The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Hosted by Shannon Jamail

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Oct 2026

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Welcome to The Retreat Leaders Podcast, a top 2% global podcast for retreat leaders, venue owners, and entrepreneurs building powerful retreat businesses. Hosted by Shannon Jamail of Retreat Ranch, this show shares real conversations, expert strategy, and behind-the-scenes insights from leaders in the retreat industry. From marketing and pricing to guest experience, operations, and avoiding expensive mistakes, you'll learn what it really takes to host retreats that are both transformational and profitable. Whether you're planning your first retreat or scaling an established retreat business, this podcast will help you lead with confidence and grow with intention. Learn more at https://theretreatleadersplaybook.com/

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October 29, 2026Episode 29040 min

EP 290 Create the Retreat You Wish Existed: Finding Your Niche with Natalie Beer

What if the retreat you've been searching for is actually the retreat you're supposed to create? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Natalie Beer, UK-based retreat leader and founder of Wild at Heart Retreats, to talk about creating the retreat you wish existed and why finding your niche might be one of the most important decisions you make as a retreat leader. Too many retreat leaders start by looking at what everyone else is doing. Another yoga retreat. Another wellness weekend. Another beautiful destination with a packed itinerary. But what if the best retreat ideas come from something much more personal? Something you wish you could experience yourself. Shannon and Natalie explore how personal experiences, interests, and unmet needs can inspire unique retreat concepts, and how to turn those ideas into experiences other people actually want to attend. They also dig into retreat themes versus retreat niches, why trying to appeal to everyone often means connecting with no one, and how to determine whether your creative retreat idea has a real audience. Natalie also shares a unique perspective after recently attending one of Shannon's retreats through a work exchange at Retreat Ranch. As a retreat leader herself, she had the opportunity to experience another leader's retreat from behind the scenes, gaining a different perspective on what goes into creating meaningful experiences. Whether you're planning your first retreat, struggling to differentiate your existing retreats, or sitting on an idea that feels a little too different, this episode is a reminder that your uniqueness might be your greatest business advantage. Because the goal isn't to create another retreat. It's to create the right retreat for the right people. In This Episode You'll Learn Why some of the best retreat ideas begin with personal experiences How to create the retreat you wish existed The difference between a retreat theme and a retreat niche Why a yoga retreat or women's retreat isn't necessarily a defined niche How to identify the specific person your retreat is designed for How to determine whether your retreat idea has actual market demand Why trying to appeal to everyone can hurt your bookings How to create a unique retreat experience without copying competitors What retreat leaders can learn from attending and working other retreats Why being willing to try something different can help your retreat stand out How to build confidence around a retreat idea that hasn't been done before Key Takeaways 1. Create From Experience, Not Just Trends Some of the most interesting retreat ideas come from something you personally wish existed. Maybe it's an experience you needed during a particular season of life. Maybe it's a combination of activities you haven't seen offered together. Or maybe it's a community you wish someone had created. That personal connection can become a powerful starting point. But inspiration alone isn't enough. You still need to know whether others want the experience too. 2. A Theme Is Not Necessarily a Niche A yoga retreat is a theme. A women's retreat is a broad category. But a retreat specifically designed for newly divorced women in their 50s who want to rebuild confidence, make friends, and rediscover adventure? Now we're getting somewhere. Your niche helps identify who the retreat is for and why they need it. 3. Don't Be Afraid to Get Specific Retreat leaders sometimes resist niching because they're afraid of excluding potential guests. But specificity can actually make it easier for the right people to recognize themselves in your offer. You don't need everyone. You need the people who look at your retreat and think, "Holy crap. This is exactly what I've been looking for." 4. Personal Passion Still Needs Market Validation Just because you love an idea doesn't mean people will pay for it. Before committing to a venue or putting down deposits, research your audience. Talk to potential guests. Ask questions. Understand their needs. Test the concept. The sweet spot is where your passion meets a real need and a willingness to pay. 5. Retreat Leaders Should Experience Other Retreats Natalie's experience attending Shannon's retreat through a work exchange offers an important lesson. Even experienced retreat leaders can learn by stepping into someone else's retreat. Observe the logistics, activities, communication, transitions, and guest experience. There's tremendous value in being willing to learn from other people in your industry. 6. Your Difference Can Be Your Advantage The retreat industry doesn't need another carbon copy of what's already out there. It needs leaders willing to create meaningful experiences for specific people. Sometimes the very thing that makes your idea unusual is what makes it valuable. About Natalie Beer: https://www.wildatheartretreats.co.uk/ The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Get your retreat Audited. My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------------- TIMESTAMPS Meet Natalie Beer and Wild at Heart Retreats (00:00:53) Shannon introduces Natalie, her Wales-based retreat brand, and its wilderness-inspired escapes. How Wild at Heart Began (00:03:42) Natalie describes creating retreats that reflect her interests in outdoor adventure, good food, and relaxed hospitality. Creating a Western-Themed Retreat (00:11:01) Natalie outlines the Welsh venue, live music, moonshine tasting, and Southern-inspired food planned for her retreat. Making Space for Rest and Optional Activities (00:18:16) They discuss avoiding overpacked schedules and letting guests choose which activities suit them. Retreat Leaders Mastermind Promotion (00:20:06) Shannon shares details about her retreat leader mastermind and a podcast listener discount. Lessons Natalie Took from Attending a Retreat (00:21:40) Natalie reflects on optional activities, creative spaces, and the value of experiencing retreats as a guest. Learning Not to Take Attendance Personally (00:22:49) Natalie discusses feeling rejected when guests skip her sessions and learning to honor their choices. Why Retreat Hosts Need to Attend Retreats (00:25:18) Shannon explains how attending retreats helps hosts learn, stay authentic, and practice what they teach. Getting Help and Resting as a Host (00:28:28) They discuss solo-hosting challenges, delegating tasks, building a team, and making time to recharge. Natalie's Tips for Building a Retreat (00:34:40) Natalie shares advice on testing ideas, building a waitlist, asking for help, word-of-mouth marketing, and collaboration. Local Partnerships and Community Connections (00:38:18) They discuss collaborations that add expertise, local culture, and community support to retreat experiences. Closing and Where to Find Natalie (00:39:15) Shannon encourages listeners to explore Natalie's upcoming retreats and closes the conversation.

October 22, 2026Episode 28927 min

EP 289 Your Retreat Isn't the Problem. Your Messaging Might Be with Lucy Bedewi

You've created an incredible retreat. Beautiful venue. Thoughtful itinerary. Amazing activities. Great food. You post about it and people tell you: "OMG, this sounds AMAZING!" But they're not booking. The problem might not be your retreat. It might be your messaging. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with brand messaging strategist and copywriter Lucy Bedewi , founder of My Write Hand Woman , to talk about the difference between words that sound pretty and words that actually make people take action. Lucy has built her business around helping brands articulate what makes them different and create personality-packed messaging designed to sell, including sales pages that have generated six figures in revenue. mywritehandwoman.com Your potential guest doesn't need another beautifully written paragraph about escaping the noise, reconnecting with their authentic self, and experiencing transformation in a magical sanctuary. They need to understand: Is this for me? Do you understand what I'm struggling with or craving? What will I actually get from this experience? Why this retreat? Why you? And why should I book NOW? Shannon and Lucy dig into retreat messaging, brand voice, benefits versus features, finding the language your customers actually use, personality in copy, AI-generated messaging, and some of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make on their sales pages. Because "That sounds amazing!" isn't the goal. "This is for me. Where do I book?" is. In This Episode You'll Learn Key Takeaways Good Writing and Good Copy Aren't the Same Thing You can write something beautiful that does absolutely nothing for your business. Good copy has a job. It helps the right person understand what you're offering, why it matters to them, and what they should do next. Your Retreat Isn't the Main Character Your guest is. Retreat leaders naturally want to talk about the venue, workshops, food, activities and itinerary. But your potential guest is asking: "What does any of this mean for ME?" Your messaging needs to answer that. Stop Selling Features Morning yoga is a feature. A sound bath is a feature. Three nights at a gorgeous retreat venue is a feature. The benefit is what those things allow your guest to feel, experience, change, or become. That's what you're selling. Specific Beats Pretty Generic retreat language is everywhere. Reconnect. Transform. Empower. Align. Heal. They're not necessarily bad words, but without specificity, they tell your buyer very little. Lucy emphasizes clear differentiation and articulating exactly why someone should choose your brand instead of leaving your value vague. mywritehandwoman.com Personality Is Part of Your Brand Your copy shouldn't suddenly sound like a completely different person because you're selling something. The way you speak, think, teach, joke, challenge and connect can be part of what makes someone choose YOU. AI Should Help You Sound More Like You, Not More Like AI AI can be an incredible brainstorming and writing tool. But generic input creates generic output. Give AI your voice, opinions, stories, customer language, differentiators and point of view. Then EDIT. "Sounds Amazing" Isn't Conversion Compliments don't fill retreats. If people consistently love the concept but don't take action, look at the messaging. Do they know it's for them? Do they understand the problem? Do they want the outcome? Do they trust you? Do they understand what makes this different? Do they know what to do next? About Lucy Bedewi Lucy Bedewi is the brand messaging strategist and copywriter behind My Write Hand Woman . She helps businesses develop clear, differentiated, personality-packed messaging and sales copy designed to turn potential customers into buyers. Lucy has scaled her own business to multiple six figures, completed roughly 150 VIP copywriting days, and written sales copy that has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars. She is also the host of the Unicorn Messaging podcast. mywritehandwoman.com Learn more about Lucy at My Write Hand Woman . Instagram: @mywritehandwoman LinkedIn: @lucy-bedewi SPECIAL OFFER: Use code RETREAT for $50 off Lucy's event: https://www.theproximitymarketplace.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! Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Get your retreat Audited. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------------- TIMESTAMPS Meet Lucy, Messaging Strategist (00:00:50) Lucy explains how messaging helps retreat leaders differentiate their offers and convert potential guests. Effective Copy Versus Good Writing (00:02:11) They discuss why copy should prompt action rather than simply sound beautiful. Write for the Ideal Retreat Guest (00:04:11) They explore focusing on guests' needs and desired transformation instead of listing retreat features. Specific Messaging and the Right Audience (00:05:26) Lucy explains how precise language attracts suitable guests and avoids promising support for people the retreat isn't designed for. Using AI to Create Copy (00:07:23) Lucy shares when AI can help with ideas and editing, and why authentic messaging needs human input. Personality, Polarity, and Brand Trust (00:10:41) They discuss how generic AI content and watered-down branding can undermine trust and repel ideal buyers. Make Your Brand Attractive to the Right People (00:12:12) Lucy encourages retreat leaders to stand by their values and use distinctive messaging to signal who their offer is for. Retreat Leader Mastermind Announcement (00:13:15) Shannon promotes her twice-yearly Texas mastermind, covering retreat business strategy and peer learning. Let Your Content Attract or Repel (00:14:31) They explain how authentic personality helps draw aligned guests and avoids trying to appeal to everyone. Common Landing Page Mistakes (00:17:22) Lucy says a landing page should create an online experience that reflects what guests will feel at the retreat. What Positioning Means (00:18:16) Lucy explains how to find a distinctive place in the market through an offer's message, niche, and value. Standing Out in a Growing Retreat Market (00:19:45) They discuss increased competition and more discerning consumers making clear positioning especially important. The Proximity Marketplace Business Carnival (00:21:45) Lucy describes her Austin event, featuring interactive expert booths, one-on-one guidance, and an implementation lounge. Why the Event Prioritizes Connection and Action (00:24:15) They discuss the value of in-person conversations, collaboration, and completing practical work during an event. Event Details and Listener Discount (00:26:08) Lucy shares the November 12 Austin event details and a $50 ticket discount code for listeners. Final Advice for Retreat Leaders (00:27:11) Lucy encourages listeners to keep hosting retreats and embrace unusual ideas.

October 15, 2026Episode 28820 min

EP 288 My Retreat Business Tech Stack: The Tools My Team and I Actually Use Every Day

