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  • The Art, Science and Soul of Wellness: A Global Wellness Summit Preview

    The Art, Science and Soul of Wellness: A Global Wellness Summit Preview
    2026/10/07
    What happens when art, science and soul come together to shape the future of wellness? In this special StarrCast Global Wellness Summit preview, host Lisa Starr speaks with four leaders who will take the stage at the upcoming Global Wellness Summit in Phuket, Thailand. Their conversations explore some of the forces redefining wellness today, from neuroaesthetics and intentional spaces to longevity science, social connection, public policy and the role of wellness in the cities of the future. The Summit's theme, “The Art, Science and Soul of Wellness,” provides the thread connecting these diverse perspectives. Summit co-chair Jessica Jesse explains why adding “soul” to the conversation feels particularly relevant in Thailand, where spirituality, art, hospitality and wellness are deeply intertwined. What You’ll Learn Why art, science and soul are increasingly interconnected in creating meaningful wellness experiences. How neuroaesthetics and sensory experiences can measurably influence our brains, bodies and overall wellbeing. Why intentional spaces can be designed around outcomes such as belonging, empathy, awe and human connection. How longevity is evolving toward a more evidence-based approach focused on extending health span, vitality and quality of life. Why greater collaboration between medicine, wellness and everyday lifestyle practices will be important as the longevity field grows. How large-scale wellness destinations can function as modern “third places” that encourage social connection, access to nature and shared humanity. Why wellness leaders are increasingly considering the relationship between built environments, public policy and human flourishing. Episode Highlights 01:32 – Jessica Jesse introduces the Global Wellness Summit theme, The Art, Science and Soul of Wellness04:57 – Why networking and human connection are as valuable as the Summit's content09:17 – Susan Magsamen explains neuroaesthetics and how our surroundings affect the brain and body21:36 – The business value and potential ROI of neuroaesthetics23:23 – Designing intentional spaces around empathy, belonging, awe and wonder32:52 – Professor Andrea Maier on moving from the study of aging toward prevention and longevity35:34 – Where medicine, wellness and everyday lifestyle meet in the pursuit of longer, healthier lives49:01 – Ramona Chiriac discusses THERME Group and the role of large-scale wellbeing destinations in cities56:34 – Reimagining the “third place” as a setting for connection and shared humanity1:02:56 – How architecture and design can support health, connection and belonging Meet the Guests Jessica Jesse is a co-chair of the Global Wellness Summit, CEO of Zen Collective, and CEO, founder and creative director of BuDhaGirl. She shares a behind-the-scenes perspective on this year's Summit and why Thailand provides a fitting setting for exploring the art, science and soul of wellness. Susan Magsamen is founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her work explores how arts, aesthetic experiences, nature and the built environment can measurably affect the brain and body. Professor Andrea Maier is the Oon Seng Chiew Professor in Medicine at the National University of Singapore and founder of Chi Longevity and the NU Academy for Health and Longevity. She discusses the evolving science of longevity and the importance of evidence as medicine and wellness increasingly work together. Ramona Chiriac is VP of Global Impact at THERME Group. Drawing on more than two decades in public service and diplomacy, she explores how public-private collaboration, architecture and accessible wellbeing destinations can help cities support healthier and more connected communities. Closing From the neuroscience of art to the biology of aging and the design of cities that help people flourish, this preview offers a glimpse into the ideas that will drive conversations at the Global Wellness Summit in Phuket. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality and wellbeing. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with the Global Wellness Summit: https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/ Connect with Jessica Jesse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajesse999/ Connect with Susan Magsamen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-magsamen-6345918/ Connect with Professor Andrea Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamaierprof/ Connect with Ramona Chiriac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-chiriac-689bb5109/ Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • SWTHZ CEO Nico Varano on Fueling Growth by Hitting the Brakes

    SWTHZ CEO Nico Varano on Fueling Growth by Hitting the Brakes
    2026/10/28

    What happens when a rapidly expanding wellness franchise deliberately slows down to strengthen its business model? For Nico Varano Jr., CEO of SweatHouz, sustainable growth starts with operational discipline, franchisee profitability, and a consistently exceptional guest experience.

    In this episode of StarrCast, host Lisa Starr explores how SweatHouz has grown into a national wellness brand with 109 studios and approximately 425 franchise licenses sold. From private infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences to membership retention, pricing strategies, and right-sized facilities, Nico shares the leadership decisions driving the company's evolution and what spa and wellness operators can learn from its approach to scalable growth.

