Episode 15: The Healing Power of Gathering (Plus Ringworm and Swords)

In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Sam and Bri spiral (naturally) from creative retreats to Parisian art history to jujitsu mats and, somehow, swords. At the heart of the conversation is their shared belief that creative retreats are not indulgent escapes — they're a return. A way to refill the creative well. A way to remember who you are outside of productivity, partnership, motherhood, performance. They reflect on the power of gathering women in wild landscapes — the wildlife encounters, the preparedness, the reverence for nature — and how being outside strips away hierarchy. They talk about what actually happens when women gather intentionally and the collective healing that occurs when roles are set down and masks come off. Eventually they can't help themselves and widen the lens to talk about male-on-male validation — how many men are conditioned to perform strength for one another rather than offer emotional safety. They unpack how patriarchy harms men too, boxing them into rigid expressions of masculinity where validation comes from dominance, status, or suppression of feeling. This is where the conversation takes a delightfully unexpected turn into stories about swords and jujitsu. Bri recounts her infamous "ringworm modeling gig" (yes, really), you need to hear it.   00:00 Welcome to the Retreat Planning Adventure 01:33 Exploring the Magic of the Tetons 03:55 The Power of Community and Connection 09:21 Wildlife Encounters and Nature's Beauty 13:55 Preparing for Outdoor Adventures 18:17 The Importance of Collective Healing 23:12 Breaking Down Barriers Among Women 26:29 The Power of Communal Care 28:25 Transformative Moments in Retreats 31:54 Recalibrating Relationships After Retreats 34:48 The Importance of Women-Only Spaces 37:53 Men's Need for Introspective Spaces 41:10 Exploring Intimacy and Vulnerability in Men 43:02 Finding Safety in Community 46:23 The Contrast of Experiences 50:07 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through New Activities