Foundry Talks: The Hospitality Podcast

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Jasmine Seliga, founder of Affixify, a fast-growing platform revolutionizing how hotels discover and adopt the right tech. Jasmine shares her unexpected journey from aspiring medical sales representative to hospitality tech trailblazer, offering a behind-the-scenes look at launching a purpose-driven startup, navigating acquisitions, and building a business culture that will last.

We explore the critical challenges hotels face when integrating new technology, like lack of time, fragmented systems, and pay-to-play recommendations, as well as how Affixify is solving them through unbiased matchmaking, automation, and a commitment to authentic, people-first connection. Jasmine also touches on current tech trends, the real impact of AI (or lack thereof), and why understanding your team is so important when evaluating a tech stack.

Whether you're a hotelier, tech vendor, or startup founder, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it really takes to modernize the hospitality space, without losing sight of the human element.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski welcomes Mary Beth Blauser for a thoughtful exploration of what luxury travel looks like through the eyes of a guest, a professional, and an insider. With a background in law and a global perspective shaped by her experiences living in the Caribbean and traveling abroad, Mary Beth reflects on the moments that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. From personalized hospitality touches to authentic cultural encounters, she shares stories that highlight the emotional power of human connection in travel. This episode offers an honest look at how modern travelers, especially younger generations, are redefining luxury, and why brands that focus on meaning over material are the ones that leave a lasting impression.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Ami Jones, founder of TerraFauna Journeys, a purpose-led travel company that’s reshaping what it means to explore the world. For Ami, travel isn’t just about where you go it’s about how you show up and the impact you have on your destination. Through immersive, conservation-focused journeys, TerraFauna Journeys gives travelers the opportunity to witness wild places while ensuring they're protected for the future. Ami shares her personal story of how a moment in Belize sparked her passion to help the future of travel and show other adventurers why luxury today means access — not excess. From rewilding projects to rhino IVF programs in South Africa, you’ll hear how travel, when done right, can fund, support, and amplify critical conservation efforts across the globe.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski sits down with Tyler Bender, Director of Consumer Sales at Alexana Winery, for a conversation that goes far beyond wine. Tyler shares how his background in hospitality shaped his approach to sales, and why building personal connections is still the most powerful tool in creating loyal guests and long-term brand advocates. From the value of genuine service to the role of reviews, referrals, and curated travel experiences (yes, even to Argentina), Tyler offers thoughtful insights into what it takes to grow a brand in the wine industry—and what other F&B brands can learn from it. Whether you're pouring Pinot or scaling a lifestyle brand, there’s plenty to take away.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanowski sits down with Noël Russell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Luxe Haus—a luxury vacation rental company redefining what it means to create a hospitality brand. From her early days in the fashion industry to shaping one of the most transparent and values-driven companies in short-term rentals, Noël shares her personal and professional evolution. The conversation explores the power of brand identity, the nuance of serving both homeowners and guests, and why SEO and organic traffic still matter more than ever. Noël also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Luxe Haus crafts elevated experiences—from welcome kits to lasting impressions—and why genuine connection is the new currency in luxury travel.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski interviews Jeff and Austin Clegg from Redfish Lake Lodge, exploring the unique challenges and experiences of running a legacy property. They discuss their family journey, the magical qualities of the lodge, the variety of activities available, and the importance of maintaining authenticity while adapting to modern demands. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies, employee culture, and future visions for the lodge, emphasizing the balance between growth and preserving the essence of the property.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Sarah Stahl, the Director of Marketing at Retreet Resort & Spa, Alabama's first luxury glamping resort, shares her insights on launching a new travel brand. She discusses the challenges of marketing during construction, the importance of transparency and communication, and how to build trust with guests. Sarah emphasizes the power of content creators in hospitality marketing and explains her innovative strategies for collaboration. She also provides valuable advice for travel brands looking to enhance their marketing efforts and shares memorable travel experiences that highlight the essence of hospitality.

Resources:

• Sarah's E-Book: From Views to No Vacancies

• ReTreet Viral Reel

In this episode of Foundry Talks, the co-founders of⁠ The Travel Foundry⁠ discuss the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality marketing. They emphasize the importance of agility, authenticity, and a deep understanding of guests as essential elements for success. The conversation covers personal journeys into the industry, the need to break traditional agency models, and the significance of understanding client needs. They also address common challenges such as seasonality, enhancing guest experiences, and creating value beyond just pricing. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of team alignment and communication in delivering a cohesive guest experience. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of a cohesive brand strategy in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration among team members to achieve a unified vision. They explore the role of AI in enhancing guest experiences while stressing the irreplaceable value of human interaction. The discussion also covers the effectiveness of influencer marketing, comparing high-profile influencers to micro influencers, and concludes with a debate on the merits of digital marketing versus traditional advertising. Finally, they highlight successful brands that exemplify innovative marketing strategies.