What happens when art, science and soul come together to shape the future of wellness?
In this special StarrCast Global Wellness Summit preview, host Lisa Starr speaks with four leaders who will take the stage at the upcoming Global Wellness Summit in Phuket, Thailand. Their conversations explore some of the forces redefining wellness today, from neuroaesthetics and intentional spaces to longevity science, social connection, public policy and the role of wellness in the cities of the future.
The Summit’s theme, “The Art, Science and Soul of Wellness,” provides the thread connecting these diverse perspectives. Summit co-chair Jessica Jesse explains why adding “soul” to the conversation feels particularly relevant in Thailand, where spirituality, art, hospitality and wellness are deeply intertwined.
What You’ll Learn
- Why art, science and soul are increasingly interconnected in creating meaningful wellness experiences.
- How neuroaesthetics and sensory experiences can measurably influence our brains, bodies and overall wellbeing.
- Why intentional spaces can be designed around outcomes such as belonging, empathy, awe and human connection.
- How longevity is evolving toward a more evidence-based approach focused on extending health span, vitality and quality of life.
- Why greater collaboration between medicine, wellness and everyday lifestyle practices will be important as the longevity field grows.
- How large-scale wellness destinations can function as modern “third places” that encourage social connection, access to nature and shared humanity.
- Why wellness leaders are increasingly considering the relationship between built environments, public policy and human flourishing.
Episode Highlights
- 01:32 – Jessica Jesse introduces the Global Wellness Summit theme, The Art, Science and Soul of Wellness
- 04:57 – Why networking and human connection are as valuable as the Summit’s content
- 09:17 – Susan Magsamen explains neuroaesthetics and how our surroundings affect the brain and body
- 21:36 – The business value and potential ROI of neuroaesthetics
- 23:23 – Designing intentional spaces around empathy, belonging, awe and wonder
- 32:52 – Professor Andrea Maier on moving from the study of aging toward prevention and longevity
- 35:34 – Where medicine, wellness and everyday lifestyle meet in the pursuit of longer, healthier lives
- 49:01 – Ramona Chiriac discusses THERME Group and the role of large-scale wellbeing destinations in cities
- 56:34 – Reimagining the “third place” as a setting for connection and shared humanity
- 1:02:56 – How architecture and design can support health, connection and belonging
Meet the Guests
Jessica Jesse is a co-chair of the Global Wellness Summit, CEO of Zen Collective, and CEO, founder and creative director of BuDhaGirl. She shares a behind-the-scenes perspective on this year’s Summit and why Thailand provides a fitting setting for exploring the art, science and soul of wellness.
Susan Magsamen is founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her work explores how arts, aesthetic experiences, nature and the built environment can measurably affect the brain and body.
Professor Andrea Maier is the Oon Seng Chiew Professor in Medicine at the National University of Singapore and founder of Chi Longevity and the NU Academy for Health and Longevity. She discusses the evolving science of longevity and the importance of evidence as medicine and wellness increasingly work together.
Ramona Chiriac is VP of Global Impact at THERME Group. Drawing on more than two decades in public service and diplomacy, she explores how public-private collaboration, architecture and accessible wellbeing destinations can help cities support healthier and more connected communities.
Closing
From the neuroscience of art to the biology of aging and the design of cities that help people flourish, this preview offers a glimpse into the ideas that will drive conversations at the Global Wellness Summit in Phuket.
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