

Community Creators with Shana Lynn
Shana Lynn Bresnahan
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/shanaspeaksI’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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 1h
How to Host Live Calls & Events That Scale Transformation and Belonging
In this chat with Jon Berghoff, founder of The xchange approach, learn how to transform live calls and events into meaningful experiences. Jon shares his insights on the power of belonging as a key driver for engagement and retention. He contrasts passive events with interactive gatherings that foster communal wisdom. Discover practical strategies for designing impactful rituals and how to activate shared purpose among participants, making every gathering one that resonates and connects.

Nov 11, 2025 • 9min
5 Strategic Video Messages That Increase Retention (Fast)
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersDo you want to increase retention without adding more calls or content? In this episode, Shana walks through five key moments where personalized video messages make all the difference in keeping members engaged and committed.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why welcome emails aren’t enough5 key moments to use video messaging for retentionWhat to say in each message (and when to send it)How clients are seeing results within 24 hoursReal-world stats that prove video worksWhether you’re running a high-ticket program or a large evergreen membership, this simple strategy will help you connect with your people, reduce churn, and increase renewals without sacrificing scale.Additional Resources:Get your FREE guide for the Bonjoro starter guide and video script templates: https://www.shanalynn.com/videoWant 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

Nov 4, 2025 • 7min
Reducing Membership and Subscription Churn: Where to Start
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIf you’ve noticed your clients signing up, showing up once or twice, then disappearing—you’re not alone. In this quick highlight episode, Shana shares a powerful conversation clip with her friend Melinda Cohan, tackling a core challenge in coaching businesses: client retention.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why your best clients hold the key to retentionThe true role of onboarding3 beliefs every client needsTune in, take notes, and start shifting how you welcome and keep your clients.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

Oct 28, 2025 • 4min
Why You Need to Track Cohort Retention
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIn this episode, Shana breaks down why cohort retention is one of the most powerful, but often overlooked metrics membership owners can track. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What cohort retention is and why it matters.The key timeframes to focus on for predicting member churn.How retention data shifts when you expand from warm to cold audiences.Practical ways to analyze buyer behavior from launches and email lists.A decision-making framework for knowing which metrics are worth tracking.If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level metrics and truly understand which marketing efforts create your most loyal, high-LTV members, this episode will show you how.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

Oct 21, 2025 • 7min
The Missing Link to Great Copywriting
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 90 - Create Clickworthy Copy that Keeps Your Customers Engaged with Anna Powers: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/create-clickworthy-copy-that-keeps-your-customers-engaged-with-anna-powersIf you’re an online business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader, you already know that great copy can make or break your success. But here’s the truth: even if you master the formulas of conversion copywriting, you’ll still fall short unless you understand one critical piece—knowing your people.In this episode, Shana sits down with conversion copywriting expert Sara Anna Powers to uncover the often-overlooked step that separates high-converting copy from words that fall flat.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why formulas alone don’t guarantee conversions.How to capture and use your audience’s exact phrases in your copy.The difference between “fake urgency” and true inner urgency.Key interview questions that reveal your customer’s deepest needs and goals.Whether you’re crafting your first sales page or scaling your online business, this conversation will challenge the way you approach copywriting and help you connect more deeply with your audience.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

Oct 14, 2025 • 35min
How to Create a Community People Never Want to Leave
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIn this episode, Shana revisits her Community Cultivated Framework—the same strategy that has helped thousands of artists and entrepreneurs build thriving communities. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why community is the key to retention, referrals, and recurring salesThe four timeless pillars that make communities thriveHow to create belonging and safety so people never want to leaveListen in and discover how to build a community that sets you apart in the AI age because human connection is something no algorithm can replace.Additional Resources:Discover your retention rate and the lifetime value of your members using this simple calculator. Access it here: www.memberltv.comDownload the Community Cultivated Framework guide www.ccframework.comGet 77+ actionable ways to build engagement and loyalty at https://connectionideas.comWant 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

Oct 7, 2025 • 5min
From Being the Only Face of the Brand to Having a Team of Rockstars
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 111 - Foster a Fans First Team Culture with Emily Cole of The Savannah Bananas: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/foster-a-fans-first-team-culture-with-emily-cole-of-the-savannah-bananasWhen you think of the Savannah Bananas, chances are you picture Jesse Cole in his bright yellow tux and top hat. But behind the scenes, the Bananas have been very intentional about making sure the brand isn’t tied to just one person. In this episode, co-founder Emily Cole joins Shana to share how the team has expanded its cast of characters so that every fan can see themselves reflected — whether that’s in the athletes, the pep band, Princess Potassium, the Banana Nanas, or even the dad-bod cheer squad.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why the Savannah Bananas moved beyond one central voice.How diverse characters help fans of all ages feel included.What leaders can gain by letting their team take the spotlight.Don’t let your brand rest on one voice. Invite your team to step into the spotlight and see how connections grow.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

Sep 30, 2025 • 7min
How to Calculate Churn and Retention Rate
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersToday we’re diving into the one metric every membership site owner must track—your retention rate. If you're not tracking this yet, don’t worry. In this episode, you’ll learn:What retention rate actually means for your membership.Why it directly impacts your revenue and growth.The simple formula to calculate your monthly retention.By the end of this short but powerful episode, you’ll know exactly what it is, why it matters, and how to calculate it—no complicated spreadsheets needed.Additional Resources:Discover your retention rate and the lifetime value of your members using this simple calculator. Access it here: www.memberltv.comWant 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

Sep 23, 2025 • 7min
Risks of a Faceless Brand
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 129 - Create a Valuable Personal Brand with AJ Vaden: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/create-a-valuable-personal-brand-with-aj-vadenFaceless brands may be trending, but are they built to last? In this episode, AJ Vaden shares why hiding behind anonymity can cost you trust, loyalty, and long-term success — and why personal branding is more than just vanity metrics.What You’ll Learn in This Episode Highlight:Why the “faceless brand” fad can be risky for your businessThe difference between authenticity and transparency — and why you don’t have to share everything onlineHow offline relationships can fuel massive growth, even without followers or fancy websitesThe role of purpose and mission in building a personal brandWhy trust and human connection still outperform algorithms and trendsIf you’ve ever been tempted to hide behind a logo, this conversation will make you rethink your strategy.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

Sep 16, 2025 • 8min
How to Apply the Retention Accelerator Framework to Onboarding
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIn this episode, we dive deeper into how to strategically apply the Retention Accelerator Framework—introduced in a previous episode—specifically to the onboarding process within your membership or community program.Shana walks us through her thought process as she evaluates and optimizes onboarding, showing how to use the 3 R’s of retention: Results, Recognition, and Relationships. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your member journey, this episode gives practical insights to create an onboarding experience that reduces churn, increases engagement, and builds long-term loyalty.What You’ll Learn:Why onboarding is the highest-impact place to start improving retentionHow to reduce friction and guide members to a clear next step and quick winWhy reselling the vision during onboarding keeps motivation high and prevents churnHow to use personalization, celebration, and stories to build connection fastBy applying the Retention Accelerator Framework, you can create an onboarding experience that not only welcomes your members but sets them up for long-term success.Additional Resources:Ep 181: 3 Accelerators to Reduce Churn & Keep Members Longer https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/3-accelerators-to-reduce-churn-keep-members-longerWant 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


