EP 278 Welcome to a New Season of The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Release Date: 08/06/2026
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...
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EP 273 How Venue Networks & Influencers Are Changing the Industry with Anna VanAgtmael
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’ve ever felt like hosting a retreat is way more complicated than it should be… You’re not wrong. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with returning guest Anna VanAgtmael to talk about what’s broken in the retreat industry-and what she’s building to fix it. Because right now: 👉 Retreat leaders have the audience but not the logistics 👉 Venues have the space but can’t fill it consistently 👉 And everyone is trying to figure it out on their own Anna shares her new venture-a curated retreat center directory and collaboration with Tiny...
info_outlineWelcome 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 conversations, stronger connections, and even more valuable content for retreat leaders and entrepreneurs.
If you have expertise that can help retreat leaders build better retreats or more profitable businesses, Shannon would love to hear from you. Guests are welcome to apply if they're willing to travel to Austin.
There will also be a limited number of special on-location episodes featuring unique retreat venues, extraordinary retreat experiences, and innovative concepts that can inspire retreat leaders around the world.
Most importantly, this episode is a heartfelt thank-you to every listener who has shared an episode, left a review, attended a mastermind, or simply kept coming back each week.
The next goal?
The top 1%.
And Shannon hopes you'll be part of the journey.
In This Episode You'll Learn
- Why The Retreat Leaders Podcast is moving to mostly in-person interviews
- What listeners can expect from the new season
- How to apply to be a guest on the podcast
- What makes a great podcast guest for retreat leaders
- Why in-person conversations create a better listening experience
- How the podcast will continue helping retreat leaders build profitable retreat businesses
What You'll Learn
- The future of The Retreat Leaders Podcast
- Why in-person interviews create more engaging conversations
- How to apply as a podcast guest
- What topics the show is looking for
- How the podcast continues supporting retreat leaders and entrepreneurs
Key Takeaways
This Community Built the Podcast
Reaching the top 2% didn't happen because of one episode.
It happened because thousands of retreat leaders chose to listen, share, and support the show.
Better Conversations Start Face-to-Face
Recording in person creates a different kind of energy, allowing for richer conversations, stronger storytelling, and more practical takeaways.
The Goal Is Always More Value
Every change being made is designed to bring retreat leaders more actionable ideas, more expert insights, and more opportunities to grow their businesses.
The Journey Continues
The podcast has reached the top 2%.
Now it's time to see how far this community can go together.
- Join our Mastermind in Austin!
- 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
Welcome to a New Season (00:00:02) Shannon introduces a new season of the podcast, thanking listeners and sharing what to expect in the upcoming episodes.
The Value of Trust and Time (00:01:18) Shannon expresses gratitude for listeners' trust and time, emphasizing that time is our most valuable, non-renewable resource.
Focusing on Live Experiences (00:02:12) The podcast will shift to in-person sessions recorded in an Austin studio, minimizing virtual interviews to capture live energy.
Taking the Show on the Road (00:03:15) A new, limited opportunity for the podcast to be recorded on-location at unique venues or retreats is announced.
The Importance of Growth and Taking Risks (00:04:17) Shannon encourages listeners to avoid stagnation by trying new things and taking risks in their business to ensure growth.
Up-leveling All Projects (00:05:18) The host discusses her focus on improving her main projects, including the podcast and her annual retreat leader mastermind.
Avoiding Negativity and Complaining (00:06:23) Shannon advises listeners to avoid people who complain, as negativity drains energy and hinders success and business growth.
A Call to Action (00:08:31) Listeners are encouraged to take action, show up for live experiences, and engage more deeply to advance their businesses.
Gratitude to the Listeners (00:09:28) Shannon offers a heartfelt thank you to her audience for their support, trust, and for making the podcast successful.