Best Dean Sage Podcasts (2025)

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#190: How Sage Hospitality Thinks About New Investments | with Dean Stambules 5:30

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7d ago5:30

5:30

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago. Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investm…

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#193: Why the Valencia Group Doesn't Follow Trends | with John Keeling 4:37

4h ago4:37

4:37

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development. You'll learn about: The story be…

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Episode 45: True Pleasure 1:13:11

17h ago1:13:11

1:13:11

http://patreon.com/deansagemedia "Show Me Your Deck" episode 45, titled "True Pleasure: Speak your truth, free from guilt, grounded in you," opens with hosts Dean Sage and Jack Hervin exploring the intersections of oracles and chakras using their original decks. The first card pulled is from the "sassy deck" (Projections of Joy, Part 14), represent…

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#192: How ONDA is Building a New Model for Experiential Stays | with Bill Graf 6:06

5d ago6:06

6:06

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler. Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the …

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#191: AHLA's New Focus on Independent Hotels | with Travis Mckie 4:46

6d ago4:46

4:46

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent h…

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Episode 44: Play the Rest 1:33:09

8d ago1:33:09

1:33:09

http://patreon.com/deansagemedia Today's log line, "Play the rest: Be as you are, in silence, ready for action," sets the stage for a deeply introspective reading focused on self-awareness and authentic being. The reading begins with Deck 4's 49th card, "Ozone Thunder, Hush, Electric Tension, Listen, Cascading Rain, Learn," which highlights the imp…

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#189: Hotel Acquisition in Colorado & Starting ILC | with Jeremy Wells & Stephen Chan 10:40

12d ago10:40

10:40

In this episode, hosts welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado. Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels…

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#188: What Makes ILC Events Special | with Meg Gutowski 3:38

13d ago3:38

3:38

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality. She opens up about what m…

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#187: We're Halfway Through 2025: Looking Back & Looking Forward 15:22

14d ago15:22

15:22

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025. From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares t…

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Episode 43: Still Gushing Water 1:12:33

16d ago1:12:33

1:12:33

A familiar face, we are warned to be careful what we are imbibing and how that is effecting what we are putting out into the world. There is toxic material in our waters, and it is coming from every direction. We must be careful and vigilant about it. That starts with surrendering to stillness and silence. Waiting for when the time is right and acc…

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#186: Classic Luxury & Charm with Modern Amenities at The Warwick Melrose | with Michael Cole 5:34

19d ago5:34

5:34

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel …

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#185: Making Everyday a Holiday at The Landmark Prime Rib | with Chef Patrick McElroy 5:43

21d ago5:43

5:43

In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his r…

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Episode 42: Primal Truth 1:27:57

23d ago1:27:57

1:27:57

What we say is effected by what we know, what we believe. Our core principles, our first idea and the metaphors that we live by. What we believe and know intuitively is mediated by what we can say. To speak it is to know it. To say it is to believe it. We are truth tellers by our very actions. And we stand on a precipice looking out over a grand vi…

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#184: Improving Productivity for Hotel Teams & Operations | with Mahwish Saleem 4:49

26d ago4:49

4:49

In this episode, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack. Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers st…

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#183: Craftable's Procurement to Payment Platform | with Tony Ross 3:55

26d ago3:55

3:55

Today, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Tony Ross, Director of Sales at Craftable, to talk about how technology is helping operators tackle today’s biggest hospitality challenges — especially rising costs and profit pressure. Tony brings decades of industry experience and shares how Craftable is streamlining operations, cutting down blo…

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#182: Reducing Inefficiency by Connecting Hotel Tech Stacks | with Jason Jenkins 4:30

26d ago4:30

4:30

In this live episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President & Managing Director of the Americas, HRS, to talk all things hotel tech—from AI-powered upselling to seamless system integration. Whether you’re a HITEC veteran or a tech-curious hotelier, this episode gives you a front-row seat t…

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#181: Unified Payment Solutions for Hotels | with Phil Crawford 5:00

27d ago5:00

5:00

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the Dallara IndyCar Factory at HITEC—and yes, the cars are as fast as the tech talk. We’re joined by Phil Crawford, Head of Hospitality at Adyen, who dives into how they're reshaping the future of payments for the hotel industry. From solving the chaos of fragmented systems to leveragi…

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#180: Better Data & Better Hotel Systems | with Robert Dawson 8:22

