Podcasts about Luxury

The right room can change everything for your art business.✨ If you've ever felt that quiet pressure to donate your work to a charity event and hoped it might lead somewhere meaningful, I want you to know your generosity is not the problem. Your instinct to contribute is beautiful, and it deserves a strategy that honors both your heart and your brand. Over the years, I began to recognize a powerful connection between philanthropy and my most aligned collectors, and when I approached those opportunities with intention instead of obligation, everything felt clearer and more profitable. This conversation will help you see how charity can support your growth without compromising your positioning, and how to use these rooms to build real relationships with serious buyers.  

In this episode of The Distribution, Brandon Sedloff sits down with Travis Pritchett, CEO of HMC, to unpack his unconventional path into alternatives and the evolution of a middle-market investment firm navigating a rapidly changing private markets landscape. From a biology major and fly-fishing enthusiast to leading an $8 billion global real assets platform, Travis shares the inflection points that shaped his career and the strategic decisions that have defined HMC's growth. The conversation spans power generation, European value-add real estate, and the modernization of luxury senior housing, all framed by a focus on asset-level execution and long-term mega trends. They discuss: How Travis transitioned from banking and fly fishing into real estate private equity and ultimately into HMC's CEO role The origins of HMC's power generation strategy and how the firm is capitalizing on AI and data center demand without taking data center risk The evolution of the middle-market value add model and why specialization is becoming a competitive necessity The shift toward luxury, high-amenity senior housing and the demographic forces reshaping the sector Why Europe may present a multi-year opportunity given rebased valuations, capital flows, and competitive dynamics Links: HMC - https://www.harbert.net/ Travis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-pritchett-1343264/ Brandon on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/⁠ Juniper Square - ⁠https://www.junipersquare.com/⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:24) - Travis' background and early career (00:17:37) - Staying 20 years through growth (00:20:45) - HMC today (00:22:55) - Shared services tradeoffs and costs (00:27:27) - AI tailwinds and new competition (00:28:27) - Power investing 201 (00:29:44) - Gas vs renewables cycle (00:31:09) - Where power capital comes from (00:33:31) - Data centers without DC risk (00:36:33) - Value add platform evolution (00:40:07) - US vs Europe opportunity (00:43:54) - Seniors housing strategy shift (00:47:31) - Luxury senior living today (00:52:01) - Generalist versus specialist (00:55:09) - Reimagining with megatrends (00:57:48) - Closing and wrap up

I have a confession to make. I'm exhausted. In the best possible way after a week in Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I have so much to share with you today! My journey started on the Monday before the show began for a travel day, sound check and confirming the final details form the show. In addition to hosting the KBIS Podcast Studio again this year, moderating a panel on the NEXT Stage and recording conversations for the show, I wanted to help you prepare for the show next February in Las Vegas. But Josh, next February is like 11 months away. That's true, but here's a secret. Come a little closer, it's just us. KBIS is the essential American kitchen and bath show, full stop. It's about learning, seeing, connecting and putting all of the pieces together to understand how the American market is setting up for the next year and the trending ideas that have staying power for the next 5-10 years. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep You can listen to Convo By Design for the conversations with industry insiders. If I were a designer, I would. I believe that this show tells the stories that you should really know to get a feel for directionality of the industry. Specifiers are the plus of the industry and the ideas emanating from the show this year covered the technology revolution taking place from an AI perspective, but there's more. The kitchen is in the midst of a wholesale change. And it's exciting to see it happen in real time. Learning was a key theme this year. If you were not at the show this year, you are behind the curve. I don't say this to scare you, I tell you this so you make the time to get to the show next year. All three days and plan to see as much as you can. But, I wanted to share some of the key ideas from the show this year. For additional details, check the show notes. Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live. Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life. Luxury is durability aligned with intent. Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten. Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit. Luxury is not what you spend. It's what you never have to rethink. The Kitchen as the Primary Investment The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide. Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space. The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home. It represents identity: “I'm a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.” Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories. The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home. Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler's pantries) are rising. Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common. Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements. Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets. Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites. Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design. Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home. Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances. Longevity, performance, and service support define value. Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability. Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals. UX consistency across appliances improves adoption. Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction. Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home. Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity. Flexibility and modular integration are essential. Practical Innovation vs Feature Saturation Most consumers use only a small percentage of available features. Simplification improves usability, adoption, and satisfaction. Innovation must solve real problems—not marketing problems. Appliances as Infrastructure for Daily Life Refrigerators open dozens of times daily, making ergonomic design critical. Dishwashers, washers, and refrigeration now integrate into behavioral routines. Appliances increasingly support lifestyle efficiency, not just task completion. Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence. Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture. Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity. Performance becomes more important than appearance. Identity & Evolution in Design Designers must periodically redefine themselves and their work to remain relevant. Personal growth and evolving priorities shape professional identity and approach. Burnout vs Ambition Burnout is not a badge of honor; it results from overextension and emotional labor. Ambition aligns energy with superpowers and opportunities, creating sustainable growth. Setting boundaries is essential to differentiate productive ambition from harmful overwork. Emotional Labor & Client Management Design work involves managing client emotions, expectations, and second-guessing. Designers act as liaisons between clients, contractors, and teams, absorbing invisible pressures. Managing scope creep and change orders is a practical strategy to protect both energy and profitability. Social Media & Comparison Culture Social media can amplify unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition. Designers often feel compelled to accommodate clients' desires, sometimes overextending themselves to maintain a positive perception. These core themes coming out of the show this year tell a story that cannot be ignored. The thought process is changing. More human-centric at a time when technology seems to be taking over. Interesting times. Shifting away from that, I want to share two conversations from the show. Brandon Kirschner | Azzuro Living – Control the Process, Control the Outcome: Inside Azzurro Living's Design Advantage Brandon Kirshner of Azzurro Living explains how factory ownership, material innovation, and hands-on experimentation are redefining luxury outdoor furniture—and why relationships and resilience matter more than ever. Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, this conversation with Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, explores what it means to design, manufacture, and deliver luxury outdoor furniture with complete control over the process. Kirshner shares how owning and operating their own production facility provides a rare advantage in a crowded marketplace. This vertical integration allows Azzurro Living to oversee every step—from raw material sourcing to fabrication—ensuring performance, durability, and design integrity in extreme climates. The conversation also explores the realities of modern product manufacturing: navigating global instability, breaking through to specifiers in an oversaturated marketplace, and the renewed importance of in-person relationships. At its core, this is a story about design leadership, material obsession, and maintaining optimism in a rapidly shifting industry. Vertical Integration Changes Everything Full ownership of production facility ensures quality control Ability to experiment directly with materials and fabrication Eliminates reliance on third-party manufacturing limitations Material Innovation Drives Luxury Performance Products engineered for extreme heat and harsh winters Hands-on experimentation with rope, wicker, and aluminum Performance and longevity are core to brand value Design as the Core Differentiator Industrial design roots shape product philosophy Focus on original forms rather than “me-too” furniture Design enhances lifestyle, not just aesthetics Relationships Still Drive Specification Trade shows like High Point Market remain essential Face-to-face interaction builds trust and long-term partnerships Education through sales teams and specifier outreach is critical Resilience and Optimism in a Volatile Industry Navigating tariffs, supply chains, and global uncertainty Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset Viewing disruption as part of long-term growth In luxury outdoor furniture, control isn't just an operational advantage—it's a creative one. For Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, ownership of the manufacturing process is the foundation of everything the company does. Unlike many competitors who rely on outsourced production, Azzurro Living operates its own factory, giving Kirshner and his team direct oversight of every detail, from raw materials to finished form. This control allows for something rare in today's manufacturing environment: true experimentation. Working directly with fabricators, Kirshner explores new weaving techniques, tests material durability, and refines structural details. The result is furniture engineered not just to look refined, but to perform in punishing environments—from desert heat exceeding 115 degrees to unpredictable seasonal extremes. Kirshner's path into furniture design began with industrial design studies, where exposure to iconic modernist designers revealed furniture as both functional object and artistic expression. That perspective continues to shape his work today, where innovation isn't driven by trend cycles, but by material curiosity and structural integrity. Launching Azzurro Living in 2020 presented immediate challenges, from supply chain disruption to economic uncertainty. Yet Kirshner views volatility as inevitable rather than exceptional. Experience has taught him that adaptability—not stability—is the constant in product manufacturing. Equally important is maintaining strong relationships within the design community. Trade shows, in-person meetings, and direct engagement remain essential tools for connecting with specifiers and building trust. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Azzurro Living's approach is clear: control the process, push material boundaries, and let design lead. The result is furniture that reflects not just luxury, but intention. “Owning our factory gives us complete control—from raw material to finished product—and that changes everything.” “Design is the reason people invest in luxury furniture. Performance just makes it last.” “You can't innovate from a distance. Being hands-on with materials is where real progress happens.” “Trade shows and face-to-face interaction still matter because this industry runs on relationships.” “No matter what challenges come—tariffs, supply chain, geopolitics—we'll figure it out. That mindset is essential.” This is Cathy Purple Cherry – Founding Principal | Purple Cherry, freshly installed in the Convo By Design Icon Registry, we caught up at KBIS for a fresh take. Human-Centered Architecture, Resilience, and the Responsibility of Design Cathy Purple Cherry reflects on architecture as a lifelong act of care—supporting people through turbulence, embracing multigenerational living, rejecting trend culture, and using design as a tool for healing, connection, and growth. Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, this conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects explores architecture not as a moment of visual impact, but as a lifelong framework for human support. Purple Cherry shares her philosophy that architecture must evolve alongside the people it serves, especially during times of societal turbulence and personal change. Her work is grounded in human-centered thinking, emotional durability, and the belief that design can create stability amid chaos. The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into deeper territory—resilience shaped by hardship, the responsibility of creatives to provide clarity and options, and the importance of giving back. Purple Cherry also addresses the rise of multigenerational living, generational shifts in work culture, and the dangers of trend-driven design thinking. At its core, this conversation reveals architecture as both a professional discipline and a personal calling—one rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and service. Architecture as Long-Term Support, Not Momentary Expression Design must serve people across decades, not just visual moments Architecture provides emotional stability during uncertain times Human-centered design is becoming essential, not optional Growth Through Challenge and Adversity Personal and professional hardship builds resilience Lessons learned shape better architects and stronger leaders Teaching and mentoring are essential responsibilities Multigenerational Living as a Cultural Shift Economic and social changes are reshaping American housing Families are staying connected longer Architecture must adapt to evolving family dynamics The Responsibility of Creatives in Times of Tension Architects provide clarity and solutions amid chaos Design can serve as a “relief valve” for societal stress Creatives help people reimagine how they live Rejecting Trend Culture in Favor of Lasting Design Trend cycles are often superficial and misleading True architecture transcends short-term aesthetic movements Enduring design comes from purpose, not prediction Giving Back as a Core Professional and Personal Value Sharing knowledge strengthens the profession Service to others creates deeper meaning in creative work Design is both a gift and a responsibility For Cathy Purple Cherry, architecture has never been about creating a moment. It's about supporting a lifetime. As founder of Purple Cherry Architects, with offices in Annapolis, Charlottesville, and New York City, Purple Cherry has built a practice grounded in the belief that design must evolve alongside the people it serves. Architecture, she explains, is not about solving for a single moment, but about creating environments that support human life over time. That perspective feels especially relevant today. As social, economic, and cultural turbulence reshapes how people live and work, architecture has taken on a new role—not just as shelter, but as emotional infrastructure. Spaces must provide calm, clarity, and flexibility, particularly as multigenerational living becomes more common and families remain connected longer under one roof. Purple Cherry rejects the idea that architecture should chase trends. While the industry often focuses on forecasting aesthetic movements, she believes true design transcends these cycles. Lasting architecture emerges from purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Her perspective is shaped not only by decades of professional experience, but by personal adversity. Hardship, she explains, builds resilience and strengthens one's ability to serve others. That philosophy extends into her commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back—values she sees as inseparable from meaningful creative work. For Purple Cherry, architecture is both discipline and calling. It is a lifelong process of learning, teaching, and refining. And in a world defined by rapid change, her message is clear: the most important role of design is not to impress, but to support the people who live within it. “Architecture isn't about solving for a moment. It's about supporting people over time.” “Through suffering, we become stronger—and that's what allows us to better serve others.” “Anything in the built environment that can calm us and organize our lives becomes essential.” “Design should never be driven by trends. It should be driven by purpose and people.” “The meaning of life is discovering your gifts. The purpose of life is sharing them.”

Alisa Sparks is the Founder and CEO of Linden Creek, a luxury interior design and homestaging franchise built around elevated living and meaningful design. She also leads theLinden Creek Shoppe, an online destination for curated décor and furnishings, along withArchd, an inventory management and CRM platform created to support the home stagingand interior design community. With a background shaped by entrepreneurship, family life,and a love of travel and thoughtful interiors, Alisa brings a warm, creative perspective toboth her work and the communities she serves.Visit Alisa Sparks' Website: www.linden-creek.comInstagram: @lindencreek_ Instagram: @Alisa_Sparks_ LinkedIn (Company): linkedin.com/linden-creekLinkedIn (Alisa Sparks): linkedin.com/in/alisasparkslc/ Youtube: youtube.com/@LindenCreek

Send a textFollow the hosts on Instagram @alonbenjoseph, @scarlintheshire, @davaucher and @robnudds.Thanks to @skillymusic for the theme tune.

Velvet Acid Christ – “Icon”, 1999. Headscan – “Dissolution”, 2003. BlakLight – “Crack (Dark Mix)”, 2021. F.L.O.A.T – “(Feel It) Float”, 1997. Dina Summer – “Mars”, 2022. Klack – “Beat Unity (Future Sound of 1992)”, 2022. Axodry – “Feel It Right (Electric Track)”, 1984. Front 242 – “Quite Unusual (2)”, 1987. Venom Vampires – “Luxury in Deceit”, 2022. E-Bony – “XXX”, 2022. Sierra – “Unpredictable”, 2020. Nine Inch Nails – “Terrible Lie”, 1989. Skinny Puppy – “Stairs and Flowers (Dub)”, 1986. Out Out – “Fourth”, 1997. Website link: https://skullandcrossfades.com/the-way-the-morning-broke-was-quite-unusual

Today, in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we're revisiting one of our very popular episodes from way back in 2022 with singer, songwriter, musician, Alanis Morissette. Alanis Morissette (singer, songwriter, musician) breaks down different versions of restoration, the dangers of intolerance and a lack of boundary-setting, and the beauty of anger as a catalyst for positive change. She explains why meditation may not be for everyone, the benefits of guided meditations, and her approach to creating her new meditation album. Alanis opens up about the origins of her disordered eating, her prophetic visions about her career, and the dangers of turning anger inward. Mayim and Jonathan discuss the reasons we project our parents' relationship onto our own partners, cranial sacral therapy, and what it means to truly rest. Stick around until the end to hear Mayim sing and dissect Alanis's lyrics! Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They Said It is a quick back and forth on what was said yesterday in the world of sports. How Jayson Tatum feels about the Luxury tax and Mike Vrabel on AJ Brown.

