Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast
Wil Slickers
The Destination For All Things Hospitality
- 4 minutes 33 secondsBig Announcement! We've Been Acquired!
In this episode, I’ve got some big news to share: Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, and Suite Success by Katie Cline have officially been acquired by Skift — the leading voice in global travel and hospitality media.
This is a full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Skift team as their new Director of Video and Audio Strategy. I’ll be overseeing a growing slate of shows, video content, and creative across the platform as we level up what hospitality media can be.
Now, with all this change comes a little shift in scheduling: Slick Talk will be hitting pause for a bit while we gear up for Skift Global Forum this September in NYC. The show will return later this October. In the meantime, Good Morning Hospitality and Suite Success will keep going strong, publishing weekly as usual.
If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to dive into Skift’s other podcasts too — there’s a ton of smart, thoughtful content happening across the network that I think you’ll get a lot out of.
Most importantly, I just want to say thank you. For seven years, you’ve listened, shared, and supported this journey. This next chapter is only possible because of that. And I’m beyond grateful.
More soon — and I’ll catch you on the next episode.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 July 2025, 10:07 pm - 48 minutes 12 secondsInside the F1 Arcade Experience with Jon Gardner
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 Formula 1 racing to everyone, and the journey from concept to reality.
Jon shares his transition from oil and gas to experiential hospitality, his partnership with Adam Breeden, and the future of F1 Arcade.
They also touch on the importance of personalization, team empowerment, and creating 'wow' moments for guests.
Don’t miss out on this engaging episode that offers valuable insights into delivering an immersive hospitality experience!
Connect with Jonathan Gardner:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 May 2025, 8:36 pm - 1 hour 20 secondsSusan Barry on the Evolving World of Hospitality
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 evolving it into a B2B marketing powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Susan shares how she launched her podcast, Top Floor, and its growth over the last four years, while discussing the state of the hospitality industry, technology gaps, and trends.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that covers the importance of treating teams well, bringing back the essence of hospitality, and the future of hotel and short-term rental integration.
Don’t miss Susan's invaluable insights and her passion for the industry's progression!
Connect with Susan Barry:
- LinkedIn
- Hive Marketing
- The Top Floor Podcast
- SLICK50 - for 50% off LinkedIn Content Made Easy
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 May 2025, 1:09 pm - 1 hour 2 minutesLingering Towards Success: Tom Goodwin on Innovation & Legacy in Hospitality
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 creating a podcast that tells the rich stories of Gatlinburg, Tom's insights into leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of lingering in life are profound.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the true spirit of hospitality, leadership in turbulent times, and the power of storytelling.
Connect with Tom Goodwin:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 April 2025, 6:00 am - 1 hour 10 minutesBehind the Mic: Steve Carran on Podcasting and Hospitality Insights
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 under a property management company to spinning off the Modern Hotelier as an independent media brand.
We also dive into trending topics in the hotel industry, the art of guest experience, and the challenges and rewards of being full-time podcasters.
Don’t miss this engaging episode where we explore the dynamic crossover of podcasting and hospitality!
Connect with Steve Carran:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 April 2025, 3:52 pm - 54 minutes 36 secondsBeyond the Brand: Insights from Curator Hotel Collection's Jennifer Barnwell
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 community within the independent boutique hotel space.
They explore Curator's role in supporting independent hotels through vendor partnerships, cost-saving initiatives, and marketing efforts.
Jennifer also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for independent hotels, particularly in secondary markets and resort areas.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with industry insights and practical advice for hoteliers.
Connect with Jennifer:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16 April 2025, 6:00 am - 1 hour 19 minutesA Focus on Independent Hospitality with Boris Pavlov
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 with new ventures.
We explore the current landscape of vacation rentals, the challenges with OTAs, and how the book direct movement is evolving.
Boris also reveals his ambitious plans to create a more interconnected and personalized experience for travelers and property managers alike.
Tune in for a deep dive into the future of hospitality, technology integration, and the human touch in guest experience!
Connect with Boris:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more!
- Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 April 2025, 6:00 am - 1 hour 15 minutesUnlocking Loyalty & Tackling OTA Dominance with Jeff Low of Stash Hotel Rewards
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 loyalty programs have shifted, the importance of personalized guest experiences, and the challenges posed by the dominance of OTAs like Expedia.
Tune in for a deep dive into the world of hotel loyalty, the impact of technology, and ways hoteliers can regain control of their businesses!
Connect with Jeff:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more!
- Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2 April 2025, 5:13 pm - 1 hour 19 minutes"Hospitality Tech Isn't Broken, Our Data is Broken" with Benjamin Gross
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 technology, achieving consistency at scale, and the need for better data integration in vacation rental management.
Discover how Minty Living has managed to maintain a stellar 4.9 rating on Google with over 500 reviews and explore the potential avenues for solving some of the industry's most pressing problems. This episode is a must-watch for anyone in the vacation rental or broader hospitality sectors!
Connect with Ben:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more!
- Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 March 2025, 6:00 am - 1 hour 12 minutes"Hospitality Can Start in the DMs" with Nathan Woods
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-commerce, and sports, along with practical tips for both remote and onsite operators.
Learn how to anticipate guest needs, integrate technology effectively, and bring back the true essence of hospitality in your business. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with actionable advice!
Connect with Nathan:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more!
- Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
19 March 2025, 6:00 am - 50 minutes 57 secondsReal-Time Data, Culture, and Profitability with Josiah Mackenzie
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 attract the younger generation to hospitality careers.
Josiah shares his insights on creating operational efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and building brand power to drive long-term success.
Whether you're a hotel manager, vacation rental operator, or hospitality entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable takeaways for elevating your business. Tune in and explore the future of hospitality with us!
Connect with Josiah:
Connect with Wil:
This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at:
- This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more!
- Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here!
- Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM!
——–
Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!
Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!
You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!
If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!
Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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