Episodios

  • The Future of Hotel Growth is Wellness Driven

    The Future of Hotel Growth is Wellness Driven
    Apr 1 2026
    What if the future of hospitality is designed not just for comfort, but for recovery, performance, and longevity?

    In this episode of StarrCast, we explore how wellness is evolving from a single amenity into a fully integrated, property-wide strategy that shapes how guests feel, function, and live.

    What You'll Learn

    • Why wellness must be embedded into hotel development from the earliest stages

    • How sleep optimization, circadian lighting, and sound design impact guest recovery

    • The role of nutrition, neurogastronomy, and food-as-medicine in hospitality

    • How wellness technology enables scalable, high-impact guest experiences

    • Why longevity is emerging as a defining framework for the future of wellness travel

    Episode Highlights

    03:20 – The hidden toll of travel and why recovery is now essential

    07:15 – The shift from spa-centric wellness to full-property integration

    12:20 – Why wellness must be part of the initial concept, not an afterthought

    18:10 – The evolution of spa into recovery and longevity-focused environments

    25:00 – How guest room design influences sleep, lighting, and performance

    36:00 – The rise of wellness technology and multimodal experiences

    45:10 – Longevity as both a guest expectation and a revenue strategy

    52:15 – What it means for a guest to "feel better than when they arrived"

    Meet the Guest

    Adam Mogelonsky is a hospitality strategist and partner at Hotel Mogel Consulting. With a background spanning life sciences, fitness, and luxury hotel consulting, he advises developers and operators on integrating wellness, design, and revenue strategy into modern hospitality experiences.

    Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

    • Multimodal wellness experiences

    • Circadian lighting and sleep optimization

    • Neurogastronomy and mood-based menu design

    • Touchless wellness technology (red light therapy, PEMF, cryotherapy)

    • Longevity-driven hospitality programming

    Closing Insight

    Wellness in hospitality is no longer about offering a spa. It is about creating an ecosystem where every detail—from the food on the plate to the light in the room—supports how a guest feels, recovers, and performs.

    Subscribe for more conversations about wellness, hospitality strategy, and the future of the spa and wellness business.

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

    Spa Consulting

    Live Training

    Online Learning

    Other Links:

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    1 h y 6 m
  • Resilient Wellness Teams Start with a Resilient Leader!

    Resilient Wellness Teams Start with a Resilient Leader!
    Mar 25 2026

    What does resilience really look like in today's fast-moving wellness industry? In this episode, Kay Pennington shares how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and authentic while navigating pressure, growth, and constant change. This conversation explores the deeper side of leadership, where emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and personal values shape long-term success.

    What You'll Learn

    • Why resilience is the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term performance

    • How identity and self-awareness influence leadership effectiveness in spa and wellness environments

    • The role of emotional intelligence in building trust, connection, and team alignment

    • Practical ways to prevent burnout and reconnect with purpose in high-pressure roles

    • How leaders can create stronger teams through communication, values, and authenticity

    Episode Highlights

    03:00 – Kay's journey from beauty therapy to leadership and entrepreneurship
    08:45 – What resilience really means in a fast-paced wellness career
    14:20 – The connection between identity, values, and leadership success
    21:10 – Why burnout happens and how to recognize early signs
    29:35 – Emotional intelligence and communication in leadership roles
    37:50 – Building trust and connection within teams
    45:15 – Practical tools to reconnect with purpose and personal strength

    Meet the Guest

    Kay Pennington, Founder of Resilience and Power, is a leadership coach and wellness industry expert who helps individuals and teams build resilience, strengthen emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity.

    Closing Insight

    Resilience is not about pushing harder. It is about understanding who you are, what you value, and how you lead with intention in moments that challenge you most.

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

    Spa Consulting

    Live Training

    Online Learning

    Other Links:

    Connect with Kay

    Follow Lisa on LinkedIn

    Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube

    Join us on Facebook

    Join us on Instagram
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    56 m
  • Inside the Chenot Method: Dr. George Gaitanos Explains the Science of Detox and Lifelong Wellness

    Inside the Chenot Method: Dr. George Gaitanos Explains the Science of Detox and Lifelong Wellness
    Mar 18 2026
    What if longevity was not about living longer, but about living with greater energy, resilience, and purpose? In this episode of Starrcast Podcast, Lisa Starr speaks with Dr. George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Chenot Group, about the science and philosophy behind the Chenot Method. Drawing on decades of experience in sports physiology, metabolism, and elite athletic performance, Dr. Gaitanos explains how health can be trained, restored, and strengthened through detoxification, recovery, and intentional lifestyle practices. What You'll Learn Why health should be trained like a muscle, not treated only when disease appears How the Chenot Method combines Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine The science behind detoxification, calorie restriction, and metabolic recovery Why recovery—not performance—is the real foundation of longevity How controlled stress can activate the body's natural repair mechanisms Episode Highlights 03:20 – Dr. Gaitanos' journey from Olympic athletes to longevity science 07:15 – Why wellness is more than massages or green juice 12:20 – The philosophy behind the Chenot Method and detoxification 18:10 – The five pillars of the Chenot wellness approach 25:00 – The science of fasting, metabolism, and cellular renewal 36:00 – How sleep, circadian rhythms, and environment influence longevity 45:10 – Why recovery is more important than performance 52:15 – Daily habits that support vitality and long-term health Meet the Guest George C. Gaitanos, PhD is Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of the Chenot Group and the successor of Henri Chenot. An expert in energy metabolism and recovery, he has more than 35 years of experience in human performance and optimal health. Dr. Gaitanos previously worked with elite athletes including NBA players and Olympic competitors and now leads the continued development of the Chenot Method within the global health and wellness sector. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The Chenot Method Controlled detoxification and metabolic reset Fast-mimicking nutrition programs Hydrotherapy and thermal stress protocols Lifestyle biomarkers and vitality assessment Closing Insight Health is not simply the absence of disease. It is something we actively build through daily habits, recovery, and resilience. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with George Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram
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    58 m
  • 10 Wellness Industry Trends Every Spa Manager Should Know with Susie Ellis

    10 Wellness Industry Trends Every Spa Manager Should Know with Susie Ellis
    Mar 11 2026
    What will the future of wellness look like in the next decade? In this episode of StarrCast, Susie Ellis joins the conversation to unpack the Global Wellness Trends Report and explore the forces shaping the global wellness economy. From women's longevity medicine and neural wellness to the rise of longevity residences and the growing concern over microplastics, this discussion reveals where the wellness industry is heading and what it means for spa, hospitality, and health leaders. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of emerging wellness business trends, preventative health strategies, and how global shifts in longevity science, community wellness, and technology are influencing the next generation of wellness innovation. What You'll Learn: Why women-focused longevity research is becoming one of the most important developments in health and wellness How the over-optimization backlash is changing the way people interact with wearables, health tracking, and digital wellness tools What neural wellness and nervous system regulation mean for sleep health, stress recovery, and mental resilience How trends like fragrance layering and sensory wellness experiences are reshaping the spa and hospitality environment Why longevity residences and wellness real estate may become a major driver of preventative health and lifestyle design in the future Episode Highlights: 02:00 – How the Global Wellness Summit identifies and predicts emerging wellness Trends 05:00 – Why women are gaining their own lane in longevity science and preventative health 13:40 – The over-optimization backlash and the hidden stress of health tracking devices 23:15 – Neural wellness and why regulating the nervous system is becoming a major focus in wellness 29:30 – Fragrance layering and the rise of sensory identity in wellness environments 36:20 – Why disaster preparedness is becoming part of preventative wellness thinking 41:40 – Skin longevity and the shift away from traditional anti-aging narratives 48:40 – The festivalization of wellness and the rise of social wellness experiences 53:20 – The rapid growth of women's sports and its influence on wellness culture 59:00 – Microplastics and the growing concern around environmental health risks 1:03:15 – Longevity residences and the future of wellness real estate Meet the Guest: Susie Ellis is the CEO and Chairman of the Global Wellness Summit and the Global Wellness Institute. She is one of the most influential voices in the global wellness economy and leads the development of the annual Future of Wellness Trends Report, a widely referenced outlook on emerging wellness innovations and industry shifts. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Global Wellness Trends Report Global Wellness Economy research and sector analysis Neural wellness and nervous system regulation practices Longevity medicine and female-focused health research Longevity residences and wellness real estate development Microplastics Watch initiative Closing Insight: The wellness industry is evolving rapidly as longevity science, preventative medicine, and lifestyle design converge. From community-driven wellness experiences to diagnostics integrated into living spaces, the future of health will increasingly focus on helping people live longer, healthier lives. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Susie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-ellis/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness
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    1 h y 14 m
  • Why Muscle Mass Is The Key To Aging Well with Alexia Brue

    Why Muscle Mass Is The Key To Aging Well with Alexia Brue
    Mar 4 2026
    What if the most important predictor of how well you age is not your bloodwork, but your skeletal muscle mass? In this episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr sits down with Alexia Brue, Founder and CEO of The Practice, to explore the rise of healthspan based fitness and why strength training may be the most powerful intervention for long term vitality. In this conversation Alexia shares how her journey from co-founding Well+Good to launching The Practice led her to build Greenwich's first personal training studio centered on healthspan, VO2 max, body composition, and measurable fitness biomarkers. Together, they unpack how wellness is evolving from lifestyle aspiration to outcomes driven performance and why proactive strength training is essential for aging well. What You'll Learn: Why healthspan, not just lifespan, should guide your fitness strategy How skeletal muscle mass impacts insulin sensitivity, bone density, brain health, and metabolic resilience What VO2 max and zone training reveal about cardiovascular longevity How undulating periodization improves strength gains and long term muscle development Why reassessment and fitness biomarker tracking are the next evolution of personal training Episode Highlights: 03:18 – How global bathhouse research shaped Alexia's entry into the wellness industry 10:42 – The rise of Well+Good and how digital media legitimized wellness as a business category 18:27 – What healthspan really means and how to "square the curve" of aging 26:55 – Why most midlife women are under muscled and what that means for long term vitality 33:40 – Inside The Practice: one method, five systems, and outcomes driven training 41:12 – VO2 max, zone 2 cardio, and the Norwegian 4x4 protocol explained 47:06 – Why reassessment and accountability redefine modern personal training Meet the Guest: Alexia Brue is the Founder and CEO of The Practice, a personal training studio built around healthspan and measurable fitness outcomes. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of Well+Good, one of the first major digital media platforms dedicated to the business of wellness. Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned: Healthspan based training model One Method, Five Systems framework Undulating periodization VO2 max testing and anaerobic power assessment Zone 2 steady state cardio and Zone 4 and 5 metabolic training Norwegian 4x4 cardiovascular protocol Healthspan reporting and reassessment every 24 sessions Closing Insight: As Alexia explains, "Building skeletal muscle mass is upstream of almost everything." When we focus on strength, capability, and measurable fitness biomarkers, we are not chasing optimization for its own sake. We are investing in vibrant years, independence, and resilience. If you care about aging well and living fully into your 80s and 90s, this episode offers a practical roadmap grounded in science and experience. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Alexia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-brue-1670618/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness
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    52 m
  • How The Bodhi Spa Built a $10M Hydrotherapy Brand with Harmony Oschefski and Cedar Hwang

