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SPA HIVE

Julie Pankey

The SpaHive Podcast is for spa owners, wellness entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders — and anyone building a business with heart and strategy.

Hosted by 7-Figure Spa Consultant Julie Pankey and co-host MaryAnn Sessine, this show delivers real spa business strategy, marketing insight, revenue growth tactics, team development tools, and honest conversations about leadership, burnout, mindset, and sustainable success.

No quick fixes. No fluff. Just practical systems, profitability strategies, and unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to grow in business — and in life.

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27 episodes
weekly
Avg 34 min
English

Episodes 27

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#196
Friday · 37 min
It’s September. Do You Even Still Want Your January Goals?
What happened to all those goals you were SO sure about back in January? September has a funny way of making you look at the person you thought you were going to be this year versus the person you actually became. This week on SpaHive Podcast: Business + Life Unfiltered, Julie and MaryAnn are checking back in on their 2026 goals. The ones they accomplished, the ones they’re still chasing, the ones they completely forgot existed, and the ones that just don’t fit anymore. Julie revisits her word of the year, “alignment,” and rediscovers a book idea she apparently forgot she had. MaryAnn talks about how pregnancy completely changed some of the goals she had for herself this year. They also check in on their podcast growth and monetization goals, reading challenges, fitness expectations and why arbitrary deadlines can make a perfectly good goal feel like a failure. And, naturally, the conversation somehow turns into an investigation into discreet book covers for spicy novels. But underneath all of it is one question worth asking before Q4: If December 31st came and you hadn’t done this, would you actually be disappointed? If yes, maybe it’s time to get moving. If no, maybe it’s time to let it go. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and come back next week when we take the goals that ARE still worth chasing and give them one final Q4 Hail Mary.
#195
September 11 · 26 min
Things We’re Not Taking Back to Work With Us
September has that back to business energy. New routines, new planners, new goals, new motivation…but what about the things we need to STOP doing? This week on SpaHive, Julie and MaryAnn are talking about the work habits they’re leaving behind this fall: multitasking, rescuing everyone, reminding grown adults about their deadlines, letting one email or text hijack the entire day, and taking ownership of problems that were never actually theirs to solve. They get into workplace boundaries, delegation, time management, productivity, leadership, and the surprisingly hard lesson of knowing about something without automatically owning it. Because maybe the answer to feeling overwhelmed at work isn’t always doing more, organizing better, or finding the perfect planner. Maybe it’s realizing that just because something lands in front of you doesn’t mean it belongs to you. If you’re a business owner, leader, manager, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to head into fall with a little less chaos, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to take everything with you.
#194
September 4 · 41 min
Forget January: September Is the Perfect Time for a Reset
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.
#193
August 28 · 20 min
Convenience Fees, High Standards & Choosing Yourself
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.
#192
August 21 · 34 min
Money, Time or Freedom? A Would You Rather Game
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.
#191
August 14 · 46 min
Are You Actually Good at Making Decisions?
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
#190
August 7 · 35 min
From Sardines to BookTok...The Internet Is Getting Weird Again
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
#189
July 31 · 19 min
Glass Skin, Bed Rotting & Fisherman Fashion... We're Rating Them All
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
#188
July 27 · 39 min
The Science Behind a Memorable Summer
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
#187
July 17 · 25 min
What great leaders actually do and say?
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
#186
July 10 · 44 min
Are You the Hero...or the Problem?
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
#185
July 3 · 37 min
Are YOU the Bottleneck? A Leadership Audit Every Business Owner Needs
: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
#184
June 26 · 39 min
We Just Bought Your Spa. Now What?