    What You'll Learn

    • Scaling with intention: Why SweatHouz reevaluated its expansion strategy to prioritize profitability and operational efficiency.

    • The economics of wellness franchising: How studio size, construction costs, pre-sales, and membership models influence financial performance.

    • Creating loyal clientele: Why understanding each guest's goals is essential to converting first-time visitors into long-term members.

    • The rise of contrast therapy: How private infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences are attracting a broad audience seeking recovery, relaxation, and stress relief.

    • Leadership from the studio floor: How Nico's experience as a franchisee shapes his approach to training, staff engagement, and franchisee success.

    Episode Highlights

    • 01:06 – From private equity to wellness entrepreneur and SweatHouz CEO

    • 05:12 – Why spreadsheets cannot replace firsthand operational experience

    • 07:10 – How SweatHouz evolved its studio model and expanded nationwide

    • 10:25 – Right-sizing studio investments to improve franchisee profitability

    • 13:57 – Making infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences accessible to more consumers

    • 21:07 – Personalizing membership recommendations to build guest loyalty

    • 24:29 – Resetting the business model to improve sales and retention

    • 47:23 – Delivering world-class hospitality with a streamlined staffing model

    Meet the Guest

    Nico Varano Jr. is CEO of SweatHouz, a rapidly growing wellness franchise specializing in private infrared sauna, cold plunge, and contrast therapy experiences. With a background in finance and private equity, Nico entered the wellness industry as one of SweatHouz's first franchisees before becoming CEO in January 2026. His hands-on operational experience informs his focus on sustainable expansion, franchisee success, and revenue optimization.

    Closing Insight

    As Nico explains, profitable franchisee operations are the foundation for future growth and long-term brand value. His experience offers an important lesson for spa and wellness leaders: successful expansion requires disciplined business decisions, engaged teams, and a guest experience worth returning for.

    Subscribe to StarrCast with Lisa Starr for more insightful conversations with global spa and wellness leaders exploring business innovation, operational excellence, and the future of wellness.

    Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning?

    Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting

    Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/

    Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses

    Other Links:

    Connect with Nico Varano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/

    Connect with SWTHZ: https://sweathouz.com/

    Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com
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    53 分
  • Rethinking Luxury Wellness: Simplicity, Service and Satisfaction

    Rethinking Luxury Wellness: Simplicity, Service and Satisfaction
    2026/10/21
    Is luxury hospitality becoming too complicated for its own good? Luxury hotels and wellness resorts continue to invest in sophisticated technology, elaborate spa facilities, and personalized amenities. Yet these enhancements don't always translate into happier guests or more memorable experiences. Sometimes, the smallest frustrations can have the greatest impact on guest satisfaction and loyalty. In this episode of the StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes Javier Suárez Sanchez, luxury hospitality wellness strategist and former Six Senses executive, for a thought-provoking conversation about what today's luxury guests really value. Drawing on more than 25 years of international hospitality experience with brands including Marriott, Hilton, and Six Senses, Javier challenges conventional thinking about service standards, spa operations, and the meaning of true luxury. From overly complicated spa menus and confusing room technology to the importance of sleep, intuitive service, and empowered employees, Lisa and Javier explore how simplifying the guest journey can create a more meaningful, personalized wellness experience. They also discuss the growing influence of biohacking, recovery technologies, and social wellness concepts on the future of hospitality. For spa and wellness operators, hospitality executives, and guest experience professionals, this conversation offers practical insights into delivering world-class customer experiences, improving operational effectiveness, and building lasting guest loyalty. What You'll Learn Redefining luxury hospitality: Why effortless, intuitive service is increasingly important to guest satisfaction. Removing guest friction: How complicated technology, lengthy spa menus, and rigid service protocols can undermine the wellness experience. Personalization that matters: Why sleep quality, sensory experiences, and anticipating individual preferences create lasting impressions. Empowering hospitality teams: How staff engagement, cross-departmental training, and intuitive decision-making elevate service delivery. Simplifying spa operations: Why personalized treatments, wellness concierge services, and streamlined booking can improve the guest journey. The evolution of wellness: How biohacking, recovery technologies, and social wellness clubs are creating new opportunities for the industry. Episode Highlights 05:20 – What truly defines luxury hospitality today? 09:08 – How perfect service standards can still produce disappointed guests 12:51 – The biggest friction points in the luxury guest journey 17:41 – Should luxury spas eliminate traditional treatment menus? 20:11 – Why cross-departmental training is essential to wellness success 27:41 – Empowering employees to deliver exceptional guest experiences 31:02 – When elaborate service protocols interfere with genuine hospitality 52:20 – How to improve the guest experience in 30 days with a limited budget Meet the Guest Javier Suárez Sanchez is a luxury hospitality wellness strategist and consultant with more than 25 years of international experience. With a background in physiotherapy and leadership roles at Marriott, Hilton, and Six Senses, he brings a unique perspective to spa management, wellness innovation, and guest experience strategy. He is also an equity partner and strategic advisor to Ladata Self-Recovery Center in Porto, Portugal. Closing Insight The most memorable luxury experiences often come from making guests feel genuinely cared for, understood, and completely at ease. As Javier reminds us, exceptional hospitality begins with well-trained, empowered teams who understand the human side of wellness. Listen to this episode of StarrCast for fresh perspectives on simplifying luxury hospitality and creating guest experiences that inspire lasting loyalty. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Javier Suárez Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javier-suarez-sanchez/ Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com
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    56 分
  • Timeless Hospitality Meets Modern Wellness, Live from We Work Well Spa

