

Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast
MICHAEL SJOGREN
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 33min
Ep 264 - The Truth About STR Investing Abroad with Fabio Moro
Everyone wants a piece of the global STR market — but most will lose money doing it.Fabio Moro reveals the brutal truths of running short-term rentals in Italy, and what it really takes to survive in a shifting STR landscape.• Why most foreign investors get crushed in Italy• The systems you must have to manage remotely• What happens when the STR gold rush slows down• How to protect your properties from market shifts• Lessons from building a sustainable business, not a gamble00:01:11 – How Fabio Started Investing in Italy From Abroad00:03:45 – Finding and Trusting the Right Local Partners00:06:20 – Turning Old Properties Into Luxury Short-Term Rentals00:09:42 – Why Italy Is a Hidden Gem for STR Investing00:12:55 – The Real Costs of Renovating in a Foreign Market00:16:28 – Remote Management Systems That Actually Work00:20:12 – Designing Guest Experiences That Command Higher Rates00:23:40 – Due Diligence and Financial Discipline in STR Investing00:28:10 – Scaling With Intent: Quality Over Quantity00:32:02 – The End Goal: Freedom, Culture, and Sustainable GrowthGuest Bio:Formerly a Partner at a major commodity trading firm with ventures spanning the US and Asia, Fabio now channels his international experience into developing distinctive villas and hospitality projects in Italy, guided by a vision of understated luxury, design and local authenticityGuest Link:casaroverella.itpalazzosanvito.itGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Oct 13, 2025 • 43min
Ep 263 - Redefining STR Leadership and Setting the Industry Standard with Sief Khafagi
Sief Khafagi, an ex-tech recruiter turned real estate investor, shares insights on leading TechVestor to become a frontrunner in short-term rentals. He discusses the critical role of leadership and a strong company culture in setting industry standards. Sief explains how great teams outperform market fluctuations and emphasizes the importance of hiring top talent and creating a unified vision. He also dives into the necessity of building in-house operations and adapting to challenges, all while keeping the focus on collaboration and quality in guest experiences.

Oct 9, 2025 • 30min
Your Airbnb Listing Is Broken — Here’s How to Fix It Fast | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 29
Discover how most Airbnb listings sabotage hosts financially due to common mistakes. Learn to create a standout, profit-ready listing with a step-by-step framework for titles and descriptions. Explore the power of lifestyle photos that drive bookings. Understand the essential metrics to track listing performance and the importance of refreshing your listing regularly. Uncover the four-step optimization roadmap to dominate your market and maximize visibility. Perfect your listing for success!

9 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 29min
Ep 262 - Airbnb Fees, Pricing Psychology, and Revenue Strategies with Thibault Masson
Thibault Masson, Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs and founder of Rental Scale-Up, brings his hospitality expertise from Bali and Booking.com to discuss critical shifts in Airbnb's fee structure. He delves into the psychology behind pricing strategies that resonate with guests and the importance of adapting to new market dynamics. Thibault reveals insights on pricing for visibility, the contrasting perspectives of European and U.S. guests, and the future of AI in revenue management. With practical tips for hosts, he emphasizes the significance of evolving strategies for profitability.

Oct 3, 2025 • 2min
(Step by Step) Closed a Co-hosting Deal in 13 Days | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 28
In this episode, Mike Reilly breaks down exactly how he closed a co-hosting deal in just 13 days—from the first call to signing the contract. He shares the sales process, the assets he used, and even gives away the templates that sealed the deal.• How to pitch revenue expectations with confidence• The $10K guarantee that beat out competitors• Proposal + deal analyzer templates revealed• How to handle homeowners on the phone• Closing tactics to avoid being ghosted• The 13-day timeline broken down step by stepWant the ACTUAL Step by Step Training? Just click the link below.https://go.strsecrets.com/watch-strs-vacasa?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T028&utm_content=StepByStep2

Sep 29, 2025 • 27min
Ep 261 - Revenue, Scaling, and the Traits of Successful STR Hosts with Matthew McDonald
What separates the STR hosts who burn out from those who thrive?In this episode, Matt shares his hard-earned lessons on revenue management, scaling, and the mindset shifts that set top operators apart.• The truth about revenue management: when to DIY vs. hire• How beginners can scale from 1–2 units to many• Success traits Matt has seen across hundreds of operators• Why your calendar is the foundation of business success• The mindset shift: “If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help others”• How to design life first, then build STR around it00:02 – DIY Revenue Management: Matt’s 3 Best Tips14:11 – Success Traits vs. Failure Traits15:29 – The Power of a Strong WHY18:29 – Calendar & Life Buckets for STR Success19:08 – If You Can’t Help Yourself, You Can’t Help Others20:52 – Designing Life First, Then BusinessGuest Bio:Matthew McDonald is a short-term rentals and hotels investor and coach.Guest Link:matt.mcdonald@strsecrets.comGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/

10 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 26min
Airbnb’s 15% Fee Change Explained: What Hosts and Managers Must Do | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 27
Finance expert Ben Coons, CEO of Keystone Bookkeepers, dives into Airbnb's new 15% fee structure and its implications for property managers and homeowners. He clearly explains the difference between gross and net commission models and how these changes might impact profits. Ben offers insights on pricing adjustments to maintain margins and effective communication strategies for homeowners. With tips on navigating these new financial waters, he emphasizes the importance of adapting early to stay competitive in the market.

Sep 22, 2025 • 40min
Ep 260 - Marketing Frameworks Every STR Host Can Steal with Chris Crawford
Marketing isn’t just about ads—it’s about positioning, messaging, and action.In this episode, Chris shares practical frameworks and timeless principles that every business owner (and STR host) can use to stand out, attract clients, and scale smarter.• Why marketing and sales matter more than ever• The real difference between content and community• How to build a personal brand the right way• Authentic content vs. performative posting• Head vs. heart: the two frames of content• Why information ≠ transformation in business• How to message to your avatar’s pain + desire• Funnels, ads, and what they can’t replace• Systems for managing leads without overwhelm• Why investing in belief shifts your identity00:01:27 – Why Listen to Chris (Marketing & Sales Depth)00:03:07 – Community Leverage > Content Alone00:11:38 – “Give Me a Framework” Moment00:12:02 – Starting a Brand the Right Way00:15:05 – Content Resistance, Authenticity, and Output00:16:48 – Frames of Content: Head vs. Heart00:21:26 – Information ≠ Transformation00:26:33 – Avatar, Pain + Desire (Messaging 101)00:28:15 – Ads, Funnels, and Social Avoidance00:34:45 – Investing in Belief and Identity ShiftGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/

11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 36min
Cohosting 101: How to Start and Scale a Sustainable STR Business | The STR Scale Show with Mike Reilly | Ep 25
Discover the ins and outs of cohosting for short-term rentals, a model that minimizes upfront costs. Learn the essential three things you need before starting and how to select the right market for success. Dive into effective strategies for finding clients and scaling your portfolio. Get the lowdown on the cohost funnel, your roadmap to growth. Plus, a special giveaway awaits listeners, perfect for those ready to take their rental business to the next level!

10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
Ep 259 - Why STR Is Just the Vehicle to Building True Freedom
Short-term rentals serve as a launchpad for greater ambitions, not the final destination. The hosts emphasize the importance of a mindset shift to envision and achieve lasting freedom. They discuss strategies to avoid the pitfalls of merely chasing unit counts and stress the role of belief in fueling momentum. Personal growth is linked to redefining identity and leveraging imagination. Essential tactics for sustaining business success include regular partner check-ins and aligning daily actions with long-term goals.