SmartStay Show - Short Term Rental Counsel + Coaching | Airbnb Hosting Tips
Welcome to the SmartStay Show, your go-to podcast for mastering Short-Term Rentals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and beyond. For more Airbnb tips, visit smartstayshow.com and smartstaycoaching.com. Hosted by 30-time Airbnb Superhost Jason Muth and Real Estate Attorney Rory Gill, we equip you with the tools to launch, manage, and optimize your vacation rental like a pro. Unlike other shows, we specifically cater to owners of small-but-mighty portfolios who self-manage their properties. Each episode delivers expert insights, legal tips, and proven strategies from successful hosts across the U.S. Whether you’re buying your first property, improving your listing, or looking to stay ahead of the competition, we offer actionable advice and real-life stories to help you thrive. From pricing strategies to guest communication, we provide the playbook to turn your property into a top-performing rental. Subscribe now and unlock your rental’s full potential with the SmartStay Show!
Episodes
Is going solo really the best way to scale a short-term rental business—or can the right partnership take you further, faster?
In this episode, we sit down with Evan Davison and Evan Montgomery to unpack what actually happens when two ambitious operators decide to merge their short-term rental businesses. We talk openly about dividing roles using the visionary and integrator model, building trust, and navigating the real challen...
What does it really take to scale a short-term rental business, and when does “more” stop meaning “better”?
In this episode, we sit down with Blake and Jeremy from Cribs Consulting, the powerhouse duo behind one of Austin’s most respected short-term rental operations. We dig into their journey from managing just three Airbnbs to nearly a hundred properties, and the surprising decision to intentionally scale back in order to gain...
What really makes a short-term rental unforgettable—and consistently five-star worthy?
In this episode, we sit down with Allegra Muzzillo—editor-turned-designer, superhost, and one of the sharpest minds in STR design—to uncover the secrets behind creating guest-ready spaces that truly stand out.
Allegra shares her fascinating journey from the fast-paced world of NYC publishing to crafting beautifully designed, highly function...
How do you turn a rustic flower farm into the Northeast's most enchanting glamping experience?
On this episode, I step into the heart of the Vermont woods to chat with the incredible Melissa Hessney Masters, the creative force behind Tangle Bloom. This conversation is all about transformation: how Melissa took a rustic flower farm and her deeply imaginative spirit and turned it into one of the most sought-after glamping retreats...
Ever wonder what it really takes to walk away from a steady W2 and reinvent your life in real estate and short-term rentals?
In this episode, host Jason Muth sits down with Jeremy De Grasse for an honest, inside look at how they each stepped out of corporate careers and built thriving businesses in the stunning Adirondacks. Together, they dive into the lessons learned the hard way, the juggling act of family and entrepreneurshi...
What happens when a pro athlete walks away from the game and builds an entirely new kind of success?
In this episode, I had an in-depth conversation with former MLS goalkeeper Spencer Richey to explore his remarkable transition from the world of professional soccer to thriving real estate entrepreneur. Spencer shares the pivotal mindset shift that allowed him to step away from sports, the courage it took to reinvent himself, and...
Ever wondered what it really takes to make a vacation rental truly pet-friendly—and profitable? 🐾
In this episode, we sit down with John Bradford and Mike Shytle from Petscreening to unpack the world of pet screening and what it means for both hosts and guests. We dive into how hosts can build trust with pet-loving travelers while navigating the practical and legal challenges that come with allowing pets.
Rory shares his f...
What happens when an ice cream shop owner decides to reinvent hospitality in the heart of bourbon country? 🍨🥃
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Llewellyn, the creative force behind some of Louisville’s most exciting group-focused short-term rentals. From transforming forgotten commercial buildings into stylish hangout destinations to curating unforgettable experiences for bachelor parties, corporate retreats, and bourbo...
Ever wondered what it takes to leave a tech career and build a thriving short-term rental business?
In this episode, Morgan Steir joins me to share his journey from tech sales to managing a successful lakeside cabin in New Hampshire.
