Defining Hospitality cover art

Defining Hospitality

Defining Hospitality

Written by: Dan Ryan
Listen for free

About this listen

 Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Dan brings his expertise and passion to each episode as he delves into the latest trends and challenges facing the industry. Episodes are released every week on Wednesday mornings. To listen to episodes, visit https://www.defininghospitality.live/ or subscribe to Defining Hospitality wherever you get your podcasts.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Art Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • East Coast Design Expansion - Amy Margolis - BAMO Providence - Episode # 240

    East Coast Design Expansion - Amy Margolis - BAMO Providence - Episode # 240
    Feb 25 2026
    How do detailed preparations elevate hospitality experiences?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan interviews Amy Margolis, an esteemed interior designer and studio director at Bamo in Providence, Rhode Island. Moving through her career journey from California to the East Coast, Amy shares her thoughts on being deeply rooted in anticipating guests' needs, curating environments that allow people to relax, and creating memorable experiences.Takeaways:Hospitality is an orchestrated experience. Amy illustrates hospitality with an anecdote about Joan Didion's meticulously planned dinner parties, emphasizing the importance of preparation to offer effortless and relaxing experiences for guests.A strategic global footprint enhances service delivery. The expansion of Bamo into different regions allows the firm to better serve clients across various time zones, fostering a diverse range of projects that adapt to regional demands.Understanding guest journeys influences design solutions. Drawing from her experience at Bergmeyer, Amy stresses the importance of tailoring design solutions to enhance unique guest experiences, which is crucial for success in hospitality design.Diverse career transitions enrich design perspectives. Amy's shift from hospitality design in San Francisco to commercial design in Boston provided her with a wealth of experience, enriching her current approach in the hospitality sector.Digital adaptation transforms collaborative practices. The shift to remote work during COVID-19, along with the adoption of tools like Revit, has introduced new ways of managing design and fostered improved team collaboration.Continuous learning fosters dynamic leadership. Amy emphasizes the value of staying open to new ideas and mentoring emerging talents, cultivating a resilient and innovative design practice.Quote of the Show:“Put yourself out there to say yes, to try new things… the biggest thing is to keep educating yourself.” - Amy MargolisLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-reynolds-margolis-ncidq-a625875/ Company website: https://bamo.com/ Shout Outs:1:23 - Brayton and Hughes - https://www.bhdstudios.com/ 1:24 - DLR Group - https://www.dlrgroup.com/1:25 - Wiseman Group - https://www.wisemangroup.com/ 1:26 - Duffy Design Group - https://www.duffydesigngroup.com/ 1:27 - Ann Bergmeyer - https://www.bergmeyer.com/1:28 - Bamo - https://www.bamo.com/ 2:42 - RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) - https://www.risd.edu/ 2:44 - Michael Booth 9:23 - Anne Wilkinson 12:04 - Brown University - https://www.brown.edu/ 19:48 - Ashley Venturini20:20 - Harvard (university) - https://www.harvard.edu/ 20:21 - Wentworth Institute of Technology - https://wit.edu/ 20:22 - MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) - https://www.mit.edu/ 20:23 - NESAD (New England School of Art & Design) - https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/colleges/new-england-school-of-art-design 20:24 - Suffolk University - https://www.suffolk.edu/ 21:00 - Backen & Gillam Architects - https://backengillamarchi.com/ 27:30 - Sergio Mercado (designer, Bamo New York)29:00 - Chatham Luxury Home Summit - https://luxuryhomedesignsummit.com/ 32:10 - NEWH - https://newh.org/ 32:11 - Brick and Wonder - https://brickandwonder.com/ 34:50 - Ocean House, Watch Hill (hotel) - https://www.oceanhouseri.com/ 34:51 - Bretton Woods / Mount Washington (resort) - https://www.brettonwoods.com/ 34:52 - Raffles Boston - https://www.raffles.com/boston/ 35:11 - Chatham Bars Inn - https://www.chathambarsinn.com/ 35:12 - Main Street Hospitality - https://www.mainstreethospitality.com/ 50:10 - Nicole Hollis - https://www.nicolehollis.com/ 50:11 - Howard Backen 53:42 - Glennon Doyle - https://glennondoyle.com/ 54:00 - Embarcadero One 54:01 - Mount Tam / Mount Tamalpais54:02 - Alcatraz 55:30 - Don Winslow - https://www.donwinslow.com/ 55:31 - Austin Butler (actor)🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The Puzzle of Architecture - Andrew Ashey - AAmp Studio - Episode # 239

