Libsyn Directory

EP 226 Delegate & Elevate: Why Every Retreat Host Needs a Coordinator with Daesha Donze

Release Date: 06/12/2025

[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

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 event to the host’s brand, vibe, and clientele
The difference between hosting and directing—and why you shouldn’t do both
A quick dive into Seller of Travel laws and how Daesha can legally book and sell travel worldwide
Her high-touch services: VIP Planning Sessions, Done-for-You Planning, On-Site Coordination, and VIP Weekends

Whether you’re planning your first retreat or looking to level up your next luxury mastermind, Daesha’s insights will leave you inspired (and ready to hand over the spreadsheets).

🛠️ Listener Freebie: https://unique-lake-25474.myflodesk.com/yjom49kjno

Grab Daesha’s Free Retreat Planning Logistics Checklist!

Connect with Daesha:

Instagram: @daeshadonze

Tune in now to learn how to transform your retreat experience from stressed-out host to fully present powerhouse. You deserve to lead with ease—and Daesha shows us how.

About Daesha

My name is Daeha Donze. I am a Luxury Retreat Designer & Director. I do everything from brainstorming with retreat hosts, to planning and doing everything for them, to being on-site coordinating the retreat. Coming from a background in fashion, my passion is styling the retreat to the retreat host, her clients, and the brand. I work with influential leaders that are creating movements and want to go deep with their clients in person. From masterminds, to wellness retreats, to larger scale events, I am there to take the stress and overwhelm of coordinating in-person events and replace it with a seamless experience while having the time of our lives.

MY SERVICES/HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER: VIP Planning Session, DFY Retreat Planning, On-Site Coordination, & VIP Weekends

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

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:

Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

TOPICS