Wil Slickers is a hospitality pro turned podcasting powerhouse. He launched Slick Talk in 2018 to scratch an industry itch, then turned it into a multi-show media empire with Hospitality FM, recently acquired by Skift. Susan and Wil talk about podcast pivots, media mergers, and the messy magic of microphone mastery.

What You'll Hear About:

🎙️ Why wearing headphones matters, even with a fancy mic

🎙️ When a sponsor email changed everything

🎙️ Why Wil sold Hospitality FM to Skift

🎙️ What changes are coming to hospitality media

🎙️ How to launch a podcast that doesn’t sound like everyone else's

🎙️ Why smart money matters more than easy money

🎙️ What to avoid in marketing: stock photos, stuck messaging

🎙️ Where things got wild: a hotel checkout story involving blood, blow-up dolls, and a weird whisper

Our Top Three Takeaways:

1. Be Original

Whether you’re building a podcast network or a hospitality business, success starts with knowing who you are and what you stand for. Wil's experience growing and selling Hospitality.FM shows the power of having a clear, unapologetic point of view. Steer clear of the same old stock photos and podcast formats.

2. Long-Term Thinking Beats Short-Term Wins

In both content and hospitality, it's tempting to chase quick results, but real growth happens when you play the long game. Wil built trust with creators and brands by investing in consistency, quality, and relationships rather than shortcuts. Easy money can be surprisingly expensive.

3. Persist

When things weren’t going well, Wil focused on his “why” and gave himself permission to evolve instead of quitting. He believes persistence isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about being honest, staying curious, and adjusting your path while staying true to your mission.

Wil Slickers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/

Hospitality.FM https://hospitality.fm/

Acquisition Announcement on Skift https://skift.com/2025/07/29/skift-expands-community-and-multimedia-offerings-with-two-strategic-acquisitions/

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69: Our First AI Guest with Josiah Mackenzie https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/125

03: Dude, Calm Down with Calvin Tilokee https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/125

125: Stand in the Room with Michele Kline and Stephanie Leger https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/125