Photography stuff explained in plain English by me, Rick, in less than 27(ish) minutes without the irrelevant details. I explain one photographic thing per episode, providing just enough information to help you understand it, improve your photography and take better photos, all without delving into endless, irrelevant details. I am a professionally qualified photographer based in the UK and amongst other things I help photographers take better photos. If you want me to answer your question, ...
…
continue reading
Photography Terms Explained Podcasts
Short-term rental hosting, Airbnb tips, direct bookings, vacation rental management – Host Planet is your go-to source for expert insights and real estate strategies.
…
continue reading
Jake Seal, founder of Black Hangar Studios is experienced in producing, writing, and directing; a love of film first and foremost drives him. With an overarching passion for analog photography, cinema cameras, and analog processing, printing, and delivery... His diverse interests, investments, and specialties also encompass cutting-edge stereoscopic 3D, AR, VR, 360, long-term archiving, and everything celluloid. Jake Seal of Black Hangar Studios has made a significant impact on the entertain ...
…
continue reading
1
Holiday Let Mortgages Explained: When (and How) to Remortgage
21:35
21:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:35In this episode of the Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, Joe Stallard from House and Holiday Home Mortgages explains exactly when and why holiday let owners should consider remortgaging. We cover: - Moving onto your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). - How to find the best remortgage deals – sometimes with your current lender. - When to start plann…
…
continue reading
1
Graham Donoghue on AI, Acquisitions & the Future of Short-Term Rentals
37:57
37:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:57For our first Host Planet Playbook feature, we’re joined by Graham Donoghue, CEO of Forge Holiday Group, to discuss what it takes to scale from 5,000 to 30,000 short-term rental properties while keeping the local touch that makes hospitality special. Graham shares candid insights on: - The challenges of rapid growth and integration in the world of …
…
continue reading
1
📸 Train Your Eye: Master Photography Right Where You Are🌍
15:44
15:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:44Send us a text Tired of feeling like you need an exotic location for great photos? 🎒 The truth is, the most amazing photo spots are often right outside your door. The key is learning how to see like a professional photographer. 🎁 Host Rick McEvoy gives you his essential 11-Point Checklist for training your eye and taking captivating photos, no matt…
…
continue reading
1
From ‘Host Hacking’ to Hospitality: Chad Harker on Scaling Vacation Rentals for Business Growth
23:43
23:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:43In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Canadian STR expert Chad Harker shares his journey from ‘host hacking’ to scaling a successful vacation rental business. Chad discusses how to deliver unforgettable guest experiences and drive direct bookings through social media. He also taps into the power of community and user-g…
…
continue reading
1
How Great Photography Boosts Your Vacation Rental Business
14:37
14:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:37In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – we explore how photography can revolutionise your vacation rental business. Frank Bosi from Hostfully shares expert insights on lighting, composition, storytelling, and detail shots that can elevate your property’s appeal. Learn why investing in professional photography is essential f…
…
continue reading
1
Why Short-Term Rental Hosts Should Attend SCALE UK in Manchester
21:19
21:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:19In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Damian Sheridan previews SCALE UK, taking place in Manchester on 12-13 November. Discover why attending short-term rental events is crucial for operators looking to enhance their guest experience and achieve more direct bookings. Damian outlines who will gain the most from attendin…
…
continue reading
1
Enhancing Guest Experience: Stress-Free Check-Ins with Smart Tech for Vacation Rentals
14:29
14:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:29In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, we dive into how to enhance the guest experience and simplify check-ins for vacation rentals. Frank Bosi from Hostfully shares expert tips on transforming the often stressful moments of arrival and departure into seamless five-star experiences. With effective communication and smart technology, such as smart…
…
continue reading
1
Responsible Holiday Letting: Boost Accessibility & Enhance the Guest Experience
19:42
19:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:42In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Claire Binns, Senior Impact Manager at Sykes Holiday Cottages, shares insights on responsible holiday letting focused on guest experience and sustainability in vacation rentals. Learn how to reduce both costs and your carbon footprint while being a great neighbour and improving accessibility for all guests, i…
…
continue reading
1
📸The Art of Light: From Harsh to Heavenly ✨
21:48
21:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:48Send us a text What transforms an average photograph into a stunning one? It’s light. Photography literally means "drawing with light" ✍️, but simply having light isn't enough—you need to understand how to use it as a creative tool 🎨. In this essential, practical guide, host Rick McEvoy shows you how to stop fearing "bad" light and start seeing it …
…
continue reading
Holiday let operators in Wales are leaving (or attempting to leave) the sector in droves due to the onerous 182-day letting threshold imposed by the government. Nicky Williamson from PASC UK joins this week's Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – to paint a grim picture for the self-catering sector in the Principality. She explains that arou…
…
continue reading
1
Quick Wins for Optimising Your Airbnb Listing
13:59
13:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:59
…
continue reading
1
Mastering OTA Strategies for Direct Bookings and Brand Growth
24:30
24:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:30
…
continue reading
1
How to Achieve 5-Star Reviews – with Hostfully’s Frank Bosi
18:40
18:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:40In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, we dive into reviews – and how you can achieve five stars every time that help you to drive direct bookings and enhance your guest experience. Frank Bosi from Hostfully shares a simple, repeatable system for earning five-star reviews, covering everything from the initial impression to the crucial follow-up a…
…
continue reading
1
Holiday Let vs Buy-to-Let Mortgages: A Guide for Airbnb Hosts
13:11
13:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:11In this month's Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, we dive into the world of short-term rentals and financial strategies with Beth Taylor from House and Holiday Home Mortgages. This episode breaks down the crucial differences between buy-to-let and holiday let mortgages, what lenders scrutinise, and how rates and affordability are assessed. We highlight…
…
continue reading
1
Essential Accessories for Every Photographer (Without Breaking the Bank)
19:59
19:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:59Send us a text Ever wondered what gear you need beyond your camera? 🤔 The answer isn't a new lens or a bigger flash; it's a few simple, affordable accessories that can make a huge difference. ✨ They protect your gear, make shooting easier, and help you get better photos. 📸 In this episode, your host Rick dives deep into ten must-have items that pro…
…
continue reading
1
Winning World Cup Hosting Strategies: Boost Your Bookings with Tyann Marcink Hammond
23:27
23:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:27Join us for the latest episode of the Host Planet Podcast as we dive into the world of vacation rentals with Tyann Marcink Hammond from Branson Family Retreats. As the FIFA World Cup approaches, we explore crucial insights into optimising your bookings. Tyann will guide both new hosts and seasoned STR managers through her World Cup Hosting Crash Co…
…
continue reading
1
Cut Energy Costs and Enhance Guest Experience with resicentral
17:34
17:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:34On today's Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Suzanne Luscombe from resicentral demonstrates how smart building tech can significantly reduce energy bills while enhancing the guest experience. From remote triage to energy mapping, she explains the practical steps STR operators can take to save costs, resolve issues quickly, and focus on …
…
continue reading
1
Terry Whyte’s Vacation Rental Comeback: Resilience After Two Hurricanes
29:24
29:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:24In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we hear from Terry Whyte of Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals as he details his inspiring comeback in the vacation rental industry after facing two hurricanes in two months. Discover how his strategic approach not only addressed immediate recovery challenges but also laid the foundation for sustained busine…
…
continue reading
1
Cleaning Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts: Maximise Guest Experience and Ratings
14:15
14:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:15In this episode of Host Planet, we’re joined by Joseph Cox from Hostfully, who shares invaluable cleaning tips tailored for short-term rental (STR) hosts looking to enhance their guest experience and secure positive reviews. Cleanliness is essential for driving direct bookings and maintaining high ratings. Joseph discusses how to hire reliable clea…
…
continue reading
1
ISO Explained: The Simple Guide to Better Photos in Any Light ✨
20:45
20:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:45Send us a text Ever wondered why some photos come out looking dark 🌑 and others are sharp but grainy? 🌾 The answer lies in one simple camera setting: ISO. 📸 It doesn't let more light in; instead, it's the digital amplifier of your photo's data. 🔊 Mastering this one setting lets you get a sharp, correctly exposed photo in any situation. 🎯 We’re divi…
…
continue reading
1
Maximising Revenue in Dubai's Short-Term Rentals: Strategies for Success
25:00
25:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:00Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic short-term rental markets, offering immense opportunities for business growth. With year-round demand, premium ADRs, and no personal income tax, understanding how to operate effectively in this unique environment is essential. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, Oriol Plana – op…
…
continue reading
1
Essential Guest Screening Tips for Vacation Rentals: Protecting Profit and Reputation
9:54
9:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:54In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Bevan Thompson from Hostfully discusses essential guest screening tips for vacation rental hosts and property managers. Guest screening is crucial for protecting profit and reputation in the short-term rental market. By verifying identity, applying risk checks, and adhering to local regulations, hosts can en…
…
continue reading
1
Set the Standard: Onboarding Essentials for Holiday Let Hosts | Sykes Holiday Cottages
25:53
25:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:53If you want happier guests, higher ratings, and fewer headaches, start with the foundations. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan shares the Sykes Holiday Cottages onboarding playbook – from non-negotiable safety and quality checks to the communication habits that shape every short-term rental stay. We cover cleaning standards, de…
…
continue reading
1
Cornwall’s Beach Retreats: The Direct Booking Blueprint for Successful Short-Term Rental Hosting
38:14
38:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:14On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we dive into direct bookings with Andy Easton of Beach Retreats, a Cornwall-based brand achieving an impressive 97% direct bookings. This episode unpacks the effective marketing strategies they’ve employed to avoid the pitfalls of channel chasing. Learn how to ace guest experience by knowing exactly who y…
…
continue reading
1
Enhance Guest Experience: Communication Tips for Successful Airbnb Hosting
13:52
13:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:52In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Joseph Cox from Hostfully shares actionable guest communication tips tailored for Airbnb hosts. Discover effective strategies that not only enhance the guest experience but also lead to increased direct bookings and revenue growth. Joseph’s first recommendation is to create a digital guidebook, serving as a …
…
continue reading
1
🎙️Finding Your Best Angle, Simple Tips for Better Composition 🖼️
21:39
21:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:39Send us a text The Secret to Amazing Photos Isn't a Camera. It's How You Use Your Eyes. ✨ Have you ever wondered what separates a simple snapshot from a truly captivating photograph? It’s all about composition—the art of purposefully arranging everything within your photo frame to guide the viewer's eye and tell a clear story. In this episode, your…
…
continue reading
1
Love/Hate Your Tech Stack? Enhancing Guest Experience in Short-Term Rentals
32:39
32:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:39In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we explore the intersection of technology and guest experience in short-term rentals with Jessica Gillingham, Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide. Jessica unpacks the core themes of her enlightening book, Tech Enabled Hospitality, which sheds light on how hospitality tech – from PMS to guest apps – evolves…
…
continue reading
1
Pricing Smarter: Guardrails, Demand & Deals
11:15
11:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:15On this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Bevan Thompson from Hostfully breaks pricing down to what actually fills calendars without killing profit. He explains why most hosts should lean on dynamic pricing – with smart guardrails – so rates rise when demand spikes and ease off when the market softens. The goal isn’t the lowest price or the highest …
…
continue reading
1
Holiday Let Mortgages: Documents You Need + Affordability Tips
15:04
15:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:04On this month's Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, Joe Stallard from House and Holiday Home Mortgages walks holiday let owners through the practical steps that make a mortgage application faster and stronger. From the very first checklist – ID, proof of address, income evidence, and bank statements – to how lenders read those documents, Joe explains wha…
…
continue reading
1
Listen Up Holiday Let Owners! Why the Host Planet x STAA Roadshow Matters for UK Hosts
30:07
30:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:07On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, James Varley sits down with Andy Fenner, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), to announce the Host Planet Roadshow 2026 – a national series built for short-term rental hosts, property managers, agencies, and industry professionals. Kicking off in Cornwall in February 2026 an…
…
continue reading
1
From OTAs to Direct: STR Listing Strategy with Hostfully
16:39
16:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:39Short-term rental distribution can make or break your occupancy. In this episode, Joseph Cox from Hostfully breaks down where you must be listed, how Airbnb and Booking.com dominate demand, and what truly differentiates the major online travel agencies (OTAs). He also spotlights niche platforms that punch above their weight for certain audiences, p…
…
continue reading
1
Your First Five Steps into Landscape Photography (Even in Your Local Park!)
26:00
26:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:00Send us a text 🏞️ Photography Explained Podcast - Episode 213: Your First Five Steps into Landscape Photography (Even in Your Local Park!) 📸 What if you could take stunning landscape photos without traveling to exotic locations? In this episode, your host Rick McEvoy makes photography accessible by showing you how to find beauty right where you are…
…
continue reading
1
How the End of FHL Tax Relief Affects Holiday Let Owners
26:34
26:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:34In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Matt Jeffery from Zeal Tax breaks down the recent changes to the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime and what they mean for short-term rental owners and investors. With the FHL regime being abolished in April, many hosts are left wondering how this will affect their current ta…
…
continue reading
1
Instagram Strategies Every Airbnb Host Needs to Know
12:56
12:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:56In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Jennifer Knight from Savvy Social Solutions shares actionable tips for short-term rental hosts looking to step up their Instagram game. From creating authentic content that showcases your property’s personality to leveraging location-based posts that catch the right audience, Jennifer…
…
continue reading
1
Agency vs Self-Managing Your Holiday Let – What’s Best?
25:38
25:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:38In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan, Senior Manager of Property Onboarding at Sykes Holiday Cottages, explains why partnering with an agency can be a game-changer for holiday let owners. Drawing on her experience helping thousands of property owners navigate the onboarding process, Rachel highlights how Sykes provides the tools, …
…
continue reading
1
How to Run Smarter STR Operations with Breezeway
30:48
30:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:48In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, we sit down with Jeremy Gall, the Founder and CEO of Breezeway, to explore what it really takes to run smart operations in the short-term rental (STR) world. From his early days building FlipKey to his current mission with Breezeway, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience and insight i…
…
continue reading
1
Never Miss Trash Day Again – STR Tips from CanMonkey
18:19
18:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:19In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked – and often most frustrating – aspects of short-term rental management: trash. Alex Shapiro, CEO and Co-Founder of CanMonkey, joins us to share five practical tips to help hosts manage waste more efficiently, avoid neighbour complaints, and p…
…
continue reading
1
Creative Use of Depth of Field: Blurry Backgrounds, Sharp Subjects 🎯
21:33
21:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:33Send us a text Ever wondered how some photos make the subject leap out with a dreamy, soft background, while others keep every detail crystal-clear from front to back? That, my dear listener, is the magic of Depth of Field (DoF)! ✨ In this episode, Rick McEvoy, your plain-English photography guide, unlocks this fundamental concept, showing you how …
…
continue reading
1
How AI & Automation Can Help STR Hosts Win Back Time
38:09
38:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:09In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we dive into the world of automation, AI, and practical tech tools that help short-term rental (STR) hosts reclaim their time and streamline operations. Our guest is Adam Buckmaster, Director, Product Marketing & Strategic Solutions at eviivo, a leading property management system (PMS) known for empowerin…
…
continue reading
1
Master Your Minimum Stay Strategy with PriceLabs
12:12
12:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:12In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, we’re joined by Karishma Lunawat, Programme Operations Manager at PriceLabs, who breaks down five data-driven tactics short-term rental (STR) hosts can use to optimise their minimum stay strategies. Whether you're struggling to fill last-minute gaps or looking to avoid locking in bookin…
…
continue reading
1
Holiday Let Mortgages Explained: What You Need to Know
14:47
14:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:47Getting the financial side right is the foundation of any successful holiday let investment – and our special guest knows exactly how to help you do that. Joe Stallard, Director at House and Holiday Home Mortgages, joins the Host Planet Mortgage Podcast to break down what hosts and property investors really need to know when financing a short-term …
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – sponsored by Hostfully – we sit down with Louis Andrews, Director and President of OVO Network, a leading direct booking brand with a portfolio of high-performing chalets in the French Alps. Louis doesn’t hold back on what most short-term rental operators are getting wrong when it comes to their direct b…
…
continue reading
1
Design Tips for Stunning Short-Term Rentals
18:43
18:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:43Design is more than just aesthetics – it’s how your space makes guests feel, how it connects to the surroundings, and how well it stands the test of time. In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, award-winning architect Peter Markos shares five essential design principles every short-term rental host should consider before breaking ground or revamp…
…
continue reading
1
Master Your Camera Modes: A Simple Guide to Auto, Aperture, Shutter & Manual Settings
24:39
24:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:39Send us a text Are you tired of your camera making all the decisions? 😫 Want to take control and unlock its full creative potential? This episode is your straightforward guide to understanding camera modes and transforming your photography from guesswork to glorious! ✨ 💡 Why Camera Modes Matter (Beyond Auto!) Ever wondered why some of your photos a…
…
continue reading
1
Noise, Neighbours & STR Regulation: What Hosts Need to Know
30:19
30:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:19What does it take to be a great host and a great neighbour? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we’re joined by Nils Mattisson, CEO and Co-Founder of Minut – the leading smart monitoring solution designed for short-term rental hosts. Drawing on experience from his time at Apple and insights gained while founding Minut, Nils explains how hos…
…
continue reading
If you're listing your property on Booking.com, this episode is essential listening. We’re joined by Miro Gospodinov, Founder and CEO of my Data Value, who shares expert tips on how to improve your visibility, increase bookings, and get the most out of Booking.com’s powerful platform. Miro explains how Booking.com’s algorithm works, why consistent …
…
continue reading
1
Thinking of Buying a Holiday Let? Listen to This First
37:40
37:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:40Is now a good time to invest in a holiday let? According to Rachel Brennan, Senior Manager of Property Onboarding at Sykes Holiday Cottages, the answer is yes – provided you approach it the right way. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel explains why holiday lets continue to be a smart long-term investment and shares her top tips for choo…
…
continue reading
Are short-term rental hosts putting their entire business at risk by relying too heavily on platforms like Airbnb? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully, we sit down with Humphrey Bowles, Founder and CEO of Truvi (formerly Superhog), to unpack why hosts need to stop "building on someone else’s land" – and what they can …
…
continue reading
1
How to Impress Guests (Without Breaking the Bank)
11:03
11:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:03What separates an average short-term rental from one that guests rave about? According to Mark Lumpkin from STR Cribs, it often comes down to the simple, thoughtful details that elevate comfort, security, and overall experience. In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Mark shares practical, no-nonsense upgrades that property managers and hosts can…
…
continue reading
1
How to Get Sharp Photos Every Time: Beyond Just Focusing! 📸✨
35:06
35:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:06Send us a text Is your camera secretly plotting to make your photos blurry? 😈 You know the feeling: that perfectly composed shot, only to find it looks like it was taken by a ghost. A soft-focus nightmare! 🤦♂️ Well, my dear listener, I'm Rick McEvoy, your humble host, and I'm here to banish that blur for good! In this episode, I'm pulling back the…
…
continue reading