StarrCast

The future of wellness is global, collaborative, and human-centered.

In this Starrcast Podcast episode, host Lisa Starr sits down with Diego Carrete, Professor Meng-Mei "Maggie" Chen, and Dr. Jiri Dvorak to preview the Global Wellness Summit 2025, where science, culture, and leadership converge to redefine the meaning of wellbeing.

Together, they explore how innovation, education, and empathy will shape the wellness economy of tomorrow, from precision medicine and hospitality transformation to cross-industry collaboration.

• How corporate wellness programs are evolving from benefits to business strategy.

• The new role of education and cultural intelligence in building inclusive global wellness systems.

• Why data-driven longevity is redefining healthcare, prevention, and mobility.

• How hospitality is transforming into a force for social connection and emotional well-being.

• Why empathy, collaboration, and innovation must guide the future of the wellness industry.

• 00:00 – How the Global Wellness Summit is shaping the future of longevity and leadership

• 05:30 – Diego Carrete on building a culture of wellness in the corporate world

• 12:40 – How data, purpose, and accountability fuel sustainable wellbeing programs

• 20:55 – The new economics of wellness and the rise of cross-sector collaboration

• 32:05 – Professor Maggie Chen on hospitality as a driver of human connection

• 40:10 – Education as the invisible infrastructure of the wellness economy

• 46:15 – Dr. Jiri Dvorak on the link between movement, cognitive health, and longevity

• 53:25 – Why collaboration across medicine, design, and education defines the next wellness era

Diego Carrete is Chief Wellness Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank and Co-Chair of GWS25. As one of the region's foremost advocates for integrative leadership and corporate wellness, he is known for bridging strategy and wellbeing in the global business landscape.

Professor Meng-Mei "Maggie" Chen is an Associate Professor at EHL, and author of the book Hospitality Vibes. Her work focuses on the future of wellness education, cultural empathy, and "glocal" innovation.

Dr. Jiri Dvorak, Neurologist, Senior Advisor to BDMS Wellness Clinic, Bangkok, and Research Strategy Consultant, is a global authority in sports medicine and longevity science. His research and leadership have redefined how data, mobility, and lifestyle contribute to cognitive and physical vitality.

• Global Wellness Incubator Model — fostering cross-sector collaboration and innovation.

• Precision Wellness Framework — integrating data analytics and personalized prevention strategies.

• "Glocal" Education Paradigm — merging global wellness standards with local cultural wisdom.

"Wellness is no longer a luxury, it's an infrastructure for thriving societies." – Lisa Starr

The Global Wellness Summit 2025 will bring together leaders in medicine, business, and education to reimagine wellbeing as the foundation of economic and social progress.

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Visit Global Wellness Summit: https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2025-global-wellness-summit-3/

Connect with Diego Carrete: linkedin.com/in/diegocarrete

Connect with Professor Meng-Mei "Maggie" Chen: linkedin.com/in/mengmeichen

Connect with Dr. Jiri Dvorak: linkedin.com/in/profjiridvorak

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness,

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226

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What if aging could be redefined, not as decline, but as evolution?

In this episode, Nancy Griffin, founder of Glowing Older, joins host Lisa Starr to explore the emerging longevity movement and what it really means to age with vitality, purpose, and community. From wellness innovation to anti-ageism in the spa industry, Nancy shares how we can transform aging into an empowering, joyful stage of life, one grounded in self-care, connection, and balance.

• How the wellness industry can reclaim its original mission: nurturing mind, body, and spirit, not just beauty.

• What "aging in place" truly means, and why it's more about community and connection than just staying home.

• The global longevity shift and what the Agetech revolution means for independence and healthspan.

• How to dismantle ageism and redesign wellness spaces for inclusivity across generations.

• Why joy, purpose, and mindset are the real longevity "biohacks."

• 00:00 – Why "Glowing Older" became a movement, not just a podcast

• 06:45 – How COVID sparked global conversations about longevity

• 13:10 – Rethinking aging in place and building communities that connect

• 20:35 – How loneliness impacts longevity as much as smoking

• 28:50 – Ageism in wellness: why "anti-aging" needs to go

• 36:15 – Agetech innovations reshaping independence and safety

• 43:20 – The spa industry's role in the new longevity economy

• 48:35 – Finding joy, balance, and purpose as the ultimate longevity tools

Nancy Griffin is the founder of Glowing Older, a pioneering podcast and platform at the intersection of aging, wellness, and community. A Cornell graduate and longtime wellness industry strategist, Nancy's mission is to educate and inspire both professionals and consumers on redefining aging, with optimism, purpose, and humanity.

