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PODCAST

Defining Hospitality

Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. With

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All Episodes

60:27

Redefining Hospitality Through Tech - Tanya Pratt -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/05/06

This week, Dan Ryan sits down with Tanya Pratt, Global VP of Strategy and Product Management at Oracle Hospitality, to prove that the most powerful upgrade a hotel can make isn't to its lobby, it's to its data. A front desk girl turned tech executive, Tanya unpacks how Oracle is collapsing decades of fragmented systems into one seamless guest experience, why cloud adoption exploded the moment hotels ran out of people, and what happened during an 18-hour outage at 3am that changed the entire

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52:49

Designing with Magic and Precision - Larah Moravek -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/04/29

This week, Dan Ryan sits down with Larah Moravek, founding partner at Dutch East Design, to make the case that the most powerful thing a designer can bring to a project isn't a mood board, it's a story. Larah pulls back the curtain on how Dutch East blends interior design and branding under one roof, turning narrative driven frameworks into spaces that feel inevitable. With real stories from the ground including the adaptive reuse of a Marcel Breuer brutalist landmark into Hotel Marcel, the

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55:28

Green Means Revenue - JoAnna Abrams - Defining...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/04/22

This Earth Day, Dan Ryan welcomes back JoAnna Abrams, founder and CEO of MindClick, to make the case that sustainability isn't just good for the planet, it's good for business. JoAnna reveals how MindClick's product intelligence platform transforms the sustainability data already hiding in hotel FF&E purchases into a competitive weapon, winning corporate travel contracts, boosting sustainability ratings, and growing real revenue. With stories from the ground, including Hyatt Centric

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52:27

Beyond the Front Desk - Walter Peseski - Defining...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/04/15

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Walter Peseski, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Garfield Public Private, to explore the often misunderstood world of hotel asset management and public private partnerships. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, this discussion uncovers how cities, universities, and hospitals are leveraging creative financing structures to build hotels that serve as economic catalysts for entire communities.About the Guest:Walter Peseski is the

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56:03

The Art of Anticipation - Ed Bakos - Defining...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/04/08

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Ed Bakos, CEO of Champalimaud Design, to explore the evolving dimensions of hospitality in the design world. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, this discussion uncovers how the nuances of design, from emotional exchanges to anticipating guest needs, define luxury and authenticity in the hospitality industry today.About the Guest:Ed Bakos is the CEO of Champalimaud Design, a New York-based firm renowned for its innovative approach to

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55:04

What the K-Wave Means for Hotel and Restaurant Design...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/04/01

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Thomas Oh, Co-Founder & General Manager of Perilla Korean American Steakhouse, and Daphne Shin, Founder & Principal Designer of the Ruimte, two passionate creators working at the intersection of culture, cuisine, and design. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, the episode delves into the unique approach Thomas and Daphne take to blend Korean cultural elements into their business ventures in Chicago.About the Guests:Thomas Oh is

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57:05

Curating Luxury Through Sound - Michelangelo L’Acqua...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/03/25

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Michaelangelo L’Acqua, a global entertainment director and music/lifestyle branding expert, to discuss hospitality as “infrastructure” built through sound, motifs, and emotional arcs across dayparts. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, this conversation dives into shifting luxury expectations, analog-era craft, and mentoring creatives within business-driven environments.Michelangelo shares how sound serves as the unseen architect in the

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68:56

Transforming Hospitality for Millennials - Saxton...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/03/18

What does hospitality truly mean in today's world?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan welcomes Saxton Sharad, the founder and CEO of Revival Hotels and Hideaway Inns. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Saxton shares his journey and insights on transforming the guest experience, catering to the evolving needs of millennials and Gen Z travelers, and redefining what it means to be hospitable.Takeaways:The true meaning of hospitality is getting a break. Saxton

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61:59

Exploring Data-Driven Trends - Isaac Collazo - STR -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/03/11

How does data make the hospitality industry come alive?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan welcomes Isaac Collazo, the Head of Analytics at STR and Co-Host of "Tell Me More, A Hospitality Data Podcast." They dive into the integral role data plays in the hospitality industry, from informing strategic decisions to influencing how businesses can adapt in changing economic climates.Takeaways:Utilizing data to enhance operational efficiency. Isaac emphasizes how storytelling

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56:27

Hospitality's Soulful Essence Revealed - Stephanie...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/03/04

How do relationships shape the hospitality industry?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan explores how relationships fundamentally shape the hospitality industry with guest Stephanie Hopkins. As an experienced interior designer and brand specialist, Hopkins shares insights into her extensive career and the essential role that relationships and strategic growth play in navigating the complexities of hospitality.Takeaways:Relationships often transcend profession. Stephanie

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56:17

East Coast Design Expansion - Amy Margolis - BAMO...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/02/25

How do detailed preparations elevate hospitality experiences?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan interviews Amy Margolis, an esteemed interior designer and studio director at Bamo in Providence, Rhode Island. Moving through her career journey from California to the East Coast, Amy shares her thoughts on being deeply rooted in anticipating guests' needs, curating environments that allow people to relax, and creating memorable experiences.Takeaways:Hospitality is an orchestrated

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0:59

The Puzzle of Architecture - Andrew Ashey - AAmp...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/02/18

What does it mean to find joy and creativity in the constraints of adaptive reuse?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Andrew Ashey, Founder and Principal of AAmp Studio, to discuss the expansive nature of hospitality design, the importance of engaging with diverse community elements, and the delightful challenges presented by adaptive reuse.Takeaways:Architecture is a collaborative puzzle. Andrew finds the challenge of collaboration a central aspect of his

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54:02

The Value of Storytelling - Ian Sharpe - NextTrip -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/02/11

How can travel channels inspire personal growth and global understanding?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Ian Sharpe, the Chief Operating Officer of Media at NextTrip, to explore the transformative power of hospitality and storytelling in the realm of global travel. With a vast experience spanning video games and visual media, Ian delves into the intricate tapestry of how cutting-edge technology, media, and human connection shape the way we experience the

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64:54

Hospitality’s Innovative Playground - Glenn Nowak -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/02/04

How Can Las Vegas Serve as the Ultimate Architectural Laboratory?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Glen Noack, an accomplished architect and associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), to dive into Glen's extensive experience in architecture and hospitality design. They explore various aspects of radical innovation within the built environment, the unique opportunities Las Vegas offers as a 'living laboratory,' and Glen's involvement in

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57:01

The Human Side of Hospitality - Chelsea Hershelman -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/01/28

Can empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to run toward the fire reshape how leaders design experiences, and careers, in hospitality?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Chelsea Hershelman, VP of Design and Development at Coral Tree Hospitality, to unpack hospitality as an empathetic act and leadership as influence, not authority. From designing for neurodiversity and stressed-out arrivals to taking leaps of faith across a non-linear career path, Chelsea shares

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56:31

Leading Through Exploration and Service - Richard...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/01/21

Can exploration, storytelling, and service to others redefine what hospitality really means and why does it start at home?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club, Emmy Award–winning TV host, and lifelong explorer. Their conversation spans far beyond travel, unpacking hospitality as a human instinct rooted in curiosity, generosity, and connection. From backyard foraging mishaps to Apollo astronauts’ moon-bound

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62:50

The Future of Hospitality Is Intelligent Tech - John...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/01/14

How will AI, biometrics, and healthcare thinking redefine hospitality, and what does the future of truly personalized guest experience look like?In this episode, Dan Ryan sits down with John Duffield, a Speaker at Signal Two and an Advisory Board Member at Radical Innovation. They have a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of hospitality, healthcare, and emerging technology. Drawing from his patient experience at Cleveland Clinic and his work at the forefront of AI and biometric

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75:15

Building Resilient Hotel Investment Models - Hugh...

Defining Hospitality ·

2026/01/07

How do you build a global hospitality business without losing the personal touch, resilience, or trust that defines great service?In this episode, Dan Ryan sits down with Hugh Taylor, CEO of Michels & Taylor, for an in-depth conversation on leadership, hospitality, and hotel investment. Hugh shares his journey from marketing roles at major hotel brands like Hilton to becoming one of the most respected voices in hotel asset management and advisory. They explore what true hospitality

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69:44

Hospitality Starts With People - Thomas Healy -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2025/12/31

On this special re-air episode of Defining Hospitality, we revisit an insightful conversation on people-first leadership, authentic culture, and the true meaning of hospitality with Thomas Healy, President and COO of Rockbridge Hospitality Management. With more than 30 years in the industry, Tom shares lessons shaped by his upbringing in a family-run New Jersey supper club and a career spanning independent and branded hotels.The conversation explores how leadership is rooted in empathy,

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44:58

Leadership and Legacy in Hospitality - Marc Bromley -...

Defining Hospitality ·

2025/12/24

On this special re-air episode of Defining Hospitality, we revisit a powerful conversation on people-centric leadership and the enduring value of culture with Marc Bromley, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. Drawing from decades in luxury hospitality, and lessons passed down from his father, legendary hotelier Stan Bromley, Marc shares why exceptional guest experiences always start with taking exceptional care of employees.The conversation

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