The Art Of Hospitality

PODCAST · business

The Art Of Hospitality

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.

  1. 108

    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 Jamie LaneAirDNA

  2. 107

    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

  3. 106

    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

  4. 105

    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

  5. 104

    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

  6. 103

    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

  7. 102

    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

  8. 101

    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

  9. 100

    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

  10. 99

    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

  11. 98

    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

  12. 97

    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

  13. 96

    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 

  14. 95

    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

  15. 94

    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

  16. 93

    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

  17. 92

    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 

  18. 91

    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

  19. 90

    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

  20. 89

    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

  21. 88

    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

  22. 87

    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

  23. 86

    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

  24. 85

    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

  25. 84

    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

  26. 83

    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

  27. 82

    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

  28. 81

    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

  29. 80

    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

  30. 79

    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

  31. 78

    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 

  32. 77

    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

  33. 76

    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

  34. 75

    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

  35. 74

    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

  36. 73

    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

  37. 72

    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

  38. 71

    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

  39. 70

    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 

  40. 69

    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. 

  41. 68

    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

  42. 67

    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

  43. 66

    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

  44. 65

    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

  45. 64

    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

  46. 63

    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

  47. 62

    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

  48. 61

    The Top Real Estate Investors NEED Vacation Rental Managers? (With Shawn Moore)

    In this episode, we chat with Shawn Moore of Vodessey on picking the right properties, spending on guest experience, and why the top investors love using property managers...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellVodesseyShawn MooreVacation Rental Revolution PodcastWhat the Hell Is a Lifestyle Asset?: How To Build Lifestyle & Financial Freedom Investing In Vacation Homes

  49. 60

    Scaling A Luxury Vacation Rental Management Business The Smart Way (With Caleb Hannon)

    In this episode, we chat with North Carolina's very own Caleb Hannon on all things growth, scaling a business, partnerships, AI, local hospitality vs service and a LOT more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellCaleb HannonStay Lake Norman

  50. 59

    Revisiting Accessible Vacation Rentals & Vrbo's New Features (With Lorraine Woodward)

    In this episode, we bring back Lorraine Woodward to give us an update on all things accessible travel, how the vacation rental industry is embracing accessible properties, how Vrbo is helping and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellLorraine WoodwardBecoming rentABLEVrbo - More Travel

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.

HOSTED BY

The Art Of Hospitality Podcast

Produced by The Art Of Hospitality Podcast Team: Conrad O'Connell & Adam Norko

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