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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

Summary
In this episode, leadership expert James E. Miller II discusses the loneliness of leadership, the importance of self-care, and practical frameworks like the 5R to prevent burnout. Holly Porter explores how retreat leaders can support themselves while supporting others.




Takeaways
The loneliness of leadership and its impact
The importance of self-awareness and honesty
The 5R framework: reflect, replenish, reframe, reconnect, rebuild
The role of rest and pacing in leadership health
The significance of vulnerability and asking for help
How retreat leaders can support their mental and emotional well-being
The importance of stepping outside work environments for renewal
Lessons learned from setbacks and failures



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to leadership loneliness and James Miller II
02:04 The Silent Summit: Recognizing the signs of reaching the top
03:52 The difference between being surrounded and feeling supported
05:46 Personal setbacks and their impact on leadership style
09:07 The 5R framework: Reflect, Replenish, Reframe, Reconnect, Rebuild
12:02 The importance of retreat leaders taking time for themselves
15:00 The power of vulnerability and asking for help
17:00 Replenishing through mountain climbing and disconnecting
18:09 Final advice for leaders carrying too much alone



🔗 Connect with James Miller II | All Things Retreat
📧 Email: jimmiller@viginc.net
🌐 Website: www.jamesmiller2.com
🔗 LinkedIn: James Miller II
📘 Facebook: James Miller II
🕊️ X/Twitter: @Subwaysultan



🔗 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/

Summary
In this episode, Julie Hutton shares her transformative life experiences, insights on lasting change, and the spiritual foundation that guides her work in coaching and retreats. Discover how challenges can lead to growth and the importance of self-love and authenticity.


Takeaways
Lasting transformation occurs through stepping stones and stabilizing each step.
Success is in the control of the client, not the facilitator.
Self-love is essential and is not selfish; it fuels genuine service.
Success should be aligned with one's own definition, not others' expectations.
Steady, incremental progress leads to permanent change.
Authentic success is when you feel energized and fulfilled.
Using universal language makes spiritual concepts accessible to all.
Self-acceptance is the foundation of true transformation.



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Julie Hutton and her background
02:23 A personal crisis at age 14 and its impact
05:09 Standing up for her child and life choices
07:12 Lessons learned from decades of coaching and retreats
08:27 What creates lasting transformation
09:45 Mistakes retreat leaders make in creating transformational experiences
11:58 Defining success and staying true to oneself
14:56 The role of spirituality and universal language
16:47 The importance of self-love and acceptance
18:57 Rapid fire questions: preferences and insights
19:50 Final words of wisdom and closing remarks




🔗 Connect with Julie Hutton
📧 Email: Julie@JulieHutton.com
🌐 Website: JulieHutton.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Julie Hutton



🔗 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/