EP 219 Retreat Marketing Magic: People and Great Partnerships with David Schafran
Release Date: 04/24/2025
![[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_outlineWelcome to another episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, where today's guest, David Schafran, shares his unique journey from healthcare technology to founding Somo Loco, a company dedicated to dance immersions and retreats. Join us as we delve into how David transitioned to a more embodied practice and the crucial role of partnerships in growing a retreat business.
Episode Highlights:
- From Tech to Dance: David discusses his shift from running a tech company to embracing the transformative power of dance and embodied wisdom. He explores how integrating physicality with meditation and dance can deepen personal and communal wellness experiences.
- The Power of Partnerships: Learn how David leverages partnerships rather than just personal networks to spread the word about Somo Loco. He emphasizes the significance of collaborating with aligned individuals and entities to enhance the reach and impact of his dance retreats.
- Challenges of Scaling Retreats: David shares insights into the complexities of scaling a retreat business that operates immersions every week of the year. He talks about overcoming control issues, ensuring quality, and aligning with the right people to maintain the integrity of the retreat experience.
- Strategic Marketing for Retreat Leaders: Dive into effective marketing strategies that focus on partnerships and collaborations. David highlights a successful case of working with a UK blogger, which significantly boosted interest in his retreats. He also discusses the benefits of involving influencers and setting clear expectations for content creation.
- Soma Loco's Unique Offering: Discover more about Soma Loco's retreats, which feature dance immersions in vibrant styles hosted in captivating cities like Medellin and Barcelona. David explains how these locations enrich the retreat experience, making them unforgettable for participants.
- Building Sustainable Retreat Practices: Shannon and David discuss the importance of developing sustainable practices to prevent burnout among retreat leaders. They explore how focusing on broader business strategies rather than individual branding can lead to more effective and resilient operations.
Join Shannon Jamail and David Schafran as they uncover the magic of effective retreat marketing through powerful storytelling, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to community and personal transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned retreat leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your retreat business.
Stay tuned to learn how to incorporate these strategies into your own retreat offerings and ensure your operations are not just profitable but also profoundly impactful.
About David
David Schafran is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, dancer, and armchair philosopher with a passion for uplifting people.
David started his first company at 26 with a high profile MIT professor and billionaire famed Silicon Valley Investor. After burning out helping over 5 million people access eye care over 130 countries with novel eye testing technology, David went and danced salsa full time in Medellin, Colombia, a move that changed his life.
He is now the founder of Somoloco, a dance and cultural immersion company based in Medellín, Colombia, where travelers experience the joy, connection, and energy of Latin dance and culture.
David’s work has been highlighted by renowned investor Vinod Khosla, and his career reflects a commitment to blending innovation, human connection, and real-world impact. Whether launching cutting-edge tech, designing transformative travel experiences, or building community-centered solutions, David’s mission is to spark joy, connection, and resilience in every project he touches.
You can find him dancing in Medellín, building new ventures in NYC, or exploring what’s next at the intersection of culture, technology, and community.
Connect with David
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