All Things Retreat Podcast

Holly Porter

Your go-to show for everything about creating, leading, and thriving with retreats. Hosted by Holly Porter, a seasoned retreat leader and entrepreneur, this podcast dives deep into the art and business of retreats from planning and marketing to transformational experiences and community building.  Whether you are a retreat leader, venue owner, or someone dreaming of hosting your first retreat, you will get expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical tips to help you design unforgettable, profitable retreats that change lives. Tune in and discover how retreats can elevate your business and your life.  Connect with Holly Porter International Retreat Association 🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter and International Retreat Association 🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  @r▶️ YouTube: @Intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @intlretreatassociation| @hollyporterinternational 📘 Facebook: Holly Ann Porter | International Retreat Association

  1. How Great Retreats Are Built Behind the Scenes

    2d ago

    How Great Retreats Are Built Behind the Scenes

    Summary In this episode, Holly Porter interviews Melanie Ireton, a fractional COO and operational strategist, about how retreat leaders can optimize their operations, marketing, and systems to scale their businesses effectively. They discuss the role of a COO, current retreat industry trends, operational mistakes, and how AI can be a game-changer. Takeaways Role of a COO in retreat businesses 2026 retreat industry trends and marketing strategies Common operational mistakes retreat leaders make Importance of systems and SOPs in retreats Using AI to streamline retreat operations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Melanie Ireton 01:49 Understanding the Role of a COO 03:56 Challenges for Retreat Leaders 05:31 Trends in the Retreat Industry 07:32 Marketing Gaps for Retreat Leaders 09:11 Operational Problems in Retreat Businesses 11:06 Common Operational Mistakes 13:18 Essential Systems for Retreat Leaders 14:56 Preparing for Unexpected Challenges 18:52 Leveraging AI in Retreat Planning 20:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts 23:42 RNR Outro Final.mp4 24:20 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Mel Ireton | Ireton Consulting 📧 Email: results@iretonconsulting.com 🌐 Website: www.iretonconsulting.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Mel Ireton 📸 Instagram: @thecoo_room 📘 Facebook: thecooroom 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    25 min
  2. Building the Future of Retreats: Inside the International Retreat Association

    Jun 23

    Building the Future of Retreats: Inside the International Retreat Association

    Summary Holly Porter shares her inspiring journey and details about the launch of the International Retreat Association, a new professional organization for retreat leaders and industry professionals. She discusses the industry growth, membership benefits, and her vision for the future of retreats. Takeaways The origin story of the International Retreat Association Industry growth projections and opportunities Membership benefits and founder's program The importance of standards and collaboration in the retreat industry Holly Porter's personal journey and purpose The retreat industry is projected to reach $363 billion by 2029. Joining a professional association can elevate your credibility and network. The International Retreat Association offers affordable, annual memberships. Early adopters can influence the future programs and initiatives. The industry needs standards, resources, and collaboration to thrive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the International Retreat Association 01:52 Holly's Personal Journey and Near-Death Experience 03:48 The Birth of the International Retreat Association 07:01 The Growth of the Retreat Industry 10:20 Membership Structure and Benefits 12:33 Founding Membership and Future Vision 16:20 Invitation to Join the Community 18:35 RNR Outro Final.mp4 19:13 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    20 min
  3. Unlocking High Performance with the Game of 10

