SMACK Hospitality

Are you ready for some stories about waffles, wellness, and the CIA? Adam Crocini isn’t just shaping Hilton’s F&B scene across 8,000+ properties - he and his team have also been pushing those legendary DIY waffles like true breakfast evangelists. Yes, the iconic Hampton by Hilton ones. As SVP of Global Design, Wellness, and Food & Beverage at Hilton, Adam oversees everything from restaurant concepts to wellness initiatives. But don’t let the fancy title fool you - he believes real hospitality leadership starts at the bottom, sleeves rolled up, hands in the action. No shortcuts here! Adam and Fritz met up at the Taste of Hilton F&B Conference in Istanbul, where Adam dished out some insider stories about his work and his involvement with the Culinary Institute of America… From his early days in the kitchen to running Michelin-starred operations and massive casino resorts, Adam has seen it all. And now, he’s on SMACK to tell you all about it… Enjoy the show!

Buckle up, hospitality fans, this episode is double trouble on the mic! Glenn Hausman, Podcast Host and initiator of THE No Vacancy Podcast, joined Flo to discuss how one moves from editing hip-hop videos to running one of the biggest podcasts in hospitality. Flo and Glenn chat about personal branding, career moves, and why AI will never be able to replace real human connections. Glenn gets real about his early struggles, the podcast boom, and the importance of showing up as your true self. If you’re looking for a lesson on authenticity, passion, curiosity, and how to skyrocket your own personal-brand… then listen closely to this one! What moment during a hotel stay makes you most excited? Enjoy the show!

What do sustainability, the future of hospitality, and King Charles III have in common? Turns out, more than you’d think – and Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is here to spill the tea (or should we say, the royal Earl Grey?). In this episode, Glenn met with Phil to chat about what sustainability really means for #hospitality and tourism and how ‘the Alliance’ is planning to get the whole industry on board to go #netpositive. From practical tips to planet-sized challenges, he keeps it real about why going green isn’t just a trend – it’s the only future. Glenn paints a clear picture of how hospitality can step up and lead the way to a greener planet – with actionable insights for big and small players to tackle issues like modern slavery, food waste, and other sustainability topics – one initiative at a time. Hit play and join the conversation! Enjoy the show!

How to avoid cranky customers and rainy days 🌧☂ Ever wondered what happens when a #climate scientist becomes a travel enthusiast? Meet Nick Cavanaugh, who turned his PhD in atmospheric physics into a solution for weather-impacted #travelplans. In this Breaktime episode, Lisa chatted with the founder and CEO of SensibleWeather, who is planning to make travel more predictable one booking at a time with "weather guarantees" - automatic reimbursements when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate with your vacation plans. From analyzing snowfall in Berlin to protecting beach days in Hawaii, Nick's innovative approach combines complex weather data with simple, consumer-friendly insurance products. His company helps guests overcome dampened travel experiences, whether they're planning a ski trip or a golf getaway. Enjoy the show!

What makes The World’s 50 Best Hotels award so iconic? In this Breaktime episode, Mari has a delightful chat with Emma Sleight, Head of Content at The World’s 50 Best Hotels - aka the Oscars of hospitality. Emma gives us a peek into the special award categories, like the SevenRooms Icon Award, Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, and Nikka Best New Hotel Award… plus all the behind-the-scenes magic that comes with being the list every #luxuryhotel dreams of making. Get ready for insider insights, plenty of laughs, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to reach the top! What’s the one thing you think every hotel should have to make it onto The World’s 50 Best Hotels list? Enjoy the show!