Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast

New from Skift: Executive Conversations Shaping the Travel Industry

We’re sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: * Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773] * Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d] * Skift.com: ⁠⁠https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/ [https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Big Announcement! We've Been Acquired!

In this episode, I’ve got some big news to share: Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, and Suite Success by Katie Cline have officially been acquired by Skift [https://skift.com/2025/07/29/skift-expands-community-and-multimedia-offerings-with-two-strategic-acquisitions/] — the leading voice in global travel and hospitality media. This is a full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Skift team as their new Director of Video and Audio Strategy. I’ll be overseeing a growing slate of shows, video content, and creative across the platform as we level up what hospitality media can be. Now, with all this change comes a little shift in scheduling: Slick Talk will be hitting pause for a bit while we gear up for Skift Global Forum [https://live.skift.com/skift-global-forum/] this September in NYC. The show will return later this October. In the meantime, Good Morning Hospitality and Suite Success will keep going strong, publishing weekly as usual. If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to dive into Skift’s other podcasts [https://skift.com/podcasts/] too — there’s a ton of smart, thoughtful content happening across the network that I think you’ll get a lot out of. Most importantly, I just want to say thank you. For seven years, you’ve listened, shared, and supported this journey. This next chapter is only possible because of that. And I’m beyond grateful. More soon — and I’ll catch you on the next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Inside the F1 Arcade Experience with Jon Gardner

In this episode, Wil Slickers interviews Jon Gardner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gardner-42802686/], the Global President of Development at F1 Arcade. As a huge Formula 1 and Motorsports fan, Wil dives deep into the world of F1 Arcade, a unique concept that combines advanced F1 racing simulators with exceptional hospitality. They discuss the F1 Arcade experience, how it brings the thrill of Formula 1 racing to everyone, and the journey from concept to reality. Jon shares his transition from oil and gas to experiential hospitality, his partnership with Adam Breeden, and the future of F1 Arcade. They also touch on the importance of personalization, team empowerment, and creating 'wow' moments for guests. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode that offers valuable insights into delivering an immersive hospitality experience! Connect with Jonathan Gardner: * ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gardner-42802686/] * F1 Arcade Website [https://f1arcade.com/us/] Connect with Wil: * ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/] * ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/slicktalkpod/] This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: * ⁠⁠⁠Send Squared⁠⁠⁠ [https://sendsquared.com/], the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast!⁠⁠⁠ Slick Talk⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3wYncG7] is a⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3iWGW4K] production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our⁠⁠⁠ website⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3iWGW4K] and take a look at our amazing⁠⁠⁠ podcast and network sponsors⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/36NfWSS] that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast,⁠⁠⁠ Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3u5PdK8], where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out⁠⁠⁠ our contact form⁠⁠⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=H3jF0SaIJsLgOVMof6b9vg&d=1201754477643989], and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn!⁠⁠⁠ Let’s connect⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3wXArqw] there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Susan Barry on the Evolving World of Hospitality

In this episode, we welcome Susan Barry, host of the Top Floor podcast and founder/CEO of Hive Marketing. Dive into Susan's extensive background in hospitality, from her early days in restaurant catering to her significant role in Starwood, opening New Build hotels. Discover her journey of starting her own business during the financial crisis and evolving it into a B2B marketing powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Susan shares how she launched her podcast, Top Floor, and its growth over the last four years, while discussing the state of the hospitality industry, technology gaps, and trends. Tune in for an engaging conversation that covers the importance of treating teams well, bringing back the essence of hospitality, and the future of hotel and short-term rental integration. Don’t miss Susan's invaluable insights and her passion for the industry's progression! Connect with Susan Barry: * ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandbarry/] * ⁠⁠Hive Marketing [https://www.hive-marketing.com/] * The Top Floor Podcast [https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/] * SLICK50 - for 50% off LinkedIn Content Made Easy Connect with Wil: * ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/] * ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/slicktalkpod/] This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: * ⁠⁠Hostfully⁠⁠ [https://www.hostfully.com/] – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with⁠⁠ Frank here!⁠⁠ [https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo] * ⁠⁠Send Squared⁠⁠ [https://sendsquared.com/], the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast!⁠⁠ Slick Talk⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3wYncG7] is a⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3iWGW4K] production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our⁠⁠ website⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3iWGW4K] and take a look at our amazing⁠⁠ podcast and network sponsors⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/36NfWSS] that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast,⁠⁠ Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3u5PdK8], where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out⁠⁠ our contact form⁠⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=H3jF0SaIJsLgOVMof6b9vg&d=1201754477643989], and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn!⁠⁠ Let’s connect⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3wXArqw] there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Lingering Towards Success: Tom Goodwin on Innovation & Legacy in Hospitality

In this heartfelt episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Tom Goodwin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/], a hospitality veteran and current co-owner of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom shares the incredible journey of taking over his in-laws' legacy business, the challenges faced, and the personal growth he's experienced over the years. From leading a successful hospitality firm to creating a podcast that tells the rich stories of Gatlinburg, Tom's insights into leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of lingering in life are profound. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the true spirit of hospitality, leadership in turbulent times, and the power of storytelling. Connect with Tom Goodwin: * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/] * ⁠Mountain Laurel Chalets' ⁠ [www.mtnlaurelchalets.com] * For The Love of Gatlinburg Podcast [https://www.fortheloveofgatlinburg.com/] Connect with Wil: * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/] * ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/slicktalkpod/] This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: * ⁠Hostfully⁠ [https://www.hostfully.com/] – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with⁠ Frank here!⁠ [https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo] * ⁠Send Squared⁠ [https://sendsquared.com/], the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast!⁠ Slick Talk⁠ [https://bit.ly/3wYncG7] is a⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠ [https://bit.ly/3iWGW4K] production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our⁠ website⁠ [https://bit.ly/3iWGW4K] and take a look at our amazing⁠ podcast and network sponsors⁠ [https://bit.ly/36NfWSS] that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast,⁠ Good Morning Hospitality⁠ [https://bit.ly/3u5PdK8], where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out⁠ our contact form⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=H3jF0SaIJsLgOVMof6b9vg&d=1201754477643989], and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn!⁠ Let’s connect⁠ [https://bit.ly/3wXArqw] there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]