EP 250 Both Sides of the Retreat: Hosting, Supporting, and Finding Balance with Kim DeMoss

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Kim DeMoss - Retreat Ranch’s Executive Assistant, Yoga Teacher Training host, and long-time retreat collaborator - to talk about what it’s really like to experience retreats from both sides: hosting and supporting.

From her early days hosting retreats with Shannon to now managing the logistics behind the scenes, Kim shares candid insights on burnout, boundaries, work-life balance, and how she found her groove in the retreat industry.

They also dive into the digital evolution of the industry - how AI and online visibility are reshaping the way leaders must market their retreats - and why self-awareness is key to finding your place in this ever-changing landscape.

Whether you’re leading retreats, supporting them, or figuring out which role fits best, this episode will give you real-world perspective, practical advice, and a reminder that your version of success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Key Takeaways

• Retreat leadership has many layers — and not everyone is meant to be front and center.

• Supporting retreats can be just as fulfilling as leading them (and sometimes less stressful).

• Work-life balance matters — especially for women juggling careers, families, and personal growth.

• The retreat industry is evolving fast with AI and digital marketing — adapt or find your unique niche.

• Attracting the right participants is key to creating aligned, transformational retreat experiences.

• Streamlining your focus can lead to more fulfillment and sustainable success.

  Learn about Kim’s YTT: https://www.projectmindfulmovement.com/

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TIMESTAMPS

Kim and Shannon’s History (00:00:59) They discuss how they met, their decade-long relationship, and collaborative projects.

Roles in the Retreat Space (00:02:05) Kim shares her experience as both a retreat host and support, and her preference for support roles.

First Retreat at Retreat Ranch (00:03:48) Kim recalls hosting the first retreat at Retreat Ranch and lessons learned from minimal resources.

Balancing Personal Life and Retreat Hosting (00:04:46) Kim explains why she hosts only one retreat a year, citing personal and family circumstances.

Learning from Career Shifts (00:06:05) Shannon relates her own career pivot and how skills transfer to new roles, paralleling Kim’s journey.

Letting Go of Expectations (00:07:22) Kim discusses the challenge of disappointing others versus honoring personal capacity and boundaries.

Retreat Industry Forum Announcement (00:08:01) Shannon promotes the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event in Denver.

Navigating Life Seasons and Work Choices (00:09:06) They talk about making choices that fit current life seasons, especially with family and career changes.

Marketing and Selling Retreats Today (00:10:40) Discussion on how retreat marketing has evolved, becoming more complex and demanding.

Alternative Roles in the Retreat Industry (00:11:51) Exploring ways to stay involved in the industry without hosting, especially if marketing isn’t appealing.

Evaluating Retreat Marketing and Audience Fit (00:12:48) Kim reflects on attracting the right participants and lessons from her first retreat’s marketing.

Listening to Inner Guidance and Pivoting (00:13:21) They emphasize the importance of listening to intuition and being open to change.

Kim’s Strengths and Transition to Support Roles (00:14:24) Kim and Shannon discuss Kim’s organizational skills and her move to more supportive, creative roles.

Benefits of Support Roles and Life Transitions (00:16:16) Kim shares the relief and satisfaction of support work during her husband’s military retirement transition.

Continued Learning and Growth (00:18:07) They discuss ongoing personal and professional growth, and Kim’s involvement in events and trainings.

Differences Between Training and Wellness Retreats (00:18:53) Kim explains how training retreats differ from wellness retreats in focus and participant expectations.

Structuring Training Retreats for Balance (00:20:28) Advice on scheduling downtime in training retreats to avoid burnout for both leaders and attendees.