Podcast Summary: Emotional Badass

Episode: We Survived The Challenge Retreat: Why Pushing Limits Is the Ultimate Growth Tool
Date: September 28, 2025
Host: Nikki Eisenhauer (with co-host Chris Iacono)

Overview

In this episode, Nikki Eisenhauer and co-host/producer Chris Iacono share their transformative experience attending Emily Schromm's "Challenge Retreat" in Northern California. They explore how doing difficult, out-of-the-comfort-zone activities leads to personal growth, healing old wounds, and building enduring connections. The discussion weaves together insights on emotional health, the challenge of physical exertion, and finding authentic community as highly sensitive people (HSPs).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why They Attended the Challenge Retreat (00:14 – 01:17)

• Both were exhausted—Chris had just lost his dad, and work/life was overwhelming, making them consider canceling.
• Despite their fatigue, they prioritized attending for self-care and new experiences.
• “This was much needed and so glad we ended up following through with it and going. And it was the best experience of my life.” —Chris (01:07)

2. Setting & Arrival (02:41 – 06:45)

• Location: A scenic, 700-acre ranch near Casadero, California. Fresh produce, animals, eco-accommodations.
• Nikki and Chris rented a camper van for privacy and reflection, learning it wasn’t their ideal style but valuing the personal space.
• Initial nerves about group dynamics and influencer-level documentation dissolved thanks to friendly photographers and participants.

3. Structure of the Retreat & The First Challenge (06:45 – 17:18)

• Retreat included participants (about 45) and support staff; some former “Challenge” TV cast acted as liaisons and helpers.
• Day one started with an unexpected physically demanding uphill race, leading into team assignments and a group puzzle.
• “Everyone was able to complete the challenge, and there was… no judgment whatsoever about anybody who couldn’t.” —Chris (11:00)
• Teams were balanced by skill levels, fostering support and camaraderie over cutthroat competition.

4. The Magic of Teamwork & Emotional Restoration (17:18 – 20:44)

• Both Nikki and Chris note the novelty and relief of being cared for by their teams, instead of being the default emotional caretakers.
• Team captains showed genuine support, asking about each person’s motivational and communication style.
• Nikki appreciated being “deeply seen” and supported, both practically and emotionally.

5. Daily Flow of the Retreat (23:15 – 27:34)

• Each day began with meditation, followed by nourishing homegrown meals and a major physical team challenge.
• Afternoons provided options: rest, workshops (e.g., beekeeping, yoga, sound baths, cacao ceremonies), free time, or socializing.
• Evenings featured healing group events.
• “None of the people drained us” and Nikki was surprised to feel so energized by others (25:49).

6. Community & Healing Old Wounds (27:34 – 30:57)

• Many attendees were HSPs or emotionally attuned, seeking growth and authentic connection.
• The inclusive atmosphere contrasted with childhood or teen experiences of social exclusion.
• “If anybody teared up, it was like, go ahead and cry. It really was my people in terms of emotionality.” —Nikki (25:49)
• Welcomed by others, Nikki felt that universal “where do I sit in the cafeteria?” wound healed.

7. The Final Challenge & Surprising Themselves (30:57 – 36:17)

• Each team faced a lengthy, multi-stage challenge combining physical feats and mental puzzles.
• Chris’s team, initially lagging, surged ahead and Chris finished unexpectedly in fourth place.
• “I did not think I had that in me. That’s the big point... I had to reach down and challenge myself in a way I never have before.” —Chris (34:39)
• Both hosts discuss the transformational impact of pushing through pain and discomfort and the lessons in teamwork.

8. Reflections on Growth, Comfort Zones, and Future Retreats (36:17 – 40:14)

• Both stress that growth lies outside the comfort zone—they advocate for seeking out challenging experiences, even if messy or scary.
• The experience convinced Nikki she’d like to host future retreats herself.
• “Sometimes you try it and you risk it. And it’s not like this… Don’t let that make you give up. This is gonna inspire me to really put together our own retreat.” —Nikki (36:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being supported:
  “It was really nice for me to let other people take care of me in that way.” —Nikki (17:18)
• On healthy group dynamics:
  “It even healed that little part of me that used to feel nervous walking into a new place wondering, will anyone make a spot for me?” —Nikki (28:30)
• On pushing limits:
  “It makes me feel alive. And it gave me confidence that I needed in that moment.” —Chris (34:39)
• On teamwork & sensitivity:
  “These are my people. Like, they think like I do.” —Nikki (17:18)
• On growth:
  “It is true. When they say, like, lean into your growth edge, do those things that are hard, do the things that make you uncomfortable. It's fine to be in your comfort zone, but realize that almost nothing grows there.” —Chris (36:07)
• On embracing the unknown:
  “We live through such an information age where people want to know all the details and… they resent sometimes being put outside of their comfort zone instead of… embracing it as the stair steps of life that make us stronger.” —Nikki (38:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:14-01:17: Why they attended; context on recent grief and tiredness.
• 02:41-06:45: Arrival; glimpses of the ranch and accommodations.
• 07:57-17:18: Day one uphill challenge; friendly team competition.
• 17:18-20:44: The joy of being supported and included; healing emotional patterns.
• 23:15-27:34: Structure of retreat: food, meditation, activities, wellness events.
• 27:34-30:57: Healing, community, and inclusivity.
• 30:57-36:17: The final challenge and personal transformation.
• 36:17-40:14: Reflections on growth, planning future retreats, and advice.

Additional Highlights

Horse Therapy Workshop (42:30 – 51:31)

• Nikki describes a moving experience doing energy/body work with rescued horses, noting parallels to the healing of highly sensitive people.
• The horse’s personality and trauma history provided deep, intuitive lessons on boundaries and trust.

“Good for the Soul” Segment – Money Mindset & Learning (52:14 – 58:09)

• Chris is working on his relationship with money, shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mentality and learning about investing and financial literacy.
• Nikki encourages listeners: “It’s not rocket science… it’s just about learning. Start putting your toe in the water.”

“Dear Internet” Advice Segment – The Cat Dilemma (59:17 – 68:29)

• A listener asks about living with four cats and an allergic fiancé.
• Nikki and Chris recommend honesty, real-world trial runs, and healthy negotiation—there’s no “right” answer except what fits each person’s true boundaries.

Tone and Takeaways

The episode is heart-centered, honest, and encouraging. Both Nikki and Chris blend humor, lived experience, and practical self-development advice, modeling vulnerability along the way. Their message: pushing yourself out of comfort and allowing others to support you, especially in emotionally safe environments, is transformative and healing—no matter your age or sensitivity.

Further Listening/Next Steps

• Interested in retreats? Check out Emily Schromm’s offerings at emilyschromm.com
• Want more? Subscribe to their Patreon for a behind-the-scenes photo/video recap, and watch for future Emotional Badass retreats.
• Upcoming: Nikki’s Boundaries Course (October 13th)—details at emotionalbadass.com/boundaries

“Surprise yourself. Really surprise yourself. And it’s okay to do it crying. It’s okay to do it messy. Just make sure that you do it. You won’t even know what the payoff is till after.”
— Nikki Eisenhauer (39:17)