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By Shannon Jamail
4.9
8080 ratings
The podcast currently has 302 episodes available.
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What if the fastest way to grow your business wasn't working harder-but learning from someone who's already done it? In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Shari Leid, internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur, for a conversation about one of the most overlooked business skills: knowing when to ask for help. Shari has built an incredible career as a professional speaker, but like many entrepreneurs, she wanted to diversify her business by adding memberships and retreats as recurring revenue streams. Instead of trying to figure it out alone, she invested in learning from someone already doing it. She reached out to Shannon for coaching, attended the Retreat Industry Forum in Denver, and ultimately booked Retreat Ranch for her upcoming retreats. This episode isn't just about retreats. It's about humility. It's about investing in yourself. It's about surrounding yourself with people who have already solved the problems you're trying to solve. If you're an entrepreneur who wants to host retreats profitably, this conversation will encourage you to stop reinventing the wheel and start accelerating your growth. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why successful entrepreneurs ask for help sooner rather than later How to turn retreats into recurring revenue Why adding retreats can strengthen your existing business The value of learning from experienced retreat leaders How coaching and proximity accelerate business growth Why getting in the room matters more than consuming content online The mindset shift that separates successful entrepreneurs from struggling ones Whether you're a coach, speaker, consultant, author, or entrepreneur exploring retreats as a new revenue stream, this episode offers practical wisdom that can save you years of trial and error. What You'll Learn How to make money with retreats How to turn retreats into recurring revenue Why coaching accelerates business growth The power of mentorship and proximity Why entrepreneurs should invest in learning before launching retreats How to avoid common retreat mistakes Why asking for help is a business advantage-not a weakness Key Takeaways The Best Entrepreneurs Don't Go It Alone Successful business owners know they don't need to be the expert in everything. They find people who already are. Retreats Can Become a Powerful Revenue Stream When done strategically, retreats don't just create unforgettable experiences-they can become a profitable extension of your existing business. Learn From Someone Else's Mistakes Experience is valuable. Borrowing someone else's experience is even more valuable. Proximity Accelerates Growth Books, podcasts, and courses are helpful. But getting in the room with experienced entrepreneurs changes everything. Retreats Should Support Your Business-Not Distract From It The best retreat leaders don't create retreats because they're trendy. They create them because they align with their expertise, audience, and long-term business strategy. About Shari Leid Shari Leid is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder dedicated to helping people create meaningful lives and businesses through connection, courage, and intentional growth. As she expands her business to include memberships and transformational retreats, Shari demonstrates exactly what lifelong learning looks like: investing in mentorship, surrounding yourself with experts, and taking action. Learn more at: SharileidShari Leid | Executive Coach & Speaker | Connection Expert 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 Introducing Sherry Lead (00:00:52) Host Shannon Jamaal welcomes guest Sherry Lead, an attorney turned author, speaker, and now retreat leader, to the podcast. Sherry's Journey into Retreats (00:02:04) Sherry explains why she sought mentorship to add retreats to her business, aiming for more stable revenue than speaking alone. Adding New Revenue Streams (00:05:06) The discussion highlights the power of adding memberships and in-person experiences like retreats to grow a coaching or speaking business. The Power of a Portfolio Career (00:06:32) Sherry explains how different business avenues like speaking, memberships, and retreats can all support and feed into each other. Learning at The Forum (00:08:44) Sherry shares her experience attending a retreat leader forum, emphasizing the value of learning from experts with different business models. Finding Your Unique Retreat Style (00:10:48) The importance of authenticity is discussed; your retreat should match your personality to attract the right people and feel genuine. The Retreat Leader Mastermind (00:12:14) Shannon announces her upcoming mastermind event, designed to help retreat leaders with marketing, profitability, and building a supportive community. Sherry's Retreats for Women (00:18:09) Sherry describes her women-only retreats, which focus on creating deeper connections to self, career, and community for up to ten women. The "Flip" Framework (00:18:46) Sherry shares her personal story and the "Flip" framework she created to help people establish connection and a sense of belonging. A Gift for the Audience (00:21:51) Sherry offers listeners a free "Flip" app on her website to help them practice and improve their connection skills.

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.

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.