Hear his honest insights on self-managing rentals, launching a home services franchise, and mastering everything from guest experience to vendor challenges.
A must-listen for anyone looking ...
What makes some short-term rental listings instantly irresistible while others get scrolled past? 🎥
Join us and real estate photographer Kaylee DeCollibus as we dive into the secret sauce of standout listings — professional photos! Discover how eye-catching imagery goes beyond first impressions to shape guest experience, drive bookings, and capture a property’s true vibe.
From creative staging to lighting techniques and mu...
In this episode, we sit down with Ben Koons from Keystone Bookkeepers to unpack the unique challenges of managing finances in the short-term rental world. From early days of DIY spreadsheets to implementing professional systems, they explore what it takes to build scalable, stress-free bookkeeping practices for growing portfolios.
Jason and Ben also break down Airbnb’s new fee structure, share practical tips for owner reporting...
What if the key to short-term rental success isn’t just location, but insight?
In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, for a masterclass on data-driven investing in the STR space. From his roots as a self-proclaimed “data nerd” to becoming a hands-on host himself, Jamie shares how powerful analytics and real-world experience intersect to shape smarter investment strategies.
Whether you'r...
What happens when an ICU nurse brings his heart for care into the world of short-term rentals?
In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Rosen, who’s turned his passion for helping people into a thriving business managing over 20 properties—all while still working hospital shifts. He shares how compassion, clear systems, and smart tech have helped him scale without losing the personal touch.
From building trust with guests and owners ...
Is the future of hosting all about midterm rentals?
In this episode, we chat with Katie Lyon from Furnished Finder to uncover why midterm stays are gaining major traction—and why they’re no longer just for travel nurses. From contractors and relocating families to corporate nomads, a whole new wave of guests is looking for furnished, flexible housing options.
Katie shares real-world strategies to help hosts stand out in this...
Ever wonder how a beachfront condo in Provincetown could become a gold mine?
In this episode, we sit down with Kareem Sanjaghi—Prideaway Stays’ very first client—to hear how he went from mortgage officer to full-time musician and savvy real estate investor. Kareem shares the story behind his short-term rental success, the importance of location in the Cape Cod market, and the ups and downs of managing property in a seasonal tow...
What if one tool could organize your entire short-term rental business—and actually give you your time back?
In this episode, we sit down with hospitality veteran turned systems expert Michael Dinwiddie to talk about the real-world challenges of managing short-term rentals and how the right systems can transform your operation from chaos to calm. Michael shares how he uses Notion as a “second brain” to streamline everything fro...
Can Last-Minute Bookings Actually Boost Your STR Revenue?
Last-minute bookings aren’t just a backup plan anymore—they’re becoming a key revenue strategy for short-term rental hosts. In this episode, we sit down with Alex Alioto, co-founder of Whimstay, about how shifting traveler behavior—especially among Gen Z and millennials—is reshaping the way hosts think about occupancy, pricing, and calendar gaps.
Alex shares how Whims...
What does it really take to break free from the 9-to-5 and build a thriving short-term rental business?
In this episode, We sit down with Jake Martin, a former corporate professional who left the security of his W2 job to chase a different kind of success—one built on freedom, flexibility, and financial independence.
Jake opens up about the real story behind his transition: the fears, the failures, and the big wins. From lear...
What if you could run a thriving real estate business from anywhere in the world—without ever setting foot in most of your properties?
In this episode, we sit down with Adrienne Green, a savvy real estate investor who turned house hacking into a passport for full-time travel with her family. She shares how she built rock-solid systems, empowered virtual assistants, and mastered the art of delegation—managing properties she hasn...
What does it take to turn a remote West Texas ghost town into an Instagram-worthy short-term rental experience?
In this episode, discover how a former NYC creative director brought his branding expertise to the desert to create the cinematic Ghost Town Casitas. Learn how storytelling, design, and photography come together to craft rentals that offer more than just a stay—they deliver an unforgettable experience.
Join us as we...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.