Landing Lightly: Finding Your Ground
- Kara Kemp
- Aug 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Wellness Corner: August 2025 From the chaos of summer to more grounded living.
Touring season is winding down. The gear is packed, the buses are parked, and the
breakneck pace of summer is giving way to something quieter. This is the moment between movement—where you get to take a breath and begin thinking ahead. How are you preparing for what comes next?
For many in our industry, winter work can be unpredictable. Gigs thin out, routines shift, and planning ahead becomes both a challenge and a necessity. This month, we’re focusing on how to take care of yourself—mentally, physically and with intention—so you can move through the off-season with steadiness and support.
We’re dropping into the Wellness Corner with a few tools, ideas, and resources to help you land:
1️⃣ Webinar: From Tour Mode to Life Mode
As the intensity of touring season begins to wind down, many in the live events world find themselves shifting gears—coming off the road, settling into new rhythms, and asking: What now?
Future Present and ECCHO Live are partnering up to guide you through that transition. This webinar is designed specifically for touring and live event professionals, offering grounded, practical tools to navigate the end-of-season shift with clarity and intention. Whether your “off-the-road” life feels like a whirlwind of responsibilities or a welcomed quiet, this session will help you land more smoothly—whether it’s for three days or three months.
Your guides for this journey:
Marni Wandner – Board-certified integrative health coach, executive coach, and founder of coaching and consulting company Future Present Co, helping creatives and leaders build careers that are both fulfilling and sustainable. board-certified health coach, executive coach and
Kara J. Kemp – General Manager of ECCHO Live, founder of Kara Kemp Coaching, and retreat facilitator, bringing a whole-brain coaching approach informed by storytelling, Dare to Lead principles, and bridging the mental gaps between creative and linear thinking.
2️⃣ Delicious Treats from Dega Catering
Life is short- or at least most days feel short on time- so let's have fun eating your cake first! We’re starting with this delicious treat from Dega Catering’s Kris O’Connor to share a little kitchen love this month. Chef Kris O’Connor—better known as Peanut on the road—has spent the past 20 years feeding crews from Justin Timberlake, Little Big Town, to The Eagles. Her dishes have fueled some of the biggest names in music, and to taste Peanut’s cooking is to fall in love with food all over again!
This month, she’s sharing a recipe that’s simple, comforting, and wallet-friendly: Olive Oil Cake. Perfect for those quieter days off the catering clock, it’s a sweet reminder that food is as much about comfort as it is about fuel.
3️⃣ 5 Ways Roadies Can Slow Down Physically
After a summer of moving at full speed, your body deserves a gentle landing. Here are some practical ways to help it recover:
Stretch Daily – Focus on the major muscle groups that take the brunt on the road: back, shoulders, hips, and legs. 15 minutes will give relief and aid in your mobility.
Prioritize Sleep – Create a wind-down ritual without screens to signal your body that it’s time to rest.
Mindful Movement – Swap high-intensity workouts for gentle yoga, walking, or swimming to reconnect with your body.
Hydration & Nourishment – Keep fueling your body consistently, not just when it’s convenient.
Body Scans – Take a few minutes each day to notice tension, soreness, or fatigue—and address it intentionally. Level up your awareness on what your body is saying it needs.
4️⃣ Community Connection
Knowledge is powerful, and connection amplifies it. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our next Day Off on September 8 at Janarty’s in Smyrna—a perfect scoop of conversation, community, and cool treats! From 4 to 6 PM, join fellow live event pros for artisanal, slow-churned ice cream, good vibes, and meaningful connection.
Marty Schiff, a longtime touring musician, and his wife Janelle, who stepped away from nursing school, know firsthand what it means to navigate life transitions off the road. Together, they poured their hearts into creating Janarty’s. Through hard work, passion, and plenty of ice cream tasting, they’ve built more than a shop—they’ve created a beloved local gathering place that understands the journey of change and community.
Whether you’re off the road for three days or three months, this is a space to recharge, share experiences, and celebrate the power of community. RSVP here!
As we close out this post, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and choose one thing you can start putting into practice. Whether it’s slowing down physically after a full touring season, shifting your mindset, or prioritizing self-care, consider which tools will be most useful for you. Your first steps could be as simple as setting aside a few minutes each day for a body scan- just checking in with yourself, scheduling a restorative massage, or planning a nourishing meal to fuel your body consistently. Want to take it further? Make an appointment with a nutritionist, explore All Access counseling services, or pick up supplements that support your energy and focus.
We also encourage you to explore more resources on our website, from blogs and webinars to programs. If questions pop up—or if you have insights to share—leave a comment below so the conversation continues. Remember: the knowledge you’ve gained here isn’t just for reading—it’s for applying, experimenting, and prospering in both your career and your well-being.
Stay well and grounded,
Your ECCHO Live Team
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