If you're posting every day and your retreat still isn't filling…You're not alone. But you are likely focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail breaks down the real reasons your retreat isn't filling-even when you feel like you're "doing all the things" on social media. Posting is not a strategy Visibility takes time to build And most retreat leaders don't give it enough time Shannon walks through the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make when it comes to marketing and visibility-and what to do instead if you actually want bookings. You'll learn: Why posting daily isn't enough to fill your retreat The difference between posting and real marketing Why visibility is built over time (not overnight) What's actually missing from your strategy How to start getting in front of NEW people She also shares a simple path forward using AI + SEO strategies to help you get found beyond social media. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why posting ≠ marketing • The real reason your retreat isn't filling • Why visibility takes longer than you think • How to start getting in front of new audiences • The foundational pieces most retreat leaders are missing Key Takeaways Posting Is Not the Problem You don't need more content-you need better strategy. You're Likely Not Reaching New People If your audience isn't growing, your bookings won't either. Visibility Takes Time Most retreat leaders quit or pivot before their visibility efforts actually start working. You Need More Than Social Media SEO, blogs, Pinterest, and AI visibility are where long-term growth happens. You Must Give Your Marketing Time to Work You cannot expect: consistent bookings growing awareness strong demand …if you're constantly starting over. Mentioned in This Episode If you're ready to actually build visibility (without guessing what to do next): Grab Shannon's AI + SEO Mini Course for Retreat Leaders Only $17 https://pages.lpcontent.net/mindbodyacademy/mini-ai-course-sales-page This course walks you through exactly how to start getting found online using AI and SEO-so your retreats don't rely only on social media. The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: JOIN OUR MASTERMIND IN AUSTIN IN AUGUST! https://mindbodycomplete.com/profit-with-purpose-mastermind/ Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course 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 Why Your Retreat Isn't Filling (00:01:06) Shannon addresses the common struggle of retreat leaders whose retreats don't fill despite posting on social media every day. Visibility is the Real Strategy (00:02:46) The speaker explains that filling retreats requires a comprehensive visibility strategy, not just social media marketing, including ads, SEO, and AI. Effective Calls to Action (CTAs) (00:04:02) Shannon discusses the importance of using clear CTAs in social media posts, like asking for engagement or offering lead magnets. Using Lead Magnets (00:05:20) An explanation of how to use lead magnets, like a free video or PDF, to capture email addresses and nurture leads. The Power of Blogging (00:07:20) Shannon emphasizes that blogging with a keyword strategy and FAQs is crucial for improving SEO and AI search rankings. Leveraging Pinterest for Visibility (00:10:25) Pinterest is highlighted as a visual search platform, not just social media, perfect for reaching people planning travel and self-improvement. Strategic Collaborations (00:12:33) Advice on collaborating with partners who have a warm, engaged audience that matches your ideal guest demographic for increased visibility. The Importance of Email Growth (00:13:53) The speaker stresses that growing an email list is essential, as it's a more effective sales tool than social media. Creating a Long Warm-Up Period (00:14:28) Shannon explains the necessity of a long warm-up period, sometimes up to two years, to build trust and excitement. A Successful Warm-Up Example (00:15:43) Shannon shares her personal success story of selling out a 2027 France retreat by using a long, strategic warm-up. Common Mistakes in Retreat Timing (00:17:35) The host points out the mistake of launching a retreat only a few months in advance, which is often unrealistic. The Investment of Hosting Retreats (00:20:00) Hosting profitable retreats requires an investment of time and money, and a comprehensive visibility strategy beyond just posting and praying. AI and SEO Mini-Course Offer (00:20:56) Shannon offers a special $17 mini-course on AI and SEO strategy, with prompts and videos, for podcast listeners.

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. They dive into: The biggest mistakes new retreat leaders make (and how to avoid them) Pricing with confidence and energetic alignment Why less on the itinerary often leads to more transformation How to stop comparing your retreat to everyone else's Whether you're an aspiring host or a seasoned retreat pro, this conversation will give you the permission slip you didn't know you needed: you don't have to do it all to make it amazing. Connect with Anna: https://www.yourwanderingroots.com/ Instagram: @yourwanderingroots Special Offer: Build a profitable retreat in one minute per day: https://retreat.yourwanderingroots.com/ The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in London Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show 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 & Host Welcome (00:00:02) Shannon introduces the podcast, its purpose, and encourages listeners to subscribe and leave reviews. Guest Introduction: Anna's Background (00:01:13) Anna is introduced; she shares her experience hosting retreats and helping others plan profitable ones. Anna's Journey to Retreats (00:02:23) Anna describes her transition from lab manager to retreat leader after a car accident and discovering yoga. Current Retreat Structure & Ideal Guests (00:03:46) Anna explains her current retreat schedule, types of retreats, and the demographics of her typical guests. Transitioning & Scaling Back Retreats (00:05:00) Discussion about scaling back the number of retreats to focus on quality and personal fulfillment. Avoiding Burnout & Preserving Passion (00:06:04) Anna and Shannon discuss the importance of not overworking and maintaining excitement for each retreat. Profitability Without Pressure (00:07:19) Exploring how retreats can be profitable without feeling pressured to do everything or mimic others. Retreats: Business vs. Expensive Hobby (00:09:29) Emphasis on treating retreats as a business, not just a passion project or costly hobby. Letting Go of People-Pleasing & Overstuffed Itineraries (00:11:03) Advice on avoiding over-scheduling and people-pleasing, and ensuring retreats have free time and focus. Pricing, Money Beliefs, and Value (00:13:13) Discussion on pricing retreats, overcoming limiting beliefs about money, and ensuring energetic alignment with pricing. Gender Differences in Pricing & Money Mindset (00:15:04) Comparison of how men and women price retreats, and the impact of cultural money beliefs. Profit, Burnout, and Lifestyle Alignment (00:17:24) Importance of pricing for sustainability and creating a lifestyle you enjoy, not just covering costs. Common Mistakes & Lessons Learned (00:18:34) Anna shares mistakes like trying to do everything alone, not arriving early, and the value of support staff. Arriving Early & Staying After Retreats (00:20:15) Best practices for arriving before and staying after retreats to ensure smooth experiences and self-care. Self-Care for Retreat Leaders (00:21:34) The importance of post-retreat downtime, rest, and self-care for leaders after guests depart. How to Connect with Anna (00:22:40) Anna shares her websites for those interested in attending or planning retreats with her.
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