Radical Hospitality Show

Zeke Freeman

Welcome to the Radical Hospitality Show where we dive into a fascinating blend of business expertise and genuine compansion in hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned hospitality expert or a budding entrepreneur, our show is for you.

We dive deep into the world of architecture, development, and hospitality, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when creating exceptional experiences. Join us as we interview fascinating guests who share their insights, stories, and practical advice.

Tune in for inspiring conversations, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on the hospitality industry.

Podcast: https://radicalhospitalityshow.com/

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YouTube: The Radical Hospitality Show

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Top 10 Radical Hospitality Show Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Radical Hospitality Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Radical Hospitality Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Radical Hospitality Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

How to Pull Equity Out of Real Estate Investments

Radical Hospitality Show

01/19/25 • 12 min

Discover the power of equity and how to grow your net worth through smart real estate investments. Zeke, from Radical Hospitality, breaks down the key concepts of building equity, managing assets, and understanding liabilities to create long-term wealth. Learn how to store your equity in containers that grow, avoid common financial pitfalls, and make your first home the foundation of your financial success.

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot
Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
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Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.
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Turning a 1,000 Year Old Castle into a Profitable Hotel: Michael Stohler's Journey from Pilot to Investor

Radical Hospitality Show

01/05/25 • 44 min

In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman dives deep into the fascinating journey of Michael Stohler, co-founder of Gateway Private Equity Group. From his beginnings as a Navy veteran and commercial airline pilot to building a thriving career in real estate and hospitality, Mike shares his invaluable lessons learned along the way. Discover how he transitioned from multifamily real estate to high-return hotel investments, the secrets to structuring successful deals, and his latest boutique hotel project in Spain. Packed with tips, inspiration, and actionable advice for aspiring investors, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate and hospitality.
Connect with Mike via his website (https://www.gatewaype.com/) or listen to his podcast (https://www.therichergeek.com/podcast-page)
00:00 - Introduction to Radical Hospitality
00:07 - Meet Mike Stoler: From Pilot to Real Estate
00:23 - Transitioning to Hospitality: Why Hotels?
01:10 - Key Lessons from Real Estate Failures
02:30 - Strategies for Scaling a Real Estate Portfolio
08:00 - The Unique Challenges of Hotel Investments
20:00 - Spain Boutique Hotel Project: Vision & Strategy
35:00 - Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Investors

Inside a $29 Million Treehouse Resort Business: Funding, Management, and Bookings (with Ben Wolff)

Radical Hospitality Show

12/15/24 • 55 min

In today's episode, I sat down with Ben Wolff, visionary co-founder of Onera and OAC, who has redefined upscale hospitality with unique stays and innovative landscape hotels. Starting in short-term rentals, Ben scaled to managing 200 units before transitioning into groundbreaking projects like Onera Fredericksburg and Wimberley.

We explore:

How Ben leveraged lease arbitrage and short-term rentals to build cash flow.
The development process behind Onera’s luxury landscape hotels.
Challenges with prefabrication, construction, and scaling operations.
Why social media marketing is key to driving direct bookings and increasing ADR.
Tips for entrepreneurs on raising capital, building a team, and crafting unique guest experiences.

0:00 Introduction
5:01 The Beginnings: From Short-Term Rentals to Unique Hotels
20:01 Building Onera: Challenges and Successes
35:01 Scaling and Innovations in Hospitality
50:01 Future Vision and Advice

Connect with Ben Wolff:

LinkedIn: Ben Wolff
Instagram: @iambenwolff
Twitter: @uniquestaysguy

Crafting Stories in Hospitality: Angela Biddle's Design Journey

Radical Hospitality Show

11/19/24 • 36 min

In this episode of Radical Hospitality, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Angela Biddle, Principal at FK Australia, and a leader in hospitality and interior design. With over 20 years of experience working on transformative hotel projects across the globe, Angela brings invaluable insights into how storytelling, sustainability, and innovation drive the future of hospitality.

