Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Pottern. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry
There are several trends that I’m tracking (and supporting with the Denver Zen Den). Here are two of the ones I feel most passionate about.
Sober Curiosity
The sober-curious trend is rapidly growing, as increasing numbers of individuals are reevaluating their connection with alcohol and other substances, and delving into the experience of life without them. From sober bars to lifestyle groups, there’s a rapidly increasing demand for a new way to connect with our friends and loved ones.
Unique and inspiring experiences allow for the feeling of awe, but without any substances to instigate these appreciations. It’s been shown that the brain loves novel experiences, and we support sober-centric events like DAYBREAKER and Rhythm Sanctuary, which are hubs of opportunities for people to reframe how they enjoy their lives and one another.
End Of Life Care
As baby boomers enter their 60s and 70s, end-of-life care is an important thing for our communities to support. And support isn’t limited to their physical health; it’s the psycho-social factors that also need attention. A good attitude might not save you, but a bad attitude will sink you. Combining alternative therapies with modern medicine is the future. Part of this is supporting patients’ attitudes and perspectives regarding their treatments, as well as after the loss of a loved one.
Music therapy and relaxation techniques have demonstrated the potential to facilitate behavior modification. In light of this, the wellness industry is actively seeking innovative solutions that can expedite a positive shift in attitude. When it’s issues that aren’t curable, it’s a factor of how long you can survive. Or it’s a situation with chronic conditions where the patient knows they won’t fully recover; both require the patient to be compliant with the prescribed care from their doctor. A good attitude supports patient compliance and improves their outcome.
Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Currently, I’m inspired by the blossoming array of technologies in holistic health. I’m passionate about exploring the limitless potential of the human mind and body. My mission is to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, attain optimal well-being, and live fulfilling lives by promoting wellness, mindfulness, and holistic health principles.
My entrepreneurial journey began in the heart of Denver, CO through engaging with Phozzie’s Playpen, a bulletin board system dedicated to conversations about music discovery, new technologies, and connecting people. This led to my discovery about my skill set with networking and being an unplanned bridge to helping people find what they’re seeking.
I honed my skills and found myself achieving tremendous success in the Real Estate industry. With the success of my first business, I was confronted with an overwhelming sense of physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. This compelled me to explore a more purposeful and lasting source of happiness. Embarking on a cross-country road trip, I took to the open road, met new people, and discovered healing modalities. This adventure inspired the creation of my wellness-focused company, Find My Zen, originally launched in 2016. Over the years, the company evolved into a platform connecting curious seekers with wellness spaces in 12 cities across the country.
Last year, I opened the Denver Zen Den, which is the first sober psychedelic clinic in Denver. We use vibrational frequencies, virtual reality, and light to simulate mind-expanding experiences similar to psychedelics, but without using actual psychedelics. Our tools are designed to facilitate various brainwave states, similar to those achieved through meditation, making them accessible to individuals of all experience levels in self-exploration techniques. These are perfect for parents, professional leaders, and anyone looking for a deeper personal connection.
Exploring various offerings and workshops over the past five years revealed recurring principles that are core to my offerings: we can’t build on an over-stressed nervous system, we need to feel connected to community, and we need to find purpose to avoid burnout. Additionally, I found emerging technologies that complement and enhance these ancient practices. The journey itself became the destination, fostering personal and collective fulfillment, and aligning with the desired expression of my soul.
This new business reflects my personal journey, emphasizing the importance of “being” rather than just “doing.” I recognized the significance of presence and its impact on my life. This realization led me to seek deeper connections with both myself and others, shifting my focus from external markers of success to internal fulfillment.
For me, the Denver Zen Den isn’t just a business; it’s a synthesis of life journeys. Above all, it recognizes the world’s need for positive support and reclaiming our vibration.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Providing a unique value that compliments a current zeitgeist has helped build our initial reputation within our market. We want to make exploration of this psychedelic trend available for all.
We aim to provide transformative experiences akin to psychedelics without the actual use of substances, enabling deep introspection and spiritual exploration. This has allowed us to become a trusted collaborative partner for many different organizations not only in the psychedelic space but in the general wellness industry.
We also have created trust with the public since we are a fully legal and non-intrusive support tool that can greatly enhance the experience of people who are seeking to prepare or integrate their own work with plant medicine.
Thanks to a robust referral network, we anticipate a continuous demand for alternative social activities and therapies that promote connection, personal development, and happiness.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
But educating the public (and these client persona types) about what we have to offer has proven initially challenging, as we provide a unique experience that goes beyond the traditional wellness clinic or spa. The good news was that the natural connection people have with light, sound, and vibration is incredibly profound, so PR and getting the word out that we exist has been a game changer. This marketing push also came with the help of a PR agent/coach, which I highly advise. Of course, I’m happy to share the info of who helped us if someone is looking for support for their business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.denverzenden.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/denverzenden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denverzenden
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98984688
- Others: https://www.findmyzen.com
Image Credits
Denver Zen Den