Vacation Rental Success

VRS655 - The Shift from Collecting Prompts to AI That Actually Knows Your Business

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Heather explores one of the biggest shifts happening in the AI space right now: the move away from relying on prompt libraries a...

VRS654 - VRNation, Education, and the Next Chapter of the Vacation Rental Industry

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Heather Bayer sits down with Heidie Henriksen, Executive Director of VRNation, to talk about how the organization is helping to stren...

VRS653 - The Authority Shift: What AI Agents Mean for STR Leaders

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're at a genuine turning point in how AI is being used in the short-term rental industry - and the language we use right now really matters. In this...

VRS652 - Structure Before Speed: The Smarter Way to Bring AI Into Your Business

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AI is no longer a curiosity in our industry - it's becoming a priority. In this first episode of a new AI-focused solo series, Heather steps back from...

VRS651 - Trust, Conversions & The Direct Booking Mindset

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a guest trust your website enough to enter their credit card details? That's the question at the heart of this conversation with Amber Knig...

VRS650 - Amber Hurdle – Keeping the Human in the Loop: Building a Strategic AI-Driven Brand

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Amber Hurdle is back for her fourth appearance on the podcast - and once again, she's lighting up the conversation with her bold, insightful take on b...

VRS649 - Sewn in Soil and Spirit – Designing Guest Experiences with Heather Dunwoody - A Book Direct Day Special

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this very special Book Direct Day, I'm thrilled to welcome Heather Dunwoody to the podcast for a deeply resonant conversation about the why behind ...

VRS648 - Lead Better, Clean Smarter: The Coaches and Consultants Behind Vacation Rental Growth

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode from our Training Series, host Heather Bayer is joined by Brittany Blackman (Discover Freedom) and Sean Kemper (ETI Solutions)...

VRS647 - The Missing Piece in STR Training: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever - with Ali Cammelletti

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Heather sits down with returning guest Ali Cammelletti, a hospitality consultant, speaker, and the founder of Spark Your Mindset. Wit...

VRS646 - NotebookLM & the New Age of STR Team Training

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode Heather Bayer continues the series on training and development in the short-term rental space. Drawing on her past as a trainin...

VRS645 - Duct Tape Doesn't Scale: Onboarding, Training, and Thriving in 2026

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Heather Bayer welcomes back her son and business partner, Mike Bayer, for a timely New Year's discussion on a topic that affects near...

VRS644 - Forecasting 2026: Tech, Trust, and Transformation in Vacation Rentals with David Angotti

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first episode of 2026 - and that means it's time for our annual deep dive into what's happened across the vacation rental industry over the p...

VRS643 – How Voice AI Can Elevate Hospitality Without Losing the Human Touch – with Eliseo Palous

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if artificial intelligence could actually enhance the human touch instead of replacing it? In this episode, Heather speaks with Eliseo Palous, co...

VRS642 - How Stacey St. John Built a High-Performing STR Portfolio From Scratch

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a corporate professional takes a chance on short-term rentals in the middle of a global pandemic? In this inspiring episode, Heather...

VRS641 - The Insurance Housing Opportunity: What Every STR Operator Should Know with Jake Mast

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When disaster strikes - whether it's a fire, flood, or even a bat infestation - families are often left scrambling for safe, comfortable housing. That...

VRS640 - Why the FIFA World Cup 2026 Starts NOW for Your Vacation Rental with Mark Simpson

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

📌In this power-packed episode, Heather Bayer is joined once again by vacation rental marketing guru Mark Simpson of Boostly. Mark returns for his f...

VRS639 - Optimizing for AI: What Short-Term Rental Brands Need to Know About GEO and the Future of Search with Neely Khan

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm welcoming back one of my favourite guests, Neely Khan, founder of the storytelling agency Artwork Creative. This is her second time join...

VRS638 - Democratizing Genius: How Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh Uses AI to Supercharge Short-Term Rental Success

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Heather sits down with Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh from Short Term Gems to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way short-te...

VRS637 - AI in Action: What STR Hosts Can Learn from the AI for Business Summit

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this packed episode, Heather Bayer shares her biggest takeaways from the AI for Business Summit in Las Vegas - and how short-term rental hosts and ...

VRS636 - Scaling Smart: How to Spot the Owners Who'll Sabotage Your Growth

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dennis Goedheid is back on the show, and we dive deep into one of the most overlooked yet mission-critical aspects of running a property management co...

VRS635 - From Tinkering to Transformation: Building an AI Adoption Strategy for Your Vacation Rental Business

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While everyone's been playing around with AI tools like ChatGPT, few in the short-term rental industry have taken the next step - turning experimentat...

