
The Art Of Hospitality
The Art Of Hospitality Podcast·Hosted by Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko·111 episodes
The Art of Hospitality is the podcast for vacation rental professionals who want to think differently about what they're building. Each week, Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko dig into the ideas, strategies, and conversations shaping the vacation rental industry — from AI and operations to guest experience and growth. Less fluff. More depth. Always practical.
Why listen
The Art Of Hospitality is a practical, industry-insider show for vacation rental operators who want sharper thinking on growth, guest experience, AI, marketing, and operations. Hosts Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko mix their own strategy discussions with interviews featuring property managers, software builders, data experts, and hospitality leaders, so listeners get both tactical advice and a read on where the short-term rental industry is headed.
Episodes
We're joined this week by Luca De Giglio and Richard Vaughton to talk all things SaaS, the growth of agents, building your own PMS platform, coding platforms growth, how Vacation Rental managers should use AI and a lot more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell LinkedIn PostLuca De GiglioRichard Vaughton
We're joined this week by Jan Sahagun of Trellis (backed by YC) to talk all things agents, the future of STR/Vacation Rentals tech, running with lean teams, 150 properties with 1 person and a lot more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jan SahagunTrellis
We're solo this week to explore a fun thought experiment: what if we had to open our own vacation rental company? How would we operate it? Fund it? Grow it? What types of inventory are we targeting and why? Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
We're joined by an all-star cast from all over the US to talk AI, practical use-cases and growth in tooling that is going to move the needle. JJ King, Jack Zoppa and Jacob Mueller join us to each give one example of how they're using AI in their business spanning hiring, reviews, brand rep and a LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell JJ KingBeachside Vacation RentalsJack ZoppaHaven Vacation RentalsJacob MuellerRenjoy
We're joined by a favorite guest, Jamie Lane of Airdna to talk all things q1 2026 wrap up, World Cup demand, reading data the right way, how AI is impacting the AirDNA product, future-looking tips for vacation rental managers and a LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jamie LaneAirDNA
We're pumped to welcome Michael Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Simple Life Rentals onto the show to talk all things AI, growth, team, profitability, smart homeowner marketing that works, where we're headed into 2026 and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Michael FriedmanSimple Life Rentals
We're thrilled to be joined today by Neely Khan and Rachel Alday to talk all things storytelling, marketing to luxury, being chosen vs being found, AI / LLM discoverability, and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Neely KhanRachel AldaykahaniAbode Luxury Rentals
We're thrilled to welcome John Suzuki - industry LEGEND - to the podcast to talk all things AI, the future, retirement (and then un-retirement), platforms, young professionals interacting with AI and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell John SuzukiFinding Better PodcastAmerican Grit BookStaylist
Welcome to the AoH Operator Series! We're excited to peel back the layers on the smartest minds in short term rentals / vacation rentals who are in the weeds leading teams, building businesses and driving amazing results. We're thrilled to welcome CJ Johnson, Regional Director at Fairly to talk all things about Fairly! We learn how many properties they have (hint: it's already over 1,000 in just over 12~ months), where they are seeing growth, what makes their model unique vs Vacasa/other PMs, how "everyone can win" and a LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell CJ JohnsonFairly
We're joined by wunderkid Jack Zoppa to talk all things growth, AI, agents as tools to help your team, scaling to hundreds of units in his 20s, the future and a LOT more... you don't want to miss this one.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jack ZoppaHaven Vacation Rentals
Welcome to the AoH Operator Series! We're excited to peel back the layers on the smartest minds in short term rentals / vacation rentals who are in the weeds leading teams, building businesses and driving amazing results. We are super lucky to have Doug Truitt, Senior Director of Channel Optimization at VTrips, join us for the first episode where we dive into his deep expertise and knowledge spanning the top brands in vacation rentals.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Doug TruittVtrips
We're thrilled to bring back Heather Bayer again to the podcast to talk all things learning, AI, changes in 2026, "pacing", where we're headed and more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Heather BayerVacation Rental SuccessVacation Rental Formula
We welcome Chef Franck (Franck Desplechin) to hear a brand-new perspective on fine dining and how we can apply those foundational elements to the service in the short term vacation rental industry. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Franck DesplechinChef Franck
