The Cohost Bros

Matthew Codd & Austin Spitzenberger
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Oct 15, 2025 • 59min

78 - How Mike Sjogren Built a Multi-7-Figure STR Business (and His Playbook for Freedom)

What if you could turn your short-term rental business into a freedom engine — one that runs without you, builds generational wealth, and gives you your time back? This week on The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitzenberger sit down with Mike Sjogren — investor, educator, and founder of Short Term Rental Secrets, the #1 community helping hosts build true financial independence through hospitality.Mike went from grinding in corporate to building a multi-seven-figure STR portfolio that he runs almost entirely remotely. Today, he teaches thousands of operators how to do the same. His story is proof that systems, mindset, and the right mentors can change your life.We cover:How Mike replaced his corporate income through STRs in record timeWhy most hosts stay stuck — and how to break freeSystems and automations for hands-off hospitalityBuilding wealth and legacy through real estate, not just incomeLeadership lessons from building a nationally recognized STR brand📲 Follow Mike SjogrenInstagram: @themikesjogrenYouTube: Mike SjogrenPodcast: The Short Term Rental Secrets PodcastWebsite: www.strsecrets.comHow to shift from “host” to “owner-operator mindset” Join Matt's FREE Skool group 👉 https://www.skool.com/co-host-bro-2393Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 11min

77 - Building a Brand That Lasts: 17+ Years in STRs w/ Rachel Alday

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitzenberger sit down with Rachel Alday, founder of Abode, a luxury vacation rental management company with nearly 18 years in the game.Rachel shares the evolution of her business — from launching with her husband to building a trusted brand in premium STR markets. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to elevate your hosting experience, this one is packed with perspective and strategy.🎧 You’ll hear:How Rachel built a company that’s lasted almost two decadesWhat luxury STR guests expect (and how to consistently deliver)Her systems, team structure, and tech stackAdvice for women in STR leadership rolesHow to shift from “host” to “owner-operator mindset” Join Matt's FREE Skool group 👉 https://www.skool.com/co-host-bro-2393Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 2min

76 - Scaling Hospitality with a Twist: The Michael Dinwiddie Episode

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz sit down with Michael Dinwiddie, a short-term rental operator who’s not just managing houses — he’s also co-hosting an entire boutique hotel.Michael breaks down what it’s like to manage at scale, what makes hotel operations different (and surprisingly similar), and how he approaches guest experience in a highly dynamic space.🎧 Inside:How Michael transitioned from STRs to hotel co-hostingLessons he’s learned from operating at scaleThe systems and team structure that make it all possibleTips for STR operators thinking about commercial or boutique expansionYou can get Michael's Template here: 👇https://yourhospitalityhq.com/✅ Like, subscribe, share, and follow the show to catch future episodes!How to shift from “host” to “owner-operator mindset” Join Matt's FREE Skool group 👉 https://www.skool.com/co-host-bro-2393Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Sep 10, 2025 • 48min

75 - Direct Bookings in Under 3 Minutes? Gil Chan Makes It Happen

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz chat with Gil Chan — a short-term rental operator and the founder of Craft Stays, a lightning-fast platform that helps hosts build direct booking websites in just minutes.Gil brings his deep background in tech and entrepreneurship into the STR world, offering a fresh perspective on automation, ownership, and how to take your business beyond Airbnb.🎙️ Inside:Gil’s journey from the tech world into vacation rentalsWhy direct bookings are the key to long-term profitabilityHow Craft Stays works — and who it’s perfect forThe future of STR tech and automationHow to shift from “host” to “owner-operator mindset”Join Matt's FREE Skool group 👉 https://www.skool.com/co-host-bro-2393Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Sep 3, 2025 • 57min

74 - Own Your Bookings, Own Your Business – w/ Eric Goldreyer

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz chat with Eric Goldreyer, a seasoned short-term rental operator who’s doing something bold — building his own fee-free OTA to bypass platforms like Airbnb.Eric shares how he went from hosting to creating his own booking platform, why direct booking isn’t just a buzzword, and how hosts can reclaim control over their income, branding, and guest relationships.Inside:Why Eric built an OTA instead of just running listingsThe future of booking fees (and how to beat them)Tips for building your own brand & direct booking strategyHow to shift from “host” to “owner-operator mindset”Join Matt's FREE Skool group 👉 https://www.skool.com/co-host-bro-2393Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 3min

73 - Teamwork, Hustle, and 100+ Rentals: Jesse & JT’s Journey

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz sit down with Jesse and JT Nacassio — two brothers who’ve built a short-term rental empire with over 102 properties under management and 11+ personally owned.This is also the first-ever tag team episode in Co-Host Bros history — and it’s packed with real numbers, real strategy, and a ton of brotherly hustle.Inside:How they scaled so fast — and stayed sane doing itSystems and hiring that made the leap from 10 to 100+ possibleWhat it’s like to run a business as family (the good, bad, and hilarious)Advice they wish they had when they startedIf you want their services before the price goes up you can check it out here 👇https://strsuperva.com/Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 1min

72 - Leveling Up Your Guest Experience w/ Mike O’Connell of Happy Guest

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz sit down with Mike O’Connell, a seasoned STR operator and one of the founders of Happy Guest — a tool designed to make hosting easier, smoother, and more guest-focused.We talk about:Mike’s journey from host to tech founderWhy guest experience is the most overlooked growth leverHow Happy Guest helps automate communication, check-ins, and 5-star staysLessons learned from scaling hospitality techIf you’re looking to stand out in a crowded market by delivering better experiences (without working harder), this is a must-listen.Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 2min

71 - Behind the Boom: Justin Powell’s STR Management Playbook

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz welcome back Justin Powell — but this time, it's not about a rental horror story. It’s about growth, hustle, and scaling fast. Justin shares how he went from zero to managing over 20 short-term rentals in less than a year, and what it took to build Seabrook Vacation Management into a thriving operation.In this episode:How Justin found and onboarded 20+ propertiesWhat systems and processes kept him sane during the growthLessons he learned the hard way (and how you can avoid them)Why relationship-building is his #1 growth hackThis is a must-listen for anyone growing their STR portfolio or looking to build a management business from scratch.🎧 Brought to you by HostBuddy — the smart property management tool we use and love. Try it out for yourself and get an extra month free when you use our code: COHOSTBROS at checkout.👉 www.hostbuddy.com — Streamline your hosting, scale your business.Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Jul 21, 2025 • 23min

70 - Guest Nightmares & Bad Calls: Co-Host Bros Woes Begins

In this bonus episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt flies solo — no Austin, just vibes — and launches a brand new series: Co-Host Bros Woes. The concept? Real stories from real hosts about the disasters, headaches, and lessons that come from the darker side of short-term rentals.This week’s guest is Justin Powell from Seabrook Vacation Management, and he’s bringing a doozy of a story involving guests, mistakes, and STR chaos.If you’ve ever said, “This would make a great podcast episode,” this is the one.Let us know if you like this series — and if you’ve got a story to share, DM us and come on the show!Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz
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Jul 17, 2025 • 51min

69 - Vacation Rentals, Family Life & Financial Freedom w/ Michael Elefante

In this episode of The Co-Host Bros Podcast, Matt Codd and Austin Spitz are joined by short-term rental investor, content creator, and entrepreneur Michael Elefante. Known for his transparency and STR education content, Michael opens up about building a high-performing rental portfolio while raising a young family and staying true to his values.You’ll hear:How Michael got started with just one property and scaled from thereHis favorite tools and strategies for automation and guest satisfactionWhat he prioritizes now that time is more valuable than moneyHow to build a business that fuels your life — not the other way aroundThis episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for hosts at every stage.Follow the showInstagram - @cohostbrosFacebook - @cohostbrosYouTube - @cohostbrosTik Tok - @cohost.brosFollow MattInstagram @creativecoddsTik Tok @creativecoddsFacebook @matt.codd.3Follow AustinFacebook - @austin.spitzenburgerInstagram - @austin_spitzzTik Tok - @austin_spitzz

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