Best Steve Carran Podcasts (2025)

1
Behind the Mic: Steve Carran on Podcasting and Hospitality Insights 1:10:33

20d ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Join us for an exciting episode as we chat with Steve Carran, the co-host of the Modern Hotelier Podcast! In this episode, we geek out about the ins and outs of podcasting, discussing the behind-the-scenes work, the rise of AI in hospitality, and the importance of personalization in enhancing guest experiences. Steve shares his journey from working…

1
#157: Balancing High-Tech & High-Touch Hospitality | with Davis Howatt-Lambert 38:43

15h 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 …

1
#156: How Culture & Creativity Influence Quixote's Menu | with Chef Jose Cepeda 12:14

5d 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…

1
Susan Barry on the Evolving World of Hospitality 1:00:20

6d ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In this episode, we welcome Susan Barry, host of the Top Floor podcast and founder/CEO of Hive Marketing. Dive into Susan's extensive background in hospitality, from her early days in restaurant catering to her significant role in Starwood, opening New Build hotels. Discover her journey of starting her own business during the financial crisis and e…

1
#155: Meet the GM of The LaFayette Hotel | with Steve Slack 7:01

7d 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…

1
#154: Status of RevPAR, Canadians Avoiding US Travel, Sports Tourism & More | Hospitality Hot Topics 21:56

14d ago21:56

21:56

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Gabriel Perez from Indigo Road to unpack April’s biggest shifts in hospitality. They dive into why boutique hotels are leading in RevPAR despite growing consumer caution, the booming popularity of camping and outdoor experiences, and how sports tourism is …

1
Lingering Towards Success: Tom Goodwin on Innovation & Legacy in Hospitality 1:02:27

14d ago1:02:27

1:02:27

In this heartfelt episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Tom Goodwin, a hospitality veteran and current co-owner of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom shares the incredible journey of taking over his in-laws' legacy business, the challenges faced, and the personal growth he's experienced over the years. From leading a successful hospitality firm to creatin…

1
#153: Developing & Building a Boutique Beach Hotel in Westhampton | with Elizabeth Bakhash 37:20

22d ago37:20

37:20

In this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Bakhash, co-owner of Three Ducks Hotel—a new 12-room boutique hotel in Westhampton that's redefining the luxury Hamptons experience. With a rich background in branding and real estate, Elizabeth shares how she’s building more than just a hotel—she’s curating a guest experience rooted in nature, local partn…

1
#152: Inside BITAC Sales, Marketing, & Revenue Summit 2025 24:01

26d ago24:01

24:01

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran take you behind the scenes at BITAC’s Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management Summit at the Hotel Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, CA. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and moments that define what makes BITAC unlike any other event in hospitality. Featurin…

1
#151: Diversity, Attracting Talent, and Creating Impact in Hospitality | with Anna Blue 47:55

27d ago47:55

47:55

In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse changemaker Anna Blue, whose journey from politics to hospitality is anything but ordinary. With roots in education policy, social impact, and gender equity, Anna brings a fresh and fearless perspective to an industry craving innovation and inclusivity. We talk about: Lessons from leading DEI, advocacy, …

1
#150: Using AI to Improve Your Revenue Strategy | with Andrew Rubinacci 11:58

28d ago11:58

11:58

In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer at FLYR, to unpack how AI and next-gen data systems are reshaping the hospitality industry. With a background spanning 35 years in commercial strategy, Andrew brings deep insight into why pulling reports for five hours a day is a thing of the past—and how hotels…

1
Beyond the Brand: Insights from Curator Hotel Collection's Jennifer Barnwell 54:36

27d ago54:36

54:36

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers is joined by Jennifer Barnwell from Curator Hotel Collection. They discuss the unique perks of operating an independent hotel versus being part of a major brand like Marriott or Hilton. Jennifer shares her journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, creativity, and comm…

1
#149: How a CDP Helps Hotels Drive Direct Revenue | with Heather Knutson 15:04

29d ago15:04

15:04

In this episode, we're joined by Heather Knutson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Ascent360, live from her very first BITAC Conference! Heather shares her candid journey from googling “what is a CDP?” to leading one of the most advanced customer data platforms in hospitality. We dive into the real difference between a CRM and a CDP,…

1
#148: Building Relationships at BITAC | with Rich Viola 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

In this special episode, Steve and David sit down with Rich Viola, the visionary behind BITAC, for a heartwarming and eye-opening conversation about what makes business relationships actually meaningful. Rich shares the 21-year journey of creating BITAC—from its accidental beginnings as an online news platform to becoming a culture-shifting confere…

