A HOTEL PODCAST (Jaime Black)

bread & Butter's Sarah Jacober Spitzer (Vice President, Travel) and Samantha Markiewicz (Chief Digital Officer) guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to share insight into the PR firm's approach to client offerings. The hospitality professionals also speak on influencer marketing and media partnerships, share their travel recommendations, and more.

The Siren Hotel's GM, Mary Beth Bennett, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to delve into the past and present of the downtown Detroit property.

Bennett details the hotel's history as the Wurlitzer Building nearly a century ago, and fills in the different eras that brought the property to the present as the Siren Hotel. The GM also speaks on the Siren's F&B options, and emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and partnerships with Detroit’s creative communities.

A HOTEL PODCAST visits The LaSalle Chicago to connect with hotel GM Stefan Gruvberger.

The General Manager speaks on the hotel's mission to provide time as a luxury to its guests. Gruvberger also details The LaSalle's wellness-focused offerings like yoga and meditation, as well as Grill On 21's sustainability efforts across their menu. Finally, the GM credits the hotel team for the property's designation as CS Magazine's Best New Hotel in 2023.

A HOTEL PODCAST visits Short Stories Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, where Leo Grifka, Owner and CEO at real estate development company Grifka Group, gives Jaime Black the story behind the boutique property.

Grifka tells the story of developing and opening Short Stories Hotel at the former site of the Farmer's Daughter Hotel. The hotelier also details why a personalized hospitality experience for all guests is a priority for Short Stories in an age of ever-increasing automation.

Ron Swidler, Chief Innovation Officer at The Gettys Group, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST for a wide ranging interview on all things hospitality.

The CIO reveals how he first joined the hotel branding, design, development, and procurement agency, and shares insights on notable portfolio projects, including the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Tribune Tower in Chicago. Swidler also delves into the Hotel of Tomorrow Project, and shares how the think tank of hospitality professionals are looking at technologies like AI, VR, AR, and more.

In an interview recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Stefanie Hajer, Creative Brand Director, Interiors at KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, talks to A HOTEL PODCAST about a number of the firm's hospitality projects.

Hajer delves into the stories behind branding for projects like Detroit Foundation Hotel and the forthcoming Louisville Tribute Marriott, as well as restaurant concepts Basan, Revel Steak, and Kindling.

Lianne Hedditch, the VP of Chicago's Heron Agency, joins Jaime Black on the Key Learnings podcast. A Chicago-based PR and marketing agency that specializes in the hospitality industries, Heron Agency is celebrating their 20th year in business in 2020. Hedditch speaks about the company's focus on digital and visual storytelling around the properties they work with, as well as revealing why promotional live events are still crucial during the digital age. The VP also shares her thoughts on notable Heron Agency client properties, including theWit Hotel, The Westin Nashville, and Le Méridien Chicago, Oakbrook Center.

A HOTEL PODCAST travels to West Hollywood for the rockstar experience at Hotel Ziggy.

Hotel manager Chance Reno speaks on the influence of the legendary Sunset Strip on the hotel, from the decor of lobby and guest rooms to the hotel hosting live performances with emerging artists to providing guests with guitars and other instruments they can play while on property.

Reno also reveals how his previous experience with the Four Seasons impacts his approach to professional hospitality in the present while also emphasizing individuality among the Hotel Ziggy staff.

Kristin Moller, Senior Vice President at J/PR, checks in on A HOTEL PODCAST.

Moller speaks on J/PR's impressive record of developing client relationships that last for five years or longer, details successful agency-client campaign activations, and shares her expert hotel and travel recommendations.

Jeremy Selman, Principal at asset management companyHN Capital Partners, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST.

Selman details the history behind LA's Hotel Per La, including the building's earliest days as the Bank of Italy and then the Bank of America a century ago. The hotelier also shares how 649 S Olive St pivoted from NoMad Los Angeles to its current Hotel Per La identity, and reveals his ambition for the property to be the hotel of Downtown Los Angeles.

In the first of two episodes showcasing The LINE LA, Stefan Merriweather, Head of Creative at The LINE, The Ned (US), & Saguaro, visits A HOTEL PODCAST to speak on the The LINE LA's recent 10 year anniversary, the hotel's collaborations with talent like Koreatown Run Club, Shepard Fairey, and more, and the crucial role LA's Koreatown community plays in the hotel's programming and partnerships.

