{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP 257 Belonging Is the New Luxury: Why Retreats Matter More Than Ever with Dan Berger","description":"In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn\u2019t discuss nearly enough: belonging. Dan shares his personal journey\u2014from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise, a retreat and gathering space intentionally designed for human connection. Together, Shannon and Dan dive into: Why men are facing a serious belonging and mental health crisis How retreats can act as temporary communities that create lasting impact Why small, intimate spaces outperform big, flashy experiences How retreat leaders can design environments that feel safe, connective, and meaningful And why belonging\u2014not content\u2014is what people are actually paying for This is a grounded, honest conversation about the responsibility retreat leaders hold and the opportunity they have to create spaces that genuinely change lives.   What You\u2019ll Learn in This Episode Why people aren\u2019t craving more content\u2014they\u2019re craving connection How Dan\u2019s \u201cbelonging tank\u201d framework applies directly to retreat design The four belonging personas every retreat leader should understand Why men\u2019s retreats and men\u2019s groups are more needed now than ever How intentional hospitality creates trust, safety, and transformation What post-COVID human connection really looks like (and why retreats are booming)   Notable Concepts Discussed The \u201cBelonging Crisis,\u201d especially among men Retreats as containers for community, not just experiences Small-group power vs. large-scale events Ethical considerations around AI and preserving human-made experiences Designing spaces that do the emotional work before the programming begins Email Dan to get a free copy of his book, or to book his amazing retreat center and get a 3rd night free: dan@assemblehospitality.com Buy Dan\u2019s Book here: https:\/\/amzn.to\/4qvuyts  About Dan Berger Dan J. Berger is the author of The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging, and the CEO of Assemble Hospitality Group. He previously sold his SaaS company, Social Tables, for $100M. He lives in Boise, ID with his wife and daughter.   Connect with Dan here: https:\/\/assembleboise.com\/    The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let\u2019s create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------- TIMESTAMPS Dan\u2019s Background and Journey (00:01:22) Dan shares his personal history, adoption, move from Israel, hospitality career, and founding a software company. Writing the Book on Belonging (00:02:01) Dan discusses writing his book about belonging and its self-help\/academic approach. Importance of Belonging in Retreats (00:03:01) Shannon and Dan explore why belonging is central to retreats and how retreats foster community. Men\u2019s Groups and Community Building (00:04:10) Dan describes his men\u2019s group, its structure, and how it builds ongoing relationships. Men\u2019s Belonging Crisis (00:05:53) Dan addresses the challenges men face with belonging, emotional expression, and the need for safe spaces. Retreats as Solutions for Men (00:08:13) Discussion on how retreats can help men, and Dan\u2019s hesitation about hosting men\u2019s retreats. Benefits of Extended Retreats (00:09:10) Shannon explains the deeper impact of multi-day retreats versus short meetings. Belonging Frameworks for Retreats (00:09:48) Dan introduces two frameworks from his book: the \u201cbelonging tank\u201d and four belonging personas. Book Offer and Belonging Differences (00:12:09) Dan offers a free book to listeners and discusses gender differences in belonging. Motivation for Opening a Retreat Center (00:13:59) Dan explains his shift from corporate retreats to opening a dedicated retreat facility. Design and Features of The Symbol Boise (00:17:25) Dan details the layout, amenities, and unique aspects of his Boise retreat center. Transparency and Marketing for Retreat Leaders (00:18:40) Shannon praises the clarity and marketing of Dan\u2019s facility for retreat organizers. Special Offer for Retreat Leaders (00:19:41) Dan shares a booking discount and explains the profitability and versatility of his space. Closing and Resources (00:21:00) Shannon wraps up, shares links to Dan\u2019s resources, and thanks him for joining. ","author_name":"The Retreat Leaders Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/retreatleaders.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"