All Things Retreat Podcast

Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time

This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals.

Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association

When: October 22, 2026

Where: Zoom- LIVE Online

Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats!

HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs




Summary
In this episode, Lainie Sevante Wulkan, a holistic wellness expert and retreat leader, shares her insights on creating transformational travel experiences, attracting the right clients, and building a successful retreat business. Holly Porter hosts the conversation, highlighting the importance of energy, intention, and community in the retreat industry.




Takeaways
Retreats should be designed to nourish the whole person, not just the body. 
Energy, frequency, and vibration are key to attracting aligned clients. 
Clear messaging and setting expectations are crucial for successful retreats. 
Building a community and network enhances retreat success and opportunities. 
Aligning your passions with your retreat offerings creates authenticity and impact. 
Including diverse energies, such as male and female, enriches the retreat experience. 
Understanding cultural nuances improves international retreat planning. 
Retreats should be a line item in your wellness or business budget. 
The small world of the retreat industry offers opportunities for collaboration. 
Trust your intuition and let the content guide your retreat design.



Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to Lainie Sevante Wulkan and her work 
01:52 What makes a retreat transformational and nourishing 
04:14 The origin story of the Food Healing Oracle deck 
06:01 How to create retreats that integrate food, culture, and wellness 
08:03 The importance of energy, intention, and client alignment 
09:59 Building a community and network through retreats and associations 
12:00 The role of cultural understanding and language in international retreats 
13:59 Balancing male and female energy in retreats for a richer experience 
15:56 The future of the retreat industry and opportunities for growth 
17:55 How to attract the right clients and set clear expectations 
20:00 The significance of authenticity, passion, and intuition in retreat design 
22:00 Upcoming events, conference, and closing remarks 



🔗 Connect with Lainie Sevante Wulkan | Center for Intuitive Food Therapy (CIFT)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://ciftofficial.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: Lainie Sevante Wulkan
📘 Facebook: Nourish Your Soul Retreats


🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time

This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals.

Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association

When: October 22, 2026

Where: Zoom- LIVE Online

Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats!

HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs




Summary
In this episode, Holly Porter interviews Sara Chevere, a business strategist and author, about building community before and after retreats, transforming fears into superpowers, and the power of connection in creating successful retreats and businesses.




Takeaways
Building community around retreats
Transformational journey from introvert to connector
The impact of fear and how to turn it into a superpower
The importance of connection and intimacy in business
Strategies for supporting women entrepreneurs
The story behind the Quiet Laws of Abundance book
Creating a sustainable retreat business
The role of leadership in transformation
Networking and collaboration in the retreat industry



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Holly Porter and the retreat conference
02:06 Introducing guest Sara Chevere and her background
04:07 Fear as a superpower and the transformational journey
06:14 Building relationships, community, and prosperity
07:11 Sarah's journey from finance to transformational leadership
08:31 Pivoting in business and embracing transformation
09:21 Creating a supportive environment for women in retreats
10:36 The value of the conference and community building
12:56 Sarah's book success and future plans
13:37 Collaboration and ongoing growth in the retreat industry


🔗 Connect with Sara Chevere | Sara Chevere
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.sarachevere.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Sara Chevere
🎵 TikTok: @sarachevere
📸 Instagram: @sarachevere
📘 Facebook: sarachevereofficial



🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time

This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals.

Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association

When: October 22, 2026

Where: Zoom- LIVE Online

Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats!

HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs


Summary
In this episode, Holly Porter interviews Brittani Bolen about the importance of sponsorships and event planning for retreats. They share practical tips on building relationships, creative sponsorship ideas, and how to leverage sponsors for growth.


Takeaways
The importance of sponsorships in retreat planning 
How to build and leverage relationships for sponsorships 
Creative ways sponsors can add value beyond money 
The role of detailed planning and organization in events 
Strategies for approaching potential sponsors 
The impact of branding and presentation on event success



Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to Brittani Bolen and the conference 
01:22 Brittani shares what makes an event memorable 
03:05 The importance of organization and details in event planning 
05:14 Why retreat leaders should consider sponsorships 
06:26 How sponsors can help with costs and credibility 
07:42 The importance of integrity and delivering on promises 
09:14 Lessons learned from online conference scheduling 
10:44 Creative sponsorship ideas beyond big checks 
12:10 Pricing levels and benefits for sponsors 
13:06 Approaching sponsors with relationship-building in mind 
15:12 Using a power partner passport for networking 
16:55 When to start looking for sponsors 
17:09 Networking quality over quantity 
18:37 Contact information and last words from Brittany 


🔗 Connect with Brittani Bolen | Your Event CEO
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.youreventceo.com
▶️ YouTube: @IntlRetreatAssociation
📸 Instagram: @youreventceo

🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Christiane shares practical strategies for making meaningful change through small, repeatable actions. She discusses how retreat leaders can build momentum without burnout, the importance of telling others about your goals, and how to overcome the gap between knowing and doing.



Takeaways
The importance of small, repeatable actions in creating change 
How to break down big goals into manageable steps using petite practice 
The significance of telling others about your goals to build confidence and support 
Strategies for retreat leaders to manage overwhelm and build sustainable momentum 
The psychological aspects of motivation, procrastination, and perfectionism 
The role of networking and sharing goals in achieving success 
Overcoming fear of failure and the discomfort of change 
The importance of celebrating small wins to maintain motivation



Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to small, impactful change strategies 
01:53 The concept of petite practice and breaking down big goals 
03:50 Personal story: Moving across the country and managing transition 
07:00 The importance of telling others about your goals 
08:56 How to manage overwhelm as a retreat leader 
11:06 The power of networking and sharing your goals 
12:59 Recognizing and setting boundaries to avoid burnout 
15:04 Overcoming the action gap: from knowing to doing 
17:00 The role of motivation and taking action despite discomfort 
18:56 Perfectionism and the importance of progress over perfection 
21:06 Rapid fire questions: routines, habits, and season of life 
21:57 Final words: resources and encouragement for change 




🔗 Connect with Dr. Christiane Schroeter | Doctor Christiane
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://doctorchristiane.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Christiane Schroeter
📸 Instagram: @doctor.christiane
🎯 Free 3-Minute Quiz: https://doctorchristiane.com/quiz
Get a personalized scorecard so you can lead and move forward with intention. No fluff, just clarity on where to focus next.



🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Christiane shares practical strategies for making meaningful change through small, repeatable actions. She discusses how retreat leaders can build momentum without burnout, the importance of telling others about your goals, and how to overcome the gap between knowing and doing.



Takeaways
The importance of small, repeatable actions in creating change 
How to break down big goals into manageable steps using petite practice 
The significance of telling others about your goals to build confidence and support 
Strategies for retreat leaders to manage overwhelm and build sustainable momentum 
The psychological aspects of motivation, procrastination, and perfectionism 
The role of networking and sharing goals in achieving success 
Overcoming fear of failure and the discomfort of change 
The importance of celebrating small wins to maintain motivation



Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to small, impactful change strategies 
01:53 The concept of petite practice and breaking down big goals 
03:50 Personal story: Moving across the country and managing transition 
07:00 The importance of telling others about your goals 
08:56 How to manage overwhelm as a retreat leader 
11:06 The power of networking and sharing your goals 
12:59 Recognizing and setting boundaries to avoid burnout 
15:04 Overcoming the action gap: from knowing to doing 
17:00 The role of motivation and taking action despite discomfort 
18:56 Perfectionism and the importance of progress over perfection 
21:06 Rapid fire questions: routines, habits, and season of life 
21:57 Final words: resources and encouragement for change 




🔗 Connect with Dr. Christiane Schroeter | Doctor Christiane
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://doctorchristiane.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Christiane Schroeter
📸 Instagram: @doctor.christiane
🎯 Free 3-Minute Quiz: https://doctorchristiane.com/quiz
Get a personalized scorecard so you can lead and move forward with intention. No fluff, just clarity on where to focus next.



🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Summary
In this episode, leadership expert James E. Miller II discusses the loneliness of leadership, the importance of self-care, and practical frameworks like the 5R to prevent burnout. Holly Porter explores how retreat leaders can support themselves while supporting others.




Takeaways
The loneliness of leadership and its impact
The importance of self-awareness and honesty
The 5R framework: reflect, replenish, reframe, reconnect, rebuild
The role of rest and pacing in leadership health
The significance of vulnerability and asking for help
How retreat leaders can support their mental and emotional well-being
The importance of stepping outside work environments for renewal
Lessons learned from setbacks and failures



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to leadership loneliness and James Miller II
02:04 The Silent Summit: Recognizing the signs of reaching the top
03:52 The difference between being surrounded and feeling supported
05:46 Personal setbacks and their impact on leadership style
09:07 The 5R framework: Reflect, Replenish, Reframe, Reconnect, Rebuild
12:02 The importance of retreat leaders taking time for themselves
15:00 The power of vulnerability and asking for help
17:00 Replenishing through mountain climbing and disconnecting
18:09 Final advice for leaders carrying too much alone



🔗 Connect with James Miller II | All Things Retreat
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.jamesmiller2.com
🔗 LinkedIn: James Miller II
📘 Facebook: James Miller II
🕊️ X/Twitter: @Subwaysultan



🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Summary
In this episode, Julie Hutton shares her transformative life experiences, insights on lasting change, and the spiritual foundation that guides her work in coaching and retreats. Discover how challenges can lead to growth and the importance of self-love and authenticity.


Takeaways
Lasting transformation occurs through stepping stones and stabilizing each step. 
Success is in the control of the client, not the facilitator. 
Self-love is essential and is not selfish; it fuels genuine service. 
Success should be aligned with one's own definition, not others' expectations. 
Steady, incremental progress leads to permanent change. 
Authentic success is when you feel energized and fulfilled. 
Using universal language makes spiritual concepts accessible to all. 
Self-acceptance is the foundation of true transformation.



Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to Julie Hutton and her background 
02:23 A personal crisis at age 14 and its impact 
05:09 Standing up for her child and life choices 
07:12 Lessons learned from decades of coaching and retreats 
08:27 What creates lasting transformation 
09:45 Mistakes retreat leaders make in creating transformational experiences 
11:58 Defining success and staying true to oneself 
14:56 The role of spirituality and universal language 
16:47 The importance of self-love and acceptance 
18:57 Rapid fire questions: preferences and insights 
19:50 Final words of wisdom and closing remarks 




🔗 Connect with Julie Hutton
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: JulieHutton.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Julie Hutton



🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

Summary
In this episode, Ali Christos shares his journey from business and real estate to spiritual awakening through near-death experiences, and discusses how to sustain transformation beyond retreats. We explore the importance of integration, the power of quantum hypnosis, and practical strategies for lasting change.


Takeaways
The role of near-death experiences in awakening 
The importance of retreat integration for lasting change 
How quantum hypnosis works and its benefits 
Why most retreat experiences fade without proper follow-up 
The significance of personal responsibility in transformation 
Strategies for maintaining high states post-retreat 
The impact of societal attention span on personal growth 
Creating community for ongoing support after retreats 
The difference between a retreat experience and real change 
Practical tools for daily transformation



Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to Ali Christos and his journey 
02:10 Ali's near-death experiences and awakening 
03:31 The impact of material success and spiritual awakening 
05:09 Meeting Lorna Byrne and spiritual guides 
06:37 The importance of retreating within and self-knowledge 
07:49 From ego to authentic self after divorce 
08:48 Quantum hypnosis and past life regression 
10:11 The safety and process of quantum hypnosis 
11:05 Why breakthroughs at retreats often fade 
12:31 Society's shrinking attention span and its effects 
13:32 The difference between a retreat experience and transformation 
17:49 The importance of post-retreat integration 
19:13 Building community for ongoing growth 
20:35 Ali's words on compassion and beliefs that changed 


🔗 Connect with Ali Christos | QHHT with Ali
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: qhhtwithali.com
📸 Instagram: @qhhtwithali
🎵 TikTok: @qhhtwithali


🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

 Summary
Garth Haslem shares insights on authentic strength, leadership, and the importance of retreats for men's growth. Discover how power over force can transform personal and professional life.




Takeaways
The difference between force and power
Signs of structural weaknesses in men
The role of vulnerability in leadership
The importance of retreats for men
Self-governance as true strength
Force creates compliance but often leads to resistance
Self-awareness is key to authentic strength
Men often hide their vulnerabilities behind facades
Retreats provide a safe space for growth and connection
Understanding personality differences enhances relationships



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Garth Haslam and his work
01:56 The concept of power over force versus force
04:05 The importance of self-governance and vulnerability
05:59 Men’s structural weaknesses and signs to watch for
08:00 Leadership styles: Conductor versus sage on the stage
10:00 Force in everyday life: The commute analogy
12:52 Structural cracks in men’s lives and how to notice them
15:54 The impact of stress and exhaustion on men’s behavior
19:00 The role of authenticity and self-awareness in power
21:58 Garth’s retreat property and its purpose
23:13 The importance of deep conversations and retreats
24:06 Closing thoughts and encouragement to pursue growth




🔗 Connect with Garth Haslem | Power Over Force
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: poweroverforce.com
📸 Instagram: @poweroverforce
📘 Facebook: poweroverforce



🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

 Summary
In this episode, Emily Johnson shares her expertise on connecting retreat facilitators with the right venues, understanding hotel and venue needs, and how to effectively collaborate for successful retreats. Holly Porter hosts a conversation that reveals insider secrets for retreat planning and venue selection.




Takeaways
The role of hospitality and wellness in retreat planning
How facilitators can find and select the right venues
The importance of on-site support and venue inspection
Secrets to negotiating with venues and avoiding red flags
The difference between travel advisors and concierge services
Timing and budgeting for retreat venue booking
The matchmaking process between facilitators and venues
Legal and insurance considerations in retreat contracts



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to retreat venue planning and behind-the-scenes considerations
02:27 Emily Johnson's background in hospitality and wellness
04:06 The evolution of wellness in hotels and the rise of retreats
05:22 The fragmentation in the retreat venue market and Emily's matchmaking role
06:36 Opportunities for hotels in the retreat space
07:33 Timing and planning for retreat venue booking
08:27 How facilitators and venues typically connect and where breakdowns occur
09:44 Using questionnaires to align retreat goals with venue options
11:06 Ideal timing for retreat venue booking and early planning
12:25 Key numbers and budget considerations for retreat venue selection
14:00 Understanding the importance of on-site support and venue inspection
18:37 Red flags in venue contracts and what retreat leaders should watch for
20:00 Legal, insurance, and liability considerations in retreat planning
21:24 The value of working with a travel advisor versus a concierge service
22:15 Rapid fire: favorite types of retreats and venues
23:12 The importance of site visits and trusting your venue
24:07 Upcoming panel on wellness and experiential travel at the Independent Hotel show


🔗 Connect with Emily Johnson | Elevate Hospitality Collective
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.elevatehospitalitycollective.com/travel
🔗 LinkedIn: Emily Goretsky Johnson
📸 Instagram: @elevate.wellness.collective
📘 Facebook: Elevate Wellness Collective (Group)
📰 Substack: elevatehospitalitycollective.substack.com


🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 
🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr 
▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation
📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 
📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report
https://internationalretreatassociation.org/