Why podcasts? They’re the cheat codes of the 21st century. In under an hour, you can download years of expertise from people who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you’re scaling your short-term rental (STR) portfolio, looking to optimize operations, or just trying to understand why your latest Airbnb guest insists on leaving crumbs everywhere, these podcasts deliver insights, strategies, and a sprinkle of humor to keep you sane. Here’s the lineup: (check these out on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts).
1. Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast
Host: Will Slickers
Will Slickers doesn’t just “talk” hospitality—he lives it. This podcast is a goldmine for STR operators, hoteliers, and hospitality entrepreneurs who want to level up their game. Will covers topics ranging from guest experience optimization to the nitty-gritty of backend operations. What I love most: the mix of actionable advice and big-picture vision. This isn’t just about fixing a problem today—it’s about building a business that thrives tomorrow.
2. Hospitality Daily
Host: Josiah Mackenzie
If the STR world is a complex chess game, Josiah Mackenzie is the guy showing you the 30,000-foot view of the board. Hospitality Daily is the bridge between STR operators and the broader hospitality world. Josiah dives into trends, leadership strategies, and the future of guest expectations. What’s to love? This podcast stretches your thinking and forces you to see hospitality as more than just turnover cleaning schedules and review scores.
3. Vacation Rental Revolution
Host: Shawn Moore
Shawn Moore brings the fire when it comes to investing in vacation rentals. Whether you’re a newbie wondering if this game is for you or a seasoned pro looking to scale, Shawn has you covered. He doesn’t just talk about managing rentals; he dives into why vacation rentals are one of the most underrated asset classes. Expect deep dives on ROI, market trends, and how to bulletproof your strategy.
4. Get Paid For Your Pad
Host: Jasper Ribbers
Jasper Ribbers was an early Airbnb adopter who turned his rental success into a blueprint for others. This podcast is highly tactical, breaking down everything from pricing strategies to automating your operations. Jasper’s charm and wit keep things entertaining, but make no mistake—this is a masterclass on running a STR business like a pro. Bonus: his episodes are packed with tips you can apply immediately.
5. The Co-Host Bros
Hosts: Matthew Codd & Austin Spitz
If you’re a co-host or considering offering co-hosting services, this is your podcast (with a lot of golden nuggets for property managers or single-unit hosts to pick up as well). Matthew and Austin dive into the nuances of managing properties for others, from building trust with owners to creating scalable systems. They bring a fresh, conversational style that makes even complex topics approachable. What I love: their willingness to share hard-won lessons and, occasionally, hilarious guest horror stories.
6. Bill Faeth Unfiltered
Host: Bill Faeth
Bill Faeth is the no-nonsense coach you didn’t know you needed. He’s brutally honest about what it takes to succeed in STRs, and his episodes are packed with actionable strategies. Bill’s approach blends business fundamentals with cutting-edge marketing tactics, making this a must-listen for anyone serious about scaling their portfolio. Think Alex Hormozi meets vacation rentals.
7. Short Term Rental Secrets
Host: Michael Sjogren
Michael Sjogren takes a tactical and often inspirational approach to the STR game. This podcast is for operators who want to get into the nitty-gritty of scaling while staying motivated. From finding hidden opportunities in the market to leveraging automation, Michael delivers it all. What I love most: his authenticity. He’s been where you are and isn’t afraid to share the ups and downs.
Final Thoughts
Listening to podcasts is one of the highest-leverage activities you can add to your routine. Each of these shows offers something unique, whether it’s tactical advice, big-picture strategies, or just a sense of community in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating. Dive in, take notes, and most importantly—take action.