27d ago8:22

8:22

In this episode, we’re joined by a hospitality tech powerhouse: Robert Dawson, Chief Strategist and Product Officer at IRECKONU. Robert shares his journey from front desk college job to C-suite, how he fell in love with the hotel industry, and why solving fragmented data problems became his mission. We talk all things AI, automation, data managemen…

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#179: How Video Can Supercharge Your Website | with Jason Craparo 6:58

27d ago6:58

6:58

Today’s episode features hosts Steve Carran and David M., broadcasting from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis with special guest Jason Craparo, CEO of Hovr—the company revolutionizing hotel websites with video storytelling. We dive into: How Hovr helps guests' book with confidence through seamless video integration The power of gen…

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#178: An End-To-End Technology Solution for Hotels & Resorts | with Dan Bell 13:36

28d ago13:36

13:36

In this special HITEC 2025 edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality's Most Engaged Podcast, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dan Bell, VP of Hotels and Resorts at Agilysys, for an energized and insightful conversation straight from the show floor. Dan shares his journey from his blue-collar roots in Easton, Pennsylvania, to lea…

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#177: How Contactless Hotel Interactions Improve the Guest Experience | with Tristan Gadsby & Alberto Santana 19:27

29d ago19:27

19:27

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis, joined by Tristan Gadsby, CEO of Alliants, and Alberto Santana, CRO of Alliants. Together, we explore how hospitality is shifting gears from clunky, fragmented tech to seamless, guest-first experiences. From reinventing contactless solutions …

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#176: Inside Hospitality's Virtual Technician | with Will Gilbert 5:52

29d ago5:52

5:52

Today, we sit down with Will Gilbert, co-founder of Bodhi, a groundbreaking platform transforming hotel operations through AI, automation, and integration. With over 25 years of system integration experience, Will shares how Bodhi acts like a virtual technician, working 24/7 to ensure every device in a hotel—regardless of brand—is functioning flawl…

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#175: How Zucchetti is Building Technology Solutions for Hoteliers | with Estella Hale 7:49

29d ago7:49

7:49

In this episode recorded live at HITEC, we sit down with Estella Hale from Zucchetti North America to talk all things innovation, automation, and integration in hotel tech. With more than 15 years of HITEC experience under her belt, Estella shares insider insights into how Zucchetti is reshaping the hospitality tech landscape in North America. In t…

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Episode 41: Core Resonance 1:12:13

1M ago1:12:13

1:12:13

What happens when you start by joining the crown and the throat, what are you spreading out into the world, even without others realizing it’s you. What vibrations are you producing and sending that will resonate with others. How do you bring the good news, the joy and the truth to yourself. No matter what you think, you are the ever burning flame …

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#174: Women in Travel Thrive: Day of Impact 2025 24:09

1M ago24:09

24:09

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with the powerhouse women behind the movement, including Mercedes Blanco and Silvia Camarota, the co-founders of Women in Travel Thrive. They share the inspiring story of how a grassroots idea born during the pandemic became a global nonprofit that’s transforming the travel and hospitality industry — one Day…

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#173: Simplifying Payments Between Hotels & Travel Agents | with Noelani Schroy 6:02

1M ago6:02

6:02

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with Noelani Schroy, VP of Global Territory Sales at Onyx CenterSource. Broadcasting from the bustling trade show floor in Indianapolis, Noe shares how Onyx is transforming the often-complicated world of hotel commission payments into a seamless experience for both hotels and travel agencies. They dive into:…

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#172: Using Tablets & AI to Improve the Guest Experience | with Kevin Bidner 10:45

1M ago10:45

10:45

In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of HITEC in Indianapolis, where Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Kevin Bidner, CEO of Hotel Communication Network (HCN). Kevin shares the incredible journey from being a serial tech entrepreneur to disrupting the hospitality industry with an innovative, guest-centric solution: in-room …

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#171: Improving the Process for Hotel Meetings & Events Sales | with Tania Sidokpohou 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

In this HITEC Trade Show edition, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down at the MeetingPackage booth with Tania Sidokpohou, Partnerships Director at MeetingPackage. With a rich background in digital marketing and hospitality tech—from Cloudbeds to APO—Tania shares how she’s helping redefine the group booking space. We unpack: The power of partners…

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#170: Exploring Access Control for Hotels | with Darien Long 16:40