    The Puzzle of Architecture - Andrew Ashey - AAmp Studio - Episode # 239
    Feb 18 2026
    What does it mean to find joy and creativity in the constraints of adaptive reuse?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Andrew Ashey, Founder and Principal of AAmp Studio, to discuss the expansive nature of hospitality design, the importance of engaging with diverse community elements, and the delightful challenges presented by adaptive reuse.Takeaways:Architecture is a collaborative puzzle. Andrew finds the challenge of collaboration a central aspect of his practice. Architecture involves working with clients, consultants, and contractors to bring visions to life within existing structures.Context and continuity are vital. Andrew discusses the significance of understanding and preserving the historical context of buildings, particularly in projects like the Municipal Grand in Savannah.Lifelong learning helps the practitioners and the community. Engaging with academic institutions and community organizations allows architects like Andrew to remain at the forefront of design innovation.Approach projects with enthusiasm and creativity. For Andrew, maintaining a balance between professional demands and creative fun is essential.Adaptive reuse champions sustainability. Andrew argues that adaptive reuse is among the most sustainable practices, breathing new life into spaces while preserving their integral stories.Expanding hospitality venues beyond private spaces. Andrew sees these spaces as extensions of the public realm, contributing to the vibrancy of a locality.Quote of the Show:“I find architecture and design to be one big puzzle. That’s what I love most about it.” - Andrew AsheyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-ashey-a7a9245/ Company website: https://aampstudio.com/ Shout Outs:0:51 - University of Maine Augusta https://www.uma.edu/ 1:02 - Board of Architects https://www.boardofarchitects.org/ 1:19 - AAmp Studio https://aampstudio.com/ 1:35 - Dave and Jenna Kaplan / Death & Co https://www.deathandcompany.com/ 1:59 - NAWH (Newh - The Hospitality Network) https://newh.org/ 8:42 - Anne Marie Armstrong (AAmp Studio Partner)10:08 - AIA Maine https://www.aiamaine.org/ 11:35 - Maine Interior Design Association https://www.midame.org/ 24:13 - Municipal Grand (Savannah) https://municipalgrand.com/ 25:25 - 465 Congress Street, Portland, Maine (Hotel Project)43:45 - SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) https://www.scad.edu/ 48:32 - UNLV Hospitality https://www.unlv.edu/hospitality 51:07 - Deborah Berke / Deborah Berke Partners https://www.dberke.com/ 51:07 - Yale School of Architecture https://www.architecture.yale.edu/ 51:30 - Bridget Shim / Shim-Sutcliffe Architects https://www.shim-sutcliffe.com/ 53:36 - Paul Rudolph (Architect)53:43 - Hotel Marcel (New Haven) https://www.hotelmarcel.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • The Value of Storytelling - Ian Sharpe - NextTrip - Episode # 238

    The Value of Storytelling - Ian Sharpe - NextTrip - Episode # 238
    Feb 11 2026
    How can travel channels inspire personal growth and global understanding?In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Ian Sharpe, the Chief Operating Officer of Media at NextTrip, to explore the transformative power of hospitality and storytelling in the realm of global travel. With a vast experience spanning video games and visual media, Ian delves into the intricate tapestry of how cutting-edge technology, media, and human connection shape the way we experience the world.Takeaways:Hospitality is about turning strangers into friends. Ian Sharpe emphasizes this historical tradition as the core of Journey TV’s mission to celebrate diverse cultures and connect people globally.Journey TV transforms inspiration into itineraries. By drawing on video game industry techniques, the network integrates storytelling with travel booking for an enriched travel experience.Authenticity drives Journey TV's content. The network focuses on human stories, whether culinary or adventurous, to explore why people travel and engage deeply with viewers.Cultural richness is captured through storytelling. Programs like "Tide" and "Borderless Table" highlight local experiences, providing a comprehensive view of destinations.Technology enhances viewer engagement. Journey TV uses QR codes and AI-driven itineraries to turn inspiration into seamless travel planning.Travel fosters growth and connection. Journey TV promotes travel as a way to build understanding and friendship, supporting Dan’s vision of hospitality as a human bridge.Quote of the Show:“A storyteller is all about weaving with the imagination. If you can convert that to commerce, then the shareholders are all the happier.” - Ian SharpeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianstuartsharpe/ Company website: https://nexttrip.com/ Shout Outs:1:10 - Journey TV https://www.journeytv.com/ 1:10 - Next Trip (NASDAQ: NTRP) https://www.nexttrip.com/ 13:50 - WTM (World Travel Market) https://www.wtm.com/ 13:50 - Trend Fest (at WTM)15:35 - Samsung Smart TV https://www.samsung.com/ 15:35 - LG TV https://www.lg.com/ 15:35 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ 17:00 - Brand USA https://www.visittheusa.com/ 17:15 - Fin Partners (PR Agency)17:40 - Aman Tourism Board17:55 - Iron Man (Endurance Race) https://www.ironman.com/ 20:50 - Tide (Journey TV Show)20:55 - Chef Ben and Chef Rachel (Below Deck)20:55 - Below Deck (Bravo) https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck 21:10 - Sea Cloud (Luxury Cruise) https://www.seacloud.com/ 25:10 - Borderless Table (Journey TV Show)25:15 - Paradise Kitchen (Journey TV Show)27:15 - Anthony Bourdain46:55 - Go USA Channels49:25 - Five Star Alliance https://www.fivestaralliance.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
No reviews yet