The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Welcome to the sanctuary for retreat enthusiasts, where seasoned retreat center owners and cheerful hosts from the renowned Retreat Ranch spill the tea on running a successful retreat business. Dive deep into the world of crafting the ultimate guest experience, sidestepping those pesky pitfalls, and leveraging secret marketing sauces. From experts dishing out nuggets of wisdom to sharing hilarious (and sometimes unexpected) behind-the-scenes stories – this podcast is your compass to navigating the retreat world. Whether you're a seasoned retreat guru, an excited newbie, or someone just toying with the idea of starting their retreat journey, tune in! We've got all the insights, with a sprinkle of humor, to ensure you don't just build your retreat business – you let it flourish! Learn more about Retreat Ranch at https://theretreatranch.com/ *Formerly the Happy Hour Podcast
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EP 233 Lead Retreats Without Losing Yourself: The Joy Factor with Kelley Hartman
07/31/2025
EP 233 Lead Retreats Without Losing Yourself: The Joy Factor with Kelley Hartman
In this heartfelt and empowering episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with Kelley Hartman to explore the transformative power of joy in retreat leadership. Kelley shares how a life-changing diversity retreat in her twenties sparked her passion for holding space and eventually led her to create her own retreats focused on joy, self-care, and aligned leadership. Together, Shannon and Kelley dive deep into why joy is not just a nice-to-have, but a non-negotiable for any retreat leader who wants to avoid burnout and truly support others. They get candid about energy management, setting boundaries, and honoring your nervous system—especially when life throws challenges your way. Whether you're a seasoned retreat host or dreaming of starting your first one, this episode reminds you that when you prioritize your own joy and well-being, you elevate the experience for everyone you serve. Offerings from Kelley: Free 4 Step Outline to reset into joy: Connect with Kelley: 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: | | --------------------------------------------------- Automatically Transcribed With Podsqueeze Speaker 1 00:00:00 Welcome to the Retreat Leaders podcast, your sanctuary with retreat experts. Where we spill the tea on retreat. Success. Here we dive into crafting transformational guest experiences. Talk about how to avoid pitfalls and unlock marketing secrets. Whether you're a seasoned guru or a budding enthusiast, we've got the inside scoop for you. Join us as we learn how to flourish in this magical world of retreats. Hey guys, welcome to or welcome back to the Retreat Leader's podcast. It's Shannon and today I have such a special guest, although I have to preface it by saying this is not as fun as France because my guest is someone that I met while I was in France, and we were just saying right before we recorded that it was such a magical group and I missed that energy so, so very much. But I'm really excited to see you today. Kelly, welcome to the show. Speaker 2 00:00:54 Thank you. Very excited to be here. Speaker 1 00:00:58 Yes. So Kelly Hartmann and I are going to talk about something that probably seems a little bit like. Speaker 1 00:01:04 Wait a minute, Shannon, why are you talking about this? But I actually feel like it's super, super important for us as retreat leaders and what we do and how we serve. And it's just a very, very important aspect of our leadership. But before we dig into the topic, Kelly, just tell us about who you are and what brought you to where you are today. Speaker 2 00:01:22 Great. Yeah. So I'm Kelly Hartman and I own Wild Hearts Collective, and I am a retreat leader. So the journey there is a little bit of a long one. I went to my first retreat in my 20s, and what really sparked my lifelong desire to host retreats was the amount of transformation that happens when you're on retreat. I met people there that I still connect with today, and that's 25 years later. and basically just learning the personal lived journeys needs of everyone there is what was life changing for me. It was a diversity retreat and it was getting that individual perspective. So when I hit 45, I said, I'm going to do what I wanted to do my whole life. Speaker 2 00:02:11 I'm going to host retreats. And I was also in corporate. I already host leadership trainings. I created Elevate Her, I host the global mentorship program and did a lot of trainings and learning and development for corporate women. So I'm taking that out of practice and doing it and hosting retreats of my dreams. So that is why I started. Speaker 1 00:02:36 Yay! You know what I love about this is that over 20 years ago, you had the spark and you're bringing it to fruition. And I think sometimes people, whether you're 40, 50, 60, 70, it doesn't even matter whatever your age is. But women, especially whatever that number is, that age in our head and we're like, yeah, I'm too old to do this now, you know? And I just, I call bullshit on that because there isn't an age that's too old. There just isn't. Okay. There isn't. And so, Kelly, I'm so, so glad that you were following your dreams now. And you're hosting these retreats because. Speaker 1 00:03:16 Yeah, I met Kelly in France, as I mentioned, and her energy is yummy. Like, I just cannot even put it into proper words. And so spending time with her on retreat, I'm sure, would be a joy, which is exactly what we're going to talk about today, because Kelly and I in France, we were talking about some of the things that might be missing from a retreat leader's life, as far as you know, being the best version of them. And one of those things is focusing on joy. So, Kelly, can you just kind of talk to us a little bit more about this? Speaker 2 00:03:50 Oh for sure. So as a retreat leader, you are facilitating the transformation of others on your retreat. And when you're doing that, that is having a requirement for you to hold space. And a lot of times, especially right now. Everything is so the world is messy and it's heavy. And every five seconds there's breaking news about something. And what that does is that triggers our nervous system to go into fight or flight. Speaker 2 00:04:22 And it makes all of this anxiety and worry and fear come into our energetic field and build up in us. And when we have all this heaviness and fear and anxiety and we dysregulated our nervous system, that is what causes us to basically not be able to hold that space. As retreat leaders, we need to know how to step out of the grind, to step out of burnout to start with self-care so that we when we show up on retreat, we are the best version of ourselves. And that's when we talk about anchoring into joy. Because what is joy and what is required for you to actually experience joy? You have to feel safe, right? You have to feel your nervous system has to feel good for you to even get to experience joy. And once you get there, that is when expansiveness comes. That is when you're in flow. That is when you can give and pour into other people's cups. Speaker 1 00:05:37 Hey, retreat leaders, pause that retreat planning for just a second because I've got something you do not want to miss. Speaker 1 00:05:42 I'm headed to London this October to host a live event that's all about teaching you how to host a retreat that's not just transformational, but actually profitable. Imagine sipping tea or champagne with other like minded leaders while mapping out your next sold out retreat. It's happening at the gorgeous Waldorf Hilton in London. I'm spilling all the secrets from pricing to planning, marketing to mindset, and you'll walk away with a strategy you can actually use. No fluff, no BS, just results. So head to Retreat mastermind and come join me across the pond. Okay, I love this on so many levels. You are right, the world is messy. That's a really good way of putting it. I think the world's always messy, but it just feels extra loud. You know, at the moment. we've definitely in our lifetime, Kelly, we have seen some extra loud moments. probably. Maybe. You know, I'm sure more than previous decades. Only in the sense even that it's just so damn accessible. Too accessible in some ways. Speaker 1 00:06:43 Yeah. But yes, that and also I want to piggyback on this because as Kelly knows, this last month has been really very difficult for me. I've had some losses and and when we're in those spaces, whether it's heaviness from the world and our nervous system is disruptive or very personalized heaviness and we're disrupted. I think it's important that we remember that's not the time to create when we're in that space, when we're in that space of full disruption, full nervous system panic, whatever you want to call it. That's not the time to reach out. That's as far as reaching out to your, marketing efforts or your creation efforts or whatever may be the case. Maybe that's when you rely on a team member and you're like, hey, I need you to step up for me, or you hire it out for that moment, or you just take a break. But it's like, we need to honor that. There are times in life we're going to push, right? We're going to push through things. Speaker 1 00:07:38 You know, you stub your toe, push through it, whatever. But there are also times when your nervous system is telling you, okay, we we can't we can't go on. You know what I'm saying? Speaker 2 00:07:48 Yes. And it's so important that we learn to honor that in ourselves, because we have to learn how that we can honor that in our participants and see that and help them through that. In a lot of times, especially in the world right now, it's the hustle bustle. We got to go. We're we're women entrepreneurs, right? So we have a lot of big goals, a lot of big dreams. And I know that we hustle a lot. We're always kind of like, I gotta get this done and do that. And we don't take or make the space always to breathe, to anchor in, to return to our body out of our mind. And that causes those cortisol levels to rise, the anxiety, the panic. And it takes a toll on your physical and mental health and is so important for us to listen to our body, to rest like you said, to take a break and rest and recalibrate Because we're able to come back stronger than before. Speaker 2 00:08:48 It's so important. Speaker 1 00:08:51 Yeah. This is such a good reminder to me sometimes I forget. And I think many of our listeners forget that it doesn't always have to be pushed through it. It reminds me when I used to have my private practice for mental health. If I sat with a particularly heavy session with a client, I had to work really hard to reset myself so I didn't take it into the next session. It wouldn't be fair to that next patient for me to bring the previous patient's heaviness to them, right? And it's the same aspect here, Kelly, especially for those of us who are holding space. I'm just going to say it. You really should not be bringing your heaviness into the space that other people are trying to share their heaviness. It's just not appropriate. I know people are listening, are going to disagree with me. They're going to think, well, that's a safe space for everybody to do it. You know what? Yes, but not for the leader. The leader has to do their own processing, their own leaning in, their own resetting. Speaker 1 00:09:44 Separate. It really is. That is not the time and space for you to bring your heaviness in. It really alludes the whole point of a retreat for the guests that are paying to participate with you as a leader. It's okay to say, hey, I'm experiencing heaviness today. We're going to start our workshop a little bit later and then you do your thing. I'm not saying that you're going to show up and pretend like everything's okay. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is, you're not bringing your shit into the same space that everybody else is trying to hold their heaviness or share their stuff, and, and I just I'm super passionate about that. And this is a really good reminder for myself as well. Speaker 2 00:10:23 100%. And that's and this is what I definitely want to talk about that this is not toxic positivity. This is not you should be enjoy every single day. And if you're not, enjoy it because that's bullshit. That is total bullshit. What this is, is that this is a reminder that we have tools and that to use those tools to really listen to your body and recalibrate your energy. Speaker 2 00:10:46 You own your experience on this planet, and when you choose to be a retreat leader, you're choosing to guide others and help them in their experience. And it's absolutely correct. You need to go in able to facilitate transformation. If you're in your own shit, you can't facilitate that transformation. You just you have to deal with that first. And having those tools to reset into joy, into calibrate to that is huge. It allows you to be expansive. It allows you to hold energy and space for others and allow them on their journey for transformation. Speaker 1 00:11:23 Yes. Thank you for this topic. I think it's so very important, and it's just one of those things that's often overlooked. as I shared, things have been really heavy with me, and one of the decisions that I made this August, I was having my retreat leader mastermind, and I'm actually Rescheduling it because it's just not the right time for me to hold space for others because I'm bringing my shit with me. And so I'm super transparent about that and making sure that, you know, I'm making decisions that are sound for my body and safe for me, but also for my guests. Speaker 1 00:11:58 I am still having my alumni retreat. for those that don't know what that is, is every other year, sometimes three years, but usually every other year, I host a retreat that's just for alumni. That means they've been on my retreat before. They know exactly who I am and what's going on. And I had a real heart to heart with myself and the group, and they are well aware of what I'm going through. And this is just a party. It's just a gathering. There's no transformation, there's no promise. There's no holding space necessarily. We're just coming together to celebrate. And we're all very excited about it. And I'm actually excited about it. My alumni retreat, because I just I feel safe with them just as much as they feel safe with me. And it's, you know, there's there's just a really good, And, it's just a really good vibe with this group and it's just going to be so fun. But I've really honored. The thing that I've put forth that I'm saying is I'm not creating anything in this time. Speaker 1 00:12:48 In this time. This time of my own heaviness. It's not fair to the people who might be receiving receiving it, but also they're not going to receive the, the, the my true heart right now. They're going to receive my broken heart or my grief heart or my guilt heart or whatever it is that I'm feeling inside. That's what they're going to receive. And that's not that's not representative who who I am. And so whether it's big like the world or like loss or anything like that, or whether it's just you struggle with sadness sometimes or you struggle with whatever, you know, or you've got, you know, difficulties in an important relationship, whatever that that is, you've got to lean into that and not bring it with you into your transformative spaces. And I think you, you know, you, Kelly especially, you offer tools and thoughts on how you can maybe tune out of that darkness. Speaker 2 00:13:42 Yes. Yeah, because we do have those. And first I want to say, thank you for sharing that and being vulnerable because you're setting an example and telling people that it's okay to pivot. Speaker 2 00:13:55 you know, when I work with women, both inside and outside of corporate, there's a lot of fear about, perception or quote unquote feeling, which is such bullshit. Sorry. But in that if we don't do things the way that we thought, if we don't, if we pivot, that's a failure. But you are actually doing something amazing for both you and the attendees and doing it in a space that will be transformative for them and bringing your best self when you can. So that's that's setting a huge example for everyone. And that's just amazing. So thank you for sharing that. Speaker 1 00:14:34 Hey, it's Shannon here. I'm just popping in really quickly to ask a big favor. Would you pause the show and go review it for us, please? Reviews really help us to be able to get more guests and more experts on the show to help you transform your retreats. So if you wouldn't mind pausing and leaving us a review, that would mean everything. And if you're not already subscribed, do that too. Speaker 1 00:14:56 Yeah. No, absolutely I, I really I. My, my motto is to try to walk the talk. And so what I teach I really I really do want to walk and I it was a really hard message to send to the attendees for August. and it was really it's been really hard, even for those that keep inquiring about it. but also feels right. It's hard, you know, the hard that feels right. That's what this is. This is the hard that feels right. And so I want my thing was, especially I had this conversation with an attendee who was really disappointed. But my thing was I want to show up and give my best self. I don't want to bring this and set it on your plate. or or do a half ass, you know, retreat for you. That's just not okay. And so anyway, so yeah, I feel really good about it. As hard as it is, I don't feel good about it. I feel good that the decision was the right decision to make. Speaker 1 00:15:52 just like I feel good that spending time with my retreat alumni who are coming tomorrow and I can't wait to see them. feels also very good, because I know that that's not going to require me holding space necessarily. My team can do it if that needs to be happening, but most my alumni retreats, I'm just going to be honest. It's just a party. It's a girl party. Speaker 2 00:16:11 That's awesome. So, so. And that is what we talk about a lot right now. And what I do is I gather the women we're gathering, the women gathering women in circles is so important and amazing. and just that space. But again, it's that that awesome and just radical honesty that you have, that this is what this experience is. It's not a retreat. It's a party. And that is. Yeah, that's exactly what will be expected of attendees. And they're excited to see you. They've already been through that transformation with you. And they they understand. So that is totally amazing. Speaker 1 00:16:48 Yes. Speaker 1 00:16:49 Yeah it really is. And plus the outpouring of love from them has been just beautiful. So, well Kelly, tell us, like if somebody wants to spend more time with you because I think that they would benefit from it greatly. Tell me some of the offerings that you currently have. Speaker 2 00:17:03 Sure. So I am hosting a retreat in September called Joy as Revolution and we are taking, this experience is amazing because it's allowing people to experience joy in different ways. So joy isn't always this exciting, passionate, like, oh, I'm in joy. I take everyone through the four elements. so how do you feel in Earth as you're experiencing joy. And that's a grounded joy of feeling stable or air. How does air feel? That's going to be light and that's doing breathwork and feeling alive. Or if you look at fire, fire is that passion. That's the creativity. So that's doing art, that's dancing, that's, you know, yelling at the moon, that fiery. And then last is water. Speaker 2 00:17:52 And that's when you're in flow and you let go of the things that we hold so deep. So the transformation that's coming there and what I specialize in, and that's with all of my offerings, is getting you out of your head and into your body. Your body knows. And you talked about that you felt into your decisions about both retreats. Your intuition told you what was right and you listened. And what I see so much in women is we ignore intuition because societal expectations tell us No. You should push through this. You should act a certain way. We have these expectations of how you show up and how you act. So I specialize in getting women to get into their bodies so they can transform and listen and learn and feel. And then they trust their intuition. And that is when the magic happens. Speaker 1 00:18:50 Oh, yes. Thank you. And may I have another I love this so much. And I will have...
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EP 232 Lessons from a First-Time Retreat Host: What I’d Do Differently with Misty Chambers
07/24/2025
EP 232 Lessons from a First-Time Retreat Host: What I’d Do Differently with Misty Chambers
In this candid episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Pilates studio owner and retreat host Misty Chambers to unpack the highs and lows of her first-ever retreat. From a surprise challenge with a sick guest to navigating meal budgets in the Champagne region of France, Misty shares everything she wishes she had known—and what she’ll absolutely do differently next time. They talk about the importance of having personal space as a retreat leader, hiring a retreat coordinator, setting realistic expectations around meals, and most importantly: why retreat leaders must sell, not just market, their experiences. This is an honest, refreshing conversation that every retreat leader—especially those in their early retreat-hosting days—will deeply relate to. Connect with Misty: 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: | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Transcript Automatically Transcribed With Podsqueeze Speaker 1 00:00:00 Welcome to the Retreat Leaders podcast, your sanctuary with retreat experts. Where we spill the tea on retreat success. Here we dive into crafting transformational guest experiences. Talk about how to avoid pitfalls and unlock marketing secrets. Whether you're a seasoned guru or a budding enthusiast, we've got the inside scoop for you. Join us as we learn how to flourish in this magical world of retreats. Hey guys, welcome to or welcome back to the Retreat Leaders Podcast. It's Shannon and I'm super excited to have a guest today. That is another Fellow of France Retreat member. I met her in France and fell in love with her and her energy, and I'm super excited to have her on the show because she's going to be super vulnerable with us. Y'all. and share with us something that a lot of retreat leaders hesitate to share about, or they just don't even want to talk about it sometimes, or they make it sound different than it was. And that is learning through our first retreat and how we would want to do it maybe differently. Speaker 1 00:01:01 And just we're going to go dig right into it. So welcome, Misty to the show. Thank you. I'm excited to be here. I'm so excited to see your face again. It's not the same as France, but I am glad to see your face. before we get started into this topic, just tell us a little bit about who you are and, you know, give us a little bit of a taste of what? What makes Misty. Misty. Yeah. So my name is Misty chambers. I live in Houston, Texas and have a brick and mortar Pilates studio there. I have been in the movement industry, most of my life. started off, teaching dance and then got into yoga and pilates and, along the way, I've done interior design and, and now retreats. So, I've kind of had a, a long little detour of things that have gotten to me where I am now. And, So, yeah, it's a little bit about me. I think all of us have that to some degree. Speaker 1 00:02:07 If I talked about all the different hats that I've worn until I got to the space. And it's funny because all the hats I have worn helped me in the space that I am in today. And I think that just is kind of how it is. So, so Misty, you just recently had your very first retreat, you hosted your very first retreat. You were actually when you left us in France, you were headed to host your retreat. And. Exactly. Yeah. Through that process, we kind of all you were keeping us all in the loop during this retreat on Voxer. And my heart was like, oh, my poor Misty, because I feel like the universe was showing you, like all the things that could possibly make you cranky about hosting a retreat. It was definitely a learning experience. Yes, but part of what we're going to talk about is a lot of times, retreat leaders think that their first retreat is like going to be that that. Speaker 2 00:03:02 Oh, all. Speaker 1 00:03:03 You know, like this is it. Speaker 1 00:03:04 This is exactly how it's going to be. I'm so excited. You know, there might have been 1 or 2 things, but, you know, this is it. And it's like, that's not always the case. As a matter of fact, I would say more often than not, after you host your first retreat, you're like, first of all, do I even want to keep doing this? Second of all, how can I, you know, change all these different things? And so anyway, Misty, let's just start off with maybe your very first thing that you were like, okay, this is what happened and this is what I plan to do differently in the future. Sure. And to feed off of what you said a second ago, I don't know if you got if you remember in the box or chat. after the retreat, I was like, I don't know if I'm cut out for this. I don't know if I want to host another retreat because I had such a challenging time with this one. Speaker 1 00:03:53 And, I think one of the things that made it so difficult is that one of one of my guest was ill, and she was very challenging to deal with because she did not feel good. She was not, nice to me. She wasn't nice to her tour guide. She we stayed at a hotel. She was not nice to the hotel staff, and it just made the energy very low. And like, we were walking on eggshells. And I one of the the first things in dealing with that, I would say that I have learned is that I don't want to stay at the same place, like I did. we we were staying at the same hotel. I, in fact, was just two doors down from, this woman. And I would want to hole up in my room when we were not doing anything because I didn't want to, you know, I needed some downtime to myself. And so, one lesson learned is that I think I would, stay either at another hotel or make sure that I was in a room in a different part of the hotel. Speaker 1 00:05:05 If you're or if you're doing a retreat venue staying offsite. just to give yourself a little bit of decompression time. yeah. So I love this. Before we keep digging in, I realized we didn't really share kind of what what your retreats entail. And so you're misty. You focus primarily on travel and culture experiences. And I remember when you and I talked, I was like, oh, my gosh, this is my jam. Like, it's it's not a travel guide. It's like a travel guide on steroids, right? I don't even I don't even like using the word travel guide. It's it's an experience that you're providing, you know, where it's got all elements of the retreat, what would be considered a retreat. It just doesn't have maybe a retreat transformation at the end so much as an immersion in this really cool place space, you know, and so anyway, so it includes, you know, lots of different aspects of it, the excursions and exploring and the meals and conversations. But it's just, you know. Speaker 1 00:06:08 It's a it's a travel and culture immersion. So I just I wanted to clarify that. So that way people are like, well, what were you doing in a hotel? Because not everybody does retreats in hotels. Some, some people do. and I also love that you said, because this is something that I talk about all the time when it comes to hosting retreats is retreat. Leaders have to have a separate space, at minimum, a completely separate room. Right? Because I've had I've seen retreat leaders where they're sharing rooms in co shared spaces, like with their retreat guests. And I just do not think that's a good idea. So at minimum you have to have a separate room like here on the ranch. It's a whole separate building at the back of the property. It's the retreat leader's apartment. They have their own own little kitchenette, even, like it's just a space where they can kind of, regroup, reset, retreat themselves. So that way they can show up as their best selves. Speaker 1 00:06:55 So I'm really glad that you said that. And then there are retreat leaders like Aaron, who's who. We met each other through where she even stays off site. So she might be a few houses down from the house or the venue that she's using, or whatever may be the case, so she can completely decompress and she's got someone on point like Matt, which I think Matt was her retreat coordinator, which I think was one of the points that you were going to make to Misty is having a retreat coordinator, right? Yes. Again, because I had a guest that was ill. I was having to, manage her, like finding a doctor. her husband also came. they wanted an extra room so they didn't have to sleep in the same room since she was sick. So just navigating all these, different, things that were unexpected. We also had to pivot the activities that we were doing. Now, I did have a tour guide that I had for three days during the retreat. she was local there, and, she was fantastic and did help with, the pivoting of the activities and stuff. Speaker 1 00:08:09 But it would have been helpful had I had, you know, some like Daysha Danzy or Matt Quinonez, who I hope I said his name correctly and right. Who, who, does this retreat coordination. That can be your point of contact, who can handle all those things so that you can be fully present for your other guests and not take time away trying to juggle all these, pivots. Hey, retreat leaders, pause that retreat planning for just a second, because I've got something you do not want to miss. I'm headed to London this October to host a live event that's all about teaching you how to host a retreat that's not just transformational, but actually profitable. Imagine sipping tea or champagne with other like minded leaders while mapping out your next sold out retreat. It's happening at the gorgeous Waldorf Hilton in London. I'm spilling all the secrets, from pricing to planning, marketing. To mindset. And you'll walk away with a strategy you can actually use. No fluff, no BS, just results. So head to Retreat Mastermind and come join me across the pond. Speaker 1 00:09:20 You know I'm glad. Yes, this is so important. I had daysha on the show a few episodes ago. If you haven't listened to that episode, you got to dig into it. It's she's an incredible retreat coordinator. It is so critical that you have an on point person who takes all of these things on because Misty, as you've probably know and felt every single time this person would come at you with some of the thing they needed or whatever, it would just totally hit your nervous system and your whole body. And then to continue to try to hold space and and stay light and joyful and excited about the experience is really hard. Where if you have a point person on site who is the one that is the first stop for everything that's needed, every issue that comes up, everything that's needed, that's the first stop. And then if they can't handle something, then yeah, they can come to you and say, hey, Misty, I'm not clear where I should go with this direction. Fine. Speaker 1 00:10:07 But there should be a first stop person. So thank you for bringing that up because I think that that's so under underutilized underrated not talked about enough. And so yes. Thank you. So. So lesson one was you know staying away from your guests, having your own space to retreat to and, you know, decompress and just reset. And then lesson number two is having a retreat coordinator or assistant on site to help you. What other types of lessons did you learn? So, since we were staying at a hotel and not at a retreat venue, I did not have a chef on site, so we were eating out at all of our meals at different restaurants. We had, two meals that we did at the hotel. Most of the meals that we did were like, the menus were the prefix menus, but on the occasions where they weren't, I found myself going over the allotted budget that I had had per person. while I tried to, we were in the champagne region, so of course there was a lot of champagne, being consumed. Speaker 1 00:11:17 So I would try to order a bottle to help mitigate, you know, the different, amount of glasses that might be, ordered, but, you know, I couldn't predict what people were going to order for their meals. And while I tried to look at the menus ahead of time and tried to guesstimate a good budget per person, I felt like every time that we went out to eat, I was, blowing my budget a little bit. So I think having, an agreement with the restaurant beforehand, having a preset menu, these are the things that you can choose from, would definitely be helpful. Or, you know, allotting a budget, like if you're having the meal at the hotel, you know, giving, a certain amount of credit towards meals. but, just going out to dinner and, you know, I was including all meals, in the retreat and maybe giving some free time for them to go to dinner on their own would also be helpful. Hey, it's Shannon here. I'm just popping in really quickly to ask a big favor. Speaker 1 00:12:30 Would you pause the show and go review it for us, please? Reviews really help us to be able to get more guests and more experts on the show to help you transform your retreats. So if you wouldn't mind pausing and leaving us a review, that would mean everything. And if you're not already subscribed, do that too. I love that option that they could have, you know, a meal on their own in this cultural experience. I think that that would be a great option, but especially just having the preset, you know, just a preset. This is this is where you can order from. And if you want to order off of this, that's fine, but that'll be at your, your expense. being super clear. But Misty, you know, considering that you had never done this. I don't know that somebody would have thought of that, because you did look at the menus and you estimated and you, you know, you were prepared as much as you could be until you experience it. Speaker 1 00:13:21 And this is why I always say, like, you really won't know until you do. You know what I mean? Like you, we can plan and we can guess and we can do all the things. And that's good. That's a good start, you know? But until you do it, like your first time doing it, that's when you'll see like, oh, my budget was a little off here. Or oh, I didn't even think about this could happen. What would I do in the future? You know, so so again, this is just another thing that, you know, you won't you won't know everything until you do it. And even when you do it, Misty, there's still going to be times if you decide to do it again. There's going to be times where you're like, well, shit, I didn't think of that either, you know? And that just that just happens over time as you start to accumulate these experiences and these, just things that will come up and and be able to plan for those things. Speaker 1 00:14:12 So anyway, what else? so my other lesson, which I have heard many times from Aaron, and then also more recently Dora Rankin, was not to just market your retreat, but to sell the retreat. And I think I did a great job putting all the beautiful marketing and all the wonderful things that we were going to be doing, and it got people to say, oh, wow, that sounds like a great experience. But that's all I was doing was marketing. I did not ask for the sale, and that's very challenging for me. so definitely lesson learned. And I know that that's something that I need to work on and get more confident at doing, but people aren't just going to come because you put out pretty post and it looks amazing. So, definitely ask for the cell. You know, this is such a big one. Missed this for retreat leaders who've been doing it for years and years. They're still not necessarily doing that part of it, which is why I'm so glad I also had Dora on the show to talk about the difference between marketing and selling. Speaker 1 00:15:33 And if you are an entrepreneur, really, we're all selling, but especially if you're an entrepreneur, you're also a sales person. Like this is part of it. And you're right. Marketing isn't selling. Marketing's attracting, but it's not selling. And so I'm so proud of you for talking about that. And in general, Misty, thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing, you know, your lessons, but also the fact that you were super, super like upfront saying, I don't know, you know, if I want to do this again, I, you know, like that's, that's a real thing and maybe you just need some time to like, release some of the, let's just be honest. Trauma of it. To release some of that trauma and then get reignited with your passion and your why and and what it could look like, and knowing that some of the quote unquote worst has already happened. Right. I mean, really, it has. And so because I don't want you to give up, because I want to come on one of your retreats. Speaker 1 00:16:30 Like you're speaking my language when it comes to travel and cultural experiences. I just think that that is, it's something that's so needed and it's such a beautiful thing. And not to mention that your energy is absolutely perfect for it, so I wouldn't want you to give up, but I also would want you to do it with your whole heart. So I don't know. What are you thinking? Where are you at today? So now that it has been, a few weeks since my return from a very challenging time, and have given it some more thought, I do want to continue. And in fact, I do want this to be a more a cultural Role travel experience. that will be unique and fun. And, I'm already looking at planning my next one. I'm hoping that it will be in New York, in December. A little Christmas, Christmas trip. So, I'm in the process of, hopefully trying to get that together, and I've got a few other ideas in mind for 2026, so we'll stay tuned for that. Speaker 1 00:17:42 So I'm not giving up yet. Good, good. That makes me so, so happy I really don't. And some people may just not want to stick around that long, but I really don't think you truly, truly know until your third one. And I know that sounds funny. Like why the third one? Well, the first one. You're almost just like a deer in headlights. No matter how much you work with Aaron, who's amazing. You work with Dora, who's amazing. Like they gave you a good framework and they're continuing to do so, but they're not the one hosting, right? Your first one you are. And so it's just like that kind of deer in headlights first one. And then you were happened to be blessed with a lot of challenges in your first one. Right. So but anyway, the first one is just like the deer in the headlights. The second one is like, okay, I'm getting traction. I figured out some things that I feel did not work. Speaker 1 00:18:30 I've learned some lessons, and you're kind of like, okay with this new mindset, but it's really like your third one that you're like, you've you've pretty much fine tuned who you want to be, who you want to be there with you, what your message is, what the experience is going to feel like for you and your guests. Like it's really fine tuned by your third one. And that's when you know, in my opinion, you're like, yes, this is what I want to do. Or you're like, nope, I want to be a guest on retreats instead instead of this. And so, like, I really don't feel like, you know, to your third one. So I'm really happy that you are. You're going for it again. And if people want to find out about your retreats that are going to be coming up. How can they find you? So they can find me on my website, which is breathe River oaks.com/retreats. And, you know, I figure at this point I can only go up from here. Speaker 1 00:19:30 I agree, Misty. I agree. listen, I if we, we should have a whole show about all the things that we've learned. I hate saying the word wrong because it just it isn't wrong. It just is what it is. And...
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EP 231 Algorithm-Proof Your Retreat Brand: Social Media That Sticks with Robin Nathaniel
07/17/2025
EP 231 Algorithm-Proof Your Retreat Brand: Social Media That Sticks with Robin Nathaniel
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by social media strategist and author Robin Nathaniel (@robbinmarx) to dig into what it really takes to build a retreat brand that thrives online—without having to chase every trend. Robin brings two decades of experience in social media and shares how to focus on authentic, audience-focused content that stands out in an AI-driven world. From aligning your content with your brand's voice to Robin's powerful SYNC framework (Simple, Yield, Natural, Change), this episode is packed with gems for retreat leaders who want to grow their impact without burning out online. They also discuss: The myth of “going viral” and why it’s overrated How to identify your content bandwidth and platform sweet spot Why “100% human-made” content is gaining new value The power of speaking directly to your audience like a best friend A sneak peek into Robin’s Social Media Sync Bundle, made just for you! Grab your free Social Media Sync Bundle from Robin: Connect with Robin: Website: https://robinnathaniel.com/ 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: | | -------- Full Transcript Automatically Transcribed With Podsqueeze Speaker 1 00:00:00 Welcome to the Retreat Leaders podcast, your sanctuary with retreat experts. Where we spill the tea on retreat success. Here we dive into crafting transformational guest experiences. Talk about how to avoid pitfalls and unlock marketing secrets. Whether you're a seasoned guru or a budding enthusiast, we've got the inside scoop for you. Join us as we learn how to flourish in this magical world of retreats. Hey guys, welcome to or welcome back to The Retreat Leader's podcast. I'm excited because I have another amazing guest today in. My guest is going to be talking about something that I think 99.999% of the people who are in our space think it's one of the most important aspects of marketing and growing your retreat business. And I would agree with you, although I also think email is important, but we are going to talk about social media. And so welcome, Robin Nathaniel to the show. Speaker 2 00:00:54 Thank you so much for having me, Shannon. I'm pumped to talk to your audience about social media, and I'm confident that they'll walk away with some value today. Speaker 1 00:01:03 That's fantastic. Robin, why don't you just first start off by telling us a little bit about who you are and what brought you to this space that you're in now. Speaker 2 00:01:10 Yep. So I started my career off in music. I was a performer as well as an event organiser and a producer. And then in 2010, I had my first child, my, my, my son. And when he was born, I was like, I need to get a job. So I switched gears and joined the non-profit field, and I moved up in non-profit leadership. And then the pandemic hit. When the pandemic hit, me and my family left our busy life in New York City to move down to the green pastures of the Atlanta area. And I reset and, shifted from my career in nonprofit leadership to finally take a hold of my marketing, career, which I have a degree in which I had been doing social media since the days of Myspace and Friendster and just led me down this path of social media leadership. Speaker 2 00:01:59 Now I lead a small team for local government with social media, and I also have an independent boutique agency where we support mission driven organizations and nonprofit with social media solutions. Speaker 1 00:02:09 Oh my goodness. I love so much about this, and I love that you've been in the industry for as long as you have, because and I think it even said it on your website somewhere when I was doing some research, like it's, it's not heard of for someone to be in the social media space for over 20 years. So how have you hung on this long? I have to know. Speaker 2 00:02:30 First of all, it's just like interest, right? So me getting into social media early, I got to see the beginning with sites like Friendster and Myspace, even six degrees before that. Right? And what I found was the power of being able to communicate with people in another place with a push of a button just blew me away, and I knew that there was going to be something there, so I just had a general interest for it. Speaker 2 00:02:55 I think when I started getting into it on an academic level because I was an adult learner for college and I had to like write papers around social, do research. It just opened my mind on a whole, on a whole nother level. And I believe that's what separates me from other people in the industry. And if people read my book, they'll see some of my philosophies kind of butt heads with what the quote unquote gurus are saying in the space. I have some conflicting messages and we'll talk more about it, but generally it's just the love for being able to impact people all over the world. Speaker 1 00:03:29 Okay, well, I'm glad that you are here, and I'm glad that you're in this space and that you've been in this space for this long. I have been a user since the Myspace days. I did start in marketing when Facebook first became kind of like to me, it seemed like the very first real engine of social media marketing. This is well over ten years ago. And so I've been marketing in the the social media space since then. Speaker 1 00:03:55 However, it has been hard as hell for me to keep up. I'll just be honest with you. The algorithms change. The expectations change. The rules change what works. Change is a new platforms on the horizon, you know. Do you know what I'm saying? Like, there's so many moving parts now. Compared to when I used to just spend 100 bucks on Facebook and get a really good return. And so keeping up has got to be something I don't know. That's its own beast. Speaker 2 00:04:20 It really is. And I and one thing that I mentioned early on in my book is that I work in this space, right? Like literally I wake up in the morning at 5 a.m. and I'm all, I'm all social media until I lay down right and I can't keep up. So don't feel bad. Just know that it moves so fast. And especially with the, the rise of AI, it's just increasing the pace of the, the growth and and and this the platform changes. So that's why in my teaching and in my philosophy, I focus on a concept that I call algorithm proof content instead of people becoming, you know, essentially slaves to what the platforms are doing or liking. Speaker 2 00:05:01 Just focusing on human connection through their content and creating strong, intentional relationships with their audience. Speaker 1 00:05:09 Okay, now you're speaking my language. So let's let's dig into it. Let's talk about some strategies. Did you want to start there with this algorithm proof concept or or talk to me. What do you want to start with. Speaker 2 00:05:19 Yeah we can start with algorithm proof content. So one thing that I found in all of my years in social is that folks are glued to what the next big thing is. For example, years ago when Snapchat first came out, people were hyped about Snapchat and then Instagram totally stole their model, which they often do, right? And then they created stories and then everyone shifted the stories. So what I felt like is that essentially we're on this seesaw. Whichever way it's going, we're going to slide to that end. And when the weight shifts, we slide with it. And what happens is you get seasick. You're like you. You know, like we're overwhelmed. We're confused. Speaker 2 00:06:02 We don't know which way to go. And we're just back and forth on this social media seesaw, if you will. And what I found is that staying in the center and identifying the fact that the one unique proposition value proposition that you will have in whatever business you do, whether it's organizing retreats or whether you sell donuts, is you is the person behind the brand, the the the person who fuels the wheels. And if we can lean into that and really find a way to communicate directly with our ideal target audience, that we create algorithm proof content, regardless of the platform, regardless of the medium. You can write it, you can videotape it, you can take a picture of it. It's still going to be authentically you. Speaker 1 00:06:48 So you are speaking my language on so many fronts. The first one really being just being you. Like, don't try to be someone else. Don't try to copy this thing that looks really good or is doing really well. Don't try to follow just all the trends in the whatever. Speaker 1 00:07:03 Like you can use some of this information, but it has to be authentically you. It has to have your voice, your spin, your whatever. So I love that. And then in conjunction with that, making sure that it is speaking to your ideal audience, you know, like I can't tell you how many times someone's like, oh, I did this post and it's really, really good. And I look at it, I'm like, it has nothing to do with your business at all. Like, you're doing it on socks and you're over here trying to sell, you know, mental health strategies or whatever. And so it has to be directed directly to your target audience. It has to be authentic to you. And I love that. That is like the whole concept behind algorithm proof, because you're right. If you're speaking to your people, like literally someone who's looking, looking, listening, watching, whatever, if they're feeling like, man, she or he is speaking directly to me, it doesn't matter what the algorithm is doing, right? Speaker 2 00:07:54 It really doesn't. Speaker 2 00:07:55 And I and I and I have a quick story to share with you. So I got on TikTok in 2020 and I had some success, and it kind of led to my independent boutique agency. I had a couple of videos go viral. Both videos had over 2 million views. But like you said, the videos weren't necessarily aligned with my mission. My, the the videos weren't necessarily speaking directly to my ideal target audience member. And essentially the, the the videos were just vanity metrics, right? They got me a lot of followers. They got me a bunch of views. Flip the other, flip that coin. And on the other side of that coin, I did a video on Facebook a few years later, I want to say it had 500 views, Shannon 500 views, and it was basically me sharing one of my signature frameworks. I got a call or I got a message I should say that led to a call that led to a long term client that that generated tons of revenue for my business. Speaker 2 00:08:56 So the point is. Vanity metrics and chasing views, likes and the surface level performance metrics is not where we are in this era as I can. Continues to evolve. Human connection is going to be valued more than anything else. There's going to be a time where the way you go to a fair or a, you know, a craft fair and you go around the tables and it's like, you, you sold that together. Yeah. It was human made, I made it. It's made by me, the creator. The content will be the same way. Shannon. Mark my words. People will stamp 100% human made and it's going to have a premium value. So that's why I'm leaning into people or or encouraging people to lean into the human aspect of content creation and social media in general. Speaker 1 00:09:44 Oh my gosh, I, I had to mute myself, but I could almost fall off my chair when you're like, it's going to be stamped human made because you are so right. You're so right. Speaker 1 00:09:55 That is where we're headed right now. And it's getting easier and easier to spot AI. And we'll just call it sometimes IBS all over the place. And people are going to be like, they're done. They're over that. Scroll on, keep going. Tune it out. They're going to be looking specifically for human made content. Human made everything. And so I love that so much. Talk to me about what other strategies retreat leaders should be considering. maybe these are strategies that you've shared in your book that they should be considering when they're trying to grow their audience and grow their business. Speaker 2 00:10:27 I think for retreat leaders, and again, I'm grateful to be on your platform, Shannon, because, this is an audience that I don't get to speak too often, but I've had some, life changing experiences at retreats. So for that reason, I'm really grateful for this opportunity. It really depends on what part of their journey they're on. So let's speak to the retreat leader who is not on social, is fearing social, has some trepidation around even starting like the journey. Speaker 2 00:10:54 What I would encourage them to do is to first start with identifying their bandwidth. That's the first step. I think oftentimes when people say, you got to get on social media, we open an account on every single platform. We, we, we fire up Canva, we create images for everyone and we just let it rip. Right? While that is social media, that's not strategy, and I don't think it's the best use of your resources. Right. So I would first identify your your your bandwidth. Is it going to be you. Is it going to be somebody on your team? How much of our time for our marketing contributions can we commit to this? And as we go into 2026, I will also as a ninja trick just right now, as you're if you're working on preparing budgets for next year, you should really prioritize align for social media. So whether you bring in a team to help you, a consultant and strategists like myself, or if you empower somebody on your team. So that's the first step, is just figure out who's going to do it and how much time can they spend to it? Spend, spend on it. Speaker 2 00:11:54 Next you want to clearly identify your ideal audience member. So we talked about it earlier. customer avatars. There's so many terms around ideal viewer, just the person that you want to speak to in your content. And I know what people are going to think. Well, Robin, if I speak to one person, how will I? I'm going to miss out on so many other people. It's a common concern that people, people have. One thing that I've seen is that when people speak to one ideal audience member in their content, especially smaller organizations who have like one, set of people that they're speaking to, the other people will get attracted. So even if you're speaking to Jane, 29, who lives in Ohio, Jimmy, 35, is her husband, and he'll hear you and listen to you, too. So that's the next thing. Identify your ideal, target audience member. So stop me at any point. Shannon, I'm going to kind of push through this. Speaker 1 00:12:45 So you're speaking my language. Speaker 2 00:12:48 So third step after you know your bandwidth, you know your ideal audience member. The third step. Now, what you want to really lean into is where your people are. Let's go and let's do some market research. Where are our folks hanging out? If you have an existing audience. Do a survey, send out an email, blast. Send out mailers. Whatever you do to communicate with your audience. Get on the phone. Even if it's 10 to 15 people, to do a small little experiment to find out where people are. Now here's where people sometimes get confused. Let's say all of your people are on Facebook, but now you have a intern who only knows how to use TikTok. So now you need to decide, do you want to teach this person how to operate on Facebook? Or do you want to start off on TikTok? Because having a person on your team who is equipped to actually do it is an important part of it. I lean towards going where the audiences, and if you want to do a balance of starting with two platforms, if you have someone who's skilled on another platform besides your audience's preference, then that's something you can consider as well. Speaker 2 00:13:55 So now you know where you're going to be. You know who's going to do it and you know who you're speaking to. The next step is really figuring out the medium that the the person or that, that team member is comfortable with. Is it writing? Maybe if it's writing, you should focus on LinkedIn content. Maybe you should focus on Twitter. or X threads, maybe blue sky. If it's video, maybe you have a founder that's extremely comfortable on camera, like Shannon here. Maybe you shoot a long form podcast episode and then cut up the clips and create video content. Maybe you have a skillful photographer on your team, or a graphic designer that you can maybe use that content on a platform like Instagram or even X, Twitter or LinkedIn. So identify where your strengths are and then decide on the medium. And another ninja trick. Do not sign up or do not get active on every single platform, just pick one. Just start with one. Because what happens is people get burnt out there. Speaker 2 00:14:58 They're trying to use social media management tools. If you want to reserve your handles on all of the platforms, that's okay. Put a profile picture, put a bio and put your flag in the ground. But pour your energy into the platform where your team member who's or leading this charge is comfortable and you have skills in that medium. And then the last step. Let it rip. Double down and triple down when things work well. If you have a photo post that goes off. Lean into that. If you have a video post that does well. Lean into that, but continue to experiment and just continue to contribute the energy, time, and space into this opportunity. Speaker 1 00:15:40 Hey, retreat leaders, pause that retreat planning for just a second because I've got something you do not want to miss. I'm headed to London this October to host a live event that's all about teaching you how to host a retreat that's not just transformational, but actually profitable. Imagine sipping tea or champagne with other like minded leaders while mapping out your next sold out retreat. Speaker 1 00:16:02 It's happening at the gorgeous Waldorf Hilton in London. I'm spilling all the secrets from pricing to planning, marketing to mindset, and you'll walk away with a strategy you can actually use. No fluff, no BS, just results. So head to Retreat mastermind and come join me across the pond. Okay, I love unpacking all of this. This is such good stuff. A couple of things that I heard, especially when you talk about like your bandwidth, like how much you know, time and energy are you able to dedicate to this? Because there's so like you said, there's so many people out there like you have to post ten times a day, you have to post 20 stories. You know, there's just all of this stuff and you could should yourself to death in this, this realm, right. In the social media realm, you could shoot yourself to death, but it really comes down to what's the bandwidth that you are going to deliver high quality, targeted, unique, authentic information. And if that's once a week and it's good shit, okay, go after it. Speaker 1 00:17:04 You know, like just really understanding what your bandwidth is. On the flip side, I do love the fact of having some sort of consistency, and only because the social media platforms love some sort of consistency. They do like consistency. The algorithms may change, but they really no matter what. I think all of the algorithms are always going to like some sort of consistency. So consider that when you're when you're thinking about your bandwidth. And I do think, Robyn, people just need to hire it out if they don't have it, if you don't have the bandwidth, you've got to hire it out. If you if you think you can not have social media and grow your business in today's world, man, I don't want to tell you you can't. But holy shitballs, you're...
