Libsyn Directory

EP 241 Planning Purpose-Driven Retreats with Amity Cooper of 1890 & Wayfinding Ranch

Release Date: 09/25/2025

EP 257 Belonging Is the New Luxury: Why Retreats Matter More Than Ever with Dan Berger

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn’t discuss nearly enough: belonging. Dan shares his personal journey—from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise, a retreat and gathering space intentionally designed for human connection. Together, Shannon and Dan dive into: Why men are facing a serious belonging and mental health crisis How retreats can act as temporary communities that create lasting impact...

EP 256 Building Pilates Retreats in Europe: Creativity, Logistics, and Expansion with Bessie Refalo

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Bessie Refalo, a yoga and Pilates retreat leader who is carving out a unique lane in the wellness retreat industry - reformer Pilates retreats in Europe. Bessie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating retreats that require specialized equipment, including the challenges of finding venues with reformer Pilates machines and the creative solutions she’s used to make her retreats possible. From transporting reformers by lorry in Portugal to discovering bespoke studios in Italy, this conversation is a masterclass in...

EP 255 Building a Soul-Led Retreat Business While Working Full-Time with Amy Jaggers

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Amy Jaggers, a coach and retreat leader who is building a soul-led retreat business while still working full-time. Amy shares how she helps professionals step off autopilot and reconnect with balance, clarity, and purpose through meditation, mindfulness practices, retreats, and wellbeing circles. She opens up about what it really looks like to grow a retreat business alongside a demanding career — including boundaries, time management, and integrating her “soul work” into her corporate role. Together, Shannon and Amy...

EP 254 How to Make Your Retreat a Signature Brand Asset Instead of a One-Off Event

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Many retreat leaders are stuck running one-off retreats - constantly reinventing the wheel, hustling for new sign-ups, and exhausting themselves with fresh marketing every time. But the smartest, most sustainable retreat businesses? They build signature retreats that become a recognizable, in-demand part of their brand. In this episode, Shannon breaks down how to turn your retreat into a powerful brand asset that builds loyalty, grows every year, and creates recurring revenue through alumni and long-term client pathways. You’ll learn how to create a retreat theme people return to annually,...

EP 253 Everything You Do Either Attracts or Repels and That’s a Good Thing

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Everything you put into the world is doing something. Your website. Your social posts. Your emails. Your videos. Your interviews. In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down a truth most retreat leaders avoid: if you’re not repelling anyone, you’re probably being too generic. Attraction is only half the conversation. Sustainable retreat businesses are built on clarity - and clarity naturally attracts the right people while filtering out the wrong ones. Shannon explains why repelling misaligned guests isn’t a flaw, it’s a leadership skill, and how trying to please everyone leads to...

EP 252 Ethical Marketing, Outsourcing, and Building Trust in Business with Dawni Baxter

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dawni Baxter — founder of a boutique marketing agency and a multi-passionate entrepreneur leading the movement in ethical, human-first marketing. Dawni brings a refreshing perspective to an industry filled with noise, inflated promises, and confusing pricing structures. Together, Shannon and Dawni dive into: ✨ How to navigate marketing relationships with confidence ✨ Why transparency and trust are the backbone of ethical marketing ✨ What to look for (and avoid) when hiring a marketing agency or contractor ✨ The power of outsourcing — even...

EP 251 Stop Discounting Your Retreats: The Damage It Causes & What to Do Instead

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode, Shannon gets fired up about one of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make: discounting their retreats. While a discount might feel like an easy way to fill a few spots, the long-term damage is real - it devalues your experience, trains your audience to wait for price drops, signals desperation, and hurts the entire retreat industry. Shannon breaks down exactly why discounting is harmful, what it communicates to potential guests, and better alternatives like early-bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and smart payment options. She also unpacks the real reason...

EP 250 Both Sides of the Retreat: Hosting, Supporting, and Finding Balance with Kim DeMoss

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Kim DeMoss - Retreat Ranch’s Executive Assistant, Yoga Teacher Training host, and long-time retreat collaborator - to talk about what it’s really like to experience retreats from both sides: hosting and supporting. From her early days hosting retreats with Shannon to now managing the logistics behind the scenes, Kim shares candid insights on burnout, boundaries, work-life balance, and how she found her groove in the retreat industry. They also dive into the digital...

