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. 1d ago

    Start Free, Pay as You Grow: Building a Retreat Ecosystem

    Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference. Thursday, October 22, 2026 900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals. Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association When: October 22, 2026 Where: Zoom- LIVE Online Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats! HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs Summary In this episode, Nikki Cali shares her inspiring journey from textiles to tech, highlighting the importance of community, support, and innovation in the retreat industry. Holly Porter and Nikki discuss how to leverage technology to enhance retreat experiences, build lasting relationships, and grow your retreat business. Takeaways Listening to your community is key to product success.  Building a safe, supportive space enhances retreat experiences.  Choosing the right platform can prevent business disruptions.  Retreats are a powerful tool for trust and relationship building.  The retreat industry is projected to reach over 600 billion dollars by 2037.  Offering multiple support levels caters to different learning styles.  Retreat leaders should focus on creating a home for their community.  Technology should serve your unique business needs, not the other way around.  Constant evolution and listening are essential for business growth.  Retreats provide a unique opportunity for transformation and connection. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Nikki Cali and her journey  02:03 Nikki's transition from textiles to product development  04:50 The creation of Wisdom and its growth  07:17 Advice for retreat leaders starting out  09:06 How to use technology to enhance retreat experiences  12:14 The importance of listening to your community  14:30 The future of the retreat industry and industry projections  16:03 Building trust and relationships through retreats  17:26 The role of community and professional standards  18:55 Closing remarks and upcoming events  🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

  2. 1d ago

    Know Your Personality, Make Better Decisions in Life and Relationships

    Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference. Thursday, October 22, 2026 900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals. Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association When: October 22, 2026 Where: Zoom- LIVE Online Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats! HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs Summary Gail Show Walter shares her inspiring journey of supporting single mothers through retreats, coaching, and education, emphasizing the importance of self-care, personality awareness, and resilience in transforming lives. Takeaways The evolution of Gail's nonprofit work supporting single mothers  The impact of retreats on women's mental health and motivation  Challenges faced by single mothers, especially financial and educational barriers  The importance of self-care and small daily practices  Using personality models to foster understanding and better decision-making  Stories of transformation and resilience among women served by Gail  The role of community and mentorship in empowerment Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Gail Show Walter and her work  01:57 Gail's journey into supporting single mothers  03:52 Details of the retreats and their themes  07:02 Challenges faced by single mothers, especially finances  09:01 The importance of education and certification for stability  10:58 Self-care practices for overwhelmed women  13:03 Using personality insights to understand children and ex-spouses  14:59 A memorable story of a mother’s resilience  16:58 Gail's book 'Living, Learning, Loving' and its inspiration  18:59 Rapid fire questions: personal preferences and advice  🔗 Connect with Gail Showalter 📧 Email: gail@gailshowalter.com 🌐 Website: https://www.gailshowalter.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: Gail Showalter 📘 Facebook: Gail Showalter 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

    Know Your Personality, Make Better Decisions in Life and Relationships
  3. Oct 16

    How a Food Healing Oracle Deck Became a Retreat Built on Energy and Connection

    Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference. Thursday, October 22, 2026 900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals. Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association When: October 22, 2026 Where: Zoom- LIVE Online Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats! HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs Summary In this episode, Lainie Sevante Wulkan, a holistic wellness expert and retreat leader, shares her insights on creating transformational travel experiences, attracting the right clients, and building a successful retreat business. Holly Porter hosts the conversation, highlighting the importance of energy, intention, and community in the retreat industry. Takeaways Retreats should be designed to nourish the whole person, not just the body.  Energy, frequency, and vibration are key to attracting aligned clients.  Clear messaging and setting expectations are crucial for successful retreats.  Building a community and network enhances retreat success and opportunities.  Aligning your passions with your retreat offerings creates authenticity and impact.  Including diverse energies, such as male and female, enriches the retreat experience.  Understanding cultural nuances improves international retreat planning.  Retreats should be a line item in your wellness or business budget.  The small world of the retreat industry offers opportunities for collaboration.  Trust your intuition and let the content guide your retreat design. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Lainie Sevante Wulkan and her work  01:52 What makes a retreat transformational and nourishing  04:14 The origin story of the Food Healing Oracle deck  06:01 How to create retreats that integrate food, culture, and wellness  08:03 The importance of energy, intention, and client alignment  09:59 Building a community and network through retreats and associations  12:00 The role of cultural understanding and language in international retreats  13:59 Balancing male and female energy in retreats for a richer experience  15:56 The future of the retreat industry and opportunities for growth  17:55 How to attract the right clients and set clear expectations  20:00 The significance of authenticity, passion, and intuition in retreat design  22:00 Upcoming events, conference, and closing remarks  🔗 Connect with Lainie Sevante Wulkan | Center for Intuitive Food Therapy (CIFT) 📧 Email: ciftofficial888@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ciftofficial.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: Lainie Sevante Wulkan 📘 Facebook: Nourish Your Soul Retreats 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