1M ago16:40

16:40

Live from the buzzing HITEC trade show floor, The Modern Hotelier sits down with Darien Long, SVP of Specialty Access Control at dormakaba — and trust us, this isn’t your average corporate interview. From growing up in small-town Texas with a love for sunsets and strong coffee to running a 250-person team in a global powerhouse, Darien’s journey is…

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#169: How Stayntouch is Solving Problems for Hoteliers | with Bill Fanning 8:05

1M ago8:05

8:05

We’re live from the Stayntouch booth at HITEC with a powerhouse guest — Bill Fanning, Chief Revenue Officer of Stayntouch. From rolling out 139 properties in 90 days to launching new grab-and-go kiosk tech, Bill shares how Stayntouch is redefining PMS innovation in the hospitality industry. Tune in as we cover the latest innovations, guest experien…

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#168: Automating Operations in Hospitality | with Dino Pietropaolo 24:54

1M ago24:54

24:54

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dino Pietropaolo, the dynamic Chief Technology Officer at Optii. From global tech ventures to co-founding a cybersecurity firm, Dino’s journey into hospitality tech is anything but ordinary. We dive into how AI can truly revolutionize hotel operations—not just through automation but by e…

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#167: Boosting Revenue with Smarter Pricing | with Bobby Marhamat 12:00

1M ago12:00

12:00

What do tequila, ghost peppers, and hotel pricing have in common? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bobby Marhamat, the CEO of TakeUp.ai. The conversation covers Bobby's background, including his upbringing in Nebraska and California, his education at San Jose State, and his career progression in sales and tech. Bo…

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#166: HITEC E20X 10 Year Anniversary & 2025 Winner 18:51

1M ago18:51

18:51

In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of the HITEC Trade Show to celebrate a decade of innovation, grit, and startup brilliance with the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) competition. Hosts David Millili and Steve Carran are joined by: Lyle Worthington – Founder of E20X & tech visionary Jonathan Rojas – First-ever E20X winner & Co-Founder of Wh…

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#165: HITEC 2025 from Indianapolis with HFTP Leaders 19:21

1M ago19:21

19:21

On this episode, we head to HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis. We sat down with Members of HFTP to talk about HITEC's growth, vision for the future, and what makes HITEC truly special. Thanks to Justin Taillon, the Global President of HFTP, Arlene Ramirez, the Senior Vice President of Learning for HFTP, and Scot Campbell, Principle at Integrated Resort Ad…

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#164: Inside the Biggest Independent Hotel Brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts | with Lindsey Ueberroth 49:41

1M ago49:41

49:41

On this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. From her family’s bold acquisition of the brand to her leadership in shaping global luxury travel trends, Lindsey shares a candid look into what it takes to lead with purpose, evolve with the market, and inspire a new era of independent hospitality. With over 10…

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Episode 40: Purple Crown 1:22:45

1M ago1:22:45

1:22:45

We are a communal organism, a forest of connectedness, striving ever upward toward that which lies beyond. We are supple and moldable, and we adapt and overcome. This allows us to dive deep into our emotions and to find things that have formed us, core memories and metaphors that affect or control how we act and interact. We need to understand that…

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#163: Reviving the Human Touch in Hospitality | with Jill Wilder 29:23

2M ago29:23

29:23

How do you maintain a deep understanding of the evolving needs of hotel owners and operators? In this episode, we sit down with Jill Wilder, President of Aptech, for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation on leadership, longevity, and what it really takes to serve the hospitality industry at the highest level. With over 38 years at Aptec…

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Episode 39: Heated Words 1:05:55

2M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

The reading opens with the intersection Air and Earth, and a reminder that the words we say can fundamentally reshape other people. Just like wind blowing across sand dunes, our expression of ourselves affects others. Be aware of your power to affect change. Flowing from this idea we receive a reminder from The Creator that we are able to fold the …

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#162: How Independent Hotels Are Shaping the Future of Personalized Travel | with Summer Shoemaker 5:55

2M ago5:55

5:55

In this episode, we sit down with Summer Shoemaker, General Manager of the stunning San Diego Mission Bay Resort, to talk all things independent hotels. Summer shares how growing up across California, Colorado, and Hawaii sparked her love for travel and hospitality. She opens up about what makes independent properties so powerful, the creative free…

