{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP 250 Both Sides of the Retreat: Hosting, Supporting, and Finding Balance with Kim DeMoss","description":"In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Kim DeMoss - Retreat Ranch\u2019s Executive Assistant, Yoga Teacher Training host, and long-time retreat collaborator - to talk about what it\u2019s 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 shares candid insights on burnout, boundaries, work-life balance, and how she found her groove in the retreat industry. They also dive into the digital evolution of the industry - how AI and online visibility are reshaping the way leaders must market their retreats - and why self-awareness is key to finding your place in this ever-changing landscape. Whether you\u2019re leading retreats, supporting them, or figuring out which role fits best, this episode will give you real-world perspective, practical advice, and a reminder that your version of success doesn\u2019t have to look like anyone else\u2019s. Key Takeaways Retreat leadership has many layers \u2014 and not everyone is meant to be front and center. Supporting retreats can be just as fulfilling as leading them (and sometimes less stressful). Work-life balance matters \u2014 especially for women juggling careers, families, and personal growth. The retreat industry is evolving fast with AI and digital marketing \u2014 adapt or find your unique niche. Attracting the right participants is key to creating aligned, transformational retreat experiences. Streamlining your focus can lead to more fulfillment and sustainable success. Learn about Kim\u2019s YTT: https:\/\/www.projectmindfulmovement.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 Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  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\u2019s create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify --------- TIMESTAMPS Kim and Shannon\u2019s History (00:00:59) They discuss how they met, their decade-long relationship, and collaborative projects. Roles in the Retreat Space (00:02:05) Kim shares her experience as both a retreat host and support, and her preference for support roles. First Retreat at Retreat Ranch (00:03:48) Kim recalls hosting the first retreat at Retreat Ranch and lessons learned from minimal resources. Balancing Personal Life and Retreat Hosting (00:04:46) Kim explains why she hosts only one retreat a year, citing personal and family circumstances. Learning from Career Shifts (00:06:05) Shannon relates her own career pivot and how skills transfer to new roles, paralleling Kim\u2019s journey. Letting Go of Expectations (00:07:22) Kim discusses the challenge of disappointing others versus honoring personal capacity and boundaries. Retreat Industry Forum Announcement (00:08:01) Shannon promotes the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event in Denver. Navigating Life Seasons and Work Choices (00:09:06) They talk about making choices that fit current life seasons, especially with family and career changes. Marketing and Selling Retreats Today (00:10:40) Discussion on how retreat marketing has evolved, becoming more complex and demanding. Alternative Roles in the Retreat Industry (00:11:51) Exploring ways to stay involved in the industry without hosting, especially if marketing isn\u2019t appealing. Evaluating Retreat Marketing and Audience Fit (00:12:48) Kim reflects on attracting the right participants and lessons from her first retreat\u2019s marketing. Listening to Inner Guidance and Pivoting (00:13:21) They emphasize the importance of listening to intuition and being open to change. Kim\u2019s Strengths and Transition to Support Roles (00:14:24) Kim and Shannon discuss Kim\u2019s organizational skills and her move to more supportive, creative roles. Benefits of Support Roles and Life Transitions (00:16:16) Kim shares the relief and satisfaction of support work during her husband\u2019s military retirement transition. Continued Learning and Growth (00:18:07) They discuss ongoing personal and professional growth, and Kim\u2019s involvement in events and trainings. Differences Between Training and Wellness Retreats (00:18:53) Kim explains how training retreats differ from wellness retreats in focus and participant expectations. Structuring Training Retreats for Balance (00:20:28) Advice on scheduling downtime in training retreats to avoid burnout for both leaders and attendees. ","author_name":"The Retreat Leaders Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/retreatleaders.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"