1
A Focus on Independent Hospitality with Boris Pavlov 1:19:04

1M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

Welcome back, Slick Talkers! In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Boris Pavlov, a European entrepreneur and expert in the hospitality industry, to discuss his journey and the innovations he's spearheading with Flataway. Boris shares his experience scaling a property management company from 0 to 700 properties, selling it, and moving forward…

1
#147: Innovating Meeting & Event Furniture in Hospitality | with Andrew Moffett 50:14

1M ago50:14

50:14

What do luxury kitchens, global events, and linen-less tables have in common? In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Andrew Moffett, Chief Brand Officer at Southern Aluminum, for a conversation full of passion, innovation, and a few surprises—like a deep dive into linen-less tables. Andrew takes us on his unique journey from …

1
Unlocking Loyalty & Tackling OTA Dominance with Jeff Low of Stash Hotel Rewards 1:15:06

1M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

In this episode, Wil sits down with Jeff Low, CEO and founder of Stash Hotel Rewards, to discuss the evolution of loyalty programs within the hotel industry. They dive into Jeff's journey, starting Stash Hotel Rewards in 2010 and its mission to support independent hotels against larger chains and OTAs. Jeff shares fascinating insights on how modern…

1
#146: Digital Strategies that Drive Direct Bookings | with Charlie Osmond 41:38

1M ago41:38

41:38

In this episode hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Charlie Osmond, the passionate and pioneering co-founder of Triptease. From leading a regiment in the British Army to founding multiple companies straight out of Oxford, Charlie’s journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into: Charlie’s early days in the British Army and Oxford Yac…

1
"Hospitality Tech Isn't Broken, Our Data is Broken" with Benjamin Gross 1:19:22

2M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

Join Wil Slickers as he dives deep into an insightful conversation with Benjamin Gross, Co-Founder of Minty Living. In this episode, Benjamin shares his journey from quantitative trading in New York to dominating the property management industry in Atlanta. The discussion spans a variety of critical topics including the limitations of siloed techno…

1
#145: Southwest & Spirit Shakeup, Hotels Design for Bleisure & Ride the Cruise Wave | March Hot Topics with Grey Raines 15:28

2M ago15:28

15:28

In this episode, we're looking back at the biggest hospitality headlines from March—joined by none other than Grey Raines, Managing Partner at Raines Company. Fresh off the Hunter Conference, Grey dives into everything from staffing shortages to hotel design trends and cruise-ship inspired stays. We chat about: The ongoing labour crunch in hotels—a…

1
"Hospitality Can Start in the DMs" with Nathan Woods 1:12:12

2M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Nathan Woods to dive deep into the art of crafting amazing guest experiences. They discuss the importance of utilizing data, mid-stay engagement, digital touchpoints, and personalized hospitality to create memorable moments for guests. Nathan shares insights from his diverse background in hospitality, e-…

1
#144: Lessons from Starting & Growing Slice | with Ilir Sela 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

In this episode, David and Steve chat with Ilir Sela, the visionary Founder and CEO of Slice, a platform that empowers over 20,000 independent pizzerias and generates nearly $2 billion in sales. Ilir shares his incredible journey—from growing up in a small town in Macedonia to moving to New York City and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that bu…

1
Real-Time Data, Culture, and Profitability with Josiah Mackenzie 50:57

2M ago50:57

50:57

Join Wil Slickers in an engaging conversation with Josiah Mackenzie, Head/VP of Marketing at Actabl and host of Hospitality Daily. In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of profitability and culture in the hospitality industry. Learn about the importance of real-time data, the role of leadership in driving innovation, and ways to attra…

1
#143: Leveraging Hospitality Management Technology to Improve Operations & Drive Profit | with Samuel Zats 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Zats, co-founder and CEO of Craftable, a game-changing hospitality management platform. Sam shares his journey from working in his family’s café to founding a company that’s revolutionizing hotel and restaurant operations. We dive into: The power of AI in streamlining hotel and restaurant management How auto…

1
#142: How Hotels Can Improve Their Social Media Marketing | with Scott Eddy 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Scott Eddy, one of the world's top social media influencers in hospitality, boasting over a million followers on X and Instagram. Scott’s journey is anything but conventional—he transitioned from investment banking to launching the first digital agency in Southeast Asia, and now he’s a full-time travel…

1
From Host to Brand: How HomeRunner Empowers Hospitality Entrepreneurs 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