EP 249 If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Trying Hard Enough

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader needs to hear: failure isn’t the enemy - it’s proof that you’re in the game. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. Shannon dives into why “falling short” - whether it’s your finances, your workshop, your attendance, or your execution - isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to learn from. You can hire the best coach, join the smartest program, and learn from the pros… and you’ll still make mistakes. The difference? You’ll...

EP 248 Why Retreat Leaders Who Don’t Evolve in AI + SEO Will Be Left Behind

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

If you’re still marketing your retreats like it’s 2022, you’re already behind. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail drops the truth about how the digital marketing landscape has shifted - and why AI integration isn’t optional anymore. From Google rewriting your meta descriptions to the rise of algorithmic visibility, the retreat industry is evolving fast. Shannon breaks down how retreat leaders can start using AI tools strategically - not just for blogs and social media, but to analyze data, personalize messaging, and scale visibility. She also gives a sneak peek at...

More Episodes

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Amity Cooper, a licensed mental health professional turned ranch retreat host in Colorado. Together, they dive into the world of nature-based retreats, horse-led healing, and the business foundation every retreat leader needs to succeed.

Amity shares her transition from private practice to owning and operating two stunning ranches—1890 Ranch and Wayfinding Ranch—spanning 80 acres. With a clear North Star guiding her work, Amity emphasizes that profitable, sustainable retreats start with purpose. They unpack what it means to align your retreat business with your life goals, why planning 12+ months out is crucial, and the behind-the-scenes systems needed to avoid burnout and cancellations.

Whether you're a venue owner or aspiring retreat host, this conversation is a must-listen for those wanting to build impactful and intentional retreats.

Connect with Amity: www.the1890ranch.com https://wayfindingranch.com/

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Introduction & Guest Welcome (00:00:02)
Shannon introduces the podcast, herself, and welcomes guest Amity Cooper, highlighting their similarities as venue owners.

Amity’s Background & Ranch Story (00:01:46)
Amity shares her journey from mental health professional to ranch and venue owner, and her motivation for creating retreat spaces.

Is Hosting Retreats Right for You? (00:03:21)
Discussion on evaluating if hosting retreats aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and business vision.

Finding Your North Star & Why (00:04:18)
Importance of identifying your purpose and motivation before starting a retreat business.

Retreats as a Business, Not a Hobby (00:07:07)
Emphasizing that retreats are a serious business venture requiring a clear purpose and resilience through challenges.

Pitfalls of Poor Planning (00:08:30)
Warning against casually throwing together retreats without a clear plan or purpose.

Vision vs. Implementation: Roles & Systems (00:09:31)
Clarifying the need for systems, clear roles, and balancing vision with practical implementation.

The Importance of a Business Plan (00:10:15)
Stressing the necessity of a detailed business plan for each retreat, including logistics, budget, and marketing.

Venue Owner Perspective: Spotting Unprepared Hosts (00:11:35)
How venue owners can quickly identify hosts who lack planning and the importance of mutual fit.

Booking Timelines & Commitment (00:13:19)
Why venues require advance bookings and the risks of last-minute cancellations for both parties.

Preparation vs. Spontaneity in Retreat Planning (00:14:56)
Contrasting well-prepared hosts with those who approach retreats impulsively, and the consequences of each.

Recommended Planning Timeline (00:16:06)
Advice to start planning retreats at least a year in advance, with venue outreach 9-12 months before the event.

Marketing & Booking Windows (00:18:06)
Guidance on when to begin marketing and booking, emphasizing the need for early and thorough preparation.

Learning Before Leading: Work Exchanges & Attending Retreats (00:19:49)
Encouragement to gain experience by working or attending retreats before hosting your own.

Amity’s Ranch Offerings (00:21:06)
Amity describes her two ranch properties, their features, and the types of events they host.

Closing & Resources (00:23:59)
Shannon thanks Amity, recaps key takeaways, and shares where to find more resources and information.

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