Art of the Float

Adult language Well, here we are. You might have known it was coming, but we didn't want to admit it. But it's time to start wrapping up this Art of the Float podcast thing... or at least slow it waaaaay down. It's been an incredible journey! For this episode, you might want to pop some popcorn, grab a beverage of choice, and join the crew for some twists and turns down memory lane - with a glimpse into the future too. We'll catch you up on some big news since our previous episode aired, like the fact that Drew is out and he's living the post-float life already. He shares some tips for selling and a few things that he would have done differently after reflecting on the process from the other side. You'll hear about Gloria's new baby - the Great Lakes Sports Hub, and why it was her last. Kim unravels some of the tangle of health issues she's been facing, and why she feels torn between her bubble and "the big bubble". You'll even hear from Producer Brian, as he pops in and shares the story of that fateful day his toe shoes led him to the Float Shoppe and started the sweetest Bromance and business partnership ever. And because we wanted the whole family to help put a bow on this adventure, two of our original co-hosts, Lance and Amy join the conversation too! You'll hear why Amy decided to let her second center go and how she has rebounded and found happiness in one of her first loves. Lance is also out of the float industry, though it followed him for many years after he left. (Tip: If you're thinking about selling your center, you're going to want to hear this!) You'll hear stories of burnout and recovery, mental health hardships and triumphs, and how hard it can be to let go of the identity of being a float center owner. And while it might seem like a lot of folks are exiting the industry, you'll hear from the crew about reflections on where we've been, and hope for where the float industry is going. It's not a sad story, but it's one that - like this podcast - is evolving. From the bottoms of all our salty hearts, we thank you for listening for all of these years. It's been utterly fulfilling and healing and inspiring to share our stories with you in each episode. We've often said that we forget that anyone even listens to us, but we're thankful that you've allowed us to share our lives and all that we've learned along the way. Thank you to those who paved the way, and thank you to those who will keep it going. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) More Floats (https://morefloats.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

You’ve heard all about the Float Research Collective already, but have you heard about Project Arcturus? Are you ready to dig into that cloud-based research network that Dr. Justin Feinstein has been talking about for a few years? We hope you said yes because it’s time! On this episode, Dr. Feinstein and three board members from the FRC dive into the nitty gritty details of this first major phase of the fundraising efforts and goals for the float community. Brad Dauk joins co-hosts Dylan and Kim as they explore the goals of the project. Brad’s background in medical databases lends well to the FRC, as he’s a key player in ensuring we have a powerful system to start collecting anonymous data from our members to better understand exactly why our members are choosing to float consistently. The goal is for 100 float centers to sign up to donate $100 per month, and those who do will get to participate, and will be recognized in the research publications and on the FRC website. They’ll also get first dibs at the database, so they can use it to better understand how to market float therapy as a whole. This episode includes answers to many of the questions and concerns the team has heard about the FRC, and it includes a powerful call to action: sign up to support Project Arcturus to help elevate the credibility of float therapy! To join project Arcturus, vist https://clinicalfloat.funraise.org/ and make a $100 recurring monthly donation. You will automatically be signed up and all your donations through 2024 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $150,000. Visit Art of the Float's Show notes page for easy instructions on how to create your own fundraising page for your float center. Links Art of the Float Show Notes (https://artofthefloat.com/2023/09/crowd-sourced-float-research-project-arcturus/) Fundraising Webpage (https://clinicalfloat.funraise.org/) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

It took a minute, but now that we’re all recovered from the awesomeness of the 2023 Float Conference in Louisville, KY, the crew is back to talk about some of their favorite moments. For Kim, it was a unique year where all her worlds melted together - her friends were onsite as panelists or offering services, one of her kiddos got to speak, her hubby put on the first ever Float Conference rock concert, and many attendees got to visit her center, along with two other beautiful centers in Louisville. With a smaller group of attendees, the conference felt cozy and intimate, and Gloria said this year felt like it was more collaborative with the panel discussions and roundtable talks. Dylan even stayed out til midnight (Portland time)! If you were there, you’ll enjoy this extension of the warmth and sense of community that everyone felt at the event, and if you weren’t there, you’ll hear some of the insider tidbits you missed. Either way, get ready for a great experience in 2024! Links https://clinicalfloat.funraise.org/fundraisers Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

Author, Podcaster, Mindfulness maestro, and so much more. Cory Allen joins the podcast today to discuss share his personal journey that has led him to floating and the benefits he experiences. Links Cory Allen's Website (https://www.cory-allen.com) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

The founder/owner of More Floats joins the podcast to talk about where to focus your social media attention to bring customers into your center that become members. Links More Floats (www.morefloats.com) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

Jocelyn Jester joins the crew to talk Float Con 2023! Float Conference Tickets (https://www.floatconference.com/tickets) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

Join us on another trip into the mind of Dr. FLUX! We catch up with FLUX's recent personal history, psychological journey and what his next Float Conference presentation will be. experience this fun, heartfelt, and fascinating episode that kicks off a series of Float Conference special episodes! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com) Links Buy Tickets to the Float Conference (https://www.floatconference.com/tickets) How Emotions Are Made (https://www.amazon.com/How-Emotions-Made-Lisa-Barrett/dp/1328915433/ref=asc_df_1328915433/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312021251979&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1958970351598704009&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032878&hvtargid=pla-465630258144&psc=1) Queering Psychedelics (https://www.amazon.com/How-Emotions-Made-Lisa-Barrett/dp/1328915433/ref=asc_df_1328915433/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312021251979&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1958970351598704009&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032878&hvtargid=pla-465630258144&psc=1) Shop FLUX T's (https://shop.artofthefloat.com/collections/clothing)

If you attended the 2022 Float Conference in Portland, Maine, you might remember a special presentation diving into the fascinating history behind the founder of sensory deprivation. Marshall Hammond from Float Tank Solutions and Float On in Portland joins us in this episode to discuss John C. Lilly's interesting history. You’ll hear about Lilly’s time at St. Thomas, his dolphin research, his continued connections to the CIA and Project MKULTRA. It’s a wild ride! Marshall has been floating and working with the float world since 2012, and he has spent many years studying Dr. Lilly and plans to write a book about all that he’s learned. If you’d like to learn more, be sure to check out Marshall’s podcast and Patreon called Deep State History. Links Deep State History Patreon (www.patreon.com/deepstatehistory) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com) Special Guest: Marshall Hammond.

Your hosts started out with one goal in mind - to talk about kids and floating. But in true Art of the Float fashion, they couldn’t just leave it at that. So this episode is like three in one! First up, you’ll learn about what each host does (or doesn’t do) in the way of hosting floats for kids - policies to implement, waivers, conversations to have, and pricing. You’ll learn what questions you should ask upfront and why it’s so important to forewarn the parent about the potential for stinging. Then you’ll journey through a valuable sidebar conversation about donating floats and whether or not members get to keep their credits after they cancel. Two are a hard yes, and one says nope, but with a twist. Visit our show page for a full transcript of the show and more! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

If you missed last year’s Float Conference, or if you chose to attend the amazing breathwork session that happened at the same time, and you missed Kim’s “Creating an Organic Sales Funnel” workshop, you’re in luck! In this episode, Kim breaks down a few key points about implementing some strategies to get folks to come back through the door again after their first float. You’ll hear some common challenges to getting returning guests, how to create a powerful offer that isn’t salesy, how to create “soft sell touchpoints”, and how to create a successful mindset to motivate your team (or yourself!). It’s not just about creating a killer deal or setting quotas. Creating an effective organic sales funnel involves thinking about your why - understanding that you opened your doors to help your community find relief from the world and all that comes with the human condition - and remembering that “selling” is really just “helping”. Be sure to take a few notes, and for your homework, try at least one of the strategies discussed, and then we’d love to hear how it goes for you! Send us a message so we can share it with the world! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

Cassie is the Founder of Deva Coffee joins the pod and spills the beans on why they created a coffee company who's current mission is to help fund float research! Find out why Deva Coffee is such a great pairing with floating and how you can sell coffee at your float center while supporting the FRC! Links Deva Coffee Website (https://drinkdeva.com/products/house-blend) Follow Deva Coffee on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drinkdeva/) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

It’s always a hot topic - hair dye! A recent conversation on the Float Collective (a Facebook group for float center owners) sparked some great comments about what we should include in our hair dye policies. We invited Kat Roberts, owner of Surface Float in Canada, to join us and hash out the pros and cons of different policies, and what we should all know about how hair dye works - color molecules, stripping agents, and more! Kat breaks down her white towel test, performed on site with anyone whose hair may reek havoc on a float tank, and Kim shares why a blanket time-period based policy might only provide a false sense of security. This quick episode is a must-listen for anyone who operates a float center! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

_WARNING: This episode includes a little language drop, so we don’t recommend it for little ears. _ Have you ever wondered what happens when someone notices trends and news across the float industry, and then a group of podcast hosts get together about those things? If so, you’re in luck! The crew invited Producer Olga to join the show and toss out the latest news and trends that have been happening over the past couple of months. You’ll hear a bit about the great debate over transdermal absorption of magnesium sulfate, and how one floaty human is using magnesium chloride to supplement the float solution in an effort to promote absorption for health benefits, along with some concerns and questions we should all iron out before shifting the standard. Other news includes floods across multiple centers and hair dye debacles, sprinkled with tidbits on some favorite tools and products to have on hand (including Fiberglass Stain Remover, vitamin C tabs, charcoal filters, a sump pump, and water leak alarms). You’ll also be SHOCKED to hear the dates for the 2023 Float Conference in Louisville, KY. (Spoiler: Pre-conference workshops and events start on August 16th, and the conference is August 18-20!) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

New year, new flood? Yep. So many floods - at home, at the center, all over the world! This first-show-of-the-year wiggles and winds through all the adventures of float center owner life - balancing family time for the holidays, deciding what gift card strategy to use, how many times you have to clean up a flood, whether a staggered schedule is right for you, who is beating and who dodged cancer, whether that “COVID padding” during turnovers is still needed, and how things are going when trying to sell your center. This year is off to an interesting start already! The crew is back and warming up for a big year with you! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

Show notes. Show notes. Show notes. They want me to write show notes, so with an episode like this, that’s the best I can do. Show notes. How do you write notes for something that covers frog butts, bidets, Caring Bridge, cancer, closures, floods, laundry failures, rock stars, and favorite socks — and write show notes?! I can’t do it. If you’re looking for advice for running your float center, you might find some here - mostly centered around ensuring you have electricity for the bidet of our dreams, but otherwise, the takeaway is this – get yourself a network of friends who’ll be there to send you inappropriate photos when times are hard, who’ll bring up your secrets on air, and who will laugh and cry with you through it all. Happy holidays, and happy new year, dear friends. This is a fun one. Sorry, Olga. Links https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/theresacicco/journal Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

How do you manage 6500 square feet and nine service modalities? Well, according to Tammy and Terry, owners of AquaSpa Float Center and Wellness Boutique in Oswego, New York, you hire a rock star team! Their managers, Katie and Terry (yes, another Terry) also joined the conversation to share their insights on the day-to-day operations, and how they keep a seamless flow, how many staff members are on a shift, and how they deliver personalized service to each guest who visits “the sanctuary”. This team certainly has created something magic in their community, and we know you’ll enjoy hearing all of their behind-the-scenes secrets about what modalities they love, those they regret, and what’s next - because they still aren’t done adding services yet! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

We’ve heard about VR and floating. Maybe you already have an opinion on it. Just hold that for now please. Our guest in this episode is taking VR a bit of a different direction - pairing it with meditation and biofeedback. Yep, we’ve heard about meditation and biofeedback before, but Healium puts allllll of it together in a new way! Gloria is introducing this new technology at her studios, so the crew interviewed the Healium founder, Sarah Hill to find out what’s so special about it. Sarah has a background in TV news, and part of her beat involved covering traumatic stories. Eventually that led her to work with veterans, and as they started using virtual reality, they noticed a major shift - participants were FEELING emotions, not just watching things happen on a screen. It was a powerful discovery that led to her new program. Sarah guides us through getting started with incorporating augmented reality and virtual reality into a meditation practice, as well as how her app is like a “portable, digital chill pill that prepares you for the float tank.” Links www.tryhealium Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

Many float center owners backed a Kickstarter project by Shane Stott to release a documentary about the benefits of floating. Shane was already fairly well known in the float world, having released a book called The Float Tank Cure, about his battles with anxiety, depression, and stress, and how his downward spiral led him to a lifestyle of drinking too much and trying to drown out the pain. He learned about floating and went on to create his own tank, posting his plans and schematics online for his followers. Eventually, that led to a partnership that launched Zen Float Tanks, a portable, home model. And because Shane wanted the world to know about floating, he set out to create a documentary highlighting his story, but also the stories of so many others whose lives had been improved by float therapy. But it all fell apart. As Shane said, “Admitting defeat was the hardest thing for me.” He lays it all out on this intimate episode – battling pandemic challenges, inflatable paddleboards wreaking havoc on his production, having an “increased tolerance for disappointment”, cutting hundreds of hours of film down to just over 98 minutes, delay after painful delay, experiencing profound loss, and eventually… finding peace. He says he felt like he was running a marathon that turned out to be an ultra. His finish line kept moving, but after listening to this story, it sounds like maybe he just crossed it. At least until he signs up for the next one…. Links floatingdocumentary.com (floatingdocumentary.com) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

We all know that floating is a powerful practice, loaded with countless benefits. We’re often aware that we don’t want to promise too much, but one particular area where we might be able to talk a little more is about how float therapy can be beneficial for patients with body image concerns and/or eating disorders. If you made it to the 2022 Float Conference, you likely heard Dr. Emily Choquette sharing the latest findings about how LIBR (Laureate Institute for Brain Research) is studying the impact of float therapy and anorexia nervosa. We were delighted to invited Dr. Choquette to the show to talk in depth about that data, as well as how she got involved in the work. She shared that since anorexia is a particularly challenging condition to treat, and new treatments aren’t being developed fast enough, the research that had already been done on anxiety and floating was a perfect gateway to expand studies. Early research shows that even just a single float can promote positive changes in a patient’s perception of their body. We chatted with her about what we, as float center owners, can do to continue to foster a relationship with the science community and how to talk about this benefit that could potentially help many individuals who struggle with body image or eating disorders. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)

For one of our co-hosts, it is. Bomb dropped. (Well, it was ignited on a previous episode, if you listened closely, but here, we let it all out.) Someone is out. Would you ever sell yours? You’re about to hear all of the why’s, the what if’s, and the why not’s, but most importantly the “how we got here”. Float center owners are a special breed, and unknowingly, starting a center often ignites an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit. This person shares a bit about how that spirit is leading them to another adventure, while they still love the float and are in a position to leave while things are good. A memorable line you’ll hear: “I’m comfortable with hope and chasing the dream, and I thrived when I was building the float center.” That explains a lot, for a lot of us. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Float Tank Association (https://floatation.org) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Art of the Float Store (https://Shop.artofthefloat.com)