Libsyn Directory

EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce

Release Date: 09/18/2025

[FIXED] EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage). Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona retreat villa. With over 7,000 sq ft of curated wellness space, they've built a business based on balance, service, and transformation. You’ll hear: Why co-leading retreats is a dance of trust,...

EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

EP 239 Beyond the Logo: Branding That Sells Retreats with Kara Hollinger

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Your brand is more than a logo—it's the energy, clarity, and trust that sells out your retreats before you even open registration. In this episode, Shannon sits down with Kara Hollinger, founder and creative director of Made Outside, to explore how powerful branding and a cohesive online presence directly influence retreat success. They dig into: Why authenticity is your brand’s biggest asset How storytelling builds trust and drives bookings Common branding mistakes retreat leaders make Aligning your website, social media, and messaging to serve your ideal client How to communicate your...

Outgrowing Clients & Owning Your Worth as a Retreat Leader with Raisah Bickram

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this empowering episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by retreat host and business coach Raisah Salima Bickram for a deeply honest conversation about evolution, alignment, and energetic pricing in the retreat world. Together, they unpack what it means to outgrow clients, roles, and retreat formats—and how to move forward in integrity and confidence. Raisah shares her journey of raising her prices, honoring her worth, and navigating the guilt that can come with letting go of what no longer fits. Shannon and Raisah also dive into: Pricing from a place of energy...

EP 238 Beyond the Retreat: Hybrid Business Models for Maximum Impact with Alison Katschkowsky

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Can you build a retreat business that isn’t bound by location—and actually expands your impact? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon chats with long-time health and fitness expert Alison Katschkowsky about building a hybrid retreat business model that combines the power of in-person transformation with the scalability of online programs. Alison shares her 30+ year journey from brick-and-mortar fitness to digital expansion, and how she now helps other entrepreneurs add retreats as a powerful layer to their business—without overhauling their structure. They dive into: ...

EP 237 True North Leadership: Building Profitable Men’s Retreats with Brent McCann

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Brent McCann, founder of the True North Retreat, to talk about the rising tide of men’s retreats—and what it takes to make them successful and sustainable. Brent shares how he transitioned from corporate HR into the retreat space, the lessons learned from his first Sedona retreat (including the power of trusting the process), and how he’s now crafting a profitable, aligned retreat business. They dive into: Why men book differently than women—and how to speak directly to them Pricing strategies that work (and how...

Why Most Retreat Leaders Fail to Sell Out — and How to Fix It with Erin Haag

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Retreat not filling up? You’re not alone—and it’s probably not your price. In this power-packed episode, Shannon Jamail is joined by pricing and profit strategist Erin Haag to break down the real reasons most retreats fail to sell out—and exactly how to fix it. From outdated marketing approaches to misaligned pricing strategies, they unpack the blind spots that hold retreat leaders back from profitability. Erin shares her proven formula for pricing retreats using math over emotion—and the key profit margins every retreat business should aim for. Shannon and Erin also talk about...

EP 236 From Sold-Out to Profitable: Mastering Retreat Marketing & Loyalty with Leni Cavazos

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Most retreat leaders aren’t just undercharging… they’re under-profiting. In this powerhouse episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Leni Cavazos—event strategist, loyalty marketing expert, and former Ritz-Carlton powerhouse turned retreat business mentor. Together, they unpack why up to 90% of retreats aren’t actually profitable—and how to shift that. You’ll learn: Why retreat leaders must treat their business like a business (not a hobby) What loyalty marketing actually is (and how to start it from day one) The biggest pricing mistake even...

EP 235 Who Do You Need to Become? When Your Retreat Planning Isn’t Working

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Hey retreat boss—it’s time for a heart-to-heart. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about a truth that most retreat leaders avoid: 👉 If your retreat planning isn’t working, it’s not just your strategy—it’s your identity. Whether you’re dreaming of your first retreat or you’ve been in the game for years, this episode is your wake-up call to stop hustling like someone who hopes to succeed—and start embodying the retreat leader who already is. ✨ Shannon breaks down how to align your actions, energy, and environment with the version of you who fills retreats with...

EP 234 Scroll-Stopping Content: Retreat Marketing with a Social Media Pro with Alessia Tenebruso

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Alessia Tenebruso—founder of One Girl Travel, retreat content creator, and social media strategist—for a juicy convo on how to create social media that actually converts. Alessia shares the importance of having a dedicated content creator or social correspondent at your retreats to capture authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that build trust and spark FOMO (the good kind). They dive into how retreat leaders can stay visible and aligned online without burning out, plus tips on using platforms like Instagram,...

More Episodes

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage).

Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona retreat villa. With over 7,000 sq ft of curated wellness space, they've built a business based on balance, service, and transformation.

You’ll hear:

Why co-leading retreats is a dance of trust, clarity, and communication
The pros and cons of living at your retreat property
What makes a retreat center host different from a vacation rental owner
Tips for thriving in a saturated retreat market
A special offer just for podcast listeners

Mention this episode and get $500 off a 3-day retreat rental at Blisstopia Retreats!

Whether you host retreats solo, with a team, or dream of running your own retreat center, this convo will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how to lead with heart and strategy.

Connect with Mark and Lana: https://www.blisstopiaretreats.com/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

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----------------- Timestamps:

Introducing the Guests: Mark & Loni (00:00:25) Host introduces Mark and Loni, a couple running a retreat business together. Loni’s Background & Entrepreneurial Journey (00:01:48) Loni shares her psychotherapy, wellness, and entrepreneurial background, and how she met Mark.

Mark’s Background & Transition to Retreats (00:03:28) Mark discusses his martial arts and coaching background, and their shift to retreats after the pandemic. Deciding to Open a Retreat Center (00:04:18) The couple describes the decision to sell everything and open a retreat center in Arizona.

Transition to Co-Facilitating Retreats (00:05:21) Discussion on how they began co-facilitating retreats and integrating their skills.

Why Retreats Over Other Wellness Businesses (00:05:56) Explaining the deeper impact of retreats compared to fitness or yoga classes.

Mark’s Growth & Their Yin-Yang Dynamic (00:06:57) Mark’s journey into yoga and breathwork, and the couple’s complementary energies.

Choosing & Setting Up Their Retreat Property (00:08:40) How they selected, purchased, and set up their Arizona retreat property.

Hosting Other Facilitators at Their Space (00:11:37) They welcome other retreat hosts and describe the support they provide.

On-Site Support & Services for Retreat Hosts (00:12:04) Details about their on-site help, meal services, and understanding retreat logistics.

Host’s London Event Promo (00:13:00) Brief promotion for the host’s upcoming retreat mastermind event in London.

Why Retreat Centers Are Preferred (00:13:41) Host explains the advantages of retreat centers over Airbnb/Vrbo for hosting retreats.

Challenges of Building & Planning as a Couple (00:14:55) Discussion about the challenges of planning and building a retreat space together.

Staying in Their Lanes & Defining Roles (00:15:19) How they maintain boundaries, respect, and trust by sticking to their strengths.

Industry Struggles & Oversaturation (00:17:06) Mark discusses industry oversaturation and the challenges of inexperienced hosts.

Struggles of Working as a Couple (00:19:03) The couple shares the realities of being together constantly and how they communicate.

Industry Growth & Differentiation (00:20:20) Host reflects on industry growth, competition, and the importance of differentiation.

Staying in Lanes: Host’s Personal Experience (00:24:29) Host shares her own experience working with her husband and the importance of defined roles.

Living On-Site: Pros & Cons (00:26:32) Discussion about the benefits and challenges of living at the retreat property.

Nature, Animals, and Sanctuary Vibes (00:27:10) Description of the property’s natural setting, animals, and peaceful atmosphere.

Being On-Site for Emergencies & Support (00:29:42) Anecdote about stepping in for a retreat host in need and the value of being on-site.

Host’s Perspective: Never Shutting Off (00:30:54) Host discusses the difficulty of separating work and home life when living on-site.

Mark’s Family Resort Experience (00:33:12) Mark relates his experience growing up around a family-run resort.

Constant Upkeep & Business Mindset (00:34:07) The ongoing nature of property maintenance and always being in business mode.

Special Offer for Listeners (00:35:20) Mark and Loni offer $500 off venue rental for podcast listeners.

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