LinkedInAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

Most men don’t get spaces to slow down, feel, and connect. Sascha Lewis decided to build one.As co-founder of EVRYMAN, Sascha turned men’s emotional wellness into a movement—creating retreats where real conversation replaces performance.Host Dan Berger talks with Sascha about the reality behind these experiences: how they work, why they matter, and what it takes to make them sustainable. From 10,000-person yoga events in Central Park to deeply human men’s circles in the Berkshires, this episode explores what happens when culture, business, and consciousness meet.Episode ThemesThe state of modern masculinity and belongingHow men’s retreats create community and release pressureReal talk vs. performative vulnerabilityMarketing and scaling authentic experiencesSustaining connection after the high of a retreatChapters00:00 – IntroDan Berger introduces Sascha Lewis—founder, builder, and cultural entrepreneur.01:20 – The 10,000-person yoga classCentral Park, JetBlue yoga mats, thunder, lightning, and lessons learned.05:00 – Starting EVRYMANHow a simple men’s group became a global movement.07:00 – Why men need spaces to feelBreaking through the armor—fear, purpose, and emotional honesty.10:00 – Designing emotional retreatsWhat makes men open up—and what doesn’t.15:00 – Fun as healingWhy tug-of-war and talent shows matter more than you’d think.19:00 – Marketing meaningThe hardest part of the retreat business—and how EVRYMAN found its audience.25:00 – Scaling heart-driven workWhy EVRYMAN paused retreats to focus on sustainable community.28:00 – ClosingSascha’s advice: build the community first, the business second.About the Guest – Sascha LewisSascha Lewis is a co-founder of EVRYMAN , a global men’s emotional wellness platform helping men connect more deeply with themselves and others.He’s also Director of Culture & Commerce at Dutchfield LLC and previously co-founder of Flavorpill Media, pioneering digital culture and live experiences.His career spans creative entrepreneurship, large-scale events, and leading wellness-driven communities worldwide.Learn more: evryman.comSocial Media: LinkedIn About the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

Emmy Award–winning coach Tim Peek once led through fear—until a career meltdown forced him to rebuild from the inside out.In this episode, Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality, sits down with Tim to explore what real leadership looks like under pressure: emotional intelligence, radical responsibility, and the courage to be vulnerable.They talk failures, retreats gone wrong, and how creating safety and humor can unlock growth—at work and in life.Episode ThemesEmotional intelligence in high-stakes leadershipBuilding safety and belonging in teamsVulnerability as a performance advantageLeadership lessons from failure and humilityHow retreats reveal what daily life hidesChapters00:00 – IntroductionDan introduces Tim Peek, Emmy-winning coach and former NBC executive.01:20 – From newsroom to boardroomHow leading through fear backfired—and what forced Tim to change.03:00 – The turning pointA book, a coach, and a moment of truth that shifted everything.05:00 – Fired mid-retreat (twice)Why even facilitators fail—and what “readiness” really means.09:00 – Emotional intelligence under pressureWhat great leaders do when chaos hits.13:00 – Creating psychological safetyThe role of presence, hospitality, and space in building trust.15:00 – Vulnerability-based trustWhy people connect fastest through honesty, not polish.17:00 – Exercises for connection“If you really knew me…” and other prompts that open teams up.22:00 – Retreats that workA story of transformation through storytelling and shared history.24:00 – Closing reflectionsWhy “Peek” means looking deeper, not higher.About the Guest – Tim PeekTim Peek is an Emmy Award–winning executive coach and facilitator who helps leaders and teams surpass themselves.A former NBC News producer, he combines storytelling and emotional intelligence to build cultures of trust and self-awareness.Learn more: timpeek.comAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Assemble Podcast, host Dan Berger sits down with Jonathan Hermida, Managing Director of the Center for Transformational Coaching, to unpack what true coaching looks like — and what it isn’t.Jonathan explains how authentic coaches use lived experience, not just credentials, to help people navigate identity shifts and purpose. He and Don explore the stages of personal power, the role of community and retreats, and why presence matters more than process.They also discuss how technology and AI are reshaping the coaching landscape — and why, despite all the tools, real transformation still happens face-to-face.If you care about leadership, facilitation, or creating spaces where people feel seen and connected, this one’s worth your time.Episode ThemesWhat makes transformational coaching realHow to tell authentic coaches from marketersThe business side of coaching and personal growthThe “Stages of Power”: moving from achievement to purposeDesigning environments that build trust and clarityThe growing need for community and belongingRetreats as catalysts for presence and transformationAI as a coaching tool — opportunity and cautionChapters0:00 — Welcome and introduction1:10 — What is transformational coaching2:36 — How Jonathan found his path and mentor4:13 — Everyone’s a coach? Sorting authenticity from noise6:00 — Learning the business of coaching8:10 — Understanding the Six Stages of Power10:09 — Who joins the Center and why12:20 — Success stories from the program13:08 — The power of in-person retreats14:40 — Presence as the foundation for transformation16:17 — Trends: AI, connection, and the future of work18:02 — Can AI coach humans?20:08 — Designing retreats that truly move people21:46 — Balancing structure with flow23:49 — Blending Eastern and Western mindsets24:28 — Vulnerability in facilitation25:46 — How to connect with JonathanAbout the Guest – Jonathan HermidaJonathan Hermida is a leadership and transformational coach and Managing Director of the Center for Transformational Coaching. A three-time founder and global mentor, he helps leaders and teams move from reflection to purpose through deep, conscious work and immersive retreatsLearn more: centerfortransformationalcoaching.comSocial Media: LinkedIn | InstagramAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

