A Special Edition: Announcing WeTravel as a Sponsor of the Retreat Industry Forum + Why Their Platform Is Built for Retreat Leaders
Release Date: 03/10/2026
EP 261 The Truth About Confidence: Why Some Retreat Leaders Struggle to Fill Their Events with Nathan Jamail
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Confidence isn’t just mindset crap. It affects your pricing, your messaging, your sales conversations and your boundaries. And ultimately - whether your retreat fills or flops. In this episode, Shannon is joined by leadership expert, sales strategist, and bestselling author Nathan Jamail (she is biased, but he is pretty damn amazing) to unpack the real reason many retreat leaders struggle to sell out their events: lack of business confidence. They discuss: Imposter syndrome in the retreat industry Underpricing rooted in insecurity Overexplaining instead of leading What confident...
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A Special Edition: Announcing WeTravel as a Sponsor of the Retreat Industry Forum + Why Their Platform Is Built for Retreat Leaders
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Running a retreat business requires more than just creating transformational experiences. Behind every successful retreat is a system that manages payments, bookings, logistics, guest communication, and operations. In this special episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Erin and Alison, co-hosts of the Retreat Industry Forum, along with Mariana from WeTravel, to officially announce WeTravel as a sponsor of the upcoming forum. During the conversation, Mariana from WeTravel shares how their platform was specifically designed to support retreat...
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EP 260 Not All Events Are Equal: How to Discern Real Value in a Noisy Event Space with Dora Rankin
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In today’s entrepreneurial world, there is no shortage of conferences, summits, masterminds, and learning forums. But here’s the real question: How do you know which ones are actually worth your time, energy, and money? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dora Rankin to talk about discernment in business spaces - especially in a post-COVID world where the coaching and event industry has exploded with noise, hype, and inflated promises. They dive into: Why entrepreneurs are more discerning than ever The rise of “smoke and mirrors” marketing How to vet event hosts and speakers...
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EP 259 Should You Have a Co-Host in Your Retreat Business?
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Partnerships can be powerful… and they can also quietly wreck your retreat business. In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down one of the most common questions retreat leaders ask: Should you have a co-host? After being asked this question during a keynote in LA, Shannon’s immediate answer-“Don’t.”-got a laugh… and opened the door to a real conversation retreat leaders need to hear. Shannon shares the good, the bad, and the expensive lessons she learned from early partnerships, including a situation involving copied content and the painful reality...
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A Special Edition: A Fireside Chat about The Retreat Industry Forum with Alison, Erin & Shannon
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this special fireside chat, Shannon Jamail, Alison, and Erin pull back the curtain on the evolving energy of the Retreat Industry Forum — and why this year’s attendee profile looks different than ever before. What started as a vision to elevate the retreat industry is quickly becoming a high-level gathering of experienced retreat leaders, business owners, venue operators, and industry professionals ready to scale smarter and connect strategically. The trio discusses: The shift toward seasoned retreat professionals attending Why the Forum is not a beginner workshop —...
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EP 258 What I Wish I Had Done Differently When I First Built My Retreat Business
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
When I first started building my retreat business, I made mistakes. Not small ones - real ones that cost time, money, energy, and unnecessary stress. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing: What I personally wish I had done differently in the early days The most common mistakes I see retreat hosts still making today And how to avoid burning out, underpricing, or building a retreat that looks good on paper but feels exhausting in real life If you’re hosting retreats (or thinking about it), this episode will help you build something that’s clear,...
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EP 257 Belonging Is the New Luxury: Why Retreats Matter More Than Ever with Dan Berger
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn’t discuss nearly enough: belonging. Dan shares his personal journey—from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise, a retreat and gathering space intentionally designed for human connection. Together, Shannon and Dan dive into: Why men are facing a serious belonging and mental health crisis How retreats can act as temporary communities that create lasting impact...
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EP 256 Building Pilates Retreats in Europe: Creativity, Logistics, and Expansion with Bessie Refalo
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Bessie Refalo, a yoga and Pilates retreat leader who is carving out a unique lane in the wellness retreat industry - reformer Pilates retreats in Europe. Bessie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating retreats that require specialized equipment, including the challenges of finding venues with reformer Pilates machines and the creative solutions she’s used to make her retreats possible. From transporting reformers by lorry in Portugal to discovering bespoke studios in Italy, this conversation is a masterclass in...
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EP 255 Building a Soul-Led Retreat Business While Working Full-Time with Amy Jaggers
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Amy Jaggers, a coach and retreat leader who is building a soul-led retreat business while still working full-time. Amy shares how she helps professionals step off autopilot and reconnect with balance, clarity, and purpose through meditation, mindfulness practices, retreats, and wellbeing circles. She opens up about what it really looks like to grow a retreat business alongside a demanding career — including boundaries, time management, and integrating her “soul work” into her corporate role. Together, Shannon and Amy...
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EP 254 How to Make Your Retreat a Signature Brand Asset Instead of a One-Off Event
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Many retreat leaders are stuck running one-off retreats - constantly reinventing the wheel, hustling for new sign-ups, and exhausting themselves with fresh marketing every time. But the smartest, most sustainable retreat businesses? They build signature retreats that become a recognizable, in-demand part of their brand. In this episode, Shannon breaks down how to turn your retreat into a powerful brand asset that builds loyalty, grows every year, and creates recurring revenue through alumni and long-term client pathways. You’ll learn how to create a retreat theme people return to annually,...
info_outlineRunning a retreat business requires more than just creating transformational experiences.
Behind every successful retreat is a system that manages payments, bookings, logistics, guest communication, and operations.
In this special episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Erin and Alison, co-hosts of the Retreat Industry Forum, along with Mariana from WeTravel, to officially announce WeTravel as a sponsor of the upcoming forum.
During the conversation, Mariana from WeTravel shares how their platform was specifically designed to support retreat leaders, tour operators, and experience-based businesses by simplifying the operational side of running retreats.
From building professional booking pages and collecting payments to managing logistics and participant information, WeTravel helps retreat leaders streamline their systems so they can focus on what they do best - delivering incredible experiences.
Shannon, Erin, and Alison also discuss why operational tools like WeTravel are essential for retreat leaders who want to move beyond spreadsheets and manual systems and build retreats that are both transformational and professionally run.
If you host retreats or are planning to start, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most widely used platforms in the retreat industry.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Why WeTravel has become a leading platform for retreat leaders and tour operators
• How retreat leaders can simplify payments, logistics, and guest management
• The benefits of using professional booking and payment systems
• Why operational systems are critical for scaling a retreat business
• How WeTravel supports retreat leaders globally
Key Takeaways
Running retreats is both an experience business and an operations business.
Successful retreat leaders need systems that support:
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payment collection
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booking management
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guest communication
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logistics and documentation
Platforms like WeTravel help retreat leaders streamline these processes, create professional booking pages, and manage their retreats with greater efficiency and clarity.
About the Retreat Industry Forum
The Retreat Industry Forum is a gathering for retreat leaders, venue owners, and retreat industry professionals focused on elevating the business side of retreats.
Hosted by Shannon, Erin, and Alison along with other industry experts, the forum brings together experienced retreat leaders who want to grow profitable and sustainable retreat businesses.
Learn more about the upcoming forum at:
https://
About WeTravel
WeTravel is a booking and payment platform designed for multi-day and group travel businesses, including retreats, tours, and experiential programs.
The platform allows retreat leaders to:
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create professional booking pages
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collect payments and deposits
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offer payment plans
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manage participant information
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track retreat logistics
WeTravel helps retreat leaders streamline operations so they can focus on delivering exceptional retreat experiences.
Learn more at:
- Learn to Host Retreats
- Join our private Facebook Group
- Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
- Get your legal docs for retreats
- Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum
- Join our LinkedIn Group
- Apply to be a guest on our show
Subscribe:
Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify
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TIMESTAMPS
Panel Introduction & Special Announcement (00:01:09) Shannon introduces Allison, Aaron, and Mariana; Erin announces WeTravel as a main sponsor for the Retreat Industry Forum.
WeTravel Origins & Mission (00:02:29) Mariana shares WeTravel’s founding story, its purpose, and how it was created to solve retreat admin challenges.
Why WeTravel Benefits Retreat Leaders (00:04:00) Discussion on how WeTravel is uniquely designed for retreat leaders, covering all aspects from sales to logistics.
Comprehensive Features of WeTravel (00:05:10) Panelists highlight WeTravel’s all-in-one capabilities, including bookings, payments, waivers, and logistics.
Challenges of Piecemeal Retreat Management (00:06:23) Shannon discusses common issues with using multiple tools and the legal risks of not having an integrated system.
Peace of Mind for Retreat Leaders (00:07:32) Panelists discuss how WeTravel provides security and organization for retreat leaders, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Why Partner with the Retreat Industry Forum? (00:08:11) Mariana explains why WeTravel chose to sponsor the forum and their commitment to supporting the retreat industry.
Alignment of Missions: Elevating the Industry (00:09:40) Discussion on the shared mission to professionalize and elevate standards in the retreat industry.
WeTravel Beyond Wellness (00:10:43) Clarification that WeTravel serves all types of retreats, not just wellness-focused ones.
Defining WeTravel as an Operating System (00:11:43) Mariana and Shannon agree on calling WeTravel an “operating system” for retreat management.
Retreats Across All Industries (00:12:06) Panelists discuss how retreats can be valuable in any industry, not just wellness.
Sales Strategy & Authentic Outreach (00:13:15) Aaron and Allison share their positive experiences with WeTravel’s genuine outbound sales approach.
Professionalism & Trust in Retreats (00:14:57) Mariana discusses how using a professional system like WeTravel builds trust and credibility for retreat businesses.
WeTravel’s Broad Clientele (00:16:41) Mariana emphasizes WeTravel’s wide range of clients and retreat types, not limited to wellness.
Forum Attendance & Final Thoughts (00:18:48) Mariana confirms she’ll attend the forum; panelists express excitement and encourage listeners to join.
Podcast Outro (00:20:00) Closing voiceover thanks listeners, encourages subscriptions, and promotes free resources.