In this episode of Host as Guest, Leo Walton chats with Jodie Odlin, a short-term rental host and founder of the Hospitable Host community. Jodie shares how she moved beyond relying on Airbnb by building a direct booking strategy, using social media, and fostering guest loyalty. She also talks about working with local businesses, like partnering with a butcher to provide breakfast packs for guests, creating a win-win for everyone involved. Jodie reflects on how the industry has changed since COVID, with more automation, tools, and conferences than ever. While these resources can help, she warns against getting caught up in every new tech tool and losing sight of what really matters—providing a great guest experience. She also discusses how meeting fellow hosts at conferences led to the creation of Hospitable Host, a community and book series that highlights the stories of hosts around the world. This sense of community has been key in elevating the industry and keeping the focus on hospitality rather than just revenue and automation. The episode wraps up with a discussion on why Jodie felt the need to launch her own conference. She saw a gap—while other events focused on revenue management and property tech, no one was talking about actual hospitality. Jodie believes the short-term rental industry needs to remember its roots and ensure that guest experience remains the priority. Jodie’s message is clear: success in this business isn’t just about tech and revenue. It’s about people, connection, and genuine hospitality. 

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