• Agetech Collaborative (AARP) – advancing technology that empowers aging independence.

• WHO Anti-Ageism Framework – addressing internal bias, policy, and intergenerational connection.

• Blue Zones & Ikigai Philosophy – longevity lessons from purpose-driven living.

• Joy Span Framework (Dr. Carrie Burnight) – measuring how much joy you create daily.

"Aging is inevitable, decline is optional." – Nancy Griffin

Nancy reminds us that longevity isn't about adding years to life, it's about adding life to years. With balanced habits, lifelong curiosity, and a little joy every day, we can all redefine what it means to age well.

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The fitness and wellness revolution is transforming Saudi Arabia, and FIBO Arabia 2025 is at the center of it.

In this episode of the Starrcast Podcast, host Lisa Starr takes you behind the scenes at the first-ever FIBO Arabia event in Riyadh to uncover how vision, entrepreneurship, and cultural transformation are reshaping the region's wellness economy. From boutique studios and luxury health clubs to female empowerment and data-driven innovation, this conversation reveals how the Middle East is redefining what "wellness for all" truly means.

• From law to Pilates: How Dina Elshurafa turned her legal career into a thriving boutique fitness brand, Reform Athletica, and what it takes to scale in a new market.

• Cultural innovation in fitness: How Louise Whiles and Matthew Graham are adapting global wellness concepts to meet the needs of Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing audience.

• Building wellness economies: Insights into the investment, training, and retention strategies shaping the region's next generation of fitness professionals.

• The business of transformation: Susan Turner shares how Saudi's Vision 2030 is empowering women, driving entrepreneurship, and redefining community health.

• A region in motion: Why the Middle East's wellness expansion represents one of the most dynamic market opportunities in global hospitality and lifestyle sectors.

• 00:00 – On location at FIBO Arabia: a new era for fitness in Saudi Arabia
• 04:10 – Dina Elshurafa on leaving law for wellness and building Reform Athletica
• 13:45 – Louise Whiles on inclusive design and empowering women through fitness
• 25:20 – Matthew Graham on leadership, local training, and integrated wellness ecosystems
• 39:05 – Susan Turner on the evolution of Saudi wellness and Vision 2030
• 51:30 – Collaboration, innovation, and the wellness economy's new frontier
• 1:04:40 – How Saudi Arabia is shaping the global fitness conversation
• 1:10:20 – Closing reflections: redefining wellness, access, and human potential

Dina Elshurafa – Founder of Reform Athletica, a luxury boutique fitness brand blending Pilates, TRX, and strength training with a community-focused philosophy.

Louise Whiles – Director of Operations at Reform Athletica, and a former professional dancer, specializing in movement-based programming and performance coaching.

Matthew Graham – General Manager of Core Life, a regional social wellness company integrating spa, performance, recovery, and lifestyle data science across the Middle East.

Susan Turner – Saudi-based wellness consultant and industry pioneer who helped launch the Kingdom's first female fitness centers and expand Pure Gym's footprint across the GCC.

• Reform Athletica Method™ – A boutique training system combining Pilates, barre, and functional movement.

• Core Life Ecosystem – A holistic model integrating fitness, nutrition, recovery, and behavioral insights.

• Vision 2030 Wellness Framework – Saudi Arabia's strategic plan for health, well-being, and inclusivity.

• Precision Health Models – The intersection of DNA testing, AI, and personalized wellness programming.

"We're not just opening gyms, we're opening doors for transformation." – Susan Turner

FIBO Arabia 2025 isn't just an event; it's a milestone in the Middle East's wellness journey. Through entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and innovation, Saudi Arabia is redefining what the global wellness future looks like.

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Know more about FIBO Arabia: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiboshow-arabia/

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness,

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How is China redefining wellness travel and reshaping the global spa industry?

In this episode of the Starrcast Podcast, host Lisa Starr sits down at the Spa China Summit with Michael Branham, General Manager of the Four Seasons Suzhou, and Jonas Schurman, Board Member of Reformosa and longtime Mandarin Oriental executive. Together, they unpack how wellness has evolved from spa treatments to a lifestyle driver that shapes hospitality strategy, guest experience, and revenue performance.

