Unlocked by Matt Landau
by Matt Landau: Vacation Rental Marketer & Podcaster
Unlocked is a podcast series that invites you to be a fly-on-the-wall as VRMB founder Matt Landau interviews some of the world's most innovative vacation rental professionals. The goal of this podcast series is to share best practices and to remind vacation rental professionals that we have everything we need inside of us to succeed.
Episodes
-
Business Outside (The Box) with Clair Stoddard
What if the next level of your business begins with a simple question: What do I actually want? Matt Landau sits down with Clair Stoddard, co-owner of Cascade Vacation Rentals, to reflect on an unconventional leadership retreat along Minnesota's North Shore. Through hiking, sailing, and honest...
-
Is The Juice Worth The Squeeze? with Rena Pacheco-Theard
What happens when the thing you built no longer feels aligned with where you're meant to go? In this episode, Matt sits down with Rena Pacheco-Theard, CEO & Co-Founder of Boutiq, for an honest conversation about transformation, calculated risk, and the difficult decisions that come with growth....
-
Visionary with Chris Hynes
In this episode, Chris Hynes, Co-Founder and CTO of OwnerRez, joins Matt Landau for a wide-ranging conversation on public speaking, self-discovery, leadership, and the human side of AI. From Toastmasters lessons and storytelling breakthroughs to leading engineering teams through uncertainty…
more -
The Next Level with Ryan Casey
A thoughtful conversation between Ryan Casey, CTO & Principal of Lighthouse Vacations, and Matt Landau on navigating the tension between fear and opportunity in the age of AI, through the lens of hospitality, leadership, and purpose. From unpacking public skepticism around AI to practical,...
-
Leading Into The Unknown with Clair Stoddard
A conversation between Matt Landau and Clair Stoddard, co-owner of Cascade Vacation Rentals, on the power of stepping into the unknown—where growth, leadership, and authenticity truly begin. From career-defining leaps of faith to redefining "failure" as a pathway to opportunity, Clair shares how...
-
Hospitality Output with Jack Zoppa
A conversation between Jack Zoppa, CEO of Haven Vacation Rentals, and Matt Landau on turning AI experiments into real business advantage—where agents, automation, and clear vision unlock scale, while human connection remains the true differentiator. Reach out to Matt directly: [email protected]
-
Inflection Points with Alex Zemianek
A conversation between Alex Zemianek, a full-time dad, husband, and owner of JZ Properties and JZ Vacation Rentals, and Matt Landau on navigating the uncertainty of AI while staying grounded in what matters most: family, purpose, and authentic leadership in business. From raising kids in a…
more -
The Paradigm Shift with Ryan Rabideau
A conversation between Ryan Rabideau and Matt Landau on standing at the edge of a new paradigm: where AI reshapes how we work, create, and lead, and invites us to rediscover what it means to be human in business. Reach out to Matt directly: [email protected] How Haven Vacation Rentals Hit 90 Percent...
-
Big Announcement from Matt
We're in between seasons of Unlocked, which means something new must be brewing! In this episode, Matt shares details about his new business creative community Here Goes Nothin. You can sign up at www.heregoesnothin.com and learn more about the upcoming retreat at www.heregoesnothin.com/costarica.
-
Shifting To Unlimited with Pamela Quinn
This episode features Pamela Quinn, the Chief Experience Officer at LakeDays.Rentals. Pamela and Matt talk about purpose and vision, and how to align your team with them. They talk about how to get things done and the role of creativity in the process. This episode is brought to you in…
more -
The Next Big Leap with Dixie Taylor
This episode features Dixie Taylor, Director of Operations at Current Tides Vacation Rentals in Alabama. This episode discusses the significant leap Dixie took when she left her old "gig". The episode emphasizes recognizing when to step into the unknown, into something new ... This episode is...