VRS634 - The Direct Booking Mindset Shift: What Every Host Needs to Hear Right Now

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Jenn Boyles, founder of the Direct Booking Success Summit and host of the Direct Booking Success Podcast....

VRS633 - The Trustology: The Secret to a Successful Direct Booking Strategy with Chris Maughan

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this penultimate episode in our series on Direct Booking, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Heather is joined by long-time industry lead...

VRS632 - How to Transform Your Short Term Rental Business with Google's NotebookLM

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Heather shares her enthusiasm for Google's NotebookLM. If you've ever wished for a research assistant who knows your business in...

VRS631 - Are You a Digital Sharecropper? Taking Back Control with Humphrey Bowles

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bold and thought-provoking episode, Heather sits down with Humphrey Bowles, the founder of Truvi and who has adopted the term "digital sharecr...

VRS630 - Build Trust, Book Direct: Lessons from Louis Andrews of OVO Network

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode of a special 5-part series on direct booking, Heather Bayer sits down with Louis Andrews, Director at OVO Network, to explore wh...

VRS629 - From Digital Guides to Donut Walls: Inside a Next-Gen Guest Experience

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I first met James Rubino at a VRMA conference in Orlando two years ago. He was there at the start of his journey in short term rentals, to learn and...

VRS628 - Why Local Wins: The Five Pillars for Success You Must Follow - with Ashley Ching

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself wondering why so many large-scale property management companies rise quickly… and then fall just as fast? In this episo...

VRS627 - Thriving in the Age of AI and Short-Term Rentals with Bart Sobies

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Heather Bayer welcomes back a long-time friend and industry innovator, Bart Sobies, founder of iBooked.Online and the creative mind b...

VRS626 - Tech-Enabled Hospitality with Jessica Gillingham of Abode Worldwide

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it really mean to run a tech-enabled hospitality business - and how do we do it without losing the human touch? In this episode, Heather sit...

VRS625 - Five Quick Wins to Start Using AI in Your STR Business Today

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Heather Bayer returns to the mic for an approachable explanation of the transformative power of AI in short-term rental operatio...

VRS624 - Trust, Tech & Storytelling: The Keys to a High-Converting STR Website

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this fun and super insightful episode, I’m joined once again by vacation rental marketing expert Jodi Bourne, and we’re diving headfirst into s...

VRS623 - Safety Sells: Why STR Leaders Are Putting Protection First

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down for a summer Sunday chat with Justin Ford from Breezeway, to disc...

VRS622 - Navigating Growth, Change, and True Hospitality with Jackie Norde from Casago

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When change hits fast and hard, what keeps a company grounded? In this episode, Heather welcomes Jackie Norde, who shares her remarkable journey from ...

VRS621 – The Power of Storytelling: How Hospitality Brands Can Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this inspiring episode, Heather Bayer sits down with storyteller and copywriter Neely Khan to explore how hospitality businesses can set themselves...

VRS620 - Staying Human: The Power of Vulnerability in Vacation Rental Leadership

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Heather Bayer sits down with Heather Fillmore, co-founder of Utah-based StayLuxe Properties, for an honest and inspiring conversation...

VRS619 - Making AI Work for You: Insights, Use Cases, and a New Industry Survey with Fred Bassili of Hostfully

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Fred Bassili from Hostfully to discuss the evolving role of ...

VRS618 - Legacy, Leadership & AI: Inside the Evolution of Cottage Connection of Maine with Alexis Miller

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the strongest brands in the vacation rental business have been around for decades and are rooted in tradition, family values and local knowled...

VRS617 - What an AI Summit Taught Me About Hosting, Branding, and Staying Ahead

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer shares her top takeaways from the AI for Business Summit in Orlando, diving...

VRS616 - A Podcast Within a Podcast: A Look into NotebookLM

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with… herself! It’s a podcast within a podcast as Heather exp...

VRS615 - Direct Bookings, AI, and Airbnb Disruption: A Real Talk with Mark Simpson

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this no-holds-barred conversation, Heather is joined by longtime friend of the show, Mark Simpson, to unpack the buzz - and backlash - surrounding ...

VRS614: Marketing Shifts, AI in Search, and the Future of Vacation Rental Websites with Conrad O’Connell

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful conversation, I welcome back digital marketing expert Conrad O’Connell, founder of BuildUp Bookings, to talk about the dramatic s...

VRS613 - Why Every Vacation Rental Business Needs an AI Champion - Now

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with her son and business partner, Mike Bayer, to discuss the ess...

VRS612 - Access for All: How One Woman’s Mission and Expedia’s Support Are Transforming the Way We Host

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather reconnects with long-time friend and returning guest, Lorraine Woodward, the unstoppable for...

VRS611 - Leadership by Culture: How Rachel Alday Built Loyalty and Hospitality Through Intentional Team Values

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special replay episode in our Leadership Series, Heather reconnects with Rachel Alday, founder of Abode Luxury Rentals, for a powerful convers...

VRS610 - The Quiet Power of Leadership: Steve Schwab on Earning Loyalty and Driving Change

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this landmark episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather Bayer is joined by Steve Schwab, the Founder and CEO of Casago, at a truly pi...

VRS609 - What Type of Leader Are You? Reflections from the Short-Term Rental Industry

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful solo episode, Heather Bayer reflects on one of the most fundamental - and often overlooked - questions in the short-term rental space...

VRS608 - Are You Born to Lead? Lessons in STR Leadership with Ali Cammelletti

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most short-term rental operators didn’t plan on becoming leaders. They started as solopreneurs - cleaning toilets one day, managing a team the next....

VRS607 - Leading with Intention: Matt Landau on Breakthroughs, Burnout, and the Power of Pause

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, we kick off our brand-new Leadership Series with someone who’s been part of this journey from the very beginning - Matt Lan...

VRS606 - AI Meets Hospitality: Shahar Goldboim on Building the World’s First AI-Powered PMS

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a vacation rental entrepreneur, his tech-savvy brothers, and a close-knit team of hospitality veterans come together with a mission ...

VRS605 - Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder with Mark Simpson

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Mark Simpson, the founder of Boostly, to discuss the pract...

VRS604 - Cutting Through the AI Noise: How to Choose the Right Tools for Your STR Business

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Guesty, your all-in-one platform for hospitality businesses to automate and optimize every aspect of ...

VRS603 - AI-Powered Marketing for Vacation Rentals: What You Need to Know

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Guesty, your all-in-one platform for hospitality businesses to automate and optimize every aspect of ...

VRS602 - Unlocking Efficiency: Exploring AI Solutions in Vacation Rentals with Brooke Pfautz

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Guesty, your all-in-one platform for hospitality businesses to automate and optimize every aspect ...

VRS601 - Is Your ChatGPT Showing? - with Amber Hurdle

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Guesty, your all-in-one platform for hospitality businesses to automate and optimize every aspect ...

VRS600 - From Energy Hog to Eco-Hero with Bob Garner

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve arrived at Week 5 of SSTIR Crazy 2025, and this might be the most critical challenge yet! Sustainability Week is here, and the stakes have nev...

VRS599 - The Compliance Challenge: Strategies for Navigating New Regulations

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve arrived at Week 4 of SSTIR Crazy 2025, and this might be the most critical challenge yet! Regulations Week is here, and the stakes have neve...

VRS598 - Lessons Learned from a Disaster Scenario with Nick Massey - Proper Insurance

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this third week of SSTIR Crazy 2025, StayWise Rentals grapples with an insurance nightmare when a malicious pool party threatens to ruin their busi...

VRS597 - When Vacation Rental Safety Systems Fail: Lessons from the Field with Justin Ford

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this second week of SSTIR Crazy 2025, StayWise Rentals grapples with a critical turning point: a safety crisis threatening their direct bookings. ...

VRS596 - From Questionable to Trustworthy: A Trust Transformation - with Chris Maughan

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this first week of SSTIR Crazy 2025, StayWise Rentals grapples with a critical turning point: a trust crisis threatening their direct bookings. Ea...

VRS595 - Navigating Change: Why, When and How to Switch Your PMS with David Angotti

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There comes a point in every property manager’s journey where they have to consider whether their chosen property management system is still the rig...

VRS594 - SSTIR Crazy 2025: Tackle the Tough Topics, Win the Grand Prize

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Around this time last year, we had an idea that grew out of a LinkedIn post by Justin Ford. He had expressed his disappointment at the limited attenti...

VRS593 - AI at Work: Real-World Applications in the Vacation Rental Industry With Steve Trover

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in the vacation rental industry, you’re in for a treat. Steve Trover...

VRS592 - From Trends to Tactics with David Angotti

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! This special episode - our annual reflection on the last 12 months and a look at where we are going in 2025 - features none other than...

VRS591 - Carving Your Niche: Strategic Marketing with Nihal Salah

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2024 showed us that direct booking isn’t dead. On the contrary, the appetite for building a strategy for independence from the OTAs is as strong a...

VRS590 - Co-Hosting vs. Traditional Management: What Property Managers Need to Know with Thibault Masson

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is Airbnb’s new co-hosting network a game-changer for property management, or a challenge for traditional operators? In this episode Heather is jo...

VRS589 - Creating Spectrum-Friendly Vacation Rentals with Suzanne Hacker

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 36 children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which represents a significant increase from previous years wit...