In this episode, Wil welcomes Eli Pritykin, the founder of Hudson Creative Studio, to discuss Eli's journey in the world of short-term rentals and hospitality. Eli, who initially majored in computer science but found his passion in visual communications and marketing, shares his experience working for Spears Group and eventually starting Hudson Cre…

1
#141: Transforming Hotel Websites into Direct Booking Machines | with Tarun Goyal 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

What if independent hotels could outsmart OTAs at their own game? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Tarun Goyal, the founder & CEO of Simplotel, to uncover how hotels can increase direct bookings by leveraging the same digital strategies as major OTAs. Tarun shares his journey from Amazon and Expedia to building a tech-driven…

1
#140: 2025 Hospitality Conference & Events Guide | with Brent Hayhurst 13:40

3M ago13:40

13:40

This is our 2025 guide to the conference and events season in the Hospitality Industry. In the episode, Brent Hayhurst, the VP of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection joins us to take a look at some of the upcoming events and conferences in the Hospitality Industry. We breakdown upcoming events so you can see what events you should put on your calenda…

1
The Guest Experience You’re Overlooking (and It’s Costing You) with James Lemon, Stripe 1:03:32

3M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Join us for a conversation with James Lemon from Stripe as we explore the landscape of payments in the hospitality industry. Discover how modern payment solutions can drive higher conversions, improve operations, and even create new business models. James will break down the complexities of payment systems and highlight their strategic importance, …

1
#139: Building Technology to Help Hotels Elevate the Guest Experience & Drive Profit | with Jacob Messina 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran on this engaging episode of The Modern Hotelier as they sit down with Jacob Messina, CEO of Stayntouch. Jacob shares his unique journey from front desk operations in New York City to spearheading innovations in hospitality technology. In an in-depth conversation, he reveals how his hands-on experience in ho…

1
#138: Inside the Apartment-Style, Tech-enabled Hospitality Model of Mint House | with Christian Lee 39:13

3M ago39:13

39:13

In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House, a pioneer in flexible living that’s revolutionizing the way we experience travel. Christian’s journey is anything but conventional, from growing up in Fargo, North Dakota, to living in Lahore, Pakistan, and climbing the corporate ladder from Citigroup to WeWork before landing at Min…

1
Mint House CEO, Christian Lee, on Locale Acquisition & The Future of Hospitality 24:10

3M ago24:10

24:10

In this cross-promoted episode originally from Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers interviews Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House, about their first acquisition, Locale, as well as the exciting changes and developments happening in the multifamily urban operator sector. They discuss Christian's experiences, the benefits of the acquisition, the impo…

1
#137: Behind Basecamp Resort's Development & Growth | with Sky McLean 23:09

3M ago23:09

23:09

How do you build a hospitality brand that combines the best of Airbnb and traditional hotels? In this episode, we sit down with Sky McLean, CEO and Founder of Basecamp Resorts, the fastest-growing hospitality brand in Western Canada. Sky shares her journey from real estate development to creating a hotel brand that blends the best of Airbnb and tra…

1
#136: How Accor is Handling Procurement & Sustainability | with Caroline Tissot 26:29

3M ago26:29

26:29

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we welcome Caroline Tissot, Chief Procurement Officer at Accor, for an eye-opening conversation on procurement, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. Caroline shares her journey from consulting to leading procurement at one of the world’s largest hotel groups, giving insights…

1
Your Superhost Badge Means Nothing... Or Does it? 17:10

3M ago17:10

17:10

Superhost status has long been seen as a mark of excellence, but is it still relevant, or just the baseline? In this episode, Wil unpacks the realities of maintaining Superhost at scale, the overlooked safety concerns in Airbnb’s system, and whether the status truly reflects hospitality excellence. He also explores how Airbnb could evolve the progr…

1
#135: The Future of Loyalty Rewards for Hotels | with Brian Kelly, The Points Guy 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

Did you know that there are highly effective strategies for maximizing travel rewards through loyalty programs? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Kelly, the founder and CEO of The Points Guy, to talk about travel hacking, loyalty programs, and making the most out of points and miles. Brian shares his personal journey, from booking his first f…

1
#134: Inside the Only 100% Electric, Zero Emission Hotel in the United States | Hotel Marcel with Ben Webster 39:16

3M ago39:16

39:16

What does it really mean to be a sustainable hotel? In this episode, Ben Webster, General Manager of Hotel Marcel, joins us to break down how his property became the first and only all-electric, solar-powered, LEED Platinum-certified, fossil-fuel-free hotel in the U.S.. From historic preservation to cutting-edge energy solutions, Ben shares insight…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Steve Carran Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen