The Brand & Market Podcast - Turning Airbnb Listings into Legacies

Wondering what tech to purchase for your short-term rental? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how three pieces of tech equipment have made huge differences for us in managing our properties. Listen in for my review on the Schlage Smart Locks, cameras from Google Home, and internet services by Starlink. Time-stamps: Schlage Smart Lock (2:15) Google Home (5:28) Lodgify (9:52) Starlink (11:32) Mentione...

Are you looking for fresh advice for marketing your short-term rental in 2026? In today’s episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how I personally am marketing my properties based on up-to-date market research and knowledge. Listen in for my strategy to increase revenue, referrals, and overall bookings this year. Time-stamps: Analyzing current social media trends (2:58) 2026 influencer...

Is your rental’s branding impacting its success? In today’s episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the brand design of The Homestead at Cunningham Creek. This property is extra special to me, as it belongs to my in-laws. Listen in to hear about our choices regarding the brand theme, design, and the brand visuals for the property. Time-stamps: The story behind the name (2:13) Creating...

Happy new year! 2025 was an incredible year of growth and upgrades for my short-term rental properties, as well as my business. In this episode, I’m taking a look back at the most impactful moments of my year and the lessons I’m taking into 2026. Time-stamps: My early 2025 rebrand (1:58) Hiring a podcast producer and a virtual assistant (5:54) Attending Level Up Your Listing (11:20) Beginning to d...

Are you wondering what’s possible for you as a short-term rental owner? In today’s episode, I’m talking with real estate investor and property manager Zac Willms. Zac shares his inspiring story from launching a highly-successful glamping resort in Canada to now managing multiple villas in Mexico. If you're ready to expand your short-term rental portfolio, get ready to be inspired by this episode!...

Are you curious about what it’s like to bring your rental visions to life? In today’s episode, I’m taking you through the process of closing on our newest rental property: Elysian. Plus, I’m diving into each step we’re currently taking to get the property’s first rental ready for guests. Time-stamps: The unexpected closing story (1:51) Surprise Airbnb reservations (7:36) Bringing the interior desi...

Interested in adding an additional unit to your short-term rental property? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Will Brooks, owner and operator of multiple accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Will breaks down his ADU strategy, from zoning laws and unique features to financing and returns on investment. Time-stamps: Will Brooks and understanding ADUs (1:19) The best markets for ADUs (6:23) Dabbling i...

Are you purchasing your next short-term rental property? In today’s episode, I’m talking through every step of being under contract for our next rental: Elysian, the dome house. I’m sharing what we prioritized in our contract negotiation, our process of hiring an interior designer, plus the new brand identity created just for this property. Time-stamps: Negotiating our offer and contract (1:51) Th...

Are you taking the right legal steps for your Airbnb property? In today’s episode, I’m talking with real estate attorney and investor Katie Johnson. Katie shares her perspective on setting up your real estate portfolio, utilizing zoning ordinances to your advantage for short-term rentals, and how local communities are legally responding to the Airbnb market. Time-stamps: Meet Katie (0:47) Katie’s...

Are you thinking about purchasing your next short-term rental property? In today’s episode, I’m talking through every step of the process in finding our next rental: Elysian, the dome house. I’m sharing how I found the property, what expenses I researched beforehand, and how we even ended up staying the night to experience the rental ourselves. Time-stamps: Searching for our next short-term rental...

Do you have a direct booking site for your Airbnb rental? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Abbey Oslin of Duo Collective to talk about the impact of a direct booking site on your STR rental bookings. Plus, tips for collecting data from your site, growing your domain authority, and promoting the site to your guests. Time-stamps: Meet Abbey Oslin of Duo Collective (0:52) SEO and how it relates to y...

Happy Halloween! In today’s episode, I’m telling the tale of my past listing mistakes that still haunt me today. Listen in to avoid meeting the same spooky ghosts at your short-term rental! Time-stamps: The spooky story of my first Airbnb (2:02) The ghost of bad listing photos (3:23) The ghost of lacking interior design (6:17) Co-hosting Services (15:11) The ghost of neglected maintenance (16:30)...

Are you looking for more opportunities to book your Airbnb and short-term rental? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Hannah Pobar of the Home Studio List to talk about how the platform connects hosts with production companies, photographers, and content creators. Listen in to get insider tips on how to find success on Home Studio List! Time-stamps: Meet Hannah Pobar of Home Studio List (1:17) Listi...

How do you know that it’s time to hire a co-host for your rental? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down some of the most common signs that this might be the best decision for your property. Plus, questions to ask your potential co-host to make sure that they are the best fit for you, your property, and your guests. Time-stamps: Defining a “co-host” (3:27) Typical duties of a co-host (4:19) You dre...

Happy birthday to my daughter, Huxley! Today’s episode is part of a special family tradition of getting to be on the podcast for your birthday. Enjoy this short and sweet chat with Huxley all about her experiences at school, her dreams for the future, and her birthday plans! Time-stamps: Thoughts on school (1:33) Favorite classes, the state fair art show, and making honor roll (2:16) What Huxley w...

believe hospitality is so much more than a transaction—it’s the heartbeat of creating unforgettable experiences. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the benefits of going above and beyond, as laid out in Will Guidara’s book Unreasonable Hospitality . I’m diving into how you can take the most impactful lessons from the book and apply them to your short-term rental. Time-stamps: The nobility of hospital...

What makes an Airbnb that guests can’t wait to return to? In this episode, I’m sharing the exact habits and strategies I’ve used to consistently deliver five-star guest experiences and stand out in a competitive market. Time-stamps: Quick wins (0:45) Short-term rentals are not passive investments (3:20) Match expectations of what guests see on your listing (6:02) Audit your guest communication (8:...

Happy birthday to my son, Jackson! Today’s episode is a special family tradition of getting to be on the podcast for your birthday. Enjoy this short and sweet talk all about his love for sharks, his Airbnb memories, and all of his favorites as he turns five. Time-stamps: Birthday party excitement (1:04) Jackson’s love for sharks and dinosaurs (1:26) Jackson’s favorite stuffed animal (2:30) Jackson...

What can public relations do for your short-term rental? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Holly Mitton of Little Bird Boston, a marketing and PR agency. Holly shares the power of PR in the hospitality industry, plus steps you can take today to incorporate it into your Airbnb's marketing strategy.

Are you ignoring the red flags of a potential investment property? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a recent experience I had of discovering the perfect property for an Airbnb listing… until I took a closer look. I walk you through our due diligence process, the major issues we uncovered (spoiler alert: barking dogs and missing ovens), and why the numbers that look great on paper don’t always tell...

Are Google Ads worth it for a local realtor? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Jack Hepp of Industrious Marketing about Google Ads strategy for realtors. We’re diving into what’s worth it, what to expect from your budget, and how to stand out with the help of your personal brand. Time-stamps: Meet Jack (1:06) How Industrious Marketing got started (3:18) Understanding types of Google Ads (4:18)...

Is your Airbnb property living up to its potential? In today’s episode, I’m taking you step-by-step through the process of branding for the Tennessee, Together cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN, an Airbnb for unplugging. I’ll be sharing how together with the short-term rental property owner and interior design team, I took the property’s biggest drawback and turned it into a brand that attracts dream gues...

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my youngest son, Emerson! Enjoy this short and sweet talk all about his third birthday plans, Jeep obsession, and being the baby in our family. Time-stamps: Get to know Emerson (1:00) Birthday party plans (1:22) What Emerson hopes to get as a birthday gift (2:37) What Emerson wants to be when he grows up (4:11) Does Emerson like bein...

Feel like you just can’t do it all when it comes to your marketing? In today’s episode, I’m talking about the number one thing that you can focus on to keep up with the rapidly changing digital landscape: keyword research. Time-stamps: The one next best step (1:22) Why keyword research is crucial (2:34) Understanding keywords (3:13) Actionable tips to start keyword research (4:44) Airbnb social me...

How can you charm your short-term rental guests into booking again? In today’s episode, I’m talking with former Disney executive and current business owner Vance Morris about applying the magic of Disney theme parks to your client experience. Learn how to systematize the small details, create a consistent elevated experience, and have your Airbnb guests excited to come back and visit again. Time-s...