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
164 episodes
No 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 with Season 4, Episode 1 on Thursday, September 3rd, and we can't...
No 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 with Season 4, Episode 1 on Thursday, September 3rd, and we can't...
🎧 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 learned, and conversations that shaped the year on the Virtual GM Podcast.In th...
🎧 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 brands.🔹 Segment 1: Guests Want Convenience Convenience has become a ...
🎧 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 and play an important role in driving visibility and occupancy. But when pr...
🎧 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 boutique properties can leverage AI to save time, improve operations, enhance gu...
🎧 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 decisions hotel owners and operators make: selecting the right vendor partners.W...
🎧 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 owner, operator, GM, and hospitality professional should consider attending this ...
🎧 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 dramatically. In a world of instant answers, same-day delivery, and ...
🎧 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 profitability.Too often, operators focus on ratings alone. The best operators look ...
🎧 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 hospitality today: OTA dependence.OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, and ...
🎧 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 operations today: using AI in your daily workflow as a Virtual GM.
🎧 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, guest experience, and long-term performance.Cody breaks down: Wh...
🎧 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 have on their radar this year.Whether you're looking to grow your network, disc...
🎧 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 ...
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🎧 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...