    Timeless Hospitality Meets Modern Wellness, Live from We Work Well Spa
    2026/11/04
    What does the future of resort spa and wellness look like, and how can operators balance timeless hospitality with evolving guest expectations, emerging technologies, and business profitability? Recorded live at the We Work Well event in Pasadena, this episode of StarrCast Podcast brings together host Lisa Starr and three industry professionals for candid conversations about innovation, spa leadership, operational challenges, and the expanding role of wellness in hospitality. First, Alex Marcus, Director of Sales for Hospitality at Ammortal, introduces the Ammortal Chamber, a multi-modality wellness experience designed to support relaxation, recovery, and mind-body connection. She explains how the technology combines red light, near-infrared light, vibroacoustic sound therapy, and other modalities into customizable sessions. Then, Lisa sits down with Michelle Kelthy, Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and Penny Kriel, Director of Spa and Wellness for Salamander Resorts. Drawing on decades of international spa experience, they explore the realities of managing large resort spa operations while maintaining world-class customer experiences. From staff engagement and therapist retention to treatment menu engineering, retail sales, dynamic pricing, and the growing demand for longevity and recovery experiences, the conversation offers practical insights for spa and wellness operators navigating a changing industry. The discussion also looks ahead to a future where wellness extends throughout the resort, connecting spa services with fitness, nutrition, sleep, and personalized guest experiences. What You'll Learn How emerging wellness technologies can complement traditional spa treatments and enhance the guest experience.Why ongoing staff training, leadership development, and employee retention remain essential to operational success.How spa directors are balancing treatment room utilization, staffing shortages, and revenue optimization.Why thoughtful guest consultations, personalized treatments, and retail recommendations can strengthen trust and loyal clientele growth.How dynamic pricing and strategic menu engineering can support spa profitability.Why integrated wellness programming, including longevity, recovery, fitness, and nutrition, is becoming increasingly important in resort hospitality. Episode Highlights 00:40 – Exploring the Ammortal Chamber and multi-modality wellness technology 06:26 – How cruise ship careers shaped today's spa leaders 10:59 – Maintaining exceptional guest service through training and leadership 15:14 – Treatment room utilization, innovation, and timeless spa experiences 22:26 – Personalized treatments, sleep, and longevity programming 26:55 – Therapist development, retail sales, and meaningful guest consultations 33:18 – Dynamic pricing strategies and spa revenue optimization 36:08 – The future of integrated wellness across resort properties Meet the Guests Alex Marcus – Director of Sales for Hospitality at Ammortal, introducing an innovative wellness chamber that combines multiple modalities into personalized experiences. Michelle Kelthy – Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, bringing decades of international spa leadership experience and expertise in luxury hospitality, staff development, and guest service excellence. Penny Kriel – Director of Spa and Wellness for Salamander Resorts, overseeing multiple resort spa operations with a focus on operational performance, staff development, and integrated wellness programming. Closing Insight As resort spas evolve into broader wellness destinations, successful operators must make thoughtful decisions about technology, staffing, service standards, and profitability. The opportunity lies in preserving the enduring value of personal care while developing meaningful wellness experiences that meet guests' changing needs. Listen to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations with global spa and wellness leaders shaping the future of hospitality. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Alex Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-marcus-2485072b/ Connect with Michelle Kelthy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kelthy-41a47a5/ Connect with Penny Kriel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-kriel-a7077b11/ Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com
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    42 分
  • Beyond the Treatment Room: Balancing Experience and Profitability in Luxury Spas

    Beyond the Treatment Room: Balancing Experience and Profitability in Luxury Spas
    2026/11/11
    Can luxury spas continue delivering extraordinary guest experiences while managing rising costs, staffing challenges and increasingly sophisticated guest expectations? Luxury spa operators face a complex balancing act. Guests expect exceptional service, personalized treatments, beautiful facilities and meaningful wellness experiences. Meanwhile, operators must navigate labor-intensive business models, growing financial pressures and the challenge of maintaining profitability. In this episode of StarrCast, host Lisa Starr welcomes back Jeremy McCarthy, founder of Leisure Alchemy and former global spa and wellness leader for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, for a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving business of luxury wellness. Drawing on more than three decades of experience with Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons and Starwood Hotels, Jeremy shares his perspective on designing financially sustainable spas, creating exceptional guest journeys and understanding the true value of wellness within luxury hospitality. Together, Lisa and Jeremy explore how positive psychology, emerging wellness technologies, artificial intelligence and transformational experiences are reshaping the spa industry. They also discuss why human connection remains one of the most valuable elements of luxury spa service. What You'll Learn Designing for profitability: Why spa layout, operational efficiency and employee workflows are essential to long-term financial success. The evolving luxury guest experience: How thoughtful rituals, personalized service and seamless guest journeys create greater value. Technology and human touch: How AI, touchless therapies and automated wellness experiences can complement traditional spa treatments and expand the market. Measuring the true value of spa: Why spa guests may contribute significantly more revenue to a hotel than departmental profit and loss statements reveal. Positive psychology in spa leadership: How a strengths-based management approach can improve employee performance, service quality and business results. The future of transformational wellness: Why hospitality experiences that create lasting benefits may become increasingly important to consumers. Episode Highlights 01:49 – Jeremy's career journey from Four Seasons to Mandarin Oriental and Leisure Alchemy 05:43 – The challenges of delivering luxury spa experiences profitably 09:28 – Why spa design and operational workflows determine financial success 14:33 – Creating seamless guest journeys while maximizing operational efficiency 17:02 – Rising labor costs, bathhouse concepts and touchless wellness technologies 22:28 – How AI can support spa employees and enhance human connection 24:26 – Measuring the spa's contribution to total hotel revenue 33:37 – Applying positive psychology to spa leadership and financial performance 39:47 – Leisure Alchemy and the business of meaningful leisure experiences 43:09 – Why transformational wellness experiences represent the future of hospitality Meet the Guest: Jeremy McCarthy Jeremy McCarthy is the founder of Leisure Alchemy, a consulting business focused on the intersection of leisure, wellness and hospitality. Previously, he served as Group Director of Leisure, Spa and Wellness for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, overseeing spa and wellness operations globally. His extensive luxury hospitality career includes leadership roles with Four Seasons, Starwood Hotels and KSL Resorts. With an academic background in psychology and positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, Jeremy is also the author of The Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing. Through Leisure Alchemy and his weekly Leisure Roundup newsletter, he explores how hospitality businesses can create meaningful, fulfilling and transformational guest experiences. Closing Insight As luxury wellness continues to evolve, successful spa businesses will need to balance operational efficiency, financial performance and meaningful human connection. Jeremy's perspective offers an encouraging vision of an industry adapting to new technologies, changing consumer expectations and opportunities for growth. Subscribe to StarrCast for more insightful conversations with global spa, wellness and hospitality leaders exploring the business of wellness. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Jeremy McCarthy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymcc/ Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com
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    50 分
  • The Thermal Boom: Are We Designing It Right?

    The Thermal Boom: Are We Designing It Right?
    2026/10/14
    The thermal wellness boom is heating up, but are we designing these experiences for lasting success? As sauna culture, contrast bathing, and social bathhouses gain momentum across the United States, developers and operators are rushing to meet growing demand. But creating a successful thermal wellness destination involves far more than installing a sauna and cold plunge. Thoughtful design, engineering, guest comfort, and operational planning all play a critical role. In this episode of the StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes two hydrothermal industry experts from Design for Leisure: CEO Don Genders and Director of Construction and Aquatic Engineering Jak Westbury. Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly expanding thermal bathing market, from designing complete thermal journeys and incorporating Aufguss rituals to understanding ventilation, temperature variations, relaxation spaces, and the financial realities of operating a successful bathhouse. With decades of industry expertise and firsthand experience designing thermal wellness facilities around the world, Don and Jak share practical insights into creating engaging, comfortable, and sustainable guest experiences that encourage repeat visits. What You'll Learn Sauna vs. thermal journey: What distinguishes a basic hot-and-cold experience from a comprehensive thermal bathing destination. Designing for guest comfort: Why offering a variety of heat and cooling temperatures can attract a broader audience and encourage repeat visits. The engineering behind the experience: How ventilation, heater selection, and technical design affect the performance of saunas, steam rooms, and Aufguss experiences. The importance of rest: Why relaxation areas are essential to the hot, cold, rest, repeat cycle and deserve greater consideration in facility planning. Building for long-term success: How thoughtful design, operational efficiency, and a world-class customer experience support guest satisfaction, loyalty, and business sustainability. Episode Highlights 02:21 – What defines a thermal bathing experience versus a complete bathhouse 07:42 – Designing diverse thermal journeys for different guest preferences 12:59 – Why extreme temperatures aren't necessary for a successful thermal business 17:28 – The specialized engineering behind Aufguss saunas and large-scale thermal experiences 24:09 – Selecting the right sauna heaters and equipment for commercial operations 27:10 – Understanding the hot, cold, rest, repeat cycle 31:01 – Why relaxation spaces are essential to guest satisfaction and retention 36:32 – When lighting, sound, and immersive technology enhance the experience 40:33 – Emerging bathhouse industry data and opportunities for growth Meet the Guests Don Genders, CEO of Design for Leisure, is a recognized leader in hydrothermal wellness design, with decades of experience advancing sauna, spa, and thermal bathing environments worldwide. Jak Westbury, Director of Construction and Aquatic Engineering at Design for Leisure, specializes in the technical design, construction, and engineering of hydrothermal facilities, bringing innovative concepts to life while prioritizing performance and the guest experience. Closing Insight As thermal wellness continues to evolve, the greatest opportunities lie in creating thoughtfully designed experiences that guests feel comfortable returning to again and again. Join Lisa, Don, and Jak for an insightful conversation about the future of thermal wellness and what it takes to design successful, sustainable bathhouses. Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, and hospitality. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Don Genders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-genders-7a97716/ Connect with Jak Westbury: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jak-westbury-mispe-227493133/ Connect with Design for Leisure: https://www.designforleisure.com/about Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com
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    51 分
  • Leveraging Massage Into a Wellness Future

    Leveraging Massage Into a Wellness Future
    2026/09/16
    How does a massage therapist evolve from practitioner to business owner, build a thriving team, and then expand beyond a labor-dependent business model? In this episode of StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr talks with Kelly Hander, owner of Be Well Body Works in Longmont, Colorado, about her 25-plus-year journey in massage therapy and the lessons she learned while becoming an employer, leader, and wellness business owner. Kelly shares how she built a financially healthy business, created a culture that supports therapist career longevity, and recently expanded Be Well with private contrast therapy rooms and red light therapy. What You’ll Learn Why being a talented practitioner does not automatically prepare you to run a successful wellness business How financial health can support better jobs, training, equipment, and client care Why workload, compensation, culture, and career longevity matter when attracting and retaining massage therapists How Kelly created consistency without asking every therapist to deliver an identical massage Why Be Well added contrast therapy and red light therapy as a way to expand services and create growth that does not require therapists to physically do more How memberships can encourage clients to use wellness services consistently and support recurring revenue Episode Highlights 03:27 – How clinical massage shaped Kelly’s approach to therapeutic care08:49 – The transition from skilled practitioner to business owner11:38 – Why a financially healthy business supports better care13:42 – Creating a workplace where massage therapists can build lasting careers18:28 – Building consistent guest service without creating cookie-cutter treatments24:36 – Recognizing when the original business had reached its growth limits25:04 – Adding contrast therapy and red light therapy to the business model33:45 – Growing revenue without asking therapists to physically do more40:38 – How to evaluate new wellness equipment and modalities before investing47:06 – Evolving from a massage studio into a place designed to help people feel better Meet the Guest Kelly Hander is the owner of Be Well Body Works in Longmont, Colorado. With more than 25 years in massage therapy, Kelly began her career with extensive therapeutic and clinical training before building Be Well into a team-based wellness business. Her newly expanded facility combines six massage rooms with five private contrast therapy rooms and a red light therapy bed. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Kelly discusses therapist mentoring and ongoing training, management structure, massage and contrast therapy memberships, private sauna and cold plunge experiences, red light therapy, and the importance of researching new modalities based on client needs, business culture, and long-term goals. Closing Insight Kelly’s story is a reminder that sustainable growth in a spa or wellness business requires a willingness to keep learning, adapt the business model, invest in the team, and stay focused on the experience you want to create for clients. As Kelly puts it, “If you’re willing to keep going, the door will keep opening.” Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations with spa and wellness professionals about leadership, operations, guest experience, team development, and building stronger wellness businesses. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Kelly Hander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hander-36b7a55/ Connect with Be Well Bodyworks: https://bewellbody.com Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/
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    49 分
  • International Sauna Congress 2026: Tradition, Innovation & the Global Sauna Movement

    International Sauna Congress 2026: Tradition, Innovation & the Global Sauna Movement
    2026/09/30
    What happens when an ancient wellness tradition meets a new wave of global enthusiasm? Recorded at the International Sauna Congress in Oslo, Norway, Lisa Starr explores the rapidly evolving world of sauna and sweat culture with leaders, practitioners, and architects shaping its future. From preserving centuries-old traditions to the rise of Aufguss, sauna masters, thermal experiences, and more inclusive bathing environments, these conversations reveal why sauna is becoming an increasingly important part of the global wellness landscape. The Congress itself brought together 600 attendees from 30 countries, reflecting the extraordinary international interest in sauna culture. What You’ll Learn Why the global growth of sauna creates both opportunity and responsibility to respect traditional sweat cultures How Aufguss combines heat, scent, movement, storytelling, and performance into an immersive sauna experience Why the role of the sauna master goes far beyond entertainment to include guest safety, heat management, facilitation, and holding space How emerging concepts such as thermal architecture, thermal dosing, human response, and human capacity could help create more thoughtful thermal experiences How architects are designing spa and bathing environments around the entire guest journey, including transitions, accessibility, privacy, social connection, and a sense of place International Sauna Congress Episode Highlights 00:48 – Why the International Sauna Congress is like the “Olympics of Sauna” 03:04 – Bringing the global sauna community together 05:32 – The extraordinary growth of sauna and sweat culture 10:26 – Meet Chris Shenkle, an American who became a Norwegian sauna champion 20:46 – What is Show Aufguss and what makes the experience unique? 32:00 – The evolving and increasingly complex role of the sauna master 38:05 – Creating standards and a new framework for thermal architecture 41:07 – How Basalt Architects designs sauna, spa, and bathing experiences 48:29 – Designing the guest journey through a thermal facility 59:16 – Inclusivity, accessibility, mental well-being, and the future of bathing culture International Sauna Congress Meet the Guests Lasse Eriksen is Development Manager at Farris Bad and serves in leadership roles across the Norwegian and international sauna community. He discusses the importance of learning from different sweat cultures and approaching sauna’s rapid growth with curiosity, humility, and respect. Chris Shenkle is an American performer turned sauna master whose unexpected career path took him from New York City to Norway and eventually to national and international Aufguss competition. His story demonstrates the skill involved in combining performance with the responsibilities of managing a thermal environment. Anders Hage brings experience in performance, wellness, and sauna facilitation to his work with Denmark's sauna community. He shares his perspective on facilitated sauna, sauna master education, professional standards, and his emerging framework of thermal architecture. Perla Dís Kristinsdóttir and Hrólfur Karl Cela of Basalt Architects discuss Icelandic bathing culture and designing spa environments that are deeply connected to place, nature, culture, accessibility, and the guest journey. Their firm's experience includes work connected with Iceland's renowned Blue Lagoon. Closing Insight As sauna culture expands around the world, the opportunity is bigger than adding heat to a wellness facility. Thoughtful thermal experiences require an understanding of tradition, culture, human connection, guest safety, design, and the people who facilitate the experience. As Lasse reminds us, there is still much to learn, making humility and listening especially important as the global sauna community evolves. Ready to explore what’s next for sauna and thermal wellness? Listen to the full StarrCast episode, recorded at the International Sauna Congress in Oslo. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Lasse Eriksen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lasse-eriksen-04a27481/ Connect with Anders Hage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andershage/ Connect with Perla Dís Kristinsdóttir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perla-d%C3%ADs-kristinsdottir-9678812/ Connect with Hrólfur Karl Cela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrolfur-cela/ Connect with Basalt Architects: https://www.basalt.is/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on ...
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    1 時間 4 分