In this week’s episode, I had a grounding conversation with Laura Montesanti about why travel can be a practice of healing rather than a form of escape.

Laura shared how the silence of Covid helped her reconnect to purpose which led to creating Synergy The Retreat Show, a trade event designed to change how our industry does business by placing wellbeing, community and experiential practice at the center.

We explored the idea of destination energy, the importance of designing retreats that truly regenerate people and places, and the small accessible practices such as breathwork, smiling and mindful time in nature that can make wellness feel normal and available to everyone.

Laura’s stories from trekking in Nepal to living in Montenegro show what becomes possible when place and human connection align. If you work in travel, hospitality or wellness or if you want a holiday that feels meaningful and restorative this conversation offers a powerful lens for rethinking travel.

Inside this podcast:

The origin story of Synergy and how the quiet of Covid revealed a new purpose. Why retreats can be tools for transformation rather than escape. How community and experiential design create deeper and longer lasting business relationships. Practical and accessible practices that support wellness such as breathwork and mindful time in nature. The role of regenerative travel and authentic local connection in healing both guests and hosts.

Connect with Synergy & Laura:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/4oZu51b

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/4qsz3F1

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/3KyJDLj

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00 Meeting Laura Montesanti

03:13 Defining the noise of life and how the silence of Covid revealed purpose

04:19 Founding Synergy Retreat Show with a focus on community and healing the industry

09:31 What makes Synergy Retreat Show unique with experiential sessions and structured meetings

11:11 Why traditional trade shows drain people and how to do business more holistically

15:13 Creating retreats that speak to men and shifting the narrative around male vulnerability

17:10 Personal loss and the drive to support mental health within travel

21:31 Destination energy and choosing locations that match inner needs

26:21 Trekking to Kura Lake in Nepal and the power of community on the road

37:16 Wellness as a life necessity and why schools should teach basic practices

42:06 The power of smiling and simple rituals that support wellbeing

43:39 A shift toward regenerative business and more purposeful travel

54:06 Announcing Synergy’s next location in northern Croatia with themes of nature, adventure and freedom

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.