Podcast
Community Creators with Shana Lynn
Hosted by Shana Lynn Bresnahan · EN
Entrepreneurs and online business owners can no longer grow with great marketing alone. If you want to scale your course, membership, or coaching program, I’ll teach you how to maximize your profit and multiply your impact by creating a thriving online community. Be sure to connect with me on IG: http://instagram.com/shanaspeaks
I’ve spent over a decade working with top brands and entrepreneurs to cultivate thriving online communities and empowered community teams that increase their reach, retention, and revenue. This podcast is a space for community creators like you and me to share our insights, best practices, and what’s working now in the community space.
You’ll discover proven strategies, actionable tactics, and innovative ideas that you and your team can use to reduce refunds and increase retention. You won’t want to miss an episode! Subscribe now and let’s get started! Show notes & more: https://ShanaLynn.com
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Best Community Platform for Your Membership
Mar 1700:13:12Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersChoosing the right community platform can feel overwhelming with so many options available. In this episode, Shana breaks down a practical and strategic approach to help you confidently choose the community platform that aligns with your purpose, your audience, and your long-term goals. Instead of chasing shiny features or copying what others are using, you’ll learn how to make a decision that truly supports your community and business.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why a community platform is just a tool - and not the community itselfHow to clearly define the purpose of your community before choosing a platformThe difference between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” featuresHow to conduct a needs assessment based on both current and future growth.There is no perfect community platform - only the one that best fits your unique needs. By getting clear on your purpose, prioritizing what matters most, and thinking long-term, you can avoid costly mistakes and build a community that truly thrives. Take the time to evaluate wisely, and you’ll set yourself up for sustainable growth and meaningful connection.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →How to Design a Live Event Experience
Mar 1000:08:41Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 138 - Designing Unforgettable Live Event Experiences with Phil Mershonhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/designing-unforgettable-live-event-experiences-with-phil-mershonShana talks a lot about member journeys when it comes to memberships and for good reason. In fact, her entire Retain Group consulting program is focused on creating incredible member journeys.But what many people overlook is that events need a customer journey too.In this episode, Shana highlights a powerful conversation with Phil Mershon, event experience expert. Phil shares how to think about events the same way we think about memberships and courses: as a thoughtfully crafted journey designed for a specific audience.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why an event’s customer journey starts the moment someone buys a ticketHow events are similar to memberships and course experiencesWhat most events get wrong about community and connectionWhy people come for the content - but stay for the communityHow first impressions at an event can make or break the entire experienceIf you want your events to be unforgettable, you have to think beyond the agenda and start designing the journey. When people feel welcomed, connected, and part of something bigger, they don’t just attend your event - they remember it, talk about it, and come back for more.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →Should I Include Everything in My Membership?
Mar 200:03:27Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersOn a recent Q&A, Shana answered a question she gets all the time - and one that comes up often for many business owners with memberships:If you have lots of programs, should everything be included in your membership?It’s tempting to want to give members everything. Members often feel like they should get access to everything, too. But is that actually the best strategy for your business?In this episode, we break down why including everything inside your membership may not be sustainable - and what to do instead. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why including all programs inside your membership can hurt profitabilityThe difference between rewarding members and restricting your offersHow to use first access as a powerful (and simple) marketing strategyWhy first access works for both members and your email listHow to offer member discounts without underpricing your programsYour membership should feel valuable without limiting your growth. By offering members first access, a discount, or both, you reward loyalty while keeping your offers profitable. This approach gives you flexibility, helps you fill spots, and supports long-term sustainability in your business.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →Why You’re Not Moving Forward
Feb 2400:06:27Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 60 - How to Have Raving Fans and Lead a Meaningful Community with Lauren Goldenhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-have-raving-fans-and-lead-a-meaningful-community-with-lauren-goldenHave you ever felt a calling to start something meaningful—but didn’t know where to begin? In this episode, Shana sits down with Lauren Golden, founder of the Free Mama Movement, to talk honestly about fear, confidence, and what it really takes to build a movement from the ground up.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why feeling “not ready” doesn’t mean you’re not calledHow confidence is built through action, not waitingWhy your first idea doesn’t have to be your forever ideaHow fear of regret can be a powerful motivatorThe importance of starting small and talking about your visionWhy “unfinished” projects are not a waste of timeThat calling you keep feeling isn’t random—and it’s not going away. This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start nurturing the idea that’s been placed on your heart. Small steps, imperfect starts, and many mini wins can lead to something far bigger than you ever imagined.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →The Cancellation Process Fix That Boosts Retention and Reputation
Feb 1700:11:37Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWhen it comes to memberships, most business owners focus heavily on the sales and onboarding experience—but the cancellation process often gets ignored. In this episode, we talk about why hiding your cancellation button actually hurts your business, your brand, and your long-term growth.Using real client experiences, we break down how the cancellation process acts as the final “bookend” of the membership journey and why it deserves just as much intention as the front end.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why making cancellation difficult creates more problems than it solvesHow hidden cancellation buttons negatively impact trust and customer experienceThe legal considerations membership owners need to be aware of, including state regulations that require easy cancellationHow a thoughtful cancellation process can provide valuable feedback and insightsWhy cancellations are often missed opportunities for retention and re-engagementHow your exit experience shapes how members remember your brandDon’t hide the cancellation button. Use it strategically. Treat canceled members as alumni, not lost customers. With the right approach, your cancellation process can become a powerful tool for insight, retention, and brand loyalty.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →The Launch Strategy that 3x’ed Her Membership
Feb 1000:10:14Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 135 - More than 40% Conversion and 3X Members in 1 Launch with Ali Kayhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/more-than-40-conversion-and-3x-members-in-1-launch-with-ali-kayWhat does it really take to triple a membership in a single launch—without relying on hype or burning out your audience?In this highlight episode, Shana sits down with Ali Kay to unpack the exact launch strategy that took Ali’s membership from 1,400 to over 4,400 members in just nine days. What started as a $10 paid workshop turned into a powerful growth engine built on trust, community, and intentional connection.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a $10 paid workshop can outperform a free challenge when launching a membershipWhy breaking even on ads before opening the cart can put you ahead from day oneThe power of showcasing your existing members as your strongest advocatesHow to “seed” your membership early and often without turning people offWhy teaching live for a week created massive trust, connection, and momentumWhether you’re planning your first membership launch or refining an existing one, this episode offers practical insights into building trust, scaling sustainably, and creating an experience people want to stay in.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →The 7-Figure Lie: What Every Business Owner Must Know
Feb 300:17:23Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWhat does it really mean to be a seven-figure business owner?In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most common (and most misunderstood) titles in the online business space. You hear it everywhere - on Instagram, podcasts, sales pages but very few people stop to define what “seven figures” actually represents.In this episode, you’ll learn:Who is a 7-figure business owner?Revenue is all good, but what’s your profitWhy profit is the number that actually impacts your lifeKnowing your numbers like a real CEOWhy titles don’t equal credibilityBeing a smart business owner isn’t about hitting an arbitrary revenue number. It’s about knowing your numbers, understanding your profit, and building a business that actually works for you and your family.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →The Keys to a Great Framework
Jan 2700:08:34Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 69 - How to Develop a Winning Framework with Mel Abraham: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-develop-a-winning-framework-with-mel-abrahamIf you’ve ever felt unsure about how to turn your ideas into a clear and compelling framework or you’re ready to refine the one you already have, this episode is your blueprint. Shana sits down with Mel Abraham, renowned expert in thought leadership and content architecture, to break down exactly what makes a powerful framework and how to build one that truly resonates.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Every Business Needs a FrameworkThe Four Elements of a Powerful FrameworkFrameworks as Teaching EcosystemsIf you’re building curriculum, coaching, speaking, or content creation into your business, this episode will change the way you think about frameworks forever.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →The Membership Growth Ceiling & Retention’s Revenue Impact
Jan 2000:06:26Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWhen membership growth feels stuck, the instinct is almost always the same: get more leads, spend more on ads, create more content. But what if the real issue isn’t acquisition at all?In this episode, Shana breaks down her favorite diagnostic tool - the Growth Ceiling Calculator and explains why churn is often the hidden reason memberships plateau. Using real numbers and simple math, she walks through how retention directly determines how big your membership can actually get, no matter how good your marketing is.In this episode, you’ll learn:What a growth ceiling is and why every membership eventually hits oneHow Shana uses the Growth Ceiling Calculator on potential client callsWhy increasing acquisition alone won’t fix stalled growthHow churn mathematically caps the size of your membershipThe difference retention makes—even without adding a single new memberIf you’ve ever wondered why your membership won’t grow past a certain number—or why more marketing hasn’t solved the problem—this episode will completely change how you think about retention, revenue, and sustainable growth.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →Break Through The Membership Plateau and Scale Effectively
Jan 1300:08:47Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersA lot of membership owners hit a wall — that point where growth stalls and it feels like you’re gaining as many members as you’re losing. If you’ve ever wondered why your numbers just won’t climb past that 500, 1,000, or even 5,000-member mark, this episode is for you.Shana sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse entrepreneur Corinne Crabtree, who runs an eight-figure membership business, to unpack what it really takes to break through that membership plateau. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most memberships plateau—and what it really means when you hit that growth wallHow focusing on small percentage gains in retention and conversion can create massive resultsThe mindset shift to stop searching for big changes and start fixing the small leaksHow to scale intimacy in a growing membership so members still feel seen and supportedWhy it’s crucial to teach your members to embrace growth instead of fearing itIf this episode inspired you to take a closer look at your membership strategy, don’t stop here. Go back to your retention numbers, your member experience, and the systems that support your community — and start testing those small but powerful changes.Additional Resources:Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated
Transcribe →