During Super Bowl Week in the Bay, I attended Legends & Luxury, an incredible event hosted by A to Z Psychotherapy. The night brought together 49ers legends and iconic Bay Area sports figures — all in support of expanding access to mental health resources in our communities. Star power with a purpose.Learn more and support A to Z Psychotherapy at: https://www.atozpsychotherapy.orgSubscribe & stay connected: 

How did Larry Korman go from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Larry Korman, President of AKA Hotels & Residences and Co‑CEO of Korman Communities. Larry shares his journey from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world. You'll hear about:The power of design and how it shaped his career.The four generations of the Korman family and their 100+ year legacy in real estate.How AKA redefined luxury with flexible stay residences.His collaboration with Airbnb and thoughts on the future of hospitality.Personal insights on family, travel, and what's next for AKA.This episode is packed with inspiration, history, and forward‑thinking ideas for hoteliers, designers, and anyone passionate about hospitality.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7-ci3RVgY5c Links:aka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aka/posts/?feedView=allaka: https://www.stayaka.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/254Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Rebecca Bemhena is vice president, content at Shoptalk Luxe. She leads the editorial direction and research strategy for Shoptalk Luxe, with full accountability for the agenda and speaker lineup. Her work sits at the intersection of elevated retail, hospitality, and transformative technology, translating shifts in the premium consumer landscape into programming that is commercially relevant, insight-led, and built for senior decision-makers.With 11+ years of experience in content strategy and storytelling, she's motivated by bringing the right leaders into the right conversations at the moment the industry needs them most.

Have you ever looked at your hairbrush or the shower drain and felt that instant wave of dread? You aren't alone. Today, we are diving deep into the world of hair density, scalp health, and the breakthrough science behind keeping your hair where it belongs: on your head.This episode is brought to you in part by our friends at Pantene and we're joined by their Global Principal Scientist Dr. Jeni Thomas. Dr. Thomas is pulling back the curtain on the “why” behind hair shedding and explaining how drugstore haircare is leading the charge in high-tech solutions that don't require a prescription – or a bank loan.In this episode, we discuss:Normal vs. problematic shedding: How many falling strands a day is actually normal? We learn how to identify your personal baseline and how to know when it's time to seek help.Hair shedding myths: The real reason why you see a “hairball” in the shower drain, sulfates and silicones explained, and is the “seasonal shed” a real thing?Stress test: Is internal or external stress at the root of hair thinning? Dr. Jeni Thomas weighs in on the latest thinking based on the newest research.Root-anchoring: Why strengthening your roots at the scalp is the first and easiest step in preventing hair fall.Luxury vs. drugstore: The facts on why you don't need to spend $$$ on a shampoo to get next-level results.For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website. PROMO CODES: When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast! Pantene Pantene Abundant & Strong collection is all about root-focused care that strengthens the scalp's hold on hair roots by reducing oxidative stress. It's now available for purchase at Amazon and mass-market retailers. Medik8Meet Medik8's new Niacinamide Peptides Serum! Powered by 10% Niacinamide, this multi-active formula is clinically proven to deliver visibly clearer, smoother skin with pore reduction in 7 days. Visit Medik8.us to discover more, and use code BREAKING20 to save 20% off your order.BlissyWake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep. Use code BREAKING for an extra 30% off at blissy.com/BREAKING. Because you're a listener, Blissy is offering 60-nights risk-free. Your skin and hair will thank you.Jones Road BeautyJones Road Beauty is a modern-day makeup that's clean, strategic and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Shimmer Face Oil on their first purchase. Just head to JonesRoadBeauty.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them our show sent you. Related episodes like this: SPF Truths vs. Myths With Olay Scientist Dr. Frauke NeuserHair Growth Secrets From Trichologist Abbey Yung7 Hair Truths That Only a Hairstylist Will Tell You with Kardashian Hair Pro Andrew FitzsimonsGet social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes! *Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.* Hosts: Carlene Higgins and Jill Dunn Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya
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BIO: Rob Sweetman – Former Navy SEAL, MBA, Sleep Scientist Rob Sweetman is a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist dedicated to optimizing human performance in high-stress environments. With firsthand experience of the brutal effects of sleep deprivation in military operations, Rob has spent years researching and developing solutions to improve sleep for service members, first responders, and high-performance teams. His work bridges cutting-edge science with real-world applications, focusing on resilience, cognitive readiness, and operational effectiveness. As the founder of Sleep Genius and an advisor to military and government agencies, Rob is at the forefront of revolutionizing sleep strategies for those who need them most.   SHOWNOTES:

You don't need more discipline to lead. You need less fear, fewer rules, and permission to make bad output on purpose. EPISODE SUMMARY So many leaders say they want creativity—but secretly punish it the moment it looks inefficient, awkward, or unfinished. In this episode, Jenn sits down with creativity instigator Melissa Dinwiddie to dismantle one of the biggest lies holding leaders back: that creativity is a luxury reserved for artists with time, talent, and confidence. Together, they explore what it actually takes to create sustainably—especially when you're tired, responsible, and carrying real stakes. This isn't about “finding your inner artist.” It's about building trust with yourself, loosening perfectionism, and letting play lead the way again. If you've ever felt blocked, blank, or secretly jealous of people who “just create,” this conversation will feel like oxygen. Here's What's in the Episode: [03:10] Why most people confuse talent with trust—and how that kills creativity before it starts. [07:45] The real reason perfectionism shows up (and why it's not a motivation problem.) [12:30] How fear disguises itself as “being practical,” “being busy,” or “being professional.” [18:05] What leaders get wrong about play—and why play is actually a leadership skill. [23:40] How to create when you're exhausted, overcommitted, or convinced you're “not creative.” [29:15] A simple reframe that turns creative blocks into useful information. [34:50] Why joy and creativity are not rewards—but renewable resources. Key Takeaway Creativity builds confidence. You don't wait until you feel ready. You create, and clarity follows. About the Guest: Melissa Dinwiddie Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist, keynote speaker, and recovering perfectionist who helps leaders create cultures where people can think, connect, and do their best work—especially under pressure. With a background as a Juilliard-trained dancer, professional visual artist, improviser, and jazz singer-songwriter, she brings a deeply human, embodied approach to leadership and organizational change. Melissa works with analytical leaders and teams to replace surface-level innovation tactics with small, practical experiments that build trust, psychological safety, and real momentum. Her work lives at the intersection of play, imperfection, and rapid learning—because that's where joy, creativity, and performance actually thrive. She is the author of the forthcoming book Innovation at Work, a toolkit of micro-experiments designed to help leaders unstick teams and restore the joy of meaningful work. Connect with Melissa at melissadinwiddie.com. About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com Jenn's Social Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn Resources & Links Melissa's Latest book: Innovation at Work Innovation theater is killing your team's potential. Your smartest people are stuck perfecting slides instead of testing ideas while competitors ship messy prototypes and learn what actually works. Find out more here. Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isn't extra. Joy is how you thrive. This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish. Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day. Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books. Free 99: Joyosity Explorer Map → This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work. Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity™ Jumpstart → Get crystal clear on what you want, what's in the way, and how to move forward with traction. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive → A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership. A Party for More: Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak → Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter. Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who's ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.