    How a Food Healing Oracle Deck Became a Retreat Built on Energy and Connection
  4. Oct 14

    How an Introvert Turned Her Biggest Fear Into a Superpower

    Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference. Thursday, October 22, 2026 900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals. Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association When: October 22, 2026 Where: Zoom- LIVE Online Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats! HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs Summary In this episode, Holly Porter interviews Sara Chevere, a business strategist and author, about building community before and after retreats, transforming fears into superpowers, and the power of connection in creating successful retreats and businesses. Takeaways Building community around retreats Transformational journey from introvert to connector The impact of fear and how to turn it into a superpower The importance of connection and intimacy in business Strategies for supporting women entrepreneurs The story behind the Quiet Laws of Abundance book Creating a sustainable retreat business The role of leadership in transformation Networking and collaboration in the retreat industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holly Porter and the retreat conference 02:06 Introducing guest Sara Chevere and her background 04:07 Fear as a superpower and the transformational journey 06:14 Building relationships, community, and prosperity 07:11 Sarah's journey from finance to transformational leadership 08:31 Pivoting in business and embracing transformation 09:21 Creating a supportive environment for women in retreats 10:36 The value of the conference and community building 12:56 Sarah's book success and future plans 13:37 Collaboration and ongoing growth in the retreat industry 🔗 Connect with Sara Chevere | Sara Chevere 📧 Email: sara@sarachevere.com 🌐 Website: www.sarachevere.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Sara Chevere 🎵 TikTok: @sarachevere 📸 Instagram: @sarachevere 📘 Facebook: sarachevereofficial 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

    How an Introvert Turned Her Biggest Fear Into a Superpower
  5. Oct 12

    How to Plan a Memorable Retreat and Use Sponsors to Grow in New Cities

    Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference. Thursday, October 22, 2026 900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals. Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association When: October 22, 2026 Where: Zoom- LIVE Online Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats! HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs Summary In this episode, Holly Porter interviews Brittani Bolen about the importance of sponsorships and event planning for retreats. They share practical tips on building relationships, creative sponsorship ideas, and how to leverage sponsors for growth. Takeaways The importance of sponsorships in retreat planning  How to build and leverage relationships for sponsorships  Creative ways sponsors can add value beyond money  The role of detailed planning and organization in events  Strategies for approaching potential sponsors  The impact of branding and presentation on event success Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Brittani Bolen and the conference  01:22 Brittani shares what makes an event memorable  03:05 The importance of organization and details in event planning  05:14 Why retreat leaders should consider sponsorships  06:26 How sponsors can help with costs and credibility  07:42 The importance of integrity and delivering on promises  09:14 Lessons learned from online conference scheduling  10:44 Creative sponsorship ideas beyond big checks  12:10 Pricing levels and benefits for sponsors  13:06 Approaching sponsors with relationship-building in mind  15:12 Using a power partner passport for networking  16:55 When to start looking for sponsors  17:09 Networking quality over quantity  18:37 Contact information and last words from Brittany  🔗 Connect with Brittani Bolen | Your Event CEO 📧 Email: businessmatchmaker13@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.youreventceo.com ▶️ YouTube: @IntlRetreatAssociation 📸 Instagram: @youreventceo 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

    How to Plan a Memorable Retreat and Use Sponsors to Grow in New Cities
  6. Oct 9

    Small Steps, Big Change: How Retreat Leaders Beat Overwhelm With Petite Practice

    Summary In this episode, Dr. Christiane shares practical strategies for making meaningful change through small, repeatable actions. She discusses how retreat leaders can build momentum without burnout, the importance of telling others about your goals, and how to overcome the gap between knowing and doing. Takeaways The importance of small, repeatable actions in creating change  How to break down big goals into manageable steps using petite practice  The significance of telling others about your goals to build confidence and support  Strategies for retreat leaders to manage overwhelm and build sustainable momentum  The psychological aspects of motivation, procrastination, and perfectionism  The role of networking and sharing goals in achieving success  Overcoming fear of failure and the discomfort of change  The importance of celebrating small wins to maintain motivation Chapters  00:00 Introduction to small, impactful change strategies  01:53 The concept of petite practice and breaking down big goals  03:50 Personal story: Moving across the country and managing transition  07:00 The importance of telling others about your goals  08:56 How to manage overwhelm as a retreat leader  11:06 The power of networking and sharing your goals  12:59 Recognizing and setting boundaries to avoid burnout  15:04 Overcoming the action gap: from knowing to doing  17:00 The role of motivation and taking action despite discomfort  18:56 Perfectionism and the importance of progress over perfection  21:06 Rapid fire questions: routines, habits, and season of life  21:57 Final words: resources and encouragement for change  🔗 Connect with Dr. Christiane Schroeter | Doctor Christiane 📧 Email: info@doctorchristiane.com 🌐 Website: https://doctorchristiane.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Christiane Schroeter 📸 Instagram: @doctor.christiane 🎯 Free 3-Minute Quiz: https://doctorchristiane.com/quiz Get a personalized scorecard so you can lead and move forward with intention. No fluff, just clarity on where to focus next. 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

