When COVID shut down her brick-and-mortar yoga studio, Bethany Forest was forced to rethink everything. What began as a crisis became the catalyst for a retreat business rooted in healing, nature, and deep human connection.

In this episode, Dan Berger talks with Bethany—founder of Heal Yoga—about the leap from studio classes to immersive retreats, the hard lessons learned from her first retreat, and how thoughtful design, systems, and pricing make long-term sustainability possible.

Bethany shares how yoga retreats go far beyond poses on a mat, why discomfort can be a powerful teacher, and how intentional outdoor experiences help people regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and form lasting bonds.

Episode Themes

• Pivoting from a brick-and-mortar studio to retreats after COVID
• Why retreats create deeper transformation than weekly classes
• Designing yoga retreats that balance movement, reflection, and adventure
• Learning pricing, margins, and systems the hard way
• Creating psychological safety for first-time retreat guests
• Using nature and outdoor challenge to foster growth
• Building connection and belonging among strangers
• What makes people return to retreats again and again

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and introduction
01:33 – COVID, studio closure, and the pivot to retreats
03:36 – Why retreats felt more aligned than a yoga studio
04:40 – Lessons learned from the first retreat
06:42 – Building systems and pricing retreats sustainably
08:46 – What a yoga retreat really looks like
10:40 – Healing, the nervous system, and connection
12:46 – Structuring retreat days and setting expectations
16:02 – Adventure days and the role of discomfort
17:51 – Retreat size, frequency, and growth
18:27 – Marketing retreats and filling spots
20:31 – Final reflections on facilitation and belonging

About the Guest – Bethany Forest

Bethany Forest is the founder of Heal Yoga and a retreat facilitator who designs immersive experiences focused on healing, resilience, and connection. A multi-business entrepreneur, she brings a grounded, real-world perspective to wellness shaped by her background in product development, real estate photography, and business ownership.

After a personal health journey and the challenges of the pandemic, Bethany shifted her work from studio classes to retreats that combine yoga, nature, outdoor challenge, and deep self-inquiry. Her retreats help participants reconnect with their bodies, build meaningful relationships, and explore growth at the edge of discomfort.

Learn more: www.healyogastudio.com

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

About the Assemble Podcast
Welcome to the Assemble Podcast. I’m Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group.

We build purpose-designed spaces for small team offsites and retreats, because the biggest things happen in the smallest rooms.

This show explores retreats in all forms—corporate, lifestyle, wellness, and endurance training—and the culture shifts that happen when people step away from the everyday. You’ll hear lessons from operators, facilitators, and leaders who design experiences that move the needle.

Our goal: give you the playbook for building clarity, trust, and belonging on your team—or in your community.

Learn more: assemblehospitality.com

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Credits: Hosted by Dan Berger, Founder & CEO of Assemble Hospitality. Recorded at Assemble’s Boise Retreat House. Produced by KazCM, part of the QuietLoud Studios podcast network. Distributed on SportsEpreneur.