In this episode, we sit down with Myisha Moore, founder of Saint Enzo — a luxury modern Lambrusco designed to rival Champagne in quality and sophistication. Launched in August 2025, Saint Enzo's first release sold out within minutes online. Retailing at $80, the wine is produced entirely in Italy using 100% organic Lambrusco Grasparossa, with zero additives or cellar manipulation — challenging outdated perceptions of Lambrusco and restoring it to its historic prestige. Myisha, a brand management leader with experience across Nike, BlackRock, Ferrari, and Christian Louboutin, identified a white space in the wine and celebration market. Partnering with Armon Moore — a Creative Director with experience spanning Bentley, Bevel, and global luxury wine markets — the duo spent six years developing a product intentionally designed for modern connection and elevated celebration. In this conversation, we discuss: • Repositioning misunderstood categories as aspirational • From personal observation to market opportunity • Six years of vineyard visits and producer partnerships • The intersection of design, strategy, and luxury • Building a brand ecosystem rooted in joy and cultural relevance Saint Enzo is more than wine — it's a reframe of celebration itself. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who appreciates bold branding, luxury innovation, and visionary founders. #LuxuryWine #FounderStory #BrandStrategy #WineIndustry #Entrepreneurship   saintenzo.com

Frank Chantoiseau, general manager of Rock House, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury resort on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos. Part of Grace Bay Resorts, Rock House offers a series of villas and apartments, a high-end restaurant, and an infinity pool with perched on the highest on the island. There's access to an intimate beach and pier, as well as all the activities that have made Turks & Caicos such an exclusive resort destination. For more information, visit https://rockhouse.gracebayresorts.com All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox. 

Social housing tenants in a brand-new Dublin 8 apartment complex say they're being treated like second-class residents — because they're blocked from the gym, sauna, cinema room and other “communal” amenities… while private renters paying up to €3,500 a month get full access.Adrian says it's nobody's business what a council tenants pay and that this is pure segregation. Jeremy says “you pay for what you get” and calls the complaints pure entitlement.Plus: a travel mug winner, and another mug giveaway question at the end.

What separates six-figure entrepreneurs from seven-figure icons? Kathryn Porritt breaks down the luxury brand framework that commands premium prices. First, master one hyper-specific skill. Generalists struggle at the top—luxury clients pay for depth, not breadth. Your expertise needs years of proven results, not surface-level knowledge. Second, flip your business model. Most entrepreneurs start cheap and climb up. Luxury brands launch with high-ticket offers ($100K+) immediately, building credibility that flows downward. Third, surround yourself with peers who understand your journey. Isolation kills momentum. Community creates accountability and opens opportunities.

After living with a degenerative muscle disease and experiencing an accident that limited her independence, Karen Morales began adapting travel for herself and her family. What started as necessity quickly became expertise as clients began asking how she navigated safaris, Europe, and luxury resorts while using a wheelchair. In this episode, Karen breaks down why accessible travel extends far beyond wheelchair users. From food allergies and chronic conditions to situational injuries and age-related mobility changes, many travelers need accommodations even if they do not identify as disabled. She reveals why the real industry gap is not infrastructure but communication, what advisors often overlook, and how to ask better intake questions without overstepping. If you want to plan personalized luxury trips that truly work for every client, this conversation will shift how you approach accessibility. Looking for more resources to elevate your travel business? Join the Niche Community where ambitious advisors learn proven systems, get ongoing support, and grow their business with confidence. → https://www.tiquehq.com/niche/?utm_source=Tique_Talks&utm_medium=Show_Notes&utm_campaign=Ep194&utm_content=NicheAbout Karen Morales:Karen built a successful career in advertising and marketing as both a founder and executive before turning a lifelong love of travel into work that helps people experience the world more fully. After beginning to use a wheelchair in 2020, her relationship to travel changed and so did her mission. Karen set out to help the travel industry serve more people and open more of the world to them by pairing accessibility with what luxury travel does best: genuine, thoughtful hospitality. Through her work with Fora, she has trained hundreds of advisors, supported thousands of travelers, and helped close more than $100 million in travel in 2025 alone. By building this work through Fora, Karen is helping shape a travel industry where more people can go more places, with accessibility embedded at the heart of great hospitality.gojoyward.cominstagram.com/gojoywardforatravel.comToday we will cover:(02:40) Meet Karen: from marketing consultant to accessible travel advisor(06:50) How to ask clients about accommodations without overstepping(10:00) Situational vs. identity based accessibility(16:30) The real industry gap; communication, not infrastructure(20:30) Why hospitality feels different abroad(28:20) Luxury without sacrifice; the accessibility gap in high-end travel(33:55) Marketing accessible travel without labeling clientsFOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQThanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:

Today we ask what makes a luxury cigar in 2026?! There's lot of s cigars over $20 now buy It's not just a price tag that can qualify a cigar as a true luxury cigar or brand. Lets discuss what it takes to become a luxury cigar brand & what manufacturers should consider when attempting to create a new cigar in this category

In this episode, we're joined by Tara Bench from Foodie Creatives to talk about the power of stepping away to move forward. We're diving into why retreats and in-person experiences aren't just a nice break—they're a strategic move for building community, sparking collaboration, and avoiding burnout. Tara shares behind-the-scenes insights from the Foodie Creatives Retreat, the impact of surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives, and how hiring the right help can shift everything.If you've been running on empty, craving connection, or wondering what's next—this conversation is the reset you didn't know you needed.********************************DISCLAIMER: This audio and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of our recommended products, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our show and allows us to continue to provide you with valuable content. Thank you for your support!********************************FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://thesmartinfluencer.com/e260-why-retreats-arent-a-luxury-theyre-a-strategy/CONNECT WITH TARA BENCHWebsite Instagram InstagramCONNECT WITH CORINNE & CHRISTINAGet notified when new episodes drop Check out our YouTube channelJoin the convo on FacebookConnect on InstagramCOMMENTS, QUESTIONS, RECIPE IDEASEmail us at hello@thesmartinfluencer.comPodMatchPodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For InterviewsSupport the show

Scott Kerr sits down with Maribel Lieberman, entrepreneur, chocolatier, and founder of MarieBelle New York, one of the most recognizable luxury chocolate houses. Maribel, who moved to New York City from Honduras to pursue fashion before switching to the culinary arts, opened the MarieBelle store shortly after 9/11 and quickly becoming a welcomed fixture in the neighborhood during a period of recovery and rebuilding. She discusses why design‑driven storytelling is at the heart of the brand, navigating the rising costs of cocoa and tariffs, and younger consumers splurging on chocolate. She also talks about what she's learned from her disciplined expansion strategy into Japan and what luxury fashion boutiques can learn about fostering emotional connections with customers. Plus: How to know when to embrace new trends.Featuring: Maribel Lieberman, Founder of MarieBelle New York (mariebelle.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com)About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Stay connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

What if biohacking and AI revealed you were aging 18 years faster than you thought? Most high performers assume they're doing fine. You exercise. You eat well. Your labs come back “normal.” And yet your biology could be aging faster than your calendar.In this episode, I sit down with Dave Pascoe, the famous biohacker who has one of the slowest measured rates of aging in the world. At the end of an intensive health retreat in India, he shares his latest discoveries and methods on how he supercharges his rejuvenation and maintains his bio-regeneration edge. Dave tracks close to 1,000 blood markers, has sequenced his entire genome, and uses AI to analyze his labs, wearables, and supplement protocols. We talk about why “normal range” may be far too low a standard and how chronic stress can accelerate aging, even when someone looks fit on the outside. We also explore how artificial intelligence can help organize massive amounts of health data in ways the human brain simply cannot. And we challenge a core belief in Western medicine, asking whether joint damage truly requires replacement or if the body may still have more capacity to repair than we've been told.Dave talks about: 00:00 Regenerative medicine can prevent unnecessary joint replacement02:10 Luxury health retreats now compress months of testing into days05:10 Telomeres reveal accelerated aging in “healthy” people07:00 Chronic stress can age the body faster than poor fitness08:45 Mindset shifts measurably reduce biological stress10:40 Tracking biomarkers beats symptom-based health decisions16:35 AI enables real-time health optimization across health data22:30 Smarter supplement protocols balance precision and practicalityAdditional Resources:✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —✨ Follow Steve White on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrae100/✨ Connect with Steve White: https://www.brae100.com/—Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

What happens when you sit down with a lighting designer who's spent decades crafting immersive luxury experiences across the Middle East—and ask him what it really takes to turn a journey into an emotion?In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel travels to Dubai to sit down with Paul Miles, a veteran lighting designer who has shaped some of the region's most ambitious hospitality projects—from desert resorts where car headlights announce arrivals 15 minutes away, to the monumental facade of Atlantis The Royal, to restaurants where the threshold experience matters as much as the destination itself. This isn't a conversation about fixtures or specifications—it's a deep dive into the philosophy, process, and pressure of designing light that doesn't just illuminate, but immerses.Paul reveals why luxury is different for every client, why the journey matters more than the photo, and why the best lighting design happens when you deliberately don't design around existing products. He walks through the 12-month process of developing a single facade detail, the crude cardboard models built in-office to sell falling leaf effects, and why sometimes you have to convince a client to let you design the back-of-house with the same care as the front lobby—because their staff matters as much as their guests.

#ThisMorning | #Selling Your #Home and #Moving on to a Luxury #Cruise #Ship | Sue Barr, Professional Photographer | #Tunein: broadcastretirementnetwork.com #Aging, #Finance, #Lifestyle, #Privacy, #Retirement, #wellness

If you only listen to one podcast this year.........you should listen to more podcasts. Facebook PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever posted a picture on social media of a getaway at a five star hotel?One Irish Tiktoker has gone viral after posting that this shouldn't be normalised, and most of us have no business spending a month's wages on a luxury hotel break...So, how does social media feed into the pressure?Anne Sheeran, who posted the TikTok, as well as Travel Journalist Nicola Brady join Andrea to discuss.

DARE TO BE FEARLESS IS BACK. And this time, we're not holding anything back. Answering your questions about building this matchmaking company, the age demographics and services we offer, and how many couples have fallen in love so far! Between scaling Chief Swag Officer and growing The Love List, life has been nonstop. I've relocated to Los Angeles to build both companies simultaneously — while still spending a ton of time in Connecticut meeting so many of you in person, hosting events, and expanding The Love List into new destination cities like Boston. This season is about what it really takes to build multiple brands at once. The wins. The chaos. The travel. The pivots. The behind-the-scenes decisions no one sees. If you've ever wanted to build something big while juggling everything else in your life — this is for you. Apply for The Love List and jointhelovelist.com! Follow Alexa on Instagram here and TikTok here

Luxury can be expensive, but it can also be subtle, practical, or deeply personal. Sometimes it's about choice, sometimes restraint, sometimes the way a space or product simply works better for you. Through thoughtful discussion, the episode examines how luxury shows up in appliances and design—through performance, comfort, longevity, and everyday ease—and why it resonates differently for everyone over time This nuanced conversation explores the evolving meaning of luxury through multiple industry perspectives, featuring Devoree Axelrod, General Manager at AJ Madison, alongside industry expert Jill Cohen, Editor-in-Chief, Luxe Interiors + Design. KBIS Podcast Studio Resources: KBIS AJ Madison NKBA LUXE Interiors + Design SubZero, Wolf & Cove SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite Hearth & Home Technologies Kitchen365 Green Forrest Cabinetry Midea Luxury Isn't a Price Point. It's a Performance Standard. At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2026, leaders from AJ Madison and Luxe Interiors + Design reframing luxury as durability, intentionality, and the ability of design to support how people actually live. The word “luxury” has become one of the most overused—and least defined—terms in the design industry. At KBIS 2026, a live conversation featuring Devoree Axelrod, General Manager of AJ Madison, and Jill Cohen, Editor in Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design, set out to recalibrate its meaning. What emerged was less about price and more about performance, longevity, and intent. For decades, luxury was shorthand for premium brands, higher costs, and visual distinction. Today, that definition is insufficient. The modern homeowner isn't simply buying a product; they're investing in how their home supports their routines, relationships, and future. Luxury, in this context, becomes the elimination of friction. It's the appliance that performs reliably every day. It's the kitchen designed around how a family actually cooks and gathers. It's the confidence that decisions made today will still make sense twenty years from now. Cohen shared findings from Luxe's upcoming national survey of 1,000 leading architects, designers, and builders, confirming that the kitchen remains the single most important area of homeowner investment. More significantly, appliances are often the first and most consequential decisions made in the design process. They establish the spatial, technical, and functional framework around which everything else follows. Axelrod reinforced this from her vantage point inside one of the country's largest appliance retailers. Appliance selection determines infrastructure—electrical loads, ventilation, plumbing, and spatial relationships—making it foundational rather than decorative. When clients prioritize performance and usability first, the rest of the design aligns more effectively, both functionally and financially. The conversation also addressed the persistent myth of the fixed budget. In reality, budgets are fluid, shaped as much by emotion as by arithmetic. Homeowners may begin with a number in mind, but that number evolves as priorities clarify. The role of the designer and appliance advisor becomes essential: helping clients distinguish between what serves their lives and what merely satisfies aspiration. This shift is evident in how kitchens are expanding beyond their traditional boundaries. Secondary prep kitchens, beverage stations, outdoor kitchens, coffee bars, and integrated refrigeration throughout the home reflect a broader redefinition of convenience. These are not excesses for their own sake; they are extensions of daily life, driven by multigenerational living, remote work, and a deeper integration between hospitality and residential design. Perhaps most telling was the reframing of luxury itself. Neither Axelrod nor Cohen defined it by brand name. Instead, luxury was described as ease, time, and permanence. It is waking up and having what you need within reach. It is durability that eliminates the need for replacement. It is thoughtful planning that prevents regret. In this light, luxury is not what something costs. It is what something enables. And increasingly, what it enables is a home that works—quietly, reliably, and seamlessly—in service of the people who live there. Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live. Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life. Luxury is durability aligned with intent. Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten. Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit. Luxury is not what you spend. It's what you never have to rethink. The Kitchen as the Primary Investment The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide. Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space. The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home. It represents identity: “I'm a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.” Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories. Appliance-First Design Strategy Appliances determine electrical, ventilation, plumbing, and layout requirements. Major appliance decisions must precede cabinetry and finish selections. Early appliance specification prevents costly redesigns. Designers increasingly plan around cooking infrastructure first. Professional appliance advisors play a key role in product education and innovation updates. Budget Realities & Psychology Budgets are rarely fixed; they are often unstated or misunderstood. Clients frequently establish budgets before fully understanding what they want. Designers must define the intersection of “want” and “need.” Stretching budget in the kitchen feels justified because it is essential. Strategic trade-offs are common (invest in cooking, scale back secondary items). Transparency and cost clarity are critical in today's climate. Surprises—especially tariff or pricing shocks—undermine trust. Professional designers protect clients from unrealistic expectations and long-term regret. The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home. Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler's pantries) are rising. Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common. Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements. Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets. Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites. Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design. Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home. Lifestyle-Driven Design Trends Hospitality influences residential expectations. Convenience and personalization outweigh pure status signaling. Aging in place is shaping appliance planning (drawer refrigeration, wall ovens). Durability is increasingly valued over trend-based aesthetics. Remote work drives integrated kitchenettes and beverage access in home offices. Multiple laundry setups reflect modern household logistics. Status vs. Practicality Status still influences resale-driven decisions in some cases. However, emotional connection tends to be with category (cooking, entertaining) rather than brand alone. Longevity and service reliability often justify premium selections. Magazine-driven or editorial glamour exists—but practical function ultimately wins. Role of the Professional Designer Designers provide budget discipline and scope management. They help clients make decisions faster, reducing cost creep. They balance aspiration with feasibility. Professional oversight protects long-term value. Design is positioned not as a privilege, but as a necessity. Market & Cultural Influences COVID permanently shifted how homes are used. Entertaining moved inward; bar and pizza oven sales spiked. Multigenerational living increased spatial complexity. Social media informs but can distort expectations. Consumers increasingly research via reviews and digital channels. Clients are more cautious amid economic and tariff uncertainty. Guiding Principle “Proper planning prevents poor performance.” Early, honest, and intentional planning reduces regret. Design is both a desire business and a service industry. The goal is not excess—it is alignment between space and life.

Send a textIn this engaging conversation, Katarina Forster and Candace, the LA Facialist, delve into the world of self-care, facials, and the beauty industry. They discuss the importance of facials as a form of self-care, the misconceptions surrounding them, and how Candace built her brand on expertise and community. The conversation also touches on the significance of mindset, manifestation, and personal growth, as well as the transformative power of retreats. Candace shares her insights on skincare essentials and the importance of celebrating personal achievements.Candace:https://www.instagram.com/thelafacialist?igsh=MWJ2bGE2cW16aDh5Ng==Retreat!!!!https://www.instagram.com/radiantretreatcr?igsh=cXJuejh2dWwxa3h2TakeawaysFacials are a luxury and a form of self-care, not a necessity.Understanding client expectations is crucial for satisfaction.Building a brand requires focusing on one's expertise.Creating community is essential in the beauty industry.Mindset and manifestation play a significant role in personal growth.Self-care routines should include effective skincare practices.Celebrating personal achievements is important for self-confidence.Exfoliation and hydration are key to healthy skin.Real connections in the industry foster collaboration and support.Investing in oneself is the best way to create a fulfilling life.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Self-Care and Facials02:55 Building a Brand on Expertise05:59 Creating Community Through Retreats08:54 The Power of Manifestation and Mindset12:13 Navigating Personal Growth and Mentorship14:44 Skincare Essentials for Radiant Skin18:01 Celebrating Success and Personal Achievements

Is Portugal known for luxury? According to our latest guest, it should be! This week Dylan is joined by Alexandre Bastos Gomes. Alexandre is the managing partner at Portugal Jewels where they are building the most recognised Portuguese jewellery brand and make Portugal great again in the jewellery world. Alexandre chats to Dylan about, amongst other things, what he loves about his country, how Portugal should be more well known for the quality of it's products, how Portugal inspires their jewellery and the concept of ‘slow luxury'.FOLLOW OUR GUESTAlexandre on LinkedinPortugal JewelsABOUT PORTUGAL THE SIMPLE LIFE PODCAST: "Portugal - The simple life”, an insider's perspective to Portugal. We already know about Portugal's fantastic weather, food and beaches. In this podcast, we go deeper to meet the people who make this country so wonderful. Dylan, who has made his life in Portugal, shares an insider's perspective on what makes Portugal the unique, beautiful and fantastic country it is.  Join him and his guests weekly as they shed light on the incredible people, culture, history and lifestyle that make Portugal one of the world's best places to live! Don't forget to subscribe to our Podcast to receive more stories about living and moving to Portugal!  ⭐ EXCLUSIVE FOR SUBSCRIBERS⭐ If you're looking to buy a home in Portugal, book a 30-minute call with Dylan here: BOOK A CALL There are only 5 slots available every week – EXCLUSIVE for our podcast subscribers! SPONSOR: Portugal Realty, a Leisure Launch group company, sponsors this episode.   FOLLOW US:Portugal The Simple Life WebsitePortugal The Simple Life FacebookPortugal The Simple Life InstagramPortugal The Simple Life XPortugal The Simple Life YouTubeFOLLOW OUR HOST: Dylan Herholdt - LinkedIn Dylan Herholdt - Facebook Dylan The Simple Life - Instagram If you'd like to get in touch or share your experience with Portugal, Dylan would love to hear from you! Email: ola@portugal-the-simple-life.com WhatsApp: (+351) 910 571 613

Jeff Carreira is a meditation teacher, mystical philosopher, and author who works with a growing number of people throughout the world. As a teacher, he offers retreats and courses guiding individuals in the form of meditation he refers to as The Art of Conscious Contentment. Through this simple and effective technique, he has led thousands of people on a journey beyond the confines of fear and self-concern into the expansive, liberated awareness that is our true home.As a philosopher, Jeff is interested in defining a new way of being in the world that will move us from our current paradigm of separation and isolation into an emerging paradigm of unity and wholeness. In his books and lectures, he explores revolutionary ideas in the domains of spirituality, consciousness, and human development. He creates courses and programs that encourage people to question their most foundational experience of reality until previously held assumptions fall away, leaving space for a dramatically new understanding to emerge.Jeff is passionate about the potential ideas have to shape how we perceive reality and how we live together. His enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and he has taught at colleges and universities throughout the world.Jeff is the author of numerous books, including American Awakening, Philosophy Is Not a Luxury, The Soul of a New Self, Paradigm Shifting, and The Art of Conscious Contentment.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.Take your spiritual journey to the next level with Next Level Soul TV — our dedicated streaming home for conscious storytelling and soulful transformation.Experience exclusive programs, original series, movies, tv shows, workshops, audiobooks, meditations, and a growing library of inspiring content created to elevate, heal, and awaken. Begin your membership or explore our free titles here: https://www.nextlevelsoul.tv

If you travel for work, attend events, speak on stages, record content, or represent your company, this episode is for you. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, I'm sharing what really goes into styling clients for media appearances, galas, and corporate events — and why intentional wardrobe planning isn't about shopping… it's about strategy. In just the past two weeks, my team saved clients over 60 hours of planning, coordinating, ordering, and second-guessing. But the real transformation wasn't just time saved; it was confidence gained. Because when your outfits are handled with intention, you get to focus on what actually matters: your presence, your message, and your impact. In this episode, you'll learn:Why styling is strategy; not just shoppingThe hidden cost of last-minute outfit decisionsHow intentional wardrobe planning eliminates stress and elevates your brand If you've ever thought, “I'll just figure it out,” this might be the mindset shift you didn't know you needed. Continue building a life (and a style )that truly reflects you. 

Luxuries for the Soulhttps://luxuriesforthesoul.comExplore the rich intersection of astrology, Chinese medicine, and personal growth with Marie Bowser. In this conversation, Alexis and Marie discuss how the seasonal energies influence well-being, and you'll learn practical ways to align with the elements for a balanced life.Key TopicsSeasonal energy shifts and their impact on well-beingThe significance of the wood element in personal growthPractical ways to nourish and balance the wood elementThe influence of astrology and Chinese medicine on health and behaviorStrategies for managing emotions and hormonal healthChapters02:01 Embracing the Wood Element04:21 The Interplay of Elements and Seasonal Changes06:56 Finding Balance in Energies09:48 Practical Ways to Engage with the Wood Element12:30 The Nuances of Elemental Energies15:20 Competitive Spirit and Growth18:00 Balancing Wood Element Characteristics21:42 Exploring Personal Elements: Yin and Yang24:32 Navigating Life's Energies: Tiger vs. Rabbit29:18 Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol and Well-being35:18 Hormonal Health: The Role of the Liver43:16 Understanding Hormonal Imbalances in Women48:00 Integrating Multiple Healing Modalities54:43 Guiding Mantras and Personal Growth59:05 Personal Rituals and Priorities01:09:54 Luxury for the Soul and Well-Lived LifeConnect with Marie Bowser:https://thewayofease.comVisit Luxuries for the Soulhttps://luxuriesforthesoul.com

Subscribe to This Week in Hospitality wherever you get you podcasts: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality   Accor isn't just polishing the Orient Express legend — it's trying to industrialize it. With LVMH in the mix, the play shifts from “luxury assets” to a full ecosystem built on narrative: trains, hotels, yachts, and a throughline of romance and mythology. Scott sees the upside in that long-game brand equity, but the panel keeps circling the same risk: storytelling can sell the dream, yet only flawless operations keep it from collapsing into cosplay. Then the mood turns pragmatic with Casago's post-Vacasa reality check. A founder-led franchise business runs on trust and alignment as much as tech and scale, and Steve Schwab's CEO transition lands as a stress test for franchisees already bracing for integration chaos. Ben argues owners should protect optionality while the dust settles; Scott and Edwin frame it as a “psychological contract” moment where perception matters as much as governance. Finally, Hyatt's ChatGPT integration signals that AI discovery is becoming a real distribution layer, not a gimmick. If travelers are asking for “the right stay” conversationally, brands will win by training the narrative, not bidding on keywords. Spice of the Week closes with a blunt takeaway: creative is the only differentiator left — and hotels are still wasting money boosting the wrong posts instead of scaling what actually works.   This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey. Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary. If you're an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance   Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 — Intro 09:40 — Story #1: Accor + LVMH build Orient Express into a full luxury ecosystem 24:32 — Story #2: Casago's Vacasa-era growing pains trigger franchisee unease 33:31 — Story #3: Hyatt embraces ChatGPT discovery as the next distribution layer 46:29 — Spice of the Week     Your Hosts: Zach Busekrus — Journey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/   Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/   Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambenwolff/   Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

Jonathan and Daryl Ruiter debate whether or not Caleb Downs would be a luxury pick for the Browns.

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Luxury items that are pretty much worthless today. Love your job? You're probably healthy! And the "Condiment" Culture. That's what Paul Layendecker is BuZzin' about today on The Daily BuZz!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No intro, just vibes, Join us in this UN•THERAPY session, where we UN•THERAPIZE the luxury of international travel, the distinction between access and exposure, and what happens when the world gets bigger than your environment.Connect with UN•THERAPY PodcastInstagram: ⁠⁠@UntherapyPodcast⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠UN•THERAPY Podcast ⁠YouTube: UN•THERAPY  PodcastUN•THERAPY Facebook Group: 

You're not a brain on legs. And if upgrading your mindset or sharpening your thinking hasn't delivered the breakthrough you expected, it may be time to pay attention to the one stream of data AI can't access: your body's real-time signals.In this episode, Michael and Megan sit down with science journalist Caroline Williams to unpack interoception—your internal sensory system. It's the mechanism that helps you interpret what's happening inside your body and quietly shapes your response. Together, they explore why modern life makes it so easy to override those signals and introduce simple shifts that make a big difference.If you've felt stuck in your head, worn out from pushing through, or unsure how to care for yourself in a high-demand season, this conversation offers a different path—habits that are practical, sustainable, and refreshingly free.Memorable Quotes“Anything you do with your body is gonna affect the signals that are going from within your body to your brain. And that changes how your brain predicts what you are capable of and what's gonna happen next.”“We can either be attending to the outside world or the internal world. You can't be doing it both at the same time. So if you are constantly out there, you can't be in here. And so you need to be able to have the ability to tune in, deal and then tune back out again.”“[Our lives today] don't really match up with what we were designed for. So we have to then seek out the movement that we don't get in our everyday lives.”“The relationship between moving and brain health isn't about how much time you spend exercising, it's about how much time you spend sedentary. So it's about breaking up the sedentary time.”“One of these things that seem to be gathering momentum a little bit is the idea of movement snacks. So throughout the day, it's like the equivalent of food snacks. You can quite easily snack all day long without really noticing, and the calories add up, right? It's the same with exercise, with movement.”“One of the easiest parts of lifestyle to protect your brain health and your capacity long-term is physical activity.”“We must remember that making time to properly give ourselves a break is helping us to function better afterwards.”“The way that embodied cognition works is that when you are moving forward through space, it gives the illusion of, of moving forward and making progress sort of mentally as well as physically.”“Most of what we need to look after ourselves, we already have if we just make time for it.”Key TakeawaysYour Inner Sense Offers Real Data. Interoception is how your brain interprets signals from inside your body to shape emotion, energy, and decision-making.Modern Life Trains Us to Override the Body. When you're always “out there” (screens, noise, urgency), you lose access to what's happening “in here.”Your Brain was Built to Move While Thinking. Cognitive strength isn't separate from the body—it depends on the body being engaged.Break Up Sedentary Time. Frequent movement throughout the day matters more than one intense workout. Try “movement snacks” instead of an all-or-nothing exercise plan.Go For a Walk. Walking boosts creativity, lowers confrontation in hard conversations, and increases bonding through synchronization.Rest Is a Skill, Not a Luxury. Waking rest and deep breathing can restore the nervous system when sleep alone isn't enough.Wearables? Maybe. Is your favorite wearable helping you tune into your inner sense, or outsourcing it? If the (sometimes contradictory) data increases anxiety or confusion, it may be time to return to lived experience as the primary guide.ResourcesInner Sense by Caroline WilliamsMove! by Caroline Williamswww.carolinewilliams.netWatch on YouTube at:  https://youtu.be/L7ksuXGCp3QThis episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound

Is there a way to fix baseball's competitive imbalance without a salary cap? One proposal sparks a heated debate: keep unlimited spending, but hammer big payrolls with massive luxury taxes and force every dollar of that money to be spent on players by lower-payroll teams. The guys break down why owners would hate it, why players might love it, and how this approach could function as a “soft salary floor” without officially creating one. Would forcing teams like the Pirates or Marlins to reinvest revenue-sharing money finally stop perpetual rebuilds? And could Bird Rights–style incentives help teams keep their homegrown stars without detonating the financial system? Callers jump in on Yankee spending myths, small-market realities, and whether teams truly can afford to spend more, or simply choose not to.

Watch Us On YouTube! Chase hotel pricing questions are making the rounds again — and Richard pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening behind the scenes. From net rates and commissionable pricing to why some portals appear more expensive than others, this week's episode digs into the messy reality of hotel distribution and why blanket conclusions rarely tell the full story. From there, the aviation nerd side comes out: United gets a new operations dashboard that geeks will love, Frontier makes a bold move by returning 24 planes to its lessor, and Delta prepares to temporarily fly A321neos with 44 first-class seats before eventually installing lie-flat suites. Plus, EVA Air launches new service between Washington Dulles and Taipei — a long-haul route that opens up some interesting award possibilities. Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE ✈️ Chase Hotel Pricing Questions • Why portal rates don't always match hotel direct pricing • Net rates vs commissionable rates explained • Why comparing total all-in pricing matters • When luxury program rates (FHR, Virtuoso, etc.) actually make sense ✈️ United's New Aviation Dashboard • Real-time fleet and hub operations data • Why aviation geeks will love it • Whether airlines care about public tracking tools ✈️ Frontier Returns 24 Planes • What it means to give aircraft back to a lessor • Shrinking to profitability • Concentrating routes to improve performance ✈️ Delta's A321neo First Class Surprise • 44 first-class seats (temporarily) • Eventually just 16 lie-flat suites • What this says about premium demand ✈️ EVA Air Launches IAD–Taipei • Nearly 16-hour nonstop • Award pricing opportunities • Why Asia continues expanding in North America EPISODE 424 TIMESTAMPS 0:49 – Opening banter and Delta Boston–Honolulu award pricing shock 4:00 – SkyMiles pricing vs cash fares to Hawaii 8:27 – Delta vs Hawaiian/Alaska comparisons 13:40 – Chase hotel pricing discrepancies explained 18:29 – Luxury program rates vs prepaid member rates 25:00 – United's new "Blue Board" dashboard 27:45 – Frontier returning 24 aircraft 31:15 – EVA Air launching IAD–Taipei  35:00 – Delta A321neo with 44 first-class seats 38:40 – Is flying in the back getting worse?  

Creating Space to Pause, Connect, and Rise TogetherGet your tickets for the Philadelphia Yoga & Wellness Conference HERE In this final episode of our Philadelphia Yoga and Wellness Conference series, I sit down with Meredith Walker, founder of Mahoe Movement and creator of the Philadelphia Yoga and Wellness Conference.We talk about where the idea for the conference began, why community is essential to our human experience, and what it really means to create space for people to pause, reconnect, and feel held.Meredith shares how a life-changing yoga conference in Jamaica planted the seed years ago, how she found the courage to build something new while balancing motherhood and career, and why wellness belongs everywhere, including elevated spaces like the Ritz-Carlton.This conversation is about abundance, courage, integrity, and honoring the work that feeds your soul. It's about making room for joy. It's about community. And it's about remembering that you are worthy of beautiful experiences.If this message resonates, it's meant for you.

Carl and Mike open up the show with Braves talk as they share thoughts on whether ownership is truly willing to spend the amount of money necessary to acquire quality starting pitching. As they discuss, they share thoughts on whether Terry McGuirk is part of the reason the Braves will not spend money in order to avoid the luxury tax, which Carl notes may be the 'hard reality'.

Tools:  Protect yourself online with NordVPN: https://www.nordvpn.com/alux Get a free audiobook when you sign up: https://www.alux.com/freebook Start an online store today: https://www.alux.com/sell Sell an online course: https://try.thinkific.com/f5rt2qpvbfok Alux.com is the largest community of luxury & fine living enthusiasts in the world. We are the #1 online resource for ranking the most expensive things in the world and frequently referenced in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, Wikipedia and many more, as the GO-TO destination for luxury content!  Our website: https://www.alux.com is the largest social network for people who are passionate about LUXURY! Join today!  SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another video: https://goo.gl/KPRQT8 --  To see how rich is your favorite celebrity go to: https://www.alux.com/networth/ --  For businesses inquiries we're available at: https://www.alux.com/contact/

The short-term rental industry is shifting fast — and if you're not paying attention, you'll get left behind. In this episode, I'm breaking down the six biggest takeaways from the IMN Conference, where top operators managing hundreds of properties reveal what's really happening behind the scenes. From venture capital moves to AI breakthroughs, here's what you need to know before 2026. 5 Key Takeaways: Venture capital is quietly buying 100–200 unit property managers and reshaping the industry. Luxury rentals are outperforming commodity listings as investors chase higher returns. 80% of guest experience depends on processes — and poor systems lead to bad reviews. AI is transforming guest communication and operations — but no single tool does it all. Design matters more than ever: invest in your top 5 photos, prioritize comfort, and create visual impact. The STR market is evolving quickly — and the operators who adapt will win. Whether it's refining your processes, leveraging AI, or repositioning toward luxury, now is the time to level up. If you found value in this episode, subscribe, share it with another operator, and keep building smarter. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Gary and Shannon kick off their brand new 3-hour show as Monks & Merrill take over the 12pm hour on KFI. They celebrate the new lineup but land on an odd coincidence: Tim Conway Jr. getting an hour and Jesse Jackson's passing, connecting it to Conway's long-running bit "What The Hell Did Jesse Jackson Say?” They play audio of talking with Reverend Jackson from over 10 years ago, including Gary asking him to give a "ding dong" for Tim Conway Jr. Then, the rainstorm aftermath with wild flooding images and another round expected Thursday. US and Iran tensions are escalating with questions about what President Trump might do next. Plus, travel is officially becoming a luxury as the average US hotel rate jumped from $100 to $162 in just five years, and Shannon says rough travel is a game for the youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs. A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs. A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.