StarrCast

StarrCast
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Wellness 2026: Insights from Spa Leaders at Canyon Ranch, Kohler, Arch Amenities, and Mario Tricoci

    What are some of the most influential leaders in the spa and wellness industry seeing as they look toward the future? Recorded live at We Work Well Spa North America in Bonita Springs, Florida, Lisa Starr sits down with four accomplished industry leaders representing Canyon Ranch, Kohler Water Spa, Arch Amenities Group, and Mario Tricoci Spa & Salon. Together, they explore the changing expectations of today's wellness consumer, the rise of longevity programming, recovery-focused experiences, community-driven wellness, AI integration, and the growing intersection of spa, beauty, and medical wellness. This episode offers a unique cross-section of perspectives from operators, brands, and management groups helping shape the future of wellness and hospitality. What You'll Learn How guest expectations have evolved and why personalization is more important than ever Why community and social connection are becoming essential wellness offerings The growing demand for longevity, recovery, and contrast therapy experiences How wellness brands are helping guests take healthier habits home Where AI may fit into spa operations, marketing, and guest engagement Why med spas and therapeutic wellness services continue to expand How leading organizations are adapting to changing consumer behavior Episode Highlights  01:24 – Ellen McGinnis on innovation, personalization, and the evolution of the wellness guest 04:45 – Canyon Ranch's approach to longevity, women's health, and transformative wellness experiences 11:27 – How Kohler Water Spa is leveraging the healing power of water and experiential wellness 18:10 – Why community, belonging, and social wellness may define the next chapter of the industry 22:04 – Susan Hammer on hotel spa management, recovery programming, and the role of AI 29:35 – Understanding what guests are truly seeking beyond wellness buzzwords 35:54 – Cassandra Stratton on the rapid growth of med spas and therapeutic wellness services 36:21 – How beauty, spa, and medical aesthetics are converging into one client journey Meet the Guest Ellen McGinnis is Director of Spa at Canyon Ranch Tucson and represents one of the most respected wellness brands in the world. She shares insights on longevity, guest expectations, innovation, and the future of destination wellness.  Nicole Miller serves as Director of Spa Operations for Kohler Water Spa, overseeing six locations across the United States and Scotland. She discusses experiential water therapies, wellness innovation, recovery experiences, and the growing importance of community.  Susan Hammer is Senior Vice President of Spa Operations and Client Success at Arch Amenities Group, overseeing dozens of spa properties nationwide. She offers perspective on management trends, recovery-focused wellness, employee development, and AI integration.  Cassandra Stratton is Director of Spa Services and Education at Mario Tricoci Spa & Salon, one of the Midwest's leading beauty and wellness brands. A licensed massage therapist with more than two decades in the industry, she discusses the continued growth of spa services, the rise of med spas, and the increasingly connected journey between beauty, wellness, and medical aesthetics.  Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Longevity Programming Women's Health Initiatives Experiential Water Therapy Contrast Therapy and Recovery Experiences Community-Centered Wellness AI-Powered Operations and Marketing Med Spa Growth Strategies Personalized Wellness Journeys Hospitality Wellness Management Therapeutic and Preventive Wellness Services Closing Insight Across every conversation, one theme emerged clearly: wellness is becoming more personalized, more outcome-focused, and more connected. Whether through longevity programs, recovery experiences, advanced technologies, or meaningful community engagement, the future belongs to organizations that help guests create lasting change rather than simply delivering a momentary escape. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the innovators, operators, and thought leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning?   Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with Ellen ​​McGinnis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-mcginnis-3569572a/  Connect with Nicole Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-miller-607394115/  Connect with Susan Hammer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-hammer-442ba93/  Connect with Cassandra Stratton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandradstratton/  Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/

    36 min

  2. May 20

    Live from the GWI Wellness and Real Estate Communities Symposium; Healthy Buildings and Human Longevity

