StarrCast

About 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.

Publisher

StarrCast

Category

business · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Apr 2021

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

172 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   Timeless Hospitality Meets Modern Wellness, Live from We Work Well Spa

   What does the future of resort spa and wellness look like, and how can operators balance timeless hospitality with evolving guest expectations, emerging technologies, and business profitability? Recorded live at the We Work Well event in Pasadena, this episode of StarrCast Podcast brings together host Lisa Starr and three industry professionals for candid conversations about innovation, spa leadership, operational challenges, and the expanding role of wellness in hospitality. First, Alex Marcus, Director of Sales for Hospitality at Ammortal, introduces the Ammortal Chamber, a multi-modality wellness experience designed to support relaxation, recovery, and mind-body connection. She explains how the technology combines red light, near-infrared light, vibroacoustic sound therapy, and other modalities into customizable sessions. Then, Lisa sits down with Michelle Kelthy, Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and Penny Kriel, Director of Spa and Wellness for Salamander Resorts. Drawing on decades of international spa experience, they explore the realities of managing large resort spa operations while maintaining world-class customer experiences. From staff engagement and therapist retention to treatment menu engineering, retail sales, dynamic pricing, and the growing demand for longevity and recovery experiences, the conversation offers practical insights for spa and wellness operators navigating a changing industry. The discussion also looks ahead to a future where wellness extends throughout the resort, connecting spa services with fitness, nutrition, sleep, and personalized guest experiences. What You'll Learn How emerging wellness technologies can complement traditional spa treatments and enhance the guest experience. Why ongoing staff training, leadership development, and employee retention remain essential to operational success. How spa directors are balancing treatment room utilization, staffing shortages, and revenue optimization. Why thoughtful guest consultations, personalized treatments, and retail recommendations can strengthen trust and loyal clientele growth. How dynamic pricing and strategic menu engineering can support spa profitability. Why integrated wellness programming, including longevity, recovery, fitness, and nutrition, is becoming increasingly important in resort hospitality. Episode Highlights 00:40 – Exploring the Ammortal Chamber and multi-modality wellness technology 06:26 – How cruise ship careers shaped today's spa leaders 10:59 – Maintaining exceptional guest service through training and leadership 15:14 – Treatment room utilization, innovation, and timeless spa experiences 22:26 – Personalized treatments, sleep, and longevity programming 26:55 – Therapist development, retail sales, and meaningful guest consultations 33:18 – Dynamic pricing strategies and spa revenue optimization 36:08 – The future of integrated wellness across resort properties Meet the Guests Alex Marcus – Director of Sales for Hospitality at Ammortal, introducing an innovative wellness chamber that combines multiple modalities into personalized experiences. Michelle Kelthy – Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, bringing decades of international spa leadership experience and expertise in luxury hospitality, staff development, and guest service excellence. Penny Kriel – Director of Spa and Wellness for Salamander Resorts, overseeing multiple resort spa operations with a focus on operational performance, staff development, and integrated wellness programming. Closing Insight As resort spas evolve into broader wellness destinations, successful operators must make thoughtful decisions about technology, staffing, service standards, and profitability. The opportunity lies in preserving the enduring value of personal care while developing meaningful wellness experiences that meet guests' changing needs. Listen to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations with global spa and wellness leaders shaping the future of hospitality. 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 Alex Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-marcus-2485072b/ Connect with Michelle Kelthy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kelthy-41a47a5/ Connect with Penny Kriel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-kriel-a7077b11/ Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com (https://weworkwellevents.com/)

2. 

