

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

Jan 27, 2026 • 9min
The Keys to a Great Framework
https://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

Jan 20, 2026 • 6min
The Membership Growth Ceiling & Retention’s Revenue Impact
Discover the keys to breaking through membership growth ceilings! Learn how churn can silently cap your growth, regardless of marketing efforts. Shana introduces the Growth Ceiling Calculator, showing the impact of retention on revenue. Even small improvements in retention can dramatically increase lifetime value. Understand why just boosting member acquisition won't suffice and how focus on retention can unlock your potential. This conversation will shift your perspective on sustainable growth strategies!

Jan 13, 2026 • 9min
Break Through The Membership Plateau and Scale Effectively
https://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

7 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 9min
How to Use Outreach to Slash Membership Churn
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWhen people see detailed member journey maps, they often wonder how to come up with so many meaningful touchpoints. In this episode, Shana breaks down exactly how she does it — by using two simple but powerful types of outreach tactics that can transform the way you connect with your members. In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between time-based and trigger-based outreach tacticsReal examples of touchpoints that keep members connected and reduce churnHow to identify moments in your member journey that deserve a personal touchWhy recognizing what members aren’t doing can be just as important as what they are doingHow to make your members feel noticed and valued beyond their purchaseWhether you’re running a coaching program, a membership, or a community, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas to make your members feel more seen, supported, and engaged every step of the way.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

5 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 6min
What You Need to Focus on After the Sale
In this engaging conversation, Melinda Cohen, a coach and consultant specializing in client retention, shares vital insights into building a sustainable business. She highlights the overlooked power of client retention and stresses the need to focus on the customer's learning journey rather than the coach's perspective. Melinda emphasizes recognizing small client progress to boost engagement and drive retention. She also explains how improving retention can significantly impact profitability and enhance marketing budgets.

Dec 23, 2025 • 6min
If You’re Secretly Annoyed by Your Members, Watch This
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersHave you ever caught yourself feeling frustrated or disconnected from your members? Maybe you’ve said things like, “They just don’t get it!” or “They’re so needy.” You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doomed.Shana shares a real story of a membership owner who lost his spark for his community… and how a few strategic shifts brought the joy (and profit) back.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why frustration with your members is often a leadership or systems issue, not a “bad members” issueHow to audit your member experience to find the real friction pointsHow positioning and messaging affect the type of members you attractWhy community culture must be intentionally defined—and how to reset itPractical ways to realign your community with who you are todayBy addressing these areas, you can reignite your excitement, improve member satisfaction, and create a community you genuinely love to lead.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

Dec 16, 2025 • 6min
Creating Boundaries Around Your Big Why
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 72 - The Balancing Act: Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Dayna Abraham: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/the-balancing-act-parenting-and-entrepreneurship-with-dayna-abrahamSo many of us start our businesses dreaming of time freedom—more afternoons with our kids, flexibility to travel, or simply space to breathe. But somewhere along the way, financial freedom takes center stage, and time freedom slips away. In this episode, Shana shares a candid conversation about how to get back to your real “big why” and design your business around what matters most.Together with insights from parenting expert Dayna Abraham, we talk about:Why “intentional imbalance” may be more realistic than chasing balance.How to define your non-negotiables so your business supports—not rules—your life.The importance of setting your number—the income you truly need to live comfortably without overworking.Practical ways to prioritize time freedom while still growing financially.Why building a business you love starts with being crystal clear on your purpose.A fresh perspective on aligning your business with your values, making decisions with confidence, and creating space for what really matters—your family, your health, and your joy.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

Dec 9, 2025 • 7min
Why Great Community Managers Burn Out (and How to Fix it)
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersMost businesses expect community managers to be five people in one role—strategist, support, event host, data analyst, and copywriter.Then they wonder why they burn out.Shana breaks down why great community managers are so hard to find, how to actually support the role, and what to do when your membership growth requires more than one person can handle.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most community manager roles are unrealisticWhat truly makes a community manager exceptionalThe difference between support and overloadHow to protect your team from burnoutWhat to do when your community outgrows your capacityWhether or not you have a community manager, we can help you design the strategy and systems that keep your community thriving.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

Dec 2, 2025 • 5min
Why Thinking in Silos Leads to Failed Membership Design
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersRetention isn’t just about giving your members more stuff—it’s about designing an integrated experience that keeps them engaged, supported, and connected. Shana shares why thinking about your membership in silos (content, coaching, community) can actually work against you, and how to shift into a holistic design that drives true retention.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why focusing only on content, coaching, or community in isolation leads to retention problems.How content, coaching, and community can work together to support your members’ transformation.What a member journey map is and why it’s the missing piece for most membership models.The difference between time-based triggers (like day 10, day 28, or renewal milestones) and action-based triggers (like finishing onboarding or not logging in).How layering these triggers over your pillars creates a seamless and intentional member experience.If you’re ready to rethink the way you design your membership and build for long-term retention, this episode is for you.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

Nov 25, 2025 • 11min
Is Engagement the Wrong Goal for Your Membership Community?
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIf you’re running an online community, you’ve probably been told that engagement is the goal. More likes, more comments, more activity. But here’s the truth: engagement is not the goal—and focusing on it might actually hurt your community in the long run.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why engagement isn’t always positive and can even signal conflict or distraction in your group.How high engagement doesn’t always equal progress—and how “procrast-working” shows up in communities.The hidden ways engagement can become a distraction for both leaders and members.The real metric you should focus on: progress and activation, not likes or comments.Practical examples of what to track instead of vanity metrics so your community truly delivers on its promise.Whether you run a Facebook group, a Mighty Networks community, or a private forum, this episode will shift the way you think about engagement—and help you create a space where your members don’t just talk, they transform.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


