Light In The Dark - An Interview With Scott Berman of Sky Cave Dark Retreats

The Bottom Line with Nicholas Kusmich

Scott Berman is the Founder of Sky Cave Retreats, a US-based center offering immersive darkness retreats designed to foster deep self-reflection and personal growth. With over a decade of experience facilitating these unique retreats, he has guided hundreds of participants through this transformative process. Scott's journey began with his own exploration of solitude and darkness, including building an earthbag dome for a solo 10-day dark retreat, which profoundly reshaped his understanding of self-awareness and connection. Beyond his professional role, he is passionate about holding space for people from all walks of life, helping them strip away distractions to rediscover what truly matters.

In this episode…

What happens when you strip away the noise, the light, and the distractions of everyday life? Could complete darkness offer clarity, healing, and a deeper connection to yourself?

According to Scott Berman, a pioneer in dark retreats, stepping into total darkness reveals far more than one might expect. He highlights that the darkness is not empty or void but alive with possibility, offering profound self-reflection and insight. The experience dismantles conventional constructs like purpose, achievement, and even healing, challenging participants to face their raw emotions and find peace in simplicity. For many, this unique environment brings a new understanding of wholeness, allowing them to reconnect with their body and cultivate a sense of safety they didn’t know was missing.

In this episode of The Bottom Line podcast, host Nicholas Kusmich speaks with Scott Berman, Founder of Sky Cave Retreats, to discuss the transformative power of dark retreats. Together, they explore how darkness facilitates self-discovery, why simplicity can feel threatening, and how to embrace the vulnerability that leads to healing. Scott also shares his advice for those preparing for a dark retreat and what he’s learned from building a one-of-a-kind retreat center.