    Jun 19

    Unlocking High Performance with the Game of 10

    Summary In this episode, Steve Barton shares his transformative journey from the flower business to high-performance coaching, introducing the 'Game of 10' framework. Discover how awareness, self-love, and forgiveness can elevate leadership and personal growth. Takeaways The Game of 10 is about connecting to your highest awareness. Most thoughts are from the past and 80% are negative. Practicing the phrases 'I'm enough, I do enough, I have enough' shifts mindset. Awareness is divine and universal, beyond thoughts and emotions. Leadership requires compassionate detachment and intentionality. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to High Performance Coaching  01:42 From Flowers to Coaching: Steve's Journey  04:07 The Game of 10: Understanding Emotions and Awareness  05:18 The Impact of Self-Doubt and Fear on Leadership  09:38 Living in a State of Love and Awareness  10:38 The Six Phrases of the Game of 10  14:52 Forgiveness and Letting Go of Negative Thoughts  17:20 Key Principles for Entrepreneurs  18:10 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights  20:44 Conclusion and Resources  21:46 RNR Outro Final.mp4  22:24 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Steve Barton 📧 Email: steve@stevebartoncoaching.com 🌐 Website: www.stevebartoncoaching.com 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    23 min
  4. How to Incorporate Nutrition into Retreats and Resorts

    Jun 16

    How to Incorporate Nutrition into Retreats and Resorts

    Summary In this episode, Meaghan Ormsby, a registered dietitian specializing in women's health and wellness travel, shares insights on integrating nutrition into travel experiences. Discover how to promote intuitive eating, address dietary restrictions, and enhance wellness retreats with expert guidance. Takeaways Integration of nutrition into wellness travel  The philosophy of intuitive eating and anti-diet approaches  Addressing dietary restrictions in retreats  Collaboration between retreat experts and dietitians  Emerging trends in wellness travel Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nutrition Travel Exchange  03:17 Intuitive Eating and Wellness Travel  06:06 Navigating Dietary Restrictions at Retreats  09:05 The Role of Nutrition Experts in Retreats  12:03 Identifying Gaps in Wellness Travel  14:41 Marketing and Messaging for Retreats  17:23 Emerging Trends in Wellness Travel  20:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights  22:58 RNR Outro Final.mp4  23:36 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Meaghan Ormsby, MS, RDN 📧 Email: nutritiontravelexchange@gmail.com 🌐Website: https://morewellnessbookings.com/ 🌐 Website: https://nutritiontravelexchange.com/about-nte/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiontravelexchange/ 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    24 min
  5. Mastering Self-Leadership: Key Strategies for Growth

    Jun 12

    Mastering Self-Leadership: Key Strategies for Growth

    Summary In this insightful interview, Bobby Shelton, host of the Self-Leadership Lab podcast, shares practical strategies for leading oneself through understanding core values, managing emotions, and practicing self-compassion. Holly Porter and Bobby explore how self-leadership impacts personal happiness, resilience on hard days, and overall effectiveness in leadership roles. Takeaways Leading yourself is about governing your inner world to influence your external world. The Easy Hard vs Hard Hard framework helps identify whether you're working for approval or for your true purpose. On hard days, self-leadership involves choosing your response and maintaining discipline. Practicing self-forgiveness is crucial for growth and happiness. Simple techniques like movement, breath work, and positive affirmations can shift your state. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self Leadership  01:46 The Struggles of Self Leadership  03:28 Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard  05:34 Finding Fulfillment in Work  07:17 Navigating Hard Days  10:08 Recognizing Out of Alignment  12:07 The Importance of Self-Forgiveness  14:18 Real-Life Leadership Challenges  18:56 The Power of Positive Self-Talk  21:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts  23:42 RNR Outro Final.mp4  24:20 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Bobby Shelton | Battle Cat Coaching 📧 Email: paratubist@gmail.com | bshelton@battlecatcoaching.com 🌐 Website: https://www.battlecatcoaching.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: Dr Bobby Shelton 📸 Instagram: @theselfleadershiplab 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    25 min
  6. 7 Secrets to Successful Women’s Retreats

    Jun 9

    7 Secrets to Successful Women’s Retreats

    Summary In this engaging interview, Caterina Rando shares her journey into hosting retreats, her strategies for success, and her passion for empowering women entrepreneurs. Discover practical tips on starting retreats, building community, and creating impactful experiences that transform lives. Takeaways Starting retreats close to home for ease and familiarity  Building community and connection among women  International retreat challenges and solutions Start close to home for your first retreat  Build community through unique activities  Use spontaneity and flexibility to enhance experience Plan your first retreat close to home  Partner with local experts for international retreats  Create signature activities that reflect your brand Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caterina Rando  03:23 The Journey into Retreats  05:53 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs  08:51 The Importance of Community  11:39 Transformational Experiences in Retreats  14:33 Creating Unique Retreat Experiences  17:02 The Power of Connection and Collaboration  19:54 Final Thoughts and Future Plans  25:47 RNR Outro Final.mp4  26:26 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Caterina Rando 📧 Email: cat@caterinarando.com 🌐 Website: https://caterinarando.com/ 📸 Instagram: @caterina_rando 📘 Facebook: CaterinaRandoTWIBC 🔗 LinkedIn: Caterina Rando 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    27 min
  7. How the Military Teaches Better Leadership Through Planning

    Jun 5

    How the Military Teaches Better Leadership Through Planning

    Summary In this engaging interview, Simon Kardynal, a Canadian military veteran and leadership expert, shares insights on leadership evolution, building trust in groups, handling emotional moments in retreats, and the importance of self-awareness. Discover practical advice for retreat leaders and leaders in any field to enhance their leadership skills and foster a positive, resilient environment. Takeaways Leadership evolution in military vs civilian life Building trust in new groups during retreats Handling emotional and transformational moments responsibly The role of self-awareness and accountability in leadership Adapting leadership skills from high-pressure environments to retreats Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Canadian Myths 03:27 Evolution of Leadership in the Military 06:27 Understanding Leadership Assumptions 08:14 Building Trust in New Groups 09:23 Guiding vs. Fixing People 10:42 Handling High-Pressure Situations 11:58 The Role of a Cheerleader in Leadership 13:29 Characteristics of Great Leaders 14:28 Navigating Leadership Challenges 16:43 Handling Emotional Moments in Leadership 17:34 Influence of Fatherhood on Leadership 19:12 Lessons from Parenting 21:44 Rapid Fire Leadership Insights 23:03 RNR Outro Final.mp4 23:42 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Simon Kardynal | Trench Leadership 📧 Email: simonk@trenchleadership.ca 🌐 Website: www.trenchleadership.ca 📘 Facebook: trenchleadership 📸 Instagram: @trench_leadership 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    24 min
  8. How Surrender Unlocks Deep Personal Growth

    Jun 2

    How Surrender Unlocks Deep Personal Growth

    Summary In this insightful interview, Roxanne Chaput shares her expertise on transformational retreats, the importance of inner work, and how surrender and trust are essential for genuine growth. Holly Porter and Roxanne explore the deep processes behind true transformation, leadership, and self-awareness, especially in the context of retreats and personal development. Takeaways Difference between transformational and inspirational experiences The importance of integration in transformation Leadership rooted in self-mastery and embodiment The role of surrender and trust in growth Disconnection from self and the need for holistic healing Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Retreats and Transformation 02:59 The Essence of True Transformation 07:01 Surrender as a Catalyst for Change 11:11 Navigating Burnout in Leadership 15:39 The Craving for Healing and Connection 18:55 Building Trust in Retreat Spaces 22:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections 23:36 RNR Outro Final.mp4 24:14 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4 🔗 Connect with Roxanne Chaput 📧 Email: the.global.luminary@gmail.com 📧 Email: roxanne.chaput@icloud.com 🌐 Website: www.roxanne-chaput.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Roxanne Chaput 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter

    25 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Your go-to show for everything about creating, leading, and thriving with retreats. Hosted by Holly Porter, a seasoned retreat leader and entrepreneur, this podcast dives deep into the art and business of retreats from planning and marketing to transformational experiences and community building.  Whether you are a retreat leader, venue owner, or someone dreaming of hosting your first retreat, you will get expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical tips to help you design unforgettable, profitable retreats that change lives. Tune in and discover how retreats can elevate your business and your life.  Connect with Holly Porter International Retreat Association 🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter and International Retreat Association 🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  @r▶️ YouTube: @Intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @intlretreatassociation| @hollyporterinternational 📘 Facebook: Holly Ann Porter | International Retreat Association