Becoming a successful Airbnb or short-term rental (STR) host is a journey of continuous learning. From the latest market trends to practical tips on guest communication, there’s always something new to discover. For many, the best way to keep up is by listening to Airbnb podcasts and short term rental podcasts. They offer a flexible, engaging way to absorb a wealth of knowledge while you're on the go.
Here's what we'll cover in this guide:
- Why listen to Airbnb podcasts?
- Top 20 Airbnb & short‑term rental podcasts to follow
- How to choose the right podcasts for you
- Frequently asked questions
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Why listen to Airbnb podcasts?
In the fast-paced world of short-term rentals, staying informed is key. Podcasts provide a convenient and accessible way to get expert advice, industry news, and inspiration directly from experienced hosts and professionals. They're an invaluable resource for anyone looking to sharpen their skills and grow their business.
Tips, trends, interviews
Podcasts are a goldmine of actionable tips. You'll hear directly from industry experts about everything from optimising your listing for better search rankings to implementing smart home technology. They provide insights into current market trends, helping you understand where the industry is heading and how to stay ahead of the curve. Many shows also feature interviews with guests from other areas of the hospitality sector, such as dynamic pricing experts or interior designers, giving you a well-rounded perspective. These discussions can provide a competitive edge, helping you to make data-driven decisions and refine your business strategy.
Pro tip: stay ahead of the curve with our guide to the top STR industry trends in 2025: what hosts must know to stay competitive
Hearing real host stories
Beyond the data and strategies, a major benefit of listening to a short term rental podcast is hearing real-life host stories. These narratives are often relatable and inspiring. You’ll hear about the mistakes hosts have made and, more importantly, how they overcame them. From dealing with difficult guests to managing a property from a distance, these personal accounts provide comfort and practical solutions that a textbook or formal course simply can't. They can remind you that you're not alone in your challenges and motivate you to push through.
Pro tip: Podcasts not your thing? Check out 11 short-term rental books to help grow your business
Top 20 Airbnb & short‑term rental podcasts to follow
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of the best Airbnb podcasts and short term rental podcasts to help you find your next favourite listen.
1. Get Paid for Your Pad by Jasper Ribbers
A definitive guide for hosts, this podcast is hosted by the author of the book Get Paid For Your Pad. Jasper Ribbers shares actionable tips and tricks for maximising profit from your Airbnb listing, along with insightful interviews with experts and hosts from around the globe.
2. Vacation Rental Success (Heather Bayer)
This is one of the most popular podcasts in the industry. Heather Bayer, a vacation rental veteran, shares her extensive knowledge on topics ranging from marketing and branding to interior design and guest satisfaction.
3. Unlocked (Matt Landau / VRMB)
Hosted by industry leader Matt Landau, Unlocked features amiable interviews with innovators and professionals in the vacation rental space. The goal is to share best practices and inspire hosts to succeed.
4. Thanks for Visiting (Sarah & Annette)
Hosted by Airbnb Superhosts Sarah Karakaian and Annette Grant, this podcast offers a mix of actionable advice and essential fundamentals for running a profitable STR business, whether it's a side hustle or a full-time venture.
5. Vacation Rental Machine (Jon Bell & Julian Sage)
This show is all about creating systems and automating your business to achieve more time and financial freedom. Jon Bell and Julian Sage provide strategies for starting, growing, and scaling your vacation rental portfolio.
6. Hospitable Hosts
This podcast is a valuable resource for STR hosts, featuring conversations with leading industry experts, integration partners, and other hosts to share valuable insights and ideas.
7. Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast
Michael Sjogren and Emanuele Pani provide actionable content for new and seasoned real estate investors. The show is dedicated to helping listeners launch, automate, and scale their Airbnb businesses on the fast track to financial freedom.
8. Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals
Hosts Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe discuss the latest trends, strategies, and candid conversations with prominent figures in the vacation rental industry, providing a thought-provoking look at the sector.
9. Short Term Rental Pros Podcast
This podcast is for hosts looking to learn about strategic real estate investing. It provides valuable insights into how to build a portfolio of successful short-term rentals.
10. The Boostly Podcast (Mark Simpson)
Long-time friend of Touch Stay Mark Simpson provides excellent insight into growing your short-stay rental business. He is often joined by leading industry figures (including the Touch Stay team!) to offer daily interviews, strategies, and advice for boosting direct bookings.
11. The Short Term Show
Hosted by Avery Carl, a short-term rental expert, this podcast explores the strategies and techniques she used to become a millionaire in equity in just three years. She interviews property owners and shares insights on maximising profits.
12. The Holiday Let Success Podcast with Elaine Watt
Aimed at holiday let owners and companies, this UK-focused podcast provides practical tips and advice from host Elaine Watt and a variety of expert guests on topics like marketing and branding.
13. Short Term Rental Success Stories
This podcast is for ‘rentalpreneurs’ who want to grow their business by hearing how professional hosts start, manage, and scale their vacation rental operations.
14. The STRU Podcast
Hosted by Richard Fertig, founder of the Short Term Rental University (STRU), this podcast provides practical advice on how to build a profitable STR business.
15. The Hosting Journey (Evelyn Badia)
Helmed by Airbnb Superhost and coach Evelyn Badia, this podcast offers high-level advice and financial strategies for a profitable home-sharing business.
16. No Vacancy The Podcast with Natalie Palmer
Natalie Palmer, an Airbnb Ambassador and Superhost, takes listeners behind the scenes of what it's really like to be an STR host, offering tips on making it easier, avoiding mistakes, and getting more bookings.
17. The No BS Short Term Rental Podcast
For those who appreciate direct, no-nonsense advice, this podcast features hosts Mateo Bradford and John Stokinger giving fresh updates on the STR industry and how current events can affect the sector.
18. The Vacation Rental Show
Hosted by industry veteran Lynell Gordon, this podcast dives into hot topics, technology, and strategies to help hosts navigate the vacation rental world, often featuring interviews with other professionals.
19. The Accommodation Show
Hosted by Bart Sobies, The Accommodation Show offers in-depth discussions with leading professionals in the sector on a wide range of hospitality-related topics.
20. Short Term Rental Management (Luke Carl)
This podcast is about managing your STR from anywhere in the world. Host Luke Carl, a real estate professional, shares tips and tricks for becoming a better host, often focusing on real-world challenges and solutions.
Ready to put these newfound insights into practice?
A Touch Stay digital guidebook can help you implement key strategies for guest communication and property management, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
How to choose the right podcasts for you
With such a vast selection, how do you find the best short term rental podcast for your needs? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Define your goals: Are you a new host looking for fundamental tips, or a seasoned host seeking advanced strategies for scaling? Look for podcasts that align with your current stage and goals.
- Consider your niche: Some podcasts focus on specific types of rentals, like glamping or unique properties. Others are more geared toward professional property managers or hosts in a particular geographical region, such as the UK.
- Sample a few episodes: Listen to a couple of episodes from different podcasts before you commit. Pay attention to the host's style—do you find them engaging and easy to listen to?
- Look at the episode titles: A quick scan of recent episode titles can give you a good idea of the topics covered and whether the content is relevant to your needs.
- Read reviews: The ratings and reviews from other listeners can provide valuable insights into a podcast's quality and value.
Pro tip: check out our blog on STR jargon decoded: the A-Z of short term rental terminology
Don’t forget to stay connected with us at Touch Stay. We’re always keeping an eye on the latest industry trends and insights. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates delivered directly to your inbox. You can also follow our social media channels for regular tips and news on all things short-term rentals and guest experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the world of Airbnb podcasts can bring up a few common questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked ones.
Yes, the vast majority of Airbnb podcasts and short term rental podcasts are completely free to access. You can find them on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. While some hosts may offer premium content or courses, the core podcast episodes are typically free, making them an excellent, zero-cost resource for learning.
The release schedule varies widely from podcast to podcast. Some of the most popular shows release new episodes weekly, while others may publish new content fortnightly or even monthly. The best way to stay updated is to subscribe to the podcast on your chosen platform, which will automatically notify you when new episodes are released.
Podcasts are an excellent supplement to formal training, but they shouldn't be considered a complete replacement. They are great for staying current and getting new ideas, but formal courses, training, and conferences often provide more structured, in-depth learning, networking opportunities, and a chance for hands-on application. The ideal approach is to use podcasts to fuel your day-to-day learning while periodically investing in more formal training to deepen your knowledge.
A Touch Stay digital guidebook is the perfect tool to help you apply the tips you learn from these podcasts, from improving guest communication to automating your processes. Ready to elevate your hosting?
Ned
Ned has clocked up over 11 years in digital marketing and comms, with a strong focus on creating engaging content for a range of brands and agencies. When he’s not writing, he can be found digging for records, peering through his telescope at the night sky, or onboard his local lifeboat where he volunteers as a crewmember.
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