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EP 230 It’s Not the Economy—It’s You: Owning Your Retreat’s Value & Selling with Confidence
07/10/2025
EP 230 It’s Not the Economy—It’s You: Owning Your Retreat’s Value & Selling with Confidence
In this fiery solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about a truth many retreat leaders need to hear: the biggest block in your retreat business isn’t the economy—it’s you. If you’ve ever said, “People just aren’t spending right now,” or felt tempted to lower your prices just to fill spots—this one’s for you. Shannon breaks down the mindset shift that will transform the way you sell your retreats and communicate their true value. She’ll show you how to stop apologizing for your prices, own your worth, and confidently sell your retreat as the life-changing investment it is. Whether you’re hosting your first retreat or scaling your next, this episode is your invitation to stop shrinking and start standing in your power. Tune in and get ready to ditch the discount mindset and step fully into the role of transformational leader. Episode Highlights: Why the economy isn’t the problem (and what is) How perceived value impacts retreat sales What it means to “sell the transformation, not the features” The #1 thing you need to shift before trying another promotion How to speak to your ideal client’s soul—and not the bargain shopper’s wallet Read our full blog here: 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: | |
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EP 229 How to Level Up as a Retreat Leader (and Build Profitable Retreats Like a Boss)
07/03/2025
EP 229 How to Level Up as a Retreat Leader (and Build Profitable Retreats Like a Boss)
In this solo episode, host Shannon Jamail gets fired up and shares exactly what it means to level up as a retreat leader—and why it goes way beyond fancy goodie bags or extra plush pillows in your yurt. Fresh off a transformative retreat teaching experience in France and actively learning from high-level masterminds like Genius Network, Shannon lays out how growth happens through mentorship, aligned community, and being in the right rooms. She also gets real about the flood of new "retreat coaches" in the industry—and why it’s more important than ever to vet your mentors and follow leaders with lived experience, not just big promises. If you’re ready to stop playing small and start treating your retreats like a real business (with profit, purpose, and power)—this episode is your loving wake-up call. What You’ll Learn: What “leveling up” really means in the retreat world Why who you surround yourself with determines your growth How Shannon’s trip to France & Genius Network shifted her leadership A no-fluff truth bomb about BS in the retreat coaching industry How the Retreat Leader Membership can give you the support you’ve been missing Why treating retreats like a business (not a hobby) is non-negotiable for success Favorite Quote: "You don’t get to the next level by doing the same things and hanging with the same crowd." — Shannon Jamail Read our full blog here 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: | |
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EP 228 Dealing with Objections as a Retreat Leader: Compassion Over Discounts
06/26/2025
EP 228 Dealing with Objections as a Retreat Leader: Compassion Over Discounts
In this powerful solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader will face: objections. Especially the most common one—“It’s too expensive.” But before you spiral into discounting or self-doubt, Shannon shares a refreshing and aligned way to navigate objections with confidence, compassion, and curiosity. This episode is your permission slip to stop taking objections personally and start using them as powerful conversations rooted in leadership. What You’ll Learn: Why “it’s too expensive” usually isn’t about money The #1 thing NOT to do when someone hesitates to book Shannon’s 3-part method to handle objections without losing your power: A Soft Place to Land A Point of Agreement Get Curious How to hold space for transformation (not fear) Why objections are opportunities in disguise Favorite Quote: “Objections aren’t stop signs. They’re starting points.” — Shannon Jamail Read our full blog here: 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: | |
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EP 227 Sell It Like a Retreat Leader: Why Sales Should Be Your Superpower with Dora Rankin
06/19/2025
EP 227 Sell It Like a Retreat Leader: Why Sales Should Be Your Superpower with Dora Rankin
In this bold and enlightening episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Dora Rankin, a business growth coach and sales strategist who isn’t afraid to tell retreat leaders the hard truth: you’re likely spending way too much time on marketing and not enough on sales. Dora breaks down the key differences between sales and marketing (hint: they are NOT the same thing!) and explains why retreat leaders should be spending at least 70% of their business-building time focused on actual sales activities. From connecting directly with potential guests to having powerful discovery calls, Dora shows us how marketing is just the invitation—sales is where the transformation (and the bookings) happen. She also dives into the 4 core styles of sales and how to identify which one fits your personality and business model best. Whether you’re a seasoned retreat host or new to the game, this episode will flip your mindset, get you out of hiding behind pretty Instagram posts, and into real, aligned action that fills retreats. What You’ll Learn: The difference between marketing and sales (and why that matters more than you think) Why most retreat leaders are spending their time backwards The 4 ways to sell (and which one fits YOU) How to confidently step into the sales process without feeling slimy or pushy Practical tips to rewire your mindset around visibility, outreach, and relationship-building Connect with Dora Rankin: Website: 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: | |
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EP 226 Delegate & Elevate: Why Every Retreat Host Needs a Coordinator with Daesha Donze
06/12/2025
EP 226 Delegate & Elevate: Why Every Retreat Host Needs a Coordinator with Daesha Donze
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: Grab Daesha’s Free Retreat Planning Logistics Checklist! Connect with Daesha: Instagram: 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: | |
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EP 225 Boundaries, Burnout & Breakthroughs: Retreat Wisdom with Lesley Martin
06/05/2025
EP 225 Boundaries, Burnout & Breakthroughs: Retreat Wisdom with Lesley Martin
In this powerful episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail welcomes trauma therapist and retreat coach Lesley Martin for a raw and insightful conversation about the emotional resilience and energetic boundaries required to lead transformational retreats. Lesley and Shannon dive deep into the often overlooked emotional toll retreat leaders face, especially when carrying their own unhealed trauma or managing the weight of participants’ needs. They discuss how coaching and self-reflection can help retreat leaders grow beyond the therapy room, create healthier emotional boundaries, and avoid the path to burnout. You’ll also get an inside look at Lesley’s upcoming Morocco retreat for burned-out entrepreneurs, designed to help participants reset through cultural immersion, desert meditation, and intentional stillness in the Sahara. Episode Highlights: Why retreat leaders must address their own trauma to serve powerfully Energetic boundaries and grounding practices to prevent burnout Behind the scenes of Lesley’s Morocco retreat: A transformational journey for service-based pros Coaching vs. therapy: When it’s time to level up your personal growth Tools like Lesley’s new digital workbook to reimagine what’s possible Special offers for podcast listeners including a $200 discount on Lesley’s upcoming retreat Whether you're navigating your own healing or simply want to hold space more effectively, this episode is filled with heartfelt wisdom, practical tools, and real talk about what it takes to lead (and live) with intention. About Leslie Lesley is the coach, guide, and mentor for entrepreneurs and professionals who’ve been through trauma or adversity and now want to feel better and live more authentic and fulfilling lives. She helps empower people to change their lives for the better. Lesley brings over 20 years of knowledge and training as a holistic psychotherapist into her work to benefit her clients. Her approach is holistic, and she incorporates psychological, meditative, intuitive, and spiritual practices to help her clients heal, deepen their connection, and thrive. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Contemplative World Religions from Naropa University in Boulder, CO, and her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College. In 2021, Lesley completed a certification program in Life Coaching through The Life Coach School. Lesley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State and is the founder of WNY Holistic Counseling, A Whole-Person Approach to Therapy. She is also the founder of Blue Lotus Soul Coaching, where she utilizes Life Coaching to help her clients live unencumbered, whole-hearted lives. She offers Akashic Records Readings, Trauma Clearing Sessions, Oracle Card Spreads, Psychotherapy Sessions, 1:1 Coaching Packages and unique Retreat Experiences. Connect with Leslie Free Gifts: $200 discount off the Sahara Soul Awakening Retreat if the participant mentions this episode: Possibility Pie workbook: 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: | |
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EP 224 The Power of Story: How to Sell Out Retreats with Authentic Marketing featuring Renee Frojo
05/29/2025
EP 224 The Power of Story: How to Sell Out Retreats with Authentic Marketing featuring Renee Frojo
In this inspiring episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with journalist-turned-content-marketer and storytelling coach, Renee Frojo, to explore how powerful storytelling can transform your retreat business from “meh” to sold out. Renee shares her journey from the newsroom to coaching B2B and B2C entrepreneurs on connecting with their audience in the most human way possible—through story. After selling out her very first international retreat in Costa Rica using just stories and intention (not a massive follower count), she’s now hosting her second retreat in Mexico City, and trust us—you’ll want in on what she’s teaching. 🔥 Episode Highlights: The secret to selling out retreats without a giant following Why storytelling is your most underrated sales and marketing tool How to align your brand story with your personal values—and why it matters The role of authenticity and connection in community-building Tips for using your “why” to build stronger marketing narratives Whether you’re planning your first retreat or scaling your transformational business, this episode is a masterclass in meaningful, human-first marketing that actually works. 📍Learn more about Renee’s upcoming Mexico retreat focused on sustainable business, soulful growth, and the future of work. Connect with her at Connect with Renee 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: | |
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EP 223 Hug the Cactus: Leadership, Conflict & Fierce Clarity in Retreats with Adrian Koehler
05/22/2025
EP 223 Hug the Cactus: Leadership, Conflict & Fierce Clarity in Retreats with Adrian Koehler
In this powerful episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail welcomes executive coach and consultant Adrian Koehler, a leadership expert with a bold approach rooted in emotional intelligence and unapologetic honesty. From "hugging the cactus" to "riding the elephant," Adrian shares what it really takes to lead high-impact retreats and teams—spoiler: it’s not all good vibes and holding space. Episode Highlights: Leadership Beyond the Feel-Good: Adrian and Shannon break down why retreat leaders need more than intuition and good intentions—they need structure, clarity, and accountability. The Real Work of Alignment: Learn how to get your support team fully aligned with your retreat's vision, values, and promises so every attendee gets what they came for. Handling Conflict Like a Pro: Adrian shares his frameworks for navigating difficult conversations with empathy and precision—so you can be “hard on the problem, soft on the person.” Preventing the Parade of Horribles: Discover how addressing small issues early keeps your business relationships strong and your standards high. Empathy Meets Accountability: From venue problems to team tension, Adrian shows you how to approach challenges collaboratively while staying fiercely committed to your mission. Whether you’re a seasoned retreat leader or building your first event, this episode will give you real-world tools to step into your role as a true leader—not just a space holder. About Adrian Adrian Koehler, the no-nonsense leadership engagement expert and Senior Partner at Take New Ground, is the go-to guide for fast-moving leaders. Dedicated to breaking through barriers, he spends his time helping entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders cut through the noise and create transformative outcomes. Adrian coaches executives globally, encouraging authentic leadership and fostering courage for meaningful change. His passion for human performance has led him to diverse contexts, from Fortune 500 organizations to startups and healthcare, making Adrian a catalyst for real talk and impactful results. Adrian Koehler extends his influence beyond the boardroom as the co-host of "Raising The Bar" and "The Naked Leadership Podcast." Drawing on his background in philanthropy, ministry, activism, and medicine, he thrives in difficult conversations and engaging complexity, challenging listeners to live authentically. Currently residing in the heart of Hollywood, with his children Scout and Charli, Adrian is on a mission to inspire authentic leadership, urging individuals to raise the bar in both personal and professional realms. Connect with Adrian 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: | |
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EP 222 Mastering Sales as a Retreat Leader: Techniques and Insights with Jacob Hicks
05/15/2025
EP 222 Mastering Sales as a Retreat Leader: Techniques and Insights with Jacob Hicks
Episode Summary: Join us on the Retreat Leaders Podcast as we dive deep into the art of selling with Jacob Hicks, a seasoned success coach with a decade of sales experience. In this enlightening episode titled "Mastering Sales as a Retreat Leader: Techniques and Insights with Jacob Hicks," Jacob unpacks the essential skills every retreat leader needs to thrive in the competitive world of retreats and personal development. Episode Highlights: Sales Mindset for Success: Jacob stresses the importance of adopting a sales mindset, explaining that everyone in business, regardless of their role, is essentially in sales. He shares insights on how retreat leaders can benefit from embracing this perspective to enhance their business success. The Power of Follow-Up: Learn why following up is crucial in sales and networking, with Jacob noting that a significant portion of business comes from persistent follow-ups. Discover strategies to improve your follow-up game and why it's critical not to give up after the first or second attempt. Providing Value in Sales: This segment focuses on the importance of offering value through consistent follow-up. Jacob discusses how to engage potential clients by addressing their pain points through insightful questions and leading conversations that demonstrate expertise. Handling Objections: Jacob provides practical advice on practicing objection handling and closing sales effectively. He emphasizes that understanding and addressing common concerns about time and money upfront can significantly increase your success rate. Sales Strategies and Resources: Wrap up the episode with actionable sales strategies that can transform your approach to selling retreats. Jacob generously offers free resources and a complimentary coaching session to help listeners apply what they've learned. Tune in to gain invaluable sales knowledge that will empower you to confidently sell your retreat experiences and grow your business. Whether you're a seasoned retreat leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips to refine your sales approach and achieve greater impact. About Jacob CEO,Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, LeadershipCoach,Mindset Expert Jacob Hicks is a coach and keynote speaker with over a decade of experience transforming lives and businesses. Thanks to 10 years in sales, Jacob has a knack for identifying what drives lasting success and delivering implementable strategies to help clients achieve it. Podcasters love working with Jacob because of his practical insights and engaging storytelling that leave audiences inspired. Known for his strong follow-up systems and mindset-driven coaching, Jacob empowers clients across industries to overcome challenges, implement sustainable systems, and move forward with confidence. Connect with Jacob 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: | |
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EP 221 Overcoming Subconscious Blocks in Retreats with Terrie Christine
05/08/2025
EP 221 Overcoming Subconscious Blocks in Retreats with Terrie Christine
In this enlightening episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with Terrie Christine, an intuitive energy healer whose transition from a corporate career to mastering the subconscious realm has transformed many lives. This discussion dives deep into how Terrie uses her unique skills to help individuals overcome subconscious blocks that hold them back from living fully empowered lives. Episode Highlights: Journey to Healing: Terrie shares her personal evolution from confronting childhood wounds and past emotional traumas to discovering her true calling in energy healing. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of facing and healing one's subconscious. Subconscious Triggers in Retreats: The conversation turns to the specific challenges retreat leaders face, such as self-doubt and limiting beliefs stemming from past experiences. Terrie emphasizes the importance of authenticity and understanding one's triggers to prevent them from impacting retreat planning and execution. Instincts Over Opinions: Terrie recounts her experiences while publishing her book, "The Secret Power of You," highlighting the crucial lesson of trusting one's instincts, especially when external opinions clash with personal intuition. Alignment with Purpose: Both Shannon and Terrie discuss the significance of aligning actions with one's true passion and purpose, ensuring that every decision contributes to personal and professional fulfillment. Reframing Money Perspectives: A profound part of the discussion is dedicated to reframing beliefs around money and value. Terrie offers insight into how upbringing influences financial perspectives and shares how she assists people in overcoming these deep-seated beliefs to embrace a more abundant mindset. Join Shannon and Terrie as they explore how tapping into the subconscious can lead to a more authentic and powerful leadership in retreat settings. This episode is packed with actionable advice for those looking to enrich their personal and professional lives by breaking free from the chains of unexplored subconscious thoughts. Tune in now to discover how to transform challenges into stepping stones towards a fulfilled and purpose-driven life. About Terrie Terrie Christine is an internationally acclaimed Celebrity Relationship Coach and Intuitive Energy Healer with nearly 20 years of experience. Featured on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac, Love and Marriage DC on the OWN Network, Hay House Radio, and Good Morning Washington, Terrie specializes in helping individuals break through emotional barriers, embrace self-love, and create lasting, meaningful relationships. Through her intuitive healing, she empowers clients to heal past wounds and connect more deeply with themselves and their partners. She is the author of The Secret Power of You: A Guide to Mastering Your Inner Greatness. Connect with Terrie For more insights & wisdom, visit www.TerrieChristine.com or follow Terrie on YouTube and social media. She’s @TerrieChristine on Instagram, and TikTok, or find her on Facebook @TerrieChristine333. Website: https://TerrieChristine.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terriechristine333 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terriechristine TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terriechristine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/terriechristine 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: | |
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EP 220 Move, Market, Connect: Dynamic Retreat Strategies with Ricardo Topete
05/01/2025
EP 220 Move, Market, Connect: Dynamic Retreat Strategies with Ricardo Topete
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 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: | |
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EP 219 Retreat Marketing Magic: People and Great Partnerships with David Schafran
04/24/2025
EP 219 Retreat Marketing Magic: People and Great Partnerships with David Schafran
Welcome 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 Discount code for 10% off: retreatleaders10 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: | |
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EP 218 Revolutionizing Retreats with RoseAda Marie
04/17/2025
EP 218 Revolutionizing Retreats with RoseAda Marie
Welcome to a captivating episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, where host Shannon Jamail engages with RoseAda Marie, a dynamic leader who is transforming the retreat landscape. Dive into the innovative world where wellness meets strategy, and discover RoseAda's unique approach that marries membership models with transformative retreat experiences. Introduction to RoseAda Marie Shannon introduces RoseAda, a strategic wellness coach and retreat leader, who brings a fresh perspective to integrating memberships with retreats. RoseAda shares her excitement about her journey and the upcoming collaborations, including her visit to Shannon's ranch. RoseAda's Wellness Philosophy and Retreats RoseAda discusses her extensive background in culinary arts, nutrition, and personal training, which has profoundly shaped her retreat leadership style. She emphasizes the seamless integration of her wellness transformation memberships with her retreat offerings, creating a continuous loop of engagement and transformation for her clients. Innovative Membership Models Explore RoseAda's pioneering membership tiers designed to support ongoing client transformation. From pre and post-retreat assessments to exclusive content and wellness partner promotions, RoseAda outlines how her structured support extends beyond the retreats, fostering a lasting impact on participants' lives. Sustainable Self-Care and Community Support RoseAda highlights the importance of sustainable self-care practices within her retreats and memberships, stressing the value of community and accountability. She shares insights on creating a supportive network that encourages personal growth and facilitates achieving wellness goals. The Launch of a New Era The discussion culminates with the launch of RoseAda's membership program, which promises to bring a new dimension to her wellness retreats. RoseAda expresses her gratitude for the platform to share her vision and discusses the potential expansion of her offerings to reach a broader audience. Closing Thoughts Shannon and RoseAda reflect on the importance of learning from each retreat experience to continually refine their offerings. They emphasize the role of personal growth in shaping the retreat leader's approach and the transformative impact on participants. Join Shannon and RoseAda for this enlightening episode that not only delves into the mechanics of successful retreat hosting but also celebrates the personal and professional growth that comes from innovative thinking in the wellness industry. Connect with RoseAda Check out her memberships: Schedule a Q&A session with RoseAda: 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: | |
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EP 217 Beyond the Vacation: Crafting Transformative Retreats with Alison K
04/10/2025
EP 217 Beyond the Vacation: Crafting Transformative Retreats with Alison K
Dive into a captivating discussion on the Retreat Leaders Podcast where host Shannon Jamail and the dynamic Alison K., a seasoned health and fitness expert turned business mentor, unwrap the world of retreats. Discover how Alison transitioned from running fitness studios to guiding wellness entrepreneurs in monetizing their passions through both in-person and online platforms. Episode Highlights: Retreats vs. Vacations: Alison and Shannon explore the transformative essence of retreats, distinguishing them from typical vacations. They emphasize the importance of focusing on personal growth and the transformative outcomes rather than just fun activities. Crafting Transformative Experiences: Alison shares invaluable tips on how retreat leaders can effectively communicate the unique transformations their retreats offer. She stresses the necessity of ensuring guests are well-matched to the retreat’s objectives to enhance satisfaction and outcomes. Marketing with Clarity: Learn from Alison’s approach to marketing retreats by painting a vivid picture of what attendees can expect and clearly articulating the problems the retreat will solve. Her strategy includes using personal invitations to align expectations and screening guests to foster a cohesive group. Hybrid Business Model Insights: Alison discusses her hybrid business model, combining the best of in-person engagements and digital scalability. She provides a sneak peek into her strategies for helping clients leverage their unique strengths in a flexible and adaptable business framework. Plus, get a glimpse of Shannon and Alison’s upcoming rendezvous in France and the exciting plans they have in store! Alison also generously offers listeners a free resource and consultation available through her website for those interested in exploring her innovative hybrid business model. Tune in to this insightful episode to elevate your understanding of designing retreats that promise and deliver true transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned retreat leader or aspiring to be one, this episode is packed with actionable advice to refine your approach and achieve greater impact. Connect with Alison 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: | |
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EP 216 Safeguarding Your Retreats with Lawyer Sarah Waldbuesser
04/03/2025
EP 216 Safeguarding Your Retreats with Lawyer Sarah Waldbuesser
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast! Today, we're joined by Sarah Waldbuesser, an experienced trademark attorney and business owner, to delve into the critical topic of legal protection for retreat hosts. Throughout the episode, Sarah underscores the heightened liability risks associated with hosting in-person events, such as physical injuries or medical emergencies. She walks us through the crucial need for having robust cancellation and refund policies clearly outlined in contracts to shield retreat hosts from financial losses. Drawing from her own experiences, Shannon discusses her strategy of implementing a no-refund policy and mandating guests to purchase trip insurance, emphasizing the importance of preparing for any eventualities. Further into our discussion, Sarah explores a variety of legal services essential for retreat hosts, including contract templates, tailored legal advice, and trademark registration. The conversation highlights the significance of securing vendor contracts that protect both retreat hosts and their vendors by setting clear expectations for services provided. Additionally, for those considering co-hosting retreats, Sarah advises on the necessity of a partnership agreement to prevent potential disputes and ensure smooth operation. The episode wraps up with a consensus on the importance of acting decisively to safeguard one's brand and business in the retreat industry. Shannon shares her plans to incorporate this valuable information into her retreat offerings and stresses that treating retreats as serious business ventures with proper legal documentation is non-negotiable for success and security. Stay tuned for actionable insights and expert advice to legally protect your retreat business and ensure its long-term prosperity. Connect with Sarah 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: | |
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EP 215 Essential Estate Planning for Business Owners with Oscar Vasquez
03/27/2025
EP 215 Essential Estate Planning for Business Owners with Oscar Vasquez
Welcome to our latest episode where we delve into the crucial topic of estate planning and business continuity with Oscar Vasquez, a state planning software coordinator. This discussion is not just for personal asset management but is especially tailored for entrepreneurs who wish to secure their business's future. Estate Planning and Business Continuity Oscar kicks off our discussion by emphasizing the importance of having solid estate plans in place, which includes everything from wills to detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He shares an enlightening story about a bakery owner who successfully protected his business for future generations through meticulous legacy planning. The conversation, however, highlights that while Oscar's company provides software solutions for such planning, they do not directly integrate SOPs into their systems or templates. Living Trust and Affordable Legal Assistance Understanding the concept of a living trust can be daunting. Oscar breaks it down simply as a contract meant to safeguard one’s assets for their beneficiaries, bypassing the need for lengthy probate hearings and avoiding hefty taxes. He proudly discusses how their service fills the gap between costly attorney fees and often insufficient DIY solutions, offering a middle-ground service that's both comprehensive and financially accessible. Software Solutions for Trust Management The benefits of using specialized software for trust management are vast. Oscar shares how their platform allows for unlimited changes, enabling users to adjust their plans as life situations evolve. He shares a touching story of a young couple using the trust to start saving for their future grandchildren's education, illustrating the personal and proactive nature of estate planning. Navigating Probate and Protecting Your Legacy Oscar explains the often misunderstood process of probate, detailing how it can expose estates to public scrutiny and potential scams, and significantly delay beneficiaries' access to bequeathed assets. To underscore the importance of a well-structured estate plan, he offers a discount code for listeners looking to start their journey in safeguarding their business and personal assets. Closing Thoughts As we wrap up, Oscar’s insights remind us of the critical role estate planning plays not just in personal asset management but in ensuring the continuity and protection of a business. Listeners are encouraged to consider how they can apply these principles to their own business ventures to ensure a lasting legacy. Connect with Oscar Website 24/7 Client Assistant AI phone number for Audience Question 805-909-4689 Download Free comprehensive Estate Guide For the First 10 members of audience to get a living trust get a $1000 discount code for a Comprehensive Living Trust, use Discount Code: LEADERS 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: | |
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EP 214 Harnessing the Power of Storytelling in Retreat Leadership with Aleya Harris
03/20/2025
EP 214 Harnessing the Power of Storytelling in Retreat Leadership with Aleya Harris
In 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 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 Aleya is an international award-winning speaker, the founder and lead trainer of , and the host of the award-winning . 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. 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: | |
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EP 213 Exploring Mother-Daughter Bonds and Equine Yoga with Casie Hall
03/13/2025
EP 213 Exploring Mother-Daughter Bonds and Equine Yoga with Casie Hall