n this episode of SpaHive Podcast, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn walk through the exact process they'd use to evaluate a spa from the moment they pull into the parking lot. From curb appeal and client experience to team culture, retention, operations, and profitability, they're sharing the hidden signs that separate thriving spas from struggling ones. Whether you're an independent esthetician, spa owner, medical spa manager, or salon leader, this episode will help you evaluate your business through a fresh lens and identify opportunities for growth. In this episode you'll learn: ✔ Why the "Parking Lot Test" matters more than you think ✔ The first reports every spa owner should review ✔ What your spa environment says before clients walk inside ✔ Common operational mistakes hurting profitability ✔ How client retention impacts long term success ✔ The leadership habits that build stronger teams ✔ Small improvements that create a better guest experience If you're ready to grow your spa business, improve operations, and become a stronger leader, this episode is your practical starting point.
#183
June 19 · 34 min
Trust, Secrets & Plot Twists: Our Book Club Discussion
This month for SpaHive Book Club, we read You Deserve To Know by Aggie Thompson and let's just say... Julie and MaryAnn had very different reactions. From shocking plot twists and suburban secrets to unreliable narrators and friendship dynamics, we're unpacking everything that kept us turning pages. Did the ending work? Did we see the twists coming? And did we actually read the same book? Spoiler alert: if you haven't read the book yet, hit pause now and come back after you've finished. Book Club Picks
#182
June 12 · 36 min
More Joy, Less Hustle: 3 Habits That Change Everything
Feeling busy but not fulfilled? Julie and MaryAnn explore the 3 simple things that make life feel bigger: new experiences, creativity, and real human connection. A thoughtful conversation about happiness, presence, and creating a life you'll actually remember. Don't Forget to join the Spa Hive Book Club- pick up your copy of our latest pick! https://a.co/d/03DK9zR6
#181
June 5 · 29 min
Is Modern Life Making Us Boring?
This week, Julie and MaryAnn explore whether modern life, constant scrolling, AI, content creation, and convenience culture are making us less curious, less creative, and more disconnected from the experiences that spark innovation and joy. Check out the Spring Spa hive Book Club Pick - https://amzn.to/4ob8EeS
#180
May 29 · 36 min
Online Audit, Would you book your business?
Would YOU book your own business right now? In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn walk through a simple 5-step online presence audit to help business owners identify the hidden website, branding, social media, and AI-related mistakes that may be costing them clients. Learn how to build trust, improve your digital first impression, and create an online presence that actually reflects the experience you deliver.
#179
May 22 · 43 min
Millennials vs Gen X: Who Actually Broke Society?
Are Millennials really too emotional… or did Gen X just teach everyone to “tough it out”? In this hilarious and surprisingly relatable episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack the real differences between Gen X and Millennials—from burnout, parenting, and workplace culture to trauma talk, email etiquette, wellness trends, and why everyone suddenly has an Oura Ring.
#178
May 15 · 23 min
Feeling Scattered? These Entrepreneur Habits Actually Help
Feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck in reactive mode lately? This SpaHive throwback episode from 2023 is your reminder that successful entrepreneurs don’t rely on motivation alone — they rely on habits, structure, routines, and systems that actually support their life and business. In this episode, Julie dives into: • Entrepreneur mindset shifts that reduce overwhelm • Why structure creates more freedom • “Brain Dump Sundays” and mental decluttering • Separating tasks to improve focus and productivity • The power of “20 Minutes of Pure Gold” If your brain has 47 tabs open right now… this episode is for you. Perfect for women entrepreneurs, spa owners, wellness professionals, small business owners, and leaders trying to grow without burning themselves out.
#177
May 8 · 36 min
Women Are Carrying Too Much - Invisible Load
What if the reason you’re exhausted… isn’t your schedule — but the invisible load you’re carrying? In this honest, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack the mental and emotional weight women carry every single day — from decision fatigue and overplanning to being the default problem solver at work and at home. After recapping Julie’s whirlwind New York City trip filled with Broadway shows, luxury spa trends, viral TikTok pancakes, and immersive wellness technology, the conversation shifts into something bigger: why so many women feel overwhelmed before the day even starts. They dive into: • The “invisible load” women in business carry • Why self-care isn’t always solving burnout • Decision fatigue and leadership exhaustion • The pressure of being everyone’s planner and emotional manager • Why small habits matter more than perfect routines • Boundaries, delegation, systems, and reducing mental clutter • The difference between “self-care” and basic human care • How overwhelm shows up in business leadership

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