I love a good tool. But I don't love paying for 37 different platforms that basically do the same thing. In this solo episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , I'm opening up my actual business toolbox and sharing the platforms, apps, and resources my team and I use to run my businesses and retreats every day. These aren't random tools I found online. These are the tools we actually use. From creating marketing content and scheduling social media to managing my team, booking clients, selling retreats, hosting courses, protecting the business legally, and making sure both my guests and I are properly insured when we travel. Some are absolute must-haves . Others depend on the type and size of retreat business you're building. And one I completely forgot to mention while recording the episode: CapCut , which I use for creating and editing Reels. If you're a retreat leader or entrepreneur trying to figure out which technology and resources are actually worth using, this episode will give you a look behind the scenes of my own businesses and help you decide what belongs in yours. I am listing all the tool links below, some are affiliate links that I do earn a commission on; you can use these or go grab them on your own. The Tools I Use Canva: Content Creation If I could only keep a handful of tools, Canva would absolutely be one of them. We use it for social graphics, presentations, PDFs, retreat materials, marketing pieces, and countless other things across the businesses. For retreat leaders who aren't professional graphic designers, Canva makes it possible to create professional-looking marketing without outsourcing every single piece of content. Metricool: Social Media Management Creating content is only half the job. It also has to get published. We use Metricool to help manage and schedule social media content, which becomes increasingly important when you're marketing consistently across multiple channels and businesses. CapCut: Reels + Video Editing BONUS TOOL I forgot to mention during the recording! I use CapCut for editing Reels and short-form video. Video continues to be an important part of visibility, and CapCut makes it relatively easy to turn the videos you're already recording into polished social content. ClickUp: Team + Project Management Once you have a team, you need somewhere for the work to live besides texts, emails, and your brain. We use ClickUp to organize projects, assign responsibilities, track tasks, and keep everyone moving in the same direction. The goal isn't adding more technology. It's creating systems so everyone knows what needs to happen and who's responsible for doing it. HoneyBook: Client + Booking Management HoneyBook is one of the tools we use for managing client relationships, bookings, contracts, payments, and the administrative side of the business. For retreat leaders, having an actual system becomes increasingly important as your business grows. Retreat Guru + WeTravel: Retreat Booking Platforms Depending on the retreat and business model, dedicated retreat and travel booking platforms can make managing registrations, payments, and guest information much easier. I talk about both Retreat Guru and WeTravel and where these types of platforms can fit into a retreat business. Podia: Courses + Digital Learning Your retreat doesn't have to be your only offer. We use Podia for online courses and digital education, which is especially relevant if you're building an ecosystem around your retreats. Courses can support guests before or after a retreat, become standalone offers, or create another way for people to work with you without attending an in-person experience. Destination Legal: Contracts + Waivers This isn't the sexy part of hosting retreats. It IS the important part. Retreat leaders need to think seriously about contracts, waivers, policies, and the legal structure protecting both themselves and their businesses. Destination Legal is one of the resources I use and recommend for the legal side of retreat and travel businesses. TravelInsurance.com: Travel Insurance I require travel insurance for my guests when applicable, and I purchase it for my own travel too. Things happen. Flights get canceled. People get sick. Family emergencies happen. Weather happens. A cancellation policy doesn't replace travel insurance, and retreat leaders shouldn't become their guests' insurance company when something outside everyone's control happens. TheEventHelper.com: Event Insurance Event insurance is another important piece of risk management. We use The Event Helper for hosts who need event insurance at Retreat Ranch, and I use event insurance myself when I'm hosting at another venue when applicable. It's one of those expenses you hope you never need to use, but protecting the business needs to be part of your retreat budget and planning process. In This Episode You'll Learn The business tools my team and I actually use My go-to tools for content creation and social media How we organize projects and communicate across a team Different options for retreat booking and payments The platform I use for online courses Why contracts and waivers are non-negotiable Why I require travel insurance for applicable retreats How event insurance fits into retreat planning How technology can help you create a more scalable retreat business The bonus video-editing tool I forgot to mention while recording Key Takeaways You don't need every tool. More software doesn't automatically create a better business. Choose tools that solve an actual problem. Build systems before you desperately need them. The system that feels unnecessary with five clients may save your sanity when you have 50. Your tech stack should support the guest experience. The point isn't fancy technology. It's making booking, communication, payments, and the entire customer journey easier. Don't only invest in marketing tools. Contracts, waivers, travel insurance, and event insurance may not feel exciting, but protecting the business is part of running a professional retreat. Think beyond the retreat itself. Tools like Podia can help turn your expertise into courses, education, and offers that exist before and after the in-person experience. The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Get your retreat Audited. My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ---------- TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Top Tools (00:00:02) Shannon introduces the episode's topic: the top tools and software she and her team use to run their business. Canva for Visuals (00:02:01) Shannon praises Canva as the essential tool for creating all visual content, from social media graphics to workbooks and branding. AI Tools: ChatGPT & Claude (00:03:31) Discussion on using AI to boost content like blogs and newsletters, emphasizing it should enhance your voice, not replace it. MetriCool for Social Media (00:07:11) Shannon explains why MetriCool is her favorite social media scheduler for its reliability, ease of use, and multi-platform posting capabilities. MetriCool's "Flow" Feature (00:11:29) A breakdown of MetriCool's automated messaging feature, which responds to comments and DMs to deliver information to potential clients instantly. ClickUp for Team Management (00:13:31) Shannon shares how her team uses ClickUp, a project management tool, to stay organized, track projects, and maintain accountability. Podia for Learning Platforms (00:14:21) The speaker discusses using Podia for digital courses and products, highlighting its ease of use and affordability compared to competitors. Booking Software Options (00:15:05) An overview of booking software used, including HoneyBook, Retreat Guru, and WeTravel, explaining the pros and cons of each. Legal Documents & Waivers (00:16:41) Shannon recommends Legal Destination for contracts and waivers, stressing the importance of a lawyer familiar with the retreat industry. Travel & Event Insurance (00:17:35) A distinction between requiring travel insurance for guests and securing event insurance as a host, with recommendations for providers.