-
Conway's Law featuring Paul Waldschmidt
This episode features Paul Waldschmidt, the co-founder and CEO of OwnerRez, a property management software that serves both small homeowners and large property managers. OwnerRez is also the sponsor of this season of Unlocked. Paul and his team were part of the reason Matt decided to create this...
-
Force Majeure with Sean Breuner
This episode features Sean Breuner, the founder and CEO of AvantStay. Today's interview focuses on innovation and includes discussions about intuition and risk-taking. Necessities that are needed to create and differentiate in the Vacation Rental Industry as we know it. This episode is brought to...
-
How To Get What You Want with Julie Marks
This episode features Julie Marks, who is the co-owner of Homestead Hospitality and the Founder & Executive Director of the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance. This episode is marked as one of Matt's favorite interviews to date. Matt and Julie talk about advocacy, helping, and connecting with...
-
Poetry vs. Plumbing with Henrik Kjellberg
Today's episode features Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze. In this conversation, Henrik and Matt dive into "the new world". A world that requires adapting to change in more than just the Vacation Rental Industry, which is interesting but can be scary... Henrik shares his take on innovation and...
-
"The Connector" with Ruth Manfredi
Today's episode features Ruth Manfredi, owner of Cinque Terre Vacation Rentals in Italy. In this episode, Ruth and Matt talk about a shift toward creativity, authenticity, and originality within the VR industry. You will hear Ruth her passion and excitement while she shares her stories and...
-
What's Your Story with Maria Schuh
Today's episode features Maria Schuh, owner of Mistiso's Place in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, Maria talks about ways that effectively allow her to navigate the threats that seem to hold a lot of VR owners back and how dancing influences the way she goes about life. This...
-
Here Goes Nothin' with Steve Hafner
Today's episode features Steve Hafner, the co-founder and CEO of Kayak. Kayak is a search engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. In this episode, Steve and Matt talk about what it means to be a visionary, and how to be creative and bring...
-
Leading With Love with Antonio Bortolotti
Today's episode features Antonio Bortolotti, who runs the vacation Rental World Summit with his wife, Christina. It's become the preeminent event in Europe and the Middle East for vacation rental professionals. In this episode, Antonio and I recount this most extraordinary moment on stage at the...
-
Playing it Safe with Justin Ford
This episode features a conversation between Justin Ford and Matt Landau. Justin is a longtime industry advocate, having introduced professional safety protocols to the emerging industry of vacation rentals. In this episode, Matt and Justin talk about leadership and fear, and how certain...
-
I Got Stuck ... with Steve Schwab
I GOT STUCK is my story but it could also likely be yours. As burnout started to rear its ugly head my relationships and projects started to wobble. I was forced to accept that I was lacking a clear vision for my future: I was without a firm foundation to create from. How does one become…
more -
Our Fathers Would Be Proud with Adam Strauss
This episode features a conversation between two lifelong friends, Adam and Matt, who talk about their childhood, their fathers, and their heritage. In this conversation, they reflect on how travel reunited them in a very special place in this world, close to their roots. This episode is about...
-
Everything Was Going Exactly As Planned ...
In this episode, Matt talks with his friend and neighbor Robin. Robin's whole life seemed to be going according to plan -- great job, health, nuclear family -- until she got hit by the shitstorm of her marriage starting to unravel. In this episode, Matt and Robin explore themes of relationships,...
-
What's the Purpose of Your Trip with Guy Fomin
In this podcast episode, Matt Landau and Guy discuss personal growth, business insights, and transformative experiences. Matt talks about his life-changing trip to Israel and how travel can trigger transformation. Guy shares his enlightening experiences with psychedelics and how they altered his...
-
From Mother to Son with Barbara Landau
Join us for a conversation between Matt and his mother, Barbara Landau. This episode offers a glimpse into Barbara Landau's rich life experiences and adventures. She reflects on her career choices, emphasizing the importance of building a network of mentors and allies for success. Barbara's...
