February 03, 2022
By Kim Campbell

The number of people who listen to podcasts has grown significantly over the past few years. In fact, Edison Research found that the number of adults in the U.S. who listen to podcasts has grown 29.5% since 2018. From conversational interviews to panel discussions, and from hospitality podcasts to true crime sagas, there's a little bit of something for everyone in the podcast world.

While some have turned to podcasts for entertainment, others have found podcasts to be a vast source of information, with many choosing to use podcasts as a career resource. Whether you’re looking for the latest news in real estate, the food and beverage industry, or an inspirational hospitality podcast, there’s a good chance that the perfect podcast already exists. In this post, we're exploring a handful of our favorite hospitality podcasts.

There's an abundance of incredible and valuable hospitality-focused podcasts available for industry professionals, and today we take a deep dive into 12 of them. Join us as we discuss the themes, premise, and layout of some of the top hospitality podcasts for hoteliers and hospitality professionals.

Dive into 12 of the best hospitality podcasts for industry professionals

Whether you're looking for quick podcast bits to entertain and educate you in your free time or a long-running live hospitality podcast that keeps you abreast of industry changes, our list has a podcast for every hospitality professional.

Hospitality podcasts focused on industry news and discussion

For the latest in hospitality industry news, updates, and trend forecasting, tune into one of these hospitality podcasts.

1. All in the Industry

One of the most popular hospitality-focused podcasts on the air, "All in the Industry" brings professionals from across the industry together to discuss the latest in hospitality. Each week, "All in the Industry" digs deep into “behind-the-scenes talent of the hospitality industry.”

Produced by Heritage Radio Network, "All in the Industry" is hosted by Shari Bayer, Founder & President of Bayer Public Relations. With more than 30 years of experience in restaurants and hospitality-focused personal relations, Bayer started her weekly podcast in 2014. Later in 2020, Bayer also launched the inaugural H.O.S.T. SUMMIT + SOCIAL, an educational and interactive all-day hospitality conference, in Brooklyn, New York.

Each episode of "All in the Industry" begins with a “PR tip,” followed by a speed round game, an update on all the new industry news, and then a quick story of a solo dining experience. To wrap the episode, Bayer asks the week’s guest a question that the previous guest suggested. After providing an answer, the current guest then provides an insightful question for Bayer to ask the following week.

Where to listen: "All in the Industry" is available on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify. New episodes air each Wednesday at 4 pm ET.

Don't miss out: Stay on the cutting edge of all things hospitality

2. Hospitality Hangout

Listen to "Hospitality Hangout" to gain a better understanding of how the worlds of hospitality and technology connect. Each week, hosts invite hotel, travel, and technology experts to chat, share their expertise and to “connect hospitality, technology and capital.”

Hosted by Michael Schatzberg Schatzy and Jimmy Frischling, "Hospitality Hangout" explores the idea of “branded strategic hospitality.” Hear from CEOs, restauranteurs, travel experts, and technology pioneers as they discuss breakthroughs in industry technology, exciting trends, and hospitality innovations.

Where to listen: Listen to episodes each week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Foodable Network.

3. Slick Talk | The Hospitality Podcast   

"Slick Talk | The Hospitality Podcast" was created to be “the one destination for all things hospitality.” In this podcast, a wide variety of industry experts discuss industry updates, top hotel marketing trends, and other important topics affecting hospitality professionals.

Produced by Slick Talk Media, Wil Slickers hosts the "Slick Talk" podcast each week. Slickers sits down with industry leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs and invites them to share their experiences and expertise with listeners. From tech entrepreneurs to hiring experts, this program hosts insiders from all corners of the hospitality world.

Where to listen: Weekly episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Sales and marketing hospitality podcasts

Are you looking for a podcast that discusses hotel marketing techniques and best practices? Check these out.