  7. Oct 6

    Know Your Personality, Make Better Decisions in Life and Relationships

    Mark your calendar for the International Retreat Association’s upcoming online conference. Thursday, October 22, 2026 900AM – 2:00 PM Mountain Time This will be a full day of education, insights, and practical strategies designed specifically for retreat leaders and retreat industry professionals. Complimentary Tickets NOW available to our 2026 Mini Conference for International Retreat Association When: October 22, 2026 Where: Zoom- LIVE Online Get your Ticket NOW -Limited Seats! HERE - tinyurl.com/2026ComeGrowWithUs Summary Gail Show Walter shares her inspiring journey of supporting single mothers through retreats, coaching, and education, emphasizing the importance of self-care, personality awareness, and resilience in transforming lives. Takeaways The evolution of Gail's nonprofit work supporting single mothers  The impact of retreats on women's mental health and motivation  Challenges faced by single mothers, especially financial and educational barriers  The importance of self-care and small daily practices  Using personality models to foster understanding and better decision-making  Stories of transformation and resilience among women served by Gail  The role of community and mentorship in empowerment Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Gail Show Walter and her work  01:57 Gail's journey into supporting single mothers  03:52 Details of the retreats and their themes  07:02 Challenges faced by single mothers, especially finances  09:01 The importance of education and certification for stability  10:58 Self-care practices for overwhelmed women  13:03 Using personality insights to understand children and ex-spouses  14:59 A memorable story of a mother’s resilience  16:58 Gail's book 'Living, Learning, Loving' and its inspiration  18:59 Rapid fire questions: personal preferences and advice  🔗 Connect with Gail Showalter 📧 Email: gail@gailshowalter.com 🌐 Website: https://www.gailshowalter.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: Gail Showalter 📘 Facebook: Gail Showalter 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

    Know Your Personality, Make Better Decisions in Life and Relationships
  8. Oct 6

    Small Steps, Big Change: How Retreat Leaders Beat Overwhelm With Petite Practice

    Summary In this episode, Dr. Christiane shares practical strategies for making meaningful change through small, repeatable actions. She discusses how retreat leaders can build momentum without burnout, the importance of telling others about your goals, and how to overcome the gap between knowing and doing. Takeaways The importance of small, repeatable actions in creating change  How to break down big goals into manageable steps using petite practice  The significance of telling others about your goals to build confidence and support  Strategies for retreat leaders to manage overwhelm and build sustainable momentum  The psychological aspects of motivation, procrastination, and perfectionism  The role of networking and sharing goals in achieving success  Overcoming fear of failure and the discomfort of change  The importance of celebrating small wins to maintain motivation Chapters  00:00 Introduction to small, impactful change strategies  01:53 The concept of petite practice and breaking down big goals  03:50 Personal story: Moving across the country and managing transition  07:00 The importance of telling others about your goals  08:56 How to manage overwhelm as a retreat leader  11:06 The power of networking and sharing your goals  12:59 Recognizing and setting boundaries to avoid burnout  15:04 Overcoming the action gap: from knowing to doing  17:00 The role of motivation and taking action despite discomfort  18:56 Perfectionism and the importance of progress over perfection  21:06 Rapid fire questions: routines, habits, and season of life  21:57 Final words: resources and encouragement for change  🔗 Connect with Dr. Christiane Schroeter | Doctor Christiane 📧 Email: info@doctorchristiane.com 🌐 Website: https://doctorchristiane.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Christiane Schroeter 📸 Instagram: @doctor.christiane 🎯 Free 3-Minute Quiz: https://doctorchristiane.com/quiz Get a personalized scorecard so you can lead and move forward with intention. No fluff, just clarity on where to focus next. 🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  📧 Email: holly@hollyporter.com  🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR  🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr  ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation 📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational  📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/

    Small Steps, Big Change: How Retreat Leaders Beat Overwhelm With Petite Practice
5
out of 5
8 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