EP 214 Harnessing the Power of Storytelling in Retreat Leadership with Aleya Harris
Release Date: 03/20/2025
![[FIXED] EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/193207620?height=50&width=50)
[FIXED] EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage). Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona retreat villa. With over 7,000 sq ft of curated wellness space, they've built a business based on balance, service, and transformation. You’ll hear: Why co-leading retreats is a dance of trust,...
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EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage). Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona retreat villa. With over 7,000 sq ft of curated wellness space, they've built a business based on balance, service, and transformation. You’ll hear: Why co-leading retreats is a dance of trust,...
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EP 239 Beyond the Logo: Branding That Sells Retreats with Kara Hollinger
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Your brand is more than a logo—it's the energy, clarity, and trust that sells out your retreats before you even open registration. In this episode, Shannon sits down with Kara Hollinger, founder and creative director of Made Outside, to explore how powerful branding and a cohesive online presence directly influence retreat success. They dig into: Why authenticity is your brand’s biggest asset How storytelling builds trust and drives bookings Common branding mistakes retreat leaders make Aligning your website, social media, and messaging to serve your ideal client How to communicate your...
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Outgrowing Clients & Owning Your Worth as a Retreat Leader with Raisah Bickram
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this empowering episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by retreat host and business coach Raisah Salima Bickram for a deeply honest conversation about evolution, alignment, and energetic pricing in the retreat world. Together, they unpack what it means to outgrow clients, roles, and retreat formats—and how to move forward in integrity and confidence. Raisah shares her journey of raising her prices, honoring her worth, and navigating the guilt that can come with letting go of what no longer fits. Shannon and Raisah also dive into: Pricing from a place of energy...
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EP 238 Beyond the Retreat: Hybrid Business Models for Maximum Impact with Alison Katschkowsky
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Can you build a retreat business that isn’t bound by location—and actually expands your impact? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon chats with long-time health and fitness expert Alison Katschkowsky about building a hybrid retreat business model that combines the power of in-person transformation with the scalability of online programs. Alison shares her 30+ year journey from brick-and-mortar fitness to digital expansion, and how she now helps other entrepreneurs add retreats as a powerful layer to their business—without overhauling their structure. They dive into: ...
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EP 237 True North Leadership: Building Profitable Men’s Retreats with Brent McCann
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Brent McCann, founder of the True North Retreat, to talk about the rising tide of men’s retreats—and what it takes to make them successful and sustainable. Brent shares how he transitioned from corporate HR into the retreat space, the lessons learned from his first Sedona retreat (including the power of trusting the process), and how he’s now crafting a profitable, aligned retreat business. They dive into: Why men book differently than women—and how to speak directly to them Pricing strategies that work (and how...
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Why Most Retreat Leaders Fail to Sell Out — and How to Fix It with Erin Haag
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Retreat not filling up? You’re not alone—and it’s probably not your price. In this power-packed episode, Shannon Jamail is joined by pricing and profit strategist Erin Haag to break down the real reasons most retreats fail to sell out—and exactly how to fix it. From outdated marketing approaches to misaligned pricing strategies, they unpack the blind spots that hold retreat leaders back from profitability. Erin shares her proven formula for pricing retreats using math over emotion—and the key profit margins every retreat business should aim for. Shannon and Erin also talk about...
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EP 236 From Sold-Out to Profitable: Mastering Retreat Marketing & Loyalty with Leni Cavazos
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Most retreat leaders aren’t just undercharging… they’re under-profiting. In this powerhouse episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Leni Cavazos—event strategist, loyalty marketing expert, and former Ritz-Carlton powerhouse turned retreat business mentor. Together, they unpack why up to 90% of retreats aren’t actually profitable—and how to shift that. You’ll learn: Why retreat leaders must treat their business like a business (not a hobby) What loyalty marketing actually is (and how to start it from day one) The biggest pricing mistake even...
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EP 235 Who Do You Need to Become? When Your Retreat Planning Isn’t Working
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Hey retreat boss—it’s time for a heart-to-heart. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about a truth that most retreat leaders avoid: 👉 If your retreat planning isn’t working, it’s not just your strategy—it’s your identity. Whether you’re dreaming of your first retreat or you’ve been in the game for years, this episode is your wake-up call to stop hustling like someone who hopes to succeed—and start embodying the retreat leader who already is. ✨ Shannon breaks down how to align your actions, energy, and environment with the version of you who fills retreats with...
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EP 234 Scroll-Stopping Content: Retreat Marketing with a Social Media Pro with Alessia Tenebruso
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Alessia Tenebruso—founder of One Girl Travel, retreat content creator, and social media strategist—for a juicy convo on how to create social media that actually converts. Alessia shares the importance of having a dedicated content creator or social correspondent at your retreats to capture authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that build trust and spark FOMO (the good kind). They dive into how retreat leaders can stay visible and aligned online without burning out, plus tips on using platforms like Instagram,...
info_outlineIn this enriching episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon is joined by Aleya Harris, a strategic storytelling consultant renowned for helping leaders, sellers, and speakers harness the power of stories to connect deeply, find fulfillment, and enhance profitability. Shannon and Aleya dive into the transformative role of storytelling within retreat leadership, highlighting how many leaders struggle to communicate their offerings effectively, often resorting to mere lists of features rather than engaging narratives.
Real-Life Success with Strategic Storytelling Aleya shares a compelling case study from her professional experience, where she assisted a real estate brokerage firm in redefining its company story. This intervention came crucially as the firm faced a low valuation during a potential acquisition. Through crafted storytelling, Aleya helped the client reevaluate the company’s worth, ultimately achieving a remarkable revaluation at $51 million, illustrating the significant impact of strategic storytelling in business contexts.
Enhancing Retreats Through Engaging Speaking Further exploring the nuances of storytelling, Aleya underscores its critical role in public speaking and retreat settings. She advises retreat leaders to focus on audience transformation and personal relatability rather than self-promotion. Emphasizing preparation and personal clarity, Aleya suggests practices like meditation and journaling to ensure presenters can engage authentically and effectively with their audience.
Introducing 'Spark the Stage' Program Aleya introduces her 'Spark the Stage' program, a comprehensive training initiative designed for those looking to elevate their public speaking skills. The program includes a 4-week live workshop complemented by an on-demand course and 12 months of group coaching, providing ongoing support for alumni. Shannon expresses enthusiasm about integrating this resource into her retreat offerings, recognizing the added value it could bring to her clients.
This episode not only highlights the critical role of storytelling in enhancing retreat experiences but also provides listeners with actionable insights and resources to elevate their own leadership and communicative endeavors.
Connect with Aleya
About Aleya
Aleya Harris is the spark for your spark™. A trailblazer in purpose-driven story crafting, she is a marketing executive and ex-Google Vendor Partner who brings her dynamic experience to her role as the CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc. Aleya is an international award-winning speaker, the founder and lead trainer of Spark the Stage ™, and the host of the award-winning Flourishing Entrepreneur Podcast. She is also the bestselling author of Spark the Stage: Master the Art of Professional Speaking and Authentic Storytelling to Captivate, Inspire, and Transform Your Audience. Her unique approach as a Strategic Storytelling Consultant has revolutionized the way businesses communicate, transforming workplace cultures and market positioning. With her dynamic energy and proven methodologies, Aleya guides clients to unlock their potential, articulate their radically authentic stories, and achieve unparalleled success.
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