    How The Bodhi Spa Built a $10M Hydrotherapy Brand with Harmony Oschefski and Cedar Hwang
    Feb 24 2026
    What does it take to build a profitable hydrotherapy spa brand in three different markets and scale it to $10 million in annual revenue? In this episode, Harmony Oschefski and Cedar Hwang share how the bodhi spa grew from a bold idea sparked in Maui to a multi location wellness company rooted in contrast therapy, operational discipline, and community driven growth. We explore how sauna culture, cold plunge therapy, and a thoughtfully designed water journey can become the foundation of a scalable spa business model. This conversation goes beyond wellness trends and dives into infrastructure, financing, Department of Health compliance, maintenance systems, staffing strategy, and brand positioning in a rapidly growing wellness economy. What You'll Learn: How to design a hydrotherapy spa business model that balances water journey revenue with massage and facial services Why contrast therapy and cold plunge trends are only sustainable when supported by serious infrastructure and maintenance systems What it takes to secure SBA financing for a first time concept and how to successfully appeal a denial How to scale from one spa location to three while maintaining brand consistency and operational excellence Why weekly pool draining, state of the art filtration systems, and a dedicated maintenance manager protect long term profitability Episode Highlights: 03:12 – Growing up with sauna culture and cold plunges in Nova Scotia 11:48 – The Maui moment that sparked the bodhi spa business idea 18:27 – Getting denied for SBA financing and how they successfully appealed 26:04 – What a hydrotherapy water journey includes and why contrast therapy works 34:15 – Rebuilding the entire operating model during COVID to satisfy Department of Health requirements 41:22 – Scaling to Providence and Norwood and what changes with each new market 47:36 – Why weekly pool draining and a full time maintenance manager are non negotiable 53:18 – Reaching $10 million in revenue and building infrastructure for long term brand sustainability Meet the Guests: Harmony Oschefski is Co Owner and Managing Partner of the bodhi spa. With a background in life sciences and functional health, she brings a complementary wellness perspective to spa development and operational strategy. Cedar Hwang is Co Owner and Managing Partner of the bodhi spa and a former 12 meter yacht captain. Her leadership experience and operational discipline inform the systems, staffing, and execution behind the brand's growth. Together, they have built three bodhi spa locations across New England and employ nearly 100 team members. Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned: The bodhi spa Water Journey hydrotherapy circuit Contrast therapy using sauna and cold plunge sequencing SBA financing and structured loan appeal strategy Dedicated maintenance management with weekly full system resets Infrastructure first scaling model with General Managers at each location State of the art filtration, HVAC, and pool monitoring systems Gender inclusive design and dual temperature cold plunge strategy Closing Insight: The bodhi spa's growth story shows that the wellness industry rewards both inspiration and precision. Sauna culture and cold plunge therapy may attract attention, but long term success depends on disciplined maintenance, regulatory compliance, staff training, and operational infrastructure. As Harmony shares in the episode, the goal was never just to open a spa. It was to build a company that could stand on its own. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Visit the bodhi spa at https://thebodhispa.com/Connect with the bodhi spa: https://www.instagram.com/thebodhispa/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness
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    58 m
  • From Stage Four Cancer to Global Wellness Leader: Ingo Schweder on the Future of Destination Wellness Resorts

