StarrCast

StarrCast

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. قبل ٨ ساعات

    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

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  2. ١٥ أبريل

    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

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  3. ٨ أبريل

    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

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  4. ١ أبريل

    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

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  5. Resilient Wellness Teams Start with a Resilient Leader!

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    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

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

    ١٨ مارس

    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

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  7. 10 Wellness Industry Trends Every Spa Manager Should Know with Susie Ellis

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    10 Wellness Industry Trends Every Spa Manager Should Know with Susie Ellis

    What will the future of wellness look like in the next decade? In this episode of StarrCast, Susie Ellis joins the conversation to unpack the Global Wellness Trends Report and explore the forces shaping the global wellness economy. From women's longevity medicine and neural wellness to the rise of longevity residences and the growing concern over microplastics, this discussion reveals where the wellness industry is heading and what it means for spa, hospitality, and health leaders. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of emerging wellness business trends, preventative health strategies, and how global shifts in longevity science, community wellness, and technology are influencing the next generation of wellness innovation. What You'll Learn: Why women-focused longevity research is becoming one of the most important developments in health and wellness How the over-optimization backlash is changing the way people interact with wearables, health tracking, and digital wellness tools What neural wellness and nervous system regulation mean for sleep health, stress recovery, and mental resilience How trends like fragrance layering and sensory wellness experiences are reshaping the spa and hospitality environment Why longevity residences and wellness real estate may become a major driver of preventative health and lifestyle design in the future Episode Highlights: 02:00 – How the Global Wellness Summit identifies and predicts emerging wellness Trends 05:00 – Why women are gaining their own lane in longevity science and preventative health 13:40 – The over-optimization backlash and the hidden stress of health tracking devices 23:15 – Neural wellness and why regulating the nervous system is becoming a major focus in wellness 29:30 – Fragrance layering and the rise of sensory identity in wellness environments 36:20 – Why disaster preparedness is becoming part of preventative wellness thinking 41:40 – Skin longevity and the shift away from traditional anti-aging narratives 48:40 – The festivalization of wellness and the rise of social wellness experiences 53:20 – The rapid growth of women's sports and its influence on wellness culture 59:00 – Microplastics and the growing concern around environmental health risks 1:03:15 – Longevity residences and the future of wellness real estate Meet the Guest: Susie Ellis is the CEO and Chairman of the Global Wellness Summit and the Global Wellness Institute. She is one of the most influential voices in the global wellness economy and leads the development of the annual Future of Wellness Trends Report, a widely referenced outlook on emerging wellness innovations and industry shifts. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Global Wellness Trends Report Global Wellness Economy research and sector analysis Neural wellness and nervous system regulation practices Longevity medicine and female-focused health research Longevity residences and wellness real estate development Microplastics Watch initiative Closing Insight: The wellness industry is evolving rapidly as longevity science, preventative medicine, and lifestyle design converge. From community-driven wellness experiences to diagnostics integrated into living spaces, the future of health will increasingly focus on helping people live longer, healthier lives.   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: Connect with Susie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-ellis/   Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness

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  8. Why Muscle Mass Is The Key To Aging Well with Alexia Brue

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    Why Muscle Mass Is The Key To Aging Well with Alexia Brue

    What if the most important predictor of how well you age is not your bloodwork, but your skeletal muscle mass? In this episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr sits down with Alexia Brue, Founder and CEO of The Practice, to explore the rise of healthspan based fitness and why strength training may be the most powerful intervention for long term vitality. In this conversation Alexia shares how her journey from co-founding Well+Good to launching The Practice led her to build Greenwich's first personal training studio centered on healthspan, VO2 max, body composition, and measurable fitness biomarkers. Together, they unpack how wellness is evolving from lifestyle aspiration to outcomes driven performance and why proactive strength training is essential for aging well. What You'll Learn: Why healthspan, not just lifespan, should guide your fitness strategy How skeletal muscle mass impacts insulin sensitivity, bone density, brain health, and metabolic resilience What VO2 max and zone training reveal about cardiovascular longevity How undulating periodization improves strength gains and long term muscle development Why reassessment and fitness biomarker tracking are the next evolution of personal training Episode Highlights: 03:18 – How global bathhouse research shaped Alexia's entry into the wellness industry 10:42 – The rise of Well+Good and how digital media legitimized wellness as a business category 18:27 – What healthspan really means and how to "square the curve" of aging 26:55 – Why most midlife women are under muscled and what that means for long term vitality 33:40 – Inside The Practice: one method, five systems, and outcomes driven training 41:12 – VO2 max, zone 2 cardio, and the Norwegian 4x4 protocol explained 47:06 – Why reassessment and accountability redefine modern personal training Meet the Guest: Alexia Brue is the Founder and CEO of The Practice, a personal training studio built around healthspan and measurable fitness outcomes. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of Well+Good, one of the first major digital media platforms dedicated to the business of wellness. Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned: Healthspan based training model One Method, Five Systems framework Undulating periodization VO2 max testing and anaerobic power assessment Zone 2 steady state cardio and Zone 4 and 5 metabolic training Norwegian 4x4 cardiovascular protocol Healthspan reporting and reassessment every 24 sessions Closing Insight: As Alexia explains, "Building skeletal muscle mass is upstream of almost everything." When we focus on strength, capability, and measurable fitness biomarkers, we are not chasing optimization for its own sake. We are investing in vibrant years, independence, and resilience. If you care about aging well and living fully into your 80s and 90s, this episode offers a practical roadmap grounded in science and experience.   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: Connect with Alexia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-brue-1670618/   Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness, Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/starrcast/id1565223226 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00tW92ruuwangYoLxR9WDd Watch the StarrCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wynnebusiness Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnebusiness

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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.