EP 253 Everything You Do Either Attracts or Repels and That’s a Good Thing
Release Date: 01/08/2026
EP 253 Everything You Do Either Attracts or Repels and That’s a Good Thing
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Everything you put into the world is doing something. Your website. Your social posts. Your emails. Your videos. Your interviews. In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down a truth most retreat leaders avoid: if you’re not repelling anyone, you’re probably being too generic. Attraction is only half the conversation. Sustainable retreat businesses are built on clarity - and clarity naturally attracts the right people while filtering out the wrong ones. Shannon explains why repelling misaligned guests isn’t a flaw, it’s a leadership skill, and how trying to please everyone leads to...
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EP 252 Ethical Marketing, Outsourcing, and Building Trust in Business with Dawni Baxter
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dawni Baxter — founder of a boutique marketing agency and a multi-passionate entrepreneur leading the movement in ethical, human-first marketing. Dawni brings a refreshing perspective to an industry filled with noise, inflated promises, and confusing pricing structures. Together, Shannon and Dawni dive into: ✨ How to navigate marketing relationships with confidence ✨ Why transparency and trust are the backbone of ethical marketing ✨ What to look for (and avoid) when hiring a marketing agency or contractor ✨ The power of outsourcing — even...
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EP 251 Stop Discounting Your Retreats: The Damage It Causes & What to Do Instead
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode, Shannon gets fired up about one of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make: discounting their retreats. While a discount might feel like an easy way to fill a few spots, the long-term damage is real - it devalues your experience, trains your audience to wait for price drops, signals desperation, and hurts the entire retreat industry. Shannon breaks down exactly why discounting is harmful, what it communicates to potential guests, and better alternatives like early-bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and smart payment options. She also unpacks the real reason...
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EP 250 Both Sides of the Retreat: Hosting, Supporting, and Finding Balance with Kim DeMoss
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
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...
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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...
info_outlineEverything you put into the world is doing something.
Your website. Your social posts. Your emails. Your videos. Your interviews.
In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down a truth most retreat leaders avoid: if you’re not repelling anyone, you’re probably being too generic.
Attraction is only half the conversation. Sustainable retreat businesses are built on clarity - and clarity naturally attracts the right people while filtering out the wrong ones. Shannon explains why repelling misaligned guests isn’t a flaw, it’s a leadership skill, and how trying to please everyone leads to burnout, boundary issues, and low-quality experiences.
She also addresses a critical nuance retreat leaders need to understand: the difference between being purposeful and being polarizing - and why “anti” messaging often does more harm than good in a business rooted in trust, safety, and connection.
This episode is a must-listen for retreat leaders who want aligned guests, healthier group dynamics, and a business that actually feels good to run.
Key Takeaways
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Everything you create either attracts or repels - and both are necessary.
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If you’re trying to be liked by everyone, your message is likely watered down.
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Repelling misaligned people protects your energy, your team, and your guests.
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Clear messaging prevents boundary issues, complaints, and emotional drain.
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Strong leadership is about standing firmly in who you are - not pleasing everyone.
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There’s a difference between purposeful messaging and polarizing, anti-focused content.
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Being pro what you stand for builds trust far more effectively than being anti anything.
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Clarity in your brand leads to alignment, ease, and long-term sustainability.
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TIMESTAMPS
The Power of Attraction and Repelling (00:01:27) Explains how everything you do as a retreat leader attracts or repels potential clients, and why repelling is necessary.
Dangers of Being Generic (00:02:30) Discusses the pitfalls of trying to appeal to everyone, leading to diluted messaging and misaligned clients.
Personal Examples of Not Being for Everyone (00:03:46) Shannon shares personal examples of who she is not a fit for, emphasizing the value of clarity over universal appeal.
Benefits of Repelling the Wrong People (00:04:49) Highlights how repelling protects your energy, business, and ensures better alignment with clients.
Retreat Industry Forum Announcement (00:04:49) Brief interruption to promote the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event in Denver.
Consequences of Appealing to Everyone (00:05:56) Describes negative outcomes when trying to please everyone, such as draining retreats and constant complaints.
Purposeful vs. Polarizing Content (00:07:06) Advises against posting highly polarizing or anti-focused content, distinguishing between being purposefully polarizing and divisive.
Pro-What-You-Stand-For vs. Anti-Others (00:08:28) Encourages leaders to focus on what they are for, not what they are against, and the impact on trust and safety.
Brand Clarity and Authentic Leadership (00:09:46) Urges retreat leaders to clearly communicate who they serve and to lead authentically and inclusively.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action (00:10:50) Wraps up with a reminder to use attraction and repelling wisely, and invites listeners to join her programs and resources.