Episodes

Send a text We talk with Hilton Grand Vacations COO Gordon Gurnick about how modern timeshares use points, perks, and partnerships to unlock cabins, yurts, and city condos while leaning hard into outdoor experiences and member-only events. We explore unit economics, brand tiers, and why localisatio…

Send us a text We sit down with Mike and Ann Howard of HoneyTrek to unpack what truly makes a glamping stay unforgettable, from soul‑led storytelling to small, high‑impact touches that guests remember for years. Their field‑tested tips show how owners can create warm arrivals, immersive experiences…

Send us a text We chart how Ben Wolff scaled from short-term rentals to design-led outdoor resorts, sold into a public REIT, built a content-first marketing firm, and now launches a wellness agritourism brand near Miami called Baya. Clear tactics on funding, pricing, direct bookings and the partner…

Send us a text Connor welcomes new co‑host Shari Heilala to dig into the data, the grit, and the joy that power outdoor hospitality—from feasibility studies and appraisals to design choices that actually raise rates and length of stay. Shari brings a rare mix: she’s valued massive retail portfolios…

Send us a text We trace Joe Lisa's path from college painting gigs to a $13m experiential hospitality portfolio, exploring how purpose, scrappy execution, and smarter permitting turned failures into fuel. From desert yurts to a reborn Ohio marina, we share what scales, what breaks, and why charm wi…

Send us a text What if a small, story-rich resort could command a seven-figure brand premium—and what would it take to build one? We sit down with creator-operator Isaac French to trace the arc of Live Oak Lake. From building Waco's first micro resort, an early Airbnb suspension that forced an unex…

Send us a text A sign-off, a handover, and a candid origin story. We open with why the mic is changing hands and then dive straight into Connor’s path—from a childhood of four brothers and a legendary treehouse to a career shaped by a passion for the outdoors and a data-led obsession with outdoor h…

Send us a text Soon, we’ll be renaming the show to “The Outdoor Hospitality Podcast” to better reflect our mission and expand our content horizons. Make sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t lose us due to the change. This transformation stems from our core purpose: empowering entrepreneurs and…

Send us a text Nick makes a big announcement about stepping back from the podcast to focus 100% on Posh Outdoors and scaling that business. Shari Heilala the CEO of Sage Outdoor Advisory has stepped up as the new Co-Host joi...

Send us a text Matt Bare returns for part two, sharing the real-world challenges of hot tubs, designing a landscape pool, and surviving a hurricane. From health department battles to designing for both luxury and efficiency, this episode reveals what it takes to deliver five-star experiences where …

Send us a text Are private hot tubs a profitable investment? Is it foolish to build in a booming glamping market with high competition? What is better a glass cabin or luxury dome? What does it take for your glamping property to survive a hurricane? Find out in Part 1 with Matt Bare, the founder of…

Send us a text Hear the secrets behind Sandy Van's meteoric rise in the luxury adventure van market. We are joined by Alan Mondus CEO and Evan Purcell COO as they share their journey from building vans in their driveway to building a $350K luxury adventure vehicles. Learn more on the Sandy Vans web…

Send us a text The two most experienced managers in outdoor hospitality go head-to-head. Hear insights from Scott Randall and Jacob Halverson. These two managers have worked at the industry leading properties like Paws Up, ...

Send us a text In huge news for the glamping industry, The Fields of Michigan has been acquired by glamping giants, Under Canvas. Irene Wood returns to the pod to give us the lowdown: How it all went down; the advice she'd gi...

Send us a text In this episode we dive in with Scott Randall who helped launch Paws Up, AutoCamp and Wildhaven over his 25 year career in outdoor hospitality. There is no person on this continent with more experience growing prominent glamping brands. Hear about creating ice wall climbing, dog sled…

Send us a text Familiar favourite Bygnal Dutson from Open Sky in Zion returns to the pod today, but this time he's joined by his General Manager, Wes McCloskey. Today's episode is all about the nitty gritty of running a glamp...

Send us a text Hear the story behind Sol Stay, one of America's only glamping resorts ON THE WATER. Find out how Joe Lisa and Bill Nolan built this unique property on the waters of Lake Erie in Ohio. In this episode you will learn how they: Found and reimagined this run down marinaRaised the money …

Send us a text Learn the critical items you need to think about before your grand opening. Hear about pre-marketing, selecting a property management system, opening your booking calendar, OTA integrations, OS&E purchasing and more. Quentin Incao is the founder of Q Hospitality and has consulted…

Send us a text Some of you have been listening to him for more than 4 years, but you don't know his story. Nick got to where he is today through hard work, tenacity, and a whole lotta dreaming. As he prepares to open his first mirror cabins at Skyridge Glamping, we go all the way back to his childh…

Send us a text We explored beyond the world of glamping this week and interviewed Nathan St Cyr of Howzit Hostels. He broke down the hostel business model; how Howzit obsesses over the guest experience; and how to create a sense of community at your resort. Nathan's Links: Howzit HostelsThe Hotel I…

Send us a text Hal Feinberg is the founder of Clear Sky Resorts. Clear Sky is the largest dome operation in the US, with resorts in Utah and Arizona. Hal joins us to discuss his journey to this point, his special interior des...

Send us a text Learn what your outdoor hospitality business is worth and how you can maximize your value in a sale. In this episode Connor interviews experts Bob Kaplan of NAI Outdoor Hospitality Brokers and Shari Heilala of Sage Outdoor Advisory. Find out how your business is valued by appraisers …

Send us a text Jacob Halverson joins Connor and Nick to discuss all things recruitment. How do you find staff for your hospitality operation? What questions should you ask them in interviews? How does the process change accor...

Send us a text In Connor's first solo-hosted episode, he speaks to Ken Barber of Wildhaven Glamping in California. Ken has pulled off the notoriously difficult task of starting and scaling a Californian glamping operation, and he dives into his initial capital raise, Wildhaven's mid-marketing posit…