The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this special fireside chat, Shannon Jamail, Alison, and Erin pull back the curtain on the evolving energy of the  Retreat Industry Forum  — and why this year's attendee profile looks different than ever before. What started as a vision to elevate the retreat industry is quickly becoming a high-level gathering of experienced retreat leaders, business owners, venue operators, and industry profess...

When I first started building my retreat business, I made mistakes. Not small ones - real ones that cost time, money, energy, and unnecessary stress. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing: What I  personally  wish I had done differently in the early days The most common mistakes I see retreat hosts still making today And how to avoid burning out, underpricing, or building a ret...

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn't discuss nearly enough: belonging . Dan shares his personal journey—from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise , a retreat and gathering space intentionally designe...

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with Bessie Refalo , a yoga and Pilates retreat leader who is carving out a unique lane in the wellness retreat industry - reformer Pilates retreats in Europe . Bessie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating retreats that require specialized equipment, including the challenges of finding venues with reformer Pilates machin...

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with Amy Jaggers , a coach and retreat leader who is building a soul-led retreat business while still working full-time . Amy shares how she helps professionals step off autopilot and reconnect with balance, clarity, and purpose through meditation, mindfulness practices, retreats, and wellbeing circles. She opens up about what it r...

Many retreat leaders are stuck running one-off retreats - constantly reinventing the wheel, hustling for new sign-ups, and exhausting themselves with fresh marketing every time. But the smartest, most sustainable retreat businesses? They build signature retreats that become a recognizable, in-demand part of their brand. In this episode, Shannon breaks down how to turn your retreat into a powerful...

Everything you put into the world is doing something. Your website. Your social posts. Your emails. Your videos. Your interviews. In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down a truth most retreat leaders avoid:  if you're not repelling anyone, you're probably being too generic. Attraction is only half the conversation. Sustainable retreat businesses are built on clarity - and clarity naturally attr...

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dawni Baxter — founder of a boutique marketing agency and a multi-passionate entrepreneur leading the movement in ethical, human-first marketing . Dawni brings a refreshing perspective to an industry filled with noise, inflated promises, and confusing pricing structures. Together, Shannon and Dawni dive into: ✨ How to navigate marketing relationships with c...

In this episode, Shannon gets fired up about one of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make:  discounting their retreats. While a discount might feel like an easy way to fill a few spots, the long-term damage is real - it devalues your experience, trains your audience to wait for price drops, signals desperation, and hurts the entire retreat industry. Shannon breaks down exactly  why  discountin...

In this episode of  The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with  Kim DeMoss  - Retreat Ranch's Executive Assistant, Yoga Teacher Training host, and long-time retreat collaborator - to talk about what it's  really  like to experience retreats from both sides:  hosting and supporting . From her early days hosting retreats with Shannon to now managing the logistics behind the scenes, Kim sha...

In this solo episode,  Shannon Jamail  gets real about something every retreat leader needs to hear:  failure isn't the enemy - it's proof that you're in the game. If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. Shannon dives into why "falling short" - whether it's your finances, your workshop, your attendance, or your execution - isn't something to avoid, it's something to learn from. You c...

If you're still marketing your retreats like it's 2022, you're already behind. In this solo episode,  Shannon Jamail  drops the truth about how the digital marketing landscape has shifted - and why  AI integration  isn't optional anymore. From Google rewriting your meta descriptions to the rise of algorithmic visibility, the retreat industry is evolving fast. Shannon breaks down how retreat leader...

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with Justin Gottlieb - a sexual freedom coach, Tantra practitioner, and retreat host who transitioned from the corporate world to full-time facilitation. Together, they unpack what Tantra really is (and isn't), how to maintain integrity in intimate retreat settings, and why it's time for more men to step into leadership roles in th...

In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail reconnects with former retreat guest and midlife women's life coach, Remi Gibbs , to talk about everything from freezing yurts to forgiveness-and how retreats offer powerful portals for healing and purpose. Together, they dive into: Remi's unforgettable experience at Retreat Ranch (spoiler: it involves a hot tub a...

In this uplifting and practical episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail is joined by UK-based performance coach and former professional dancer Lucy Dutton to talk about something not enough retreat leaders are addressing: how to lead retreats without sacrificing your own well-being . Lucy shares her powerful journey from the high-stakes world of professional dance to wellness and p...

In this heart-filled and high-impact episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail sits down with luxury couples retreat host Lesley Jordan to explore the real keys to retreat success-and spoiler alert: it's not just about the perfect venue or a pretty website. From her beginnings as a travel agent to launching powerful, profitable retreats for couples of all backgrounds, Lesley shares h...

Shannon Jamail, Erin Haag, and Alison Katschkowsky come together on this special episode to officially announce the Retreat Industry Forum happening May 14–17, 2026 in Colorado. In this conversation, they share the vision behind the event, why this gathering is unlike anything else in the retreat industry, and what attendees can expect-from powerful keynotes and interactive workshops to a VIP expe...

You do not have to run yourself ragged to host powerful, profitable retreats, and this episode is proof. In this honest and hilarious conversation, Shannon Jamail sits down with Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots and host of 22 retreats since 2018, to explore how retreat leaders can ditch the pressure, drop the people-pleasing, and build a business that's both meaningful and sustainable....

In this solo Q&A episode, Shannon Jamail tackles the 12 most frequently asked questions from aspiring and experienced retreat leaders alike. From knowing when you're truly ready to host a retreat, to choosing the right venue, pricing for profit, and marketing without sounding salesy, Shannon covers it all with no-fluff, straight-shooting advice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharp...

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

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage). Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona...

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage). Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona...

Your brand is more than a logo—it's the energy, clarity, and trust that sells out your retreats before you even open registration. In this episode, Shannon sits down with Kara Hollinger, founder and creative director of Made Outside , to explore how powerful branding and a cohesive online presence directly influence retreat success. They dig into: Why authenticity is your brand's biggest asset How...

In this empowering episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon Jamail is joined by retreat host and business coach Raisah Salima Bickram for a deeply honest conversation about evolution, alignment, and energetic pricing in the retreat world. Together, they unpack what it means to outgrow clients, roles, and retreat formats—and how to move forward in integrity and confidence. Raisah shares her...

Can you build a retreat business that isn't bound by location—and actually expands your impact? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast , Shannon chats with long-time health and fitness expert Alison Katschkowsky about building a hybrid retreat business model that combines the power of in-person transformation with the scalability of online programs. Alison shares her 30+ year journey from...