EP 245 Lead the Retreat, Don’t Burn Out: Energy + Values for Sustainable Leadership with Lucy Dutton
Release Date: 10/23/2025
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_outlineIn 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 location or food
✅ The hidden danger of leading retreats while running on empty
✅ How to use your personal values as a decision-making compass
✅ Why your environment directly impacts your energy
✅ The difference between holding space and emotionally oversharing
✅ How to stay inspired and grounded even during high-demand retreats
Whether you're planning your first retreat or you're a seasoned pro, this conversation will help you lead from a place of calm, clarity, and conviction.
About Lucy:
Lucy J Dutton is a certified peak performance coach and speaker , international best selling author with 30 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs on productivity, goal setting, and transforming limiting beliefs. She empowers female holistic service based entrepreneurs and small business owners to become peak performers in life and business.
So that their business grows easily, and they experience fulfilment and joy in their personal life.
Lucy was a professional dancer for 10 years and has been an entrepreneur and coach for over 3 decades.
Despite the fact that she used to be painfully shy, she found her voice by pushing through the awkward and uncomfortable times. Gradually building her self-confidence and self-belief.
She has founded her own Holistic Peak Performance Coaching business to complement the health coaching she was already doing. With health and fitness being the foundation of everything she does.
Learn more: https://lucyjdutton.com/
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
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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
Guest Introduction: Lucy Dutton’s Background (00:01:43) Lucy shares her journey from professional dancer to peak performance coach.
The Demands of Dancing and Self-Care (00:04:08) Discussion about the physical and emotional demands of dancing and the importance of self-care.
Retreat Leaders’ Energy Drain (00:05:35) Shannon describes how retreat leaders often neglect their own well-being, leading to exhaustion.
The Importance of Energy and Daily Practices (00:07:32) Lucy explains the significance of maintaining personal energy and implementing daily self-care practices.
Understanding and Aligning with Core Values (00:09:09) Lucy discusses discovering personal values and how misalignment can affect retreat experiences.
Creating Supportive Environments (00:10:24) Lucy outlines the importance of physical, social, and informational environments for retreat leaders.
Avoiding Negative Influences and Comparison (00:11:55) Shannon emphasizes avoiding negative news, unsupportive people, and comparison with other retreat leaders.
Deep Dive into Values and Retreat Alignment (00:15:50) Lucy explains how knowing your values helps in choosing the right retreat venues and collaborators.
Energy as the Key to Retreat Success (00:19:22) Shannon highlights that a leader’s energy can make or break a retreat, outweighing venue or food quality.
How to Work with Lucy Dutton (00:20:14) Lucy shares how listeners can connect with her for coaching and personal development.
Episode Wrap-Up and Resources (00:21:10) Shannon thanks Lucy, mentions additional resources, and closes the episode.