The hotel and hospitality industry is constantly changing. Guests' needs and desires are something that change on a regular basis, and staying on top of those changes is essential if you’re going to be successful. In addition to pursuing a hospitality education, one of the best ways to know what is happening in the industry is with podcasts for hospitality professionals.

But with the industry so full of podcast options, how can you decide which one to add to your playlist? Here are some top options to help hospitality professionals expand their expertise and wow their guests.

1. Slick Talk | The Hospitality Podcast

Slick Talk | The Hospitality Podcast is hosted by Wil Slickers. He calls it “The One Destination for All Things Hospitality.” He explores the ins and outs of hotels, but also talks about other aspects of the hospitality industry. Those who own vacation rentals, work in the travel industry in general, or have restaurants they are managing will all find nuggets of valuable information from this podcast. He also brings on many special guests. The Good Morning Hospitality morning show is particularly popular with hospitality professionals, provoking a quick episode to listen to in the morning about once a month.

2. All in the Industry

All in the Industry is hosted by Shari Bayer, owner of Bayer Public Relationship. This interesting podcast explores the behind-the-scenes talent of the hospitality industry. This is the place where hospitality professionals of all sizes can come to get industry insider information while being entertained by someone who knows what it takes to deliver quality service to hotel guests. Each episode begins with a PR tip that can make your job a little easier, a speed round game, and a discussion of industry news. All in the Industry airs on Wednesdays at 4 PM.

3. Suite Spot: A Hotel Marketing Podcast

If marketing is what hangs you up when it comes to your hotel, Suite Spot: A Hotel Marketing Podcast could be the right solution. Hosted by Travel Media Group, this twice-a-month podcast focuses specifically on marketing news and tips.

If you are looking to make your hotel more competitive, especially with online marketing, you will get practical advice from this podcast. Some of the topics covered include how online search impacts your hotel, current trends in social media and the hospitality industry, and how to leverage online reviews as part of your marketing efforts. The host, Ryan Embree, brings in industry experts regularly and elicits topic ideas from the audience.

4. Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast

The Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast is one of the top podcasts dedicated specifically to marketing and the hotel industry. The hosts are a group of hotel marketers who are passionate about sharing practical tips industry leaders can use to better market their hotels. The goal is to help hotel owners get more guests in their rooms and reduce their reliance on OTAs. Stuart Butler is the head of the Fuel Hotel Marketing Podcast, but he works with a group of talented marketers to bring a well-rounded, engaging, and interesting podcast to the table.

5. Meaningful Hospitality

Developed by the company bearing the same name, Meaningful Hospitality provides hospitality coaching services to help hotels create more meaningful experiences for guests and employees. The podcast explores a variety of topics, and often the hosts will take questions or topic ideas from their guests.

In addition to focusing on guest relations, Meaningful Hospitality tackles employee hiring and employee experience. The hosts believe that positive employee experiences will translate into positive guest experiences, because satisfied employees deliver better customer service.

6. Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast

The hospitality industry is about more than just hotels. Many of the top hospitality podcasts focus strongly on hotels, leaving restaurant owners behind. Restaurant Unstoppable provides a place for restaurant owners and operators to come for valuable insight into their portion of the hospitality industry.

Eric Cacciatore hosts this podcast, which focuses strongly on interviews with leaders in the restaurant field, including chefs, owners, and operators. He also maintains a list of vetted, qualified vendors for restaurant owners, which can be an invaluable resource for restaurant owners who are looking for trustworthy partners to help them move forward.

7. Lodging Leaders Podcast

Another hotel-focused podcast, Lodging Leaders is the podcast of Jon Albano. Founder and CEO of LodgingMetrics, a dashboard system for hotels, Jon Albano provides insight into the technology solutions that hotel owners can use to make their hotels more effective. Co-host Judy Maxwell brings an interesting dynamic to the podcast. It focuses on stories in the industry as well as interviews with thought leaders and experts. This is a weekly podcast, and it has a robust archive of over 300 episodes that hospitably leaders can look back on.

Stay in the Know

Podcasts are a highly profitable way to get fast insight into what is happening in the industry. It also provides entertainment from people who have a direct understanding of what running a hotel, restaurant, resort, or other hospitality business is really like. Podcasts give the opportunity to hear from thought leaders to know what the future may hold. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the vast number of podcasts available. By choosing from this list, you can be confident that you’re going to spend your time listening to a valuable bit of information.

In addition to podcasts, hospitality industry professionals can capitalize on online learning opportunities to grow their understanding and knowledge in the field. JWU Online offers a number of hospitality certificates and degree options. All of these can be completed online, giving you the flexibility to pursue additional education while working hard at your hotel or restaurant. For more information about our hospitality degree options, complete the Request Info form, call us at 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].