What does it really take to design a retreat that transforms a team—not just entertains them?In this episode, Dan Berger talks with Vince Corsaro, veteran facilitator and author of Waking Up: Eight Questions That Will Shift Your Life (or Help You Do Nothing). Vince has spent decades leading retreats and forums across the world, helping groups of leaders move from surface-level interaction to authentic connection.They explore the power of physical space, why fear is the real blocker, and how facilitators can create judgment-free environments where people actually show up as themselves.Episode ThemesWhat it means to “facilitate from a step behind”How fear and power dynamics block real belongingWhy space and hospitality aren’t just aesthetics—they’re strategyThe difference between hosting and facilitatingCreating emotional safety through physical riskWhat CEOs need to understand before their team retreatsWhy vulnerability isn’t a feeling—it’s a decisionBook & framework recs Vince uses to spark transformationChapters00:00 – Intro01:20 – Vince’s book: Waking Up and the eight essential questions03:00 – What “facilitating from a step behind” looks like05:40 – Forums vs. executive teams and managing power in the room08:00 – Physical risk → emotional openness10:00 – Designing for people afraid to show up12:30 – Why space, seating, and the kitchen all matter15:00 – Hospitality → safety → engagement17:00 – How facilitators can step out of the spotlight19:30 – Book recs: 15 Commitments, Lencioni, Priya Parker22:00 – Ongoing relationships vs. one-off events24:00 – What makes a great facilitator (and what doesn’t)25:30 – Pricing with integrity27:00 – Final thoughts on purpose, place, and peopleAbout the Guest – Vince CorsaroA veteran facilitator and leadership coach, Vince Corsaro works with forums, executive teams, and high-trust groups to design experiences that go deep. He’s the author of Waking Up: Eight Questions That Will Shift Your Life (or Help You Do Nothing) and brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, group dynamics, and personal transformation.Learn more: vincecorsaro.comAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.

What happens when people step away from their routines and into an environment built for connection? In this conversation, Dan Berger talks with Scott Jones, M.S., founder of Becoming Ultra, about how retreats create the kind of belonging and transformation that one-on-one coaching can’t touch.With over 20 years of experience training Olympians, pro athletes, and everyday runners, Scott shares what he’s learned about designing retreats, balancing training and recovery, and building inclusive communities where people push toward big goals together.Episode ThemesOrigins of Becoming Ultra and how retreats took shapeDesigning retreat days: balancing training, recovery, and connectionThe belonging effect — what happens in groups that can’t happen 1:1Making retreats inclusive for beginners and seasoned athletes alikeWhy bonds formed in small groups change performance and perspectiveEnsuring the lessons and relationships last when people return homePractical advice for leaders or coaches who want to launch their own retreatsChapters00:00 – Welcome to the Assemble Podcast02:10 – Scott’s path from coaching to retreats07:30 – Designing the structure of a retreat14:05 – Why belonging and group dynamics matter18:45 – Inclusivity: balancing beginners with experienced athletes24:20 – How bonds form and transform performance29:00 – Lasting impact beyond the retreat32:00 – Scott’s advice to leaders considering retreats34:00 – Upcoming Becoming Ultra retreatsAbout the Guest – Scott Jones, M.S.Scott Jones started Becoming Ultra to bridge the gap between athletes doing amazing things and the rest of us. With a master’s in exercise science and over 20 years of coaching experience, Scott has trained Olympians, professional athletes, and countless runners chasing big goals.He is the host of the Becoming Ultra podcast, the voice behind Athlete on Fire, and the organizer of training camps and retreats worldwide. His mission is to make the life-changing experience of training and belonging in a community accessible to all.Based in Fruita, Colorado, Scott shares life with his wife Lauren and their two sons, Wyatt and West — who, as Scott likes to admit, can probably beat you up the mountain.Learn more: becomingultra.comSocial Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTubeAbout the Assemble PodcastWelcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.Learn more: assemblehospitality.comSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCredits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.