What if networking didn’t have to feel awkward, salesy, or exhausting?

In this conversation, Gil Petersil joins us from Bali to share a refreshingly human approach to connection, one rooted in hospitality, not transactions. We talk about why so many people avoid networking, how Gil built connections as a learnable skill, even as an introvert, and the three pillars behind what he calls “quantum networking”: compliments, curiosity, and follow-up.

We also explore Chatea, Gil’s modern take on an old tradition, using tea as a simple, powerful way to slow down, be present, and create real conversations, without defaulting to alcohol or small talk.

If you’ve ever walked into a room and wanted to disappear, this one’s for you.

Join High Trust Networking, a 60-Minute Interactive Masterclass / Webinar with Gil Petersil on May 28th, hosted by RetreatBoss and Catherine Kontos: Click Here

Catch Gil Petersil’s powerful contribution in our Spring Issue of RetreatBoss Magazine, featuring our cover story, Garry Lineham: RetreatBoss Magazine

In this video:

• Why networking feels transactional, and how to shift it

• The fears underneath the connection: rejection, judgment, not fitting in

• Introvert-friendly ways to build trust fast

• The “quantum networking” framework: 3 pillars

• Chatea and the rise of tea bars for modern connection

• How retreat leaders can design rooms that make people feel they belong

What if regulation were the real leadership skill?

In this episode, Catherine Kontos sits down with Garry Lineham, founder of Human Garage and creator of Fascial Maneuvers, to explore a radical ideas:

Your body already knows how to heal.

Stress is the root.

Movement restores flow.

After decades of chronic pain and millions spent searching for answers, Garry discovered something simple and powerful. Regulation changes everything.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• What fascia really is and why it affects both emotion and physiology

• Why stress dysregulation drives chronic issues

• A free 15-minute maneuver you can practice immediately

• The difference between symptom chasing and true nervous system regulation

For retreat leaders and Experience Architects, this is essential.

You cannot hold regulated space if you are not regulated yourself.

This episode will shift how you design retreats, workshops, and immersive experiences. Beyond inspiration. Into physiology. Into leadership.

If you believe healing should empower, not create dependency, this conversation is for you.

Read the full feature article in our spring issue of RetreatBoss Magazine, featuring our cover story, Garry Lineham - RetreatBoss Magazine

This is not about doing more.It is about regulating better.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you have what it takes to lead unforgettable, transformational retreats and events, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the RetreatBoss Podcast, Catherine Kontos sits down with Laura Villep, Global Head of Events at Mindvalley, to explore what it really takes to design experiences that are both powerful and profitable.

Laura has led events across 20+ countries, generating millions in ticket sales and she's sharing the lessons behind the spotlight.

What you’ll walk away with:

● The mindsets and traits every world-class event planner needs

● How to navigate chaos with calm (military coups, power outages, and all)

● Why your audience shapes the story—and how to design with them in mind

● How to work across cultures, time zones, and expectations without losing your mind

● The surprising ways transformation actually happens (hint: not always on stage)

Whether you’re planning a retreat, corporate experience, or festival—Laura’s insights will change how you approach your next event.

This is strategy meets soul. Experience meets execution.

Can slowing down your body actually speed up your life and business?

In this full length conversation, internationally renowned Qigong master Lee Holden shares how a “career ending” sports injury opened the door to energy medicine, mindfulness, and movement that changed everything. From college athlete to PBS favorite to global retreat leader, Lee reveals the practices and principles behind his calm, grounded power.

You will hear Lee unpack how Qigong can

• Release stress and tension stored in the body

• Support healing from injury and burnout

• Balance your nervous system for better sleep, focus, and creativity

• Deepen spiritual connection through simple daily rituals

• Shift you from overdoing to moving with energy, purpose, and flow

We also explore how he built a purpose driven business around Qigong, retreats, and online programs without sacrificing his health, family, or values. If you are holding space for others as a retreat leader, coach, healer, therapist, or wellness entrepreneur, this episode will give you practical tools to protect your own energy while you grow your work in the world.

What you will learn in this episode

• Lee’s journey from injured athlete to Qigong and energy medicine

• The core foundations of Qigong for modern life and busy leaders

• How gentle movement can unlock stuck emotions and old stories

• Why doing less can actually make you more magnetic and effective

• How to design retreats and experiences that truly restore people

• Daily practices you can start using right away, even if you are brand new to Qigong

This episode is for you if

• You lead or want to lead retreats or group experiences

• You run a wellness business and are tired of hustle culture

• You support others emotionally or physically and need better energetic boundaries

• You are craving more presence, peace, and purpose in your day to day life

Want to go deeper with Lee’s story?

Read the full feature article in the Winter Issue of RetreatBoss Magazine, featuring our cover story Lee Holden — at https://magazine.retreatboss.com/flip-book/847710/2254279/page/2

To go deeper:

● RetreatBoss.com – Strategic certification and consulting for retreat leaders and venues

● RetreatMatch.com – The curated platform connecting retreats, venues, and collaborators that are serious about impact

About our guest

Lee Holden is an internationally known Qigong master, author, and teacher whose programs have been featured on PBS for years. He leads retreats and trainings around the world and has introduced millions of people to Qigong, mindful movement, and energy cultivation practices that fit real life.

About RetreatBoss the Podcast

Hosted by RetreatBoss founder Catherine Kontos, this show sits down with retreat leaders, wellness innovators, and conscious entrepreneurs who are redefining what transformation, travel, and leadership can look like. If you are building a retreat based business or weaving retreats into your existing work, you are in the right place.

If you enjoy this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs support with stress, burnout, or finding a more aligned way to live and lead.

Can slowing down your body actually speed up your life and business?In this full length conversation, internationally renowned Qigong master Lee Holden shares how a “career ending” sports injury opened the door to energy medicine, mindfulness, and movement that changed everything. From college athlete to PBS favorite to global retreat leader, Lee reveals the practices and principles behind his calm, grounded power.You will hear Lee unpack how Qigong can• Release stress and tension stored in the body• Support healing from injury and burnout• Balance your nervous system for better sleep, focus, and creativity• Deepen spiritual connection through simple daily rituals• Shift you from overdoing to moving with energy, purpose, and flowWe also explore how he built a purpose driven business around Qigong, retreats, and online programs without sacrificing his health, family, or values. If you are holding space for others as a retreat leader, coach, healer, therapist, or wellness entrepreneur, this episode will give you practical tools to protect your own energy while you grow your work in the world.What you will learn in this episode• Lee’s journey from injured athlete to Qigong and energy medicine• The core foundations of Qigong for modern life and busy leaders• How gentle movement can unlock stuck emotions and old stories• Why doing less can actually make you more magnetic and effective• How to design retreats and experiences that truly restore people• Daily practices you can start using right away, even if you are brand new to QigongThis episode is for you if• You lead or want to lead retreats or group experiences• You run a wellness business and are tired of hustle culture• You support others emotionally or physically and need better energetic boundaries• You are craving more presence, peace, and purpose in your day to day lifeWant to go deeper with Lee’s story?Read the full feature article in the Winter Issue of RetreatBoss Magazine, featuring our cover story Lee Holden — at RETREATBOSS MAGAZINE To go deeper:● RetreatBoss.com – Strategic certification and consulting for retreat leaders and venues● RetreatMatch.com – The curated platform connecting retreats, venues, and collaborators that are serious about impactAbout our guestLee Holden is an internationally known Qigong master, author, and teacher whose programs have been featured on PBS for years. He leads retreats and trainings around the world and has introduced millions of people to Qigong, mindful movement, and energy cultivation practices that fit real life.About RetreatBoss the PodcastHosted by RetreatBoss founder Catherine Kontos, this show sits down with retreat leaders, wellness innovators, and conscious entrepreneurs who are redefining what transformation, travel, and leadership can look like. If you are building a retreat based business or weaving retreats into your existing work, you are in the right place.If you enjoy this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs support with stress, burnout, or finding a more aligned way to live and lead.

