Unlocked by Matt Landau

What happens when the thing you built no longer feels aligned with where you're meant to go? In this episode, Matt sits down with Rena Pacheco-Theard , CEO & Co-Founder of Boutiq , for an honest conversation about transformation, calculated risk, and the difficult decisions that come with growth. After years balancing technology, property management, and relentless entrepreneurship, Rena found her...

In this episode, Chris Hynes , Co-Founder and CTO of  OwnerRez , joins Matt Landau for a wide-ranging conversation on public speaking, self-discovery, leadership, and the human side of AI. From Toastmasters lessons and storytelling breakthroughs to leading engineering teams through uncertainty, Chris shares how creativity, emotional awareness, and repetition shape both personal growth and company...

A thoughtful conversation between Ryan Casey, CTO & Principal of Lighthouse Vacations, and Matt Landau on navigating the tension between fear and opportunity in the age of AI, through the lens of hospitality, leadership, and purpose. From unpacking public skepticism around AI to practical, real-world applications inside a vacation rental business, Ryan shares a grounded perspective: don't chase hy...

A conversation between Matt Landau and Clair Stoddard , co-owner of  Cascade Vacation Rentals , on the power of stepping into the unknown—where growth, leadership, and authenticity truly begin. From career-defining leaps of faith to redefining "failure" as a pathway to opportunity, Clair shares how embracing uncertainty shaped her journey from hospitality operator to co-owner. Together, they explo...

A conversation between Jack Zoppa , CEO of Haven Vacation Rentals, and Matt Landau on turning AI experiments into real business advantage—where agents, automation, and clear vision unlock scale, while human connection remains the true differentiator. Reach out to Matt directly:  matt@vrmb.com

A conversation between Alex Zemianek , a full-time dad, husband, and owner of JZ Properties and JZ Vacation Rentals, and Matt Landau on navigating the uncertainty of AI while staying grounded in what matters most: family, purpose, and authentic leadership in business. From raising kids in a rapidly changing world to building a values-driven vacation rental company, Alex shares a refreshing perspec...

A conversation between Ryan Rabideau and Matt Landau on standing at the edge of a new paradigm: where AI reshapes how we work, create, and lead, and invites us to rediscover what it means to be human in business. Reach out to Matt directly: matt@vrmb.com How Haven Vacation Rentals Hit 90 Percent Automation and Got Airbnb Knocking on Their Door (2026 Update). Read it here . 

We're in between seasons of Unlocked, which means something new must be brewing! In this episode, Matt shares details about his new business creative community Here Goes Nothin. You can sign up at www.heregoesnothin.com and learn more about the upcoming retreat at www.heregoesnothin.com/costarica .

This episode features Pamela Quinn, the Chief Experience Officer at LakeDays. Rentals. Pamela and Matt talk about purpose and vision, and how to align your team with them. They talk about how to get things done and the role of creativity in the process. This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez,  www.ownerrez.com , a property management software that covers small homeowners and l...

This episode features Dixie Taylor, Director of Operations at Current Tides Vacation Rentals in Alabama. This episode discusses the significant leap Dixie took when she left her old "gig". The episode emphasizes recognizing when to step into the unknown, into something new ... This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez,  www.ownerrez.com , a property management software that cover...

This episode features Paul Waldschmidt, the co-founder and CEO of OwnerRez, a property management software that serves both small homeowners and large property managers. OwnerRez is also the sponsor of this season of Unlocked. Paul and his team were part of the reason Matt decided to create this 12th season of Unlocked. In this episode, Paul and Matt talk about the OwnerRez retreat in the Dominica...

This episode features Sean Breuner, the founder and CEO of AvantStay. Today's interview focuses on innovation and includes discussions about intuition and risk-taking. Necessities that are needed to create and differentiate in the Vacation Rental Industry as we know it.  This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez, www.ownerrez.com,  a property management software that covers small...

