Defining Hospitality

What the K-Wave Means for Hotel and Restaurant Design - Thomas Oh & Daphne Shin - Defining Hospitality

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Thomas Oh, Co-Founder & General Manager of Perilla Korean American Steakhouse, an...

Curating Luxury Through Sound - Michelangelo L’Acqua - Defining Hospitality

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Michaelangelo L’Acqua, a global entertainment director and music/lifestyle branding...

Transforming Hospitality for Millennials - Saxton Sharad - Hideaway Inns & Revival Hotels - Episode # 243

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What does hospitality truly mean in today's world?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan welcomes Saxton Sharad, the founder and CEO of Rev...

Exploring Data-Driven Trends - Isaac Collazo - STR - Episode # 242

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How does data make the hospitality industry come alive?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan welcomes Isaac Collazo, the Head of Analytics...

Hospitality's Soulful Essence Revealed - Stephanie Hopkins - B2 Design Co - Episode # 241

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do relationships shape the hospitality industry?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan explores how relationships fundamentally shape t...

East Coast Design Expansion - Amy Margolis - BAMO Providence - Episode # 240

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do detailed preparations elevate hospitality experiences?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan interviews Amy Margolis, an esteemed in...

The Puzzle of Architecture - Andrew Ashey - AAmp Studio - Episode # 239

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to find joy and creativity in the constraints of adaptive reuse?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with And...

The Value of Storytelling - Ian Sharpe - NextTrip - Episode # 238

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How can travel channels inspire personal growth and global understanding?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Ian Sharpe, ...

Hospitality’s Innovative Playground - Glenn Nowak - University of Nevada Las Vegas - Episode # 237

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How Can Las Vegas Serve as the Ultimate Architectural Laboratory?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Glen Noack, an accom...

The Human Side of Hospitality - Chelsea Hershelman - Coral Tree Hospitality - Episode # 236

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to run toward the fire reshape how leaders design experiences, and careers, in hospitality?In this episode o...

Leading Through Exploration and Service - Richard Wiese - The Explorer’s Club - Episode # 235

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can exploration, storytelling, and service to others redefine what hospitality really means and why does it start at home?In this episode of Defining ...

The Future of Hospitality Is Intelligent Tech - John Duffield - Radical Innovation - Episode # 234

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How will AI, biometrics, and healthcare thinking redefine hospitality, and what does the future of truly personalized guest experience look like?In th...

Building Resilient Hotel Investment Models - Hugh Taylor - Michels & Taylor - Episode # 233

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you build a global hospitality business without losing the personal touch, resilience, or trust that defines great service?In this episode, Dan...

Hospitality Starts With People - Thomas Healy - Rockbridge Hospitality Management - Re-Air

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this special re-air episode of Defining Hospitality, we revisit an insightful conversation on people-first leadership, authentic culture, and the t...

Leadership and Legacy in Hospitality - Marc Bromley - Four Seasons - Re-Air

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this special re-air episode of Defining Hospitality, we revisit a powerful conversation on people-centric leadership and the enduring value of cult...

Quality and Trust in Vacation Rentals - Ashley Ching - Inhaven - Episode # 230

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you scale hospitality without losing quality, trust, or operational control? In this episode, Dan Ryan sits down with Ashley Ching, Founder &a...

Building Teams Rooted in Values and Vision - Anna Peretz - Sonesta - Episode # 229

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you build hospitality experiences, and lead teams, in a way that’s rooted in authenticity, multicultural awareness, and a clear sense of purp...

Value Driven Growth in New Markets - Paul Sacco - PM Hotel Group - Episode # 228

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you decide where, and whether, to grow in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and aligned with your organization’s values?In this episode,...

The Future of Airport Design and Leadership - John Anthal - Mancini Duffy - Episode # 227

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do architects create airports that feel human, intuitive, and welcoming while juggling regulations, budgets, and countless stakeholders? In this ...

Creating Connection Through Cuisine - Emmie Nostitz & Zach Knight - Tivity - Episode # 226

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when hospitality shifts from serving to empowering, when chefs become creators, not just cooks?In this episode, Dan Ryan sits down with E...

Branding the Human Experience - Matt Ferebee - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 225

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when brand becomes more than a logo and turns into a decision-making framework for every part of hospitality?In this episode, Dan Ryan si...

The Power of Community in Hospitality - Margot Stern - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 224

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does authentic, people-centered hospitality look like?In this episode, Dan Ryan talks with Margot Stern, hospitality entrepreneur and founder of ...

Building Tomorrow’s Sustainable Hospitality - Jon Buerge - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 223

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does carbon-positive hospitality look like? In this episode, Dan Ryan talks with Jon Buerge, CEO of Urban Villages, about Populus, the world’s...

Building Restaurants That Feel Like Home - Yann de Rochefort - Defining Hospitality - Ep #222

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can structure and systems actually make hospitality feel more human?Yann de Rochefort, founder of Boqueria Restaurants, has spent the last 20 years re...

Designing for Memory: Storytelling in Interiors - James Lee - Defining Hospitality - Episode #221

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes hospitality design truly memorable?Today, Dan is joined by James Lee, Hospitality Managing Director and Design Principal at IA Interior Arc...

Beyond Four Walls: Luxury Through Biophilic Design - Grame Labe - Defining Hospitality - Ep #220

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when luxury design meets the wild?Award-winning designer, Graeme Labe, Managing Partner and Chief Design Officer at Luxury Frontiers, sha...

Leading Hotels Through Change - Scott Roby - Defining Hospitality - Episode #219

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to lead a hotel company through constant headwinds while still inspiring teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences?Today Da...

Serving From the Heart: EQ Over IQ - Manish Puri - Defining Hospitality - Episode #218

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is EQ more important than IQ when it comes to hospitality?Today, Manish Puri, General Manager of the Regent Hotels and Resorts Bali, joins Dan to dive...

Navigating the Messy Middle - Stephen Wendell - Defining Hospitality - Episode #217

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a hotel developer moves from building Hampton Inns to creating lifestyle hotels with fire pits and Michelin-starred restaurants?Toda...

From Distress to Success: Hospitality Innovation - Spencer Levine - Defining Hospitality - Ep #216

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“Design is subjective, but quality is objective.”Today, Spencer Levine, President of RAL Companies and Affiliates, joins Dan to dive into hospital...

Elevating Hospitality: Sustainable Engineering - Harzali Hashim - Defining Hospitality - Episode #215

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The secret to a hotel's success isn’t just great design; it's what guests don't see.Harzali Hashim, Complex Director of Engineering at Kyo-ya Hotels...

Scaling Short-Term Rentals - Sebastián Torres-Calderón - Defining Hospitality - Episode #214

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to manage 420 apartments and create a million memorable moments? On this episode, host Dan Ryan sits down with Sebastián Torres-Ca...

Cultivating a Host Mindset - Steve Fortunato - Defining Hospitality - Episode #213

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to develop a host mindset?Today, Dan dives into the transformative principles of the 'host mindset' with Steve Fortunato, founder of...

Transformative Retreats - Ben Uyeda and Adam Wininger - Defining Hospitality - Episode #212

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is the power of providing unique experiences?Today, Dan chats with the Co-Founders of Reset Hotels, Ben Uyeda and Adam Wininger, about their uniq...

It’s About Who Knows You - Eileen Madigan - Defining Hospitality - Episode #211

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not just about what you know or who you know, but who knows you. Today, Eileen Madigan, Senior Vice President of Global Interior Design at Las ...

Preserving History, Designing the Future - Aimee Sanborn - Defining Hospitality - Episode #210

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How is adaptive reuse shaping the hospitality industry?Aimee Sanborn, Senior Vice President of Architecture at Premier joins Dan to dive into adaptive...

The Art of Feeling Known - Bruno Viterbo - Defining Hospitality - Episode #209

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how a space can make you feel genuinely cared for? Bruno Viterbo, Vice President of Design at Irvine Company, shares his profound insigh...

A Seat at Aggie's Table - Aggie Zamir - Defining Hospitality - Episode #208

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“We love the one-off projects, but our real passion and what we're really looking for are ownership groups where we can do a project with them, forg...

Crafting Generational Memories - Derek De Salvia - Defining Hospitality - Episode #207

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“ It's a core tenant of who we are, and it's called put people first. We take care of our people.” Derek De Salvia, Executive Vice President and C...

Sparking Change: Driving Hilton's Growth - Alissa Klees - Defining Hospitality - Episode #206

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“We are a hospitality company first and foremost.” Joining Dan this week is Alissa Klees, the Brand Leader of Spark by Hilton, the trailblazing br...

Sailing into Success - Chris Lenz - Defining Hospitality - Episode #205

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It takes determination to dive into hospitality and come out with a boutique hotel that is successful, and that is what Chris Lenz, Founder and CEO of...

Beyond the Bell Curve: Luxury and Hospitality - Eric Brey - Defining Hospitality - Episode #204

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How can embracing the Japanese concept of omotenashi create better connections? Dr. Eric Brey, a Professor of Hospitality in the School of Management ...

Charting New Courses - Carmen Vlasceanu - Defining Hospitality - Episode #203

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you truly make people feel cared for? Dan welcomes Dr. Carmen Vlasceanu, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, av...

Creating Impact: Sustainability in Hospitality - Andrea Foster - Defining Hospitality - Episode #202

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is the balance between hospitality’s business efforts and sustainability efforts? That’s what Andrea Foster, EVP of Hospitality Development a...

Revolutionizing Hospitality Education - Nicolas Graf - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 201

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How is hospitality education evolving? Nicolas Graf, chaired professor and Associate Dean at New York University’s Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospit...

Building The Dream: Dubai’s Hospitality Scene - Jensen Moonien - Defining Hospitality - Episode #200

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a lot that goes on pre-opening in hospitality, whether it be a hotel, a club, or a restaurant. That’s where Jensen Moonien comes in. He is...

Investing in Hospitality - Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson - Defining Hospitality - Episode #199

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode pivots into restaurant investing. Joining Dan is two experts of hospitality financing and investments, Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldso...

Behind the Smoke: Media in Hospitality - Shawn Walchef - Defining Hospitality - Episode #198

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What role does media play in hospitality? This episode welcomes media expert and Owner of Cali BBQ, Shawn Walchef. Shawn discusses his journey from cr...

A Lifetime in Hospitality - Xavier Lividini - Defining Hospitality - Episode #197

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you find yourself born into a business. That’s exactly what landed Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International,...

Beyond the Green: Hospitality & High-Performance - Scott Young - Defining Hospitality - Episode #196

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“ Our hospitality starts with education, but it's also having a welcoming point of view.”Scott Young, Founder of SSWING, an innovative indoor go...

Cultivating Joy and Awe - Nathan St. Cyr- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 195

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to be the number one small hostile in North America? Today we welcome Nathan St. Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howz...

Weaving the Future of Design - Mark Page - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 194

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mentorship is important in encouraging students to enter artistic and creative career paths. Mark Page, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries,...

Building Together - Ian Mills and Becca Roderick- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 193

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we discuss the intersection of architecture and interior design, finding a common ground for both aspects to complement each other. Ian Mills an...

Behind the Brand - David Carofano - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 192

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re going all in on branding and strategy for hospitality companies this week! David Carofano, Strategy and Commercial Director at Crown Creative ...

Putting Others First - Thomas Healy - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 191

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s more important than making guests feel cared for? Today, Thomas Healy joins to discuss the core values of hospitality, the importance of a di...

Elevating Spaces and Inspiring Minds - Kellie Sirna - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 190

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mentorship is so valuable, especially in hospitality. Today Dan interviews Kellie Sirna, Owner and Principal of Studio 11 Design. Kellie shares her jo...

Event Magic and Community Building - Meg Gutowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 189

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is there power behind organized chaos? Today, Dan Ryan engages with Meg Gutowski, Vice President of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC). They disc...

Soulful Hospitality - Rob Blood - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 188

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is soul-making hospitality? Today, Rob Blood, Founder and Chairman of Lark Hotels and Principal at Elder and Ash, joins Dan to talk about the imp...

Art, Vision, and Impact in Hospitality - Richard Kessler - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 187

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Implementing art and music, seeing potential, and giving back are the key pillars that Mr. Richard Kessler brings to his business. As the Chairman and...

Rebuilding Hospitality - Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 186

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospitality is key, especially under hardships and destruction, something Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele, Co-Owners of the Wrong Way River Lodge and C...

Redefining Service Culture - Robyn Pratt - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 185

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dan Ryan interviews Robyn Pratt, the General Manager of the Phoenicia Hotel in Malta and Principal of Impact Consulting Limited. Roby...