Bucket List Retreats - The Podcast

By Kelly Morgan Merly

It’s a podcast—but it’s also your planning pep talk. Hi, I’m Kelly Morgan Merly, welcome to Bucket List Retreats-The Podcast: We are taking you through the fun and joy that is planning retreats, gr

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FAQs about Bucket List Retreats - The Podcast:

How many episodes does Bucket List Retreats - The Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 49 episodes available.

Bucket List Retreats - The Podcast episodes:

January 30, 2026 The Magic of Not Having to Decide Anything
Why do retreats feel so good — almost magical — even before anything “big” happens?
In this episode of Bucket List Retreats: The Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked reasons retreats are so powerful: you don’t have to decide a damn thing.
From meals to schedules to what’s coming next, retreats remove the constant decision-making we carry every day — often without realizing it. And when that weight drops, your nervous system responds immediately.
I share reflections from my recent retreat in the Dominican Republic, along with research showing how intensive retreats can begin rewiring the brain and body in as little as seven days.
This episode is for retreat goers, retreat leaders, and anyone craving a slower pace, deeper rest, and a reminder that sometimes the most transformative thing you can do… is stop deciding.
🎧 Listen in, exhale, and enjoy the walk.
Links as promised 😘
Article at Scitechdaily.com Researchers Discover Intensive Meditation Retreat Rewires the Brain and Blood in Just 7 Days
By Miles Martin, University of California San DiegoJanuary 26, 2026
https://scitechdaily.com/researchers-discover-intensive-meditation-retreat-rewires-the-brain-and-blood-in-just-7-days/
Spirit Rock
https://www.spiritrock.org/programs/retreats
Dharma Treasure
https://dharmatreasure.org/

Join Kelly on the next Dominican Republic Experience - https://bucketlistretreats.com/dominican-republic
Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/bucketlistretreats
Facebook Group⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/482660177960836⁠⁠⁠
Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats⁠⁠⁠
Tiktok⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketlistretreats⁠⁠⁠⁠
Pinterest⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/BucketListRetreats⁠⁠⁠
Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Bucketlistretreats⁠⁠⁠
Need Travel Inspiration Gifts and Group Shirts for Attendees & Leaders ... we've got it for you on Etsy ⁠BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com⁠
⁠⁠Daily Drop App⁠ https://www.dailydrop.com/pro?via=ma0lty
Spotify Playlist⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qa9uYwKfa959JToF9yrix?si=9rI_L2KVSQ-hwoXM_Acx8w&pi=vVTWjpjdTiSLB⁠⁠
Retreat Blueprint Program
⁠⁠https://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com/sp-rbp-aff-25/?cookieUUID=3ef92189-c79b-482c-939c-382b1ace2be7⁠⁠

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36min
January 22, 2026 Interview with a Friend: A Real Conversation About Psychedelics
In this episode of Bucket List Retreats – The Podcast, Kelly Morgan Merly sits down with longtime friend Karen Talavera, known as The Accidental Seeker, for a real, honest conversation about psychedelics.
Together, they explore curiosity, consciousness, personal growth, and the seeking that often shows up on transformative journeys. This discussion touches on psychedelics in a thoughtful, grounded way — through personal reflection, friendship, and lived experience — without hype, instruction, or agenda.
If you’re curious about psychedelics, conscious exploration, inner growth, and open conversations that go beyond surface-level talk, this episode offers space to listen, reflect, and consider new perspectives.

AccidentalSeeker.com
Johns Hopkins The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research
Third Wave https://thethirdwave.co/
Psychedelics Today https://www.psychedelicstoday.com/

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56min
January 17, 2026 Everyone Needs to Know - Egypt is Calling
Inside Egypt with Mohamed Hossny
Egypt has a way of staying with you.
In this episode, I sit down with Mohamed Hossny, Egyptian guide and friend, for a relaxed, heartfelt conversation about Egypt as it’s experienced from the inside. Not just the famous sites, but the quieter moments, the feelings travelers often struggle to put into words, and what it means to share your home with people who feel called to it.
We talk about seeing Egypt through the eyes of a local guide, what visitors often feel but rarely talk about, and why Egypt leaves a mark that doesn’t fade long after the journey ends.
If Egypt has ever been on your heart — or if you’ve already been and still think about it — this conversation will feel like coming back.
🎧 Settle in and step inside Egypt.

Travel to Egypt with Mo & Kelly https://bucketlistretreats.com/egypt-getaway

Connect with Mo on Socials
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mohamed.hossny.egyptianguide
Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@egyptunlockedbymo
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/egyptunlockedbymo
Mo's Website - Egypt Unlocked https://egypt-unlocked.com/

Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Facebook⁠ ⁠Facebook Group⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/482660177960836⁠⁠
Instagram⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats⁠⁠
Tiktok⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketlistretreats⁠⁠⁠
Pinterest⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/BucketListRetreats⁠⁠
Youtube⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Bucketlistretreats⁠⁠
Need Travel Inspiration Gifts and Group Shirts for Attendees & Leaders ... we've got it for you on Etsy BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com
⁠Daily Drop App
Youtube
Spotify Playlist⁠ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qa9uYwKfa959JToF9yrix?si=9rI_L2KVSQ-hwoXM_Acx8w&pi=vVTWjpjdTiSLB⁠
Retreat Blueprint Program
⁠https://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com/sp-rbp-aff-25/?cookieUUID=3ef92189-c79b-482c-939c-382b1ace2be7⁠

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45min
January 09, 2026You Don’t Need to Be Burned Out Enough to Go on Retreat
Do you wait until you’re completely burned out before going on retreat? Many people think they have to hit rock bottom before they can justify taking time for themselves — but that’s not true! In this episode of Bucket List Retreats – The Podcast, I explore why retreat can be preventative, not reactive, and how choosing it early can help you feel clearer, lighter, and more inspired.
We cover:
Retreat News: Post-apocalyptic glamping retreat in Utah
Retreat Review: Mindspore Retreats in Bali — the real self-love retreat experience
Why waiting for burnout isn’t necessary, and how retreat can be a proactive choice
Next week’s episode sneak peek: The Magic of Not Having to Decide Anything
If this episode resonates, like if you agree, and support the channel by following here on Spotify.
Keep the conversation going …. Join us on Socials!
Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Facebook⁠ ⁠Facebook Group⁠
Instagram⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats⁠⁠
Tiktok⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketlistretreats⁠⁠⁠
Pinterest⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/BucketListRetreats⁠⁠
Youtube⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Bucketlistretreats⁠⁠
Need Travel Inspiration Gifts and Group Shirts for Attendees & Leaders ... we've got it for you on Etsy BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com
⁠Daily Drop App

Spotify Playlist⁠ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qa9uYwKfa959JToF9yrix?si=9rI_L2KVSQ-hwoXM_Acx8w&pi=vVTWjpjdTiSLB⁠
Retreat Blueprint Program - Retreat Training
⁠https://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com/sp-rbp-aff-25/?cookieUUID=3ef92189-c79b-482c-939c-382b1ace2be7⁠
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45min
January 02, 2026 Before You Set New Goals, Listen to This
Why Retreats Aren’t an Escape — They’re a Reset. Retreats often get labeled as an escape—but that’s not what’s really happening. In this episode, we talk about why stepping out of your normal life on purpose creates clarity, relief, and a true internal reset that doesn’t happen at home. A perfect listen for the quiet days at the start of a new year.
Five-season retreat concept to launch at Eha in Estonia in 2026 posted 22 Dec 2025 By Helen Andrews https://www.spabusiness.com/wellness-news/Five-season-retreat-concept-to-launch-at-Eha-in-Estonia-in-2026/361882
Mind Body Energy Retreat The Harmony of the BB Zone https://yogando.style/costa-rica-mind-body-energy/
Keep the conversation going …. Join us on Socials!
Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Facebook⁠ ⁠Facebook Group⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/482660177960836⁠⁠
Instagram⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats⁠⁠
Tiktok⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketlistretreats⁠⁠⁠
Pinterest⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/BucketListRetreats⁠⁠
Youtube⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Bucketlistretreats⁠⁠
Need Travel Inspiration Gifts and Group Shirts for Attendees & Leaders ... we've got it for you on Etsy BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com
Youtube
Spotify Playlist⁠ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qa9uYwKfa959JToF9yrix?si=9rI_L2KVSQ-hwoXM_Acx8w&pi=vVTWjpjdTiSLB⁠
Retreat Blueprint Program TRAINING FOR RETREAT LEADERS
⁠https://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com/sp-rbp-aff-25/?cookieUUID=3ef92189-c79b-482c-939c-382b1ace2be7⁠

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33min
December 12, 2025 The Pre-Holiday Soft Landing — Ease In, Not Cashing or Crashing out
Ease into the season without crashing out. This gentle episode gives you five retreat-style practices to help you slow down, reset, and create your own meaning for this stretch of winter — no matter what you celebrate. Includes Retreat News, a new Retreat Review, and a grounding breath to start your day.
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39min
December 05, 2025 The Real Travel Gift Guide 2025 — No Junk, Just What Works
QiGong
That Mystic/Joya
The Four Agreements
Big Magic
Bird by Bird
Freebies
Santa
Holiday Card
Hanukkah
Journal Link
Watercolor Travel Kit
Powerbank
Packing Cubes
Airbuds
Daypack
Tote Bag
Travel Mug
Aromatherapy roller
Travel Scarf
Daily Drop Pro
Masterclass
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1h 4min
November 28, 2025Stop Rushing Your Trip — Pause Instead (The Secret to Real Transformation)
In this episode, we uncover the simple shift that turns any trip—yes, even a busy sightseeing whirlwind—into an experience that truly nourishes you: The Power of Pause.
✨ Here’s what we dive into:
How rushing steals the transformation you’re actually craving
Practical ways to build intentional “pause moments” into ANY trip
Why slowing down (even just for a minute!) amplifies connection, meaning & joy
The retreat-planning secrets you can use on your next getaway
When you're headed to a bucket-list destination or planning a weekend away, this one shift can completely change how you travel—and how you return home.

🎧 Welcome in and listen now to plan less... feel more… and let transformation actually land.
Here's our promised Links....
Retreat News
Do Luxe Skill-Building Retreats Really Work? I Joined One in Morocco to Find Out by Debbie Gonzalez Canada Nov 24, 2025
https://matadornetwork.com/read/cerene-experience-self-discovery-retreat/

https://www.dailydrop.com/pro?via=ma0lty

Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/bucketlistretreats/⁠
Facebook Group ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/482660177960836⁠
Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats⁠
Tiktok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketlistretreats⁠⁠
Pinterest ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/BucketListRetreats⁠
Youtube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Bucketlistretreats⁠
Need Travel Inspiration Gifts and Group Shirts for Attendees & Leaders ... we've got it for you on Etsy BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com
Youtube
In this jam-packed episode, I’m joined by co-host Frances Star Graham for an inspiring deep dive into QiGong and its place in modern retreats.
Southeast Asia is calling - https://bucketlistretreats.com/southeast-asia-getaway
Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qa9uYwKfa959JToF9yrix?si=9rI_L2KVSQ-hwoXM_Acx8w&pi=vVTWjpjdTiSLB
Retreat Blueprint Program - if you are starting your retreat planning career or have been doing it for years. This course will uplevel your retreats, your professionalism and have your back for years to come.
https://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com/sp-rbp-aff-25/?cookieUUID=3ef92189-c79b-482c-939c-382b1ace2be7
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34min
November 21, 2025 Forget the Turkey — Your Gratitude’s Waiting Somewhere Else
This Thanksgiving, instead of stressing over stuffing and perfect table settings, what if you packed your carry-on and discovered gratitude somewhere breathtaking? In this episode, we’re talking Grateful Getaways—how stepping away from routine (and yes, even the turkey) can help you reconnect, recharge, and actually feel thankful again.
We’ll dive into how travel amplifies appreciation, why group experiences shift perspective, and how small intentional moments on the road lead to big emotional resets. I’ll also share details about a retreat center that focuses on true recharge using modalities like light therapy, movement, and clean eating—plus a little fun Kelly commentary, because of course we go there.
🎧 Tune in if you're craving something more meaningful than mashed potatoes this year.
✈️ Stay if you're ready to plan a getaway that fills your heart, not just your plate.
Hit like if you’ve ever needed a vacation from Thanksgiving, and subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode: The Power of the Pause.

Links mentioned in this weeks episode:
Retreat News & Reviews
Bryn Elise
Rē Precision Center
Travel mugs, group shirts, sweatshirts & totes BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com
Southeast Asia Getaway - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand - 18 Days, Small Group. FEB 2026

Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Keep the conversation going on Socials...
Facebook
Join our Facebook Group
Instagram ⁠
Tiktok
Pinterest
Youtube

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16min
November 14, 2025 Method to our Madness (Retreat Edition)
Welcome back to Bucket List Retreats — The Podcast! Today we’re pulling back the curtain and revealing the Method to Our Madness (Retreat Edition) — the simple, stress-free way we plan unforgettable, transformation-packed getaways.
But first… Retreat News & Reviews ✨
Kelly shares three pre-retreat must-have products she swears by, an absolutely wild once-in-a-lifetime “retreat” contest from Airbnb featuring Grammy/Emmy/Tony winner and 3x Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo (yes, Elphaba herself!), and a stunning retreat center in Ireland to add straight to your bucket list.
Then we jump into today’s main episode: our retreat-planning method — what we do, why it works, and how you can use it to create smoother, richer, more meaningful travel experiences of your own.
Stick around to the end for all our links, resources, and upcoming getaways.
Let’s dive in! 🌍💚

Next week on Bucket List Retreats: GRATEFUL GETAWAYS

Retreat News
Just for Men
Lash Lift
Malibu Hemp Golden Glow Gradual Tan Moisturizer $6 or $7 at Walmart!
Wicked: For Good at Elphaba’s Retreat ⁠https://news.airbnb.com/elphabaswickedretreat/
Retreat Reviews
Wild Hideaways https://wildhideaways.ie/retreats Cork, Ireland
Bucket List Retreats.Com - Come check out our retreats, services, blog and all new Retreat Wear Store!
Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/bucketlistretreats/⁠
Facebook Group ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/482660177960836⁠
Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bucket_list_retreats⁠
Tiktok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketlistretreats⁠⁠
Pinterest ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/BucketListRetreats⁠
Youtube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Bucketlistretreats⁠
Need Travel Inspiration Gifts and Group Shirts for Attendees & Leaders ... we've got it for you on Etsy BucketListRetreats.Etsy.com
Southeast Asia is calling - Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand FEB 2025! https://bucketlistretreats.com/southeast-asia-getaway

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35min

FAQs about Bucket List Retreats - The Podcast:

How many episodes does Bucket List Retreats - The Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 49 episodes available.