Welcome to Hotel Elite with Kevin Reardon & Julia Costa, the co-founders of Hotel Accelerator. You have found the go-to podcast for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the boutique hotel industry! Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of boutique hospitality, exploring key aspects such as marketing, brand identity, strategic growth, and the nuts and bolts of backend operations. In each episode, our expert hosts guide you through the intricacies of developing effective hotel busine ...
…
continue reading
The EPOP Travel Podcast is hosted by Travis Sherry, a serial entrepreneur & world traveler. Known as "Rick Steves for the new generation", this podcast will teach you everything you need to know to travel more & spend less. From interviews with some of the world's most famous travel names, like Chris Guillebeau, Bruce Poon Tip, AJ Jacobs & others to specific travel advice on how to use frequent flyer miles, score cheap hotels, pack like a pro, & travel on a budget, this show does it all.
…
continue reading

1
Catholic Money Mastermind - Financial Planning conversations with Catholic CFP® Practitioners
Catholic Financial Planners Network
Professional (and Catholic) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ discuss the relationship between faith and finances. A production of the Catholic Financial Planners Network - catholicfinancialplanners.com
…
continue reading

1
Greed, Generosity, & the True Meaning of Catholic Money | Tim Mayer
43:01
43:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:01Today, Ben is joined by fellow Catholic financial planner Tim Mayer to unpack the meaning of “Catholic money”—a vision of wealth shaped by stewardship, detachment, and generosity. Grounded in their shared experiences in religious life, Ben and Tim reflect on how faith transforms financial decision-making, shifting the focus from accumulation to ser…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 010: Wilmington, NC Deal Deep Dive
54:34
54:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:34Wilmington, NC is an awesome city. Heck, that's why I moved here 5 years ago and was able to convince Jonas to move here a few weeks ago. It's also a market I know very, very well - and one that I am very excited about doing a micro resort in. Today, we pull back the curtain and deep dive into a potential deal that we are looking at so that you can…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 009: Our First International Micro Resort Is In...
44:18
44:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:18The site of our first international micro resort is: A country that neither Jonas or Trav has stepped foot on. Small, tropical, and not known by many people. Home to incredible scuba diving. So how did this become the first place we decided to do an international micro resort? And where is it? To get those answers, you've got to listen to the show!…
…
continue reading

1
Can Bitcoin, YIMBY, Faith—and Fewer Cars—Rebuild Urban Community? | Wyatt O’Rourke
43:35
43:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:35Today, Ben welcomes Wyatt O'Rourke—Denver-based financial advisor and founder of Basilic Financial—for a wide-ranging conversation on the interplay between tradition, innovation, and community within a Catholic framework. Wyatt shares his journey of entrepreneurship and reconversion to the faith, emphasizing the integration of spiritual values into…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 008: How Important is Design in Hospitality?
32:27
32:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:27Short answer: VERY! But for some people, the design process can be very overwhelming. Today, Heather shares why design is the one of the most importance parts of any hospitality project (especially a boutique one) and why it's not JUST "oh, that's visually appealing" but that it goes much deeper. Plus, she also gives some of her top design tips tha…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 007: Top 15 International Destinations to Invest
1:08:18
1:08:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:18Experiential micro-resorts around the world? Yes please! Today, we dive into our the top 15 international destinations that we are dreaming (scheming?) of opening up micro-resorts. 3 people. 5 places each. And some very surprising answers.By Travis Sherry
…
continue reading

1
Max Lee - Why He Moved His Family to Taipei and Opening Up 20+ Gyms Across Asia
1:15:45
1:15:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:45Max Lee is not your typical gym owner. In fact, he was never even planning on going to the gym, yet alone opening up 20+ gyms across Taiwan. Heck, he didn't even live in Taiwan 4 years ago - and he wasn't planning on staying that long. But Max is always open to opportunities, and that's what has lead him and his family to leading such interesting l…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 006: Top 15 Places in the US to Invest (with a special guest)
57:44
57:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:44Dreaming about where to do our next project is one of the most fun parts of the whole process - and there are no shortage of epic places to pick from. Today, we narrow down the list to our top 15 places in the US where we'd like to open a micro-resort. 3 people. 5 places each. Including a special guest - someone who EPOP listeners will recognize.…
…
continue reading