Join us in this insightful episode as Shannon Jamail talks with Casie, a renowned yoga studio owner and retreat leader, who shares her unique journey through the realms of yoga and entrepreneurship. Together, they delve into the intricacies of hosting mother-daughter yoga retreats and the profound impact these experiences have on participants. Casie's Yoga Retreat Experiences: Casie discusses the evolution of her career from opening a yoga studio to leading specialized retreats. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs she has encountered, particularly in hosting retreats designed for mothers and daughters. These retreats focus on strengthening bonds through shared yoga practices and activities, ensuring a balance of connection and independence. Casie reveals her plans to further refine the retreat format to enhance the experience for future events. Equine Yoga Training Program: The conversation shifts to Casie's innovative Equine Yoga Training Program available on her website, nectarflowyoga.com. This unique program combines traditional yoga with equine-assisted activities, designed to deepen the yogic practice through interaction with horses. Casie explains the structure of the program, which caters to both new learners and seasoned yoga instructors looking to add 55 CEU hours through Yoga Alliance. She highlights upcoming retreat opportunities for hands-on learning and personal growth in the serene setting of her ranch. Community Engagement and Future Plans: Casie also discusses her commitment to the yoga community by hosting monthly public classes at her ranch, which serve as a gateway for individuals interested in exploring equine yoga. Looking ahead, she shares her excitement for the next in-person retreat scheduled for May and another session in December, inviting all yoga enthusiasts to join and experience the transformational power of her programs. Closing Remarks: Shannon wraps up the episode by expressing her admiration for Casie’s dedication to blending yoga with meaningful personal connections and her innovative approach to retreat leadership. Listeners are encouraged to explore Casie's programs and consider attending her retreats to experience firsthand the benefits of this unique yoga practice. Join Casie and Shannon as they explore the transformative impact of yoga retreats on personal and familial relationships, and the exciting opportunities within the equine yoga space. Learn More: Instagram: @nectarflowyoga 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: | |
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EP 212 The Art of Attraction and Repulsion: Crafting Your Retreat Website
03/06/2025
EP 212 The Art of Attraction and Repulsion: Crafting Your Retreat Website
Welcome to today's episode where we explore the pivotal role your retreat website plays in attracting the right guests and repelling those who aren't a fit. It's about more than just filling spaces—it's about creating an environment where every participant is precisely where they need to be. Why Repulsion Is as Important as Attraction In the retreat business, it's crucial to understand that not every interested person should become a guest. Tailoring your website’s message helps ensure that only those aligned with the retreat's goals feel compelled to attend, while those looking for something different know to look elsewhere. This focus prevents future dissatisfaction and creates a harmonious group dynamic that enhances the retreat experience for everyone. Segment 1: Targeted Messaging for Ideal Guests Your website should communicate directly to your desired attendees. For instance, if your retreat is aimed at women seeking spiritual growth, your message should clearly invite those who are looking for deep spiritual work and subtly discourage those in search of a light vacation. This targeted approach helps in attracting a like-minded audience, ensuring that every participant is engaged and invested in the retreat’s offerings. Segment 2: Defining Who Your Retreat Is Not For Being explicit about who should not attend can be just as important as detailing who should. Clearly stating who the retreat isn't for can prevent potential misalignment and ensure that your guests are harmoniously matched with what you offer, enhancing satisfaction for both you and them. Segment 3: Tone and Imagery The tone and imagery of your website should reflect the nature of your retreat. Whether it's bold and energetic or calm and soothing, make sure your language and visuals resonate with the energy of the experience you’re offering. This coherence between what you portray and what you deliver is key to meeting and exceeding expectations. Segment 4: Clear Calls to Action Make it easy for the right people to take the next step. Whether it’s applying, booking a spot, or joining a waitlist, clear calls to action reduce hurdles in the conversion process, making it seamless for guests to commit. Conclusion: Clarity in Marketing Ultimately, the most effective retreat websites are those that dare to be clear and specific. They understand their audience and speak directly to them, setting the stage for retreats filled with guests who are exactly right for what you offer. Tune in as we dive deeper into each of these aspects, providing you with actionable insights to enhance your retreat website and ensure it works effectively as the first filter in creating transformative retreat experiences. 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: | |
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EP 211 From Scarcity to Abundance with Dr. Nona Djavid
02/27/2025
EP 211 From Scarcity to Abundance with Dr. Nona Djavid
In today's episode, we dive into the compelling journey of Dr. Nona Djavid, who moved to the US at 16 and transformed her early struggles into a flourishing career by embracing entrepreneurship from a place of abundance rather than scarcity. Journey from Scarcity to Abundance: Nona shares her initial steps into entrepreneurship, which were motivated by necessity and scarcity. She recounts her experience of starting her first business as a tutor and how it led her to open a successful chiropractic practice. However, despite its success, Nona faced burnout fueled by a fear-based mindset. This realization prompted her to delve into neurology and ancient wisdom, reshaping her approach to business into one driven by joy and abundance. Pivoting and Finding New Paths: Both Nona and host Shannon explore the emotional and practical aspects of pivoting in their careers. They discuss the importance of recognizing when a current path is no longer fulfilling and the courage it takes to pursue new directions. Nona shares insights from teaching quantum leaps, helping others navigate significant changes in their lives and careers. Addressing Money Mindset Challenges: The conversation shifts to the common financial challenges retreat leaders face, focusing on money mindset and its impact on business success. Nona introduces practical tools such as journaling and mental rehearsals to help shift perceptions of self-worth and financial potential. They discuss strategies for overcoming mental blocks to embrace a healthier relationship with money. Nona's Retreats: Unique Experiences, Cultural Significance: Nona details her approach to designing retreats that offer transformative experiences with a strong cultural component. She explains her preference for non-all-inclusive models that allow participants to engage more deeply with the local community, enhancing both the cultural significance and the economic benefits to the area. Aligning Energy with Personal Passions: The discussion concludes on the topic of aligning one's energy with their passions, both in personal and professional realms. Nona and Shannon talk about the importance of being present and making conscious decisions that resonate with one's true desires, which they agree is crucial for personal satisfaction and business success. Closing Remarks: Nona encourages listeners to connect with her on Instagram for additional resources and offers a free guide on quantum leaps for those who reach out to her directly. Shannon wraps up by highlighting the key takeaways from the discussion and thanking Nona for her profound insights and practical advice. Listeners can look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how integrating principles of abundance and mindfulness into their business practices can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Learn More: LinkedIn: Instagram: @nonadjavid 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: | |
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EP 210 Retreats with a Purpose: How to Make a Difference While Making a Profit
02/20/2025
EP 210 Retreats with a Purpose: How to Make a Difference While Making a Profit
Welcome to "Retreats with a Purpose: How to Make a Difference While Making a Profit," where we delve into the compelling ways retreat leaders can weave social responsibility into their business models. This episode is dedicated to those who see the potential for retreats to serve not just as gateways to personal growth but as platforms for meaningful societal contributions. Partnering with Non-Profits First up, we explore the strategic partnerships between retreats and non-profits. Learn how aligning with a cause that resonates with your retreat's theme can amplify the impact on both your attendees and the non-profit's goals. For instance, a mindfulness retreat could partner with a mental health organization to deepen the impact through combined efforts in wellness promotion. These partnerships not only enrich the retreat experience but also extend the reach and effectiveness of the non-profit's mission. We'll share success stories, like a retreat that included conservation efforts, enhancing participant engagement and helping the local environment. Implementing Scholarship Programs Next, we discuss the transformational power of scholarship programs. Offering scholarships makes retreats accessible to those who might otherwise miss out on such life-changing opportunities. We'll cover how to set up a scholarship fund, including eligibility criteria and funding strategies. Success stories from scholarship recipients will highlight the profound impact these opportunities can have on individuals and their communities, showcasing the ripple effect of generosity. Sourcing Locally and Ethically Our third segment focuses on the importance of local and ethical sourcing. This practice not only supports local economies but also ensures that retreats offer authentic and sustainable experiences. We'll talk about how to choose local vendors and ethical suppliers that align with your retreat's values, and share case studies that demonstrate the positive effects of these choices on both the retreat experience and local communities. Community Service Activities Integrating community service into retreat programs can profoundly enrich the retreat experience, turning a simple getaway into a deeply fulfilling journey. We'll explore different types of service activities that fit various retreat themes, such as environmental initiatives or educational programs. Feedback from both participants and local communities will highlight the mutual benefits of these integrations. Financial Donations Lastly, we'll tackle the role of financial donations in enhancing retreat appeal and impact. Allocating a portion of profits to charitable causes not only supports community projects but also positions your retreat as a socially responsible choice for potential attendees. We'll discuss effective strategies for marketing this aspect and share examples of how these donations have made lasting impacts. This episode is packed with insights from fellow retreat leaders who have successfully integrated these socially responsible practices into their operations, proving that it's possible to make a profit while making a difference. Join us to learn how you can transform your retreat into a powerful force for good. 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: | |
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EP. 209 Opening a retreat venue in Tuscany with Franziska
02/13/2025
EP. 209 Opening a retreat venue in Tuscany with Franziska
Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Borgo Belsedere, a 1000-year-old medieval villa in Tuscany, Italy, transformed into a modern retreat venue by Franziska Leissner and her team. Discover how they've melded sustainability with historical charm to create a unique retreat experience. Venue Introduction: Franziska Leissner, a partner at Borgo Belsedere, delves into the history and transformation of the villa. Originally a medieval structure, the villa has been lovingly renovated to serve as a serene retreat location while retaining its Tuscan authenticity. Development Journey: The transformation journey began 1.5 years ago, with Franziska initially joining as a volunteer before recognizing the site's potential as a retreat venue. She discusses the collaborative efforts with co-partner Dorothea and property owner Martin to renovate 11 guest rooms and develop communal spaces, including a new piazza and over 1000 new plantings. The project's ambitious timeline aimed to welcome guests within six months of commencement. Retreats and Success: Shortly after the renovations, Borgo Belsedere hosted seven successful retreats, showcasing the venue's appeal. Franziska shares insights into the marketing strategies employed before the venue's completion, including video tours that helped build trust and anticipation among potential guests. Facilities and Offerings: The venue features 11 versatile rooms that can accommodate up to 22 guests, an industrial kitchen, and the option for guests to engage local caterers or bring their own chefs. Borgo Belsedere enriches guests' experiences with local activities such as truffle hunts, wine tastings, and cooking classes. Franziska highlights ongoing developments, including the addition of a pizza oven to enhance event offerings. Looking Forward: Plans for expanding Borgo Belsedere's facilities continue, with a focus on integrating more amenities and services to enrich guest stays. Franziska invites listeners to book their retreats and experience the unique blend of history and modern luxury that Borgo Belvedere offers. About Franziska Leissner Business & Property Development / Management Franziska and her business partner Dorothea are the visionary minds driving the transformation of Borgo Belsedere into a unique retreat and event destination. With a shared background in international strategic business, they quickly identified the hidden potential of this magical Tuscan estate. Their expertise extends from property development and construction management to interior design, as well as holistic business and brand building including marketing, sales, and operations. Dorothea draws on over 12 years of international experience in business and brand building, including co-founding an NGO promoting art and culture. Franziska brings over seven years of international experience in marketing, driving product positioning across different industries and leading strategies that strengthen brands and empower teams. Together, they are creating a retreat location that seamlessly blends creativity, functionality, and inspiration—a place where connection and growth thrive. Learn More: https://www.borgo-belsedere.com/ Instagram: @borgo_belsedere The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Our are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business! Want live coaching? Our memberships have that too! Plus when you join our you get access to our HIGH demand (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!). Other ways to grow: 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: | |
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EP.208 Understanding Retreat Pricing with Erin Haag
02/06/2025
EP.208 Understanding Retreat Pricing with Erin Haag
Join host Shannon Jamail as she delves into the nuanced world of retreat pricing with expert Erin Haag. They explore the dynamic between price-conscious and value-driven buyers, and the strategies for setting retreat prices that reflect the true value of the experience. Retreat Pricing Insights: Price vs. Value Shoppers: Erin outlines that retreats priced under $5,000 tend to attract price shoppers focused on budget, whereas retreats with a higher price tag draw in those who value the experience over cost. Shannon reflects on her own pricing strategies that range from $3,000 to $7,000, aligning with the type of clients she aims to attract. Impact of Economic Fluctuations: They discuss how premium-priced retreats remain stable even during economic shifts, highlighting the resilience of targeting value-driven consumers. Strategic Pricing Approaches: Setting Higher Prices: Erin and Shannon talk about the importance of pricing retreats to not only cover costs but to ensure profitability. This approach helps in adequately supporting attendees and sustaining the business. Consultation and Profit Goals: Erin shares her consulting firm’s strategy aiming for at least $25,000 profit per retreat with a 50% margin, advocating for setting ambitious financial targets to reflect the value offered. Industry Pricing Norms: Valuing Services Appropriately: The discussion underscores the importance of not undervaluing one's services. Erin emphasizes the broader impact of appropriate pricing, particularly how women reinvest in their communities. Gender Disparities in Pricing: Observations are shared about how male retreat organizers often set higher prices for similar offerings, stirring a conversation about recognizing and asserting the worth of one's services. Overcoming Pricing Challenges: Addressing Low Pricing Issues: They highlight how underpricing can lead to cancellations and insufficient profitability. By evaluating past data and acknowledging the comprehensive effort required to plan and execute retreats, retreat leaders can better understand their value. Advice for Retreat Leaders: Erin provides practical advice for aligning price with value, ensuring that the transformative experience promised at retreats is effectively communicated and priced. Concluding Thoughts: Value Beyond Price: The episode wraps up with a focus on how retreats provide transformational experiences far exceeding the offerings of typical vacations or trips. This unique aspect should be a major factor in pricing strategy. Direct Engagement with Erin: Shannon closes by discussing how listeners can connect with Erin to refine their marketing strategies to appeal to value-focused demographics. Learn More: Listeners interested in improving their retreat pricing strategies or seeking personalized advice can reach out to Erin through provided contact details in the show notes. Connect with Erin https://luxuryinbusinessretreats.com/ Instagram: @pricingoverhaul 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: | |
