Radical Hospitality Show

By Zeke Freeman

Welcome to the Radical Hospitality Show where we dive into a fascinating blend of business expertise and genuine compansion in hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned hospitality expert or a budding

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FAQs about Radical Hospitality Show:

How many episodes does Radical Hospitality Show have?

The podcast currently has 55 episodes available.

Radical Hospitality Show episodes:

April 14, 2026From Wiped Out to $100M Exit: How Sarah Dusek Built the Glamping Brand That Changed Outdoor Hospitality
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In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and hospitality visionary Sarah Dusek to explore what it really takes to build, scale, and reinvent purpose-driven travel brands. From her beginnings as an “accidental hotelier” to co‑founding Under Canvas, one of the largest luxury glamping brands in the U.S., Sarah shares candid stories of failure, resilience, and defining moments—including the night a storm flattened her entire camp.
The conversation dives deep into scalable business models, the power of repeatability, leadership through crisis, and why identity matters more than imitation in hospitality. Sarah also unpacks her current work with Few & Far, a transformational travel brand rooted in conservation in South Africa, and Enigma Ventures, an investment fund backing women founders across Africa.
This episode is a masterclass in problem‑solving, impact-driven entrepreneurship, and building businesses that balance people, planet, and profit.

Things You’ll Learn in This Episode
How Sarah transitioned from nonprofit work to building impact-driven hospitality businesses
Why defining the right problem is half the solution in business and development
Key lessons from scaling Under Canvas from “tents in a field” to a national brand
What truly makes a business scalable—and why not every business should scale
How to respond when everything falls apart (literally) and keep moving forward
The importance of identity and personal values in hospitality brand design
How Few & Far is redefining luxury travel through conservation, community, and carbon sequestration
What investors really look for beyond pitch decks and financials
Lessons Sarah learned moving from founder to investor and why she returned to building
Practical advice for hospitality entrepreneurs navigating growth, capital, and leadership challenges

Connect with Sarah Dusek
Website: https://www.sarahdusek.com
Few & Far Travel: https://www.fandftravel.com
Few & Far Luvhondo Lodge: https://www.fewandfarluvhondo.com
Book: Thinking Bigger: A Pitch Deck Formula for Women Who Want to Change the World
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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59min
April 06, 2026The Real Economics Behind Glamping, Micro Resorts, and Outdoor Hospitality in 2026 with Connor Schwab
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In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke Freeman sits down with outdoor hospitality expert Connor Schwab to explore what actually makes a glamping, micro resort, or outdoor lodging project work.
Connor shares insights from hundreds of feasibility studies, explains the real economics of canvas tents versus hard-wall units, breaks down where operators lose money, and reveals how scale, utilities, unit mix, and direct booking strategy can make or break a project.
They discuss the shift toward professionalization in the industry, why unique architecture creates a long-term moat, and how operators can build profitable, durable outdoor properties in 2026 and beyond.

Things You’ll Learn in This Episode
How outdoor hospitality has evolved and where it's heading
Why canvas tents often fail to pencil and the hidden costs behind them
The operational challenges of glamping and seasonal setups
Why utilities usually make or break your budget
How unit mix determines ADR, occupancy, and long-term brand value
Why scale matters and why most properties struggle below $1M in revenue
How OTAs can fast-track occupancy but hurt profitability
Why unique, hand-built units outperform off-the-shelf structures
What makes a micro resort work in cold or seasonal markets
Connor’s strategy for building a $100M hospitality portfolio today

Contact Connor Schwab
• Website: https://www.clearsummitinvestments.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Connor Schwab
• Podcast: Outdoor Hospitality Podcast
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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44min
March 30, 2026How Vision Driven Leadership Builds Organizations That Last with Doug Dameron of Orchard Church
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In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke Freeman sits down with Doug Dameron, founding and lead pastor of Orchard Church in Brighton, Colorado. Doug shares the journey of growing Orchard from a small apartment gathering into a thriving multi-site church reaching thousands each week. The conversation explores leadership, vision, accountability, and the often overlooked business side of running a healthy organization. Doug and Zeke unpack how churches and businesses alike can avoid becoming inward-focused, why hospitality is a powerful growth strategy, and how mission-driven leaders can embrace change, technology, and systems without losing their soul. From radical hospitality to kingdom-minded business principles, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, builders, and leaders who want to create lasting impact.

Things You’ll Learn in This Episode
How Orchard Church grew from an apartment living room to a thriving multi-site organization
Why vision should focus on people, not just buildings or scale
The dangers of becoming inward-focused in business and leadership
How accountability and clarity strengthen culture, not weaken it
Why hospitality is one of the most powerful and overlooked growth strategies
What churches and businesses can learn from each other about leadership and systems
How to balance mission with changing methods in a fast-moving world
Practical ways AI can support creativity and efficiency without replacing humanity
The trellis and the vine framework for sustainable growth
What it means to run a kingdom-minded business in everyday work

Orcharch Church: https://www.orchard.church/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchardchurchco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrchardChurchCo
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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46min
March 23, 2026The Mindset Shift That Builds Trustworthy Teams in Hospitality with Tiffani Packer
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In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke sits down with restaurateur and community builder Tiffani Packer, the energetic force behind several beloved concepts across Evergreen, Morrison, and Tampa. Tiffani shares the deeply personal story of how she and her husband Rand built a hospitality group while raising four kids, staying grounded in their core value of “family first.” She opens up about how they built teams that operate with autonomy, why each restaurant carries its own soul, and how they create experiences that feel intentional, warm, and elevated. From the challenges of entrepreneurship to the joy of watching their children grow into leadership roles, Tiffani offers a rare look at what it truly takes to build a hospitality business that thrives without burning out the people behind it.

In this episode, you'll learn:
How Tiffani and Rand built a hospitality group across multiple cities without losing balance at home
Why their core value of “family first” shapes every business decision
The story behind their children becoming entrepreneurs and leaders in the business
How they create strong, autonomous teams that run restaurants with excellence
Why they choose unique restaurant concepts instead of duplicating a single model
The small design details and operational decisions that shape unforgettable guest experiences
What it takes to stay resilient in tough seasons of business and parenting
How couples can successfully navigate entrepreneurship together
Why leaders must model enthusiasm and authenticity for their teams
What “radical hospitality” means to Tiffani and how she brings it to life daily

Connect with Tiffani Packer
La Rocca Rossa Website: https://laroccarossa.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffani-packer-a6913a2bb/
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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52min
March 10, 2026Hospitality as a Mindset in Design and Development with Devon Tilly
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In this special crossover episode, Zeke joins Devon Tilly on The Art of Construction to explore how hospitality, design, development, and entrepreneurship intertwine to shape memorable places. Zeke shares his journey from growing up on job sites in East Texas to building Root Architecture and Development, and why hospitality is a mindset that influences every project and relationship. They discuss boutique hotels, entitlement challenges, feasibility studies, avoiding costly build mistakes, and the power of real human connection in a digital world. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about Zeke’s mountain treehouse stay, the upcoming boutique hotel in downtown Morrison near Red Rocks, and why long-term thinking and genuine relationships always win.

Things You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why hospitality is a mindset, not a project type
How childhood jobsite experiences shaped Zeke’s path
What “radical hospitality” looks like in design and development
Behind the scenes of the treehouse stay built during COVID
The multi‑year journey of entitling a boutique hotel near Red Rocks
How to avoid common and costly building mistakes
Why real relationships outperform digital networking
The value of feasibility studies and early design clarity
How entrepreneurs can collaborate to create better guest experiences
How architects can use AI responsibly as a tool, not a replacement

The Art of Construction hosted by Devon Tilly:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-construction/id932645265

Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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49min
March 03, 2026From Raw Land to Micro Resorts with Janice Stitzer
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In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke Freeman walks the property with developer and builder Janice Stitzer, co-founder of Uncommon Developer, as she breaks down the real story behind building a seven-unit micro resort in Salida, Colorado. From zoning surprises and water rights to SIP panel construction and infrastructure costs, Janice pulls back the curtain on what most people never see when they dream about building cabins in the mountains.
This is not just a conversation about design. It is about risk, resilience, operations, and long-term vision. Janice shares the lessons she learned navigating commercial codes, septic systems, excavation overruns, remote management, and guest experience strategy. She also gives us a look at her next project, a 40-acre regenerative ranch and event-driven hospitality concept built inside an Opportunity Zone. If you have ever dreamed about building your own A-frame, micro resort, or guest ranch, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes.
In this episode:
What it actually costs to build a micro resort from the ground up
How zoning and commercial codes can reshape your entire design
Why infrastructure is often the biggest hidden expense
The pros and cons of SIP panel construction in mountain towns
How to think through water rights, augmentation, and septic planning in Colorado
Why Jan chose P-TAC units over mini splits
The importance of speed to dry-in during winter builds
How to structure ADR targets during ramp-up season
The realities of self-managing multiple short-term rentals
Systems Jan uses for automation, access control, and remote operations
Lessons learned from guest experience mistakes and tech stack gaps
How to think about wellness amenities like private saunas and cold plunges
The strategic value of Opportunity Zones for long-term development
Why regenerative ranching is part of Janice’s long-term hospitality vision
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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1h 12min
February 25, 2026Design, Development, and Discipline: Zeke Freeman on Building to Scale
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This repost episode features Zeke Freeman as a guest on the Build to Scale Podcast by Quinn V. Schilz, where he shares the pivotal moment that reshaped his career—being laid off in 2008 with a pregnant wife at home—and how that setback became the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. From mastering architecture and learning sales to launching his own firm and stepping into real estate development, Zeke breaks down the real path to ownership, explaining why skill sets matter more than hype, why cash flow is king, and how young entrepreneurs can strategically move from earning income to building assets.
He unpacks practical real estate fundamentals like house hacking, leverage, appreciation, and liquidity, while also sharing how he built a high-performing remote team using systems, daily accountability huddles, and clear SOPs. Zeke also reveals how launching the Radical Hospitality podcast became a strategic growth engine for attracting clients, building trust, and positioning for future boutique hotel developments, making this episode a practical roadmap for anyone serious about building long-term wealth through intentional growth and ownership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Zeke says failure in 2008 was the best thing that happened to his career
The difference between working for money and making money work for you
A step-by-step path for young entrepreneurs to buy their first property
Why learning a skill adjacent to real estate is a strategic advantage
How house hacking and ADUs can reduce risk while building equity
The truth about leverage, cash flow, and overextending in today’s market
The real benefits of real estate: mortgage paydown, tax advantages, and appreciation
How to structure daily team meetings with three simple questions
Why SOPs and systems are critical to scaling a business
How podcasting became a client acquisition and capital-raising strategy
Practical ways Zeke uses AI without losing human creativity
His 10-year vision for scaling boutique hotel developments

