MC Fireside Chats, an Outdoor Hospitality Podcast

The May 21st, 2025 episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, convened a panel of esteemed recurring and special guests to delve into pivotal topics within the outdoor hospitality and recreation industry. The familiar voices joining the conversation included Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality, a company focused on owning and operating luxury upscale RV and glamping resorts, as well as providing third-party consulting. Ali R...

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks kicked off the conversation by lightheartedly addressing his scratchy voice and acknowledging the absence of several regular panelists, including Joe Duemig, who was attending a conference in Australia, Scott Foos, who had a meeting, and Kevin Thueson, who was traveling. Despite these absences, Searl enthusiastically introduced the two featured guests: John...

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl led a comprehensive discussion on the evolving landscape of the outdoor hospitality and recreation industry. The episode featured recurring guests, industry experts who appear regularly on the show, and special guests who brought specific insights to the conversation. Recurring guests Scott Bahr, Simon Neal, and Mark Koep offered their perspectives on current trends and cha...

The MC Fireside Chats episode on April 30th, 2025, began with host Brian Searl acknowledging technical difficulties at the start of the show. Brian then introduced the guests: Mychele Bisson, Mary Sparrow, and Heidi Royle, each bringing a unique perspective on the outdoor hospitality industry.

Mychele Bisson shared her work with Bison Peak Ventures, acquiring campgrounds across the country, revitalizing them, and aiming to preserve ...

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl convened a panel of industry leaders and experts to explore the multifaceted dynamics of the RV and outdoor recreation sectors. The discussion featured recurring guests Eleonore Hamm from RVDA of Canada, Phil Ingrassia representing RVDA, and Greg Emmert, alongside special guest Eva Mitic, providing a range of perspectives on the current state and future direction of the industry...

April 16th Episode Recap The episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl of Insider Perks, convened a diverse panel of industry professionals including recurring guests Jeff Hoffman (Camp Strategy), Mike Harrison (CRR Hospitality), and Sandy Ellingson (Industry Liaison/Consultant), alongside special guests Kurtis Wilkins (Private Equity Analyst, Rjourney), Jennifer L. Grissom (Co-Owner, Crystal River KOA), and Yolanda “Yo’E...

This MC Fireside Chats episode on April 9th, 2025, hosted by Brian Searl from Insider Perks, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the current state and future trends of the outdoor hospitality industry. The recurring guests, Joe Duemig, the owner and founder of App My Community, a company specializing in mobile apps for campground guest engagement and communication, and Kevin Thueson, a partner at KCN Campgrounds, a real ...

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl warmly welcomed everyone to another episode, highlighting the theme of data insights and analysis, a core focus for their 2025 discussions. With a touch of humor, he acknowledged the self-explanatory nature of the show’s title, playfully teasing Scott Bahr about the redundancy. He then introduced the returning guest, Simon Neal from Camp Map, and special guests Emily Simmons, ...

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl convened a panel of industry leaders to delve into the pressing issues and evolving trends impacting the RV and outdoor recreation sectors. The discussion featured Eleonore Hamm from RVDA of Canada, Shane Devenish of the Canadian RV Association (CRVA), Greg Emmert, Phil Ingrassia representing RVDA, and Aaron Bannon from the American Outdoors Association. The episode tackled the ...

The March 19, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats centered on business operations and management in the outdoor hospitality industry, featuring a diverse panel of recurring and special guests. Host Brian Searl was joined by Mike Harrison, Sandy Ellingson, and Ali Rasmussen, along with special guests Katie McLeod, General Manager of Quilly’s RV Parks, and John, Beth, and Ali Kieffer, owners of the Blue Ridge Dakota River KOA in Georg...

On the March 12th, 2025 episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl welcomed a panel of experts and industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of guest experiences in outdoor hospitality. The conversation featured recurring guests Zach Stoltenberg (LJA), Joe Duemig (App My Community), and Scott Foos (Horizon Outdoor Hospitality). Additionally, special guests included Quentin Incao (Q Hospitality Management) and Amber Tyr...

The March 5, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats featured an insightful discussion on key industry trends and challenges, with host Brian Searl joined by recurring guests and new participants. The panel included Miguel Huerta from the Mexican Glamping Association, Simon Neal from Camp Map, Rafael Correa from Blue Water, Matt Whitermore an Outdoor Hospitality Professional, Shari Heilala from Sage Outdoor Hospitality, and Mark Koep, a...

The latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, kicked off with the usual banter between recurring guests Greg Emmert and Angele Miller, setting a lighthearted tone before diving into deeper discussions about the RV industry, outdoor recreation, and emerging trends in travel and accommodations. With key players from the RV industry unavailable due to board meetings, the conversation took a broader focus on innovativ...

The February 19, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, featured a discussion on business operations and management, bringing together industry experts and key players in the outdoor hospitality space. The panel included recurring guests Jeff Hoffman of Camp Strategy, Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality, and Sandy Ellingson, a technology consultant and advocate for campgrounds. Special guests for the episode were E...

The latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together industry experts Kevin Thueson, Zach Stoltenberg, and Garrett Brown for a deep dive into campground development, investment strategies, and guest experience personalization. Garrett Brown, owner of Cameron Ranch Glamping near Houston, Texas, introduced his property, which consists of four high-end glamping structures. Brown emphasized the importance of...

In the February 5th episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl welcomed recurring guests Mark Koep, Founder of Campground Views, and Scott Bahr, Principal of Cairn Consulting Group. The special guest for the episode was Angie Whitcomb, President and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, marking the show’s first episode under its revamped format. Brian kicked off the discussion with lighthearted remarks about his studio setup before div...

In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl welcomed Josef Hjelmaker, CEO of Electric Outdoors, Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management, and Matt and Karina Torres, owners of Bayshore RV Park, to discuss their experiences and insights into the outdoor hospitality and RV park industries. The conversation covered everything from business growth and sustainability to unique guest experiences and the future o...

The January 22, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the RV industry, glamping, and outdoor hospitality trends. Panelists included Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA Canada; Shane Devenish, Executive Director of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RNR Glamping; and Greg Emmert, Consultant at Camp Strategy. The conver...

The January 15, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats delivered an insightful discussion on the intersection of business operations, innovation, and the future of outdoor hospitality. Hosted by Brian Searl, the session brought together industry experts, including Jeff Hoffman, Brent Parker, Mia Johnson, and Mike Sorensen, each contributing their perspectives on challenges and opportunities within the campground and RV park sectors. Br...