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EP. 207 Sales Mastery for Retreat Leaders with Nikki Rausch
01/30/2025
EP. 207 Sales Mastery for Retreat Leaders with Nikki Rausch
Join us in this enlightening episode where Nikki Rausch, a veteran sales professional, unravels the intrinsic link between sales and retreat leadership. Nikki delves into the art of selling as a crucial skill for retreat leaders, breaking down common sales pitfalls and emphasizing the strategic engagement of potential buyers. Embracing the Sales Role Nikki points out that many retreat leaders may not recognize themselves as salespeople, yet mastering sales techniques is essential for the success of their events. She stresses the importance of seeing every retreat leader as inherently involved in sales, encouraging a proactive approach to acquiring sales skills. Navigating Sales Strategies and Pitfalls Throughout the discussion, Nikki identifies key mistakes retreat leaders make, such as skipping essential sales steps and failing to notice buying signals. She advocates for cultivating curiosity to build interest and securing explicit permission from prospects, ensuring meaningful and respectful interactions. Audience Targeting and Client Selection Nikki uses the analogy of retreats being like a pristine liquid that should not be muddied by "dirt," representing misaligned attendees. She underscores targeting the right audience to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the retreat. The concept of "bless and release" is introduced for clients who do not fit, advising retreat leaders to maintain the quality and specific focus of their retreats without compromise. Empowering Retreat Leaders with Resources To help retreat leaders enhance their sales acumen, Nikki offers a free ebook, "Closing the Sale," available through her website. This resource is designed to bolster confidence in consultation calls and refine the sales approach, tailored specifically for retreat leaders aiming to perfect their craft. By the end of this session, retreat leaders are encouraged to acknowledge their role as salespeople, clearly define their target audience, and utilize Nikki's expert strategies to elevate their retreat offerings. Don't miss out on transforming your retreat leadership with seasoned sales strategies from Nikki Rausch! About Nikki: Nikki Rausch integrates her 25+ years of experience selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA, sharing with her clients the same approaches that led to her shattering sales records in her industry and receiving multiple “top producer” awards along the way. A business degree from the University of Washington and her master certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming mesh perfectly to create a powerful foundation upon which Nikki built tremendous sales skills and now provides enormous benefits for her clients. Nikki has received numerous sales awards, shattered sales records across industries, and was featured in Female Entrepreneur Magazine. A sought-after speaker, she regularly shares the results of success through illuminating keynote addresses and business-changing workshops. Her robust Sales Maven Society ignites game-changing outcomes for clients. Many of whom have also reaped the benefits of her immersive VIP consultations. Nikki’s are available on Amazon. And her , can be found on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Nikki: Instagram: @your_sales_maven Free Offering from Nikki: Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Our are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business! Want live coaching? Our memberships have that too! Plus when you join our you get access to our HIGH demand (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!). Other ways to grow: Subscribe: | |
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EP. 206 Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Retreats with Chelle Swierz from Topia Retreat Center
01/23/2025
EP. 206 Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Retreats with Chelle Swierz from Topia Retreat Center
In this enlightening episode, Shannon Jamail sits down with Shelly Swierz, a seasoned yoga instructor and the visionary behind Topia Boutique Retreat Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Shelly brings over 15 years of yoga teaching experience and shares invaluable insights into the world of retreat hosting. Topia's Mission and Setting Topia Boutique Retreat Center is dedicated to facilitating profound community connections for leaders. Nestled near the Pacific Ocean and conveniently close to Cabo San Lucas airport, the center is designed to support retreat leaders fully, from planning stages to execution, ensuring a seamless experience. Common Mistakes by Retreat Hosts Shelly discusses the pitfalls many retreat hosts encounter, such as overlooking the importance of building personal relationships and engaging deeply with their community. Other common mistakes include poor timing for retreats, inadequate guest preparation, and relying too heavily on social media for promotion rather than fostering real-life interactions. Best Practices for Hosting Retreats The conversation shifts to best practices that can dramatically improve the success of a retreat. Key strategies include: Over-communicating with guests to prepare them fully for what to expect, Choosing the right dates avoiding major holidays or adverse weather conditions, Engaging in one-on-one conversations to build trust and ensure alignment of expectations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuances of retreat hosting and how to elevate their offerings to create unforgettable experiences for participants. Connect with Topia Instagram: @topiaretreat Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Our are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business! Want live coaching? Our memberships have that too! Plus when you join our you get access to our HIGH demand (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!). Other ways to grow: Subscribe: | |
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EP 205 A Masterclass on Retreat Strategies with Kyera Kacey
01/16/2025
EP 205 A Masterclass on Retreat Strategies with Kyera Kacey
In this enlightening episode, host Shannon Jamail sits down with Kyera Kacey, a trailblazer in the personal development industry since the age of 17. Kyera, who opened her first office at 24 and launched her retreat business in 2022, dives into the details of her unique approach to retreat planning. The discussion kicks off with her debut retreat in Ireland, which she daringly announced with minimal prior planning and impressively sold out very quickly. Kyera discusses her pricing strategies, which began at $17,000 for her initial retreat, scaling up to $55,000 for subsequent luxury experiences. She shares insights into the importance of self-belief and conviction in achieving sales success, integrating her 'Rich Bitch' methodology and leveraging the 'power of nine' to cultivate financial abundance and self-worth. The conversation also covers her recent luxury retreat in Tulum, which provided a transformative experience for a small group of women, incorporating elements like private mentorship and mastermind sessions. Kyera emphasizes the importance of creating retreats that genuinely make a difference, urging retreat leaders to transcend limitations and focus on service rather than just profit. Shannon and Kyera discuss the nuanced dynamics of pricing and the importance of maintaining a reciprocal relationship with money. The episode wraps up with a discussion on their personal experiences in Tulum and the attitudes encountered in some retreat-hosting communities. Key takeaways for retreat leaders include embracing innovative strategies, understanding the profound impact of self-belief in setting prices, and the importance of creating meaningful, transformative retreat experiences. About Kyera: Kyera Kacey is a bold, unapologetic force in personal and professional transformation. Known for her no-BS approach, she combines fierce love with intuition and decades of experience, inviting her audience to break through their most profound barriers. Kyera isn’t afraid to tackle taboo topics or challenge societal norms—she shows up exactly as she is: provocative and powerful. At her events, expect raw, unfiltered truth, explosive energy, and a transformative journey that will forever change you. Connect with Kyera: Instagram: @kyerakacey Free Offering from Kyera: Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Our are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business! Want live coaching? Our memberships have that too! Plus when you join our you get access to our HIGH demand (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!). Other ways to grow: Subscribe: | |
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EP 204 True Manifestation for Retreat Leaders
01/09/2025
EP 204 True Manifestation for Retreat Leaders
Hey everyone! Today’s episode is especially exciting because I’m sharing something I’ve been pouring my heart into for quite some time – my Manifestation Course: Unlock Your Power, Attract Your Desires, and Manifest a Life You Love in Just 7 Days! If you’re a retreat leader, coach, healer, or anyone guiding others toward their dreams, you’ll want to stick around for this episode. Manifestation isn’t just for personal goals – it’s a powerful tool to enhance every area of life, including your career, business, and the experiences you create for others. What is Manifestation? Let’s start by diving into what manifestation really is. Manifestation is about more than just visualizing what you want or setting an intention. Those are important steps, but true manifestation involves aligning your energy, setting focused intentions, and taking inspired action. It’s a powerful process that connects your thoughts, emotions, and actions to the outcomes you desire. If you’re listening to this, you’re probably someone who’s already dedicated to growth, both for yourself and for others. You might be leading retreats, building a community, or simply trying to grow your own personal life in alignment with your purpose. Manifestation can be a game-changer – not just for personal goals, but for creating the career, impact, and experiences you want for your clients and participants. My Journey with Manifestation Now, I’ll be honest – this wasn’t always something I felt confident about. Over a decade ago, I doubted my worth, felt overwhelmed by my goals, and struggled to believe I could actually create the life I envisioned. I remember feeling paralyzed by all the "what ifs" and waiting for that “perfect moment” to come along. And I know so many of you have felt that too. But everything changed when I slowly developed a structured approach to manifesting, a way to move beyond just dreaming and into doing. And here’s the real kicker – over the past ten years, I’ve been able to manifest almost everything I desired, from my dream retreat center to building a fulfilling career that supports not only me but my family and all the incredible people I’ve met through this work. And that’s exactly why I created this course. To teach YOU how to manifest whatever it is you want for yourself and the people you serve. Why Manifestation is Powerful for Retreat Leaders Now, I want to speak directly to my fellow retreat leaders. You all are visionaries, people who hold space for others to grow, heal, and transform. But to truly serve from a place of abundance and alignment, we need to be clear and intentional about our own path. Imagine how powerful it would be to walk into every retreat you lead with the confidence that you’re aligned with your purpose, your desires, and your own personal abundance. Manifestation isn’t just a personal practice; it’s also a practice that can elevate every retreat experience. When you’re aligned, your energy will attract clients who are aligned with you. You’ll create a space that draws in exactly the right people, the right opportunities, and even the resources you need to bring your vision to life. That’s the beauty of manifesting – it’s not just about “getting things,” it’s about creating a life and a career that’s fully aligned with who you are and what you’re meant to do. What’s Inside the Course So let’s talk about what’s inside this course. I’ve broken down the exact steps that have worked for me – steps that I’ve spent the last five months testing and refining with a group of incredible individuals. Here’s what you can expect: A Prep Work Guide This is where you’ll start. We get you grounded and help you set strong intentions for the journey. It’s all about creating the mental and emotional space for manifestation, so you’re ready to dive deep. A Step-by-Step Manifestation Guide This is the roadmap. Every day, you’ll have a specific, simple activity to keep you on track and ensure your energy is aligned and your focus is sharp. This isn’t about guesswork – it’s a structured approach that makes manifestation achievable and tangible. 7 Days of Videos, Meditations, and Worksheets Each day, you’ll also get a video and guided meditations to reinforce the day’s theme, along with a worksheet to help you reflect and clarify your intentions. These tools are designed to get you fully engaged and connected with your goals. Additional Resources Beyond the core course, I’ve included activities and exercises specifically for identifying and releasing blocks that may be holding you back. These are the same tools I use whenever I feel like I need to realign or reconnect with my vision. Lifetime Access And this is a big one – you get lifetime access. That means anytime you want to go through the course again or need a refresher, it’s there for you. Plus, as I add new modules and content, you’ll receive those updates automatically. How Manifesting Can Transform Your Life – and Your Retreats I want you to imagine for a moment what it would feel like to move through your days knowing that everything you want is flowing toward you, that you’re completely in alignment with your vision, and that you have the power to create not only a life you love but also experiences that empower and transform others. For retreat leaders, this is a game-changer. Think about the impact on your retreats – the energy you bring, the clients you attract, the opportunities that come your way. When you’re manifesting from a place of abundance and alignment, it’s like a magnet. Your energy is contagious, and people feel that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. How to Get Started Now, here’s the best part: for y’all I’m offering 25% off the course using code MANIFEST25. I want you to experience the power of manifesting for yourself, and I’m so excited to be able to share it at this special rate. So, if you’re ready to take your dreams from “someday” to “right now,” join me on this journey. This course will guide you every step of the way, giving you the tools and confidence to manifest the life – and the career – that you deserve. Let’s make 2025 YOUR year. Visit I know that when we’re aligned and abundant, we can create spaces of healing, growth, and empowerment for others. I can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll manifest, both for yourself and those you serve. Thank you so much for joining me today, and as always, I’m sending you so much love. Let’s start manifesting the life you love – together. Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Our are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business! Want live coaching? Our memberships have that too! Plus when you join our you get access to our HIGH demand (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!). Other ways to grow: Subscribe: | |
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