Best Seismic Sessions Podcasts (2025)

1
How Pyramid Global Is Rethinking Hotel Management 47:17

6h ago47:17

47:17

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko sit down with Warren Fields, CEO of Pyramid Global Hospitality, one of the largest hotel management companies in the world. Fields offers a rare inside look at how hotel operators really think, from the economics of rising costs and stagnant rev…

1
Inside Soul Community Planet, the Hotel Brand Betting on Conscious Travel 41:58

5d ago41:58

41:58

On this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sit down with Ken Cruse, CEO and Co-Founder of Soul Community Planet, one of hospitality’s most unconventional emerging brands. Cruse, whose background spans Marriott, Host Hotels, and Sunstone Hotel Investors, walks us through why he left the traditional hotel playbook b…

1
Inside Saudi’s Big Tourism Bet and Google’s Booking Disruption 40:18

8d ago40:18

40:18

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko unpack one of the biggest stories in global tourism right now: Saudi Arabia’s explosive push to become a world travel hub. Fresh off a reporting trip to Riyadh, Sarah shares on-the-ground insights from Tourise—including the scale of development, the country’s prestige mega-proj…

1
Why Low Cost Airlines Win in Europe but Struggle in the U.S. 53:27

15d ago53:27

53:27

In this airline-deep-dive edition of the Skift Travel Podcast, Head of Research Seth Borko teams up with Airline Editor Gordon Smith to unpack one of the most puzzling trends in global aviation: why ultra-low-cost carriers soar in Europe while their U.S. counterparts continue to stumble. Drawing on fresh analysis and industry reporting, they break …

1
New York's New Mayor Zohran Mamdani & The Eastward Shift in Travel 32:32

24d ago32:32

32:32

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko unpack a big week in travel and politics. Fresh off Skift Global Forum East in Abu Dhabi, they discuss how the center of gravity in global tourism is moving eastward and what it means for destinations across the Middle East and Asia. Then, they …

1
Flying Cars, Privatized Airports, and the Future of U.S. Aviation 44:37

1M ago44:37

44:37

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko are joined by aviation attorney Jennifer Trock, a partner at Morgan Lewis and one of the leading legal minds in global aviation. Together, they unpack what the latest U.S. aviation legislation means for travelers — from a $12.5 billion overhaul …

1
Can the U.S.-Europe Travel Corridor Recover? 38:56

1M ago38:56

38:56

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko unpack the transatlantic slowdown — why over a million European tourists are skipping the U.S. and what it means for global travel. Fresh off Skift’s first-ever Transatlantic Summit, they dive into the data behind the world’s most important trav…

1
Glenn Fogel on Booking.com’s AI Strategy, Connected Trip Vision, and the Future of Travel 27:29

2M ago27:29

27:29

In this Skift Travel Podcast live session from Skift Global Forum, Skift’s Founding Editor Dennis Schaal sits down with Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com and Booking Holdings, for a wide-ranging discussion on how technology is reshaping online travel. Fogel reflects on Booking’s evolution from the dot-com era to the dawn of agentic AI, sharing how th…

1
Skift Sessions Episode featuring Brian Chesky, CEO & Founder of Airbnb 37:20

2M ago37:20

37:20

In this special Skift Travel Podcast live session from Skift Global Forum, Skift CEO and Founder Rafat Ali sits down with Brian Chesky, CEO and Founder of Airbnb, for an in-depth conversation about the company’s evolution and what’s next for one of the world’s most influential travel brands. Chesky discusses Airbnb’s bold expansion beyond stays int…

1
Rethinking Cruising for the Modern Traveler - Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

Luxury hospitality veteran Anna Nash, now President of Explora Journeys, joins Skift’s Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko to unpack how the brand is reframing the cruise experience as “ocean travel.” From positioning ships as floating boutique hotels to balancing wellness, cuisine, and destination immersion, Nash shares how Explora Journeys is targeting bo…

1
Airbnb’s Hotel Push, Expedia’s AI Strategy, and Lessons From Skift Global Forum 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

This week on the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko return from the Skift Global Forum in New York City with their biggest takeaways from the industry’s “Super Bowl.” They break down Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s remarks about the company “getting serious” about hotels, examine Expedia’s latest moves in ar…

1
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta on Leadership, Culture, and 18 Years of Growth 1:09:02

3M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta joins Skift CEO/Founder Rafat Ali for a candid conversation about leadership, culture, and navigating nearly two decades at the top of one of the world’s largest hotel companies. Nassetta reflects on how his personal approach to hospitality — from cooking dinner for large groups…

1
How AI, OTAs, and Shifting Consumer Behavior Are Reshaping the Industry 57:35

3M ago57:35

57:35

As Skift gears up for Global Forum in New York, this week’s podcast features a replay of our recent webinar, Online Travel in Flux. Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit join founding editor Dennis Schaal to explore the forces transforming online travel. From the rise of AI in trip planning to the latest OTA strategies, loyalty innovations, and regulatory pre…

1
The FIFA World Cup: Tourism, Strategy, and the $3.3B Opportunity 34:42

3M ago34:42

34:42

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is on, and New York–New Jersey is set to host the world’s biggest stage — including the final at MetLife Stadium. Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit sit down with Bettina Garibaldi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the NYNJ Host Committee, to unpack how the region is preparing for an event expected to …

1
Inside Agoda’s AI Bet: Building Silicon Valley in Bangkok 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

Throughout the summer, Skift CEO Rafat Ali has been sitting down with travel leaders around the world for wide-ranging conversations about real estate, artificial intelligence, emerging destinations, independent hotels, and more. For the last episode in this series, Ali sits down with Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern to talk about the evolution of Agoda…

1
New York to London in 3 Hours? Boom Supersonic’s CEO Is Betting on 2029 38:43

4M ago38:43

38:43

On this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, co-hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko return from their summer break with a high-speed conversation featuring Boom Supersonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl. Scholl shares how Boom is working to make three-hour transatlantic flights a reality by the end of the decade, why Concorde failed to scale, and how Bo…

1
Brookfield’s Global Bet on Hospitality’s Future 40:34

4M ago40:34

40:34

In this rare first-ever podcast appearance, Shai Zelering, Global Head of Hospitality Investments at Brookfield Real Estate, sits down with Skift CEO Rafat Ali to discuss how one of the world’s largest real estate investors is shaping the future of travel and hospitality. From billion-dollar acquisitions in Europe to long-term plays in India, Shai …

1
Good Morning Hospitality: Marriott Flat, Inclusive Hiring & TSA Shake-Ups 38:57

4M ago38:57

38:57

While Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit are taking a short summer break, we’re sharing another episode from our show, Good Morning Hospitality. If you caught the first crossover episode earlier this month, you heard from the Monday short-term rental crew. Today, we’re featuring the Wednesday hotel crew—⁠Sarah Dandashy and ⁠Steve Turk⁠—who cover hotels, tr…

1
Building Humanity into Hospitality Management with Valor’s Global CEO 44:36

4M ago44:36

44:36

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks with Euan McGlashan, Global Co-Founder, CEO, and Owner of Valor Hospitality Partners, about what’s broken—and what’s still worth rebuilding—in U.S. hospitality. With a presence in 20 countries and nearly 100 properties, Valor is redefining what hotel management looks like, from …

1
Slick Talk: Beyond the Eight Hours & Hospitality’s Next Chapter 52:27

4M ago52:27

52:27

Wil Slickers here again, and I’m closing out our summer break by sharing one of my favorite episodes from Slick Talk — a deep, future-focused conversation with Richard Valtr, founder of Mews. Richard and I go beyond operations to explore what it means to think theologically about hospitality: why the real competition isn’t other hotels but the hour…

1
From Local Roots to Global Reach: Asia’s Hospitality Growth Strategy 42:15

4M ago42:15

42:15

Join industry leaders Rafat Ali, CEO & Co-Founder of Skift, and Siradej "Champ" Donavanik, Vice President Development (Global), of Dusit International, as they explore how Asian hospitality brands are carving out a unique identity amid global competition. From managing villas across continents to expanding beyond Thailand, they discuss the importan…

1
Suite Success: Why Every City is a Food City, According to Top Chef’s Gail Simmons 1:08:29

4M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

While Sarah and Seth are on a summer break, we are taking the opportunity to introduce listeners to new shows. Today that is a Suite Success episode. Host Katie Cline sits down with Top Chef judge and culinary storyteller Gail Simmons to talk travel, taste, and the unexpected power of a good meal. From her early days in food media to two decades on…

1
Good Morning Hospitality: Predictions for Travel, Tech, and Guest Experience 36:59

4M ago36:59

36:59

This is a special crossover episode between Good Morning Hospitality and the Skift Travel Podcast. Following the recent acquisition of Good Morning Hospitality and Hospitality.FM by Skift, we’re sharing this episode to introduce Skift listeners to the voices, format, and perspective that power one of the industry’s most dynamic live podcasts. Good …

1
Blending Hotels and Rentals: Dart’s Bet for Group Travel at Scale 32:06

5M ago32:06

32:06

Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks with Chris Kelsey, President of Dart Interests, about how the firm is pushing the boundaries of what a resort can be. At the heart of the conversation is Evermore Orlando, Dart’s $2.5 billion destination next to Disney World that blends managed vacation rentals with luxury hotels, all designed with families and groups in m…

1
Airbnb’s Expansion Strategy: How Services and Experiences Are Changing the Trip 21:56

5M ago21:56

21:56

Today’s Skift Travel Podcast was recorded live at Skift Forum Asia Bangkok when Airbnb Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson joined us to unpack one of the company’s biggest launches in years: the global expansion of curated experiences and in-stay services. Stephenson shares how Airbnb is integrating new offerings like private chefs, trainers, sp…

1
Simplicity in Loyalty: The Way Out For Indie Hotels 58:19

5M ago58:19

58:19

In this in-depth conversation, Skift Founder Rafat Ali sits down with Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), to unpack how the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands is carving out a distinct path in the hospitality landscape. With more than 45 brands—and more joining every year—GHA is proving that collaboration, not conso…

1
Why This Summer Is Breaking Flight Crews and the System 35:08

5M ago35:08

35:08

This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants. Host Sarah Kopit and Nelson discuss the challenges flight attendants face amid record-breaking summer travel, ongoing labor negotiations, and the evolving political landscape. Topics include aviation safety…

1
Why the AI Revolution in Travel Depends on Payment Infrastructure 49:29

5M ago49:29

49:29

AI is rapidly reshaping the travel industry, but companies that want to fully leverage its potential must prioritize their payment infrastructure, says Jess Conroy, founder and CEO of ROH, a payment management platform for the hospitality sector. Conroy, who launched ROH two years ago, recently raised $9.2 million in a funding round led by Highgate…

1
Welcome to Extreme Heat Summer Travel 43:17

5M ago43:17

43:17

Host Sarah Kopit is joined by Skift’s Climate Reporter Darin Graham to discuss the extreme heat that is dominating summer travel. Kopit and Graham give a brief perspective on the changing nature of summer travel before presenting Graham’s podcast about a NetZero hotel in England that positions itself as a way to improve upon the travel industry’s c…

1
Rafat Ali x Bhanu Chopra: On Building from India for the World 1:01:05

5M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, RateGain Founder Bhanu Chopra joins Rafat Ali to explore how the company is helping shape the infrastructure of modern travel. From AI-powered pricing to real-time distribution and demand insights, Bhanu breaks down how RateGain is evolving to meet the needs of a more connected and volatile travel landsc…

1
How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Business Travel 30:38

5M ago30:38

30:38

Host Seth Borko is joined by Amadeus' Head of Research and AI Center of Excellence, Rodrigo Acuna Agost, and Marilyn Markham, VP of AI & Automation Strategy at American Express Global Business Travel. Both panelists emphasized that agentic AI — autonomous systems that pursue a goal and interact with their environment — is the hottest trend in trave…

1
AI and the Future of Travel Startup Investment 25:51

6M ago25:51

25:51

What do travel investors really think about AI, startups, and the future of travel? In this unscripted Ask Me Anything session, three top venture experts answer real questions from the audience – no slides, no pitches, just sharp takes and honest insights. Host Sarah Kopit was joined for this conversation by Cara Whitehill (Vice President, Thayer I…

1
What Travel Startup Investors Are Looking for Now 39:42

6M ago39:42

39:42

Hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined on today's Skift Travel Podcast with Kevin Tsang, Managing Director at Amex Ventures. They discuss the future of travel, the impact of AI, and investment strategies in the travel sector through the lens of venture investment. They explore the role of technology in enhancing travel experiences, the potenti…

1
Tripadvisor Is Turning 25. Here’s What Its CEO Says About Its Future 45:57

6M ago45:57

45:57

Travel review brand Tripadvisor is turning 25. So for today's episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko host Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg. They discuss the evolution of Tripadvisor from its humble beginnings above a pizza shop to becoming a leading travel resource for at least a generation. Goldberg shares insights on the com…

1
The Private Sector’s Role in Saudi’s Travel Ambitions 45:15

6M ago45:15

45:15

For this bonus episode, Skift CEO Rafat Ali is joined by Almosafer CEO Muzzammil Ahussain to discuss the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia, the significance of Saudi travelers on the global stage, and the impact of recent changes in visa regimes. Ahussain shares his personal journey from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia, the growth of Almosa…

1
The New Era of Solo Women Travelers 42:42

6M ago42:42

42:42

This week Sarah Kopit and Seth Bork’s are joined by JourneyWoman’s (https://journeywoman.com/author/carolyn-ray/) Carolyn Ray and Intrepid Travel’s (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/) Leigh Barnes to discuss the growing trend of solo women travelers over 50. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the travel industry, highlighting a rece…

1
18: Redefining Enablement in Financial Services: Where It Started, Where It’s Going 26:17

7M ago26:17

26:17

In this episode of Seismic Sessions, hosts Gemma Livermore and Rachael Rowe explore the seismic shifts transforming enablement in financial services. Joined by industry leaders Jalpa Bhatt, Director of Marketing Technology at Janus Henderson Investors, and Deepika Sehgal, Enablement Strategist at Capital Group, the conversation dives into how firms…

1
What’s Next for Short-Term Rentals: Regulations, Airbnb, AI and More 45:14

7M ago45:14

45:14

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko speak with Vered Raviv-Schwarz, the president and COO of Guesty (https://www.guesty.com/), to explore the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and travel tech. They discuss the current state of the market, the role of Guesty in property management, investor perspectives on …

1
Rewiring Hotel Tech for Humans 47:15

7M ago47:15

47:15

Seth Borko sat down with Richard Valtr, founder of cloud-PMS provider Mews, during the Mews Unfold conference in Amsterdam. Valtr explains this company's long-standing vision: strip away check-in bureaucracy so staff can greet guests as people, not reservations – a problem that still demands modern tech such as AI, computer vision and open APIs. He…

1
French-Waiter Engineers? Inside Palantir’s Opinionated Approach to Travel Tech 49:10

7M ago49:10

49:10

Rather than just sell travel brands what they think they want, Palantir's employees have opinions about what they really need. Skift Travel Podcast hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sat down with Breno Helfstein Moura, the Head of Hospitality at Palantir. Moura discusses how Palantir leverages data and AI to solve complex problems in travel, includi…

1
Marriott CEO on Next-Gen Loyalty and Market Volatility 29:14

7M ago29:14

29:14

In March, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano sat down with Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit for a session at Skift Forum India. In a wide-ranging conversation, Capuano highlighted the strength and evolution of the Bonvoy loyalty program, which now appeals beyond business travelers to include leisure guests by offering diverse and accessible rewards. He …

1
The Brand That Set The Standard for Lifestyle Hotels 39:37

7M ago39:37

39:37

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko talk lifestyle hotels with Amar Lalvani, Executive Vice President, President & Creative Director, Lifestyle at Hyatt. They explore the evolution of The Standard brand following Lalvani's acquisition of it in 2013, its unique offerings, and how it has set the benchmark for…

1
AlUla and the New 7,000-Year-Old Tourist Destination 38:05

8M ago38:05

38:05

In today’s episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko engage with Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer of AlUla, to discuss the ambitious plans for transforming AlUla into a premier tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. With a budget of $50 billion over ten years, AlUla aims to create a unique tourism ecosystem that highlights i…

1
Southeast Asia's Tourism Recovery: A Deep Dive 52:31

8M ago52:31

52:31

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, guest host and Skift CEO Rafat Ali discusses the current state of tourism in Southeast Asia with experts Gary Bowerman and Hannah Pearson – hosts of The South East Asia Travel Show. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on the region's tourism recovery, the significance of Chinese travelers, pricing trends…

1
Minor Hotels and Strategizing for Film Tourism Success 54:25

8M ago54:25

54:25

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali interviews Ian Di Tullio, the global chief commercial officer of Minor Hotels. They discuss the growth and strategy of Minor Hotels, the impact of recent events like earthquakes on the hospitality industry, and the evolving landscape of loyalty programs. Ian shares insights on market …

1
17: Empowering Advisors, Elevating Experiences 31:23

8M ago31:23

31:23

In this episode of Seismic Sessions, hosts Gemma Livermore and Rachael Rowe explore how financial services firms are leveraging technology to enhance advisor enablement. Joined by Kirsty Watson from Aberdeen and Dean Heltemes from Ameriprise Financial, they discuss the evolving landscape of advisor practices, the challenges of integration, and the …

1
White Lotus, Artificial Intelligence and the New Business of Luxury Travel 58:57

8M ago58:57

58:57

Today Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined by Tom Marchant from Black Tomato to delve into the evolving landscape of luxury travel. They discuss the definition of luxury, the importance of emotional connections in travel experiences, and how travel advisors play a crucial role in understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on innov…

1
Borders, Bans, and Bookings: Navigating U.S. Travel Right Now 29:38

8M ago29:38

29:38

This conversation with Skift Editors and the head of Skift Research explores the intricate relationship between economic policies, particularly those of the Trump administration, and their impact on the travel industry. The discussion delves into various factors such as travel bans, tariffs, and consumer sentiment, highlighting how these elements s…

1
The Next Generation of Golden Visas 37:37

9M ago37:37

37:37

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the emerging trend of golden visas, particularly in light of U.S. President Trump's recent announcement regarding a new program in the U.S. They explore the market for these visas, the motivations behind them, and the potential risks involved. Max Tremaine, CEO of Sherp…

1
16: Innovating Through Partnerships: Banks and Tech Companies Driving Financial Services Forward 36:51

9M ago36:51

36:51

In this episode of Seismic Sessions, hosts Rachael Rowe and Gemma Livermore sit down with Esra Demir, Group Digital Partnership Director at HSBC, and Marcus Martinez, Financial Services Industry Advocate – EMEA at Microsoft, to explore how partnerships between banks and tech firms are reshaping financial services. They discuss the role of open bank…

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Seismic Sessions Podcasts

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