1
Kevin Reardon- The Boutique Hotel Blueprint (from a Former Burnt Out Lawyer)
1:16:21
1:16:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:21Kevin was a burnt out Wall Street lawyer who left that life behind to "buy a drug motel at the Jersey Shore with no money." Oh...and he had no previous hospitality experience. What he did have was a vision - both for what a new version of hospitality could look like and for what he wanted his life to look like. It didn't involve going back to Wall …
…
continue reading

1
Why Retirees Struggle to Spend Their Savings | Michael Acosta & Ujae Kang
39:21
39:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:21Today, Ben Martinek and financial planners Mike Acosta and Ujae Kang explore the emotional and financial complexities of preparing for retirement, emphasizing that while data and planning tools are essential, much of the work involves helping clients overcome fear, uncertainty, and guilt around spending. They discuss how financial advising often be…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 005: Trav's Biggest Wins and Lessons Learned
43:32
43:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:32Two sets of bungalows. Both on the same island. Both owned by a one family for the last 50 years. Both historical and charming. And that's where the similarities end. In this episode, Trav walks through the lessons he learned from the first set of bungalows (and there are A LOT), how he made sure he didn't make the same mistake twice...and also why…
…
continue reading

1
Steph and Luke - Betting on Paradise and Renovating a Decrepit Hotel in Costa Rica
1:07:56
1:07:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:56You've thought of it. Probably even dreamed of it. Leaving your regular life - the job, the car, the house, and the rat race - to move to a tropical location, renovate, and run a hotel. No worries, no stress. All sunshine, surf, fresh coconuts. Pure bliss. Well...you've dreamed of doing it, but Steph and Luke have actually done it. In 2020, they "b…
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 004: A Tale of Two Projects (New York vs. Tennessee)
33:51
33:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:51Jonas has two development projects currently going - one in New York, one in Tennessee. One's going very well, one's going not so well (or in his words - not at all). So how do two projects, both with the same owner, take two drastically different paths? Find out the biggest lessons Jonas has learned from his Tennessee project, the things he would …
…
continue reading

1
Tom Turcich - Walking Around the World for 7 Years
1:06:52
1:06:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:52Tom left his home in New Jersey one day before his 26th birthday. He walked. Around the world. For 7 years. 28,000 miles. 38 countries. 34 pairs of shoes. And one trusty companion (who was not part of the original plan). I've been fascinated by Tom's journey for years now - and it's as epic as it sounds. It's also, sometimes, as boring and mundane …
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 003: Setting a Buy Box and Picking a Location
37:45
37:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:45Location, Location, Location - the old adage of real estate is true. But that doesn't mean the right location is a one size fits all. In fact, it's the opposite. What's right for you might not be right for me - and vice versa. The best real estate investors define their own buy box and today we talk about how we have defined our buy box, why we are…
…
continue reading

1
Jeff Opdyke - The Best Places To Live In Europe
1:18:04
1:18:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:04Ever dreamed of living in Europe? Sipping cappucinos in the square of some Italian village or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean or Adriatic? It's possible - and, in fact, maybe even a lot more feasible, and affordable, than you think! (especially with lots of new digital nomad visas popping up, which we discuss at length) Jef…
…
continue reading
It's like a resort...for ants. (Just kidding. That's a Zoolander reference. I really hope someone got it and laughed). So, what are micro resorts? Why do Jonas and I believe they are the best path forward for creating experiential hospitality? And where are we currently building micro resorts (hint: one place is international, it starts with a B, a…
…
continue reading

1
Erika Kennedy - What is Life in Costa Rica REALLY Like (with a family)
58:51
58:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:51Ever dreamt of moving to a tropical country, beach breeze blowing through your hair, surrounded by lush vegetation, wildlife, and amazing surf? ("Uhhh, yea Trav, basically every day!") Well great - then you're in luck. Because 4 years ago, my great friend Erika Kennedy packed up her life in Canada, her husband, two kids, and mom and headed off for …
…
continue reading

1
EPOP Real Estate 001: What Is Experiential Hospitality and Are AirBnB's Dead?
18:04
18:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:04In this new podcast, Trav sits down with his co-host Jonas to discuss the vision for their real estate "empire" - and why they believe experiential hospitality is the answer. Learn how they define experiential hospitality, why they are doubling down on it, and why AirBnB's aren't dead (but a lot are on life support). If you're interested in going o…
…
continue reading

1
What is Tactical Asset Allocation? | Jonathan Riesch
35:14
35:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:14Today, I sit down with Jonathan Reich, a financial advisor at Global View Capital Management and a new member of the Catholic Financial Planners Network. Jonathan shares his journey from working in high-volume client service roles at Fidelity and Equitable to finding a more fulfilling path in personalized financial planning. We dive into tactical a…
…
continue reading

1
Jason Robinson: From Non-Traveler to World Traveler in 5 Years + Type 1 Diabetes
59:48
59:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:48J-Rob was 40, had a house, regular job, and had only been to two countries (one of which was the US). Oh, plus he was scared to travel. But he did it anyway - and he started with a series of experiments (which he continues to this very day). Here's how J-Rob went from non-traveler to world traveler in 5 years despite getting diagnosed with Type 1 d…
…
continue reading

1
National Park After Dark w/Danielle and Cassie - How Love for the Outdoors + Morbid Curiosity = Smash Hit Podcast
1:11:17
1:11:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:17Danielle and Cassie were just two vet techs living in New Hampshire with a shared passion for the outdoors and morbid stories. So naturally, they started a podcast with their $25 walmart microphones and... ...it become an overnight sensation! In this episode, they give all the juicy details about the journey (like who was willing to leave their job…
…
continue reading

1
Adam Schluter - Saying Hello to Strangers and Hosting 500 People for Dinner
1:22:43
1:22:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:43Adam Schluter is a self-proclaimed "introvert who was scared of the world." So what did he? Booked a plane ticket to the cheapest place he could find (hint: it wasn't cheap once he landed!) and started saying hello to strangers. Fast forward 9 years, and he's still doing it - while also figuring out how he can take the joy he feels while traveling …
…
continue reading

1
30 Days Doing a Carnivore Diet (Plus 8 Other Habits)
52:16
52:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:16Over the past 30 days, I've taken on a challenge - to try 9 new habits. Everything from doing a carnivore diet to 5 minutes of a daily somatic shake to "phone in foyer". What did I learn? Did I fail at some of them? (hint: yes). Are some life-changing? Find out in today's show - and do me a favor: If you liked (or didn't like) this more personal, b…
…
continue reading

1
Abby Wren- Different is Dope and Embracing Alopecia
57:07
57:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:07Abby Wren is one of the world's most famous makeup artists and advocates for alopecia, which has lead her to live a life that is truly "one of one" (She's also my 5 year old daughter's favorite influencer)! Abby shares her journey of discovering her passion for makeup after losing her hair due to alopecia and how she transitioned from working on cl…
…
continue reading

1
Is Investing Just a Calculated Gamble? | Phil Francois & Anthony Guzman
41:05
41:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:05Today we’re joined for a roundtable discussion with Anthony Guzman and Phil Francois to explore the fundamentals of investing, including employer-sponsored retirement accounts, risk management, and investment strategies that align with personal values. We distinguish between investing and gambling, emphasizing that while both involve risk, investin…
…
continue reading

1
Wade Holland- Stoke King and Content Creator Extraordinaire
1:00:43
1:00:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:43Wade Holland is many things - and when I say he might be the most creative and energetic human I know, I don't say that lightly. He's the host of the GoPro Mountain Games, former freestyle skier, co-founder of the incredible Wrenegade Media, and someone who is very capable of drinking from a bag of wine while skiing under someone's legs. I've been …
…
continue reading