-
The Big Kahuna with Valerie Gangas
Join us for a captivating conversation with Valerie Gangas as she shares her inspiring journey of growth, spirituality, and resilience. From starting a vacation rental company during the pandemic to exploring the depths of her spiritual awakening, Valerie's story is a powerful testament to the...
-
Up in the Air with Christina Thoreson
In this special episode, Christina Thoreson takes us through the complicated reality of selling a business she'd built from the ground up to a big industry name. Wondering if you might sell one day or what happens in the aftermath? Or just contemplating big changes in life? This episode is for…
more -
2023 Trends and Predictions with Lino Maldonado of BeHome247
In this episode we sit down with Lino Maldonado, the CEO of BeHome247, to discuss where the industry is headed in 2023. Lino also offers advice on how to navigate the changing landscape of life and capitalize on new opportunities. This episode is brought you by PointCentral:...
-
Writing Your Professional Story with Alex Husner of Casago
In this episode, we take a look at big leaps, both personal and professional with Alex Husner. As the newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Casago and co-host of the popular podcast, "Alex and Annie," Alex's personal brand has flourished alongside her success in the industry. Join us as we...
-
The Quintessential Waverider with Matt Durrette of Cozi Vacation Rentals
Matt Durrette is emblematic of the kind of Homerunner that is positioned to be the biggest winner as our industry evolves. In this episode we'll talk limited edition positioning in the growth to 300 properties, entrepreneurial operating systems and and advocacy in the latest Texas battlegrounds....
-
Presidency with Karen Hunt
Karen Hunt's pre-vacation rental career included selling everything from candy and rice to Ben and Jerry's ice cream to Francis Ford Coppola and a whole lot of wine. Now she's running a lifestyle vacation rental business that is the perfect cap to a legendary career. In this episode she gives us...
-
A Life's Work with Brian Olson of Beachcomber Vacation Homes
In this episode, Brian Olson, former Point Central Rep and owner of Beachcomber Vacation Homes, discusses the impact of health on our teams and networks after a personal wake-up call. Tune in to hear his perspective on how to prioritize well-being and the well-being of your team in what is often…
more -
One of a Kind with Sharon Walker of Walker Luxury Vacation Rentals
In many ways, Sharon Walker is the ultimate Limited Edition vacation rental professional. She built a business from scratch with great care for guests and employees while raising a family. Now, with the freedom that business provides, she is heading up the statewide advocacy effort in Texas and...
-
BONUS: 2023 Trends with Nate Wysk of Point Central
In this episode Matt and Nate Wysk of Point Central talk 'advocacy technology' and upcoming 2023 trends for the vacation rental industry. This episode is brought to you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway,...
-
Analytical with Eddie Love of Mountain Mama Cabins
Eddie Love went from renting out a second home to building a full time business with fifteen properties around Harper's Ferry West Virgnia. In this episode we dive into do's and don'ts of early outsourcing, tools that enhance your version of hospitality and innovation without reinventing the…
more -
Leveling Up with Amanda Hoffmann of Highgate Homes
Our industry talks a lot these days about a departing generation of wisdom. About the operators exiting their businesses and taking all of their knowledge with them. But what you don't hear about is the new minds, the new leaders who will carry the torch and Amanda Hoffmann is definately a new...
-
The Case Against Consolidation with Simon Lehmann of AJL Atelier
In this episode two of the industry's top thought leaders reminisce on their friendly rivarly and come together with insights meant to push the whole industry forward. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and...
-
Leading from the Heart with Lauren Madewell of Auntie Bellham's Cabin Rentals
Lauren Madewell found her calling when Vacation Rentals unexpectedly became the family business. In this episode Lauren and Matt discuss finding that calling, how a passion for the family business can unlock tools to work with guests and staff and what the future holds for our industry. This...
-
2023 Keystone Awards Update with Terry Whyte
Years ago Terry and Matt started sharing and formalizing their research on tech stacks and property managment software with the wider community. In this episode they discuss the future of their Keystone project and wider lessons to think about when using a "help don't sell" model in your…
more -
How Vacation Rental Laws Work with Tiffany Edwards of Coletta Consulting
Tiffany Edwards grew up in the vacation rental business and has become one of its foremost goverment affairs experts and fundraisers. In this episode we dig into what our industry is doing well and what it needs to do better for a fair regulatory future. This episode is brought you by…
more -
Throwback to Hurricane Florence with Mike Harrington
Our scheduled epsiode for this week was interupted due to uncertainty around Hurricane Ian. Everyone involved with the show is fine and we'll be back next week with regularly scheduled programming, but for now we're going to archives and resharing Episode 19 with you, where Mike Harrington gives…
more -
Scaling Culture with Steve Schwab of Casago
Steve Schwab went from living in the back of a bar in Puerto Peñasco Mexico and helping out with HVAC systems to building Casago into a major property management company with thousands of properties and franchises all over the US and Mexico. He's featured in our second episode of Homerunners and...
-
Nailed it with Miriam Ramsey of VTrips
Miriam Ramsey is a key player in the VTrips model of growth through local brands and a star of our first Homerunners episode which premieres worldwide on October 23rd at VRMA International in Las Vegas. In this episode Matt and Miriam discuss what it takes to make it in this industry, how to…
more -
Validation with Michelle 'MJ' Boyle of My Tiny House Village
Michelle "MJ" Boyle is a patented inventor, the Hostess of the Tiny House Podcast, founder and creator of My Tiny House Village, Oregon Teardrop Rentals, and My Tiny Creekside Retreat. In this episode Matt and MJ explore the rushes and reversals inherit in Homerunning...from hitting a niche…
more -
Pressure is a Privilege with Lukas Krause of Skyrun Vacation Rentals
Welcome to Season 9 of the Unlocked Podcast! Lukas Krause is part of a new generation of industry professionals bringing superpowers from other industries into our own. He's running a large company in the space but focusing on small hospitality details. In this episode Matt and Lukas dive into…
more -
Season Reflections with Jeremiah Gall of Breezeway
Prior to launching Season 9: Homerunners this week, Matt sat down with Breezeway founder and perennial Unlocked sponsor Jeremiah Gall to discuss highlights from last season and the state of the industry moving forward. Episode One of Homerunners featuring Lukas Krause of Skyrun Vacation Rentals...
-
Our Foundation with Heather Bayer of Vacation Rental Success
In this final episode of Season 8 we speak with the godmother of vacation rentals, Heather Bayer of the Vacation Rental Success podcast, which has featured more than 440 vacation rental innovators and given an enormous wealth of knowledge to our community. Heather recently sold her vacation…
more -
"We scrape poop off toilets" with Stuart Hooper of Mangofish Studios
In this episode producer Stuart Hooper gives an update on progress at Mangofish Studios, an off the grid creative retreat center in Panama and talks to Matt about his recent article for Phocuswire.com on the challenge of scaling what cannot be scaled. Phocuswire Aritcle:...
-
Mighty from Within with Victoria O'Connell of GoLightly
Victoria O'Connell is the creator of GoLightly, a home sharing platform for women. In this episode we dive into the genesis of the platform, talk about creating accountability and deep ties in a network and discuss broader concepts in niche marketing. GoLightly: https://www.wegolightly.com This...
-
Family First with Tom Goodwin of Mountain Laurel Chalets
Tom Goodwin of Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is celebrating 50 years of making limited edition memories for guests. In this episode we dive into his direct marketing techniques, which are among the most holistic and comprehensive we have ever encountered. Mountain Laurel…
more
About this show
Unlocked is a podcast series that invites you to be a fly-on-the-wall as VRMB founder Matt Landau interviews some of the world's most innovative vacation rental professionals. The goal of this podcast series is to share best practices and to remind vacation rental professionals that we have everything we need inside of us to succeed.
Hosted by
Matt Landau: Vacation Rental Marketer & Podcaster
Categories