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PODCAST

Hospitality Daily Podcast

Josiah Mackenzie

Stay informed and inspired to delight people and grow your business with daily conversations with interesting people doing interesting things. Hosted by Josiah Mackenzie.

business places & travel

All Episodes

10:01

Why STR’s 40 Years of Proprietary Data Is Its...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/15

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares how she’s thinking about the role artificial intelligence could play in the future of hospitality forecasting. Recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference, this conversation explores why STR’s 40 years of proprietary hotel data remain its greatest advantage, how her team is cautiously testing AI tools without risking data integrity, and the opportunities AI presents for improving data onboarding and analysis. Amanda also explains why human judgment

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7:33

The Real Purpose of Hotel Benchmarking - Amanda Hite,...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/14

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares why benchmarking still matters in a hospitality market that feels like it changes every month. Recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference, this conversation explores the “golden rule” of benchmarking, why consistency matters more than the specific numbers, and how hotel leaders can grow market share even when overall demand is flat. You’ll hear how to cut through the noise of rapid change, focus on what you can control, and use performance data to

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17:00

Inside the 2025 Profitability Squeeze: STR’s Amanda...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/13

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite joins us to discuss the profitability pressures shaping hospitality in 2025, and what leaders can do about them. She explains why margins are shrinking despite strong demand, from ADR lagging behind inflation to rising labor costs, PIPs, and debt service challenges. Amanda also shares how STR’s new tools and global benchmarking capabilities are helping owners, operators, and brands align on data, make faster decisions, and protect the bottom line. This

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11:30

Six Months of Challenges: STR President Amanda Hite...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/12

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares the latest forecast for the hotel industry on August 7, 2025. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to

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9:41

Calm Minds, Bold Moves: Amanda Hite on Leading STR...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/11

In this episode recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference in Nashville, Josiah Mackenzie speaks to STR President Amanda Hite about the leadership lessons that have shaped her career. She recalls what she learned from STR founder Randy Smith’s humility, clarity, and ability to empower others — setting guardrails while encouraging smart risk-taking. Amanda then shares how she applies these principles today, balancing a calm, thoughtful presence with the need for speed and decisiveness in a

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25:11

From Forts to Function: The Innovation Kids Love That...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/08

Saar Shai, co-founder of Wanderland, returns to share how a simple idea—born from watching his own kids on vacation—is changing the way hotels welcome families. (See our first conversation here.) Since our last conversation, Saar has been working with leading hotel brands to introduce “Screener,” a modular, themed room divider that gives kids their own space while improving the stay experience for parents.We explore how this innovation solves a common operational challenge—limited connecting

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13:47

The Lantern Hotel: Pioneering Inclusive Employment in...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/07

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, joins us to discuss The Lantern Hotel, an innovative hospitality project dedicated to creating inclusive employment opportunities. David explains how The Lantern not only transforms an old fire station in Columbia, South Carolina, into a vibrant hotel but also empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hospitality leaders will gain insights into how intentional employment practices can impact communities and the hospitality industry as a whole. A few

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13:47

Visibility as a Competitive Advantage: How Raines...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/06

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, shares how the practice of visibility drives the culture at his rapidly growing hospitality company. He dives deep into how Raines maintains its close-knit, relationship-driven culture through intentional leadership practices, especially during growth periods and acquisitions like the integration of HP Hotels. Listen in to discover how visibility, internal events, and cross-training initiatives create career opportunities and cultivate a unified team

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17:17

Risk, Reward, and Relationships: David Tart’s Proven...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/05

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, entered the hospitality industry by turning family farmland into his first Hampton Inn. Today, he leads development at Raines, an integrated hospitality company known for both branded and independent hotels. In this conversation, David shares key lessons from his career—particularly around risk-taking, relationship-building, and why trust is foundational in navigating the world of hospitality. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily,

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21:30

Winning Without OTAs: How Unplugged Achieves 100%...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/04

In this episode, our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, speaks with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, who shares how they have achieved the remarkable with 100% direct bookings and nearly full occupancy year-round -- all without relying on OTAs. Hector discusses Unplugged's unique approach to organic growth, the creative use of social media, and how building a movement rather than just a brand has driven their success. Hospitality leaders will gain fresh insights into how

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23:36

Digital Detox Done Differently: How Hector Hughes...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/03

In this episode, our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, speaks with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged: a hospitality concept transforming wellness travel through digital detox experiences. Hector shares why merely offering digital detox as a hotel amenity rarely succeeds, and reveals how Unplugged has built its entire guest experience around the power of disconnecting. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message her...