October 8, 2026Episode 28730 min

EP 287 Why You Need a Retreat Coordinator with Lily Lorenz

Who's answering the vendor's call while you're leading a workshop? Who's checking that lunch is arriving on time, making sure the next activity is ready, answering a guest's question, communicating a schedule change, and figuring out Plan B when something inevitably doesn't go according to plan? Hopefully, not you . In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with someone who knows exactly what happens behind the scenes of a retreat: Lily Lorenz , Shannon's assistant, Operations Manager at Retreat Ranch, and Retreat Activities Coordinator for Shannon's own retreats. They're pulling back the curtain on a role many retreat leaders don't realize they need until they're already overwhelmed: the retreat coordinator . Lily walks through what a retreat coordinator can handle before, during, and after a retreat , from vendor communication and activity logistics to guest questions, schedules, troubleshooting, follow-up, and all the tiny details that allow the retreat leader to stay focused on what they are actually there to do: LEAD. But hiring someone isn't enough. Shannon and Lily also talk about one of the biggest factors in making this relationship successful: communication. The host first needs to know what they actually need from their coordinator. Then they need to clearly communicate those expectations to the coordinator. Finally, guests need to understand the coordinator's role, including whether that person is their first point of contact when they have questions or issues. Because a coordinator can't protect your time and energy if everyone still comes directly to you. And now, after coordinating Shannon's retreats and seeing firsthand what makes retreats run smoothly, Lily is expanding her retreat coordination services to work with other retreat hosts as well. If you're hosting retreats and doing everything yourself, this episode may completely change the way you build your team. In This Episode You'll Learn What a retreat coordinator actually does The difference between a retreat coordinator and a co-host What a coordinator can handle before the retreat begins Why pre-retreat organization can prevent problems during the retreat What happens behind the scenes while the retreat leader is facilitating How coordinators manage vendors, activities, schedules, logistics, and guest needs Why the retreat leader shouldn't automatically be the first point of contact for every problem How to clearly define the coordinator's responsibilities Why communication between the host and coordinator is critical How to communicate the coordinator's role to retreat guests What a coordinator can handle after guests leave How operational support protects the retreat leader's time and energy When retreat leaders should consider hiring help How Lily is now helping other retreat leaders coordinate their retreats Key Takeaways 1. A Retreat Coordinator Is Not a Co-Host You may not need another person teaching your content. You may need someone making sure everything else happens. A coordinator can manage the operational side of the experience so you can focus on facilitating, connecting, and leading. 2. The Coordinator's Job Starts Long Before Guests Arrive A seamless retreat is usually the result of a lot of work guests never see. Vendor communication. Activity confirmation. Guest information. Timelines. Supplies. Transportation. Special needs. Schedules. Contingency plans. The more that's handled beforehand, the less scrambling happens during the retreat. 3. The Host Has to Define the Role You can't simply hire someone and say, "Help me with the retreat." What do you actually want them responsible for? What decisions can they make without you? What should be escalated to you? Who communicates with vendors? Who communicates with guests? Clarity creates autonomy. 4. Your Guests Need to Know the Communication Structure Too If Lily is the first point of contact for logistical issues but every guest still texts Shannon, the system doesn't work. Tell your guests who handles what. That protects the leader while giving guests a clear person who can quickly help them. 5. Great Coordination Continues During the Retreat Activities need to be ready. Vendors need to arrive. Meals need to happen. Schedules change. Guests have questions. Things go wrong. And ideally, much of it gets handled without interrupting the person leading the retreat. Seamless doesn't mean nothing went wrong. Seamless means the guests never had to experience the chaos behind it. 6. Don't Forget Post-Retreat Operations There can still be work after the last guest leaves. Vendor follow-up, lost items, loose ends, feedback, final payments, documentation, and information that should be captured before planning the next retreat. A coordinator can help close the loop instead of leaving the retreat leader with another week's worth of work. 7. Build Support Into Your Retreat Budget Don't calculate your retreat pricing and then decide afterward whether you can afford help. If operational support is necessary to deliver the experience you want, it's part of the cost of producing the retreat. Your guests paid for you to lead them. Not to watch you stand in the corner texting the caterer. Connect with Lily Connect with Lily Want Lily's help bringing the travel side of your retreat to life or supporting your experience at Retreat Ranch? Connect with her here: Retreat Hosts: Book Lily's Travel Services: Learn more + book here Book Lily at Retreat Ranch: Learn more + book here Instagram: @Lilylorenz_ and @Our.garden.within The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Get your retreat Audited. My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify --------- TIMESTAMPS Welcoming Lily Lorenz (00:00:54) Host Shannon Jamail introduces her guest, Lily Lorenz, who is her assistant, ranch operations manager, and retreat activities coordinator. Who is Lily? (00:01:52) Lily describes herself as a ray of sunshine who loves fashion, sparkle, and helping people create their dream retreats. How Shannon and Lily Met (00:02:37) Shannon shares the story of meeting Lily four years ago when Lily attended a retreat for her 21st birthday. Lily's Journey to Full-Time Team Member (00:04:07) Shannon explains how Lily went from flying in for retreats to moving to Austin and becoming a full-time team member. The Role of a Retreat Activities Coordinator (00:05:47) Lily explains what a retreat activities coordinator does, emphasizing support for the host with logistics, dietary needs, and guest communication. Why a Host Needs a Coordinator (00:08:17) Shannon discusses the importance of a coordinator, allowing the host to focus on facilitating and holding space for guests. Establishing a System with Your Coordinator (00:10:19) The importance of clear communication between the host, coordinator, and guests to ensure a smooth retreat flow is discussed. The Value of a Long-Term Coordinator (00:12:16) Shannon highlights the benefits of working with the same coordinator long-term, creating an intuitive and seamless working relationship. Pre-Retreat Preparations (00:13:30) Lily details her pre-retreat tasks, including checking accommodations, preparing goodie bags, and ensuring arrival day details are set. Podcast Sponsor Break (00:15:10) A brief interruption for a message about the host's Retreat Leader Mastermind event, including a special discount for listeners. A Day in the Life During a Retreat (00:16:12) Shannon describes their team's daily system, with Lily handling night owl duties and prepping for the following day's activities. Making Birthdays Special (00:17:40) Lily shares how they celebrate guest birthdays during retreats with special banners, flowers, personalized cards, and extra gifts. Capturing Moments and Managing Energy (00:19:04) Lily talks about her role during the retreat, which includes taking behind-the-scenes photos, managing her energy, and checking on guests. Post-Retreat Responsibilities (00:21:56) Lily explains her post-retreat work, which involves creating social media content, mailing thank you cards, and managing guest information. The Power of a Great Team (00:24:11) Shannon and Lily reflect on their growth together and the incredible, supportive dynamic of their current retreat team. Lily's Coordinator Services (00:26:13) Lily describes the services she offers to other retreat leaders, focusing on bringing energy, managing logistics, and capturing content. Conclusion and Gratitude (00:29:30) Lily and Shannon express their gratitude for each other and their journey together, concluding the insightful conversation. Podcast Outro (00:30:19) The episode concludes with an outro message, encouraging listeners to subscribe, review, and visit the website for more resources.

October 1, 2026Episode 28627 min

EP 286 How to Get Started Hosting Retreats: The Beginners Guide

You want to host a retreat. Great. But please don't start by finding a gorgeous villa in Costa Rica and putting down a deposit. There is a lot that should happen first. In this solo episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail breaks down how to get started hosting retreats, based on what she has learned from leading and hosting more than 100 retreats and owning a retreat venue. And the first step isn't picking a location, creating an itinerary, or designing a logo. It's experiencing retreats yourself. Shannon walks through seven steps aspiring retreat leaders should take to move from "I want to host a retreat someday" to creating a retreat business that is intentional, profitable, and sustainable. You'll learn Shannon's 5 P's of retreat planning , why the first three come before Place and Price, how to build confidence before jumping into a multi-day retreat, why SEO and keyword research should happen earlier than most retreat leaders realize, and how to think beyond the retreat itself to create long-term relationships and recurring revenue. If you're wondering how to start hosting retreats , this is where to begin. In This Episode You'll Learn Why you should attend a retreat before trying to lead one Why working behind the scenes at a retreat can make you a better retreat leader The first three P's you need to define: Person, Pain/Problem, and Promise How to identify exactly who your retreat is for Why your retreat should solve a specific problem instead of trying to appeal to everyone How to create a clear retreat promise Why keyword research and SEO belong at the beginning of your retreat marketing strategy How to build confidence through workshops and smaller experiences before hosting multi-day retreats How to choose a retreat location that makes sense for your guest How to calculate retreat pricing based on real numbers and profit Legal considerations including contracts, waivers, and insurance Why your business strategy shouldn't end when the retreat does How coaching, masterminds, memberships, and other offers can create sustainable revenue after a retreat The 7 Steps to Start Hosting Retreats 1. Attend a RetreatBefore you lead one, experience one. Attend more than one if you can, but at minimum, attend one as a guest. Pay attention to the experience, not just the itinerary. What worked? What didn't? How did the leader make you feel? What happened before you arrived and after you left? 2. Work a Retreat Don't let pride get in the way of experience. Some of the best retreat leaders (hell business leaders) started behind the scenes. Volunteer. Assist. Check people in. Help with food. Carry bags. Clean up. See what actually goes into creating a retreat when you're not the person sitting in the workshop. Wanna work one of our retreats? Start here: https://mindbodycomplete.com/work-exchange-program/ 3. Start With the First 3 P's Before all the pretty stuff: PERSON: Who exactly is this retreat for? I mean exactly. PAIN/PROBLEM: What is happening in their life that makes them need this experience? PROMISE: What will you help them experience, change, discover, or accomplish, and why are YOU the person to help them? How will they be different after attending your retreat? If you can't clearly answer those questions, you're not ready to build the retreat yet. 4. Build Your Keyword + SEO Strategy Don't wait until your retreat is finished to ask how you're going to market it. Research what your PERSON is actually searching for. Google. ChatGPT. YouTube. Pinterest. Build your retreat language around the words your potential guests use, not simply the words you like. 5. Build Your Confidence You don't have to start with a five-night international retreat. Start with a workshop. Then a half-day experience. Then a full day. Then a weekend. Build your ability to facilitate, manage a group, hold space, troubleshoot, and lead before dramatically increasing the complexity. 6. Add PLACE + PRICE + LEGAL Once the first three P's are clear and while you're building confidence, start working on the other two. PLACE: Where should this retreat happen based on your guest, your promise, accessibility, experience, and budget? PRICE: What does this retreat ACTUALLY cost, and what do you need to charge to make a real profit? Not revenue. Profit. This is also when contracts, waivers, insurance, cancellation policies, vendor agreements, and other legal and risk considerations become critical. 7. Build the Post-Retreat Plan Before the Retreat Your retreat shouldn't be the end of the relationship. Ask: What happens next? Could guests move into coaching? A mastermind? A membership? Another retreat? An ongoing community? A retreat can create transformation and revenue today while also becoming the beginning of a much longer customer relationship. Key Takeaways Don't Start With Place This is one of the biggest mistakes new retreat leaders make. They fall in love with a location and then try to build a retreat around it. Start with the person . Your Retreat Needs a Problem and a Promise "Come relax with us" isn't enough. Why does your person need this retreat, and what are you promising to help them move toward? Marketing Starts Before Your Landing Page Keyword strategy isn't something you add after you've built your retreat. What people are searching for can help shape your positioning, messaging, content, and offer from the beginning. You Don't Have to Start Big Confidence comes from experience. There is nothing wrong with leading 12 people through an incredible three-hour workshop before asking 20 people to fly across the world with you. Revenue Isn't Profit A $50,000 retreat that costs $48,000 to produce isn't a $50,000 success story. Know your numbers. Think Beyond Checkout A profitable retreat business isn't necessarily built by hosting more and more retreats. The retreat can become the entry point into a much larger business ecosystem. The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Get your retreat Audited. My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify --------------- TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Hosting Retreats (00:00:02) Shannon Jamail introduces the podcast and the episode's topic: how to start hosting retreats when you don't know where to start. Step 1: Attend a Retreat (00:01:11) The first step is to experience retreats as a guest to understand what you like, what you don't, and what's important. Step 2: Work at a Retreat (00:05:03) Gain behind-the-scenes experience by volunteering or working at a retreat to learn the operational side of hosting. Step 3: Do the Pre-Work (00:07:09) Define your ideal guest (person), their struggles (pain), and how your retreat will transform them (promise). Step 4: Build a Marketing Strategy (00:10:56) Develop a keyword and SEO strategy based on your pre-work to create content for your landing page, social media, and blogs. Step 5: Build Your Confidence (00:15:23) Start with smaller events like workshops or day retreats to build confidence in your execution, pricing, and ability to sell out. Step 6: Place, Price, and Legal (00:20:13) Choose a location you're comfortable with, price for profit, and ensure you have legal essentials like waivers, contracts, and insurance. Step 7: Create a Post-Retreat Plan (00:22:51) Develop a plan to nurture your relationship with guests after the retreat, including follow-up offers and creating an alumni community.

September 24, 2026Episode 28537 min

EP 285 Astrocartography for Retreat Leaders: Could the Right Location Change Everything? with Krystal Thompson

Does where you live, work, or host retreats actually influence how you feel, create, and lead? In this fascinating episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with astrocartographer Krystal Thompson , founder of Aura Maps, to explore how location may impact everything from your creativity and confidence to your relationships and business success. After experiencing her own personal astrocartography reading with Krystal, Shannon wanted to dive deeper into how this powerful tool can help retreat leaders choose retreat destinations, understand why certain places feel like home, and discover why some locations naturally support growth while others seem to create constant resistance. Whether you're planning your next retreat, considering a move, or simply curious why certain places seem to energize you while others drain you, this conversation offers a fascinating perspective on the connection between geography and personal growth. In This Episode You'll Learn What astrocartography is and how it works How your birth chart creates a personalized map around the world Why some locations naturally support creativity, leadership, business, or relationships How retreat leaders can use astrocartography when choosing retreat destinations Why you may feel completely different in one city compared to another Whether difficult locations should be avoided or embraced for growth How entrepreneurs can use location strategically for business and life decisions Why Shannon was so surprised by her own astrocartography reading If you've ever wondered why certain places seem to call to you, or why you've felt instantly at home somewhere you've never been before, this episode may change the way you think about travel forever. What You'll Learn How astrocartography works How to choose retreat locations Why location matters for entrepreneurs Using astrocartography for business decisions Finding aligned retreat destinations Why certain places feel more supportive than others How travel can influence personal growth Key Takeaways Place Matters We spend so much time optimizing ourselves. Rarely do we stop to ask whether our environment is helping us thrive. Astrocartography Is More Than Astrology Krystal explains how your birth information creates a personalized world map that highlights locations where different aspects of your life may naturally flourish. Retreat Leaders Can Think Differently About Destination Selection Choosing a retreat location isn't only about beautiful scenery. It's also about creating an environment that supports the intention of the retreat itself. Every Place Serves a Purpose Some locations feel easy. Others challenge us. Neither is necessarily "good" or "bad." Sometimes growth happens because a place stretches us. Curiosity Creates Opportunity Whether you fully embrace astrocartography or simply find it interesting, asking new questions about place, purpose, and alignment can lead to entirely new possibilities. About Krystal Thompson Krystal Thompson is the founder of Aura Maps , where she helps entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious travelers understand how location influences their lives through astrocartography. By combining astrology with geography, Krystal creates personalized maps that help clients explore where they may naturally thrive, create, connect, and grow. Grab your reading here ! Special offer: 10% off any retreat-specific Astrocartography session or service Code: RETREATLEADERSPOD Expires: March 24, 2027 The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ----------- TIMESTAMPS Guest Introduction: Crystal Thompson (00:01:28) Crystal Thompson introduces herself as an astro cartographer who helps people discover the energy of different places around the world. What is Astro Cartography? (00:03:02) Crystal explains that astro cartography maps your natal chart onto the world, showing planetary energies in different geographic locations. How Location Affects Your Life (00:03:37) Crystal discusses how living in a certain place for an extended time can activate parts of your chart and change you. Crystal's Personal Experience with a Neptune Line (00:05:50) Crystal shares her story of living on a Neptune line, which supports intuition but can also feel ungrounded and dissolve identities. Shannon's Transformative Uranus Line Experience (00:08:26) Shannon discusses her life-changing trip to France, which sits on her Uranus line, an energy that shakes things up. Using Astro Cartography for Retreats (00:12:45) Crystal explains how retreat leaders can use astro cartography to align locations with the transformation they want to facilitate. The Importance of Scouting Locations (00:17:59) Shannon emphasizes that retreat leaders should always visit a location first, understanding its unique energy before hosting clients there. Trusting Your Intuition on Where to Go (00:22:31) Crystal explains that even if a location seems challenging on your map, your intuition and personal calling are important guides. Biggest Misconceptions About Astro Cartography (00:25:22) The speakers discuss skepticism around astro cartography and the misconception that some planetary lines are "bad" and should be avoided. The Ancient Roots of Astrology (00:28:37) Shannon and Crystal discuss how astrology has been used for centuries, from the Farmer's Almanac to ancient royal courts. Advice for Retreat Leaders: Go Deep (00:32:23) Crystal encourages retreat leaders to be brave, embrace authenticity, and create deep, unique experiences that stand out from surface-level offerings. How to Connect with Crystal (00:35:20) Crystal shares her website and offerings, including relocation strategy sessions for nomads and readings for retreat participants.

September 17, 2026Episode 28443 min

EP 284 Energy Before Strategy: Why Your Retreat Business Can't Outperform You with Michelle Villalobos

Most retreat leaders believe the answer to growing their business is another strategy. Another funnel. Another marketing tactic. Another social media platform. But what if the greatest opportunity isn't changing what you do...it's changing the energy you bring to everything you do? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with Michelle Villalobos , business strategist, retreat leader, and creator of the Business Breakthrough Program, to discuss why energy precedes outcomes and how your internal alignment directly impacts your retreat business. Michelle has facilitated more than 150 retreats and helped thousands of entrepreneurs create businesses built around freedom, recurring revenue, and meaningful impact. Together, Shannon and Michelle explore why retreat leaders often focus on external strategies while overlooking the beliefs, stories, and mindset quietly shaping every decision they make. They also discuss what it means to become Energy Rich , why guests can feel the difference between confidence and scarcity, and how limiting beliefs influence everything from pricing to marketing to enrollment. If you've been working harder but not seeing the results you expected, this conversation may completely change how you think about building a profitable retreat business. In This Episode You'll Learn Why energy always comes before strategy What it means to become Energy Rich How limiting beliefs affect retreat pricing Why guests feel your confidence before they hear your pitch How alignment creates stronger leadership and better retreats The connection between authentic leadership and profitable retreats How to build a retreat business rooted in purpose instead of fear Whether you're planning your first retreat or you've been leading transformational experiences for years, this episode will help you lead from a place of greater confidence, clarity, and authenticity. What You'll Learn How to build a profitable retreat business How to create recurring revenue with retreats Why mindset impacts retreat marketing and sales How authentic leadership attracts ideal retreat guests Why energy influences retreat enrollment How to overcome limiting beliefs around pricing What it means to become an Energy Rich entrepreneur Key Takeaways Strategy Can't Outperform Misalignment The best marketing strategy in the world won't compensate for fear, doubt, or scarcity. Guests feel your energy before they ever buy your retreat. Energy Rich Doesn't Mean High Energy Michelle explains that true leadership comes from alignment, not constant hustle. Being calm, grounded, and authentic creates far more influence than trying to do more. Your Beliefs Shape Your Business The stories you tell yourself about money, worth, pricing, and success quietly influence every business decision you make. Retreat Leaders Sell More Than Retreats People invest in the person leading the experience. Confidence, authenticity, and clarity create trust long before someone clicks "Book Now." Freedom Is Built Intentionally Retreats can become a powerful recurring revenue stream when they're built from alignment rather than obligation. About Michelle Villalobos Michelle Villalobos, MBA, CSP®, is a business strategist, retreat leader, and transformational leadership expert who has spent nearly two decades helping coaches, consultants, speakers, and thought leaders build scalable businesses through transformational experiences. She has designed and facilitated more than 150 multi-day retreats , consulted on hundreds more, and is the creator of Business Breakthrough , an incubator that helps entrepreneurs build aligned business models with recurring revenue and greater freedom. Through her Retreats to Riches training and more than 800 YouTube videos , Michelle teaches entrepreneurs how to design, market, fill, and lead retreats that create unforgettable experiences while generating sustainable income. Learn more: https://superstaractivator.com Free Gift for Listeners: The Retreats to Riches Roadmap & Quick Start Guide and Big Back End Revenue Projections Calculator www.superstargifts.com The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------------ TIMESTAMPS Podcast Introduction (00:00:02) Host Shannon Jamaal introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Michelle Villalobos, a business strategist and experienced retreat leader. A Special Gift (00:01:25) Michelle presents Shannon with a beautifully illustrated book she created, titled "But I Want to Fly," an adventure book for dreamers. Who Are You at Your Core? (00:03:02) Michelle discusses her identity beyond professional roles, defining herself as a creator, contributor, teacher, and philosopher at her core. Energy Precedes Outcome (00:04:14) Michelle explains her core concept: aligning what you do with who you are naturally elevates your energy and leads to better outcomes. Becoming Energy Rich (00:04:44) The concept of being "energy rich" is explored, involving alignment with your purpose and cultivating the feelings you want to experience. Authenticity in Leadership (00:08:26) Shannon shares a personal story about finding her authentic voice while teaching, emphasizing the importance of being genuine as a leader. The Power of "Both, And" (00:10:45) The discussion shifts to embracing duality, recognizing that two opposing ideas, like holding healing space and making money, can coexist. Reframing Your Past (00:12:09) Michelle shares a personal story of betrayal, illustrating how reframing a painful past can be an empowering catalyst for awakening and growth. Can You Lead from an Open Wound? (00:15:52) The speakers discuss whether you can lead a successful retreat without having done the inner work, concluding you must embody your teachings. The Danger of Masking (00:18:18) The conversation covers the problem of pretending to be healed, which energetically teaches others to mask their own pain instead of healing. Congruency and Trust (00:19:24) Using horses as an example, Shannon explains that congruency—showing up as you are, even if not okay—is key to building trust. The Power of Community (00:21:51) Michelle explains that while she works one-on-one with clients, the biggest transformations happen in community and being witnessed by others. From Strategy to Energy (00:23:14) Michelle describes how her business retreats evolved from focusing on strategy to incorporating inner work, breathwork, and other healing modalities. Belief Over Strategy (00:24:32) Shannon emphasizes that no marketing strategy can overcome a leader's lack of belief in their own retreat; energy comes first. Detaching from the Outcome (00:25:42) The importance of surrendering the outcome while remaining fully committed to the process is discussed as a key to success. Limiting Beliefs and Pricing (00:30:07) The conversation explores how limiting beliefs, especially for women, impact pricing, with most leaders tending to undercharge for their services. The Retreat Business Model (00:30:43) Michelle shares her model of using a retreat as a breakthrough experience that opens the door to long-term, recurring revenue programs. Standing in Your Price (00:33:23) The concept of "standing in your price" is explored, highlighting the need for congruence and genuine belief in the value offered. The Promise of Your Retreat (00:38:14) A retreat's promise elevates it from a generic getaway, allowing for a higher price point and attracting the right participants. Michelle's Upcoming Work (00:39:08) Michelle shares details about her Business Breakthrough Intensive, which helps thought leaders build community-based programs with recurring revenue. A Gift for Listeners (00:40:13) Michelle offers a free retreat projections spreadsheet to help leaders plan their numbers, from pricing and attendance to conversion rates. The Story Behind the Book (00:40:54) Michelle shares the inspiring story of how her book, "But I Want to Fly," came to her in a dream.

September 10, 2026Episode 28330 min

EP 283 Retreat Audit: Why Your Retreat Isn't Filling (A Real-Life Case Study)

What if your retreat isn't struggling because of the economy, Facebook, or Instagram? What if it's something much simpler? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail walks through a real retreat audit after a coaching call with one of the retreat leaders hosting at Retreat Ranch. Within minutes, Shannon uncovered multiple issues that were hurting registrations. None of them required a bigger advertising budget. None of them required starting over. They simply needed to be fixed. This episode is a practical checklist every retreat leader should complete before blaming social media algorithms or deciding that people just aren't buying retreats. If you're wondering how to fill your retreat , why your retreat isn't selling , or how to improve your retreat marketing , this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can implement immediately. In This Episode You'll Learn Why every retreat host must market consistently How to audit your retreat landing page for higher conversions The biggest SEO mistakes retreat leaders make How AI and keyword strategy are changing retreat marketing Why visibility matters more than follower count How to improve your retreat website for Google and ChatGPT Why your retreat promise must match your marketing The importance of trust signals like reviews, testimonials, and videos Why most retreat leaders stop promoting far too early How one small change can dramatically increase retreat registrations Retreat Audit Checklist ✔️ Are all retreat hosts actively marketing? ✔️ Are you taking advantage of every free visibility opportunity? ✔️ Does your landing page clearly communicate who your retreat is for? ✔️ Is your website optimized for SEO and AI search? ✔️ Do you have a keyword strategy? ✔️ Is your call-to-action obvious? ✔️ Did you start marketing early enough? ✔️ Are you building trust? ✔️ Is everyone using their email list? ✔️ Is your retreat easy to share? ✔️ Have you asked why people didn't book? ✔️ Does your content support your retreat promise? ✔️ Are you selling benefits instead of features? ✔️ Would ChatGPT understand your retreat from your website? ✔️ Are you creating evergreen content? ✔️ Have you audited yourself? Key Takeaways Visibility Is Earned Daily There are thousands of retreats competing for attention. If you're not willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes every day talking about your retreat online, someone else will. Your Landing Page Is Your Salesperson If your website could describe a hundred different retreats, it isn't describing yours. Specific messaging wins. SEO Is No Longer Optional Google isn't your only search engine anymore. People are searching inside ChatGPT, Pinterest, YouTube, and AI platforms every day. Your retreat needs to be discoverable everywhere. Trust Is the New Marketing Testimonials. Videos. Reviews. Photos. Podcast interviews. Your audience needs to trust you before they'll invest in you. Small Fixes Often Produce Big Results Most retreats don't fail because they're bad. They fail because people can't clearly understand what they offer or can't find them in the first place. The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ----------- TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Retreat Audits (00:00:50) Shannon introduces the concept of a retreat audit, using a recent strategy call with a retreat leader as an example. The Importance of Consistent Marketing (00:03:17) Shannon stresses the need for at least 30 minutes of daily marketing and consistent social media presence for your retreat. Leveraging Free Visibility Opportunities (00:07:21) Discussion on using free promotional opportunities offered by venues, local chambers, and online platforms like Facebook Events to boost SEO. Optimizing Your Landing Page (00:09:21) Tips for creating a clear, mobile-friendly landing page that quickly communicates who the retreat is for and what problem it solves. Developing a Keyword Strategy (00:12:16) The importance of using a keyword strategy, not hashtags, to drive all content and improve visibility on search and social media. Creating a Clear Call to Action (00:15:18) Advice on having a single, clear call to action on your landing page, preferably "book your spot," to avoid confusion. Allowing Enough Lead Time (00:18:05) Shannon explains why a 6 to 12-month lead time is ideal for marketing and allowing potential guests to plan accordingly. Building Trust and Credibility (00:19:44) How to build trust using authentic content, testimonials, and clear credentials, while avoiding overuse of AI-generated images and text. Utilizing Your Email List (00:22:35) The power of email marketing is highlighted as a crucial tool for building trust and communicating directly with your audience. Understanding Why People Don't Book (00:23:31) Focusing on selling the benefits and transformation of the retreat, not just the features like yoga classes or meals. The Power of an FAQ Section (00:24:18) Shannon emphasizes adding a detailed FAQ section to your website to answer common questions and significantly boost your SEO. Creating Evergreen Content (00:25:18) The value of creating long-form, evergreen content like blogs and YouTube videos that live forever and build long-term traction. The Final Audit: Consistency and Follow-Up (00:28:03) A final encouragement to audit yourself on consistency, showing up, and the critical importance of quick follow-ups with potential guests.

September 3, 2026Episode 28235 min

EP 282 Why Live Music and Art Make Retreats More Powerful with Christine Baird

What makes a retreat unforgettable? It is rarely just the itinerary. It is the feeling. The energy in the room. The moments guests did not expect. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with Austin-based singer, songwriter, and musician Christine Baird to talk about the role of live music, art, and real human connection in creating transformational retreat experiences. Christine has performed at multiple retreats hosted by Shannon, and together they explore why live music brings something to a retreat that a playlist, a screen, or even AI-generated music simply cannot replicate. They discuss how music and art can shift the energy of a room, help guests become more present, create emotional anchors, and turn a good retreat into something people remember long after they leave. The conversation also dives into why live, in-person experiences are becoming even more valuable in a fast-moving AI world. As technology gets better at creating content, music, images, and experiences digitally, the value of real human energy may actually increase. If you are a retreat leader looking for creative retreat activities, ways to improve your guest experience, or ideas that help your retreat stand out, this episode will make you think differently about what belongs on your itinerary. In This Episode You'll Learn Why live music can elevate a retreat experience How art and creativity support deeper connection Why guests remember feelings more than schedules How music can help people become more present The difference between recorded or AI-generated music and a live human performance Why in-person experiences are becoming more valuable in the AI era How retreat leaders can use music and art to create emotional anchors Why creative retreat activities can improve guest satisfaction, referrals, and repeat attendance Key Takeaways Retreats Are Felt, Not Just Attended Your guests may forget the exact order of the workshops. They will remember how the experience made them feel. Live Music Changes the Room There is something different about having a real person creating music in real time. Guests feel the energy, imperfection, emotion, and connection. AI Can Create Music. It Cannot Recreate Human Presence. Technology can create incredibly impressive music. What it cannot reproduce is the shared experience of being in a room with another human being creating something live. Art Creates Emotional Anchors A song, painting, creative workshop, or shared artistic experience can become one of the strongest memories someone takes home from a retreat. Retreat Leaders Should Think Beyond Content You do not need another workshop just because there is an empty hour on the schedule. Sometimes the better choice is music, art, nature, conversation, or simply space to experience the moment. About Christine Baird Christine Baird is a singer, songwriter, and musician whose career has taken her from musical theatre to the Montreux Jazz Festival, from wedding singing in New York City to pursuing her solo career in Austin, Texas. She has performed with Sofar Sounds in New York, Los Angeles, and Austin and was recruited as a contestant for Season 26 of NBC's The Voice . Christine has opened for acclaimed artists including Morgan James at Austin's legendary Antone's Nightclub and Texas artist Red Shahan at Salt Lake City's Garage on Beck. Her vocals have also been featured on popular EDM tracks that have generated more than 13 million streams. Learn more at www.christinebairdmusic.com Instagram: @christinebairdmusic The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Join our Mastermind in Austin! Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------------- TIMESTAMPS Podcast Introduction (00:00:02) Host Shannon Jamaal introduces the podcast for visionary coaches and healers, welcoming guest Christine Baird to the show. How Shannon Met Christine (00:01:39) Shannon shares how she discovered Christine's magical voice at a winery and was so moved she hired her for retreats. Live Music vs. AI (00:03:35) The conversation explores how live music offers an emotional, human experience that AI-generated music simply cannot replicate. The Effort and Authenticity of Singing (00:04:36) Christine explains that singing is a physical, emotional effort, an instrument from within the body, unlike AI's effortless polish. The Human Brain is Rejecting AI (00:07:43) Shannon and Christine discuss how people are subconsciously starting to recognize and dismiss content created by artificial intelligence. Christine's Musical Journey (00:09:20) Christine shares her background, from musical theater in New York to finding her authentic voice and moving to Austin. The Power of Music at Retreats (00:13:30) Christine discusses how live music's frequency can literally change the biology and energy of a room and its attendees. Creating a Transformative Experience (00:17:40) Shannon praises Christine's ability to engage the crowd, giving them permission to dance, sing, or simply listen and feel. Christine's Long-Term Dreams (00:19:36) Christine shares her vision of connecting with large audiences, aiming to create uplifting experiences rather than just seeking fame. Dealing with Haters and Criticism (00:22:20) The discussion turns to handling online negativity and how life experience builds the strength to stay authentic despite criticism. The Unnatural Nature of Online Comments (00:26:49) Christine shares the perspective that comment sections are unnatural because humans were not designed to hear everyone's unfiltered thoughts. Favorite Music and Original Songs (00:29:48) Christine talks about her love for 70s and 80s music and her process of incorporating her original songs into sets. The Importance of Presence in Performance (00:33:12) Christine explains that staying present and authentic during a performance is key to creating a genuine emotional connection with the audience.

August 27, 2026Episode 28142 min

EP 281 How Retreat Leaders Can Create Lasting Transformation with Lauren Tedeschi

What if the most powerful part of your retreat isn't what happens during the retreat-but what happens before and after? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with author, certified life coach, and wellness mentor Lauren Tedeschi to explore how retreat leaders can create deeper, longer-lasting transformation by embracing Lauren's Still Momentum framework. Inspired by her new book, Still Momentum: How to Heal and Thrive at the Same Time , Lauren shares why stillness isn't about doing less-it's about becoming more intentional. In a world that constantly encourages us to consume more, do more, and move faster, she explains how creating moments of pause can actually help people move forward with greater clarity and purpose. Together, Shannon and Lauren discuss how retreat leaders can weave Still Momentum into every stage of the retreat experience-from preparing guests before they arrive, to creating meaningful moments during the retreat, and continuing the transformation long after everyone goes home. If you're looking for ways to create retreats that leave a lasting impact instead of a temporary emotional high, this conversation is full of practical ideas and inspiration. In This Episode You'll Learn : How to create lasting transformation through your retreats Why retreat experiences should begin before guests arrive Simple ways to support guests after your retreat ends How the Still Momentum framework strengthens the retreat experience Why stillness and progress can exist together How to deepen guest relationships beyond the retreat weekend Why intentional follow-up creates stronger communities and repeat guests Whether you're hosting wellness retreats, leadership retreats, women's retreats, or personal development experiences, this episode will help you design retreats that continue changing lives long after checkout. What You'll Learn How to create transformational retreats Retreat follow-up strategies that build long-term relationships Why pre-retreat preparation matters How to improve the guest experience before, during, and after your retreat Ways to increase retreat guest engagement How retreat leaders can create lasting transformation Why stillness is becoming more valuable in today's AI-driven world Key Takeaways Transformation Doesn't End at Checkout The most impactful retreats continue long after guests return home. Intentional follow-up helps participants integrate what they've learned into everyday life. Stillness Creates Clarity In a world filled with constant notifications, AI, and endless information, stillness has become one of our greatest competitive advantages. Retreats Should Start Before Arrival Preparing guests emotionally and mentally before they arrive creates a more meaningful retreat experience from day one. Retreat Leaders Build Community, Not Just Events The strongest retreat businesses don't end when the retreat ends. They create ongoing relationships that keep guests connected and engaged. Momentum Doesn't Always Mean More Action Sometimes the greatest progress happens when we slow down enough to hear what matters most. About Lauren Tedeschi Lauren Tedeschi is the author of Still Momentum: How to Heal and Thrive at the Same Time , a certified life coach, wellness mentor, and creator of the Still Momentum Experience . With a background in leadership development, professional coaching, and transformational facilitation, Lauren helps individuals and retreat leaders create experiences that inspire meaningful, lasting change. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal journey, Lauren teaches that stillness and momentum are not opposites - they can exist together. Through her book, speaking engagements, workshops, and immersive experiences, she helps people pause with purpose, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. Learn more at https://www.thestillmomentum.com/ Grab your free resource at: thestillmometum.com/listeningexercise The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Get your legal docs for retreats Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course My two favorite social media tools: Metricool and ManyChat Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ----------- TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Lauren Tedeschi (00:00:52) The host introduces guest Lauren Tedeschi, author of "Still Momentum," a life coach, and creator of the Still Momentum experience. Lauren's Background and Life (00:02:13) Lauren shares where she's from, her family life, and her current passion for life at age 58. Connecting Through Marathons (00:02:42) The host and guest discuss their shared interest in marathons and how their approach to running has changed with age. What is Still Momentum? (00:04:42) Lauren explains her core concept: embracing pauses and slowing down, realizing stillness is what makes meaningful momentum possible. The Power of Stillness in Practice (00:05:59) The host relates the concept to her own yoga journey, moving from intense "yang" practices to slower "yin" styles. Incorporating Still Momentum into Retreats (00:07:47) Lauren discusses how the concept of stillness, similar to savasana in yoga, can be a powerful tool in retreat experiences. The Origin of Still Momentum (00:09:22) Lauren shares her personal journey from a fast-paced corporate career to discovering the power of slowing down after having children. Personal Health Journey (00:10:52) Lauren details her experiences with cancer and the resulting anxiety and depression, which forced her to embrace stillness and wellness. Finding Peace in Stillness (00:14:45) Lauren recounts her transformative 30-day yoga training in Greece, where she learned to be comfortable as a "student of stillness." Designing In-Person Experiences (00:17:17) Lauren explains how she wrote her book for her younger self and now creates workshops and a retreat framework for women. The Still Momentum Framework for Retreats (00:18:53) Lauren describes her framework, designed to add depth to retreats and provide a common language for participants before, during, and after. How to Work with Lauren (00:21:52) Lauren outlines the three ways retreat leaders can work with her: done-for-you, done-with-you, or training to implement the framework themselves. Transitioning from Host to Mentor (00:26:20) The host and guest discuss their shared transition from leading many retreats to empowering other leaders with their expertise and frameworks. The Business and Humanity of Retreats (00:29:46) A discussion on balancing the need for profitability with the human-centric, healing purpose of hosting transformative retreat experiences. Finding Your Unique Stillness (00:39:22) Lauren shares how her yoga training changed her life and encourages listeners to find their own unique form of stillness. Where to Find Lauren's Work (00:33:57) Lauren provides her website, mentions a free PDF for listeners, and shares that her book is available on Amazon.

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