Nothing is wrong. Life is good. So why do you still feel a little…blah?

Sometimes we don’t need a whole new life—we just need something in our life to look forward to.

Kelly had spent months anticipating a September RV adventure through the western United States. Then fires, smoke, gas prices and RV repairs pushed the trip off the calendar. Nothing was terribly wrong, but the excitement she had been carrying disappeared with it.

Then one unexpected invitation to a four-day retreat changed her mood almost immediately.

In this episode, Kelly explores why anticipation may be part of the experience itself, why the things we say matter can remain stuck in “someday,” and the difference between escaping your life and choosing an experience that makes you excited to return home and keep that feeling alive.

Also in this episode:

• Retreat News: “Sweat-jetting”—the 2026 travel trend built around running, cycling, yoga retreats and other physical experiences.
• Retreat Review: Run Weekends’ European Sleeper Train Multi-Hop—four countries, four half marathons, sleeper trains, local food and European spas.
• The #PictureTheJoy Photo Contest celebrating one year of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast.

This episode is released on September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of 9/11. We pause at the beginning to remember the lives lost, the families who carry that loss, and the courage and humanity witnessed that day and in the days that followed.

PICTURE THE JOY PHOTO CONTEST

Share a photo and short story from a trip, retreat or everyday moment that brought you joy. Use #PictureTheJoy, tag two friends, and follow and tag @bucketlistretreatstm and @heartstocabi.

The contest runs through September 30. Chris Beagle of cAbi is sponsoring a $100 cAbi gift certificate for the winner, selected October 1. Find the official contest post on Instagram for complete details.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Vogue: “Sweat-jetting” Is the Hottest New Travel Trend
https://www.vogue.com/article/sweatjetting-travel-trend

Paywall Skipper
https://paywallskipper.com

Run Weekends: European Sleeper Train Multi-Hop
https://www.runweekends.com/europemultihop

Follow Bucket List Retreats on Instagram
https://instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm

Follow Chris Beagle of cAbi
https://instagram.com/heartstocabi

EXPLORE BUCKET LIST RETREATS

Website
https://bucketlistretreats.com

Podcast
https://bucketlistretreats.com/podcast

Find Your Happy Again Women’s Retreat—Dominican Republic, January 2027
https://bucketlistretreats.com/dominican-republic

Facebook
https://facebook.com/bucketlistretreats

A bucket list isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about the experiences that make you feel fully alive.

If not now, when?

Why do so many of us feel lonely when we’re more connected than ever?

In this episode of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, Kelly Morgan Merly explores the power of shared experiences—and why meaningful connection, shared laughter, adventure and simply doing something together can give us what scrolling never will.

Research suggests that even a simple experience can feel more powerful when we share it with someone else. It can begin with a walk, a class, lunch with a friend or one small invitation.

In this episode:

• Why being connected isn’t the same as feeling connected
• How shared experiences can make joyful moments feel even better
• Why doing something together helps conversation and connection grow naturally
• How retreats create belonging among women who arrive as strangers
• Why a meaningful connection doesn’t have to last forever to be real
• The unexpected advantage of attending a retreat alone
• Simple ways to create more shared experiences in everyday life
• Why your bucket list should include feelings, people and experiences—not only destinations

Plus, Kelly shares exciting news about attending a four-day Colorado retreat, explores Lonely Planet’s seven best wellness retreats in the United States and reviews The Provence Retreat using the 5 B’s of Choosing a Retreat: Basics, Beauty, Benefits, Believability and Belonging.

Because a bucket list isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about the experiences that make you feel fully alive—and the people who help make those experiences unforgettable.

YOUR LITTLE ASSIGNMENT:

Think of someone you keep saying you “should” make plans with. Send her this episode and replace “we should” with a date on the calendar.

#PICTURETHEJOY PHOTO CONTEST

We’re celebrating one year of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast throughout September!

Share a photo and the story of a moment, adventure or meaningful experience that brought you joy. Use #PictureTheJoy and follow and tag both @bucketlistretreatstm and @heartstocabi so we can find your entry.

