EP 277 Why Being in the Room Changes Everything: Lessons from the Retreat Industry Forum
Release Date: 07/02/2026
EP 282 Why Live Music and Art Make Retreats More Powerful with Christine Baird
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
What makes a retreat unforgettable? It is rarely just the itinerary. It is the feeling. The energy in the room. The moments guests did not expect. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Austin-based singer, songwriter, and musician Christine Baird to talk about the role of live music, art, and real human connection in creating transformational retreat experiences. Christine has performed at multiple retreats hosted by Shannon, and together they explore why live music brings something to a retreat...
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EP 281 How Retreat Leaders Can Create Lasting Transformation with Lauren Tedeschi
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
What if the most powerful part of your retreat isn't what happens during the retreat-but what happens before and after? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with author, certified life coach, and wellness mentor Lauren Tedeschi to explore how retreat leaders can create deeper, longer-lasting transformation by embracing Lauren's Still Momentum framework. Inspired by her new book, Still Momentum: How to Heal and Thrive at the Same Time, Lauren shares why stillness isn't about doing less-it's about becoming more...
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EP 280 The Fastest Way to Build a Profitable Retreat Business with Shari Leid
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
What if the fastest way to grow your business wasn't working harder-but learning from someone who's already done it? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Shari Leid, internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur, for a conversation about one of the most overlooked business skills: knowing when to ask for help. Shari has built an incredible career as a professional speaker, but like many entrepreneurs, she wanted to diversify her business by adding memberships and retreats as recurring revenue streams....
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EP 279 The Difference Between Successful Retreat Leaders and Everyone Else
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Why do some retreat leaders build thriving businesses while others give up after one launch? It's usually not because they're better marketers. It's not because they have a bigger audience. And it's rarely because they have the perfect retreat. It's because they keep showing up. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail shares one of the biggest mindset shifts every retreat leader needs to hear: success doesn't come from avoiding failure-it comes from refusing to quit. Using Thomas Edison's famous light bulb story as a starting point, Shannon explains why...
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EP 278 Welcome to a New Season of The Retreat Leaders Podcast
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Welcome to a brand-new season of The Retreat Leaders Podcast. This episode is a little different. Instead of diving into retreat marketing strategies or interviewing a guest, Shannon shares exciting updates about the future of the podcast, reflects on the incredible community that has helped grow the show into the top 2% of podcasts globally, and gives listeners a preview of what's ahead. The biggest change? The podcast is leveling up. Going forward, most interviews will be recorded in person from Shannon's new podcast studio in Austin, Texas. The goal is to create deeper...
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Throwback Thursday: The Real Reasons Your Retreat Isn't Selling Out
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Why isn't your retreat filling? It's one of the questions I get asked more than any other. And while marketing has changed dramatically since this episode first aired-with AI, SEO, and new ways people discover retreats-the core reasons retreats don't fill are surprisingly the same. That's why I'm bringing back this Throwback Thursday episode. In this conversation, I break down the most common reasons retreat leaders struggle to enroll guests and, more importantly, what you can do about it. We cover everything from mindset and messaging to marketing, pricing, and positioning because filling a...
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Throwback Thursday: The Retreat Hosting Lessons That Never Go Out of Style
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Some retreat lessons never go out of style. In this Throwback Thursday episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail revisits one of her favorite conversations with Chelle Swierz, founder of Topia Boutique Retreat Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. While marketing trends, AI, and visibility strategies continue to evolve, the core principles of creating exceptional retreat experiences remain the same. In this conversation, Chelle shares the common mistakes she sees retreat leaders make—and many of them are still happening today. From poor guest preparation and...
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Throwback Thursday: The Retreat Pricing Mistake That's Costing You Thousands with Erin Haag
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
This week's Throwback Thursday episode tackles one of the biggest challenges facing retreat leaders today: Pricing. Because let's be honest... Most retreat leaders aren't struggling because they don't know how to host a great retreat. They're struggling because they're underpricing their expertise, their experiences, and the transformation they provide. In this popular episode, Shannon Jamail sits down with retreat pricing expert Erin Haag to discuss the difference between attracting price shoppers and attracting value-driven buyers. Together they explore why so many retreat leaders:...
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Throwback Thursday: What If Your Retreat Could Be Worth $55,000? A Conversation on Confidence, Conviction & Premium Retreats with Kyera Kacey
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
This week's Throwback Thursday episode is one that will challenge your thinking. And that's exactly why I'm bringing it back. In this powerful conversation, Shannon Jamail sits down with Kyera Kacey, a bold entrepreneur, speaker, and retreat leader known for helping people break through limitations around money, confidence, and self-worth. Love her approach or disagree with parts of it, one thing is certain: Kyera challenges retreat leaders to think bigger. Much bigger. In this episode, Kyera shares how she launched and sold out her first retreat in Ireland, then went on to host luxury...
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EP 277 Why Being in the Room Changes Everything: Lessons from the Retreat Industry Forum
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
The Retreat Industry Forum is over... And I'm still getting messages. Every week, retreat leaders, venue owners, and wellness entrepreneurs are reaching out asking: "When is the next one?" "How do I get on the waitlist?" "I heard it was incredible. Are you doing it again?" But here's what's interesting: Most people aren't asking about the presentations. They're talking about the conversations. The connections. The collaborations. The feeling of being surrounded by people who understand this industry and are actively building something meaningful. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders...
info_outlineThe Retreat Industry Forum is over...
And I'm still getting messages.
Every week, retreat leaders, venue owners, and wellness entrepreneurs are reaching out asking:
"When is the next one?"
"How do I get on the waitlist?"
"I heard it was incredible. Are you doing it again?"
But here's what's interesting:
Most people aren't asking about the presentations.
They're talking about the conversations.
The connections.
The collaborations.
The feeling of being surrounded by people who understand this industry and are actively building something meaningful.
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail recaps the Retreat Industry Forum and shares what made the event so impactful—from the expert speakers and business strategies to the networking, partnerships, and unexpected opportunities that emerged between sessions.
She also discusses why information alone isn't enough anymore and why proximity remains one of the most powerful accelerators for business growth.
Finally, Shannon shares details about the upcoming Retreat Leader Mastermind, a smaller and more intimate experience designed for retreat leaders who are ready for personalized strategy, implementation, visibility, and growth.
If you've been wondering how to take your retreat business to the next level, this episode is for you.
Join me at the forum: https://
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- What made the Retreat Industry Forum so impactful
- Why proximity accelerates business growth
- The collaborations and partnerships formed at the Forum
- Why information isn't enough without implementation
- The value of surrounding yourself with experienced retreat leaders
- What makes the Retreat Leader Mastermind different
- Why personalized feedback can accelerate your success
Key Takeaways
The Best Conversations Happen Between Sessions
Some of the most valuable moments at the Forum didn't happen on stage.
They happened over coffee, lunch, cocktails, and hallway conversations.
Information Is Everywhere. Proximity Is Rare.
Most retreat leaders don't need more information.
They need:
- support
- accountability
- perspective
- connection
Your Environment Shapes Your Results
The rooms you choose determine:
- your standards
- your thinking
- your opportunities
- your growth
Retreat Businesses Grow Faster Through Collaboration
Many of the most valuable connections at the Forum led to:
- partnerships
- referrals
- speaking opportunities
- collaborations
- friendships
The Mastermind Is Built for Deeper Growth
Unlike a larger conference, the Retreat Leader Mastermind focuses on:
- personalized strategy
- direct feedback
- implementation
- visibility
- accountability
Mentioned in This Episode
Retreat Leader Mastermind
An intimate, high-level experience for retreat leaders ready to grow their businesses with strategy, accountability, and expert support.
Includes:
Personalized business coaching
Retreat pricing and profitability guidance from Erin B. Haag
Legal insights from Sarah from Destination Legal
Professional headshots and branding photos
Visibility and marketing support
Strategic networking and collaboration
Direct feedback on your retreat business
- JOIN OUR MASTERMIND IN AUSTIN IN AUGUST
- Learn to Host Retreats
- Join our private Facebook Group
- Get your legal docs for retreats
- Join our LinkedIn Group
- Apply to be a guest on our show
- Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course
- Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course
Subscribe:
Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify
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TIMESTAMPS
The Power of "Being in the Room" (00:02:16) The real magic of the forum wasn't just the content, but the connections, collaborations, and support that happened in person.
Information vs. Implementation (00:05:35) Information is easily accessible online, but real growth comes from implementation, confidence, and seeing others succeed in person.
Collaboration Over Competition (00:06:43) The retreat industry grows stronger through connection and collaboration, not gatekeeping, which was a key outcome of the forum.
Introducing the Retreat Leader Mastermind (00:07:48) Shannon introduces her upcoming smaller, intimate mastermind event designed for personalized, hands-on support for individual retreat businesses.
Mastermind Guest Experts and Features (00:09:09) The mastermind will feature experts on pricing and legal matters, surprise speakers, and professional headshots for all attendees.
Why In-Person Events Accelerate Growth (00:10:24) Growth rarely happens in isolation. Being in the right room challenges your thinking, raises your standards, and fuels action.