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The Art Of Hospitality

The Art Of Hospitality Podcast·Hosted by Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko·111 episodes

BusinessManagementMarketingVacation rental prosCo-hosted interviewsWeeklyOperator insightsAI and operationsStandalone 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

59 min
Jun 3, 2026Episode 179
Are Vacation Rental SaaS Vendors Going Away? (With Richard Vaughton and Luca De Giglio)

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

50 min
May 27, 2026Episode 178
The Story Of AI Agents Running A 150 Unit Company With 1 Full Time Employee (With Jan Sahagun)

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

39 min
May 20, 2026Episode 177
If We Were Going To Build A Vacation Rental Business, How Would We Do It? (With Adam Norko & Conrad O'Connell)

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

1 hr
May 13, 2026Episode 176
Operator Series: These Vacation Rental Managers Are THE AI Pioneers (With JJ King, Jack Zoppa, Jacob Mueller)

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

47 min
May 6, 2026Episode 175
The Vacation Rental Data God Is Back With An Update (With Jamie Lane)

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

56 min
Apr 29, 2026Episode 174
Operator Series: Winning In The Midwest With The Right Team (With Michael Friedman)

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

57 min
Apr 22, 2026Episode 173
The Art Of Hospitality Meets The Art Of Storytelling (With Neely Khan and Rachel Alday)

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

42 min
Apr 15, 2026Episode 170
Everything Is Changing And It Brought This Exec Out Of Retirement (With John Suzuki)

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

55 min
Apr 8, 2026Episode 172
Operator Series: So, What's Up With Fairly? (With CJ Johnson)

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

54 min
Apr 1, 2026Episode 171
The Future Of What Vacation Rental Management Leadership Looks Like Is Here (With Jack Zoppa)

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

51 min
Mar 25, 2026Episode 169
Operator Series: Learning Business Models And Growth The Right Way (With Doug Truitt)

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

48 min
Mar 18, 2026Episode 168
Learning How To Actually Operate Better With AI (With Heather Bayer)

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

52 min
Mar 11, 2026Episode 167
What Vacation Rental Managers Can Learn From High-End Dining (With Chef Franck)

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

40 min
Mar 4, 2026Episode 166
What Building A PMS Looks Like In 2026 (With Jim DeVos)

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

52 min
Feb 25, 2026Episode 165
What Almost All Vacation Rentals & Short Term Rentals Are Getting WRONG (With Scott Eddy)

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

52 min
Feb 18, 2026Episode 164
The Future Of Franchising Is Operations, Brand And Excellence (With Dennis Goedheid & Russ Kraft)

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

49 min
Feb 11, 2026Episode 163
The Story Of Exploding Business Growth With A National Property Mangement Brand (With Elliott Caldwell)

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

53 min
Jan 28, 2026Episode 162
Breaking Down The Current Status Of Regulations In Our Industry (With Dana Lubner)

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

55 min
Jan 21, 2026Episode 161
Connecting Local Hosts, Property Managers And The World Is Marketing (With Mark Simpson)

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

54 min
Jan 14, 2026Episode 160
Building An OTA That Guests AND Property Managers Will Love (With Alex Alioto)

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

54 min
Jan 7, 2026Episode 159
Learning From Two Decades Of Mid-Term Rentals Experience (With Gary Brown)

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

31 min
Dec 31, 2025Episode 158
How Do You Make Data Useful For Your Vacation Rental Business (With Adam Norko & Conrad O'Connell)

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

51 min
Dec 24, 2025Episode 157
Breaking Down Growth In All The Right Ways, Vibe Coding & More (With JJ King)

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

1 hr
Dec 17, 2025Episode 156
Talking All Things Revenue, Booms, Local Vs National & More... (With Rena Pacheco-Theard)

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

50 min
Dec 10, 2025Episode 152
Taking Control Of Your Career And Mindset For Success (With Michelle Marquis)

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

51 min
Dec 3, 2025Episode 153
Creating Success In Unique Vacation Rental Markets (With Jeremy Udovich)

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

49 min
Nov 26, 2025Episode 151
Everything Is Changing: This Expert Explains Why And How You'll Be Impacted (With Brennen Bliss)

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

33 min
Nov 19, 2025Episode 155
Sonder Is Dead. What Happened And What's The Future Of Master Leasing? (With Adam Norko and Conrad O'Connell)

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

48 min
Nov 12, 2025Episode 154
Previewing DARM 2025: The Impact Of Vacation Rental Conferences Right Now (With Amy Hinote)

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

52 min
Nov 5, 2025Episode 149
What Most Managers And Hosts Miss When Designing Their In-Property Experience (With Rachel Vigil)

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

52 min
Oct 29, 2025Episode 148
Trust And Brand Building In Today's New AI World (With Jessica Gillingham)

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

1 hr 25 min
Oct 22, 2025Episode 150
VRMA 2025 In Las Vegas (With JJ King, Alex Alioto, Dennis Goedheid & Jamie Lane)

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

51 min
Oct 15, 2025Episode 147
The Direct Booking Movement Is More Important Than You Even Think... (With Humphrey Bowles)

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

30 min
Oct 8, 2025Episode 146
Bye For Now (With Scott Fasano)

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

38 min
Oct 1, 2025Episode 145
Telling The Story Of Real Estate Investments That Make Business Sense (With Zach Arko)

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

49 min
Sep 24, 2025Episode 144
Talking Operations To The Next Level As You Scale (With Michael Vialpando)

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

56 min
Sep 17, 2025Episode 143
Marketing Approach With The Four Boxes Framework, Airbnb Changes, Guest Trends In 2025 & More (With Conrad O'Connell & Adam Norko)

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

52 min
Sep 10, 2025Episode 141
What Does The Next OTA Success Story Look Like? (With Paul Buonopane & Jeffrey Manheimer)

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

52 min
Sep 3, 2025Episode 142
Learning Through Growth, Exit, And Building Something Brand-New + VRMA 2025 Preview (With Jodi Refosco)

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

39 min
Aug 27, 2025Episode 140
Summer 2025 Grab Bag (With Adam Norko & Conrad O'Connell)

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

50 min
Aug 20, 2025Episode 139
Hands On With Top Performing Properties Is Hard Work (With Erin Lenhardt)

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

54 min
Aug 13, 2025Episode 138
This Expert Says Almost Every Vacation Rental Manager Is Doing Design All WRONG (With Mark Lumpkin)

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

45 min
Aug 6, 2025Episode 137
What Are Vacation Rental Managers Getting Wrong On Digital Ads? (With Amber Knight)

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.

49 min
Jul 30, 2025Episode 136
Lessons Learned From Scaling Content Creation Marketing To 80%+ Direct Bookings (With Sarah Stahl)

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

54 min
Jul 23, 2025Episode 135
Building Teams And Systems: Is This The Way To Actually Scale And Grow? (With Marisa Grover)

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

24 min
Jul 16, 2025Episode 134
Are You Setup For Success With Your Marketing Efforts?

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

49 min
Jul 9, 2025Episode 133
Marketing vs Operations: What Do The Best Vacation Rental Managers Do To Grow? (With Chad Blankenship & Alex Husner)

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

49 min
Jul 2, 2025Episode 132
What Operations Software Can Do To Make Your Business Run Better (With Simon Seroussi)

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

55 min
Jun 25, 2025Episode 131
Exploring Digital Advertising From A New Perspective (With Anthony Chiaravallo)

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

52 min
Jun 18, 2025Episode 130
Checking Back In On Growth, Working On The Right Projects & "Here Goes Nothin" (With Matt Landau)

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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Best for: commutes, long drives, housework, work breaks
Tone: practical, conversational, industry-focused, strategic

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