One participant will receive a $100 cAbi gift certificate, generously sponsored by Chris Beagle of cAbi. Kelly and Chris will select the winner on October 1.

FOLLOW & EXPLORE:

Bucket List Retreats:
https://bucketlistretreats.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm/

Hearts to cAbi:
https://www.instagram.com/heartstocabi/

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Lonely Planet—The 7 Best Wellness Retreats in the United States:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/wellness-retreats-usa

The Provence Retreat:
https://theprovenceretreat.com/pages/itinerary

WHO Commission on Social Connection:
https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection

Shared Experiences Are Amplified study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25274583/

What shared experience still makes you smile every time you remember it? Tell us in the comments!

If not now, when?

#SharedExperiences #Lonliness

Can astrology and Human Design reveal your life purpose—or help you recognize the clues that have been there all along?

Lace up your running shoes, grab the dog’s leash, or pour another cup of coffee, because today we’re taking a fun, slightly “woo,” and surprisingly meaningful look at astrology, Human Design, and finding your purpose.

After having my charts read, one phrase stopped me in my tracks: Left Angle Cross of Healing.

Was I always meant to create Bucket List Retreats?

I’m not saying the stars designed my business plan—and I certainly don’t recommend letting Aries Kelly make every major decision without sleeping on it first! But my charts gave me new language for something I’ve felt for more than 20 years.

In this episode, we explore:

✨ The patterns that may be pointing toward your purpose
✨ What people repeatedly come to you for—and why it matters
✨ The difference between chasing a calling and recognizing one
✨ What my astrology and Human Design revealed
✨ How a gathering around my kitchen table may have been my first Bucket List Retreat

Plus, in Retreat News, we’re talking about the $364 billion wellness retreat industry—and the burnout fueling its growth.

Then, during Retreat Reviews, we apply the 5 B’s™ of Choosing a Retreat—Basics, Beauty, Benefits, Believability, and Belonging—to Wild Grounded Retreats, a nature-based women’s wellness retreat in Ontario.

This isn’t about letting astrology tell you who you are. It’s about noticing the patterns, dreams, experiences, and repeated requests that may already be showing you.

What do people keep coming to you for?

Come tell me on Instagram. I read every message and comment!

🎉 FIRST-ANNIVERSARY PHOTO CONTEST

Share a photo of a moment when you chose joy using #PictureTheJoy for your chance to win a $100 cAbi gift certificate from Chris Beagle!

The contest runs September 1–30, 2026. Visit Instagram for complete details:

Bucket List Retreats:
https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm/

Chris Beagle of cAbi:
https://www.instagram.com/hearstocabi/

LINKS FROM TODAY’S EPISODE

Forbes: Wellness Retreats Are a $364 Billion Industry—Burnout Is Why
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhernholm/2026/07/21/wellness-retreats-are-a-364-billion-industry-burnout-is-why/

Wild Grounded Retreats:
https://www.wildgroundedretreats.ca/

CONNECT WITH BUCKET LIST RETREATS

Website:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/

Listen or watch:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/podcast

Find Your Happy Again Women’s Retreat:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/dominican-republic

Follow Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts—and share this episode with someone searching for the clues to their own purpose.

A bucket list isn’t just about places to go. It’s about the experiences that help you reconnect with yourself and feel fully alive.

If not now, when?

What is the one thing you could talk about for hours—even when nobody asked?

In this episode of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, Kelly Morgan Merly explores how almost any passion, skill, interest, or community could inspire an immersive retreat or bucket list experience.

We’re talking about real people gathering in a real place to experience something they genuinely love.

Kelly shares how a simple interest can become something extraordinary when you add atmosphere, connection, participation, and a story guests can become part of.

• How a personal passion can become an immersive retreat or group experience
• Why a retreat doesn’t have to begin with yoga—or even a destination
• How to help people step inside something you love
• Why you don’t have to be an expert teacher to create an experience
• Turning books, food, music, art, nature, hobbies, and shared interests into unforgettable adventures
• The difference between talking about your passion and allowing others to experience it

RETREAT NEWS: We visit the newly opened Nomade Temple Ibiza, where wellness, music, gastronomy, art, creativity, nature, and stargazing are designed into the experience.