4. Suite Spot: A Hotel Marketing Podcast

Twice a month, Travel Media Group produces "Suite Spot: A Hotel Marketing Podcast." In this program, industry experts gather to discuss developing trends in hospitality, the marketing industry, and social media. This podcast asks hospitality marketing professionals to share their expertise in hotel content marketing, leveraging reviews, the impact of online searches, and much more.

Hear Travel Media Group brand ambassador and host Ryan Embree discuss “all things hotel marketing” with industry insiders. Embree is dedicated to helping marketing professionals interested in improving their hotel’s performance against the competition. The podcast’s goal is to help hoteliers become more competitive in their market while getting assistance with online marketing strategies.

Where to listen: New episodes air twice a month on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

5. Hospitality Digital Marketing

Supported by HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International), "Hospitality Digital Marketing" is a podcast that “tackles current real world digital marketing tools and strategies specifically for the hospitality industry.” This is a great podcast for professionals across the industry who are looking for relevant, accurate hotel digital marketing advice from experienced professionals.

Hospitality Digital Marketing is hosted each week by Loren Gray, Founder of Hospitality Digital Marketing, a respected marketing agency. Each week, the podcast begins with a review of a marketing tool, then a discussion of a marketing technique, followed by a news recap. After the recap, listen to a roundtable of industry professionals as they discuss trending marketing topics and hospitality updates.

Where to listen: Listen live Fridays at 11:30 am ET or on-demand with Stitcher and Apple Podcasts.

6. Hospitality Forward

"Hospitality Forward" is an inspirational hospitality podcast launched by two concerned industry insiders who were struggling to figure out what to do as COVID-19 began affecting the hotel industry. The focus of the podcast is learning how to rebuild during uncertain times, and the hosts work hard to provide listeners “ways of attracting the media spotlight that can help your business rebuild and prosper.”

"Hospitality Forward" is hosted by Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig. Lee is the President and Founder of Hanna Lee Communications, a PR agency in New York City. Anstendig, renowned writer and Editor in Chief of Hanna Lee Communications, has appeared in The New York Times, Time Out New York, and New York Magazine.

Where to listen: New episodes are available weekly on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Audible.

7. Hotel Marketing Podcast

"Hotel Marketing Podcast" is a popular semi-weekly hospitality podcast produced by TravelBoom. This top-rated program was designed to provide practical marketing advice and drive growth for independent hoteliers. A great source of “infotainment,” the team behind the podcast take pride in being both entertaining and educational.

The “Boom Squad” brings together business leaders and hotel experts to discuss hot topics a few times each month. Tune into "Hotel Marketing Podcast" for advice on boosting hotel website conversions, OTT advertising, marketing forecasts, future trends, and much more.

Where to listen: New episodes are released 2-3 times each month and can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher.

Hospitality culture and society podcasts

For advice, personal stories, or to hear discussion on how hospitality affects other aspects of our lives, check out a hospitality podcast concentrated on hotel culture and hospitality in society.

8. No Vacancy Live!  

"No Vacancy Live!" is a live hospitality and travel podcast that has aired almost 800 episodes — each taking a behind-the-scenes look into the travel industry. Marketed as “the travel industry’s most exciting podcast,” "No Vacancy Live!" is a genre-bending program that invites industry experts to sit for interviews, share their stories, and discuss their personal experiences working in the hospitality industry.

"No Vacancy Live!" Is co-hosted by renowned writer, speaker, and travel consultant Glenn Haussman, as well as Anthony Melchiorri, who is a well-known personality in the hospitality industry (many listeners recognize him as the 10-year host of Hotel Impossible on the Travel Channel).

A podcast with an impressive fan base, recent notable guests of "No Vacancy Live!" Include Bruce Ford, Senior Vice President with Lodging Econometrics, and Marc Summers, TV host and Producer (Double Dare, Restaurant Impossible).

Where to listen: New episodes are recorded daily and are available on iTunes, Google Play, or in the "No Vacancy Live!" audio library.

