EP 253 Everything You Do Either Attracts or Repels and That’s a Good Thing
Release Date: 01/08/2026
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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...
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.