StarrCast

StarrCast
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

The StarrCast: Where Wellness Works Hosted by Lisa Starr of Wynne Business, this podcast is your insider's guide to thriving in the world of wellness. Whether you're a seasoned spa director, wellness entrepreneur, or just launching your journey, each episode offers practical insights, proven tactics, and real stories from industry leaders. Stay ahead of the curve with expert interviews, trend breakdowns, and actionable strategies designed to help you grow a resilient, rewarding wellness career or business in today's ever-evolving landscape.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Soaking in the Future: How Hot Springs Are Reshaping Wellness

    What happens when wellness moves beyond treatments and becomes an environment? Recorded live from the Hot Springs Association Conference in Calistoga, this episode explores how hot springs are emerging as a powerful force in the evolution of wellness ecosystems, experiential design, and human-centered development. What You'll Learn Why hot springs are shifting from niche destinations to integrated wellness infrastructure How operators are designing for human experience, not just amenities or services The growing role of balneology, mineral composition, and water as a therapeutic system Why purpose-driven development models are outperforming traditional hospitality approaches How accessibility, community, and social connection are shaping the future of wellness Episode Highlights  03:05 – The origin of the Hot Springs Association and its rapid industry growth 10:21 – How collaborative marketing transformed regional hot springs into global destinations 14:39 – Why today's wellness travelers seek meaning, not just relaxation 20:27 – Building a retreat model centered on personal and community transformation 24:00 – The role of balneology and the science of water as medicine 30:41 – Programming water through temperature, flow, and mineral composition 38:21 – Rethinking spa design: from services to full environmental experiences 47:58 – Entrepreneurship, restoration, and the future of hot springs development Meet the Guest Vicky Nash Founder of the Hot Springs Association and a tourism and destination marketing expert. Vicky has been instrumental in uniting the hot springs industry, creating a platform for collaboration, education, and global growth. Jordan Menzel Co-founder & CEO of Maple Grove Hot Springs. With a background in international development and technology, Jordan brings a purpose-driven approach to hospitality, creating a retreat model centered on community, accessibility, and personal transformation. Brynn Foster Food systems entrepreneur and representative of the Balneology Association of North America (BANA). Brynn focuses on reconnecting people to land, water, and wellbeing, and advancing the role of mineral waters as part of a broader health framework. Angie Kies Wellness leader at Murrieta Hot Springs and longtime spa executive. Angie specializes in integrating geothermal water into the guest experience, shifting wellness design from treatment-based to environment-driven. Joe Salisbury Owner of Veyo Pool Resort and a land developer turned hot springs entrepreneur. Joe brings a unique perspective on restoration, adaptive reuse, and building destination experiences rooted in natural environments. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Balneology and therapeutic water frameworks Water registry and mineral classification systems Temperature gradient programming for wellness outcomes Purpose-driven hospitality and community-based development models Closing Insight Hot springs are no longer just places to visit. They are becoming platforms for connection, restoration, and transformation—where environment, water, and human experience intersect to shape long-term wellbeing.  Subscribe for more conversations on the future of wellness, experience design, and building environments that truly support how people live. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with the Hot Springs Association Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    58 min

  2. 29 APR

    The Future of Wellness Real Estate Starts with How We Live

    What if wellness isn't something you visit—but something you live in every day? In this episode, we explore how wellness is reshaping real estate, community design, and the future of how we live, work, and connect. From walkability to social infrastructure, this conversation reveals why the next frontier of the wellness industry is not inside spa walls—but embedded into the places we call home. What You'll Learn Why wellness real estate is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global wellness economy How "pains and gains" shape community design and influence human behavior The role of social infrastructure in improving connection, belonging, and wellbeing Why traditional "highest and best use" thinking is outdated—and what replaces it How smaller, more flexible homes are redefining modern living and affordability Episode Highlights  03:05 – The sociological question every developer must answer: who will live here and how 10:21 – Why walkable communities command higher value and demand 14:39 – The difference between branding wellness and designing lived experience 20:27 – How the built environment influences 85% of health outcomes 24:00 – The rise of "third places" and social infrastructure in community design 30:41 – Why housing no longer fits today's fragmented household types 38:21 – The lasting behavioral shifts from the pandemic 47:58 – Why future development must start with life, not buildings Meet the Guest Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki is a leading expert in consumer insights, community design, and real estate strategy. As Principal of tst ink. and co-chair of the Wellness Communities and Real Estate Initiative for the Global Wellness Summit, she helps developers design communities grounded in how people truly want to live. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Pains and Gains Framework for understanding human behavior and decision-making Social Infrastructure as a driver of connection, wellbeing, and community value Wellness as Infrastructure—embedding wellbeing into the built environment Outside-In Design Thinking rooted in sociology and lived experience Closing Insight The future of wellness isn't a destination—it's a design philosophy. When we shift from building spaces to shaping lives, we create communities that foster health, connection, and belonging in lasting ways. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Teri Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    59 min