In an interview recorded at BLVD in Chicago, Studio K Creative founder Karen Herold joins the Key Learnings podcast. Herold speaks to host Jaime Black about making a career out of design work for hospitality brands. She also delves into the origins of her Studio K Creative agency, and reflects on her work with properties like BLVD, Hotel Zachary, and more. Hosted by Jaime Black Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com

A HOTEL PODCAST host Jaime Black checks in with Brent Hall, Director Of Sales & Marketing at The Alexander, about the hotel's extensive art collection that extends throughout the property.

Hall shares insights about a number of The Alexander's most prominent installations, including flying birds made out of vinyl records found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Director Of Sales & Marketing also details the hotel's beehive-based sustainability efforts and shares his picks for a first time visit to Indianapolis.

In one of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, KTGY  Simeone Deary Design Group Senior Interior Design Manager Jessica Alexander tells A HOTEL PODCAST about the design firm's work on the luxury Chicago property, and how it was a return given the agency's history with the property. Alexander details renovation efforts ranging from the hotel's rooms and suites to the F&B offerings like the new Peacock Lounge and the return of beloved Gold Coast institution Bernard’s,

A HOTEL PODCAST kicks off with two interviews focused on the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis!

Jenna Phillips, the hotel's Director Of Sales & Marketing, guests on AHP to speak on the Angad Art Hotel's art-centric identity and social media branding. The marketing specialist also details how Angad Arts Hotel connects to the culture-focused Grand Center Arts District neighborhood in St. Louis, and speaks on the various formats of art installations that can be found throughout the hotel.

A HOTEL PODCAST visits Life House, Palm Springs for an interview with Stephany Wilder, Director of Sales and Marketing at Life House.

Wilder speaks on the Palm Springs hotel's diverse design influences, ranging from Desert Migration to Japanese minimalism and more. The Director of Sales and Marketing also outlines the hotel's connection to the local community and details Life House, Palm Springs' Coachella Music Festival-adjacent programming.

In February of this year, Key Learnings host Jaime Black heads to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, to speak with Hotel Zachary General Manager Anna Anderson. The GM speaks about Hotel Zachary’s relationship with the Wrigleyville neighborhood, located directly across the street from the iconic Wrigley Field. Anderson speaks about the widespread influence of the hotel’s namesake, Zachary Taylor Davis, whose resumes includes architecting Wrigley Field. She also discusses the hotel’s numerous and notable F&B options on property, and the importance of community in everything the hotel does.

A HOTEL PODCAST is a new digital series from Dynasty Podcasts, which has been producing podcasts, live streams, events, and more since 2005.

The series will feature podcast interviews with innovators in the hotel and hospitality industries, in addition to offering visuals showcasing unique properties, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, homestays, and more.

AHP will launch its first season on Wednesday, July 12th, with a feature on the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis. Subsequent episodes will showcase The Siren Hotel in Detroit, Outbound Hotels in Mammoth Lakes, CA and Jackson Hole, WY, and more.

Weekly podcast episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other podcast platforms. Additionally, visual content will be found on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Dynasty Podcasts previously launched a hotel-focused podcast series called Key Learnings in early 2020. The unexpected pandemic unfortunately grounded that launch a few episodes in, due to everything - including travel - shutting down that year.

You can listen to the Key Learnings season of the podcast @ KeyLearningsPodcast.com

And look for A HOTEL PODCAST to launch weekly episodes, videos, and more on Wednesday, July 12th @ AHotelPodcast.com

Brandon Berkson, founder at Hotels Above Par, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST.

Berkson recalls the social media origins of Hotels Above Par, starting as an Instagram account and developing into an ever-expanding website and newsletter focused on travel and hospitality. The founder also speaks on the team that brings the hotel features to life and shares his favorite travel destination.

A HOTEL PODCAST heads to Indianapolis, IN to visit Ironworks Hotel Indy.

General Manager Andrew Burns details the hotel's striking design concept, mixing industrial purposeful industrial elements with plush touchpoints. Burns also shares his feelings on the boutique hotel winning numerous awards, including recognitions from Tripadvisor and Condé Nast Traveler.

