The Layover

by LOST iN

Season 1

DCI’s Daniella Middleton on Travel Creators, Destination Marketing & the New Rules of Influence

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Daniella Middleton, partner and development counsel at Development Counsellors International (DCI), to unpack how destination marketing is changing in the creator economy. A self-described “digital traveler,” Daniella has spent two decades in travel marketing, leading high-impact digital strategies, multi-channel campaigns, international roadshows, and research into generational buying habits for meetings and event spaces. Daniella shares how she first entered the travel industry through a Craigslist job post, later stepped away to sharpen her digital strategy perspective, and eventually returned to travel with a clearer view of how creators, social media, and digital platforms were reshaping the way destinations reach travelers. Daniella breaks down how destination marketing is evolving through: The rise of travel creators as a hybrid of PR, advertising, social, and content Why creator partnerships need to be relationship-based, not purely transactional How destinations should vet creators based on objectives, audience, data, and brand fit The growing influence of Gen Alpha and younger audiences on family travel decisions Why TikTok search, shares, saves, and TikTok Go are changing the path from inspiration to booking How B2B destinations and meetings brands are beginning to work with thought leaders and LinkedIn creators Why print, guides, and physical media still have value when they serve a clear audience or stakeholder objective The conversation also explores the difficulty of proving ROI in creator marketing, the blurred lines between journalists and influencers, the importance of qualitative signals like shares and saves, and why destinations need to move faster while still respecting public funding, transparency, and stakeholder accountability. Whether you’re a destination marketer, travel creator, publisher, agency strategist, or tourism leader trying to understand where influence is headed next, this episode offers a sharp, practical look at how the travel industry can build smarter, more authentic, and more effective creator partnerships. 📍 Learn More Connect with Daniella Middleton on LinkedIn and learn more about DCI’s work in destination marketing, economic development, and talent attraction. Want to dig deeper into a city or neighborhood? Check out our award-winning city guides at https://lostin.com/collections/guides -- we pour all of our love for travel into every guidebook, which includes recommendations for hidden restaurants, shops, and activities far from the well-known tourist areas and off the radar of mainstream travel accounts. We also share daily travel inspiration, city stories, and behind-the-scenes moments across our social channels, follow us to stay connected wherever you roam. Connect with us Web: https://lostin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel

S1 · E26

Oct 2, 2026

1:01:20

GFHR’s Joe O’Connor on Worldschooling, Slow Family Travel & Building a Global Home Rental Community

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Joe O’Connor, a full-time traveling dad, worldschooler, and co-founder of Global Family Home Rentals, or GFHR—a community-driven rental platform built for families pursuing slower, more intentional travel. After years of dreaming about long-term family travel, Joe and his partner, Linds, eventually packed up their traditional life and began spending months at a time abroad with their daughter, living in places like Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Hawaii. Joe shares how their experience as a traveling family exposed one of the biggest challenges in the nomadic family lifestyle: what to do with your primary home while you’re away—and how to find trusted, affordable, family-friendly homes abroad without relying on traditional short-term rental platforms. Joe breaks down how GFHR is: Helping families rent or exchange homes for 30+ day stays Creating a vetted, invite-only community built around trust and transparency Offering homes priced at cost, rather than for profit Supporting worldschooling families with homes designed for real family life Making slow travel more affordable by unlocking primary residences around the world Encouraging families to choose destinations based on homes, community, and lifestyle—not just tourist demand The conversation also explores worldschooling, flexible education, micro-schools, remote learning, and how travel can become one of the richest forms of education for kids. Joe reflects on his family’s time in Syros, Greece, where his daughter learned, played, rode bikes, and built a life in the community—not just a vacation itinerary. Whether you’re a parent dreaming about long-term travel, a worldschooling family looking for housing solutions, or simply curious about what it takes to build a more flexible life around travel, this episode offers an inspiring look at how families can move from watching the dream online to actually living it. 🏡 Learn More Explore Global Family Home Rentals at gfhr.co, or connect with Joe O’Connor on LinkedIn.