VRS588 - From Content to Conversion: SEO Essentials for Vacation Rentals

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is SEO dead in the short-term rental space? According to experts, it remains a vital and evolving component of digital marketing strategies for vaca...

VRS587 - Thanksgiving at Work: Your Guide to The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with her business partner and son, Mike Bayer, to explore The Fiv...

VRS586 - Unpacking AI Tools for Short-Term Rental Success with The CEO Host

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following an AHA moment at the VTSTRA Conference in Vermont in early November, where AI was mentioned in just about every presentation, this episode i...

VRS585 - From Goals to Execution - Mastering Your Marketing Strategy with Nihal Salah

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about marketing it’s often about tactical aspects like posting on Instagram, making reels or how to manage influencers. But without a...

VRS584 - Hospitality Meets Spirituality: Building a Unique Guest Experience with Valerie Gangas

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Valerie Gangas from Juniper Holiday + Home to discuss how di...

VRS583 - The Power of People: How to Hire and Retain the Best Talent with Steve Trover

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Steve Trover from Better Talent to discuss the intricacies o...

VRS582 - From Team Dynamics to Guest Experience: The Power of Showing Up

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Christine Smith from CS Consulting 101, to discuss how showi...

VRS581 -The Ultimate Guide to Hiring and Onboarding a Virtual Assistant Within Your Vacation Rental Business

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Tammi Sims, Vice President of Partnership Experience at Exte...

VRS580 - From Day One to Rockstar: Transforming New Hires into High Performers with a 7-Step Process

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hiring and onboarding new team members is a significant activity within a property management company, yet it gets limited attention in posts and arti...

VRS579 - The Future of Property Management: Navigating Airbnb’s Co-Hosting Revolution with Simon Lehmann

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Simon Lehmann, founder and CEO of the consulting firm AJL At...

VRS578 - Unlocking the Power of Direct Bookings with Jenn Boyles

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The best way to introduce new team members to Vacation Rental! Sign them up for our new THRIVE Essentials Program... Find out more: https://vacation...

VRS577 - Strength in Numbers: The Power of Local Alliances in the Vacation Rental Industry with Julie Marks of VTSTRA

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Julie Marks from the Vermont Short-Term Rental Association (...

VRS576 - Safe Rentals, Secure Profits: Why Safety is the New Selling Point with Justin Ford

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week brought a 2022 tragedy into focus as two vacation rental property owners plead guilty to multiple misdemeanors and code violations in a fire...

VRS575 - Unlocking Expertise: How Fractional Executives are Transforming Vacation Rentals with Alex O Husner and Michelle Marquis

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all know about virtual assistants and how valuable they can be to a company looking for flexible, short-term or part-time help with guest services,...

VRS574 - Storytelling Strategies to Elevate Your Vacation Rental Business

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Bartsch has edited over 100 episodes of the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, over the last 11 years. He says that when you can take five hour...

VRS573 - From Personal Touch to Operational Success: Innovative Hospitality with Nick Russell

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Nick Russell, the COO and VP of The Cottages on the Key, to ...

VRS572 - Rethinking Your Vacation Rental Business Model: Insights from Matt Landau

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Matt Landau from VRMB (Vacation Rental Marketing Blog) to di...

VRS571 - Beyond Limits: How Coaching Can Revolutionize Your Vacation Rental Business

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Investing in personal development is a no-brainer for the most successful people in this business. They have mentors; they hire coaches and join m...

VRS570 - The Power of Appreciation: Transforming Your Workplace with Dr. Paul White

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you show appreciation to your work colleagues? Do you spend time with them, give them words of praise, give the occasional gift or ask if the...

VRS569 - Unlocking Growth in Vacation Rentals Through Franchising with Lukas Krause

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For some aspiring property managers, the challenge of setting up a business, learning the ins and outs of every aspect of operations, marketing and bu...

VRS568 - The Untapped Market: Boost Bookings with Accessible Vacation Rentals with Adam Norko and Lorraine Woodward

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer discusses the untapped potential of accessibility in vacation rentals with...

VRS567 - The Power of Intentional AI: Amber Hurdle's Approach to Branding Excellence

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Amber Hurdle, the host of the Bombshell Business ...

VRS566 - Top 10 Foundations for a Successful Property Management Business

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather delves into the foundations of a strong property management business. Drawing on ...

VRS565 - Housekeeping Excellence: Training Techniques from Industry Leaders

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer welcomes Brittany Blackman of Breathe Easy Rentals and Sean Kemper from ETI...

VRS564 - The Role of Company Culture in Delivering Exceptional Guest Experiences with Rachel Alday

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Rachel Alday, co-founder of Abode Luxury Vacation...