Shows / Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Welcome to Virtual GM, the ultimate podcast for anyone looking to elevate their game in the modern hospitality industry! Whether you're a boutique hotel owner, VRBO manager, Airbnb administrator, front desk staff, or just someone trying to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality world, this podcast is for you! Each episode is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life stories from industry leaders and innovators. We'll cover everything from how to effectively…
Episodes
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 9: Your Hotel Doesn't Need More Amenities
It Needs to Nail the Basics Hotel owners love amenities. They're fun, they're easy to market, and they can make a renovation feel exciting. But before adding…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 8: The Direct Booking Myth
Are OTAs Really the Enemy? “Book direct” has become a battle cry in independent hospitality—but should eliminating OTAs really be the goal? Cody & Meagan…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 7: The Owner vs. Operator Problem
When Hotel Priorities Collide The owner wants profitability. The operator wants resources. The guest wants everything to work. So who's right? Cody & Meagan…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 6: Would You Stay at Your Own Hotel?
When was the last time you stayed at your own property—not as the owner or operator, but as a guest? Cody & Meagan challenge hotel owners and operators to…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 5: From Old-School Motel to Modern Basecamp: The Central Block Bend
Reimagining the Roadside Motel What happens when you take a traditional roadside motel and rethink it for today's traveler? Cody & Meagan head to Bend, Oregon…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 4: Stop Trying to Be a Marriott
Why Independent Hotels Should Lean Harder Into Being Independent Independent hotels don't need to beat the big brands at their own game. They need to stop…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 3: Your Hotel Doesn't Have a Revenue Problem. It Has a Leakage Problem.
The Little Operational Mistakes Quietly Killing Profitability Hotels can be busy, have strong ADR, and still leave significant money on the table. In this…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 2: AI Is Coming for Hospitality — But Not How You Think
AI is already changing hospitality—but the real opportunity isn’t replacing people. It’s helping independent hotels automate the right tasks, make better…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 1: We're Back — What's Changing in Hospitality Right Now?
After a summer break, Cody & Meagan are back in the chair for Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast! In this season kickoff, they catch up on what they've learned…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management PodcastNo Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd
No new episode today! Cody and Meagan are hard at work behind the scenes preparing an exciting Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast. We'll be back in the studio…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management PodcastNo Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd
No new episode today! Cody and Meagan are hard at work behind the scenes preparing an exciting Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast. We'll be back in the studio…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management PodcastNo Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd
No new episode today! Cody and Meagan are hard at work behind the scenes preparing an exciting Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast. We'll be back in the studio…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management PodcastNo Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd
No new episode today! Cody and Meagan are hard at work behind the scenes preparing an exciting Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast. We'll be back in the studio…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 52: Celebrating 156 Episodes and The Independent Hotel Show Miami
After 156 episodes and an incredible Season 3 journey, Cody and Meagan are wrapping up the season with a look back at some of their favorite moments, lessons…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 51: The New Guest Expectations in 2026 What Travelers Want Now That They Didn't Five Years Ago
In this episode, Cody & Meagan explore how guest expectations have changed and what boutique hotels can do to exceed them while standing out from larger…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 50: Why Direct Bookings Matter More Than Ever Winning Guests Without Relying on OTAs
In this episode, Cody & Meagan discuss one of the biggest opportunities for independent hotels in 2026: increasing direct bookings. OTAs are valuable partners…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 49: The Boutique Advantage in an AI World Why Independent Hotels Can Outperform Big Brands Using Technology
Artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality, but independent hotels may have the biggest opportunity of all. In this episode, Cody & Meagan explore how…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast🎧 Episode 48: Cutting Through the Noise — How Hotel Owners Can Choose the Right Hospitality Partners
In this episode, Cody welcomes special guest Ryan Negron, Director of Sales and Marketing at X-quic, for a conversation focused on one of the most important…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 47: Why Every Independent Hotelier Needs to Attend the Independent Hotel Show Miami
In this solo episode, Cody Adent shares why the Independent Hotel Show Miami has become one of the most important events in hospitality—and why every hotel…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 46: Why Speed of Communication Matters More Than Ever
In this episode, Cody & Meagan discuss one of the biggest competitive advantages in hospitality today: speed of communication. Guest expectations have changed…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 45: What Hotel Reviews Are Really Telling You
In this episode, Cody & Meagan break down how hotel reviews can become one of the most powerful tools for improving guest experience, operations, and…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 44: The Hidden Cost of OTA Dependence
In this episode, Cody is joined once again by longtime Virtual GM Malissa Baum to tackle one of the most important — and often misunderstood — topics in…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 43: The AI-Powered Virtual GM — How to Work Smarter in Modern Hospitality
n this episode, Cody is joined once again by longtime Virtual GM Malissa Baum for a conversation all about one of the biggest shifts happening in hospitality…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 42: ADR Isn’t Enough — How Smart Revenue Management Software Is Changing Hotel Operations
The hotels winning today aren’t just raising rates—they’re using smarter systems, better data, and more strategic decision-making to improve profitability…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 41: The Top Hospitality Events You Need to Attend This Year
In this solo episode, Cody breaks down the top hospitality conferences and networking events every hotel owner, operator, and hospitality professional should…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 40: Designing a Stay Guests Actually Remember
In this episode, Cody & Meagan break down one of the most important (and misunderstood) elements in hospitality: what actually makes a stay memorable. Because…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 39: The Hidden Revenue Drivers Most Hotels Are Missing
In this episode, Cody & Meagan dive into one of the most overlooked opportunities in hospitality: the small revenue levers that quietly drive big results…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast🎧 Episode 38: From Legacy to Innovation — The Evolution of the Virtual GM with Ali Dockstader
In this episode, Cody sits down with fellow Virtual GM Ali Dockstader, whose story in hospitality runs deep. Growing up in the industry, Ali witnessed…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast🎧 Episode 37: Inside the Virtual GM Role — Lessons from the Front Lines with Malissa Baum
In this episode, Cody sits down with a very special guest—Malissa Baum, a seasoned Virtual GM who has been part of the team at Vibrant Management for over four…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 36: Grand Opening Spotlight — Adobe Desert Boutique Motel: Reimagining Hospitality in Southern Utah
In this episode, Cody & Meagan shine a spotlight on an exciting new project: the grand opening of Adobe Desert Boutique Motel. Opening April 18, this fully…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 35: The New Hospitality Leader — GM vs. Experience Architect
In this episode, Cody & Meagan tackle one of the biggest shifts happening in hospitality today: the evolution of the General Manager role. What used to be a…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 34: Property Deep Dive — Inside the Experience at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea (Maui)
In this episode, Cody & Meagan take you inside one of the most iconic luxury resorts in the world—Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea. Fresh off their trip to Maui…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 33: Behind the Scenes at BITAC — First-Time MC & What You Can Expect
In this episode, Cody & Meagan recap a huge milestone—Cody’s first time serving as Master of Ceremonies at a BITAC event, kicking things off at BITAC Luxury in…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 32: How to Build a Hotel Website That Actually Converts
In this episode, Cody & Meagan are coming to you a little early—because by the time this drops, they’ll just be getting back from Hawaii 🌴. It’s a shorter…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast🎧 Episode 31: AI, Authenticity & Bookings — How Hotels Can Win With Bonafide AI
In this episode, Cody sits down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President of Sales at Bonafide AI, to unpack one of the most important shifts happening in hospitality…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 30: The Experience Economy — Why Guests Care More About Feeling Than Square Footage
In this episode, Cody & Meagan explore a major shift shaping modern hospitality: guests care far more about how a place feels than how big it is. As travel…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 29: The Hospitality Illusion — What Guests Think Running a Rental Looks Like vs. Reality
In this episode, Cody & Meagan pull back the curtain on one of the biggest myths in hospitality: that running a rental is “passive income.” With humor…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 28: What Guests Are Really Looking For When Booking Spring Break Travel
Spring Break bookings are chaos season—and in this episode, Cody and Meagan break down why. This isn’t normal travel behavior. It’s emotional, urgent, and…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 27: The Virtual GM Playbook: Running Your Property from Anywhere in 2026
In this episode, Cody and Meagan revisit the heart of what this podcast is all about: being a Virtual GM. With remote operations becoming the norm—not the…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 26: AI in Hospitality 2026: Smarter Operations, Stronger Marketing
Meagan rejoins Cody for a timely and future-focused conversation on one of the most transformative forces in hospitality: Artificial Intelligence. As guest…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast🎧 Episode 25: Loyalty That Works: How Independent Hotels Win with Stash Rewards
In this episode, Cody welcomes Audrey Yates, Vice President of Hotel Partnerships at Stash Hotel Rewards, to break down what truly makes loyalty programs work…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast🎧 Episode 24: Inside BITAC: Why These Hospitality Events Are Unlike Any Other
In this episode, Cody sits down with special guest J. Viola, Chief Operating Officer at Hotel Interactive, to pull back the curtain on one of the most…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 23: Leveraging Micro-Moments: Small Touches That Create Big Loyalty
In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive into the powerful world of micro-moments—those small, often overlooked guest interactions that can build lasting loyalty…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 22: New Year, New Stays: Fresh Starts in Boutique Hospitality
Kick off 2026 with Meagan and Cody as they dive into everything you need to start the new year strong in boutique hospitality. This special New Year’s Day…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎄 Episode 21: Holiday Hospitality & Christmas Movie Showdown
In this Christmas-morning episode, Cody & Meagan dive into what makes a stay truly special at the holidays — from guest expectations to festive touches — and…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 20: The Hidden Power of Asset Management — Featuring Walter Peseski of Garfield Public/Private
In this episode, Cody sits down with special guest Walter Peseski (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-peseski/), Senior Vice President of Asset…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 19: Story-Driven Hospitality Branding
In this episode, Cody & Meagan dive into the powerful role storytelling plays in hospitality branding. A great story can turn a stay into an experience—and…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 18: Smart Upsells Without Feeling Slimy
In this episode, Cody & Meagan tackle one of the trickiest parts of hospitality—upselling. When done poorly, upselling can feel pushy or “slimy” to guests, but…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 17: Turkey, Touchdowns & Trash Talk: Our Ultimate Thanksgiving Draft
Thanksgiving Special! In this festive episode, Cody & Meagan celebrate the holiday by going head-to-head in a Thanksgiving Snake Draft to build the best…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Episode 16: Reputation Management in 2026: Responding, Recovering & Reinforcing Trust
In this episode, Cody & Meagan dive into one of the most mission-critical topics for hotels heading into 2026: Reputation Management. Guest expectations are…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Season 3, Episode 15: The Greatest Hits — Our Most Downloaded Episodes from Every Year!
In this special episode, Cody takes a nostalgic (and inspiring!) look back at the most downloaded Vibrant Guest Management Podcast episodes from each of the…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎃 Episode 14: Scare Screen Picks: Cody’s Top 5 Halloween Movies (with IMDB links!)
Just in time for Halloween, Cody gets spooky and shares his top 5 all-time Halloween movies. These are films that deliver chills, laughs, nostalgia—and a…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Season 3, Episode 13: The Top 5 Digital Must-Haves to Maximize Your Property’s Success
In this episode, Cody breaks down the Top 5 Digital Must-Haves every hotel, resort, and boutique property needs to thrive in today’s hospitality landscape…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Season 3, Episode 12: How Hotel Pontotoc Set the Gold Standard for New Hotel Openings
In this episode, Cody dives into one of the most exciting and buzzworthy new hotel openings in the country — the highly anticipated Hotel Pontotoc. With its…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Season 3, Episode 11: Five-Star Service with a Two-Person Team
In this episode of the Virtual GM Podcast, Meagan and Cody dive into one of the biggest challenges small properties face: delivering luxury-level service with…
Virtual GM - A Hotel Management PodcastSeason 3, Episode 10: Transforming Guest Engagement with SuitePad featuring Moritz von Petersdorff-Campen
In this episode of the Virtual GM Podcast, Cody sits down with special guest Moritz von Petersdorff-Campen, Co-Founder & Managing Director of SuitePad …
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Season 3, Episode 9: Chaos to Consistency: Building SOPs That Save You Hours
In this episode of the Virtual GM Podcast, Cody & Meagan tackle one of the least glamorous—but most powerful—tools in hospitality: Standard Operating…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Season 3, Episode 8: Revenue Without the Rush: Simple Strategies to Boost Boutique Hotel Profitability
In this episode, Cody and Meagan reveal Vibrant’s proven secrets to revenue success in boutique hospitality. Segment 1: The Boutique Revenue Mindset – how…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 7 — Our Favorite Vacation Spots
In this fun and travel-packed episode, Meagan and Cody share their all-time favorite vacation spots — the destinations that keep them inspired, relaxed, and…
- Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 6 — Room to Remember: How Hotel GMs Can Elevate the In-Room Experience
In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, areas of hospitality — the in-room guest experience. As hotel GMs…