Confessions of a Host

"I Made $250,00 Renting My Pool (Not My Airbnb)"

In this episode, Natalie shares how her journey into hosting didn’t start with Airbnb at all. It started by renting out her backyard pool on Swimply, eventually generating over $200,000 in revenue.We dive into the unconventional ways homeowners and Airbnb hosts can monetize their properties beyond overnight stays, including renting spaces for movie productions, photo shoots, events, and content creation through platforms like Peerspace and Giggster. If you’re looking for creative ways to unlock additional income from your home, this episode is packed with ideas and real-world experiences. You can follow along Natalie's pool journey at @TheOrangePool or join the pool hosting FB Group "Pool Hosting 101" Websites for the site are: Swimply.com Peerspace.com Giggster.com Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/confessionsofahost.podcast https://instagram.com/hostwithmariam https://instagram.com/nataliebykov

Go Bolder, Get Booked: Interior Design Tips for Airbnb Success

Ever wonder why some Airbnbs stop you mid-scroll while others blend into the crowd? In this episode, we're diving into the boldest, craziest, and most memorable Airbnb properties we've come across and breaking down what makes them stand out. From jaw-dropping amenities and unique design choices to the must-have features that guests now expect in certain markets, we're talking about what actually moves the needle when it comes to bookings. Is that expensive upgrade worth it? What amenities are becoming non-negotiable? And when does "unique" cross the line into "what were they thinking?" We also tackle one of the biggest mistakes hosts make: designing a home for themselves instead of designing for their guests. If you've ever struggled to balance personal taste with profitability, this conversation is for you. Go bold or go home. We're sharing what works, what doesn't, and how to create a property that guests can't stop talking about.

Social Media Strategies for Short-Term Rental Managers

If you've been posting on social media and hearing crickets — or worse, not posting at all — this episode is your wake-up call. In this quick but packed episode, we are breaking down exactly how short-term rental managers can turn social media into a powerful tool for attracting property owners, guests, and direct bookings. We're covering which platforms are actually worth your time, what to post when you have no idea where to start, and how to build a personal brand that makes property owners want to work with you before they even get on a call. Tune in, take notes, and start showing up online like the expert you already are.

How to Get Into Airbnb Cohosting in 2026

Thinking about getting into Airbnb cohosting in 2026? In this episode of Confessions of a Host, we’re talking about how we got started in cohosting, how we landed our first clients, and what helped us grow our businesses in the short-term rental industry. We share practical advice for new cohosts, ways to stand out when starting from zero, how to build trust with owners, and the strategies that helped us get our names out there early on. Whether you’re looking to start cohosting as a side hustle or build a full-time business, this episode is full of real experiences and actionable tips for getting started in 2026. If you are interested in cohosting and have questions, feel free to send us a DM on: instagram.com/confessionsofahost [instagram.com/confessionsofahost] Join Airbnb's Cohosting Network: https://www.airbnb.com/e/local-partners [https://www.airbnb.com/e/local-partners]

How Smart Hosts Are Using AI Right Now

AI is everywhere right now—but how are hosts actually using it in their day-to-day operations? In this episode of Confessions of a Host, we sit down with Alex Bykov, the cofounder of The Orange Cabins to break down how he’s using AI to run and streamline his short-term rental business. From guest communication to automation and systems, we’re talking about what’s actually working, what’s not, and where AI is making the biggest impact. If you’ve been curious about how to start using AI—or wondering if you’re falling behind—this episode will give you a real, practical look at what’s possible. Follow us on: ⁠Instagram.com/confessionsofahost⁠ [Instagram.com/confessionsofahost.podcast] Ask Alex about AI: theorangecabins@gmail.com