I am excited to launch a new format for some of our podcast episodes! I'm calling these 'Anchor Episodes', and they're just me 😬They'll be a bit shorter, and will be a deep dive of some of the ideas/thoughts/concepts that I reference regularly (but briefly) during our interviews with guests. My hope is it will provide some helpful content for regular listeners, as well as a way to share in the future on episodes where we mention these.

This episode is all about the 'Unicorn, Work Horse and Donkey' business model comparison, the creative genius of Annemie Tonken (Photographer & Podcast host). I was listening to the podcast episode linked below on a long drive to the cabin several years ago, and couldn't stop thinking about how it applied to the world of AirBNB's and STR's. So in this episode I start by explaining the three models, and then give examples for each from my own properties where I've hosted guests over the last 10 years.

I would LOVE your feedback on 1) if this is helpful and enjoyable, 2) what topics you would like me to cover and 3) any suggestions for how we can make it even better!

Annemie Tonken, 'This Can't Be That Hard': https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/

Episode that got me thinking about all this: https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/podcast/038

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today I'm speaking with Mia, a clinical psychologist who transformed childhood memories of a Maine dairy farm into a healing refuge for her family after profound loss. When Mia and her husband lost their six-and-a-half-year-old daughter Eloise, they discovered that all the therapeutic tools in the world couldn't shield them from devastation—but they could find solace in returning to the place where Mia felt most herself as a child.

Three Sisters Farm isn't just a 1850s rambling farmhouse on eleven acres in mid-coast Maine; it's a testament to the healing power of place and the courage to rebuild after tragedy. From discovering Sarah Morton's signature scratched in the original window glass to creating outdoor living spaces that invite guests to simply be, Mia has crafted a space where the truest versions of ourselves can emerge.

In our conversation, we explore how physical spaces can facilitate healing, the difference between being and doing, and why sometimes the most important journey is back to who we were before the world told us who we should be. We'll discuss the privilege inherent in creating these escapes while acknowledging that relentlessness alone can't conquer everything, and how sharing these sanctuaries with others becomes both a practical necessity and an unexpected gift.

Whether you're drawn to farmhouse culture, cabin culture, or simply searching for your own place of respite, this conversation offers profound insights into how we can create spaces that honor our deepest needs while opening our hearts to community and connection.

Website: https://www.threesistersfarmmaine.com

IG Handle: @threesistersfarmmaine

Video, by Ethan Abitz: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yt53KmC5dgiWLbCgIxerKay-Z5S0A5jx/view?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeyWzyuONncByvo4tVDu0P2k7iypbl7gYc55YAfjX1Qd5hJFbpleghNiUoeOg_aem_L0AoWMM0Z8qaXCS60N1QGw

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Maura, an interior designer who created the Everwoods brand in Ohio's stunning Hocking Hills region. Drawing inspiration from childhood summers at a Wyoming dude ranch, Maura and her husband Tony have built four distinctive cabins that showcase the evolution from rustic log cabins to modern mountain retreats in this hidden Midwest gem. What started as a dream to escape corporate America has become a lesson in brand building, strategic partnerships, and navigating the complexities of hosting both intimate couples and large groups.

From hand-sketching blueprints at their kitchen table to managing two HVAC failures in a single winter, Maura shares the realities of running multiple properties while maintaining a full-time design business. We'll explore her approach to creating functional layouts that cater to different guest dynamics, the challenge of protecting families from themselves in our hyperconnected world, and how she's adapted to market changes with innovative add-on services ranging from in-cabin massage to photography sessions.

Whether you're considering your first cabin investment or looking to scale an existing operation, this conversation offers honest insights into the emotional labor of hospitality, the unexpected rewards of building community with guests, and why sometimes the most foolproof solution means removing the remote control entirely.

Website: https://www.theeverwoods.com

Interior Design Website: https://theeverwoodsinteriors.com

IG Handle: @the.everwoods

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Mitch, a commercial pilot who turned 90 acres of Maine forest into something truly unique in the short-term rental world: a fly-in cabin experience complete with its own FAA-registered runway. What started as a practical solution for getting his family from Pennsylvania to their beloved Maine quickly evolved into a destination that's capturing the imagination of pilots and non-pilots alike.

From the initial market research in pilot Facebook groups to the "silverware stage" of outfitting a remote A-frame cabin, Mitch shares the realities of building a business around your passion while maintaining a demanding full-time career. We'll explore how his extensive travel experience staying in hotels worldwide informed his approach to hospitality, the unexpected joy he's found in guest feedback about children experiencing their first moose sighting, and why he believes investing in beauty and thoughtful details pays dividends in bookings.

Whether you're dreaming of creating your own unique cabin experience or simply curious about what happens when aviation meets hospitality, this conversation offers insights into turning a personal passion project into a thriving business that's bringing families closer to nature—one landing at a time.

Website: https://www.beavercreekmaine.com

Booking Site: https://www.beavercreekmaine.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafIKuVOqEJUvn-K3WOQDorr3ImTq-JdC5YJ3sDU4WN-kfJB_8X4vDG6VOzQCQ_aem_OaHouid1brwllkSieN8XxA

IG Handle: @beavercreekmaine

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today is a special episode, as it’s only the second one ever recorded IN PERSON. Rick and Charles are the charming inn keepers at The Hideaway Inn in Camden, Maine. We got to visit during our last trip to Maine, and it did NOT disappoint.

After falling in love with New England during their first visit in 2021, this couple made the bold decision to leave their corporate careers on the West Coast and purchase a historic inn in a town they'd only visited a handful of times. What started as a romanticized dream quickly became reality when Charles arrived alone on Valentine's Day to begin renovations on a 1990s-era property that needed significant updating.

From running between two separate kitchens during their first season to creating a space that blends the best of Airbnb's independence with an inn's personal touch, Charles and Rick share the realities of their "Hallmark movie" life change. We'll explore how they transformed the property while building deep connections in a tight-knit community, their approach to hosting that deliberately avoids the traditional front desk, and how they navigate working together 24/7 after 18 years as a couple.

Whether you're dreaming of your own hospitality venture or simply curious about what happens when two corporate professionals trade boardrooms for breakfast service, this conversation offers both practical insights and heartwarming moments from their journey of creating a space where guests become friends and a house becomes a true hideaway.

Website: https://www.hideawayinnmaine.com

Booking Site: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/en/reservation/fXr5m3?currency=usd

IG Handle: @hideawaymaine

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Ina, a 25-year-old chemist and Airbnb host whose riverside cabin in Concrete, Washington offers breathtaking views of the North Cascades. While many episodes focus on the joys of cabin ownership, today's conversation tackles a scenario that keeps many hosts awake at night: what happens when disaster strikes? Ina shares her harrowing experience of receiving a call that her cabin was on fire after guests checked out without extinguishing candles, and the subsequent seven-month battle with Airbnb's AirCover to receive compensation for the damages.

From the initial shock and frustration of dealing with defensive guests who refused to acknowledge their role in the incident, to navigating the complexities of insurance claims and restoration work, Ina's story offers valuable lessons for hosts about emergency preparedness, documentation, and maintaining resilience through challenging circumstances. We'll explore how she managed cancellations during the long restoration process, the specific changes she made to prevent future incidents, and why—despite everything—she still finds joy and purpose in hosting.

Whether you're a current host concerned about worst-case scenarios or someone considering entering the short-term rental market, this conversation provides both practical advice and emotional reassurance that even in the darkest moments of hosting, recovery is possible.

Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/831983744737808549

IG Handle: @riverside.retreatPNW

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

This episode is from our very first month of the podcast, back in 2023, where we talked with Chris & Pam (the famous Dirt & Glass) about everything from how they got their start (hint: a hike, heartbreak, and an off-grid cabin in New York) to what makes a cabin photo truly stand out. They share insights on the evolution of cabin culture online, the behind-the-scenes process of working with cabin owners, and their deep commitment to not just aesthetics—but to curation, integrity, and connection.

We also chat about the rise of short-term rentals, the importance of standing out as a host, and how a solid Instagram presence can make all the difference. Plus, we finally answer the important question: what is cabin fashion?

If you're dreaming about a cabin, in the midst of building one, or just love to cozy up in flannel and scroll beautiful cabin photos, this one’s for you!

Website: https://www.chrisdaniele.com
Cabinpedia: https://www.chrisdaniele.com/cabinpedia
IG Handles

• @dirtandglass
• @heypamcakes
• @thecabinpedia

TikTok handle:

• @dirtandglass

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtandglass

Booking Site

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're joined by Kitty Costello, a design enthusiast and short-term rental consultant who brings a refreshingly authentic approach to creating spaces that tell a story. After relocating from Silicon Valley to Maine's magical mid-coast in 2022, Kitty has embraced the local culture and channeled her natural design instincts into helping vacation rental owners transform ordinary spaces into memorable experiences.

We'll explore how Kitty and her business partner Jen are reimagining the Airbnb landscape in Maine, one thoughtfully designed property at a time. From her philosophy that "DIY is the holy grail of getting to know yourself" to her fearless approach of breaking design rules, Kitty shares insights on creating spaces that reflect personality while making guests feel truly welcome.

Whether you're curious about navigating the current challenges in the short-term rental market, finding your authentic design voice, or simply understanding what makes Mid-Coast Maine hospitality so special, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspirational ideas. Plus, we'll dive into some hot topics like property labels, pet-friendly policies, and the delicate balance of making a space feel personal without being intrusive.

Get ready for a joyful, heartfelt discussion about creating vacation rentals that guests don't want to leave – and how sometimes the most memorable design choices come from being brave enough to try something different.

WEBSITES

www.crookedcape.com

www.highfivesforhospitality

INSTAGRAM
@crookedcape

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com