In this episode of RetreatBoss The Podcast, host Catherine Kontos is joined by Cory Sterling, a lawyer, small business owner, and author of The Yoga Law Book. Cory shares his expertise on the legal aspects of running a retreat, offering practical advice on protecting your business and managing the risks involved. They discuss the importance of proper legal agreements, negotiating contracts with international vendors, and the crucial need for insurance. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your retreat business and ensure smooth operations, no matter where your retreat occurs.

Key Takeaways:

• The Biggest Legal Mistakes in the Retreat Industry: Not having industry-specific agreements in place, even when working with friends or family.

• Legal Agreements You Need: A liability waiver, retreat participant agreement, and media release are essential to protect your business.

• Handling International Vendors: Tips on negotiating terms when working with venues and vendors abroad.

• The Importance of Insurance: Why insurance is as vital as having solid legal contracts to cover potential risks.

• Screening Retreat Participants: How vetting participants can prevent disruptions and legal issues during retreats.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Cory Sterling and his work at Conscious Counsel.

• Download your Retreat Leader Legal Checklist.

• Find out how RetreatBoss can help you launch successful and profitable retreats at RetreatBoss.com

Connect with Cory:

https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel

https://www.facebook.com/consciouscounsel

https://www.youtube.com/@consciouscounsel

Get your FREE Retreat Leader Legal Bundle: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/retreatbundle

Connect with Catherine:

https://www.retreatboss.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lifecoachmtl/

https://www.youtube.com/@retreatboss
https://twitter.com/KontosCatherine

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the RetreatBoss™ Podcast. Today, we are excited to welcome Licia Rester, a distinguished expert in instructional design and transformative content creation. In this episode, Licia not only shares her invaluable insights into designing impactful hybrid events that integrate in-person and virtual experiences, but also provides practical strategies that you can implement right away. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or content creator, Licia's inclusive and engaging event design strategies are a must-listen.

We'll explore how to map out a compelling transformation arc for your events and instructional programs, ensuring your content meets the specific needs of various client types, from solopreneurs to corporate giants. Licia will also share her journey of writing and organizing content efficiently, revealing how she wrote two-thirds of a book in just 16 hours!

Moreover, Licia discusses the benefits of working with existing content and developing new material, providing listeners with a roadmap to navigate the overwhelming world of content creation. She's here to inspire and offer practical tools and training for those passionate about driving profound personal and professional transformation.

So, whether you want to enhance your virtual event skills or streamline your content creation process, this episode is packed with advice to elevate your approach. Stay tuned as we explore these topics and more on the RetreatBoss Podcast.

Learn more about Licia Lester:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/licia-rester-3ba7a81/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resterlicia/

Website: https://www.vemastery.com/

Free workshop link: Free Fast-Track a Breakthrough Book Blueprint + Training Bundle: https://6-figurebooklaunch.com/getbundle

Learn more from Catherine:

https://www.retreatboss.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lifecoachmtl/

https://www.youtube.com/@retreatboss

https://twitter.com/KontosCatherine

A thriving community is an essential part of your business – especially in the retreat and wellness industry. A community can create a supportive network of individuals who share a genuine interest in your offerings, ultimately driving sustainable growth and success for your business.

In this episode of the RetreatBoss Podcast, I am joined by my guest, Maruxa Murphy. Together we discussed building and leading online communities, turning your audiences into loyal communities and the importance of understanding one’s target audience to effectively market retreats and connect emotionally.

Maruxa Murphy is an award-winning community experience designer, strategist, entrepreneur, author and catalyst for change who has been transforming communities in person and online since 2000. Her work has been featured on Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Fox News, The Huffington Post, and many more. Tune in for an insightful conversation and learn tips and tricks on building your own thriving community!

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