From revamping heritage properties like the Sofitel in Sydney to adapting commercial spaces for modern uses, Angela shares the strategies behind creating spaces that captivate guests, engage local communities, and honor the soul of a property. Discover how FK tackles the challenges of adaptive reuse, curates unforgettable guest experiences, and balances aesthetics with operational efficiency.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Power of Storytelling in Design: How understanding the soul of a property transforms guest experiences.
Reviving Heritage Properties: Behind-the-scenes insights into restoring Sydney's first international luxury hotel.
Food & Beverage Innovation: Why activating hotel spaces with compelling dining options matters.
Sustainability Challenges: Exploring adaptive reuse, embodied carbon, and legislation driving the future of hotel design.
Hospitality Meets Community: How Angela and her team make hotels resonate with locals and visitors alike.
Team Building in Design: Angela’s approach to fostering creativity and collaboration within a world-class firm.

Key Highlights:

The art of balancing nostalgia with modern luxury in hotel refurbishments.
Strategies for creating vibrant public spaces that attract local guests.
Insights into the rising trend of self-check-in and flexible reception concepts.
Navigating challenges of adaptive reuse in aging office and hotel buildings.
How sustainability influences materials, design choices, and project feasibility.

About Our Guest: Angela Biddle is a Principal at FK Australia, specializing in hospitality and interior design. She has worked on major projects worldwide, including boutique hotels, branded residences, and mixed-use developments. With her visionary approach, Angela is reshaping the hospitality industry, one story-driven project at a time.

Connect with Angela:

Email: [email protected]
Website: FK Australia

Inside Azul Fuego: How a Family Rebuilt a Restaurant—and a Dream

Radical Hospitality Show

04/29/25 • 10 min

Today, we’re coming to you straight from Azul Fuego with the incredible family behind its transformation—Levy, Ligmar, and Arturo.

In this episode, they open up about how they turned a longtime neighborhood restaurant into a vibrant, welcoming new space. You'll hear the full story of Azul Fuego’s rebirth: from buying the business back in 2006, to rolling up their sleeves for a full renovation, and building a restaurant that feels like home for the community.

We dive into:

The family’s deep roots in the restaurant industry
Why quality ingredients and genuine hospitality matter more than anything
How they curated a standout tequila selection without overwhelming guests
The unexpected hurdles (and surprises) during the renovation
What they learned about permits, planning, and patience
Their advice for anyone dreaming of opening or renovating a restaurant

Plus, they share their favorite dishes and the parts of the new space they’re most proud of—from the lively bar to the clean, inviting atmosphere.

Whether you're a foodie, an entrepreneur, or someone who loves hearing about passion projects coming to life, this episode will inspire you.

Brad Blazar Reveals the One Thing Investors Really Want—That Nobody Talks About

Radical Hospitality Show

04/22/25 • 61 min

In this episode of the Radical Hospitality podcast, host Zeke interviews capital raising expert Brad Blazar. They discuss Brad's journey from aspiring architect to successful entrepreneur and capital raiser, exploring the intricacies of building relationships with investors, effective communication strategies, and the importance of understanding regulations in capital raising.
Brad shares insights on how to navigate the investment landscape, the significance of collaboration in real estate, and best practices for managing investor relations and capital. The conversation emphasizes the transformative potential of real estate investment and the importance of education and networking in achieving success.
00:00 Introduction to Capital Raising and Brad Blazar
05:45 Brad's Journey into Capital Raising
11:57 The Blueprint for Successful Capital Raising
18:06 Building Investor Relationships
24:03 Effective Communication with Investors
29:47 Pitch Deck Essentials for Capital Raising
33:01 Crafting the Perfect Pitch Deck
35:07 Understanding Subscription Agreements and PPMs
36:31 The Importance of Disclosure in Securities
41:39 Navigating Regulation D: 506B vs 506C
46:45 Benefits of Investing in Real Estate vs Stocks
55:08 Effective Capital Management and Investor Relations
59:25 The Power of Other People's Money (OPM)
Connect with Brad Blazar:

