Lifestyle Unplugged Podcast with Monica and Lauren

Lifestyle Unplugged w/Monica and Lauren
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Connecting the people who connect communities." Our mission is to provide our listeners (lifestyle directors, community leaders and developers) with support and inspiration while celebrating the people who make communities truly come alive.

  1. 5D AGO

    Lifestyle Unplugged: Why Lifestyle Isn’t a Line Item—It’s Leverage

    In this engaging conversation, Chris Dorociak shares his extensive experience in real estate consulting, particularly focusing on lifestyle communities. He discusses the evolution of these communities, the importance of market research, and how to quantify the value of lifestyle. The conversation highlights the role of lifestyle directors in creating connections among residents and the special elements that contribute to the success of lifestyle communities. Chris also provides insights into consulting for both resort and master-planned communities, emphasizing the need for effective programming and community engagemen

    56 min

  2. SEASON 1, EPISODE 22 TRAILER

    Speak Up When Seated at the Table (Clip from 2.9.26)

    A clip from the episode released on Feb. 9, 2026.

    1 min

  3. FEB 10

    Unlocking Community Engagement: The Real Role of Lifestyle Directors

    In this episode of Lifestyle Unplugged, Monica and Lauren dive into the real-world challenges and wins of being Lifestyle Directors in community management. From juggling packed schedules to designing engaging resident events, they unpack what it truly takes to lead with clarity, creativity, and confidence. The conversation covers productivity hacks, resident engagement strategies, and why clear communication and well-defined guidelines are essential for successful event planning. Monica and Lauren also highlight the importance of networking, peer support, and building trusted industry connections to navigate challenges, manage risk, and stay inspired. This episode is a candid reminder that Lifestyle Directors are not just event planners—they are community builders, culture drivers, and essential connectors who thrive through collaboration.

    42 min

  4. FEB 2

    When to Pivot: Turning a “Failed It” Into a “Nailed It”

    What do you do when something doesn’t go as planned? You pivot. In this episode of Lifestyle Unplugged, Monica and Lauren dive into the reality of missed marks, events that didn’t land, and plans that fell flat—and how those moments often become the foundation for something even better. We talk about how to recognize when it’s time to shift direction, why “failure” is often just feedback, and how some of our most successful programs, ideas, and experiences came from moments that initially felt like a miss. Whether you’re planning events, leading communities, building programs, or navigating life and work in real time, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from adaptability, reflection, and the courage to pivot

    35 min

  5. JAN 26

    S:1, E:20-The Details That Create Connection: Valentine Edition

    In this episode, Monica and Lauren discuss their recent experiences, including a trip to Disney World, and share insights on event planning and community engagement. They explore various ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day, emphasizing inclusivity and creativity in event planning. The conversation highlights the significance of attention to detail in hospitality and the value of building strong community connections through thoughtful programming.

    34 min

  6. JAN 19

    S:1, E:19 -Country Club Eggs & Golden Prizes: Egg Hunt Planning Tips

    Lauren’s headed to Disney World, so we talk event-planner “magic” before pivoting into a practical egg hunt playbook for community connectors. From inclusive “Eggapalooza” framing and age-group timing to entertainment add-ons (petting zoos, DJs, games, face painters) and smart ops (pre-stuffed eggs, rain plans, bounce house insurance), this episode is packed with ideas to make your spring event organized, safe, and unforgettable.

    51 min

  7. JAN 12

    S:1, E:18 - Two Roles One Community: Operations and Lifestyle in Alignment

    Monica and Lauren welcome Anne-Marie Baird, Brighton’s Director of Property Management, to discuss what real partnership between lifestyle and management looks like. They break down the “gas pedal vs. brake” dynamic—balancing creative events with rules, budgets, legality, and risk. Anne-Marie shares practical tips for handling HOA questions during events, building trust with residents, and reducing friction through clear communication. They also explore why lifestyle communities feel more connected and often see better retention.

    52 min

  8. JAN 5

    S:1, E:17 - Insights from our conversation with Kevin Kelley, AIA

    Monica Hollins and Lauren Brown kick off 2026 by recapping key takeaways from their two-part conversation with architect and author Kevin Ervin Kelley. They explore how lifestyle and resident experience professionals can design events like a movie—creating intentional “scenes” from the first impression to the closing moment—so residents feel welcomed, connected, and clear on purpose. They share practical ideas to build “social proof” and belonging, including using real resident photos from past events, Polaroid memory walls, personalized outreach to new residents, and on-site touches that spark conversation (wristbands by neighborhood, name tags, simple swag). They emphasize planning for the full experience: parking and arrival flow, volunteers to prevent an “empty room” feeling, sensory details (cleanliness, visuals, smells, staging), and creating safe spaces where people naturally connect. The episode also dives into Kevin’s concepts like “magic moments” (the instant you see real connection happening), the “bonfire effect” (designing spaces that help people gather naturally), and the value of observing how residents use spaces to refine what works. Monica and Lauren close with a challenge for lifestyle directors to share their own “magic moments,” reminding listeners that resident experience work creates lasting memories—and meaningful ripple effects across communities.

    59 min
See All (24)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Connecting the people who connect communities." Our mission is to provide our listeners (lifestyle directors, community leaders and developers) with support and inspiration while celebrating the people who make communities truly come alive.

Information