In this fun and travel-packed episode, Meagan and Cody share their all-time favorite vacation spots — the destinations that keep them inspired, relaxed, and always ready for their next adventure. From luxury resorts to scenic escapes, these are the places we can’t stop talking about.

We cover:
🏨 Luxury Resorts We Love — Arizona Biltmore (Website), The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (Website), Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (Website), and The Waterfront Beach Resort (Website).
🏞 Nature Escapes — Cougar Ridge (Website) and the serene Priest Lake State Park in Idaho (Website).
🌴 Why We Love Them — From breathtaking views to top-tier hospitality, we share what makes each spot special.
💡 Travel Takeaways — How to choose your next destination and get the most out of your trip.

If you’re looking for your next great getaway or just want to daydream about incredible destinations, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, areas of hospitality — the in-room guest experience. As hotel GMs, creating spaces that guests remember (and rave about) can be the ultimate driver of loyalty and revenue.

We cover:
1️⃣ First, Get the Basics Right — Cleanliness, comfort, and functionality are non-negotiable.
2️⃣ Designing for Emotion, Not Just Looks — How to create rooms that connect on a deeper, more memorable level.
3️⃣ Wellness Is the New Luxury — Why wellness features are no longer an add-on, but an expectation.
4️⃣ Tech That Feels Like Magic — Implementing technology that enhances without overwhelming.
5️⃣ Surprise and Delight — The small, thoughtful touches that make guests feel truly special.
6️⃣ The GM’s In-Room Experience Toolkit — Our curated list of must-haves and best practices for unforgettable stays.

Whether you manage a boutique property, a luxury resort, or anything in between, this episode will give you the strategies and inspiration to turn every room into a guest magnet.

📌 Pro tip — It’s not about how much you spend, but how intentionally you design each moment your guest spends in their room.

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan break down how small hotels can punch above their weight and deliver big-brand guest experiences without bloated costs or layers of management.

We dive deep into:
1️⃣ The Reality of Running Lean — Why small hotels must embrace efficiency to stay competitive.
2️⃣ Core Systems That Create Freedom — The technology stack and operational processes that free you from constant firefighting.
3️⃣ Rethinking Staffing & Guest Service — How to maximize your team’s impact while keeping payroll healthy.
4️⃣ Common Mistakes Small Hotels Make — Pitfalls to avoid when scaling operations or improving service.
5️⃣ The Lean Luxury Roadmap — A practical blueprint for delivering premium experiences with fewer resources.

Whether you’re a boutique inn, an independent resort, or a small hotel looking to compete with the big players, this episode gives you the playbook for running lean, smart, and guest-focused.

📌 Pro tip — These principles aren’t about cutting corners; they’re about cutting waste so you can invest where it matters most: your guests.

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🎙️ Season 3, Episode 4 — Brewing Innovation with Ted Ayliffe, CEO of Coulee Coffee

In this episode, Cody is joined by Ted Ayliffe, the visionary CEO behind Coulee Coffee — a coffee company that’s changing the way hospitality delivers quality, consistency, and an unforgettable guest experience.

Cody and Ted first crossed paths at BITAC Owners earlier this year, and it was immediately clear that Coulee Coffee wasn’t just another coffee brand — it’s a revolutionary product built for hotels, resorts, and any business that values top-tier taste with streamlined operations.

From Coulee’s unique brewing approach to its focus on sustainability and brand experience, Ted shares how his team is helping properties serve a consistently incredible cup of coffee — every single time.

💻 Learn more:

• Coulee Coffee: couleecoffee.com
• Instagram: @couleecoffeecompany

🎁 Special Offer for Our Listeners — Use promo code VGM at checkout to receive $40 off your own personal Coulee Coffee device!

☕ If you’re in hospitality and want to elevate your coffee game, you won’t want to miss this one.

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In this episode, Cody shares highlights from his recent hospitality event double-header — kicking things off at BITAC Owners in Tucson, Arizona, held at the stunning JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass, and wrapping up with his first-ever HOTEC at the iconic Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

These events were packed with incredible people, fresh ideas, and unforgettable experiences that are shaping the future of independent hospitality. But one standout moment? Discovering the coolest coffee company ever — Coulee Coffee ☕️

From the coffee branding to the taste, Cody was hooked — and that’s why we’re bringing Coulee founder Ted Ayliffe on for Episode 4!

💻 Learn more:

• BITAC: bitac.net
• Coulee Coffee: couleecoffee.com
• Coulee Instagram: @couleecoffeecompany

📍 And be sure to check out these stunning venues:

• JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

🚨 Episode 4 Preview: Don’t miss our next episode featuring Ted Ayliffe, where we dig into the story behind Coulee Coffee!

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Ever wondered how we’ve managed to consistently produce high-quality podcast content week after week? This week, Cody is pulling back the curtain to reveal the secret sauce behind our success: BlueForm Media 🎥🎬

In this special episode, Cody sits down with Blake Norton, co-founder of BlueForm Media, to talk about the power of content creation, the importance of consistency, and how BlueForm makes it all happen — from editing to publishing to keeping our brand sharp and professional.

BlueForm Media is led by Blake Norton and Mallory Roberts, and they’ve been our production partners from the very beginning. Whether you're just thinking about launching a podcast, creating video content, or leveling up your brand, BlueForm is who you want in your corner.

💡 Thinking of launching your own podcast or video brand?
👉 Reach out to Blake and Mallory at admin@blueformmedia.com

📌 Learn more: blueformmedia.com
📸 Follow them on Instagram: @blueformmedia

🎧 Like, follow, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to tell their story through content.

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We’re back! 🎙️ It’s hard to believe we’re already kicking off Season 3 of the VGM Podcast — and we’re so excited to have you along for the ride. To celebrate, Cody is flying solo in this episode to recap the Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes from Season 2.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or just joining us, these five episodes were the fan favorites that delivered the most value, insight, and real talk about what it takes to succeed in hospitality. 🎯

Here are the Top 5 Episodes from Season 2:

1. Owner Opportunities: Must-Haves for Building a Successful Property
   👉 Listen Here
2. Navigating OTAs: Maximizing Direct Bookings and Understanding Online Travel Agents
   👉 Listen Here
3. Preparing Your Hospitality Business for Success in 2025
   👉 Listen Here
4. Financial Foundations: Mastering Budgeting and Cash Flow in Hospitality
   👉 Listen Here
5. Top Hospitality Events for 2025 & HR Insights with Joe Ruzicka
   👉 Listen Here

This episode is a perfect place to start if you're new to the podcast — and a great refresher if you’ve been with us since day one.

Let’s get this new season started! 💥

🎧 Listen, Subscribe, and Leave a Review — it helps more independent hoteliers find us!

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To close out an incredible Season 2, Cody is flying solo and answering the top 5 questions from our listeners this year:

1. What were the biggest takeaways or lessons from this season?
2. What episode or guest had the biggest impact—and why?
3. What was your favorite part of the season?
4. What do you hope listeners learn from the VGM Podcast?
5. What can we expect from Season 3?

It’s been an amazing ride filled with inspiring guests, game-changing tools, and behind-the-scenes moments. 🎧

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, sharing, and growing with us.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and stay tuned—we’ll be back next week with Season 3!

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