Instagram: @bradblazar

Why Emotional Design Matters More Than Ever in Modern Architecture with Adrian Ramsay

Radical Hospitality Show

04/15/25 • 64 min

In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Podcast, host Zeke Freeman interviews Adrian Ramsay, a visionary designer and founder of AR Design House. Adrian shares his unique journey from a swimwear designer to an award-winning architect, emphasizing the role of creativity, ADHD, and dyslexia in shaping his career. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration, community, and the power of focusing on one's strengths while navigating challenges in the design industry.
In this conversation, Adrian and Zeke explore the intricacies of architectural design, emphasizing the importance of editing in the design process, learning from industry giants, and the significance of working with great clients. Adrian shares insights from his podcast experiences, highlighting the value of design magic and land whispering, which focuses on understanding the relationship between a building and its environment.
The discussion also touches on finding and filtering clients, the role of word-of-mouth referrals, and the creative processes that lead to successful architectural projects.

How Adventure Built a Hotel: Bobby Mikulas on Purposeful Hospitality

Radical Hospitality Show

04/07/25 • 48 min

In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman interviews Bobby Mikulas, co-founder of Kinship Landing, a boutique hotel in Colorado Springs.

Bobby shares his journey from a non-hospitality background to creating a community-centric hotel that emphasizes adventure and local experiences. The conversation delves into the importance of core values in building a strong team and navigating the challenges of starting a new hospitality venture, including the construction process and lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Bobby from Kinship Landing shares insights on navigating the complexities of construction costs, hotel operations, and future visions for community engagement.

He discusses the importance of budgeting, contractor relationships, and the challenges faced during hotel development. Bobby emphasizes the significance of culture in hotel management and the need for strategic partnerships. He also outlines his vision for expanding Kinship Landing and engaging with local communities through various initiatives.

03:55 Building a Community-Centric Boutique Hotel

09:33 Core Values and Team Formation

15:38 From Concept to Construction

20:14 Navigating Construction Challenges

25:58 Navigating Construction Bids and Budgeting

26:36 Dealing with Budget Overruns and Bank Issues

28:57 Strategies for Contractor Agreements

32:19 Incentivizing Contractors for Better Results

33:07 Transitioning to Hotel Operations

34:23 DIY vs. Professional Hotel Management

36:18 Key Roles in Hospitality Management

41:00 Balancing Unique Experiences with Professional Management

43:29 Future Plans and Vision for Kinship Landing

45:51 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Discover A Blueprint For Scaling From Side Hustle To A Thriving 10+ Hotel Portfolio with Neil Shah

Radical Hospitality Show

03/31/25 • 54 min

In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Neil Shah, founder of Inntech Management and owner/operator of 13 hotels, including six in Sedona, Arizona. Neil shares his inspiring journey from immigrant electrical engineer to hospitality entrepreneur. He reveals how he got his start with just $20,000 saved from a side hustle building websites, and how that turned into a growing portfolio of boutique hotels.

Neil breaks down his investment strategy, partnership dynamics, operations philosophy, and what it really takes to succeed in the boutique hotel space—especially when transitioning from short-term rentals. This episode is packed with real-life lessons, tactical advice, and behind-the-scenes stories that are especially helpful for aspiring hoteliers, STR operators, and real estate entrepreneurs.

Key Topics Discussed:

Neil’s journey from India to owning 13 hotels in Arizona
How a side hustle funded his first hotel investment
The power of mentorship and long-term partnerships
What it takes to transition from STR to hotel ownership
Operational efficiencies, financing strategies, and building teams
Technology tools for hotel operations (Cloudbeds, DDL, Whistle)
Workforce housing challenges and solutions in high-cost areas
Advice for structuring GP/LP partnerships
What to consider before jumping into new hotel construction
How Neil turned around a 30% occupancy hotel into a thriving asset

02:15 Neil's Journey: From Electrical Engineer to Hotel Owner

03:04 First Steps in the Hotel Industry

04:09 The Big Realization: Loving the Hospitality Business

04:37 From College to Flagstaff: Building a Career

06:14 First Investment: The Best Western Deal

12:56 Scaling Up: The Tucson Property

17:24 Partnership Dynamics and Mentorship

21:44 Advice for Aspiring Hotel Entrepreneurs

27:00 Staffing Needs for Larger Properties

27:39 Transitioning from Airbnb to Boutique Hotels

28:13 Challenges in Hotel Management Systems

29:49 Common Mistakes by New Hoteliers

30:39 Defining Your Buy Box and Raising Capital

31:42 Current Portfolio and Management Strategies

34:23 Technology and Operations in Boutique Hotels

37:28 Dealing with Workforce Housing Challenges

38:54 Impact of Political Changes on Business

40:23 Advice for Limited and General Partners

43:41 Acquiring vs. New Construction

46:23 Case Study: Successful Repositioning in Sedona

53:15 Future Plans and Mentorship

The STR Optimization Mindset with Michael Sjogren

Radical Hospitality Show

05/26/25 • 54 min

In this episode of Radical Hospitality, Zeke Freeman sits down with Michael Sjogren—CPA-turned-hospitality entrepreneur, founder of Short-Term Rental Secrets, and co-founder of STR WealthCon, the world’s largest host-driven short-term rental conference. Michael shares his powerful origin story—from navigating his son’s rare health condition to leaving corporate life and building a real estate empire with 90+ properties and boutique hotels.

But this episode isn’t just about real estate—it’s about optimization. Michael breaks down his signature approach to building systems that let you stop trading time for money, avoid burnout, and play the game at the CEO level. Whether you're just starting or scaling fast, this conversation is filled with game-changing advice on co-hosting, RevPAR, investor relations, boutique hotel strategy, and how to build wealth through strategic hospitality.

Key Topics Covered:

Michael’s personal journey from CPA to STR mogul
How a health crisis became the catalyst for freedom
The CASPER framework for building scalable STR businesses
Why most people create another job (and how to avoid it)
RevPAR over ADR: how real pros optimize revenue
The shift from short-term rentals to boutique hotels
How to think like an asset manager, not a property manager
The power of mastermind rooms and leveling up your network
STR WealthCon 2025: what’s new and what to expect

Notable Quotes:

“There are three ways to play this game: the player, the coach, or the owner. The goal is to become the owner—and optimize your time, your team, and your freedom.”

Resources & Links:

Connect with Michael on Instagram: @mike.sjogren
Learn more at: shorttermrentalsecrets.com
STR WealthCon 2025 Tickets: strwealthconference.com

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FAQ

How many episodes does Radical Hospitality Show have?

Radical Hospitality Show currently has 32 episodes available.

What topics does Radical Hospitality Show cover?

The podcast is about Architecture, Hospitality, Entrepreneurship, Hotel, Podcasts, Business and Airbnb.

What is the most popular episode on Radical Hospitality Show?

The episode title 'Brad Blazar Reveals the One Thing Investors Really Want—That Nobody Talks About' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Radical Hospitality Show?

The average episode length on Radical Hospitality Show is 41 minutes.

How often are episodes of Radical Hospitality Show released?

Episodes of Radical Hospitality Show are typically released every 7 days, 1 hour.

When was the first episode of Radical Hospitality Show?

The first episode of Radical Hospitality Show was released on Jul 25, 2024.

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Radical Hospitality Show

Zeke Freeman

Top 10 Radical Hospitality Show Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Radical Hospitality Show have?

What topics does Radical Hospitality Show cover?

What is the most popular episode on Radical Hospitality Show?

What is the average episode length on Radical Hospitality Show?

How often are episodes of Radical Hospitality Show released?

When was the first episode of Radical Hospitality Show?

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