EP 212 The Art of Attraction and Repulsion: Crafting Your Retreat Website
Release Date: 03/06/2025
EP 233 Lead Retreats Without Losing Yourself: The Joy Factor with Kelley Hartman
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this heartfelt and empowering episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with Kelley Hartman to explore the transformative power of joy in retreat leadership. Kelley shares how a life-changing diversity retreat in her twenties sparked her passion for holding space and eventually led her to create her own retreats focused on joy, self-care, and aligned leadership. Together, Shannon and Kelley dive deep into why joy is not just a nice-to-have, but a non-negotiable for any retreat leader who wants to avoid burnout and truly support others. They get candid about...
info_outline
EP 232 Lessons from a First-Time Retreat Host: What I’d Do Differently with Misty Chambers
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this candid episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Pilates studio owner and retreat host Misty Chambers to unpack the highs and lows of her first-ever retreat. From a surprise challenge with a sick guest to navigating meal budgets in the Champagne region of France, Misty shares everything she wishes she had known—and what she’ll absolutely do differently next time. They talk about the importance of having personal space as a retreat leader, hiring a retreat coordinator, setting realistic expectations around meals, and most importantly: why retreat leaders...
info_outline
EP 231 Algorithm-Proof Your Retreat Brand: Social Media That Sticks with Robin Nathaniel
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by social media strategist and author Robin Nathaniel (@robbinmarx) to dig into what it really takes to build a retreat brand that thrives online—without having to chase every trend. Robin brings two decades of experience in social media and shares how to focus on authentic, audience-focused content that stands out in an AI-driven world. From aligning your content with your brand's voice to Robin's powerful SYNC framework (Simple, Yield, Natural, Change), this episode is packed with gems for retreat leaders who want to...
info_outline
EP 230 It’s Not the Economy—It’s You: Owning Your Retreat’s Value & Selling with Confidence
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this fiery solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about a truth many retreat leaders need to hear: the biggest block in your retreat business isn’t the economy—it’s you. If you’ve ever said, “People just aren’t spending right now,” or felt tempted to lower your prices just to fill spots—this one’s for you. Shannon breaks down the mindset shift that will transform the way you sell your retreats and communicate their true value. She’ll show you how to stop apologizing for your prices, own your worth, and confidently sell your retreat as the life-changing investment it is....
info_outline
EP 229 How to Level Up as a Retreat Leader (and Build Profitable Retreats Like a Boss)
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this solo episode, host Shannon Jamail gets fired up and shares exactly what it means to level up as a retreat leader—and why it goes way beyond fancy goodie bags or extra plush pillows in your yurt. Fresh off a transformative retreat teaching experience in France and actively learning from high-level masterminds like Genius Network, Shannon lays out how growth happens through mentorship, aligned community, and being in the right rooms. She also gets real about the flood of new "retreat coaches" in the industry—and why it’s more important than ever to vet your mentors and follow...
info_outline
EP 228 Dealing with Objections as a Retreat Leader: Compassion Over Discounts
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerful solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader will face: objections. Especially the most common one—“It’s too expensive.” But before you spiral into discounting or self-doubt, Shannon shares a refreshing and aligned way to navigate objections with confidence, compassion, and curiosity. This episode is your permission slip to stop taking objections personally and start using them as powerful conversations rooted in leadership. What You’ll Learn: Why “it’s too expensive” usually isn’t about money The #1 thing NOT to do when...
info_outline
EP 227 Sell It Like a Retreat Leader: Why Sales Should Be Your Superpower with Dora Rankin
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this bold and enlightening episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Dora Rankin, a business growth coach and sales strategist who isn’t afraid to tell retreat leaders the hard truth: you’re likely spending way too much time on marketing and not enough on sales. Dora breaks down the key differences between sales and marketing (hint: they are NOT the same thing!) and explains why retreat leaders should be spending at least 70% of their business-building time focused on actual sales activities. From connecting directly with potential guests to having powerful...
info_outline
EP 226 Delegate & Elevate: Why Every Retreat Host Needs a Coordinator with Daesha Donze
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerhouse episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with luxury retreat designer and director Daesha Donze to talk all things logistics, style, and sanity-saving support for retreat hosts. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle planning, hosting, and actually enjoying your own retreat—this episode is your permission slip to hand over the clipboard and reclaim your energy. Episode Highlights: Why hiring a retreat planner or coordinator is a total game-changer (Spoiler: so you can finally enjoy your own retreat) How Daesha tailors each...
info_outline
EP 225 Boundaries, Burnout & Breakthroughs: Retreat Wisdom with Lesley Martin
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail welcomes trauma therapist and retreat coach Lesley Martin for a raw and insightful conversation about the emotional resilience and energetic boundaries required to lead transformational retreats. Lesley and Shannon dive deep into the often overlooked emotional toll retreat leaders face, especially when carrying their own unhealed trauma or managing the weight of participants’ needs. They discuss how coaching and self-reflection can help retreat leaders grow beyond the therapy room, create healthier emotional...
info_outline
EP 224 The Power of Story: How to Sell Out Retreats with Authentic Marketing featuring Renee Frojo
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this inspiring episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with journalist-turned-content-marketer and storytelling coach, Renee Frojo, to explore how powerful storytelling can transform your retreat business from “meh” to sold out. Renee shares her journey from the newsroom to coaching B2B and B2C entrepreneurs on connecting with their audience in the most human way possible—through story. After selling out her very first international retreat in Costa Rica using just stories and intention (not a massive follower count), she’s now hosting her second...
info_outlineWelcome to today's episode where we explore the pivotal role your retreat website plays in attracting the right guests and repelling those who aren't a fit. It's about more than just filling spaces—it's about creating an environment where every participant is precisely where they need to be.
Why Repulsion Is as Important as Attraction In the retreat business, it's crucial to understand that not every interested person should become a guest. Tailoring your website’s message helps ensure that only those aligned with the retreat's goals feel compelled to attend, while those looking for something different know to look elsewhere. This focus prevents future dissatisfaction and creates a harmonious group dynamic that enhances the retreat experience for everyone.
Segment 1: Targeted Messaging for Ideal Guests Your website should communicate directly to your desired attendees. For instance, if your retreat is aimed at women seeking spiritual growth, your message should clearly invite those who are looking for deep spiritual work and subtly discourage those in search of a light vacation. This targeted approach helps in attracting a like-minded audience, ensuring that every participant is engaged and invested in the retreat’s offerings.
Segment 2: Defining Who Your Retreat Is Not For Being explicit about who should not attend can be just as important as detailing who should. Clearly stating who the retreat isn't for can prevent potential misalignment and ensure that your guests are harmoniously matched with what you offer, enhancing satisfaction for both you and them.
Segment 3: Tone and Imagery The tone and imagery of your website should reflect the nature of your retreat. Whether it's bold and energetic or calm and soothing, make sure your language and visuals resonate with the energy of the experience you’re offering. This coherence between what you portray and what you deliver is key to meeting and exceeding expectations.
Segment 4: Clear Calls to Action Make it easy for the right people to take the next step. Whether it’s applying, booking a spot, or joining a waitlist, clear calls to action reduce hurdles in the conversion process, making it seamless for guests to commit.
Conclusion: Clarity in Marketing Ultimately, the most effective retreat websites are those that dare to be clear and specific. They understand their audience and speak directly to them, setting the stage for retreats filled with guests who are exactly right for what you offer.
Tune in as we dive deeper into each of these aspects, providing you with actionable insights to enhance your retreat website and ensure it works effectively as the first filter in creating transformative retreat experiences.
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
- Learn to Host Retreats
- Join our Retreat Leader Membership
- Join our private Facebook Group
- Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
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!
Subscribe: