Best Steve Carran Podcasts (2025)

1
#174: Women in Travel Thrive: Day of Impact 2025 24:09

2d 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…

1
#173: Simplifying Payments Between Hotels & Travel Agents | with Noelani Schroy 6:02

3d 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:…

1
#172: Using Tablets & AI to Improve the Guest Experience | with Kevin Bidner 10:45

3d 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 …

1
#171: Improving the Process for Hotel Meetings & Events Sales | with Tania Sidokpohou 8:51

4d 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…

1
#170: Exploring Access Control for Hotels | with Darien Long 16:40

4d 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…

1
#169: How Stayntouch is Solving Problems for Hoteliers | with Bill Fanning 8:05

5d 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…

1
#168: Automating Operations in Hospitality | with Dino Pietropaolo 24:54

5d 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…

1
#167: Boosting Revenue with Smarter Pricing | with Bobby Marhamat 12:00

6d 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…

1
#166: HITEC E20X 10 Year Anniversary & 2025 Winner 18:51

6d 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…

1
#165: HITEC 2025 from Indianapolis with HFTP Leaders 19:21

7d 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…

1
#164: Inside the Biggest Independent Hotel Brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts | with Lindsey Ueberroth 49:41

13d 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…

1
#163: Reviving the Human Touch in Hospitality | with Jill Wilder 29:23

20d 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…

1
#162: How Independent Hotels Are Shaping the Future of Personalized Travel | with Summer Shoemaker 5:55

25d 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…

1
#161: Marriott Acquires CitizenM, Resort Fees, Hotel Equities/Springboard Merger, Running Vacations and More | with Josiah Mackenzie 19:37

1M 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…

1
#160: Behind the Scenes at Virgin Voyages | with Colin Hughes 38:23

1M 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 …

1
#159: How Creativity Fuels Independent Hospitality at Estancia La Jolla | with Eric Jenkins 11:07

1M 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…

1
Inside the F1 Arcade Experience with Jon Gardner 48:12

1M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode, Wil Slickers interviews Jon Gardner, the Global President of Development at F1 Arcade. As a huge Formula 1 and Motorsports fan, Wil dives deep into the world of F1 Arcade, a unique concept that combines advanced F1 racing simulators with exceptional hospitality. They discuss the F1 Arcade experience, how it brings the thrill of For…

1
#158: What Hotels Can Learn From Chick-fil-A Culture | with Nicholas Lawrence 40:31

1M 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…

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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
Behind the Mic: Steve Carran on Podcasting and Hospitality Insights 1:10:33

2M 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
#153: Developing & Building a Boutique Beach Hotel in Westhampton | with Elizabeth Bakhash 37:20

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Steve Carran Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide