
Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast
The Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast is dedicated to providing actionable content to help new and seasoned real estate investors launch, automate and scale their Airbnb business and fast track their journey to financial freedom. You can enjoy the podcast and other free resources at www.STRsecrets.com
Latest episodes

May 15, 2025 • 24min
Hiring a Virtual Assistant? Do NOT Skip This Step | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 13
Discover the secrets to hiring virtual assistants without the common pitfalls. The discussion covers three effective hiring models: agency, recruiter, and self-hire, each suited for different needs. Learn why most failures stem not from bad hires but from lack of systems. Hear tips on building a talent pipeline and balancing skill versus culture fit. The importance of a structured hiring process and a solid marketing framework before onboarding assistants is emphasized, ensuring that your properties thrive with the right support.

May 12, 2025 • 34min
Ep 241 - The 5 Mindset Shifts That Changed Our Lives (And Can Change Yours)
Most people aren’t missing strategy.They’re missing decision.In this episode, Mike and Emanuele break down the 5 mindset philosophies that transformed their lives......from escaping burnout and W2 jobs to building multi-million-dollar businesses and raising families with time freedom.If you feel like you keep “trying” but never break through, this episode will call you out......and pull you forward.What you’ll learn:The most powerful reframe for taking back control of your lifeWhy saying “I’ll try” guarantees failureHow to train your decision-making muscle dailyThe “day one” philosophy that separates top performers from the restA no-fluff breakdown of time vs. money thinking (and how to escape the trap)Ready to finally commit?This is your line in the sand.00:00 - Uncovering Transformational Beliefs that Redefined Success04:00 - Embracing Radical Ownership: Life Happens *For* You09:35 - Unlocking Growth Through the Day One Philosophy14:30 - The 4 Powerful Stages of Skill Development18:20 - Tactical Time vs Money: Rewriting Productivity Rules22:00 - Designing a $20K Month in 5 Hours: The Value-Driven Hustle26:30 - Eliminating Excuses: Breakthrough Decisions that Shape Destiny31:10 - The Critical Power of Fast Decision-Making33:00 - Rethinking Reality: Story, Meaning & Inner Peace35:00 - Final Challenge: Cut the Dirty Yes, Choose PowerfullyGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

May 8, 2025 • 22min
7 Things Killing Your STR Reviews (And How to Fix Them Today) | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 12
Discover the seven hidden pitfalls that may be sabotaging your short-term rental reviews. Learn why guests expect certain amenities and how misleading listings can hurt your reputation. Find out the critical role of clear communication and the dangers of over-automation. Uncover the secrets behind cleanliness and pricing strategies that keep your property in the five-star range. This insightful discussion offers proven tips to enhance guest experiences and boost those all-important ratings.

9 snips
May 5, 2025 • 46min
Ep 240 - New STR Data Revealed: What AirDNA Is Seeing (And What You Should Do Now) with Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, dives into the shifting landscape of the short-term rental market. He discusses the surge in new listings and changing traveler behaviors that are reshaping occupancy rates. Lane reveals why large property managers are struggling and how smaller, well-managed portfolios are thriving. He highlights key metrics investors need to track and how AirDNA’s new tools can enhance decision-making. Plus, he shares insights on using AI for better investment clarity, gearing hosts to adapt for the future.

Apr 28, 2025 • 30min
Ep 239 - How Ashley Freeman Built a 105-Unit STR Business After Hitting Rock Bottom
DIVORCED, BROKE… THEN SHE BUILT A 105-UNIT STR BUSINESS.Ashley Freeman wasn’t supposed to be here.Divorced, struggling to make ends meet as a tennis pro.She took a chance on Airbnb with her farmhouse.Now she manages over 105 units, leads a team of 25……and lives a life most people only dream about.In this powerful episode, Ashley reveals:How a side hustle became a 7-figure businessThe mindset shifts that changed everythingWhy systems + a strong team scaled her from 4 to 100+ propertiesHow she created a 5-star guest experience that owners can’t stop raving aboutThe identity shift required to step into true leadershipSuccess doesn’t happen overnight.It happens when you refuse to quit.Listen now and see how Ashley built an empire……one step, one belief, and one property at a time.03:30 – From Rock Bottom to Rising Entrepreneur: Ashley’s Journey07:00 – Faith, Grit, and Overcoming Self-Doubt in Business10:00 – Rebuilding Self-Image: How Belief Rewires Success13:30 – Tactical Scaling: Systems, Team Building, and Leadership Lessons17:00 – Secrets to Sustainable Growth: Mindset, Service, and Strategy20:30 – Life by Design: Building Freedom Through STR Success24:00 – Living the Dream: Redneck Ranch, Soccer Travels, and Family FirstGuest Bio:Ashley Freeman is a 7-figure short-term rental expert who transformed her life through the power of short-term rentals. Starting with just one property, she scaled her business to 105 properties in under three years, growing from less than $50,000 in her first year to $2 million annually by year three, with the support and mentorship of STR Secrets and Conway Consulting. Passionate about serving others, Ashley is dedicated to helping people find the same freedom and life-changing opportunities that the short-term rental business gave her.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/velvet_ditch_villasGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