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Episode 38: Annual You 1:23:07

2M ago1:23:07

1:23:07

At the top of the chakras, how do you play hid and seek with yourself? How do you see yourself from the perspective of others and what does that inform you with? You can’t live forever with the guilt of things that you have done. You have to release it once you learn the lesson, once you show contrition to those who deserve it. It is okay to forgiv…

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#161: Marriott Acquires CitizenM, Resort Fees, Hotel Equities/Springboard Merger, Running Vacations and More | with Josiah Mackenzie 19:37

2M ago19:37

19:37

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are once again joined by Josiah Mackenzie, Head of Marketing at Actabl, to break down the biggest stories in hospitality from May 2025. From Marriott’s bold acquisition of CitizenM to Airbnb’s major relaunch of Experiences, Josiah shares sharp insights into how innovation, sc…

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#160: Behind the Scenes at Virgin Voyages | with Colin Hughes 38:23

2M ago38:23

38:23

Get ready to set sail with one of the most innovative minds in hospitality. In this episode, we're joined by Colin Hughes, Director of Operations & Experience at Virgin Voyages. From spa decks to tattoo studios, Colin walks us through how Virgin is redefining the cruise experience, making it simpler, sexier, and more sustainable. We dive into: How …

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#159: How Creativity Fuels Independent Hospitality at Estancia La Jolla | with Eric Jenkins 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Jenkins, General Manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. From his roots in Savannah, Georgia, to his hands-in-the-soil leadership style in La Jolla, Eric shares his unconventional path through hospitality, starting as a fry cook and rising through the ranks to manage one of Southern California’s…

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#158: What Hotels Can Learn From Chick-fil-A Culture | with Nicholas Lawrence 40:31

2M ago40:31

40:31

What makes Chick-fil-A’s hospitality more than just good service? In this episode, we're joined by Nicholas Lawrence, Executive Director of People & Culture, Chick-fil-A Local Franchise - Indianapolis and the founder of Lawrence Leadership. Nick takes us behind the scenes of Chick-fil-A’s legendary hospitality culture—where “my pleasure” isn’t just…

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Episode 37: Weathered Tree 1:25:53

2M ago1:25:53

1:25:53

The context of the reading is the way the heart is affected by the winds and storms that assail it. A tree on a cliff that has been weathered and shaped, some would say mangled, by the forces that bear down up on it. But it survived because it was shaped and changed to survive. It’s not like other trees, it doesn’t just grow upright because it’s in…

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#157: Balancing High-Tech & High-Touch Hospitality | with Davis Howatt-Lambert 38:43

3M ago38:43

38:43

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Davis Howatt-Lambert, VP of Marketing at Jonas Hospitality, to unpack how technology and human connection can co-exist in the future of hospitality. Davis shares his career journey from political science to hospitality tech, his love of golf and rock climbing, and how growing up in Edmonton shaped his …

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Episode 36: Etherial Groundedness 1:05:29

3M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

For context we return to the intersection of akasha and akasha, how what is right is influenced by what we deeply know. The idea that perfection is the enemy of good, but that we need to strive for the good even when the universe can’t tell us something hard and true. It’s all relative and there isn’t a deep set of laws that we can follow that will…

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#156: How Culture & Creativity Influence Quixote's Menu | with Chef Jose Cepeda 12:14

3M ago12:14

12:14

In this episode, we sit down with Jose Cepeda, Executive Chef at Quixote in the LaFayette Hotel, San Diego. Jose shares how his culinary journey began in the kitchens of his grandmother and the streets of Mexico, selling rice pudding to support his family. He opens up about transforming personal hardship into artistic expression on every plate. Fro…

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#155: Meet the GM of The LaFayette Hotel | with Steve Slack 7:01

3M ago7:01

7:01

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Slack, General Manager of the iconic LaFayette Hotel in San Diego. From humble beginnings picking golf balls at a driving range to leading a $31 million hotel transformation, Steve shares his journey through the hospitality industry. We dive into the rich history of the LaFayette Hotel—from its golden age hos…

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Episode 35: Pulling Light 1:13:05

3M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

When the ether, akasha interacts with your fire, your core, what does that mean. Are you a beacon, a shining light in the darkness, a lighthouse on troubled waters? How does your authentic self look like in the dark vastness of space. How does the orbit of others affect you and your light. You are the ever burning flame, the source of fire in your …