Throwback Thursday: The Retreat Hosting Lessons That Never Go Out of Style
Release Date: 07/23/2026
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...
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EP 276 The Secret Retreat Venue You've Been Sleeping On - Cinnamon Shore, Texas
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
What if your next retreat venue was a walkable, luxury beach community on the Texas Coast — fully furnished, photographer-ready, and designed to make your attendees feel like they're living in a neighborhood instead of checking into a hotel? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Lee Ann Peters, the powerhouse behind Cinnamon Shore — a New Urbanist luxury beach community on the Texas Coast that has become one of Southern Living's Top 10 Beach Towns in the United States. Lee Ann left a successful Atlanta real estate career in the middle of the Great Recession to build something most people...
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EP 275 Retreat Leaders vs Venue Owners: The Disconnect Costing You Money
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’re building a retreat business, this episode is required listening. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Catherine Kontos, founder of RetreatBoss, RetreatMatch, and RetreatBoss Magazine, to talk about what it actually takes to build a sustainable and profitable retreat business. With over 14 years in the industry-and a background acquiring and selling over 100 businesses and properties-Catherine brings a level of real business strategy that most of this industry is missing. This conversation about the realities of running retreats as a...
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EP 274 Why Your Retreat Isn’t Filling (Even Though You’re Posting Every Day)
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’re posting every day and your retreat still isn’t filling…You’re not alone. But you are likely focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail breaks down the real reasons your retreat isn’t filling-even when you feel like you’re “doing all the things” on social media. Posting is not a strategy Visibility takes time to build And most retreat leaders don’t give it enough time Shannon walks through the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make when it comes to marketing and visibility-and what to do instead if you actually...
info_outlineSome 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 choosing the wrong retreat dates to relying too heavily on social media instead of building genuine relationships, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom for retreat leaders.
Shannon and Chelle also discuss:
- The importance of over-communicating with retreat guests
- Why trust is built long before a retreat begins
- How venue partnerships can elevate the guest experience
- Common planning mistakes that impact retreat success
- The power of personal connection over social media marketing
- Creating memorable and transformational retreat experiences
If you're planning a retreat, struggling to fill one, or simply want to improve the experience you create for your guests, this episode is as relevant today as it was when it first aired.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- Common retreat hosting mistakes
- Why guest preparation matters
- How to choose better retreat dates
- The importance of clear communication
- Why relationships still outperform algorithms
- How retreat venues can support retreat leaders
- Creating an exceptional retreat guest experience
Key Takeaways
Retreat Success Starts Before Guests Arrive
The guest experience begins long before check-in.
Communication, preparation, and expectation-setting matter.
Social Media Isn't Enough
People may discover you online.
But trust is built through relationships and conversations.
Over-Communication Is a Good Thing
Guests appreciate clarity.
The more prepared they feel, the better their experience.
Venue Partnerships Matter
The right venue partner can dramatically improve the retreat experience for both leaders and guests.
Authenticity Always Wins
Clear, honest communication about what guests can expect leads to better experiences and stronger reviews.
About Chelle Swierz
Chelle Swierz is a longtime yoga instructor and founder of Topia Boutique Retreat Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Topia was created to support retreat leaders through every stage of the retreat process, helping them create meaningful experiences while building strong community connections.
Learn more at: https://www.topiaretreat.
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TIMESTAMPS
Welcome to the Retreat Leaders Podcast (00:01:25) The host, Shannon, welcomes listeners and introduces the guest, Shelly, a fellow retreat venue owner from Baja, Mexico.
About Topia Boutique Retreat Center (00:02:22) Shelly describes her full-service retreat center, Topia, which she co-owns with her husband, and its mission to support leaders.
Different Levels of Venue Service (00:03:19) Shannon and Shelly discuss the spectrum of venue services, from 100% self-service to fully supported, all-inclusive models like Topia.
Biggest Mistake: Not Knowing Your Community (00:05:20) Shelly explains the most common mistake is not knowing if you have a community that is willing and able to travel.
Social Media Following vs. Real Community (00:08:16) A large social media following doesn't guarantee retreat sign-ups; genuine, personal relationships and trust are what fill retreats.
The Importance of Strategic Planning (00:12:23) Discussion on giving yourself enough time to market, building community, and the benefits of partnering with another leader.
Mistake #2: Choosing Dates Unwisely (00:14:35) Shelly warns against scheduling local retreats before international ones, as it can cannibalize sign-ups for the bigger trip.
Considering Demographics, Weather, and Holidays (00:17:54) The importance of considering your audience's schedule, holidays, and the location's weather when selecting retreat dates is discussed.
Best Practice: Over-Communicate with Guests (00:20:50) Shelly highlights the importance of preparing guests thoroughly through emails, Zoom calls, and clear itineraries to ensure a smooth experience.
The Power of One-on-One Calls (00:23:40) Shannon emphasizes having quick one-on-one calls with each guest to review details and answer personal questions before the retreat.
More About Topia Retreat Center (00:26:30) Shelly describes Topia's beautiful location in Baja California Sur and its focus on caring for and supporting retreat leaders.