1
Travis Sherry: Behind the Scenes Look at How I Went From Teacher to Entrepreneur
1:12:17
1:12:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:17I had the opportunity to tell my story, in full, on my friend Tanya Rooney's Tribe Builder podcast - and I thought the interview was so good I wanted to share it with you. We discuss everything, from how and why I gave up a dream job in Brazil (with a paid apartment on Ipanema Beach) to the biggest limiting beliefs I've had and everything in betwee…
…
continue reading
For the first time in 12 years and over 600 episodes, I recorded a full length solo show - and of course, it's about my favorite topic in the world, ICE CREAM! From grandmas on remote Canadian islands to father-son duos in obscure South American countries, these twenty places (plus a few honorable mentions) will have you salivating - and ready to h…
…
continue reading

1
Alternative Investing: Real Estate, Municipal Debt & Private Lending | Logan Moore
41:50
41:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:50Today, we feature Logan Moore, who is a CFA charterholder from Kansas City, who shares his expertise on alternative investments and his professional journey. Logan discusses his experience managing high-yield municipal bonds, transitioning to commercial real estate, and co-managing a fund focused on real estate syndications. Alternative investments…
…
continue reading

1
Matt Bowles - From DJ to Digital Nomad (12 Years and Counting)
1:30:30
1:30:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:30Learn Matt Bowles took that the "oh-so-common" career trajectory of Irish-American hip hop DJ turned human rights activist turned location independent entrepreneur turned minimalist world traveler and podcast host - and how he's been able to visit 80+ countries over the last 12 years all while running a remote real estate company. Plus, he reveals …
…
continue reading

1
Gabe Wyner - How to be Fluent Forever, Sing Opera, and Learn French in 3 Months
1:21:14
1:21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:14Gabe Wyner has been called "a mashup of Steve Jobs and Aristotle" - and that's just one of the interesting tidbits about him (another includes the fact that he's an opera singer). In this episode, Gabe shares his unique journey from a mechanical engineer to an opera singer and polyglot to an app founder and author. He discusses the methodology behi…
…
continue reading

1
2024 Year in Review - Our 20 Best Experiences
1:40:55
1:40:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:40:552024 was a banger - tons of amazing experiences. Now, we've narrowed the list down to 20 (well...with a few honorable mentions). Everything from swimming at beaches with castles to walking (not swimming) with a whale is included in this year's best experiences.By Travis Sherry
…
continue reading
Scouring the globe for the best desserts can be a thankless task...haha, who am I kidding? It's awesome. And 2024 was a banger of a year for desserts in the Sherry household! From Mexico City bakeries to small North Carolina markets, this list has it all - including two (yes, TWO) British "breakfast" items. Grab a bib - because you're about to droo…
…
continue reading
From cocktail bars behind deli shops in Barcelona to a Polish brewed beer using Philadelphia yeast drank in the northwest corner of Spain (yes, it's as confusing as it is delicious), we sampled some of the best coffees, cocktails, and beers we've ever had in our lives during 2024... ... and this episode reveals them all!…
…
continue reading

1
Avoiding Society’s Money Traps | Deb Meyer & Kevin Reardon
36:29
36:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:29Today, I’m joined by Kevin Reardon and Deb Meyer to discuss how emotions, societal pressures, and behaviors shape our financial decision-making, especially as Catholics. We explore how fear, greed, and herd mentality can lead to poor financial choices and stress the importance of discipline, diversification, and aligning our actions with core value…
…
continue reading

1
2024 Year in Review - Our 20 Best Meals of 2024
1:08:41
1:08:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:41From calamari and patatas bravas on the Costa Brava to poolside chicken fingers in Surfside Beach and from pomme frites in Amsterdam to, wait, more chicken fingers (???), this episode is as varied and delicious as the Shady Maple breakfast smorgasbord* (IYKYK).By Travis Sherry
…
continue reading

1
2024 Year in Review - Travel Superlatives
1:17:49
1:17:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:49Episode 2 of our 6 part Year in Review answers all those burning questions like "did frugal Trav really drop $500+/night on a hotel?", "if so, did Trav pass out immediately after hitting book on said hotel?", "what's it like inside a Mexican sweat lodge?", and "how easy is it to find your wallet if it gets buried in the sand in a seaside town in th…
…
continue reading
For the 9th year, we are back with our 6 part Year in Review, starting with 2024 travel stats. How many places did we sleep last year? Did we spend multiple nights on an airplane (unfortunately, yes). What new places did we visit? And how many total miles did we travel in 2024? All these answers, and more, in this jam packed episode.…
…
continue reading