  3. 22 APR

    Are You Delivering Impactful Wellness...or Just Nice Moments?

    What if the spa experience isn't actually improving well-being, but simply creating a pleasant moment? In this episode of StarrCast, we explore the shift from traditional customer experience to true wellbeing experience design (WX), and what it means to create measurable, lasting impact for guests. What You'll Learn Why many wellness experiences fail to create meaningful, lasting outcomes The difference between customer experience (CX) and wellbeing experience (WX) How designing for outcomes, not just delivery, changes everything Why personalization, cultural awareness, and emotional engagement are essential A new way to measure success through Net Wellbeing Score (NWS) instead of traditional metrics Episode Highlights  02:05 – Are spa experiences truly improving well-being or just creating moments? 05:58 – The gap between service delivery and guest outcomes 11:20 – The shift toward transformation and long-term wellness expectations 20:22 – Designing experiences for impact, not just satisfaction 31:41 – The role of emotional engagement and multi-sensory design 43:17 – Well-being vs. longevity and what guests actually want 52:32 – Moving beyond Net Promoter Score to Net Wellbeing Score Meet the Guests Laszlo Puczko and Melanie Smith are co-founders of HTWW Life and globally recognized experts in health, wellness, and tourism strategy. With decades of research and advisory experience, they bring a forward-thinking perspective on how the industry must evolve to deliver meaningful well-being outcomes. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Wellbeing Experience Design (WX) Net Wellbeing Score (NWS) Holistic guest journey mapping (pre, during, and post experience) Multi-sensory and culturally informed experience design Closing Insight A beautiful spa experience is no longer enough. Today's guest is looking for something deeper, something measurable, and something that lasts. The future of wellness lies not in what is delivered, but in what is truly felt and sustained long after the visit ends. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with HTWW Life Connect with Laszlo Puczko  Connect with Melanie Smith Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    1hr 1min

  4. 15 APR

    The Next Era of Wellness: Technology, Ritual, and Human Transformation

    What does it really mean to design for transformation, not just relaxation? In this episode, we explore how intentional spaces, technology, and human-centered design can shift behavior, deepen self-awareness, and redefine the future of wellness. What You'll Learn Why transformation is the next evolution beyond traditional wellness experiences How intentional design can influence physical, emotional, and behavioral change The role of technology when it is used with purpose, not distraction How to balance science, spirituality, and sensory experience in wellness spaces Why doing "one thing well" is more powerful than chasing every trend Episode Highlights  00:00 – Introducing Ramy Elnagar and the concept of wellbeing innovation 04:00 – What "White Mirror" means and the shift from dystopia to intentional design 12:30 – How music, neuroscience, and technology intersect in wellness 20:00 – Designing immersive experiences that move beyond relaxation 31:00 – The problem with wellness trends and how to think long-term 40:00 – Creating transformation through sleep, sound, and sensory design 47:30 – Why focusing on one core offering creates stronger impact 52:00 – The future of wellness: balancing technology, ritual, and human connection Meet the Guest Ramy Elnagar is a wellbeing innovation strategist and founder of White Mirror Studio. His work sits at the intersection of technology, design, and human transformation, helping brands create experiences that go beyond wellness into meaningful behavioral change. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The "Rule of One" approach to wellness strategy Transformation vs. relaxation design model Sensory-driven environments and immersive sound experiences Ritual design and intentional space creation Closing Insight True wellness is not just about feeling better in the moment. It is about leaving a space different than when you entered it. When design, technology, and intention align, transformation becomes possible. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Ramy Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    52 min

  5. 8 APR

    More Than a Massage: How Specialized Bodywork Supports Pregnancy, Birth, and Recovery

    What if one of the most requested services in the spa industry is also one of the most misunderstood? In this episode of StarrCast, we explore how maternity massage goes far beyond relaxation and becomes a powerful tool for supporting pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Lisa Starr sits down with Sparrow Harrington, founder of Sparrow's Nest Massage, to uncover how specialized, evidence-based bodywork can transform the maternal experience, reduce stress, and improve outcomes for both mother and baby. What You'll Learn Why maternity massage is more than a "special occasion" service and should be part of ongoing care How structured, therapeutic touch supports nervous system regulation and pregnancy outcomes The difference between standard prenatal massage and clinically-informed, structural bodywork How massage can support fertility, labor preparation, and postpartum recovery Why positioning, technique, and therapist training dramatically impact results Episode Highlights 03:20 – Sparrow's journey from alternative health to maternity massage specialization 08:01 – The Carol Osborne method and evidence-based prenatal bodywork 13:54 – Why first trimester care is often overlooked but critically important 16:51 – The ideal cadence for massage throughout pregnancy 19:10 – Induction massage and the role of nervous system readiness 24:20 – Postpartum recovery, C-section care, and functional healing 33:14 – What is Mercier Therapy and how it supports fertility 42:20 – Building a specialty practice and shifting client mindset toward ongoing care Meet the Guest Sparrow Harrington is a pre- and perinatal massage therapist, educator, and founder of Sparrow's Nest Massage in Pasadena. She is an authorized instructor of the Carol Osborne Method and specializes in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum bodywork. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Carol Osborne Method for pre- and perinatal massage Rhythmic deep tissue sculpting Mercier Therapy for fertility support Structured maternity care plans for consistent treatment Closing Insight Consistent, intentional care during pregnancy is not a luxury. It is a powerful way to support the body's natural intelligence, reduce stress, and create better outcomes for both mother and baby. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Sparrow Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    1hr 2min

  6. 1 APR

    The Future of Hotel Growth is Wellness Driven

    What if the future of hospitality is designed not just for comfort, but for recovery, performance, and longevity?  In this episode of StarrCast, we explore how wellness is evolving from a single amenity into a fully integrated, property-wide strategy that shapes how guests feel, function, and live. What You'll Learn Why wellness must be embedded into hotel development from the earliest stages How sleep optimization, circadian lighting, and sound design impact guest recovery The role of nutrition, neurogastronomy, and food-as-medicine in hospitality How wellness technology enables scalable, high-impact guest experiences Why longevity is emerging as a defining framework for the future of wellness travel Episode Highlights 03:20 – The hidden toll of travel and why recovery is now essential 07:15 – The shift from spa-centric wellness to full-property integration 12:20 – Why wellness must be part of the initial concept, not an afterthought 18:10 – The evolution of spa into recovery and longevity-focused environments 25:00 – How guest room design influences sleep, lighting, and performance 36:00 – The rise of wellness technology and multimodal experiences 45:10 – Longevity as both a guest expectation and a revenue strategy 52:15 – What it means for a guest to "feel better than when they arrived" Meet the Guest Adam Mogelonsky is a hospitality strategist and partner at Hotel Mogel Consulting. With a background spanning life sciences, fitness, and luxury hotel consulting, he advises developers and operators on integrating wellness, design, and revenue strategy into modern hospitality experiences. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Multimodal wellness experiences Circadian lighting and sleep optimization Neurogastronomy and mood-based menu design Touchless wellness technology (red light therapy, PEMF, cryotherapy) Longevity-driven hospitality programming Closing Insight Wellness in hospitality is no longer about offering a spa. It is about creating an ecosystem where every detail—from the food on the plate to the light in the room—supports how a guest feels, recovers, and performs. Subscribe for more conversations about wellness, hospitality strategy, and the future of the spa and wellness business. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Adam Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    1hr 6min
  7. Resilient Wellness Teams Start with a Resilient Leader!

    25 MAR

    Resilient Wellness Teams Start with a Resilient Leader!

    What does resilience really look like in today's fast-moving wellness industry? In this episode, Kay Pennington shares how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and authentic while navigating pressure, growth, and constant change. This conversation explores the deeper side of leadership, where emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and personal values shape long-term success. What You'll Learn Why resilience is the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term performance How identity and self-awareness influence leadership effectiveness in spa and wellness environments The role of emotional intelligence in building trust, connection, and team alignment Practical ways to prevent burnout and reconnect with purpose in high-pressure roles How leaders can create stronger teams through communication, values, and authenticity Episode Highlights 03:00 – Kay's journey from beauty therapy to leadership and entrepreneurship 08:45 – What resilience really means in a fast-paced wellness career 14:20 – The connection between identity, values, and leadership success 21:10 – Why burnout happens and how to recognize early signs 29:35 – Emotional intelligence and communication in leadership roles 37:50 – Building trust and connection within teams 45:15 – Practical tools to reconnect with purpose and personal strength Meet the Guest Kay Pennington, Founder of Resilience and Power, is a leadership coach and wellness industry expert who helps individuals and teams build resilience, strengthen emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity. Closing Insight Resilience is not about pushing harder. It is about understanding who you are, what you value, and how you lead with intention in moments that challenge you most. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Kay Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    56 min
  8. Inside the Chenot Method: Dr. George Gaitanos Explains the Science of Detox and Lifelong Wellness

    18 MAR

    Inside the Chenot Method: Dr. George Gaitanos Explains the Science of Detox and Lifelong Wellness

    What if longevity was not about living longer, but about living with greater energy, resilience, and purpose? In this episode of Starrcast Podcast, Lisa Starr speaks with Dr. George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Chenot Group, about the science and philosophy behind the Chenot Method. Drawing on decades of experience in sports physiology, metabolism, and elite athletic performance, Dr. Gaitanos explains how health can be trained, restored, and strengthened through detoxification, recovery, and intentional lifestyle practices. What You'll Learn Why health should be trained like a muscle, not treated only when disease appears How the Chenot Method combines Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine The science behind detoxification, calorie restriction, and metabolic recovery Why recovery—not performance—is the real foundation of longevity How controlled stress can activate the body's natural repair mechanisms Episode Highlights *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:bc936702-ecd3-41e9-99eb-9defb43316d4-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 03:20 – Dr. Gaitanos' journey from Olympic athletes to longevity science 07:15 – Why wellness is more than massages or green juice 12:20 – The philosophy behind the Chenot Method and detoxification 18:10 – The five pillars of the Chenot wellness approach 25:00 – The science of fasting, metabolism, and cellular renewal 36:00 – How sleep, circadian rhythms, and environment influence longevity 45:10 – Why recovery is more important than performance 52:15 – Daily habits that support vitality and long-term health Meet the Guest George C. Gaitanos, PhD is Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of the Chenot Group and the successor of Henri Chenot. An expert in energy metabolism and recovery, he has more than 35 years of experience in human performance and optimal health. Dr. Gaitanos previously worked with elite athletes including NBA players and Olympic competitors and now leads the continued development of the Chenot Method within the global health and wellness sector. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The Chenot Method Controlled detoxification and metabolic reset Fast-mimicking nutrition programs Hydrotherapy and thermal stress protocols Lifestyle biomarkers and vitality assessment Closing Insight Health is not simply the absence of disease. It is something we actively build through daily habits, recovery, and resilience.   Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with George Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    58 min
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About

The StarrCast: Where Wellness Works Hosted by Lisa Starr of Wynne Business, this podcast is your insider's guide to thriving in the world of wellness. Whether you're a seasoned spa director, wellness entrepreneur, or just launching your journey, each episode offers practical insights, proven tactics, and real stories from industry leaders. Stay ahead of the curve with expert interviews, trend breakdowns, and actionable strategies designed to help you grow a resilient, rewarding wellness career or business in today's ever-evolving landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    StarrCast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©StarrCast 2021
  • Show Website
    StarrCast

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