How a Food Editor Created a National Travel Media Platform with Amy Cavanaugh

How a Food Editor Created a National Travel Media Platform with Amy Cavanaugh

What happens when traditional editorial experience meets the fast-moving world of new media? In this episode, Whitney sits down with Amy Cavanaugh, co-founder of American Weekender, to talk about building a modern travel and food publication rooted in authentic storytelling, hospitality, and culture. From her background in legacy media to launching an independent platform on Substack, Amy shares the behind-the-scenes realities of creating a national media brand in today’s digital landscape. Tune in for a conversation on entrepreneurship, discoverability, audience connection, and why meaningful storytelling still matters in hospitality and travel media. American Weekender Website [https://americanweekender.com] American Weekender Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/americanweekender] True Story PR LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/truestorypr] True Story PR Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/truestorypublicrelations/?hl=en] True Story PR Website [https://truestorypr.co/]

Why Experience Matters - For Guests & Team with Cortnie Cozeck

In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Cortnie Cozeck, VP of Operations for Barter and Shake, to uncover the story behind her journey in hospitality and the unique experiences her brands bring to life. They dive into the innovative concepts behind Barter and Shake, exploring how storytelling in cocktails and curated experiences can transform a night out into something memorable. Cortnie shares her perspective on building a positive workplace culture, hiring for hospitality, and navigating the challenges of generational differences in the workforce. She also discusses the future of experiential bars and how meaningful human connections drive guest satisfaction. Plus, listeners get an inside look at her consulting agency, Cozeck Leadership Consulting, which helps organizations elevate their culture and leadership practices. This episode is a masterclass in blending creativity, culture, and leadership in hospitality, perfect for anyone looking to elevate the guest and employee experience alike. Cozeck Leadership Website [https://www.cozeckleadership.com/] Cortnie's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortnie-cozeck-3bab2485] True Story PR LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/truestorypr] True Story PR Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/truestorypublicrelations/?hl=en] True Story PR Website [https://truestorypr.co/]

The Trend that is Driving the Industry Crazy with Ryan Thomas

Most business owners say they want more sales. What they actually want is predictable sales. And in hospitality right now? Predictability is basically a fantasy. Whitney sits down with Ryan Thomas, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Camby in Phoenix, to talk about what it really looks like to drive revenue when customers book at the last minute, ownership wants answers, and the market won’t sit still. Ryan shares his unconventional path into hospitality, how COVID reshaped buyer behavior for good, and why “just sell more rooms” is not a strategy. They dig into the tension between revenue management and marketing, the reality of leading in uncertainty, and what it takes to build trust with ownership groups when you don’t control the economy—or consumer confidence. There’s also a sharp conversation about emerging markets and why unique experiences aren’t fluff—they’re survival. If you run a business that depends on demand showing up consistently, this episode will feel very familiar. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: * Why last-minute buying behavior is forcing businesses to rethink forecasting and revenue strategy * The real relationship between sales and marketing—and why they can’t operate in silos * How to build credibility with ownership or stakeholders when results aren’t fully in your control * Creative positioning in saturated markets (without slashing prices) * What hospitality can teach every business about adaptability and guest experience The market isn’t getting more predictable anytime soon. But your strategy can get sharper. If this episode gave you clarity (or at least made you feel less alone), subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Whitney. She’s here to help you build a brand that holds up—even when the market doesn’t. Ryan's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-thomas-429925122/] The Camby Hotel [https://www.thecamby.com/] True Story PR LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/truestorypr] True Story PR Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/truestorypublicrelations/?hl=en] True Story PR Website [https://truestorypr.co/]

How to Make Vintage Your Trendiest Asset

Whitney Lee sits down with Kianna Pitegoff, Director of PR for the iconic Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows Resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona, for an inside look at the fast-paced world of hospitality public relations. Kianna opens up about her path into the industry and what it takes to manage PR for two distinctly different properties. From behind-the-scenes daily responsibilities to the critical role visibility plays in a competitive market, the conversation offers a candid glimpse into the strategy behind standout hotel brands. Kianna also shares exciting updates on Hotel Valley Ho’s ongoing renovations, the power of community-driven engagement, and how each property attracts its own unique audience. Kianna's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kianna-pitegoff/] Hotel Valley Ho [https://hotelvalleyho.com/]

Housewives + Hospitality - Reviving a 100+ year old mansion into a modern day destination

In this episode, Brian pulls back the curtain on what it really took to host the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills at his Sedona property — an opportunity most hospitality pros only dream of. He walks us through the whirlwind process of securing the deal through VRBO, from initial outreach to locking in the partnership, and shares how his team rallied to deliver a seamless, high-touch experience for the cast. Brian also reveals the intentional planning that went into shaping the Housewives’ “healing trip” to Sedona, from elevated amenities to thoughtful touches that showcased the destination’s restorative energy. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at collaboration, creativity, and capitalizing on a once-in-a-lifetime placement in pop culture.