    From Stage Four Cancer to Global Wellness Leader: Ingo Schweder on the Future of Destination Wellness Resorts
    Feb 18 2026
    What does it take to turn a life-threatening diagnosis into a global wellness movement? In this powerful episode, Ingo Schweder shares how surviving stage four cancer shaped his vision for wellness, hospitality, longevity, and community-driven health. From launching the Mandarin Oriental Spa Division to building GOCO Hospitality and the Fivelements brand, this conversation explores why wellness is not a trend, but the foundation of the future hospitality economy. What You'll Learn: How a stage four cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a global wellness hospitality career Why wellness is not a department, but a philosophy and a lifestyle What it takes to build and scale a global spa and wellness division from scratch The business case for wellness hospitality during crises like 9 11 and the pandemic Why longevity clinics, precision medicine, and community based wellness real estate are shaping the next chapter of the industry Episode Highlights: 03:15 – From journalist to hotelier to cancer survivor: the turning point that changed everything 11:40 – Creating a personal healing protocol using yoga, macrobiotic nutrition, meditation, and alternative medicine 19:55 – Launching the Mandarin Oriental Spa Division when no global spa model existed 29:10 – Founding GOCO Hospitality and identifying wellness as a standalone business segment 38:45 – Turning around Glen Ivy and why ownership changed the game 47:20 – The rise of Fivelements and the future of branded destination wellness resorts 54:30 – Why longevity, precision medicine, and biohacking are the next evolution of wellness Meet the Guest: Ingo Schweder is Founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality and Managing Director of Horwath HTL Health & Wellness. With projects across five continents and more than 400 developments worldwide, he is widely recognized as a pioneer in wellness hospitality, destination spa development, and wellness real estate. Tools, Frameworks, and Concepts Mentioned Mandarin Oriental global spa division development GOCO Hospitality five pillar model: feasibility, concept and brand development, design and technical services, pre opening and training, and ongoing management Fivelements branded destination wellness resorts Wellness real estate and community driven development Longevity clinics and precision medicine integration within hospitality Closing Insight: "The world does not need more five star hotels. It needs five star human experiences." This episode is a reminder that wellness hospitality is not about amenities. It is about creating environments that improve health, extend vitality, and contribute meaningfully to society. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Ingo: linkedin.com/in/ingoschweder Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness
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    55 m
  • Bathhouse Design Secrets Every Wellness Founder Needs to Know with Ali McQuaid, Alberto Carrillo, and Don Genders

    Bathhouse Design Secrets Every Wellness Founder Needs to Know with Ali McQuaid, Alberto Carrillo, and Don Genders
    Feb 11 2026
    Why does everyone suddenly want to open a bathhouse, and why is design the make or break factor? In this episode of StarrCast, we unpack the real drivers behind the bathhouse and social wellness boom and explore what it actually takes to design a space that is viable, code compliant, and built to last. Host Lisa Starr sits down with three global experts to break down bathhouse design from the inside out, covering infrastructure, flow, hygiene, materials, mechanical systems, and guest experience. This conversation is essential listening for anyone exploring social wellness, hydrothermal spaces, or large scale spa development. What You'll Lear: Why bathhouses and social wellness clubs are resurging in North America and globally The biggest design and infrastructure mistakes new bathhouse owners make How water, ventilation, mechanical systems, and waterproofing drive cost and feasibility What "flow" really means in bathhouse design and how it impacts revenue and safety How hygiene, maintenance, and guest perception influence long term success Episode Highlights: 03:14 – Why bathhouses are booming and what is actually driving demand 09:42 – Social wellness clubs vs traditional spas and why the distinction matters 16:30 – When to talk about budget and why early education is critical 24:18 – Water, drainage, ventilation, and mechanical systems you cannot ignore 34:06 – Hygiene, health codes, and how guests judge cleanliness instantly 44:21 – Designing for flow, capacity, and the full guest journey 53:10 – Quiet vs social spaces and how design shapes behavior Meet the Guests: Ali McQuaid Founder and Creative Director of Future Studio, a Toronto based interior design firm focused on forward thinking spaces that respond to evolving lifestyles and wellness needs. Alberto Carrillo Senior Associate at Meridian Design in New York City, specializing in architectural planning, code compliance, and complex wellness environments. Don Genders Founder and CEO of Design for Leisure, a global leader in designing award winning hydrothermal spa and social wellness environments. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Social wellness club design models Hydrothermal and bathing infrastructure planning Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination for wet environments Capacity and egress analysis for bathhouse safety Long term maintenance and hygiene planning Closing Insight: "Design the purpose, not the code." This episode makes one thing clear. Successful bathhouses are not built on aesthetics alone. They are built on deep technical planning, realistic budgets, and a clear understanding of how people move, gather, and care for shared wellness spaces. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with: Ali McQuaid: linkedin.com/in/ali-mcquaid-67b24316 Alberto Carrillo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertocarrillod/ Don Genders: linkedin.com/in/don-genders-7a97716 Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness
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    1 h y 1 m