Not Another Wellness Retreat! with Heather and Kent McKean
In this episode of The Mind Change Podcast, Heather McKean is joined by Kent McKean as they explore the world of wellness retreats and what truly distinguishes a transformational retreat from the rest. With the wellness industry booming and retreats being marketed as go-to experiences for rest, relaxation, and self-improvement, the hosts break down the overwhelming options and offer insights on how to choose the right retreat.
Heather opens by discussing how wellness retreats have gained popularity, particularly in cultures where vacations tend to be action-packed, leaving little room for real rest and rejuvenation. She explains that wellness retreats emerged to provide intentional spaces for self-care, healing, and growth. However, not all retreats offer lasting transformation, and as the industry grows, it becomes important to discern which experiences are truly impactful.
The conversation shifts to the variety of retreats available today, from yoga and body movement retreats to surf and hiking getaways, as well as the rise of experimental options like psychedelic retreats. Heather and Kent emphasize that the challenge lies in selecting the right retreat and avoiding those that prioritize marketing over meaningful change.
A key part of the discussion focuses on the importance of intention and the expertise of retreat hosts. The McKeans stress the value of attending retreats led by experienced and responsible facilitators who can create a safe and transformative environment. They touch on how some people attend retreat after retreat, seeking healing but without achieving lasting results. They emphasize the need for retreats that push participants beyond their comfort zones to address the beliefs and patterns that are keeping them stuck.
Heather and Kent share their personal experiences with retreats and discuss how, through Mind Change, they have crafted their own unique transformative retreats focused on deep personal growth. Their retreats incorporate group work, one-on-one sessions, somatic movement, and breathwork, all designed to provide tools for sustained, long-term change.
The episode concludes with a discussion about the financial investment in retreats and why some are more expensive than others. Kent explains the costs involved in hosting retreats, particularly in exotic locations, and how participants can gain significant value when guided by skilled hosts.
If you’ve ever considered attending a wellness retreat, this episode provides essential insights into what to look for. Tune in! You'll learn how to choose the right wellness retreat for your needs, understand the difference between temporary relaxation and true transformation, and discover the key elements that make a retreat genuinely impactful for long-term personal growth.
If you are interested in attending one of Mind Change’s retreats, Heather and Kent invite you to visit their website for more information about their upcoming transformational Mind Change retreat in Belize. They highlight the blend of rest, relaxation, adventure, and deep healing work that their retreats offer, stressing how they are designed for participants to walk away with practical tools to maintain their growth long after the retreat is over.
In this episode, you will:
🧘♀️ Explore the origins and purpose of wellness retreats and why they've become so popular.
💆♀️ Learn the difference between retreats focused on rest and relaxation and those aimed at deep personal transformation.
🌍 Discover the wide range of retreats available, from yoga and hiking to experimental options like psychedelic retreats.
🎯 Understand the importance of setting clear intentions before attending a retreat to get the most out of the experience.
👩🏫 Gain insight into how to choose a retreat that aligns with your needs, goals, and expectations.
🤝 Learn why the expertise of retreat hosts is crucial in creating a safe, transformative environment.
🧠 Hear why some people attend retreat after retreat without real change, and how to break free from that cycle.
🧘♂️ Understand the value of retreats that push you beyond your comfort zone to foster real growth.
💰 Get clarity on why some retreats are more expensive and what factors contribute to pricing.
🌱 Discover the key elements that make a retreat truly impactful, with takeaways you can apply to your life long after it ends.
Episode topics:
🎙️ Welcome to the Mind Change Podcast! (00:00:00)
🧘♂️ Introduction to Wellness Retreats (00:01:15)
🌱 Why Wellness Retreats Have Grown (00:02:13)
🎯 Types of Wellness Retreats (00:05:30)
💡 Marketing Influence on Retreats (00:09:14)
🔄 Why Some People Attend Retreat After Retreat (00:13:02)
🛠️ Choosing the Right Retreat for Lasting Results (00:17:13)
💰 Understanding Retreat Costs (00:22:09)
🌀 Mind Change's Unique Retreats (00:27:27)
💼 Mind Change Retreats: The Importance of Return on Investments (00:32:47)
🌟 Transformative Stories from the Mind Change Retreat (00:42:38)
🌴 Upcoming Mind Change Retreat in Belize (00:56:08)
Get in touch with Heather and Kent McKean:
Web: https://www.mindchange.com/our-story
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindchange/?hl=en
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MindChange
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindchange