SPA HIVE

Is September actually a better time to reset your life and goals than January?
This week on the SpaHive Podcast, Julie and MaryAnn are officially entering September… although they definitely do not agree on whether summer is actually over.
They’re giving summer a report card, sharing their best decisions and most ridiculous moments, debating early sunsets, talking planners, Tai Chi walking, cottage cheese cookies and somehow eventually making their way to the psychology behind the “Fresh Start Effect.”
With four months left in the year, this episode isn’t about cramming in every goal you made in January. It’s about deciding what still matters, letting go of what doesn’t, and choosing one manageable thing you’d genuinely feel good about accomplishing before December 31.
Because maybe September—not January—is the fresh start we actually need.
Listen for a funny, honest conversation about goal setting, productivity, seasonal resets, work, life and figuring out what deserves your energy in the final months of the year.

What are you ready to stop feeling guilty about?
In this episode of the SpaHive Podcast, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn get honest about guilt, work life balance, leadership, boundaries, self care and the pressure to do everything the “right” way.
Recording separately and answering the same three questions, they share the things they officially refuse to feel guilty about anymore, from paying for convenience and celebrating fall early to asking questions at work, setting high expectations, being late and learning to choose yourself.
They also dig into people pleasing, perfectionism, burnout and the difference between being needed and being loved. Julie shares why having high standards doesn't mean expecting perfection, while MaryAnn talks about letting go of the pressure to always have the answer.
If you've ever felt guilty for saying no, setting boundaries, asking for help, making life easier, changing your mind or putting yourself first, this conversation is for you.
Because maybe the goal isn't to do everything better. Maybe it's to finally stop apologizing for the things that never required an apology in the first place.

Would you rather have twice the revenue or work half the hours?
In this episode of the SpaHive Podcast, we explore decision making in business, entrepreneurship, and everyday life through a fast-paced game of Would You Rather. From spa ownership and team building to time management, revenue growth, and work-life balance, we challenge each other to choose between the trade-offs that every business owner faces.
The rule is simple: no “it depends.” Just clear decisions, real opinions, and honest insight into how we think about scaling a business, building a team, and designing a life you actually want.

Why can we make some of life's biggest decisions in minutes...but spend 45 minutes deciding where to eat?
This week on the SpaHive Podcast, Julie and MaryAnn are talking decision making: the things they decide instantly, the ridiculously small choices they overthink, gut instinct vs. research, decision fatigue, and why having MORE options may actually make it harder to choose.
Plus, Julie and MaryAnn put their own decision-making styles to the test and unpack the famous "jam study" on choice overload — and what it can teach us about business, spa menus, parenting and everyday life.
Are you a fast decision maker, an overthinker...or somehow both?
 
Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq

Wellness trends are everywhere...but are they actually making life better?
Julie and MaryAnn continue their conversation from last week's episode by diving into some of today's biggest viral trends, including Social Wellness, 90s Summer, Sardine Girl Summer and BookTok. Together they explore which trends deserve the hype, which ones they're skeptical of, and why sometimes the best ideas aren't new at all.
Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq

Every week there's another beauty, wellness, or lifestyle trend taking over social media... but are any of them actually worth trying?
In this fun episode of SpaHive, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn rate today's biggest viral trends using one simple system: Buy It, Borrow It, or Leave It.
From Glass Skin facials and Fisherman Aesthetic fashion to Bed Rotting, eco friendly salon hair recycling, and some very questionable "nervous system wellness" products, nothing is off limits.
You'll laugh, probably disagree with us a few times, and maybe even discover a trend worth trying yourself.
Whether you're a spa professional, business owner, or just someone who enjoys keeping up with internet culture, this episode is packed with opinions, laughs, and plenty of "wait... that's actually a thing?" moments.
Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq

The days are long... but somehow summer still flies by.
This week on the SpaHive Podcast, Julie and MaryAnn are checking in halfway through summer and asking a simple question:
Are you tired... or fulfilled?
From spontaneous adventures and sunrise hikes to pumpkin spice debates and boat trips, the conversation explores why some days leave us energized while others leave us completely drained.
They also unpack fascinating research on why trying something new changes how our brains experience time and why novelty can actually make life feel fuller.
Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq

In this rapid fire episode, Julie Pankey answers real world leadership questions on communication, feedback, team culture, trust, accountability, and managing employees. From handling difficult conversations to avoiding micromanagement, you'll walk away with practical leadership strategies you can apply immediately.
Whether you're a spa owner, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is packed with honest advice, actionable insights, and a behind the scenes look at what great leaders actually do and say.
Topics include: • Leadership communication • Employee management • Team accountability • Giving effective feedback • Building trust and respect • Leadership mindset
Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq
 

Are you leading your team...or accidentally becoming the bottleneck?
Many business owners and managers believe being the person everyone depends on is a sign of great leadership. But what if it's actually holding your team and your business back?
In this episode of SpaHive Business + Life Unfiltered, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn explore why the best leaders make themselves less needed by building confident, capable teams instead of becoming the constant problem solver.
Whether you're leading a spa, managing a team, running a small business, volunteering in your community, or even raising a family, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, delegation, and accountability.
 
Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq

:Last week, we bought your spa.
This week... we're buying into your leadership.
Every business eventually reflects its leader. If your team depends on you for every decision, problems keep resurfacing, or you constantly feel overwhelmed, this episode is for you.
Julie Pankey and MaryAnn continue their leadership series with a practical leadership audit designed for spa owners, entrepreneurs, and managers who want to build businesses that thrive without constant firefighting.
Inside this episode:
What are you tolerating? • Are you leading or reacting? • Are YOU the bottleneck? • What does your team actually experience? • Rapid fire leadership questions every owner should answer honestly.
If you're ready to stop managing every detail and start leading a stronger team, this conversation is for you.
#SpaOwner #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Management #SpaBusiness #TeamLeadership