Libsyn Directory

EP 220 Move, Market, Connect: Dynamic Retreat Strategies with Ricardo Topete

Release Date: 05/01/2025

[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,...

EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

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...

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...

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: ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

More Episodes

Dive into an energizing episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast where host Shannon Jamail connects with Ricardo, a vibrant videographer, photographer, and dance enthusiast from Philadelphia. Explore how Ricardo uses dance as a powerful tool for fostering community and connection in retreat settings.

Episode Highlights:

Embracing Dance in Retreats: Shannon and Ricardo delve into the transformative power of social dancing, particularly Latin styles like salsa and bachata, to break down barriers and enhance bonding among retreat participants. They discuss the magnetic effect of dance in creating safe spaces for expression and connection.

Creating Inclusive Dance Environments: Learn how Ricardo crafts welcoming atmospheres for social dancing at retreats, encouraging participants to step out and dance with confidence. He shares tips on setting the right tone, using dance ambassadors, and making everyone feel comfortable on the dance floor.

Journey through Dance and Teaching: Ricardo recounts his personal dance journey and his return to teaching with his partner, Alex. They co-teach workshops that not only focus on dance steps but also on fostering a deeper community among dancers.

Integrating Dance into Retreats: Shannon and Ricardo discuss practical ways to integrate dance into retreats to enhance the overall experience. They talk about the importance of aligning dance activities with the retreat’s theme and ensuring they add value to the participants’ experience.

The Power of Dance for Community Building: Both hosts explore how dance can serve as a cornerstone for building stronger connections within retreat groups. They reflect on their own experiences where dance helped participants form lasting bonds and shared memories.

Tune in to this lively episode to discover how integrating dance into retreats can transform an ordinary retreat into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a retreat leader looking to spice up your events or just curious about the benefits of dance, this episode offers fresh perspectives and inspiring stories that highlight the joy and community-building potential of dance.

About Ricardo

Ricardo is a media production professional and storyteller who specializes in documenting the transformative power of movement and dance communities. As the creator of 'Why We Move' podcast, he uncovers compelling stories that bridge cultural expression with community building, having produced 23 episodes featuring dancers, instructors, and wellness enthusiasts. After pivoting from a career in medicine, he found his true calling in visual storytelling and founded Rico Media Productions, where he helps businesses and communities tell authentic stories through video, photography, and podcasting. Ricardo's unique approach combines his understanding of movement dynamics with digital storytelling techniques, allowing him to capture and share the genuine moments that build lasting connections. His work spans social dance documentation, retreat experiences, and community events, always emphasizing the power of movement to break down barriers and create meaningful human connections.

Connect with Ricardo

https://direct.me/whywemove

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