9. HospitalityMD

Praised by listeners as “passionate,” “diverse," and “authentic," the "HospitalityMD" podcast is a weekly show that shares remarkable stories from hospitality and hotel professionals. Each episode highlights stories from individuals at different professional levels throughout the hospitality industry who all have one thing in common: An inspirational story of “hospitality in action.”  

"HospitalityMD" is a fantastic resource for hoteliers who could use a little inspiration. Join host and managing partner, Kyle Allison, to hear amazing stories, connect personally to individuals from all over the world, and find inspiration for team-building activities, meetings, and more.

Where to listen: Catch weekly episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Listen Notes.

Coaching, training, and continuing education hospitality podcasts

The hospitality industry is always evolving, with new rules, regulations, and trends cropping up constantly. Hospitality professionals, as well as those in the meetings and events industry, can check out these podcasts to continue cultivating their professional expertise.

10. How Great Events Happen

Tune into "How Great Events Happen" to keep up with the latest event planning trends, new rules and regulations in the industry, and find out what the “next big thing” is going to be. This podcast from Cvent provides real-world insights and tools that event planners can implement into their own business. Additionally, each episode of "How Great Events Happen" comes with access to additional resources, such as bonus content or training tools.

"How Great Events Happen" is hosted by Brooke Gracey and Cody Liskh. Gracey, a Senior Marketing Manager at Cvent, and Liske, Cvent Team Lead, invite industry leaders to join them as they discuss the ins and outs of meetings and events. Unlike other podcasts that dive deep into the minutiae of event planning, this program chooses to focus more on the big picture, which is something all hospitality industry professionals should be able to find value in.

Where to listen: Check out Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Cvent to hear all episodes on-demand.

How Great Events Happen: Check out our podcast today

11. The Proven Principles Hospitality Podcast

"The Proven Principles Hospitality Podcast" was launched to help “demystify the inner workings of the hospitality industry.” Dedicated to helping hospitality professionals grow their business, experts discuss business tactics, professional insights, and technology trends and best practices each week on "The Proven Principles" podcast. This is a great program for professionals who love to learn new tips, tricks, and how leading hoteliers manage their business.

Adam Knight, host of "The Proven Principles," has over 25 years of experience working across independent and luxury hotels. An experienced industry veteran, Knight invites world-class hotel leaders to join him for considerate conversations each week to discuss industry updates, technology developments, luxury hotel marketing, and so much more. Recent podcast guests include industry leaders like David Martin, COO of Humanist Hospitality, and Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire and Vine Hospitality in Seattle.

Where to listen: New episodes air weekly and are available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audible.

12. Defining Hospitality

A thought-provoking podcast, "Defining Hospitality" is a weekly discussion program that brings together innovative and considerate hospitality leaders. Listen to respected professionals discuss what the hospitality industry is and how hospitality intersects with other parts of life. Explore how hospitality plays a part in our businesses, our built environment, and our everyday lives.

Each week, host Dan Ryan invites thought leaders from across various fields to discuss what the phrase “hospitality” means to them. Ryan, an expert with more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, is fascinated by all things hospitality and aims to share that fascination with others.

Where to listen: New episodes air weekly. Catch up with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

Stay competitive by keeping up with the best hospitality podcasts!

Now you have a list of hospitality podcasts to fill your day, but what about a list of hospitality-focused events to attend this year? Check out the top hospitality conferences of 2022, and mark your calendar!

Headshot of Cvent writer Kimberly Campbell

Kim Campbell

Kim is a full-time copy and content writer with many years of experience in the hospitality industry. She entered the hotel world in 2013 as a housekeeping team member and worked her way through various departments before being appointed to Director of Sales. Kim has championed numerous successful sales efforts, revenue strategies, and marketing campaigns — all of which landed her a spot on Hotel Management Magazine’s “Thirty Under 30” list.

Don’t be fooled though; she’s not all business! An avid forest forager, post-apocalyptic fiction fan, and free-sample-fiend, Kim prides herself on being well-rounded.

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