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 market your property and increase bookings, to how to provide top-notch customer service and stand out in a crowded market. But it's not all business - we'll also be having a lot of fun along the way. Expect witty banter, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs as we take a fresh and entertaining approach to discussing the hospitality industry. Produced and distributed by Vibrant Management - a company dedicated to helping hoteliers and vacation rental managers thrive in the modern world - Virtual GM is your go-to source for all things hospitality. So, join us, and let's elevate your game! and visit us on our website: www.thevibrantteam.com
Episodes
150 episodes
🎧 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 here’s the truth: 👉 You can have a clean, nice room—and...
🎧 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.Everyone talks about ADR and occupancy—but the most successful propertie...
🎧 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 firsthand what it takes to build something special—her family founded Cliffrose Lodge ...
.png)
🎧 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 years.Malissa currently oversees operations at two incredible properti...
🎧 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 reimagined roadside motel represents something bigger than just a renovation—i...
🎧 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 primarily operational position has transformed into something much big...
🎧 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, they break down the full guest experience from arrival to departure, sharing what ...
🎧 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 Naples, Florida.Cody shares a behind-the-scenes look at wha...
🎧 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, focused episode tackling one of the most important (and most misunderstood) topics i...
🎧 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 today: how artificial intelligence is reshaping exposure, trust, and b...
🎧 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 becomes more experience-driven, unforgettable moments, emotional design, an...
🎧 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, honesty, and plenty of real-life stories, they break down what guests think ope...
🎧 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 often stressful. Guests aren’t just booking a room… they’re booking relief
🎧 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 exception—this conversation is a must-listen for any owner or operator looking to ...
🎧 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 expectations rise and teams remain lean, AI is quickly becoming a must-have—not a...
🎧 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 for independent hotels—without sacrificing brand identity or gue...
🎧 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 impactful event series in hospitality: BITAC.Cody and J. dive int...
.png)
🎧 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 and boost your property’s reputation.🔹 Segment 1: What the Heck is a Micro-...
🎧 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 episode is all about fresh energy, new goals, and smart upgrades to set your property apa...
🎄 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 wrap things up with their own Christmas movie showdown 🎬.🎁 What’s Inside:
🎧 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 Management at Garf...
🎧 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 create lasting emotional connections with your guests.They break down how to ...
🎧 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 when done right, it can enhance the guest experience and boost your rev...
🎧 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 Thanksgiving dish lineup ever.Meagan drafts: T...
🎧 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 higher than ever—and reviews now live everywhere, from Google to TikTok to n...