EP 243 Profitable Without Pressure: Why You Don’t Need to Do It All to Run a Successful Retreat with Anna VanAgtmael
Release Date: 10/09/2025
EP 249 If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Trying Hard Enough
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader needs to hear: failure isn’t the enemy - it’s proof that you’re in the game. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. Shannon dives into why “falling short” - whether it’s your finances, your workshop, your attendance, or your execution - isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to learn from. You can hire the best coach, join the smartest program, and learn from the pros… and you’ll still make mistakes. The difference? You’ll...
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EP 248 Why Retreat Leaders Who Don’t Evolve in AI + SEO Will Be Left Behind
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’re still marketing your retreats like it’s 2022, you’re already behind. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail drops the truth about how the digital marketing landscape has shifted - and why AI integration isn’t optional anymore. From Google rewriting your meta descriptions to the rise of algorithmic visibility, the retreat industry is evolving fast. Shannon breaks down how retreat leaders can start using AI tools strategically - not just for blogs and social media, but to analyze data, personalize messaging, and scale visibility. She also gives a sneak peek at...
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EP 247 Redefining Tantra and Running a Profitable Retreat Business with Justin Gottlieb
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Justin Gottlieb - a sexual freedom coach, Tantra practitioner, and retreat host who transitioned from the corporate world to full-time facilitation. Together, they unpack what Tantra really is (and isn’t), how to maintain integrity in intimate retreat settings, and why it’s time for more men to step into leadership roles in the wellness and retreat space. Justin shares how he and his co-facilitator Leola create transformational retreats rooted in safety, consent, and empowerment - and how they’ve built a sustainable...
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EP 246 A Guest Experience and Real Talk on Women’s Wellness & Retreat Leadership with Remi Gibbs
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail reconnects with former retreat guest and midlife women’s life coach, Remi Gibbs, to talk about everything from freezing yurts to forgiveness-and how retreats offer powerful portals for healing and purpose. Together, they dive into: Remi’s unforgettable experience at Retreat Ranch (spoiler: it involves a hot tub and sub-zero temps) The difference between acceptance and true forgiveness—and why that distinction matters How Shannon handled an unexpected power outage like a pro (a lesson in leadership grace)...
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EP 245 Lead the Retreat, Don’t Burn Out: Energy + Values for Sustainable Leadership with Lucy Dutton
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this uplifting and practical episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by UK-based performance coach and former professional dancer Lucy Dutton to talk about something not enough retreat leaders are addressing: how to lead retreats without sacrificing your own well-being. Lucy shares her powerful journey from the high-stakes world of professional dance to wellness and peak performance coaching—and how her deep understanding of energy, values, and leadership now helps retreat leaders avoid burnout. Together, they explore: ✅ Why energy management matters more than...
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EP 244 Building Profitable Retreats Through Relationships with Lesley Jordan
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this heart-filled and high-impact episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with luxury couples retreat host Lesley Jordan to explore the real keys to retreat success-and spoiler alert: it’s not just about the perfect venue or a pretty website. From her beginnings as a travel agent to launching powerful, profitable retreats for couples of all backgrounds, Lesley shares how mentorship, strategic pricing, and relationship-first marketing changed the game for her. Together, Shannon and Lesley dig into: How to actually pick the right business coach (hint: ask about...
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Special Release: Launching The Retreat Industry Forum: Be the First to Access VIP Tickets!
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Shannon Jamail, Erin Haag, and Alison Katschkowsky come together on this special episode to officially announce the Retreat Industry Forum happening May 14–17, 2026 in Colorado. In this conversation, they share the vision behind the event, why this gathering is unlike anything else in the retreat industry, and what attendees can expect-from powerful keynotes and interactive workshops to a VIP experience designed for deeper strategy and connection. The big news? The interest list opens TODAY (October 15th) for 10 days only! Those on the list will have first dibs at VIP tickets before...
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EP 243 Profitable Without Pressure: Why You Don’t Need to Do It All to Run a Successful Retreat with Anna VanAgtmael
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
You do not have to run yourself ragged to host powerful, profitable retreats, and this episode is proof. In this honest and hilarious conversation, Shannon Jamail sits down with Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots and host of 22 retreats since 2018, to explore how retreat leaders can ditch the pressure, drop the people-pleasing, and build a business that’s both meaningful and sustainable. They dive into: The biggest mistakes new retreat leaders make (and how to avoid them) Pricing with confidence and energetic alignment Why less on the itinerary often leads to more transformation...