1
Francis Tapon - Crypto, It's Future, and Why Travelers Should Care
2:15:29
2:15:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:15:29Today, I'm joined by one of the smartest people I know and a crypto early adopter, Francis Tapon. He gives you a great "crypto for beginners" primer, discusses what he thinks the future holds (hint: it's a more rational viewpoint than most TikTok talking heads), and discusses why he thinks crypto is such a game changer for travelers and people who …
…
continue reading
Today, Brian Wayne from LifeGuide Financial Advisors joins Ben Matinek to explore integrating Christian principles into financial planning, emphasizing faith, stewardship, and intentional living. Drawing on themes such as evangelical poverty, detachment, and trust in God’s providence, the discussion highlights the importance of aligning finances wi…
…
continue reading
After living there for the past 10 (!!!) years, Jason shares what life as an expat is like in Norway, why he moved there in the first place (hint: ❤️), the reserved nature of Norwegians and if it's a warranted stereotype and of course, his favorite Norwegian foods. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of living in a different culture, the dif…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Travis and Jason discuss their dream travel itineraries for various types of trips - including solo trips, family trips, friends trips, and a "snap your fingers" trip, where you get to spend just one day anywhere in the world (and you'll never guess where Trav chooses).By Travis Sherry
…
continue reading

1
Heath Padgett - Worldwide Travel, RV'ing, and the Boundless Life Program with Kids
1:16:37
1:16:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:37Heath Padgett, former broke newlywed and now parent and RV entrepreneur, discusses visiting all 50 states in the US while working various jobs, how traveling with kids compares to a "nested life" in Colorado (and it's probably not what you expect), and his experience with Boundless Life, which offers a blended lifestyle of travel and community for …
…
continue reading
What do red berry G&T's, El Jefe, the Northern Lights, and elementary school field trips have in common? Those, plus 20 other things, are all things we were (unexpectedly) thankful for in 2024. Have a listen - and let us know on instagram @extrapackofpeanuts what you are thankful for in 2024.By Travis Sherry
…
continue reading

1
Slow, Steady Wealth Accumulation | Robert Franer & Tyler Meyer
38:42
38:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:42Today we’re joined by financial advisors Robert Franner and Tyler Myler to discuss strategies for long-term wealth accumulation, emphasizing the importance of starting early, automating savings, and maintaining consistent habits. They highlight the power of compound interest, using goals like saving $100,000 by age 30 to demonstrate how early contr…
…
continue reading

1
A Philosopher’s Take on Faith and Finance | Nick Shiver
44:51
44:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:51Today, Ben discusses the intersection of philosophy and financial planning with Nick Shiver, a wealth advisor from Columbia, South Carolina. Both Ben and Nick hold master's degrees in philosophy, and their conversation explores how their philosophical backgrounds inform their current roles in financial advising. They reflect on the rigorous trainin…
…
continue reading

1
How to Become a Financial Adviser | Bryan Smalley, Lance Peters, Charlie Horonzy
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01Ben, along with advisors Bryan Smalley, Lance Peters, and Charlie Horonzy, provide valuable insights into the world of financial advising. The discussion covers the daily life of financial advisors, the industry’s various channels, client types, regulatory bodies, and the significant personal satisfaction derived from serving clients. They also exp…
…
continue reading
Joe Petry, a fellow member of the Catholic Financial Planners Network and founder of Mayfair Financial, shares his journey from economist to financial planner, motivated by his firsthand experience with retirement and ministry. In this episode, Joe emphasizes the importance of empathy, trust, and integrating faith into his work. From working with a…
…
continue reading

1
Investing 101: Stocks, Mutual Funds, and ETFs Explained | Nick Orenduff
40:51
40:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:51In this episode of the podcast hosted by Ben Martinek from the Catholic Financial Planners Network, guest Nick Orenduff of Orenduff Associates shares his insights on various investment vehicles and the importance of diversification. They discuss the differences between stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and bonds, highlighting the roles these instruments …
…
continue reading