Listeners will gain a first-hand look at how second-tier Chinese cities are setting global wellness trends, why younger Chinese travelers are becoming wellness trendsetters, and what the future of hospitality will look like when AI, sleep science, rehab, and family well-being converge.

• The shift from "spa treatments" to wellness as a lifestyle in luxury hospitality.

• Why China's younger generation is leading global wellness demand.

• The role of spa and wellness in driving ADR and length of stay in hotels.

• Insights into family wellness, pet-friendly hospitality, and immersive cultural retreats.

• How **emerging innovations, AI, robotics, sleep programs, and rehab services, **may transform the spa industry.

00:00 – How Michael's 28-year Four Seasons journey shaped his wellness perspective 09:15 – What wellness really means beyond spa treatments 18:40 – Inside the Four Seasons Chiang Rai Tented Camp experience 28:05 – Why Suzhou is a "second-tier city" driving first-class wellness 36:55 – The rise of younger Chinese travelers as wellness trendsetters 45:20 – Family-friendly wellness, pet programs, and immersive experiences 52:10 – Jonas Schurman on ADR, profitability, and the business case for wellness 01:00:05 – Future innovations: sleep, rehab, AI, and personalization in hospitality

Michael Branham – General Manager at Four Seasons Suzhou with nearly three decades in luxury hospitality, spanning Tokyo, Bali, Chiang Mai, and Hangzhou. Known for integrating spa innovation and cultural authenticity into resort experiences.

Jonas Schurman – Board Member at Reformosa, a global real estate development company, and former Mandarin Oriental executive. With decades of leadership in luxury hospitality, Jonas is a recognized expert on the financial value of wellness in hotels.

• Visiting Practitioner Model – rotating healers, teachers, and wellness experts.

• Wellness-Driven ADR – how spa offerings increase average daily rate and guest loyalty.

• Family & Pet Wellness – expanding wellness to kids, parents, and even pets.

• AI & Robotics in Wellness – personalization, wearable tech, and after-hours treatments.

"Wellness is no longer optional; it's the heart of luxury hospitality. The properties bold enough to innovate in sleep, rehab, and family well-being will lead the next wave of global travel."

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Learn More About Michael Branham: hthttps://press.fourseasons.com/suzhou/hotel-team/michael-branham.htmltps://my.linkedin.com/in/gerrybodeker

Contact Jonas Schuermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-schuermann-46b86315/

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness,

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226

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Wellness travel is no longer a luxury; it's a movement.

In this episode of the Starrcast Podcast, host Lisa Starr explores the rise of boutique wellness retreats with industry veterans Sallie Fraenkel and Wendy Bosalovage, the co-founders of Redbird House in the Catskills of New York.

From building a three-story retreat property during COVID to curating transformative guest experiences, Sallie and Wendy share how they turned a plot of land into one of the most buzzworthy destinations in wellness travel, and what their story reveals about the future of retreats, hospitality, and community-driven health.

• The business of transformation – How Redbird House balances creative retreat design with a solid revenue model that includes proprietary programming, Airbnb rentals, and partnerships with outside retreat leaders.

• Designing for impact – Why the "built environment" and guest experience planning are as critical as the retreat programming itself.

• Creating conditions for transformation – Practical insights into pricing, capacity planning, and delivering value while fostering authentic personal growth.

• Trends in wellness travel – The rise of specialty retreats (menopause, conscious leadership, urban day retreats) and why segmentation is the next growth frontier.

• Leadership lessons – How two seasoned wellness professionals navigated risk, uncertainty, and creative collaboration to build a thriving business during a global pandemic.

00:00 – Why wellness retreats are booming beyond the traditional spa visit 05:30 – Sallie's journey from entertainment to wellness entrepreneurship 12:40 – Wendy's path from fashion to corporate wellness and spa development 20:15 – The serendipitous story behind the Redbird House name and design 28:05 – Building a three-story retreat home during the challenges of COVID 36:20 – How Redbird House creates "conditions for transformation" in every retreat 44:10 – Pricing strategy and the business model behind a successful wellness retreat 50:25 – Future trends: menopause retreats, urban day programs, and the global retreat economy

Meet the Guests:

Sallie Fraenkel is President of MindBodySpirit Network, an event curator and wellness consultant who has organized over 55 industry networking experiences and worked with leading properties like Canyon Ranch, Rancho La Puerta, and Retreat Costa Rica.

Wendy Bosalovage is President of The Wellbeing Collective and a longtime spa and wellness strategist known for her expertise in operational design, new business development, and creating transformative built environments.

Together, they co-founded Redbird House, a boutique wellness retreat destination in Bethel, New York, dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves through community, curated programming, and playful-yet-profound experiences.

• MindBodySpiritCamp seasonal retreat series for summer programs

• "Middle Cappuccino Layer" Retreat Design – a unique metaphor for balancing depth and playfulness

• Synergy Retreat Show – a global gathering of wellness and retreat leaders influencing the next wave of wellness travel

"We create the conditions, but transformation is an inside job." – Sallie Fraenkel

Redbird House proves that with vision, collaboration, and careful planning, wellness retreats can be both meaningful and profitable. Explore upcoming retreats or learn more at redbirdhouseny.com and discover how intentional spaces can unlock connection, creativity, and personal growth.

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Contact Sallie Fraenkel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salliefraenkel

Contact Wendy Bosalavage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-nierel-bosalavage-1001287/

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness,

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226

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Microplastics aren't just an environmental problem; they're a hidden human health crisis.

In this eye-opening episode of the Starrcast Podcast, host Lisa Starr speaks with Dr. Gerry Bodeker (Oxford public health researcher and Global Wellness Institute leader) and Trent Munday (Senior Vice President International, Mandara Spa) about the alarming presence of microplastics in our air, food, water, and even our brains. Discover how these invisible particles impact mental wellness, what new science reveals about Alzheimer's and inflammation, and how AI-powered tools are helping track and fight this global threat.

• The hidden pathways of exposure – How microplastics enter the body through air, water, food, and everyday objects like car tires and kitchen utensils.

• The brain connection – Groundbreaking research linking microplastic accumulation to Alzheimer's disease and neurological decline.

• Practical defenses – Simple actions to reduce personal exposure, from boiling water to replacing common household items.

• Global policy & wellness implications – Why the UN Plastics Treaty failed to cap production and how wellness leaders can drive health-focused advocacy.

• AI for public health – How the new Microplastics Watch Initiative and AI tools are transforming massive data streams into actionable insights.

03:15 – A shocking Nature Medicine study finds 10x more plastic in Alzheimer's brains 12:40 – The surprising top source of airborne microplastics: car tires 21:05 – Why boiling water can reduce microplastics by up to 90% 29:18 – Everyday habits that accelerate microplastic ingestion and absorption 38:52 – Inside the UN Plastics Treaty debate: capping production vs. recycling 47:36 – The birth of the Microplastics Watch Initiative and AI-powered research tools 56:10 – Wellness action steps: from spa operations to personal lifestyle choices

Dr. Gerry Bodeker is a public health researcher with two decades at Oxford University, adjunct professor at Columbia, and co-chair of the Global Wellness Institute's Mental Wellness Initiative.

Trent Munday is Senior Vice President International for Mandara Spa and co-founder of the Microplastics Watch Initiative, leveraging AI to track global microplastics research.

• Microplastics Watch Initiative – A Global Wellness Institute project aggregating daily research and news.

• Lucient AI Suite – Trent's custom-built AI toolkit for creating a dynamic, continuously updated white paper.

• Boiling + Metal Filtration Method – A simple household practice that removes up to 95% of microplastics from drinking water.

"Microplastics are not just polluting our oceans, they're infiltrating our brains and bodies. Measurement, awareness, and collective action are the next frontier in wellness." – Dr. Gerry Bodeker

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:

Contact Dr. Gerry Bodeker: https://my.linkedin.com/in/gerrybodeker Contact Trent Munday: https://my.linkedin.com/in/trentmunday

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226

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STARRCAST IS BACK for Season 9! We are thrilled to return to bring you more insights and fresh perspectives to help your spa business thrive!

Thinking about opening a sauna or bathhouse, or scaling the one you've got?

To kick things off, we're replaying an incredibly informative webinar that unpacks the operating math behind the hydrothermal business: capacity planning, MEP-first ("engine room") design, admissions-led pricing, and the real bottleneck no one budgets for: laundry throughput.

Expect candid lessons from operators and designers shaping the U.S. market, including Bathhouse (NYC) and leaders from the Global Wellness Institute initiatives.

You'll learn how to right-size back-of-house, choose between open-ended admission vs. timed sessions, and design people-flow, so staff can manage more guests with less friction, all while protecting margins and guest experience.

What You'll Learn:

• Why bathhouses are surging now: the shift to social wellness, accessible pricing, and admissions-first business models.

• MEP > "wow rooms": how an engine-room-first approach (ventilation, filtration/sanitation, drainage, electrical) prevents constant firefighting.

• Capacity & pricing mechanics: choosing dynamic pricing, timed sessions, or walk-ins based on footprint, software, and throughput.

• Back-of-house math: planning for ~⅓ non-guest area, with laundry and storage sized to daily towel turns and peak flow.

• Revenue mix that actually works: admissions as the margin engine, treatments as add-ons, and F&B designed to extend dwell time—not clog operations.

Episode Highlights (Chapters):

• 00:52 – Why "social wellness" is driving the U.S. sauna/bathhouse wave—and how this model differs from appointment-led spas.

• 06:18 – The hydrothermal specialist team you need on day one (designer + MEP) and why wet areas blow up naïve $/ft² assumptions.

• 12:40 – "Start with your engine room": air changes, filtration, drainage, and electrical that determine guest comfort and uptime.

• 18:55 – Lessons from Bathhouse NYC: designing around laundry first (thousands of towels/day) and keeping sightlines open to reduce staffing.

• 25:03 – Admission strategy: open-ended stays with dynamic pricing vs. timed sessions in smaller/hotel footprints—software and UX trade-offs.

• 33:27 – Lease vs. buy: why most startups lease to preserve capex for fit-out; right-sizing scope and contingency.

• 41:42 – What really makes money: admissions > treatments; F&B for physiology and community, not margin.

• 49:58 – Guest norms & flow: no-photo policies, wet-to-dry separation, and the contrast-therapy circuit (hot → cold → rest).

• Don Genders — CEO, Design for Leisure; Chair, GWI Hydrothermal Initiative (global authority on thermal & wet-area design).

• Lynn Curry — Principal, Curry Spa Consulting; member, GWI Consulting Initiative (concept-to-opening spa development).

• Travis Talmadge — Co-founder/operator, Bathhouse (NYC: Williamsburg & Flatiron), a high-volume, admissions-led urban bathhouse.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• Engine-Room-First Design: lead with MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), ventilation/air changes, filtration, drainage, and storage.

• Capacity/Throughput Modeling: people-flow tracking, dynamic pricing, and sightlines to manage density with fewer staff.

• Contrast-Therapy Circuit: hot → cold → rest cycle embedded in layout and wayfinding.

• CFO Lens for Scope: capex vs. opex trade-offs, contingency, and location-first site selection.

"We design around the laundry first." The margin lives or dies in the back-of-house—build the plant right and the guest magic follows. If this episode helped, follow/subscribe and share it with a developer, hotel GM, or wellness entrepreneur planning a hydrothermal project.

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Contact Dr. Gerry Bodeker: https://my.linkedin.com/in/gerrybodeker

Contact Trent Munday: https://my.linkedin.com/in/trentmunday

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness,

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226

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In this immersive live episode, host Lisa Starr brings listeners into the heart of the first-ever U.S. Aufguss World Masters Trials, recorded on-site at the newly expanded Bathhouse Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY. As the ancient European tradition of Aufguss—a multisensory, storytelling sauna ritual—makes its competitive debut in America, Lisa interviews several key figures shaping this cultural movement.

From competition judges and spa innovators to passionate sauna performers, including a dynamic sister duo with Cirque du Soleil experience, this episode highlights the artistry, athleticism, and emotional resonance of the Aufguss ritual. Listeners will gain insight into the rising popularity of sauna culture in the U.S., the business potential for spa operators, and how this ancient practice is inspiring a new wave of wellness.

Guest Highlights

• Lasse Eriksen – VP of the Aufguss World Masters and Development Director at Farris Bad, Norway. Lasse shares the competition's structure, judging criteria, and the emotional power of storytelling through heat, scent, and movement.
• Travis Talmadge – Co-founder of Bathhouse Brooklyn and Flatiron. Travis explains how his facilities are leading the charge in U.S. sauna culture and how Aufguss became an essential part of guest onboarding and programming.
• Joli & Alexi Irvine – Las Vegas-based professional dancers turned sauna meisters. Representing Fontainebleau's Lapis Spa, they share how dance, breathwork, and storytelling combine in their team Aufguss performance.
• Don Genders – CEO & Principal of Design for Leisure and pioneer in building world-class spas and saunas. Don discusses the evolution of sauna culture in the U.S. and why Aufguss is poised for growth as both a wellness tool and performance art.

Key Takeaways

• Aufguss is a theatrical, multisensory sauna ritual with global roots, now gaining traction in the U.S.
• Competitions judge heat control, scent integration, waving techniques, hygiene, and storytelling.
• Sauna programming, when done right, enhances wellness, builds community, and can create strong ROI for spas.
• U.S. winners of this event will go on to represent the country at the world championships in Verona, Italy.
• Aufguss is both accessible and inspiring—open to anyone willing to learn and perform with passion.

This compelling episode of StarrCast comes to you live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where host Lisa Starr sits down with the dynamic Dr. Ebtissam AlMadi, co-owner of the Kadoon family of businesses, wellness visionary, and cultural bridge-builder. Together, they explore the remarkable evolution of spa and wellness in the Kingdom—from the first medical spa in 2003 to the creation of the Kadoon integrated ecosystem including a spa, beauty school, and wellness product distributorship.

Dr. AlMadi shares her personal journey from dentistry to becoming a national leader in wellness, highlighting how global standards are being harmonized with Saudi cultural values. The episode dives deep into the rapid transformation of wellness education, the role of local traditions in spa treatments, and the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a world-class wellness destination.

Guest Highlights

• Dr. Ebtissam AlMadi: Co-founder of Kadoon Companies; wellness entrepreneur; trained dentist and university professor.
• Visionary behind Saudi Arabia's first medical spa and the country's only licensed beauty and wellness training institute under technical and vocational education authority.
• Catalyst for creating the Saudi Wellness Association, connecting global thought leaders with local policymakers and health authorities.

Key Takeaways

• Integrating Eastern and Western Values: Dr. AlMadi's unique upbringing and professional background allow her to blend international spa trends with deep respect for Saudi traditions.
• Educational Evolution: Kadoon Academy provides formal training and certification, creating a pipeline for local spa professionals—a critical step as global hotel brands expand in the Kingdom.
• Cultural Adaptation & Innovation: From hijab-friendly scalp care to heritage-inspired treatments using quartz and sand beds, local needs are redefining spa experiences.
• Wellness as National Strategy: Wellness tourism is rising fast, especially within mega-projects like Neom and Red Sea Global. Regulatory bodies are updating rapidly to support innovation.
• Staffing Solutions: With challenges in recruiting trained staff, the academy helps "grow local talent," focusing on long-term workforce sustainability.
• Vision for the Future: Saudi Arabia's diverse geography and heritage are being leveraged for holistic, high-impact wellness tourism offerings.

Host Lisa Starr sits down with Leah Crump, founder of Leah Crump Consulting and author of the forthcoming book Be Well, Do Well, in this inspiring episode of the StarrCast Podcast. A trailblazer in spa consulting, Leah shares her unique path from the treatment room to global wellness consulting and authorship.

With a deep focus on healing, authentic leadership, and sustainable business practices, Leah opens up about the realities of the consulting world, the burnout epidemic in wellness leadership, and how she's helping shape the next generation of consultants through her mastermind course. She also offers an inside look at her new book, which aims to blend practical guidance, personal storytelling, and soulful strategy.

Whether you're a spa director, a wellness entrepreneur, or just curious about the evolving world of wellness, this episode is rich with professional insight, heartfelt reflection, and powerful lessons on how to "be well and do well."

About the Guest: Leah Crump

• • Founder of Leah Crump Consulting, specializing in spa and wellness development and operational strategy.
  • Creator of a Spa Consulting Mastermind course.
  • Author of Be Well, Do Well, a field guide to healing work, lasting leadership, and defining success on your own terms.
  • Known for blending operational precision with soulful leadership and visionary creativity.

Key Takeaways:

• • Why great spa consultants are equal parts problem-solvers, artists, and guides.
  • How "soft power" and feminine leadership can positively impact hospitality and wellness.
  • Tips for avoiding burnout and embracing balance as a wellness professional.
  • How Leah structured and self-published her first book—and what others can learn from that journey.
  • Predictions for the future of wellness: from tech-touch balance to community-focused "third places."