This episode features Julie Marks, who is the co-owner of Homestead Hospitality and the Founder & Executive Director of the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance. This episode is marked as one of Matt's favorite interviews to date. Matt and Julie talk about advocacy, helping, and connecting with people, which comes with a challenge: drawing boundaries. This interview is all about re-evaluating priori...

Today's episode features Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze. In this conversation, Henrik and Matt dive into "the new world". A world that requires adapting to change in more than just the Vacation Rental Industry, which is interesting but can be scary... Henrik shares his take on innovation and creativity and how discipline, consistency, and leadership contribute towards growth in a constantly changi...

Today's episode features Ruth Manfredi, owner of Cinque Terre Vacation Rentals in Italy. In this episode, Ruth and Matt talk about a shift toward creativity, authenticity, and originality within the VR industry. You will hear Ruth her passion and excitement while she shares her stories and experiences which involves more than just the VR industry. This episode is brought to you in partnership with...

Today's episode features Maria Schuh, owner of Mistiso's Place in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, Maria talks about ways that effectively allow her to navigate the threats that seem to hold a lot of VR owners back and how dancing influences the way she goes about life. This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez,  www.ownerrez.com, a property management software...

Today's episode features Steve Hafner, the co-founder and CEO of Kayak. Kayak is a search engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. In this episode, Steve and Matt talk about what it means to be a visionary, and how to be creative and bring ideas. Steve and Matt dive into the importance of storytelling, and Steve talks about how clarity help...

Today's episode features Antonio Bortolotti, who runs the vacation Rental World Summit with his wife, Christina. It's become the preeminent event in Europe and the Middle East for vacation rental professionals. In this episode, Antonio and I recount this most extraordinary moment on stage at the end of the Vacation Rental World Summit in Barcelona just a couple weeks ago. We go through some of the...

This episode features a conversation between Justin Ford and Matt Landau. Justin is a longtime industry advocate, having introduced professional safety protocols to the emerging industry of vacation rentals. In this episode, Matt and Justin talk about leadership and fear, and how certain experiences impact the way we think about, and handle, risk. The episode concludes with a conversation about sa...

I GOT STUCK is my story but it could also likely be yours. As burnout started to rear its ugly head my relationships and projects started to wobble. I was forced to accept that I was lacking a clear vision for my future: I was without a firm foundation to create from. How does one become visionary? What does it feel like to grow in new ways? How do we adapt and unstuck ourselves as we enter an era...

This episode features a conversation between two lifelong friends, Adam and Matt, who talk about their childhood, their fathers, and their heritage. In this conversation, they reflect on how travel reunited them in a very special place in this world, close to their roots. This episode is about exploring who they are as a person and creating life-lasting memories at their home away from home… This...

In this episode, Matt talks with his friend and neighbor Robin. Robin's whole life seemed to be going according to plan -- great job, health, nuclear family -- until she got hit by the shitstorm of her marriage starting to unravel. In this episode, Matt and Robin explore themes of relationships, adversity, movement, and travel, and how to lead your children and loved ones by leading yourself. This...

In this podcast episode, Matt Landau and Guy discuss personal growth, business insights, and transformative experiences. Matt talks about his life-changing trip to Israel and how travel can trigger transformation. Guy shares his enlightening experiences with psychedelics and how they altered his perspective on life. The episode also covers Guy's journey into parenthood and its profound impact on h...

Join us for a conversation between Matt and his mother, Barbara Landau. This episode offers a glimpse into Barbara Landau's rich life experiences and adventures. She reflects on her career choices, emphasizing the importance of building a network of mentors and allies for success. Barbara's impressive achievements are a testament to her dedication and determination. Intriguingly, the episode delve...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Valerie Gangas as she shares her inspiring journey of growth, spirituality, and resilience. From starting a vacation rental company during the pandemic to exploring the depths of her spiritual awakening, Valerie's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insights into embracing change, seeking support, and...