Hospitality Daily Podcast

Today, Hospitality Daily transforms into your personal sonic retreat as we present our first-ever musical special: "Dream Resort: A Mediterranean Escape," created by Clay Bassford and our friends at Bespoke Sound. Leave behind the daily challenges of hospitality and immerse yourself in the fantasy resort experience you work so hard to create for others. Our specially curated 53-minute musical journey transports you to an idyllic Mediterranean paradise—from the gentle morning waves greeting your arrival to the tranquil evening ambiance as stars emerge over the sea.No industry insights this time. No trends to analyze. Just pure, unadulterated escapism through a carefully crafted playlist that tells the story of the perfect resort day. Interwoven with natural soundscapes and guided by playful narration, this episode invites you to remember why you fell in love with hospitality in the first place.Headphones recommended. Permission to daydream granted. Check out the full playlist here on SpotifyOnce you're done listening to this, check my conversations with Clay here: How To Use Music To Elevate Your Guest Experience A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Suzie Thompson, Vice President of Commercial at Red Carnation Hotels, shares her insights on careers in hospitality and how they celebrate excellence.This episode is hosted by our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, founder of MorningStar GX.  A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Suzie Thompson, Vice President of Commercial at Red Carnation Hotels, shares how she is preparing for an AI-driven world.This episode is hosted by our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, founder of MorningStar GX.  A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Suzie Thompson, Vice President of Commercial at Red Carnation Hotels, shares insights into how her teams blend data, culture, and creativity to deliver exceptional guest experiences.This episode is hosted by our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, founder of MorningStar GX.  A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares some top takeaways from his latest research, including how 87% of hospitality professionals participating in the study already use AI to improve efficiency, creativity, and guest experience. Listen now for practical examples, underutilized AI opportunities, and actionable insights you can use in your hotel or hospitality business.Also see:AI 2027 ProjectWhat AI Might Bring Hotels in 2025 - Martin SolerAmerica's Chief AI Officer for Travel Shares Advice for 2025 - Janette Roush, Brand USALess Ringing, More Hospitality: AI-Powered PBX To Give Our Teams More Time for Guests - Steven Marais, Noble House Hotels & ResortsAI & Hotel Tech Bets For Our People-First Approach - Dina Belon, Staypineapple HotelsThe Future of Hotel Management: Automation, AI, and Innovation - Sloan Dean, Remington HospitalityAI's Impact On Our Business - Ernest Lee, citizenMHow AI Helps Me Run More Profitable Hotels - Sean Murphy, The Bower50 Days, 50 Concepts: Rethinking Experiential Hospitality with Generative AI - Dylan Barahona A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Zach Demuth, the Global Head of Hotels Research at JLL, shares what he sees happening in the hotel and hospitality ecosystem, including tariffs, travel trends, and San Francisco's comeback.See insights and research from JLL hereSee coverage of JLL's San Francisco research on Hotel Management and Hotel Investment Today.Check out our other conversations:Why The Hotel Industry is at a Pivotal Moment (December 2024)Research: Top Hospitality Trends to Watch (February 2024)Luxury Hospitality Trends, Opportunities, and Innovation (June 2023)Listen to Josiah's other conversations about San Francisco here. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, reveals how data provides crucial early warnings for broader trends—and what hospitality professionals can do about it.What you'll learn in this episode:How hospitality’s approach to data has shifted—from historical analysis to predictive insights.Why short-term rental bookings provide an early glimpse into hotel demand.The connection between short-term rentals and hotel markets.What niche short-term rental growth signals for hospitality investors.How economic uncertainty impacts consumer booking behavior and spending.The critical influence of the "wealth effect" on travelers’ decisions.Practical ways to leverage data for operational agility and better decision-making in uncertain times.Resources mentioned:AirDNA Market InsightsJamie’s STR Data Lab PodcastEconomic Policy Uncertainty IndexIf you liked this, you may also like:Control What You Can: How Top Hoteliers Are Navigating Chaos in 2025 (Hunter Hotel Investment Conference Insights)Why Real-Time Operations Will Define Success in Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie & Wil Slickers A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor-in-chief of hertelier, interviews Hazel Hagans Farris, Le Meridien Washington, D.C., The Madison. Hazel shares her unconventional journey from studying chemistry to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry, tackling leadership challenges, and championing women in hospitality.In this, we cover:(00:00) Introduction(00:21) Hazel's background and career shift(01:17) First role at W Atlanta Buckhead(02:46) Gradual realization of passion for hospitality(04:04) Career progression at W Hotels(05:42) Challenges faced at W Atlanta Buckhead(07:43) Leadership development and training(10:26) Importance of in-person networking(12:04) Move to New York and W Times Square(14:55) Memorable night shift story(16:54) Career moves to Chicago and Dallas(19:35) Move to Washington, D.C.(22:53) Becoming GM at Le Meridien, Washington, D.C.(23:22) Building and leading teams(28:09) Empowering and mentoring others(32:53) Current trends in the D.C. market(34:13) Balancing motherhood and career(39:12) Women in Leadership initiatives at HEI(43:06) Importance of mentorship and networking(45:25) Gender parity at HEI(48:12) Representation and inspiration from female leaders(48:45) Quick fire questions and best advice receivedRead the story on hertelier: From Chemistry to Culture: How Hazel Hagans Farris Leads with Heart at Le Meridien Washington, D.C., The MadisonA few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Anna Blue, a seasoned leader in hospitality and beyond, shares her insights on navigating career transitions, the importance of finding purpose, and the power of saying "I don't know yet."We cover:(00:00) Intro: Layoffs in the U.S. and career transitions(00:32) Anna's own career transition(03:09) Being "highly employable"(04:50) Learning from others' experiences(05:40) Balancing work and personal life(07:07) Finding excitement in new opportunities(09:17) Career advice from Anna's dad(10:33) The importance of relationships and conversations(12:05) Exploring opportunities in hospitality and beyond(14:25) Asking questions and learning from industry leadersListen to our other episodes with Anna:What Hospitality Leaders Stopped Talking About (And Why It Matters Now) (2025)Supporting A Stronger Hotel Workforce (2023) A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, shares an exciting new initiative to free up his teams to spend more time with guests.  A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands