HHP 069 - Eat what is right for you

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enMarch 07, 2024

EP 164 Understanding Plant Medicine and Tips on Hosting a Plant Medicine Retreat with Callie Coale

In this enlightening episode, we welcome our good friend Callie Coale, a registered RN with a deep passion for and expertise in Eastern medicine and plant medicine as well. Callie shares her unique insights into the world of plant medicine, offering valuable tips for retreat hosts looking to incorporate these ancient practices into their retreats responsibly and effectively.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Introduction to Callie Coale:

- Background of Callie as a registered nurse and her journey into Eastern medicine and plant medicine practices.

2. Understanding Plant Medicine:

- Callie explains what plant medicine is and its significance in different cultures around the world.

- Discussion on the healing properties of various plants.

3. The Benefits of Plant Medicine:

- Insight into how plant medicine can enhance life in general, though listeners are encouraged to research themselves

4. Tips for Hosting a Plant Medicine Retreat:

- Callie shares essential considerations for retreat hosts looking to include plant medicine in their offerings.

- Understanding the legal and cultural sensitivities surrounding plant medicine.

- Importance of partnering with knowledgeable and experienced practitioners.

- Creating a safe and supportive environment for participants.

- Tailoring plant medicine experiences to suit the needs and backgrounds of retreat attendees.

5. Safety and Ethical Considerations:

- The importance of safety protocols and informed consent when working with plant medicine.

- Ethical sourcing of plant materials and respecting indigenous practices.

6. Integrating Plant Medicine post the retreat:

- One really important aspect of offering plant medicine is the support and integration post retreat

7. Callie’s Advice for First-Time Hosts:

- Callie offers advice for retreat hosts planning their first plant medicine retreat, emphasizing education, preparation, and the importance of setting intentions.

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!

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enFebruary 29, 2024

EP 163 Getting your guests excited BEFORE the retreat starts with Jess Goulding

Join us in todays show where we talk with Jess Goulding and she shares about her upcoming retreat at Retreat Ranch and also some great tips on how to get your guests excited before the retreat even begins!

Resources and Links:

Learn to Host Retreats
The Retreat Ranch
The art of gathering https://amzn.to/42ycpA5
Blossom and bliss retreat: https://www.jessgoulding.com/blossom

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!

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enFebruary 22, 2024

EP162 Mastering Work Exchange Agreements for Retreat Hosts

In this episode, we dive into how retreat hosts can leverage work exchange agreements to enrich their retreat offerings while managing costs effectively. We discuss various roles suitable for work exchanges, the advantages and drawbacks of such arrangements, and the crucial role of clear contracts to ensure a smooth and beneficial exchange for both parties.

Key Points Discussed:

Understanding Work Exchange Agreements:

Definition and overview of work exchange agreements in the context of retreat hosting.
Common roles suitable for work exchanges, including photography, setup/cleanup, cooking, and more.

Advantages of Work Exchange:

Cost-saving opportunities by exchanging services instead of monetary compensation.
Bringing diverse skills and talents to your retreat, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations:

The importance of vetting candidates to ensure reliability and skill fit.
Managing expectations and ensuring clarity in the scope of work and exchange terms.

The Importance of a Solid Contract:

Discussing why a well-drafted contract is crucial for protecting both parties and ensuring clarity in the agreement.
Key elements to include in a work exchange contract.

Compensation Options for Work Exchange:

Exploring various compensation models, including attending the retreat for free, receiving a discount, or arranging off-site accommodations.
Tailoring the compensation to the role and the specific needs of the retreat and the individual.

Best Practices for a Successful Work Exchange:

Tips on communication, setting clear expectations, and maintaining a professional yet mutually beneficial relationship.

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!

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enFebruary 15, 2024

EP161 Location, Location, Location: Scouting the Perfect Venue

In this episode, we unpack the crucial aspects of selecting the ideal venue for your retreat, ensuring that every location detail aligns perfectly with your retreat's objectives. From understanding the significance of ambiance to navigating the practicalities of venue selection, we cover it all.

Key Points Discussed:

Defining Your Retreat's Vision and Requirements
Accessibility and Location
Ambiance and Setting
Amenities and Facilities
Understanding the Costs
Where and How to Find a Venue
Checking Availability and Flexibility
Evaluating the Staff and Support
Gathering Feedback and Reviews

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!

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enFebruary 08, 2024

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retreat host

retreat experiences

EP160 Marketing Mastery: Strategies to a SOLD OUT retreat

In this episode, we delve into the essential marketing strategies that retreat leaders can use to ensure their retreats are fully booked. Drawing insights from the article "Marketing Mastery: Strategies to Fill Up Those Retreat Slots," we explore a variety of tactics from social media campaigns to partnerships, ensuring a sold-out retreat.

Key Points Discussed:

Understanding Your Audience
Developing a Strong Brand and Message
Leveraging Social Media
Effective Email Marketing
SEO and Content Marketing
Creating Partnerships and Collaborations
Utilizing Testimonials and Reviews
Hosting Webinars or Online Workshops
Tips for organizing and promoting webinars or workshops.
Early Bird Offers and Discounts
Traditional Marketing Techniques
Tracking and Analyzing Your Efforts

Resources and Links:

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

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enFebruary 01, 2024

retreat hosting

retreat leader

retreat host

EP159 Budgeting Basics: Making the Most of Your Retreat Finances

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we explore the crucial aspect of financial management in retreat planning. Our discussion is based on key insights from the article "Budgeting Basics: Making the Most of Your Retreat Finances," providing a practical guide for retreat organizers to create effective budgets, uncover hidden costs, and enhance the value offered to participants.

Key Points Discussed

Understanding Costs: We break down the essential costs involved in retreat planning, categorizing them into fixed and variable expenses. This includes an in-depth look at common expenses like venue rental, food and beverage, and staff salaries.

Uncovering Hidden Costs: The episode sheds light on often overlooked or unexpected expenses in retreat planning, such as transportation, equipment rentals, and contingency funds. We discuss strategies to anticipate and manage these costs effectively.

Revenue Streams: We dive into the various sources of income for a retreat, primarily focusing on participant fees. The episode discusses setting the right price based on value, market research, and tiered pricing strategies. We also touch upon additional revenue streams like merchandise sales and post-retreat offerings.

Maximizing Value: The episode offers strategies for providing high value to participants while maintaining cost-effectiveness. We discuss negotiation tactics with vendors, forming partnerships for mutual benefits, utilizing volunteer staff, and incorporating sustainable practices.

Practical Budgeting Tips: From early planning stages to post-retreat assessments, we cover practical tips for effective budget management. This includes using spreadsheets for tracking, continuously reviewing and revising the budget, and gathering participant feedback for future improvements.

Transparency with Participants: The importance of being transparent about where participant fees are allocated is highlighted, emphasizing how this can build trust and enhance the overall retreat experience.

The episode wraps up with key takeaways on the importance of a well-crafted budget in making a retreat both financially successful and a memorable experience for participants. We emphasize that smart financial planning aligns with the retreat's vision and goals, enhancing its overall success.

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!

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enJanuary 18, 2024

EP158 Transforming Retreat Hosting from Hobby to Profitable Venture

Welcome to today's episode where we're diving deep into making retreat hosting a profitable business venture. We will be discussing key strategies and mindset shifts necessary for transforming retreat hosting from a hobby into a successful, profit-generating business.

Cultivating a Business Mindset
Understanding Your Market
Strategic Financial Planning
Effective Marketing and Sales
Delivering Exceptional Experiences
Mindset of Resilience and Adaptability

Resources and Links:

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

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enJanuary 04, 2024

EP157 Legal Essentials for Retreat Leaders with Cory Sterling

Welcome to today's episode where we dive deep into the legalities of hosting retreats with expert Cory Sterling, a business lawyer who specializes in helping retreat leaders stay legal (and makes it fun!).

In this show, Cory outlines the primary legal considerations every retreat leader should address before planning their retreat, including business structure, local regulations, and specific laws affecting retreat activities. Cory provides strategies to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and management. Cory also stresses the importance of clarity and comprehensiveness in agreements to prevent future disputes. In this show, we also discuss various types of insurance policies that retreat leaders might need, including general liability, professional liability, and travel insurance.

One surprising thing we discussed is the significance of protecting program content, branding, and other intellectual properties and Cory shares best practices for securing intellectual property rights and the potential consequences of neglecting this aspect.

Take a listen to this packed show and connect with Cory Sterling to ensure you are set up correctly and protected in your business.

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!

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enDecember 28, 2023

EP156 Finding Your Niche: Crafting a Unique Retreat Theme

Welcome to the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Episode: "Crafting a Unique Retreat Theme."

Host Shannon delves into the importance of creating a unique and niche theme for your retreat, sharing insights from over a decade of experience in hosting retreats.

Key Points Discussed:

The Evolving Retreat Market: A look at the growing popularity of retreats and the increasing number of retreat hosts.
Importance of a Unique Theme: Discussion on why having a niche theme is crucial to stand out and resonate with your audience.
Success Metrics: Shannon shares her success of repeat attendees, highlighting the importance of crafting engaging and unique retreat themes.

Defining Your Niche:

Understanding Your Passion: How to identify your interests and expertise to define your niche.
Identifying Your Ideal Guest:** Tips on pinpointing who you want to serve and cater your retreats to.

Developing Your Theme:

Creating a Niched Theme: Advice on developing a theme that answers what the guest will learn, the takeaways, and the problems it solves.
Brainstorming and Testing: Utilizing brainstorming sessions, surveys, and expert collaborations to refine your theme.

Marketing and Impact:

Theme as Marketing Tool: Emphasis on how a distinct theme is essential for effective marketing and attracting attendees.
Case Study - Digital Detox Retreat: Example of a successful niche theme focusing on unplugging from digital life.
Case Study - Nature & Mindfulness Retreat: Exploring a retreat theme that integrates natural settings with mindfulness practices.

Final Thoughts:

Adapting and Evolving: The importance of evolving your themes and business to stay relevant.
Finding Your Niche: Encouragement to listeners to find and act on their unique niche in the retreat market.
Community Engagement: Invitation to listeners to share their journey and success stories.

Resources and Links:

Conclusion:

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

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