   28 Oct 2026

   SWTHZ CEO Nico Varano on Fueling Growth by Hitting the Brakes

   What happens when a rapidly expanding wellness franchise deliberately slows down to strengthen its business model? For Nico Varano Jr., CEO of SweatHouz, sustainable growth starts with operational discipline, franchisee profitability, and a consistently exceptional guest experience. In this episode of StarrCast, host Lisa Starr explores how SweatHouz has grown into a national wellness brand with 109 studios and approximately 425 franchise licenses sold. From private infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences to membership retention, pricing strategies, and right-sized facilities, Nico shares the leadership decisions driving the company's evolution and what spa and wellness operators can learn from its approach to scalable growth. What You'll Learn Scaling with intention: Why SweatHouz reevaluated its expansion strategy to prioritize profitability and operational efficiency. The economics of wellness franchising: How studio size, construction costs, pre-sales, and membership models influence financial performance. Creating loyal clientele: Why understanding each guest's goals is essential to converting first-time visitors into long-term members. The rise of contrast therapy: How private infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences are attracting a broad audience seeking recovery, relaxation, and stress relief. Leadership from the studio floor: How Nico's experience as a franchisee shapes his approach to training, staff engagement, and franchisee success. Episode Highlights 01:06 – From private equity to wellness entrepreneur and SweatHouz CEO 05:12 – Why spreadsheets cannot replace firsthand operational experience 07:10 – How SweatHouz evolved its studio model and expanded nationwide 10:25 – Right-sizing studio investments to improve franchisee profitability 13:57 – Making infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences accessible to more consumers 21:07 – Personalizing membership recommendations to build guest loyalty 24:29 – Resetting the business model to improve sales and retention 47:23 – Delivering world-class hospitality with a streamlined staffing model Meet the Guest Nico Varano Jr. is CEO of SweatHouz, a rapidly growing wellness franchise specializing in private infrared sauna, cold plunge, and contrast therapy experiences. With a background in finance and private equity, Nico entered the wellness industry as one of SweatHouz's first franchisees before becoming CEO in January 2026. His hands-on operational experience informs his focus on sustainable expansion, franchisee success, and revenue optimization. Closing Insight As Nico explains, profitable franchisee operations are the foundation for future growth and long-term brand value. His experience offers an important lesson for spa and wellness leaders: successful expansion requires disciplined business decisions, engaged teams, and a guest experience worth returning for. Subscribe to StarrCast with Lisa Starr for more insightful conversations with global spa and wellness leaders exploring business innovation, operational excellence, and the future of wellness. 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 Nico Varano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/ Connect with SWTHZ: https://sweathouz.com/ (https://sweathouz.com/) Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com (https://weworkwellevents.com/)

3. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Rethinking Luxury Wellness: Simplicity, Service and Satisfaction

   Is luxury hospitality becoming too complicated for its own good? Luxury hotels and wellness resorts continue to invest in sophisticated technology, elaborate spa facilities, and personalized amenities. Yet these enhancements don't always translate into happier guests or more memorable experiences. Sometimes, the smallest frustrations can have the greatest impact on guest satisfaction and loyalty. In this episode of the StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes Javier Suárez Sanchez, luxury hospitality wellness strategist and former Six Senses executive, for a thought-provoking conversation about what today's luxury guests really value. Drawing on more than 25 years of international hospitality experience with brands including Marriott, Hilton, and Six Senses, Javier challenges conventional thinking about service standards, spa operations, and the meaning of true luxury. From overly complicated spa menus and confusing room technology to the importance of sleep, intuitive service, and empowered employees, Lisa and Javier explore how simplifying the guest journey can create a more meaningful, personalized wellness experience. They also discuss the growing influence of biohacking, recovery technologies, and social wellness concepts on the future of hospitality. For spa and wellness operators, hospitality executives, and guest experience professionals, this conversation offers practical insights into delivering world-class customer experiences, improving operational effectiveness, and building lasting guest loyalty. What You'll Learn Redefining luxury hospitality: Why effortless, intuitive service is increasingly important to guest satisfaction. Removing guest friction: How complicated technology, lengthy spa menus, and rigid service protocols can undermine the wellness experience. Personalization that matters: Why sleep quality, sensory experiences, and anticipating individual preferences create lasting impressions. Empowering hospitality teams: How staff engagement, cross-departmental training, and intuitive decision-making elevate service delivery. Simplifying spa operations: Why personalized treatments, wellness concierge services, and streamlined booking can improve the guest journey. The evolution of wellness: How biohacking, recovery technologies, and social wellness clubs are creating new opportunities for the industry. Episode Highlights 05:20 – What truly defines luxury hospitality today? 09:08 – How perfect service standards can still produce disappointed guests 12:51 – The biggest friction points in the luxury guest journey 17:41 – Should luxury spas eliminate traditional treatment menus? 20:11 – Why cross-departmental training is essential to wellness success 27:41 – Empowering employees to deliver exceptional guest experiences 31:02 – When elaborate service protocols interfere with genuine hospitality 52:20 – How to improve the guest experience in 30 days with a limited budget Meet the Guest Javier Suárez Sanchez is a luxury hospitality wellness strategist and consultant with more than 25 years of international experience. With a background in physiotherapy and leadership roles at Marriott, Hilton, and Six Senses, he brings a unique perspective to spa management, wellness innovation, and guest experience strategy. He is also an equity partner and strategic advisor to Ladata Self-Recovery Center in Porto, Portugal. Closing Insight The most memorable luxury experiences often come from making guests feel genuinely cared for, understood, and completely at ease. As Javier reminds us, exceptional hospitality begins with well-trained, empowered teams who understand the human side of wellness. Listen to this episode of StarrCast for fresh perspectives on simplifying luxury hospitality and creating guest experiences that inspire lasting loyalty. 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 Javier Suárez Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javier-suarez-sanchez/ Connect with our sponsor We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com (https://weworkwellevents.com/)

Who has been a guest on StarrCast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lasse Eriksen
• Travis Talmadge
• Joli Irvine
• Alexi Irvine
• Don Genders

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

520

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 73 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

96

Social presence

0

YouTube

64

Engagement

60

Contact StarrCast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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