All Things Retreat Podcast

Summary
In this episode, Ashley Gibson, a trauma clinician and organizational consultant, discusses the systemic issues behind retreat burnout, the importance of aftercare, trauma-informed practices, and how retreat leaders can better support themselves and their attendees.




Takeaways
Systemic causes of retreat burnout
Importance of aftercare and pre-care
Trauma-informed retreat practices
Supporting retreat leaders' mental health
Systemic diagnosis and organizational change
Relational nature of burnout
The 'empty cup' myth and its dangers
Strategies for retreat leaders facing personal burnout



Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
01:15 Ashley Gibson's background and expertise
02:12 Why retreat attendees experience exhaustion post-retreat
03:14 The system designed for output, not sustainability
04:23 The importance of aftercare and ongoing support
04:49 The danger of the 'empty cup' myth
06:33 Rethinking service above self and self-care
08:30 What retreat designers are up against with systemic issues
10:00 Diagnosing systemic burnout for effective intervention
10:17 Questions retreat leaders should ask clients pre-retreat
11:54 How retreat leaders can communicate with organizations
13:27 Ashley Gibson's transition from organizational leadership to trauma work
14:49 What it means for a retreat leader to be trauma-informed
16:21 Handling emotional responses and overwhelm during activities
18:38 Supporting retreat leaders with personal burnout
22:22 The importance of community and peer support for retreat leaders
23:31 Self-care strategies for retreat leaders before, during, and after retreats
24:43 Rapid fire: preferences for boundaries, systems, and practices

🔗 Connect with Ashley Gibson | Meaning in Practice
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: meaninginpractice.com/speaking
🔗 LinkedIn: Ashley Gibson — www.linkedin.com/in/ashleycbgibson

Bonus resources to mention:

Free Intent-Impact Index (5-min diagnostic): form.typeform.com/to/GSapbp18
Newsletter: ashleycgibson.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/

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Mort Orman shares his journey from a traditional medical doctor to an expert in stress and anger elimination. Discover practical insights on transforming stress, managing emotions, and integrating wellness into retreats and daily life.




Takeaways
Dr. Mort Orman's journey from traditional medicine to stress elimination expert
The difference between managing and eliminating stress and anger
The role of mindset and internal causes in emotional health
Transformational wellness retreats and their impact
Practical exercises for better listening and emotional awareness
The importance of understanding brain conditioning in stress management
How relationships are affected by internal emotional states
Strategies for integrating stress transformation into daily life


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mort Orman's Background
02:02 From Traditional Medicine to Stress and Anger Elimination
03:58 The Impact of Anger on Health and Relationships
06:07 The Power of Personal Development and Transformation
08:00 Designing Effective Wellness Retreats
10:00 Transformational vs. Management Approaches to Stress
12:00 The Role of Internal Causes in Stress and Anger
13:52 How to Achieve Lasting Emotional Change
15:58 Stress and Anger in High-Pressure Environments
17:55 Relationship Dynamics and Internal Triggers
19:53 Listening and Communication as Tools for Emotional Health
22:03 Simple Exercises That Lead to Big Changes
23:58 Quick Tips: Describing Anger and Managing Reactions
26:03 Final Thoughts and Future of Wellness Retreats


🔗 Connect with Dr. Mort Orman, M.D.
📧 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
🌐 Website: http://docorman.com
🔗 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/docorman
📘 Facebook: http://facebook.com/docorman

🎁 Free gift: Downloadable copy of The Ultimate Method For Dealing With Stress — https://assets.cdn.filesafe.space/H0sRuHLif1coIOZVed4m/media/6a46e9e7eb5101f8dcf0de6d.pdf


🔗 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. Anne Alex shares her transformative journey through medical challenges, the importance of compassion in healing, and how integrating conventional and complementary medicine can enhance well-being. Discover insights on personal resilience, the power of mindset, and practical steps for active health participation.




Takeaways
The connection between healing and environment
Personal experience with medical challenges
The importance of compassion in healthcare
Bridging conventional and complementary medicine
Mindset and beliefs in healing process
The role of retreats in self-discovery
Active participation in health and well-being
The impact of patience and trust in healing
Compassion and empathy are crucial in healthcare and retreats.
Personal health journeys can reshape professional perspectives.
Integrating different medical approaches can support better outcomes.
Stepping away from daily life helps reconnect with inner self.
A calm, peaceful state is a key indicator of healing.



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to healing and retreats
01:13 Guest introduction: Dr. Anne Alex
02:17 Medical system from the patient’s perspective
03:24 The importance of compassion in medicine
05:34 Anne’s medical school experience and health challenges
08:29 Diagnosis and surgeries: a turning point
10:26 The value of complementary medicine
11:09 Knowing when to accept or keep searching
12:52 Beliefs and mindset in healing
13:28 Stepping away for self-connection
14:14 What does a healing experience feel like?
14:48 Encouragement for slow healing processes
15:28 Small actions for active health participation
16:00 Living well through balance
16:38 Inspiration behind the book 'New Pass'
17:09 Key message from 'New Pass'
19:43 Exploring new paths in medicine
20:50 Integrating holistic approaches in healthcare
21:55 Rapid fire: science vs intuition
22:26 One word to describe healing
22:47 Misunderstandings about doctors
23:01 Final words and tips for listeners



🔗 Connect with Anne Alex
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://anne-m-alex.com
🎵 TikTok: @anne.m.alex



🔗 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, Ben Ufana shares insights on transforming retreats from mere inspiration to genuine healing experiences. We explore practices for embodiment, emotional digestion, and effective follow-up to ensure lasting change.




Takeaways
Difference between inspiring and transforming retreats
Role of embodiment and emotional digestion
Practices for emotional awareness and release
Importance of follow-up and reinforcement
Adapting practices for different trauma and conditions
Genuine transformation occurs when participants digest and work through their emotional experiences.
Practicing embodiment helps bridge the gap between mind and body, fostering deeper healing.
Follow-up after retreats is crucial for lasting change, including recordings and check-ins.
Tailoring practices to individual needs, such as trauma or ADHD, enhances effectiveness.
Capturing progress visually, like photos, can motivate and affirm participants' growth.


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben Ufana and the show's focus
01:17 What differentiates inspiring from transformative retreats
02:20 Ben's background and approach to healing practices
03:16 The importance of emotional digestion in healing
04:02 The challenge of information overload and embodiment
05:00 Practices for emotional awareness and bodily sensations
07:00 Progression of feelings and emotional movement
08:00 Adapting practices for trauma and physical conditions
09:28 Tips for ADHD and scattered minds during meditation
13:26 Using physical touch and awareness to bridge mind and body
15:13 Training in Chinese internal martial arts for focus
16:33 The importance of recording and reinforcement post-retreat
17:28 Continuing integration and follow-up strategies
23:43 Using photos to visualize progress and transformation
24:10 Closing remarks and resources



🔗 Connect with Ben Oofana
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: benoofana.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Ben Oofana
📸 Instagram: @benoofana




🔗 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, Allison McCune Davis shares her insights on aging gracefully, building health through natural methods, and embracing life's transitions with purpose and vitality. Holly Porter hosts a conversation that empowers women over 60 to live vibrantly and intentionally.



Takeaways
Redefining aging and mindset shifts
Natural health practices and diet changes
Importance of protein and muscle building after 50
The role of retreats in life transitions
Self-advocacy in healthcare and wellness
Your age is a mindset, not a limit.
Starting healthy habits early benefits longevity.
Retreats can help women find purpose and community.
Protein and muscle are key to mobility and independence.
Self-advocacy is crucial for health care.



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Allison McCune Davis
01:04 Redefining Aging at 60 and Beyond
02:03 How Natural Health Changed Allison’s Life
04:50 Health Mistakes Women Over 50 Make
06:40 The Power of Purpose and Routine
11:01 The Role of Retreats in Life Transitions
13:37 Designing a Retreat for Women Over 60
15:51 The Greatest Contribution Later in Life
17:32 Advice to My 40-Year-Old Self
18:22 Living Well: Fundamentals and Community
20:09 Rapid Fire: Personal Preferences and Tips



🔗 Connect with Allison McCune Davis
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: AllisonMcCuneDavis.com
📸 Instagram: @allison.mccune.davis
📘 Facebook: Allison McCune Davis


🔗 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, Orly Amor shares expert insights on how public speaking can transform your business, fill retreats, and create profitable speaking opportunities. Holly Porter guides the conversation through practical strategies for entrepreneurs and retreat leaders to leverage speaking as a powerful marketing tool.




Takeaways
The importance of public speaking in business growth
Statistics and industry insights for 2026
Defining retreats versus experiential events
Using speaking to fill retreats and build community
How to leverage your network for speaking opportunities
The value of owning your expertise and credibility
Strategies for building a profitable speaking business
The role of masterminds and retreats in business expansion
Effective marketing through community building and webinars
The mindset shift needed to monetize speaking engagements


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Orly Amor
01:51 The Power of Public Speaking
04:12 Statistics and Trends in Public Speaking
06:51 Defining Retreats vs. Events
10:30 Creating a Mastermind or Coaching Group
13:34 First Steps to Start Speaking
20:46 Filling Retreats Through Community Building
24:28 RNR Outro Final.mp4
25:07 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4


🔗 Connect with Orly Amor
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://meetorlyamor.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: Orly Amor
🎵 TikTok: @iamorlyamor
📸 Instagram: @iamorlyamor
📘 Facebook: Orly Amor


The Expert's Guide to Speaking for No Fee, and Monetizing Every Opportunity → https://crm.meetorlyamor.com/speaker-guide


🔗 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, Renae Fieck shares her journey through personal challenges and how understanding hormonal cycles can empower women entrepreneurs to build successful, balanced businesses. Discover practical tips on leveraging your natural rhythms for greater productivity and well-being.


Takeaways
Renae Fieck's personal journey and transformation
The impact of hormonal cycles on productivity and mood
Practical strategies for cycle syncing in business
The importance of rest and seasonal rhythms
Breaking free from burnout and hustle culture



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Feminine Leadership and Resilience
03:31 Transformative Experiences: Redefining Success
06:17 Understanding Hormonal Cycles and Productivity
11:11 Daily Rhythms: Finding Your Peak Productivity
14:22 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
17:38 Practical Steps to Overcome Burnout
21:03 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts
23:22 RNR Outro Final.mp4
24:00 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4


🔗 Connect with Renae Fieck
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://renaefieck.com/
🎵 TikTok: @renaefieck
📸 Instagram: @renaefieck
📘 Facebook: Rising Moms

🎁 Free Audiobook for Cycle Sync Your Business → https://renae-fieck.mykajabi.com/offers/BFXdXMLG/checkout?preview=true

🔗 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, Holly Porter interviews Anthony Dahya about building resilience through a champion mindset, leveraging AI in business, and overcoming personal challenges to achieve success. Discover practical strategies for mindset shifts, AI workflows, and creating lasting success as an entrepreneur.




Takeaways
Champion mindset and resilience
AI workflows and automation in business
Personal journey of overcoming trauma
Shifting identity for success
Practical AI strategies for entrepreneurs
Resilience is built through adversity and leaning into challenges.
A champion mindset involves embracing fear and challenges as growth opportunities.
AI should be integrated into business strategy, not treated as a shiny tool.
Clarity on business problems helps in choosing the right AI tools.
Shifting identity from employee to business owner can transform outcomes.



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Champion Mindset and AI Workflows
02:37 The Journey to a Champion Mindset
08:12 Integrating Mindset with AI Workflows
12:08 Overcoming AI Overwhelm
14:58 Developing a Champion Mindset
17:28 Mindset Barriers for Entrepreneurs
19:05 Staying Grounded in a Tech-Driven World
21:34 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
22:59 RNR Outro Final.mp4
23:37 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4


🔗 Connect with Anthony Dahya | Champion Mindset Collective
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: championmindsetcollective.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Anthony Dahya
🎵 TikTok: @anthonydahya
📸 Instagram: @anthony.dahya
📘 Facebook: anthonydahya


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

Summary
In this episode, Holly Porter interviews Melanie Ireton, a fractional COO and operational strategist, about how retreat leaders can optimize their operations, marketing, and systems to scale their businesses effectively. They discuss the role of a COO, current retreat industry trends, operational mistakes, and how AI can be a game-changer.




Takeaways
Role of a COO in retreat businesses
2026 retreat industry trends and marketing strategies
Common operational mistakes retreat leaders make
Importance of systems and SOPs in retreats
Using AI to streamline retreat operations




Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Melanie Ireton
01:49 Understanding the Role of a COO
03:56 Challenges for Retreat Leaders
05:31 Trends in the Retreat Industry
07:32 Marketing Gaps for Retreat Leaders
09:11 Operational Problems in Retreat Businesses
11:06 Common Operational Mistakes
13:18 Essential Systems for Retreat Leaders
14:56 Preparing for Unexpected Challenges
18:52 Leveraging AI in Retreat Planning
20:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
23:42 RNR Outro Final.mp4
24:20 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4




🔗 Connect with Mel Ireton | Ireton Consulting
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.iretonconsulting.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Mel Ireton
📸 Instagram: @thecoo_room
📘 Facebook: thecooroom




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

Summary
Holly Porter shares her inspiring journey and details about the launch of the International Retreat Association, a new professional organization for retreat leaders and industry professionals. She discusses the industry growth, membership benefits, and her vision for the future of retreats.




Takeaways
The origin story of the International Retreat Association
Industry growth projections and opportunities
Membership benefits and founder's program
The importance of standards and collaboration in the retreat industry
Holly Porter's personal journey and purpose
The retreat industry is projected to reach $363 billion by 2029.
Joining a professional association can elevate your credibility and network.
The International Retreat Association offers affordable, annual memberships.
Early adopters can influence the future programs and initiatives.
The industry needs standards, resources, and collaboration to thrive.



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the International Retreat Association
01:52 Holly's Personal Journey and Near-Death Experience
03:48 The Birth of the International Retreat Association
07:01 The Growth of the Retreat Industry
10:20 Membership Structure and Benefits
12:33 Founding Membership and Future Vision
16:20 Invitation to Join the Community
18:35 RNR Outro Final.mp4
19:13 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4




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