EP 268 The Power of Retreats for Midlife Women: Building Community, Healing & Business with SOL Women
Release Date: 04/30/2026
EP 268 The Power of Retreats for Midlife Women: Building Community, Healing & Business with SOL Women
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
There is a powerful shift happening - and it’s centered around midlife women. Women who have spent years building careers, raising families, and showing up for everyone else are now asking a different question: What do I want? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down in person in Austin with the founders of SOL Women to talk about the rise of retreats designed specifically for midlife women - and why these experiences are more needed now than ever. SOL Women creates holistic, supportive retreat experiences that help women reconnect with themselves, prioritize...
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Behind the Scenes of the Retreat Industry Forum: Why Logistics & Operations Make or Break Your Retreat
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
There’s what your guests see at a retreat… And then there’s everything happening behind the scenes. In this special edition of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Alison and Erin (co-hosts of the Retreat Industry Forum) along with two of the Forum’s featured panel presenters - Matt Quinones and Daesha Donze - to talk about the operational side of running successful retreats. You can have an incredible concept, a beautiful location, and a powerful transformation… But if your logistics and operations aren’t dialed in, it will impact the entire experience. Matt...
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EP 267 The Retreat Venue Gap: Why Retreat Leaders and Venues Struggle to Find Each Other with Emily Johnson
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
One of the biggest challenges in the retreat industry isn’t marketing, pricing, or programming. It’s the gap between retreat leaders and retreat venues. Retreat leaders struggle to find the right venues. Venue owners struggle to fill their calendars with the right retreats. And somewhere in the middle, opportunities are missed. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Emily Johnson, founder of Elevate Hospitality Collective, to talk about the disconnect between retreat leaders and venues - and how the industry can bridge that gap. Emily brings years of...
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EP 266 The Power of Proximity for Retreat Leaders and Entrepreneurs
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Success in business isn’t just about strategy. It’s also about proximity - who you’re around, the conversations you’re exposed to, and the standards of the rooms you choose to enter. In this solo episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail shares why being in the right rooms can dramatically accelerate your growth as a retreat leader and entrepreneur. For many years Shannon’s business was doing well. But about five years ago, something shifted. She started attending conferences, joining masterminds, and intentionally placing herself in rooms with other high-level...
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Special Edition: Stop Wasting Money on Ads: What Retreat Leaders Need Before Running Facebook & Instagram Ads with Jenn Possick
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Running ads to fill your retreat sounds like the obvious next step… But for most retreat leaders, it’s actually where they start losing money. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Alison, Erin, and Jenn Possick (The Ads Maven) to break down what retreat leaders really need to know before investing in Facebook and Instagram ads. Jenn specializes in helping coaches, wellness professionals, and retreat leaders run strategic, data-driven ad campaigns - offering both done-for-you and done-with-you services. And here’s what she makes very clear: Ads are...
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EP 265 The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your Retreats with Joel Weldon
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Retreat leaders spend months planning the location, the schedule, the experiences, and the transformations they want their guests to have. But there is one skill that quietly determines whether your retreat truly lands with your audience. Your ability to communicate. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Hall of Fame speaker Joel Weldon to talk about the powerful role communication plays in the success of retreats - from filling the room to creating deeper breakthroughs for attendees. Joel has been paid to speak at more than 3,000 events and has coached over...
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The Future of the Retreat Industry: Why We Need Standards, Community & Leadership with Holly Porter
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
The retreat industry is growing so fast. Especially in the last 6 years. But here’s the problem: There has never been a central place for retreat leaders, venues, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and operate at a higher standard. Until now. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Alison, Erin, and Holly Porter, founder of the International Retreat Association, to talk about the future of the retreat industry - and why the timing for this shift couldn’t be more important. Holly shares her powerful personal story - from building 12...
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EP 264 Building Momentum: Staying the Course When Results Feel Slow
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
One of the hardest moments in the retreat business is the quiet period after you launch something. You announce your retreat. You post about it. You send emails. And then… crickets. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail talks about why slow results are not a sign that something is wrong. In fact, momentum in the retreat industry is rarely sudden — it’s usually the result of consistent, focused action over time. Shannon breaks down the common traps retreat leaders fall into when results don’t appear quickly, including shiny object syndrome, comparison traps, and abandoning strategies too...
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EP 263 Trust Leaks in Retreat Businesses: The 5 Places Retreat Leaders Lose Credibility with Debbie Simmons
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Trust is the currency of the retreat industry. Guests invest their time, money, and emotional energy into retreat experiences expecting transformation, connection, and professionalism. But often, trust doesn’t break in big dramatic moments - it slowly leaks through small gaps in leadership, communication, and delivery. In this episode, Shannon sits down with Debbie Simmons to discuss the five most common “trust leaks” in retreat businesses and how retreat leaders can repair them before they damage reviews, referrals, and long-term loyalty. They break down where trust most often breaks...
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EP 262 Culture Building: How to Create a Retreat Experience That People Come Back To with Nathan Jamail
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Most retreat leaders focus on the itinerary. But what makes guests come back year after year isn’t the schedule - it’s the culture. In this episode, Shannon is joined by leadership expert and culture strategist Nathan Jamail (whom she is biased to say is amazing) to break down how retreat leaders can intentionally build culture instead of just planning programming. They discuss: How culture impacts everything How to create loyalty beyond a single event Alumni communities that actually stay engaged Setting customer experience standards Why some retreats create raving fans -...
info_outlineThere is a powerful shift happening - and it’s centered around midlife women.
Women who have spent years building careers, raising families, and showing up for everyone else are now asking a different question:
What do I want?
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down in person in Austin with the founders of SOL Women to talk about the rise of retreats designed specifically for midlife women - and why these experiences are more needed now than ever.
SOL Women creates holistic, supportive retreat experiences that help women reconnect with themselves, prioritize their well-being, and step into a new chapter of life with clarity and confidence.
Together, they explore:
- The unique needs of midlife women
- The role of retreats in holistic healing and transformation
- The challenges of building a retreat business from the ground up
- The unexpected rewards and growth that come from hosting retreats
This conversation is honest, grounded, and inspiring - whether you’re a retreat leader, thinking about starting a retreat business, or simply someone who believes in the power of community and connection.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Why midlife women are seeking retreats and community more than ever
• How holistic retreats support mental, emotional, and physical well-being
• The real challenges of building a retreat business
• The unexpected rewards of hosting retreats
• How retreats create lasting connection and transformation
Key Takeaways
Midlife Women Are Seeking Something Deeper
This stage of life often brings reflection, transition, and a desire for more alignment.
Retreats provide a space for women to pause, reconnect, and redefine what’s next.
Retreats Are More Than a Getaway
Holistic retreats offer:
- community
- connection
- healing
- self-discovery
They create experiences that go far beyond relaxation.
Building a Retreat Business Isn’t Easy - But It’s Worth It
The founders of SOL Women share the real side of building a retreat business:
- the challenges
- the learning curve
- the unexpected growth
And also the rewards that make it all worthwhile.
The Power of Community
One of the most impactful aspects of retreats is the connection created between participants.
Women leave feeling:
- seen
- supported
- understood
And that ripple effect continues long after the retreat ends.
About SOL Women & Lauren & Nandita
SOL Women creates holistic retreat experiences designed specifically for midlife women.
Their retreats focus on supporting women through life transitions with a blend of wellness practices, community connection, and personal growth.
Nandita Mahadevan is a multi-industry business leader, Functional Medicine enthusiast, and Certified Health & Hormone Coach with a deep passion for women’s health.
After two decades climbing the corporate ladder in the health and wellness industry, she found herself burned out—her adrenals depleted, her health suffering. This wake-up call led her on a profound journey of self-discovery, pushing her to rethink wellness beyond just the clinical approach.
Her passion for women’s health peaked during her own transition into perimenopause when she struggled to find the support she needed. While her background in Functional Medicine helped her understand the physical changes, the emotional and spiritual upheaval was something she had to navigate alone.
This experience sparked the creation of Sol Women—a space dedicated to guiding women through all stages of womanhood, from hormones and health to emotional and spiritual well-being. Nandita lives in Bee Cave, Austin, with her two children, ages 13 and 8.
Lauren Colletti, FNP, is a Nurse Practitioner and Board-Certified Functional Medicine expert with a deep passion for women’s health. With nearly 20 years in healthcare, she has helped thousands of women navigate hormonal shifts, thyroid and digestive issues, autoimmunity, fertility, menopause, and more.
Trained by leading experts in women’s health, genomics, peptides, and longevity medicine, Lauren is dedicated to simplifying the health journey and helping women feel confident in their bodies at every stage of life—without the overwhelm. Her personalized, root-cause approach focuses on building a strong foundation while using cutting-edge therapies to create lasting wellness. She believes women deserve more than one-size-fits-all solutions—they deserve to feel heard, understood, and empowered.
As a wife and mother to three beautiful children—Hazel, Harrison, and Holland—Lauren is continually inspired by her patients and community. She is on her own journey to thrive through every phase of life and is passionate about helping others do the same.
Learn more:
https://www.solwomen.com
Special offer: $200 off our one day medical retreat in Austin - includes a female biomarker panel and lab review with a Functional Medicine provider ($1,200 in value). Just mention this show!
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
- 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
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 Introductions (00:01:38) Lauren Coletti and Nandita introduce themselves, their backgrounds, and their focus on supporting women in midlife.
The Gap in Women's Health Support (00:03:38) Discussion about the lack of holistic support for women in midlife and the importance of retreats and mindset.
Personal Experiences with Perimenopause (00:04:59) Nandita shares her transition into perimenopause and the need for mindset and community support.
The Power of Vulnerability and Connection (00:06:18) How vulnerability and retreats foster deep connections among high-achieving women.
Origins of Soul Women on Retreat (00:06:43) Lauren and Nandita recount meeting on a Costa Rica retreat and the birth of their business idea.
The Gender Gap in Medical Research (00:07:13) Discussion on how most medical research is based on men and the implications for women's health.
Women’s Empowerment and Cyclical Strength (00:08:23) Exploring women’s hormonal cycles as a superpower and the need for empowerment.
Importance of Female Connection (00:10:35) The unique need for women to connect with other women and the impact of retreats.
Retreats as Safe Spaces for Vulnerability (00:13:57) How retreats create safe environments for women to open up and accelerate healing.
Talking Openly About Midlife Transitions (00:14:38) The importance of discussing perimenopause, menopause, and emotional changes in community.
Transformation and Joy Through Letting Go (00:16:12) Letting go of emotional burdens at retreats leads to joy and lightness.
Rediscovering Playfulness in Midlife (00:16:26) Embracing a carefree, playful attitude during menopause and setting boundaries.
Boundaries and Self-Protection (00:17:27) Learning to set boundaries joyfully and protect personal peace during midlife.
Awareness and Support During Change (00:18:18) The need for awareness, support, and new tools as women navigate biological and mental shifts.
The Mental and Emotional Side of Menopause (00:19:32) Highlighting the mental challenges of menopause and the value of open discussion.
Structure of Soul Women Retreats (00:20:13) Overview of their one-day and three-day retreats, including functional medicine, mindset, and community.
The Power of Less Structure (00:21:18) Realization that less programming and more connection time enhances retreat experiences.
Deeper Connections in Multi-Day Retreats (00:22:33) Three-day retreats foster deeper bonds and ongoing community among participants.
Lasting Impact of Retreat Friendships (00:23:18) Retreats create lifelong friendships and support networks that are hard to quantify.
Vulnerability as the Root of Connection (00:24:20) Bonding through shared vulnerability, described as “joy bonding” rather than trauma bonding.
Overcoming Barriers to Attending Retreats (00:25:20) Addressing women’s hesitations about investing in themselves and sharing vulnerably.
Intimacy and Size of Retreats (00:25:41) Smaller, curated retreats (10–15 women) foster deeper, more meaningful connections.
Meeting Women Where They Are (00:26:42) Retreats accommodate all comfort levels, allowing women to open up at their own pace.
The Need for In-Person Connection (00:27:03) Emphasizing the irreplaceable healing power of in-person gatherings in a digital world.
Human Connection and Community (00:28:05) Comparing human need for connection to herd animals and predicting the growing importance of retreats.
Upcoming Retreat Dates (00:28:29) Announcement of their next one-day and three-day retreats in Austin, Texas.
Unexpected Lessons from Hosting Retreats (00:28:58) Hosts share that less structure and more connection lead to better experiences and stronger bonds.
Letting Go of the Agenda (00:29:51) Learning to be present and allow organic connection rather than sticking rigidly to a schedule.
Processing Time and Brain Energy (00:31:01) Participants need downtime to process, as retreats are mentally and emotionally intensive.
Selling the Feeling, Not the Schedule (00:32:28) Encouragement to market retreats based on outcomes and feelings, not packed agendas.
Quality Over Quantity and Pricing Insights (00:33:33) Higher-priced, smaller retreats yield better experiences and conversions than larger, cheaper ones.
The Value of Transformation and Investment (00:34:34) Charging appropriately for retreats ensures energetic balance and attracts committed participants.
ROI of Retreats and Lifelong Impact (00:37:06) Focusing on the return on investment for participants—transformation, longevity, and ongoing support.
Lifelong Relationships and Support (00:38:10) Retreats are the catalyst for long-term partnerships and ongoing personal growth.
Closing and Contact Information (00:40:13) Host thanks guests, shares where to find more information, and closes the episode.