Built to Scale Podcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@builttoscalepod?si=rifm68Rq0Qka3ppV
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-to-scale-podcast/id1823789408
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
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53min
February 19, 2026Elevated Treehouse Hospitality with Dustin Feider
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In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Podcast, Zeke Freeman sits down with Dustin Feider, founder of O2 Treehouse, to explore how elevated design, sustainability, and hospitality intersect—literally—in the trees. From geodesic spheres suspended 40+ feet in the air to modular treehouse villages designed for scalable hospitality, Dustin shares how his childhood inspiration evolved into a globally recognized design-build studio.
They unpack the engineering challenges of building on living, moving structures, the economics of unique stays, and how immersive, nature-forward hospitality can outperform traditional square-foot thinking. Whether you’re developing boutique hotels, glamping resorts, or experiential real estate, this conversation will expand how you think about space, experience, and return on investment.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Dustin turned a furniture design background into a global treehouse brand
The engineering challenges of building on living trees and how O2 solves them
Why unique stays can outperform larger homes in ADR and ROI
What it costs to build elevated hospitality structures
The difference between suspended tree structures and ground-based glamping units
How experiential design drives demand in modern hospitality
Why smaller, one-of-a-kind builds can outperform traditional real estate metrics
The process behind designing, engineering, and budgeting custom tree projects
Where immersive, nature-driven hospitality is headed next

Connect with Dustin:
Website: https://www.o2treehouse.com/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Dustin Feider https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinfeider/
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
...more
50min
January 30, 2026Building Neighborhood First Real Estate With Tyler Cauble
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In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Podcast, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Tyler Cauble, a Nashville-based commercial real estate investor, advisor, and developer known for turning overlooked properties into community anchors through adaptive reuse and neighborhood-first strategy.
Tyler shares how he dropped out of college, landed an in-house leasing role at a boutique development firm, and quickly built real-world experience across office, retail, industrial, and development. After completing his first major development project, he launched his own firm and began raising capital for deals rooted in a clear philosophy: be product-type agnostic, but hyper-local about where you invest. For Tyler, that means spending nearly all his time understanding the real fabric, demand, and trajectory of specific neighborhoods like East Nashville and Madison.

Takeaways:
Tyler Cauble emphasizes the importance of understanding neighborhood dynamics for successful investments.
He prefers commercial real estate over residential due to the complexities of tenant relationships.
Tyler's approach to underwriting deals focuses on finding the 'X factor' that sets projects apart.
He believes in the potential of opportunity zones to spur investment in neglected areas.
Tyler discusses the challenges of navigating city regulations and permitting processes.
He highlights the significance of choosing the right management team for hospitality projects.
Tyler's Peerless Mill project aims to create a self-sustaining community within a mixed-use development.
He stresses the need for conservative underwriting in uncertain market conditions.
Tyler shares insights on the benefits and challenges of utilizing historic tax credits.
He advocates for hiring experienced professionals to navigate complex financing options like TIFs.

Connect with Tyler Cauble:
Website: crecentral.com
Instagram: @commercialinnashville
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
...more
51min
January 19, 2026How Storytelling Builds Boutique Hotel Brands That Last with Steph Weber
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In this episode, Zeke Freeman sits down with Steph Weber, a branding and marketing leader in the short-term rental, boutique hotel, and micro resort space. Steph shares the origin story behind her move from fashion and influencer marketing into hospitality, and why story-led branding is no longer optional as platforms shift and competition tightens.
They unpack what “owning your brand” really means for STR and boutique operators, how to build a brand before construction is even finished, and why strong marketing systems (email lists, content, direct bookings) become part of the business asset itself, especially when it’s time to exit.
What you’ll learn
How Steph went from fashion branding and influencer work to hospitality investing and development
Why storytelling is the competitive edge in modern STR and boutique hotels
The difference between “good design” and a stay that creates emotion (and loyalty)
How to define a target guest profile that guides everything from amenities to messaging
What it looks like to market a property while it’s still under construction
Why relying on OTAs alone can cost you loyalty, margin, and long-term business value
The real-world journey of building Cabins on the Cumberland: partnerships, financing, surprises, and lessons learned
How to think about event venues, capacity, and the economics of full-property buyouts

Connect with Steph Weber:
Website: theweberco.com
Instagram : @theweberco
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.
...more
53min

FAQs about Radical Hospitality Show:

How many episodes does Radical Hospitality Show have?

The podcast currently has 55 episodes available.