Welcome to Key Learnings, a podcast about the hospitality industry, from hotels and motels, to suites and boutiques. Hosted by Jaime Black. In the inaugural episode, Black travels to South Haven, MI, to connect with Irene Wood, founder and manager at The Fields of Michigan, an upscale camping destination on a gorgeous blueberry farm. Wood discusses on the the guest experience of staying at The Fields, speaking on how the campground mixes upscale amenities like high end bedding and in-tent showers, with opportunities to connect with nature. She also reveals the work that goes into managing a campground, and shares why the farm experience is so important to the identity of The Fields. Hosted by Jaime Black http://keylearningspodcast.com Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com

Caroline McKay, Founder at boutique creative studio Caro, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST.

The publicity specialist shares the story of launching Caro after years at doing PR in the agency and hotel worlds. McKay also speaks on Caro's work for notable hospitality clients like Casa Hormiga, Equinox Hotels, and the Starlite Motel, and reveals how the philosophy of quality over quantity informs her client work and agency operations.

A HOTEL PODCAST connects with Dr. Vanja Bogicevic, Clinical Associate Professor of Hospitality Marketing at NYU's Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.

Dr. Bogicevic speaks on the mission of the Tisch Center of Hospitality, and how the division of NYU's School of Professional Studies utilizes emerging tech, professional mentors, and entrepreneurial projects to educate the next generation of hospitality industry leaders.

She also delves into her role heading up the Hospitality Innovation Hub Experiential Learning Lab (HI Hub Lab), an academic facility that provides students with opportunities to connect with thought leaders from the hospitality industry, and more.

In the first of two interviews recorded at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Sara Talleux, Associate Principal @ KTGYSimeone Deary Design Group, talks to A HOTEL PODCAST about the agency's recent renovation work on the InterContinental.

Talleux speaks on incorporating a "Mediterranean Melange" into the hotel's design work, drawing on a mix of Moorish, Greek, Turkish, Persian, and Celtic influences in the renovation. She also speaks on KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group’s work with other hotel properties, including the Thompson Austin Hotel,The St. Regis Chicago, and Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City, MO.

Outbound Hotels' Head of Marketing Bridget Russo and outdoor experiential company Kinsfield's Co-Founder Mike Raspatello guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to discuss the Outbound Music Series, which brings indie artist Andrew Bird to Outbound properties in California and Wyoming this September.

Russo and Raspatello also discuss the importance of experiential hospitality and live events, the focus on connecting with the communities around each Outbound property, and more.

A HOTEL PODCAST visits the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, where Events Manager Drew Brant speaks on the design of the hyper-pink property, including the glamorous outdoor pool at the center of the motel, as well as the vivid and vibrant guest rooms, each with their own creative identity.

Brant also delves into the creative visions of multi-hyphenate drag star Trixie Mattel and TV producer David Silver in developing the motel, and shares insights into Trixie Motel's event partnerships and parties.

Jaime Black visits Rosemont, IL, for an interview with Micaela Haas, General Manager of The Rose Hotel. Haas details the artistic focus of The Rose Hotel, from zebra-striped mannequins in the lobby to light-up umbrellas that hang from the ceiling and change color and more. The GM also reveals what distinguishes a Hilton Tapestry Collection property, and shares how the hotel can serve as an unexpected surprise for travelers looking for lodging near O'Hare Airport.

Practice Hospitality  Partner and Vice President of Brand + Development Kate Buska guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to share insights into the hospitality firm's individualized approach to hotel management.

Buska also speaks on two standout properties from the agency's portfolio, Flagstaff, AZ retro roadside destination Americana Motor Hotel and Oregon coastal escape The Drifthaven at Gearhart.

In the second of two episodes showcasing The LINE LA, Jennie Wright, Brand Experience Manager at The LINE & Saguaro, checks into A HOTEL PODCAST to share insights into the hotel's numerous innovative event spaces, including Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Break Room 86, in addition to detailing how The LINE LA collaborated with other LINE properties for the hotel's recent 10 year anniversary and more.

A HOTEL PODCAST visits Manhattan's Gild Hall, where General Manager Marshneil Bharadwaj and Director of Sales & Marketing Sang Choi share insights into the upscale Financial District hotel.

Bharadwaj and Choi speak on the hotel's design work by Jim_Walrod and photography throughout the property by Slim Aarons. Bharadwaj and Choi also detail how the Gild Hall experience is intended to give visitors a home away from home during their stay.

In the second of two interviews recorded at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Alexandra LaLoggia, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel, checks in with A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the past, present, and future of the InterContinental.

LaLoggia shares insights into the storied history of the property at 505 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. From the building's prohibition-era time as the Medinah Athletic Club to the regal junior-size Olympic pool to the time capsule still embedded in the hotel's exterior today. She also speaks on how the hotel's history informs both the recent renovations by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group and the guest experience in the present.

A HOTEL PODCAST kicks off with two interviews focused on the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis!

On this episode, Arts Relations Manager Vanessa Rudloff speaks about her work connecting with artists to showcase their work at the hotel, revealing how she turns the entirety of the hotel into a gallery experience. She also delves into the hotel’s Biannual exhibit, which kicked off this spring and brings over thirty art pieces from almost as many artists to all corners of the hotel’s twelfth floor.

In one of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Catie Walsh, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel, speaks about the recent renovations to the hotel, done by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group. Walsh also shares how the hotel's courtyard is like a private escape from the city, and details how the Waldorf Astoria Chicago celebrates the holidays.

On the opening day of the new 21c Museum Hotel Chicago - MGallery, Key Learnings host Jaime Black sits down with 21c Museum Hotels COO Sarah Robbins. Robbins speaks on the beginnings of the 21c Museum Hotels concept, and why art is so central to the hotel chain's identity. She also shares how both guests and casual visitors can access and enjoy the art offerings at the Chicago hotel, and discusses the role of 21c Museum Hotels in emerging and artist community-focused cities across the Midwest. Hosted by Jaime Black http://keylearningspodcast.com Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com

Check into LondonHouse in Chicago when General Manager Juan Leyva and Director of Sales and Marketing Don Barnett guest on A HOTEL PODCAST.

The LondonHouse leads share their respective career journeys that brought them to the hotel and delve into the hotel's extensive history, going all the way back to the founding of Chicago.

Barnett and Leyva also talk about LondonHouse's impressive rooftop lounge, specialized amenities in the hotel's rooms, and more.

Zoltan Payerli guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the The Emily Hotel in Chicago's in demand Fulton Market neighborhood.

The General Manager speaks on The Emily's ambition to be a place for all, and how being one of Chicago's only independent hotels connects to that goal. Payerli also shares his views on managing a property in one of the city's top F&B neighborhoods, and details the hotel's partnership with the Rooftop Cinema Club.

Dynasty Podcasts' hotel and hospitality industry podcast series Key Learnings returns from its pandemic hiatus in advance of a new season this coming summer 2021! In this first episode back, host Jaime Black checks in with Clayton de la Chapelle, Co-Founder at Alias Creative, a strategic creative agency that manages and protects brand driven concepts, and Partner at The Music Trust, who provide sonic identity & creative in hospitality, nightlife, lifestyle, & events. The hotel and nightlife veteran talks about how the pandemic shutdown of travel and nightlife affected his work in both spaces, and shares how he used the past year to retool his approach to hospitality work. de la Chapelle also shares his thoughts on what comes next for the hotel and hospitality industries, and how the nightlife and entertainment experience in the hospitality space will be changed going forward.

Joyce Kiehl, Director of Communications at Visit Greater Palm Springs, and Nina Ruggiero, Digital Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure and co-founder of Be A Travel Writer, guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the Meet The Mentors program.

The experience happens this month in Greater Palm Springs, with aspiring writers being paired with travel industry professionals for an in the field journalism experience.

Kiehl speaks on the origins and objectives of the Meet The Mentors concept, and shares insights into the reality of Greater Palm Springs beyond the Instagram aesthetic. Ruggiero explains the benefit of developing a niche as a travel journalist, and reveals the types of teachings and takeaways available in her Be A Travel Writer course.

A HOTEL PODCAST visits Manhattan's Theater District to talk with David Lopez, Managing Director and Project Management at the CIVILIAN hotel.

Lopez speaks on the theatrical touchpoints found throughout the hotel, including the Olio Collection of theatrical memorabilia found in the Blue Room lounge. Lopez also details Jason Pomeranc (SIXTY HOTELS) and David Rockwell's (Rockwell Group) visions for the hotel, and more.