S1 · E25

Sep 3, 2026

58:17

Schwet’s Mauri Waneka on Detox-Retox Hospitality, Social Wellness & the Future of IRL Connection

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Mauri Waneka, founder of Schwet, a hospitality-meets-wellness concept built around saunas, pools, steam, social connection, and what Mauri calls a “detox, retox” approach to living well. Rather than positioning Schwet as just another cold plunge or wellness space, Mauri frames it as a new kind of hospitality product: sexy, social, design-forward, and rooted in connection. Mauri shares how her path from derivatives trading to real estate development to community building led to Schwet. After moving to Los Angeles, she began hosting dinners as a way to meet interesting people, eventually growing those gatherings into large-scale social experiences that blended business, art, science, entertainment, and culture. Mauri breaks down how Schwet is: Reimagining wellness as living well, not rigid self-denial Blending contrast therapy, social time, and nightlife energy into one hospitality experience Creating a space where people can connect without phones, pressure, or the usual members-club stiffness Balancing exclusivity with public access so the community stays fresh and dynamic Building a brand voice that is funny, irreverent, privacy-conscious, and intentionally anti-flex Positioning itself for a future where wellness, hotels, clubs, and hospitality increasingly overlap The conversation also explores New York’s current social renaissance, why Mauri believes the city beats Los Angeles for spontaneous connection, and how boutique hotels inspired Schwet’s mix of locals, visitors, friends-of-friends, and new faces. Whether you’re interested in hospitality, wellness, community design, nightlife, or the next wave of social spaces, this episode offers a look at how Schwet is making wellness feel less precious—and a lot more fun. 💧 Learn More Follow Schwet at https://www.getschwet.com/ to see the space, the vibe, and Mauri’s very unserious approach to serious hospitality.

S1 · E24

Jul 28, 2026

11:21

CHG's Ryan Simonetti on Premium Workspaces, IRL Experiences & the Future of Business Travel

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Ryan Simonetti, president and CEO of Convene Hospitality Group, to explore the evolving intersection of hospitality, work, lifestyle, and travel. From his early roots around restaurants and hospitality through his father’s Martin’s potato roll delivery business to building one of the leading platforms for premium meetings, events, and flexible workspaces, Ryan shares how Convene is redefining where—and how—people come together. Ryan unpacks how Convene Hospitality Group is building spaces designed for a world where the lines between business travel, lifestyle, community, and experience are increasingly blurred. Ryan breaks down how CHG is: Turning meetings and conferences into experience-driven gatherings Designing premium workspaces through a hospitality-first lens Using human-centered design to support productivity, connection, and brand identity Reimagining third spaces for entrepreneurs, creators, and modern teams Bringing NeueHouse into its next chapter as a home for the curious and creative Scaling thoughtfully across markets while preserving high-touch service and local nuance The conversation also explores the rise of IRL experiences in an AI-driven world, the transformation of business travel, the importance of design in workplace culture, and why the future of conferences may look more like festivals, private dinners, wellness breakouts, and curated cultural moments. Whether you’re a founder, hospitality operator, event strategist, business traveler, or someone thinking about the future of work, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how premium spaces can help people gather with more purpose, creativity, and connection. 🏢 Learn MoreExplore Convene Hospitality Group, Convene, and NeueHouse, or follow Ryan Simonetti on LinkedIn for more on the future of hospitality, work, and experience. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convenehospitalitygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convene-hospitality-group/ Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-simonetti/

S1 · E23

Jul 9, 2026

44:57

OtherShip’s Robbie Bent on Sauna Culture, Sober Socializing & the Future of Emotional Wellness

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Robbie Bent, CEO and co-founder of OtherShip, a fast-growing wellness concept blending sauna, ice baths, breathwork, music, comedy, and emotionally driven group classes into a new kind of social experience. What started as a backyard ice bath community in Toronto has evolved into a cult-favorite wellness brand with locations in Toronto and New York, designed for people looking to connect, decompress, and socialize without alcohol. Robbie breaks down how OtherShip is: Reimagining sauna and cold plunge culture as a platform for emotional wellness Creating sober social spaces through DJ nights, comedy, singles events, and guided classes Using hot and cold exposure to help people feel more open, present, and connected Building community around shared experiences instead of phones, alcohol, or nightlife pressure Designing spaces that feel more like a boutique hotel or social club than a fitness studio Scaling from a backyard experiment to major New York buildouts with a deeply loyal following The conversation also explores Robbie’s own path from sobriety to entrepreneurship, the rise of sober-curious culture, the loneliness epidemic in major cities, and why OtherShip’s most powerful product may not be the sauna or the ice bath—but the permission it gives people to be human together. Whether you’re interested in wellness, hospitality, nightlife, community building, or the future of alcohol-free social spaces, this episode offers a look at how OtherShip is turning recovery, connection, and emotional release into a new kind of modern ritual. 🧊 Learn More Follow Robbie Bent on LinkedIn or Instagram, and explore OtherShip to learn more about its sauna, ice bath, and emotional wellness experiences.

S1 · E22

Jul 2, 2026

14:28

Mandarin Oriental’s Alex Schellenberger on Luxury Branding, Service & Global Growth

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Alex Schellenberger, former Global Chief Marketing Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic luxury hospitality brands balances heritage, growth, and modern brand building. From his early career at Procter & Gamble, Hugo Boss, Coty, and Accor to leading brand strategy for Mandarin Oriental, Alex shares how classical brand management principles translate into the world of ultra-luxury travel—where emotion, recognition, and service define the guest experience. Alex unpacks how luxury hospitality is evolving through: Preserving brand DNA while scaling Mandarin Oriental’s global footprint Building loyalty among ultra-high-net-worth travelers through recognition, access, and emotional connection Keeping the iconic “I’m a Fan” campaign relevant after more than two decades Using celebrities and cultural figures as authentic brand ambassadors, not just paid endorsers Applying AI and guest data to improve personalization while keeping the human touch at the center Designing transformational experiences, from monk-led retreats in Japan to private museum access and champagne house immersions The conversation also explores why service memories matter more than room design, how Asian hospitality continues to shape global luxury, and why the future of high-end travel depends on both technology and deeply human moments. Whether you’re a luxury traveler, hotelier, brand marketer, or simply fascinated by what makes a hospitality brand iconic, this episode offers a rare look inside the strategy behind one of the most respected names in global travel. 🏨 Learn More Explore Mandarin Oriental’s hotels, residences, and experiences at mandarinoriental.com.

S1 · E21

Jun 18, 2026

1:03:55

Inside Hospitality’s Human Future with Sander Allegro: High Tech, High Touch & the Power of Experience

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Sander Allegro, hospitality strategist, international speaker, and founder of Allegro Innovations, to explore one of the industry's biggest questions: as hospitality becomes increasingly automated, how do we preserve the human connection that makes great travel memorable? Drawing on decades of experience across hotel operations, education, consulting, and his leadership role with Quality Lodgings, Sander shares why the future of hospitality isn’t a choice between technology and service—it’s about mastering both. Sander unpacks how the industry is: Using AI and automation to eliminate repetitive tasks while creating more meaningful guest interactions Shifting from a gut-feel industry to a data-driven one without losing its soul Helping independent hotels compete by offering authenticity, personality, and unforgettable experiences Creating communities of hoteliers who share knowledge, resources, and innovation Preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders to balance business analytics with emotional intelligence Redefining luxury through personalization, storytelling, and genuine human care The conversation also explores why boutique hotels may have an edge in an increasingly standardized world, how brands outside hospitality—from dentists to automotive companies—are embracing hospitality principles, and why the most valuable travel experiences often come from people, not amenities. Whether you're a hotelier, entrepreneur, hospitality student, or traveler searching for more meaningful experiences, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why the future of hospitality may be more human than ever. 🏨 Learn More Explore Sander’s work at Allegro Innovations and discover Europe’s leading collection of independent luxury hotels through Quality Lodgings.

S1 · E20

Jun 4, 2026

54:10

Inside GuestOS with Jessie Fischer: AI Hospitality, Yosemite & the Future of Guest Experience

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jessie Fischer, founder and CEO of GuestOS, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality—not by replacing people, but by giving hotel teams more time to create meaningful guest experiences. Raised in a family that has operated hotels near Yosemite National Park for more than 50 years, Jessie grew up answering phones, calming guests during wildfires and power outages, and learning firsthand what hospitality looks like when nature keeps you on your toes. Today, she’s channeling those experiences into GuestOS, an AI-powered hospitality platform helping hotels automate repetitive tasks while elevating service and personalization. Jessie breaks down how GuestOS is: Automating repetitive guest inquiries so hotel staff can focus on hospitality, not busywork Creating customizable AI “teammates” trained on each property’s unique brand and personality Helping hotels unlock underutilized spaces and create new guest experiences Using AI to improve communication during emergencies like wildfires and road closures Supporting outdoor destinations like Yosemite through better visitor information and coordination Reimagining hotels as hubs for experiences, community, and connection—not just places to sleep The conversation also dives into the future of hospitality tech, overtourism in national parks, outdoor travel, female founders in hospitality, and why the best travel memories almost always come from human connection—not amenities. Whether you’re a hotelier, travel tech founder, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about how AI can make hospitality feel more human, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where the industry is headed next.

S1 · E19

May 15, 2026

53:40

Building Pink Notebook: Goedele Mangelaars on the Future of Travel Tech

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Goedele Mangelaars, founder and CEO of Pink Notebook, an AI-powered travel platform reimagining how trips are discovered, planned, and booked. From growing up across continents to working at companies like Skyscanner and Terra API, Goedele brings a global, data-driven perspective to one of travel’s biggest pain points: too much inspiration, not enough context. Pink Notebook is built to bridge that gap—combining visual discovery, smart curation, and seamless booking into one cohesive experience. Goedele breaks down how Pink Notebook is: Reducing decision fatigue by narrowing thousands of options into a curated shortlist Combining inspiration, context, and booking into a single end-to-end platform Challenging traditional OTAs by focusing on boutique hotels and high-intent travelers Using AI more like Spotify or Pinterest—surfacing what you’ll love, not overwhelming you with choices Designing for a world where 80% of travel decisions are driven by women Pushing back against trend-driven travel in favor of authentic, meaningful discovery The conversation also explores the future of agentic travel planning, the limits of AI trust, and why human curation still matters in a world flooded with content. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, startup founder, or simply tired of clicking through 277 tabs to plan a trip, this episode offers a fresh take on where travel tech is headed—and how to make it work better for real people. Follow Pink Notebook at @pinknotebooktravel for more!

S1 · E18

Apr 30, 2026

36:32

Inside LOST iN with Jon Skogmo: Print Revival, IRL Experiences & The Future of Travel Media

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jon Skogmo, CEO of LOST iN, for an inside look at how the brand is redefining travel media; blending physical guidebooks, digital storytelling, and real-world experiences into one cohesive ecosystem. From betting on print in a digital-first world to building a community that spans social, newsletters, and IRL events, Jon shares why the future of travel isn’t just about where you go—but how you connect along the way. Jon unpacks how LOST iN is: Leading a resurgence of physical media, with guidebooks designed as collectible, story-driven travel companions Targeting millennials and Gen Z travelers who prioritize experiences over ownership Bridging the gap between URL and IRL, using events, pop-ups, and community moments to deepen engagement Treating travel as the antidote to AI, prioritizing real experiences over digital noise Building a curated creator network focused on authenticity, not follower count Expanding globally with 400+ retail locations and growing first-party audience data From vacations to transformational travel trends, this conversation dives into how cultural shifts, remote work, and creator ecosystems are reshaping the way (and the reasons) people explore the world. Whether you’re a traveler, brand marketer, or media operator, this episode offers a candid look at how LOST iN is building a next-generation travel brand rooted in curation, community, and real-world connection. 🌍 Explore LOST iN guidebooks, destinations, and experiences at lostin.com.

S1 · E17

Apr 23, 2026

25:40

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