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30:02

How Chris Gilbert is Humanizing Government Through...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/02

Chris Gilbert, CEO of Springfield Township in Hamilton County, Ohio, and founder of Municipal Hospitality Advisors, shares how he's applying hospitality principles to transform local government. Chris reveals what inspired him to shift civic leadership from transactional interactions to meaningful moments of hospitality, highlighting practical ways he's building a people-focused culture within government operations. Listeners will learn how to effectively humanize their leadership

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10:51

Inside Zara’s "Travel Mode": A Blueprint for...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/08/01

In this episode, Danica Smith, Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, breaks down Zara's innovative "Travel Mode" initiative, demonstrating how hospitality leaders can draw inspiration from retail to rethink guest experiences. She highlights the importance of creative, cross-industry collaborations and addresses critical debates surrounding sustainability, brand alignment, and the future role of retail in hospitality. See Danica's post

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20:37

The Four Ps of Guest Experience: How to Know, Grow,...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/31

Danica Smith, Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, returns to dive deeper into her innovative framework, The Four Ps of Guest Experience: Personal, Purposeful, Playful, and Participatory. In this episode, Danica breaks down each pillar with actionable insights, exploring why personalization must move beyond superficial data points, how travel can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, and why playful, participatory experiences are key to guest

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14:23

Inside The Mind of Today's Traveler: How to Excel in...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/30

Danica Smith, Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, returns to share what she's learned from recent conversations with industry leaders and her consultancy work. She explains why guest expectations are evolving so rapidly, discusses key trends shaping guest experiences today, and provides real-world examples of personalization at its best. Danica also previews her "4 Ps" framework for guest experience, an influential tool hospitality leaders

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12:31

Building a Workplace People Love: Inside Pacifica...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/29

Scott Roby, President of Pacifica Hotels, joins us to share the keys to building a workplace culture that reduces turnover and boosts hotel performance. He reveals Pacifica's innovative approach, from personalized employee experiences and thoughtful leadership retreats to candid, empathetic communication that leads to true employee engagement. Hospitality leaders will gain actionable insights into creating an environment where employees feel valued, leading to stronger retention, happier teams,

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21:39

How Pacifica Hotels Is Boosting Profitability by...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/28

Scott Roby, President of Pacifica Hotels, shares how he's navigating the current economic environment by strategically cutting costs without sacrificing quality or guest experience. You'll learn about Pacifica’s innovative approach to profitability, including leveraging technology, creatively driving domestic travel demand, and uncovering overlooked operational savings. This episode offers practical insights for hospitality leaders seeking ways to boost margins and maintain excellence in a

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38:06

High Stakes in the High Desert: The Untold Story of...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/27

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Reset Hotel, the first new hotel built in Joshua Tree in over 15 years. Co-founder Adam Wininger and investor Shannon Ching of HP Investors share candid insights and practical lessons from their experience bringing this ambitious, outdoor-focused hotel concept to life. You'll hear why they chose hotels over Airbnb, how trust shaped their partnerships, and why understanding guests' desires ultimately defined Reset’s success.Also see: Designing

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8:03

Finding Creative Inspiration Beyond Hospitality: How...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/26

In this episode, Sage Hospitality Group’s Chief Creative Officer, Jessica Werner, shares her approach to finding fresh creative inspiration by looking beyond the hospitality industry. She explains why seeking inspiration from art, nature, music, and even wine-making can unlock powerful new ideas for hospitality leaders. If you're looking to stay inspired, avoid creative burnout, and bring truly innovative thinking into your work, you’ll love her perspective and practical tips. A few more

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8:18

AI in Hospitality: How Sage’s Chief Creative Officer...

Hospitality Daily Podcast ·

2025/07/25

In this episode, Jess Werner, Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, explores how AI is reshaping hospitality without losing its essential human touch. Jess explains how Sage integrates AI to enhance operational efficiency and brand consistency, from refining marketing strategies to maintaining impeccable guest experiences. Yet, she emphasizes that technology must complement, not replace, genuine human connection and creativity. Jess also shares why authentic, experiential hospitality

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1,064 results

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