We welcome Jim Devos to the podcast to talk all things building a PMS in 2026, service, where AI fials, live customer feedback and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jim DeVosVRWorks
We welcome Scott Eddy to the show to talk storytelling, hospitality, what hotels get right and Vacation Rentals get WRONG, Instagram, thinking about growth in 2026 and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Scott Eddy (IG) Scott Eddy (LinkedIn) Scott Eddy Website
We welcome back Dennis Goedheid from Casiola alongside Russ Kraft to break down the future of why Casiola is expanding, brand, direct vs OTA bookings, results of operational excellence and a LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Dennis Goedheid Russ KraftCasiola Casiola Franchising
In this episode, we chat with Elliott Caldwell, CEO of Rise Collective, one of the fastest-growing vacation rental and real estate brands in the entire US about his opinions on local property management, signing up customers to scale, growth, profitability, tax benefits of short-term rentals and a LOT more. One of most unique interviews ever! Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Elliott CaldwellRise Collective
In this episode, we check-in with Dana Lubner at Rent Responsibly. She's the Director of Community Development and has 8+ years of experience in the STR/Vacation Rental industry at both property management and in her current focus on regulation, community engagement, impact research and a LOT more. We cover a wide range of topics including local vs state groups (which one is better and why), the current state of regulations and Dana's background and wins. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Dana LubnerRent Responsibly
In this episode, we get Mark Simpson himself to join to talk all things Boostly Connect, marketing, 2026 changes, why he says "Soccer" and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Mark SimpsonBoostly
In this episode, we get Alex Alioto of Whimstay back for a proper full-length recording! We talk building an OTA, algo updates on platforms, trust, guest demand for last-minute stays and a LOT more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Alex AliotoWhimstayWhimstay - List Your Properties
In this episode, we're joined by Gary Brown of Furnished Quarters to talk mid-term rentals, NYC, regulations, growth, marketing vs product, the guest experience, when to expand into a new market, and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellGary BrownFurnished Quarters
In this episode, we're solo to catch up again on year-end 2025 trends, data vs "vibes", averages, DARM recapping and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
We welcome back JJ King on his own dedicated episode to dive into his recent expansion, vibe coding, SAAS platforms, the future of vacation rentals, FL and more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell JJ KingBeachside VR
In this episode, we're joined by Rena Pacheco-Thea, the CEO & Co-Founder at Boutiq to talk all things revenue, pricing, booms and busts, marketplace dynamics and more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellRena Pacheco-Theard Boutiq
In this episode, we're joined (again) by industry legend Michelle Marquis to talk all things leadership, career pivots and her journey, being "bossy" and a LOT more.Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMichelle MarquisThe Bossy Girl's Guide to Leadership: Real Talk on Power, Purpose, and Leading Out Loud
In this episode, we're joined by Jeremy Udovich to talk about breaking into the vacation rental space from outside of it, being in a "small" market, properties that can make $300k+ per year, growth, leaving a 9-5, the golf industry and how it relates to vacation rentals and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellJeremy Udovich Sheboygan Vacation Rentals
In this episode, we break apart the changes happening in marketing, AI, search, brand discovery and a TON more with expert Brennen Bliss. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Brennen BlissPropellicThe 2025 Study
In this episode, we're solo to break down the Sonder death, master leasing, shifting tides in our industry, demand going down and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSkift - Sonder Shuts Down After Marriott Termination, Marking the End of a Hospitality Experiment
In this episode, we're joined by Amy Hinote to preview the upcoming DARM (Data and Revenue Management Conference) 2025 conference in Sandestin, Florida. Buy your ticket TODAY to see us there.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellAmy HinoteDARM
In this episode, we break down what many hosts miss when it comes to the in-property experience, how product placement works in vacation/short term rentals, building a business while hosting and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell UpClose MarketingRachel Vigil
In this episode, we chat about PR, brand, building trust, AI and a LOT more with Jessica Gillingham.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jessica GillinghamAbode PRJessica's Book: Tech-Enabled Hospitality: Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency
In this first ever in-person recording, Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko pack the mics and go to Las Vegas for VRMA 2025! A HUGE thank you to VRMA for hosting us at the conference and allowing us to cover this critical moment in the industry for our events. We interview four amazing industry experts across OTA, property management and more. Another huge thanks to: JJ King, Alex Alioto, Dennis Goedheid & Jamie Lane.For taking time from their VRMA schedule to record with us. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell VRMA 2025JJ KingAlex AliotoDennis Goedheid Jamie Lane
In this episode, we chat about the "digital sharecroppers" commonly known as the OTAs with Humphrey Bowles, the CEO of Truvi. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Humphrey BowlesTruvi
In this episode, we deal with a tough one: we say goodbye to Scott Fasano, our original co-host as part of the trio. Scott shares about his new non-vacation-rental journey and what he's working on now. It's not goodbye. It's bye for now, Scott! ♥️ ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellScott FasanoScott's Substack
In this episode, we're chatting with Zach Arko from Breezy Vacays to talk investing, areas to consider, buying islands, New Mexico and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellZach ArkoRuidoso CabinsLittle Raccoon KeyMissing Hotel
In this episode, we're chatting with Michael Vialpando of Renjoy to talk all things operations, scaling, growing and headed to the next level in their vacation rental company. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMichael VialpandoRenjoy
In this episode, we're solo dolo again to chat all things marketing, Airbnb changes (taking more of your $$), the four box framework for marketing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
In this episode, we're back with two awesome guests from "Stay" (https://staywithstay.com/): Paul Buonopane & Jeffrey Manheimer to talk all things marketplaces, OTA, direct vs control, platforms, growth, marketing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellPaul BuonopaneJeffrey ManheimerStay
In this episode, we're joined by newly minted "Pioneer" Jodi Refosco of Deep Creek Lake to talk across a wide variety of topics including growing to 500+ units, selling her business, building something new in DCL, previewing VRMA 2025 and a LOT more. Awesome bonus: use promo code ART100 to save $100 on your VRMA Registration if you purchase before September 5th, 2025. Terms apply. https://www.vrma.org/vegasEnjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellVRMA Tickets - use promo code ART100Jodi RefoscoTimber Rock Village
In this episode, we're solo dolo to chat on a grab bag of topics: AI, building apps, tech stack, marketing, how Summer 2025 went in the industry and a lot more! Don't worry - guests return next week. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
In this episode, we're joined by Erin Lenhardt of The Brighthouse to talk building, market focus, design of winning STRs, guest experience, investing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellThe BrighthouseErin Lenhardt
In this episode, we're joined by Mark Lumpkin of STR Cribs to talk all things, design, returns, performance of commodity listings vs designed listings, where most property managers fail, winning on Airbnb, how to get more bookings with design and a LOT more. Buckle up.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSTR CribsMark Lumpkin
In this episode, we're joined by Amber Knight from BookingsCloud to talk advertising, marketing teams, budget, AI/ML, targeting and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellAmber KnightBookingsCloudEditor's note: we had some minor audio issues during recording.
In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Stahl to talk all about her experience growing a unique stays brand in Alabama, using content creators, generating brand awareness and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSarah Stahl WebsiteSarah Stahl LinkedIn
In this episode, we're joined by Marisa Grover to talk all things "markets", systems, Airbnb vs direct, working in your own backyard, and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMarisa GroverFollow Marisa on InstagramHome On The Range
In this episode, we're solo to talk all things marketing, direct booking fees, investment, margin and even more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
In this episode, we're joined by Alex Husner AND Chad Blankenship to talk all things growth, marketing vs ops, revenue, pricing, brand building, consulting services for VRMs and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellChad BlankenshipAlex HusnerAlex & Annie PodcastDirectly Alex
In this episode, we're joined by Simon Seroussi from SuiteOp to talk all things operations, software, PMS vs bolt-on tools, running a PM company, tech, investor software companies and more! Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSuiteOpAbout Simon
In this episode, we're joined by advertising expert Anthony Chiaravallo of Vallo Media to talk all things paid ads, industry experts, growth, focusing on the right channels, data collection and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellVallo MediaAnthony Chiaravallo
In this episode, we're joined (again) to chat again with Matt Landau on his new ventures, Here Goes Nothin, growth, new horizons, focus, investments into people, leadership and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMatt Landau Here Goes Nothin
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