15 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 48min
Airbnb’s New Off-Platform Policy: What Hosts Need to Know Before It’s Too Late | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 11
Airbnb's new off-platform policy could jeopardize your listing. Learn what actions to avoid, like collecting emails or secret messaging, which could trigger penalties. Discover how to manage guests legally with guidebooks and QR codes. Explore the risks versus rewards of direct bookings. Find out about compliant payment methods and how to handle damage waivers effectively. Stay informed about the AI enforcement measures and maintain control over your rental business to ensure compliance and success.

11 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 37min
Ep 238 - How Ron Curtis Built a 50-Unit STR Empire While Working Full-Time
In this engaging discussion, Ron Curtis, founder of a thriving short-term rental management business in Washington, DC, shares his remarkable journey from one property to a 50-unit portfolio—all while maintaining a full-time government job. He reveals how he turned a $3,700 house hack into a success, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and strategic planning. Ron also discusses the power of relationships over money, his efficient systems for scaling without burnout, and the mindset shifts that propelled him to new heights in the rental industry.

Apr 17, 2025 • 22min
The Hidden ROI in Your Airbnb...No One’s Talking About This | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 10
Learn why most short-term rentals struggle in today's market and how focusing on your property can make a difference. Discover how a $700K property generated $45K in just five weeks and what specific amenities can drive bookings. Explore the importance of targeting unique traveler demographics and making your listing stand out in a crowded market. Plus, dive into simple ROI calculations on trendy features like saunas and cold plunges. Get insights into creating memorable experiences that resonate with guests.

Apr 14, 2025 • 47min
Ep 237 - He Bought 39 Units...Then Faced a Breakdown
HE BUILT THE DREAM AND ALMOST LOST HIMSELF IN IT.Emanuele Pani went from mopping floors and fixing leaks…to owning nearly every unit in his building.But success wasn’t what he expected.In this episode, you’ll hear:How he bought 39 out of 40 units using seller financing & hustleWhat happened when COVID hit, no grace period, no backup planThe creative deals that made it all possible (and profitable)Why burnout and identity loss followed after the winHow he rebuilt his purpose with long-term hospitality and legacy in mindThis isn’t a how-to. It’s a how-he-did-it.From broke to burned out and back to intentional growth.04:30 – From Cleaning Units to Closing Deals: The Hustle Years Begin09:00 – Bold First Move: Buying 12 Apartments with No Credit13:30 – Managing Chaos: Mortgages, Maintenance, and Mentality18:00 – Refinancing & Reinvesting: How One Refi Fueled the Next Level22:30 – Rising Too Fast: Distractions, Syndications, and Burnout27:00 – The Redemption Plan: 18-Unit Acquisition Through Sheer Will31:30 – Pandemic Pivot: Surviving COVID with Mid-Term Mastery36:00 – The Final Two: Closing the Hardest Sales with Strategic Leverage41:00 – Full Circle Wealth: STR Structure, Community, and Long-Term VisionGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Apr 10, 2025 • 35min
The Future of STR: Why Luxury Wins & The Middle Gets Crushed | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 09
YOUR STR STRATEGY MIGHT BE DEAD—TIME TO ADAPT.In this episode, Tyler Coon and Mike Reilly dive into what’s really happening across the short-term rental market in 2024......and where the smart money is moving.You’ll learn:Why low-end properties are disappearing (and what replaces them)How investors are multiplying profits through equity exitsWhat upgrades are actually producing 50%+ cash-on-cash returnsThe biggest mistake STR hosts make with property design and amenitiesWhy boutique cohosts and local managers are beating big-box operatorsThe STR industry is consolidating, and only the best will survive.05:30 – Luxury Dominance: The Future of Short-Term Rentals08:30 – STR Consolidation: Why Only the Top 10% Will Thrive11:00 – Strategic Renovation: High ROI From Over-Investing in Design13:30 – Sleeping 30: Big Groups, Bigger Opportunity16:00 – Building a Moat: Unique Amenities That Lock In Demand18:30 – Recession-Proof Strategy: Why Luxury Still Wins in Downturns20:30 – Equity Moves: Sell or Reinvest for Maximum Return23:30 – Portfolio Power: Scaling with High-Performing AssetsGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:group.strsecrets.com