Euronews article:
https://www.euronews.com/travel/2026/08/18/this-stunning-new-retreat-focusing-on-wellness-music-and-gastronomy-just-opened-in-ibiza

Explore Nomade Temple Ibiza:
https://www.nomadetemple.com/special-offers-global

RETREAT REVIEW:

Kelly applies The 5 B’s™ of Choosing a Retreat—Basics, Beauty, Benefits, Believability, and Belonging—to the Veda By Sonia women’s wellness retreat in Michigan.

Watch the television interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf6l9C_CgAM

Explore the retreat:
https://retreat.vedabysonia.com/

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Carla Biesinger - Free Instagram Master Course https://blr--carlabiesinger.thrivecart.com/ists-vip-masterclass/609a4a26385e5/

Join Kelly on the next Dominican Republic Experience  -  ⁠Find Your Inner Happy Again Womens Retreat ⁠

Now we want to hear from you: What are you passionate about, and what kind of experience could it become? Give us the fun idea, the unusual idea, or the experience you would immediately attend if someone created it.

Share your idea in the comments—and send this episode to someone who may be sitting on an unforgettable experience without realizing it yet.

A bucket list isn’t just about places to go. It’s about the experiences that make you feel fully alive.

Follow Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, follow, comment, and share it with a fellow dreamer.

Explore Bucket List Retreats®:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/

Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm/

Think an Italian art retreat is only for “real artists”? Think again.

In this episode of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, Kelly Morgan Merly travels—at least conversationally—to the heart of Umbria, Italy, with Cynthia Morgan of Umbrian Art Retreats for Italy Lovers.

Cynthia shares how a love of travel, an Italian villa, a printing press, and creative synergy grew into immersive art retreats where guests don’t simply visit Italy—they leave feeling like they have friends there.

We go behind the villa doors to talk about:

• What makes an Italian art retreat so special
• Why you don’t need to consider yourself an artist to attend
• Creating alongside artists from around the world
• The magic of experiencing authentic everyday life in Umbria
• Traveling solo and finding the courage to try something new
• Turning retreat guests into future retreat teachers
• The reality of profitable, break-even, canceled, and money-losing retreats
• Why a large following doesn’t guarantee a sold-out experience
• What Cynthia has learned about collaboration, marketing, and trusting her instincts

Cynthia is refreshingly honest about both sides of the retreat dream: the creativity, community, food, wine, and beautiful Italian setting—and the business behind making it happen.

Her message is simple: stop waiting until everything is perfect. Buy the ticket, make room for the experiences that feed your soul, and don’t let “I’m not an artist” keep you from exploring your creativity.

Cynthia from Umbrian Art Retreats for Italy Lovers

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/spritzandsatire

Facebook Group:
https://facebook.com/groups/umbrianartretreatsforitalylovers

EXPLORE CYNTHIA’S 2027 & 2028 RETREATS AT THE VILLA

Medieval Illumination Retreat:
https://tinyurl.com/BookIlluminationRetreat

Gelliprint & Collage Retreat:
https://tinyurl.com/GelliprintandCollageRetreat

Lino Print Retreat:
https://tinyurl.com/LinoPrintRetreat

Printmaking Retreat:
https://tinyurl.com/PrintmakingRetreat

FOLLOW BUCKET LIST RETREATS The Podcast on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Visit https://bucketlistretreats.com

COME WITH US THIS WINTER TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BucketListRetreats.com/Dominican-Republic

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, subscribe on YouTube, and share this episode with someone dreaming of Italy.

Carla Beisinger IG Coach

Instagram Secrets To Success:
https://blr--carlabiesinger.thrivecart.com/ists-vip-masterclass/

Free Instagram Master Course:
https://blr--carlabiesinger.thrivecart.com/ists-vip-masterclass/609a4a26385e5/

#ItalianArtRetreat #ItalyRetreat #UmbriaItaly

Have you ever found a retreat that looked beautiful—then wondered, “Is this actually worth the money?”

Choosing a retreat involves more than finding a gorgeous destination or exciting itinerary. You’re investing your money, energy, time off, and a meaningful piece of your life. How can you tell which retreat is right for you?

In Episode 1043 of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, Kelly Morgan Merly introduces The 5 B’s™ of Choosing a Retreat—a practical framework for comparing retreat experiences and booking with confidence.

THE 5 B’S™ OF CHOOSING A RETREAT

Basics — Are the who, what, where, when, why, and how clearly explained?

Beauty — Does the invitation reflect the care behind the retreat?

Benefits — Is the value clear, and what’s included?

Believability — Do you trust the retreat leaders and their promises?

Belonging — Can you picture yourself there, especially if attending alone?

Kelly puts the framework into action by reviewing Into Stillness: A Yin & Restorative Retreat from SUP YO Adventures. Discover how its sales page scores and what to consider before booking a wellness retreat, women’s retreat, yoga retreat, or transformational travel experience.

PLUS IN RETREAT NEWS:

OpenAI invited approximately 30 creators to a luxury “summer camp” in New York’s Hudson Valley. The influencer retreat included educational sessions, dining, gifts, and beekeeping—but quickly drew criticism. Kelly explores what the backlash teaches retreat leaders and brands about trust, transparency, and alignment.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How to choose a retreat you won’t regret
• What to look for on a retreat sales page
• How to compare prices, inclusions, and value
• Why retreat-leader credibility matters
• What helps solo guests feel welcome
• Questions to ask before booking

Which of The 5 B’s™ matters most to you? Leave a comment and tell us!

EPISODE LINKS

Find Your Happy Again Women’s Retreat:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/dominican-republic

Into Stillness Retreat:
https://www.supyoadventures.com/tour-item/into-stillness-a-yin-and-restorative-retreat-bartlett-nh/

Business Insider article:
https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-creators-retreat-upstate-new-york-backlash-2026-8

CONNECT WITH BUCKET LIST RETREATS

Website:
https://bucketlistretreats.com

Podcast:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/podcast

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/bucketlistretreats

Subscribe on YouTube, follow the podcast, and share this episode with someone dreaming of creating—or attending—a retreat.

A bucket list isn’t just about places you go. It’s about experiences that make you feel fully alive.

#BucketListRetreats #RetreatPodcast #WellnessRetreat #WomensRetreat

What if your bucket list has almost nothing to do with travel?

Somewhere along the way, we turned bucket lists into lists of destinations—Paris, Machu Picchu, an African safari, the Northern Lights. Those are incredible dreams, but what if the place isn’t actually what we’re searching for?

In this episode of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, Kelly explores why a meaningful bucket list is less about passport stamps and more about the experiences that make you feel fully alive.

It might be learning to paint, writing a book, sleeping beneath the stars, reconnecting with someone you love—or finally saying yes to something you’ve been afraid to do.

Because years later, we rarely remember every detail of the destination. We remember how we felt, who we became, and the moments that changed us.

This episode also includes:

• Stories from Kelly’s return home to Alaska
• Retreat News: Sheri Rosenthal passes the Wanderlust Entrepreneur torch to Jake Sasseville of Imiloa Institute
• Retreat Review: A luxury women’s horseback riding and wellness retreat in Barbados
• Why a beautiful retreat deserves a beautiful invitation
• The difference between a travel bucket list and a meaningful life list
• How retreats reconnect us with versions of ourselves we may have forgotten

What is one thing on your bucket list that has absolutely nothing to do with travel?

Tell us in the YouTube comments or send Kelly a message. Your answer might inspire someone else to finally say yes to theirs.

LINKS & RESOURCES

🌴 Find Your Happy Again Women’s Retreat:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/dominican-republic

🌎 Retreats, planning services, blog and retreat wear:
https://bucketlistretreats.com

🎙️ Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast:
https://bucketlistretreats.com/podcast

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistretreatstm/

🧳 Retreat Blueprint Program:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__gs227.isrefer.com_go_rbpkm_KellyM_&d=DwIDaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=ri0U8ylMTveoT9Fw9X8Jy75mKBDQ4winOjglANmthOs&m=NO3Z5uuIuEUUG9F87FvkUaUa4lwXePpgUQyY07nOEqIGGCKFwvRbjkrNfnYVvbL_&s=QoZtrYFHKas2oMnI9GrYWmiPQRIqyCgFGALJzmY_aTs&e=

RETREAT NEWS & REVIEW

Wanderlust Entrepreneur:
https://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com

Imiloa Institute:
https://imiloainstitute.com

Ladies’ Luxury Wellness Escape:
https://www.barbadosequestrianexperience.com/signature-stays/ladies-luxury-wellness-escape
Kerianne Cartmer-Edwards - Designer https://unforgettableimpact.com/

Have you ever come home from a vacation feeling like you needed another vacation?

This isn't that.

✨ Learn more or schedule a conversation about the Find Your Happy Again ~ Women's Retreat in Samaná, Dominican Republic.

In this special episode, I'm joined by retreat co-hosts Frances Graham and Adriani Lobo as we take you behind the scenes of our Find Your Happy Again Women's Retreat, happening January 17–24, 2027, at the breathtaking Zâria Eco Retreat Center on the lush Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic.

Together, we share why this beautiful jungle sanctuary captured our hearts, what makes this retreat so different from a typical vacation, and how eight days away from everyday responsibilities can help you reconnect with the version of yourself that's been waiting to come out and play.

During this retreat you'll experience:
🌿 A stunning eco-retreat surrounded by nature
🌊 Beautiful beaches and waterfalls
✨ Optional wellness experiences and daily QiGong
🍽️ Delicious chef-prepared meals
🤍 Time to rest, connect, laugh, and simply be
🌴 Excursions, adventure, and plenty of free time to enjoy it your way

One of the things we love most about this retreat is that everything is optional. Whether you're craving adventure, relaxation, meaningful conversations, or quiet moments to yourself, this week is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

If you've been taking care of everyone else for far too long, maybe it's finally time to do something just for you.

We'd love to have you join us.

📍 Find Your Happy Again Women's Retreat
🗓️ January 17–24, 2027
📍 Samaná, Dominican Republic

You've built a beautiful life... but have you been putting yourself last?

You don't have to be burned out, overwhelmed, or at a breaking point to benefit from a retreat. In this episode of Bucket List Retreats – The Podcast, Kelly explores five subtle signs that it may be time to step away—not to escape your life, but to reconnect with it.

If you've been saying, "After this project..." or "After life slows down..." this conversation is for you.

You'll discover:
• Why you don't have to wait for burnout
• The hidden cost of living in "after"
• How retreats create space for clarity, joy, and purpose
• Why taking care of yourself isn't something you should postpone

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself isn't more time—it's the space to truly be present.

🌎 Learn more about Bucket List Retreats
BucketListRetreats.com

📱 Follow us for travel inspiration, retreat ideas, and behind-the-scenes adventures
Instagram: @bucketlistretreatstm
Facebook: Bucket List Retreats

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need this reminder today.

🇺🇸 Happy Birthday, USA! 🇺🇸

This Fourth of July, we're asking a different kind of question...

What does freedom really mean to you?

Is it a passport full of stamps? A career you love? Time with family? The courage to start over? Or maybe it's finally giving yourself permission to slow down.

In this special Independence Day episode of Bucket List Retreats – The Podcast, Kelly shares personal stories, reflections, and one simple question that might change the way you think about freedom—not only as a nation, but in your own life.

Because sometimes the greatest adventure isn't the next destination... it's creating a life that feels free.

✨ We'd love to hear your answer! Connect with us on social media or leave a review and let us know...

What does freedom mean to YOU?

🌍 Bucket List Retreats
https://bucketlistretreats.com

📸 Instagram
https://instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats

📘 Facebook
https://facebook.com/bucketlistretreats

🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Until next time...
Keep exploring, keep retreating, and keep checking those adventures off your bucket list.