    What if the future of wellness has less to do with treatments and more to do with the spaces where we live, work, travel, and recover? In this special on-location episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr reports from the Global Wellness Institute's Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium in New York City. Through conversations with leaders in wellness architecture, hospitality, healthy buildings, and digital experience design, this episode explores how wellness real estate is evolving from trend to infrastructure. Topics include longevity living, low-EMF environments, wellness-focused hospitality, digital integration, and the growing demand for healthier built environments that support everyday wellbeing. What You'll Learn Why wellness real estate is becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in hospitality and development How low-EMF building standards are shaping conversations around healthy buildings and longevity living The role of architecture, technology, and user experience in creating wellness-centered spaces Why hospitality brands are integrating wellness into residential and mixed-use developments How personalization, digital design, and human-centered experiences are redefining wellness environments Episode Highlights  01:37 – Christophe Laarman explains the rise of low-EMF building standards 04:50 – Practical ways consumers can reduce EMF exposure at home 10:15 – How EMF testing and certification for buildings works 13:22 – How Cactus combines architecture, strategy, and digital experience design 18:03 – Why digital design is becoming essential in wellness real estate 21:08 – The challenge of integrating technology into wellness experiences without distraction 30:32 – Amanda Al-Masri on how Hilton approaches wellness across hospitality and residential spaces 36:50 – Why wellness personalization matters more than one-size-fits-all solutions 39:24 – The future of wellness as a lifestyle integrated into everyday living Meet the Guest Christophe Laarman is the Executive Partner of EMFIS, a company focused on global low-EMF building standards and healthier living environments through electromagnetic field mitigation and wellness-centered design. Michael Offerman is the Director of Strategy at Cactus, an innovation consultancy that combines architecture, digital experience design, and strategy to create immersive hospitality, healthcare, and wellness experiences. Amanda Al-Masri is the Global Vice President of Wellness at Hilton, where she leads wellness strategy across one of the world's largest hospitality portfolios, helping shape the future of wellness hospitality and residential living. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Low-EMF building standards Healthy building certification and assessment Wellness-focused hospitality design Digital and physical user journey integration Longevity living and regenerative development Personalized wellness experiences in hospitality and residential environments Closing Insight As wellness continues to evolve beyond spas and amenities, the built environment is becoming one of the most important drivers of human health, longevity, and quality of life. From healthy buildings and wellness communities to digitally integrated hospitality experiences, this episode highlights how the future of wellness may be shaped less by what we consume and more by the spaces we inhabit every day. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations exploring the future of wellness, hospitality, leadership, and human-centered business strategy. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Christophe Connect with Michael Offerman Connect with Amanda Al-Masri Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    43 min

  3. May 13

    Meeting Design Gets a Wellness Transformation

    What if conferences and business events actually helped people feel healthier, more energized, and more connected? In this episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr sits down with Reina Herschdorfer, Director of Marketing for Caesars Entertainment, and David T. Stephens, Founder of Olympian Meetings, who both serve as Co-Chairs of the Global Wellness Institute Meetings and Events Initiative. Together they explore the growing movement toward wellness-centered meetings and events. Recorded live at the HSMAI quarterly meeting in Las Vegas, this conversation examines how the hospitality and meetings industry can move beyond packed schedules and transactional networking to create experiences that support human connection, nervous system regulation, engagement, and long-term wellbeing. The discussion explores how wellness is becoming an essential part of event design, workplace culture, hospitality strategy, and attendee experience across the global meetings industry.  What You'll Learn Why traditional conferences often leave attendees mentally and physically exhausted How simple wellness practices like breathwork can improve focus, retention, and authentic connection Why event design should support human nervous systems instead of nonstop productivity The role wellness plays in attendee engagement, workplace wellbeing, and conference ROI How Caesars Entertainment is integrating wellness into large-scale meetings and hospitality experiences Why the future of conferences may include wellness metrics alongside sustainability and CSR reporting How wellness-first event strategy can strengthen networking, learning outcomes, and attendee satisfaction Episode Highlights  03:38 – Why the meetings industry needs a wellness initiative 05:02 – "We don't design events for nervous systems" 06:27 – How five minutes of breathwork transformed attendee engagement 10:17 – Interactive wellness activations and experiential event design 14:52 – Does incorporating wellness into conferences cost more? 20:26 – How Caesars Entertainment launched its Wellness for Meetings strategy 23:33 – The vision behind the new Meetings and Events Wellness Initiative 28:55 – Why wellness in events may become part of the global wellness economy 31:21 – The growing importance of NA beverages and healthier hospitality offerings 40:38 – David T. Stephens on "Return on Wellness" and measuring event impact Meet the Guest Reina Herschdorfer is Director of Marketing for Caesars Entertainment and a leader in advancing wellness-focused meeting experiences across the hospitality industry. She has spent more than two decades in meetings, hospitality, and event strategy and helped launch Caesars Entertainment's Wellness for Meetings initiative. David T. Stephens is a Wellness Architect, Founder of Olympian Meetings, and host of the Return on Wellness podcast. He specializes in designing wellness-first meetings and events that improve attendee engagement, learning retention, and human performance outcomes. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Wellness-first event design Breathwork integration for conferences Experiential wellness activations Nervous system-aware meeting planning Wellness hospitality strategy Return on Wellness framework Wellness meeting guides and wellness menus Healthy food and beverage programming CSR and purpose-driven event experiences Closing Insight As wellness continues to influence hospitality, workplace culture, and human performance, the meetings industry has an opportunity to rethink how conferences are designed from the ground up. Small shifts in programming, food, movement, connection, and intentional pauses can dramatically change how attendees feel, learn, and engage long after an event ends. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations exploring the future of wellness, hospitality, leadership, and human-centered business strategy. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Reina Connect with David Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram

    43 min

  4. May 6

    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

  5. Apr 29

    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

  6. Apr 22

    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

    1h 1m

  7. Apr 15

    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

  8. Apr 8

    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

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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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