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EP 242 Ready, Set, Retreat: 12 Questions Every Retreat Leader Needs Answered
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this solo Q&A episode, Shannon Jamail tackles the 12 most frequently asked questions from aspiring and experienced retreat leaders alike. From knowing when you’re truly ready to host a retreat, to choosing the right venue, pricing for profit, and marketing without sounding salesy, Shannon covers it all with no-fluff, straight-shooting advice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your strategy, these questions are the ones that come up in her DMs, workshops, and mastermind calls every single week. With years of experience as a retreat host and venue owner,...
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EP 241 Planning Purpose-Driven Retreats with Amity Cooper of 1890 & Wayfinding Ranch
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Amity Cooper, a licensed mental health professional turned ranch retreat host in Colorado. Together, they dive into the world of nature-based retreats, horse-led healing, and the business foundation every retreat leader needs to succeed. Amity shares her transition from private practice to owning and operating two stunning ranches—1890 Ranch and Wayfinding Ranch—spanning 80 acres. With a clear North Star guiding her work, Amity emphasizes that profitable, sustainable retreats start with purpose. They unpack what...
info_outlineYou do not have to run yourself ragged to host powerful, profitable retreats, and this episode is proof.
In this honest and hilarious conversation, Shannon Jamail sits down with Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots and host of 22 retreats since 2018, to explore how retreat leaders can ditch the pressure, drop the people-pleasing, and build a business that’s both meaningful and sustainable.
They dive into:
- The biggest mistakes new retreat leaders make (and how to avoid them)
- Pricing with confidence and energetic alignment
- Why less on the itinerary often leads to more transformation
- How to stop comparing your retreat to everyone else’s
Whether you're an aspiring host or a seasoned retreat pro, this conversation will give you the permission slip you didn’t know you needed: you don’t have to do it all to make it amazing.
Connect with Anna: https://www.yourwanderingroots.com/
Instagram: @yourwanderingroots
Special Offer: Build a profitable retreat in one minute per day: https://retreat.yourwanderingroots.com/
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
- Learn to Host Retreats
- Join our private Facebook Group
- Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
- Get your legal docs for retreats
- Join Shannon in London
- Join our LinkedIn Group
- Apply to be a guest on our show
Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!
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Timestamps:
Introduction & Host Welcome (00:00:02)
Shannon introduces the podcast, its purpose, and encourages listeners to subscribe and leave reviews.
Guest Introduction: Anna’s Background (00:01:13)
Anna is introduced; she shares her experience hosting retreats and helping others plan profitable ones.
Anna’s Journey to Retreats (00:02:23)
Anna describes her transition from lab manager to retreat leader after a car accident and discovering yoga.
Current Retreat Structure & Ideal Guests (00:03:46)
Anna explains her current retreat schedule, types of retreats, and the demographics of her typical guests.
Transitioning & Scaling Back Retreats (00:05:00)
Discussion about scaling back the number of retreats to focus on quality and personal fulfillment.
Avoiding Burnout & Preserving Passion (00:06:04)
Anna and Shannon discuss the importance of not overworking and maintaining excitement for each retreat.
Profitability Without Pressure (00:07:19)
Exploring how retreats can be profitable without feeling pressured to do everything or mimic others.
Retreats: Business vs. Expensive Hobby (00:09:29)
Emphasis on treating retreats as a business, not just a passion project or costly hobby.
Letting Go of People-Pleasing & Overstuffed Itineraries (00:11:03)
Advice on avoiding over-scheduling and people-pleasing, and ensuring retreats have free time and focus.
Pricing, Money Beliefs, and Value (00:13:13)
Discussion on pricing retreats, overcoming limiting beliefs about money, and ensuring energetic alignment with pricing.
Gender Differences in Pricing & Money Mindset (00:15:04)
Comparison of how men and women price retreats, and the impact of cultural money beliefs.
Profit, Burnout, and Lifestyle Alignment (00:17:24)
Importance of pricing for sustainability and creating a lifestyle you enjoy, not just covering costs.
Common Mistakes & Lessons Learned (00:18:34)
Anna shares mistakes like trying to do everything alone, not arriving early, and the value of support staff.
Arriving Early & Staying After Retreats (00:20:15)
Best practices for arriving before and staying after retreats to ensure smooth experiences and self-care.
Self-Care for Retreat Leaders (00:21:34)
The importance of post-retreat downtime, rest, and self-care for leaders after guests depart.
How to Connect with Anna (00:22:40)
Anna shares her websites for those interested in attending or planning retreats with her.