EPISODE 297

12 Reasons Every Retreat Leader Needs to Be a Guest Too

with Mado Hesselink

Many yoga retreat leaders have never attended a retreat as a guest. In this episode, I share 12 reasons why retreat leaders should prioritize experiencing a retreat from the other side. Some of these reasons are personal, such as forcing you to take a break, while others are more practical, like discovering your operational blind spots. Since finances are often a major hurdle, I also share three ways that retreat leaders can get discounts on other people’s retreats.

Episode Highlights

Many yoga retreat leaders have never attended a retreat as a guest. In this episode, I share 12 reasons why retreat leaders should prioritize experiencing a retreat from the other side. Some of these reasons are personal, such as forcing you to take a break, while others are more practical, like discovering your operational blind spots. Since finances are often a major hurdle, I also share three ways that retreat leaders can get discounts on other people’s retreats.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Why Leaders Skip Retreats
01:07 Leader vs Guest Reality
03:46 Reason 1: Self-Care Reset
04:08 Reason 2: Spot Blind Spots
05:20 Reason 3: Reinvigorate Your Practice
06:04 Reason 4: The Food
06:56 Reason 5: Stop Overstuffing Your Retreat Schedule
08:11 Reason 6: Retreat Yoga is Different From Home Yoga
09:09 Reason 7: Retreat Social Dynamics
10:02 Reason 8: Build Confidence & Calm
10:43 Reason 9: Market Research
12:45 Reason 10: Venue Research
13:06 Reason 11: Reduce Taxable Income
13:36 Reason 12: Force Yourself to Rest
14:42 Money Objections and Values
16:27 3 Ways to Get Discounted Retreats
21:09 Why Retreats Support a Sustainable Yoga Business

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Retreat Roadmap

Get on the priority registration list for Yoga + Hiking in the French Alps October 2027 (Registration opens September 2026)

Other resources:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list

Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group

Learn more about the Impact Club

Leave a review on Itunes

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOGA TEACHER RESOURCE PODCAST

ITUNES

SPOTIFY

ANDROID

WEEKLY PODCAST UPDATES

Don’t miss out on future episodes!

JOIN THE PODCAST EMAIL LIST

You are very welcome here!

EMAIL LIST

Join the email list to receive weekly updates about the podcast, subscriber-only bonus content, and notice about events & workshops.

SIGN ME UP!

FACEBOOK GROUP

The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook group is a great place to discuss episodes of the podcast, share ideas and resources, give and receive support, and network with other yoga teachers.

JOIN THE GROUP

IMPACT COACHING

A coaching container for yoga teachers that includes systems, support, and accountability. Includes on demand library of over 50 continuing education workshops.

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP