Superhosts Down Under with Silvia and Ray

Ray Yee Consulting
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Hosted by Ray & Silvia Superhosts Down Under is a podcast that guides and inspires aspiring Airbnb hosts on how to successfully set up and run an Airbnb in Australia. Each episode features engaging stories, lessons, and insights from different guests — from seasoned hosts to industry experts — sharing their unique experiences in short-term rental hosting. Join Ray and Silvia as they explore Australia’s most remarkable Airbnbs and uncover the stories of the owners who make them possible.

  1. Nov 2

    Ep 70: Mastering the Clayton Hybrid: Nursing, Modeling, and Multi-Room Hosting with Topaz Cheung

    Episode Summary In this episode, Ray and Silvia sit down with Topaz, a Nurse Consultant and professional model who has rapidly scaled her hosting business in Clayton, Victoria. In less than a year, Topaz has achieved Superhost status by mastering a unique hybrid model: managing multiple side-by-side properties and listing them by the room to cater to both medical professionals and university students. Key Segments & Highlights 1. The "Naked Dash" & Shared Space Etiquette Topic of the Week: Silvia shares a cautionary tale about the "naked dash"—a guest who was caught off guard when a host returned home early. Topaz’s Experience: While Topaz hasn’t encountered any "naked" guests, she recalls a memorable Chinese New Year where she walked in on guests changing a baby’s diaper on the couch while delivering a traditional gift. 2. The Origin Story: From Accidental to Intentional The Catalyst: Topaz originally intended to live in her first property while working at a nearby hospital but found herself splitting time at her partner’s apartment. The "Student" Pivot: When her long-term student tenants went overseas for breaks, she offered to list their rooms on Airbnb and reimburse their rent, which launched her professional hosting journey. 3. The Strategy: The Hybrid Room-by-Room Model Property Portfolio: Topaz manages two properties on the same street. One is a five-bedroom house (with three active Airbnb rooms), and the other is a four-bedroom house. Risk Management: She employs a "hedging" strategy by mixing long-term tenants with short-term Airbnb guests to maintain financial stability. Creative Labor: One of her long-term student tenants assists with cleaning and turnovers in exchange for reduced rent. 4. Professional Synergy Hospitality & Healthcare: Being a Nurse Consultant nearby allows her to be responsive to the properties when needed, using one room as a dedicated study and work hub. Trade Partnerships: She met one of her current long-term tenants—a tradesman—while he was installing floorboards during her initial renovations. Resources & Links Ray’s South Yarra Property (Suite Scandinavia): View Listing Topaz’s Clayton Room Listings: Listing 1 Listing 2 Listing 3 Listing 4 Silvia’s Recommended Resource: Host Checklist Video

  2. Oct 18

    Ep 69: Building, Scaling and Selling a Short-Term Rental Business, with Brittany Blackman

    Brittany Blackman spent 14 years in vacation rental property management in Destin, Florida. She helped grow one company from 42 properties to 115, then started Breathe Easy Rentals from scratch, built it to 30 properties in four years and sold it in 2024. She now coaches business owners and their teams through Discover Freedom. She joins Ray and Silvia to talk about building a hosting business you can sell, and what being on call for 14 years taught her. Silvia opens with this week's topic: claiming money from guests for extra cleaning or damage. She and Ray walk through what happens when a guest refuses to pay, how an AirCover claim is assessed, and why short-term rental insurance still matters. Brittany's advice from the property manager's side: document everything up front. In this episode Claiming for damage and extra cleaning: receipts, time-stamped before and after photos, and the 14 day windowWhy AirCover can give hosts a false sense of securityHow Brittany fell into the industry as a reservationist and stayed for 14 yearsWhat has changed: technology, co-hosts, more competition and private equityCollaboration over competition in a crowded market, and why your name is all you haveWhy hosting can be a lonely business, and how to build a network around youSelling a business: getting yourself out of the day to day, and the identity crisis afterwardsGiving a team its "why", including the magazine vision board exercise she ran with her staffBurnout, turning your phone off, and why you do not have to reply to every guest immediatelyThe personal reasons behind her decision to sellMoving into coaching and working towards her PCC credential with the International Coaching FederationHer advice for new hosts: connect with people, inside and outside the industryAutomation, AI and keeping the human side of hospitalityConnect with Brittany Discover Freedom websiteBrittany on LinkedInDiscover Freedom on Instagram: @discoverfreedom.lifeDiscover Freedom on FacebookStay with Ray and Silvia Ray's propertiesSilvia's Sydney AirbnbFollow the hosts Ray on Instagram: @rayzworldSuperhosts Down Under on InstagramFollow Superhosts Down Under for more conversations with hosts across Australia and beyond.

  3. Oct 4

    Ep 68: Stargazing Domes and Building Host Port, with Tristan Kavanagh

    Tristan Kavanagh helps run two stargazing dome stays in NSW. He also built Host Port after struggling to find affordable booking management software for small hosts. He joins Ray and Silvia to talk about hosting, direct bookings, and building the tools he needed. We discuss his path into hosting, managing bookings across different platforms, guest communication, and how much to automate when you run a small accommodation business. Connect with Tristan Host Port websiteHost Port on Instagram — @host_portTristan’s stays Romantic Stargazing Dome Retreat — Megalong ValleyBeyond Bubbles Stargazing Dome with Hot Tub — BuckettyStay with Ray and Silvia Ray’s propertiesSilvia’s Sydney AirbnbFollow the hosts Ray on Instagram — @rayzworldSuperhosts Down Under on InstagramFollow Superhosts Down Under for more conversations with hosts across Australia and beyond.

  4. Sep 20

    Ep 67: If You Don't Own the Data, You Don't Have Anything, with Carlos Castillo

    This week Silvia and Ray open with a myth worth killing: that hosting and property management run on autopilot, and that anyone in the business is really just a rent collector. Ray goes back to collecting cash rent from a roofer at twenty one, Silvia makes the case that it is a job that takes real experience, and Carlos adds the line that frames the rest of the episode. Automation does not remove the work, it just moves it. The judgment layer is the real job. From there we turn to Carlos Castillo, co-founder of DirectBookMe, a subscription based direct booking platform he and his wife launched in October 2024 with no tech background, no real estate background and no outside funding. Around 150 hosts are on the site today. Carlos is candid about the parts most founders leave out: the valley you walk into after the idea high, hiring web development agencies when you cannot write the code yourself, and the fact that growth has been slower than he expected. He is equally clear that he is not asking anyone to leave Airbnb. Run direct alongside it, move fifteen to twenty percent of your bookings across, and own the guest relationship that the big platforms keep for themselves. What we cover The myth that hosting runs on autopilot, and why the labour never disappearsRay on collecting cash rent at twenty one, and why doing the job yourself makes you a better client laterWhether AI can take over hosting, and where the human part startsThe moment Carlos realised he was building on rented landHow DirectBookMe works, with no commission on either sideThe two pricing tiers, and why subscription rather than per bookingHow payments work, with Stripe for subscriptions and the booking left to the hostWhat stays on the host: rental agreements, deposits, insurance, damage coverageWhy the platform is deliberately not algorithm drivenOwning your guest data, and capturing repeat guestsTrust and safety, and the gap where AirCover sitsRunning direct alongside the OTAs, iCal sync and PMS integrationBuilding a platform with no technical backgroundWhat is next: ID verification, easier onboarding, and a vetted partner resources pageFind CarlosDirectBookMe: https://www.directbookme.coInstagram: @directbookme SponsorThis episode is recorded with Riverside. Use code RAY15 for 15% off. Stay with usRay's place, Scandinavian Suite in South Yarra: https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnbSilvia's Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X Follow the hostsRay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld

  5. Sep 6

    Ep 66: Running a UK Beachside Airbnb from 100 Miles Away, with Ruben de Bruin

    This week, we head to the other side of the world to meet Ruben de Bruin. For the past four years, Ruben has run Cozy Maisonette by the Sea, a one-bedroom beachside retreat in Boscombe West on the UK’s south coast—all while living in London. Ruben has turned long-distance hosting into a reliable system, combining a trusted local team, automation where it counts, and a personal touch where it matters. That same attention to detail also inspired a business: The Curated Host, which creates digital and printed guest handbooks for short-term rental hosts. These thoughtfully designed guides help reduce late-night questions like, “How does the heating work?” while improving the guest experience and supporting better reviews. Silvia and Ray talk with Ruben about remote property operations, the realities of the UK coastal market, and why a well-designed welcome book is one of the highest-leverage investments a host can make. How Ruben got into hosting—and why he chose Boscombe West on the Bournemouth coastThe types of guests a one-bedroom beachside retreat attracts and the seasonality of the marketRuben’s biggest surprises during his first year compared with nowManaging changeovers, maintenance, and day-to-day operations from LondonHow to find and vet reliable cleaners and handymen from a distanceBuilding a remote property team that can handle problems when they ariseWhere Ruben draws the line between automation and the personal touchThe gap in the market that led him to create The Curated HostDigital versus printed handbooks—and why guests use bothHow clear, well-designed communication can improve reviews and star ratingsThe essential sections every guest welcome book should includeHandling awkward guest conversations, including linen changes during longer staysWhy investing in quality pays off in short-term rentalsRuben’s number-one tip for buying your first remote investment propertyCozy Maisonette by the Sea on AirbnbThe Curated HostFollow Ruben on Instagram Ray’s AirbnbSilvia’s Airbnb

  6. Aug 23

    Ep 65 - Why Top Hosts Earn 3x: Jeff Stibbard on Photos, Reviews and Pricing

    Jeff Stibbard has run the same training company for more than 30 years, and for the last decade he has pointed all of that systems and performance experience at short term rentals. He now runs six properties, four he owns and two on rent arbitrage, including a four bedroom home in Surry Hills that books at $1,000 a night while similar properties sit at $330. In this episode Jeff explains the three things that separate a top earning listing from an average one: photography, reviews and furniture. He makes the case for going multi channel from day one, explains why he is deliberately avoiding AI in guest communication, and why he would rather hold his price and accept a vacant night than chase occupancy. Ray gives an update on his move to Guesty and multi channel distribution, including what changed with payouts and cash flow, and Silvia raises the peak season pricing mistake she keeps seeing new hosts make. Chapters00:00 Welcome00:20 Weekly topic: Ray's move to Guesty and multi channel03:45 Does your co-host need a trust account06:40 Meet Jeff Stibbard08:35 The infrastructure behind six properties09:50 Inside the STR intensive programs12:35 The 3x earning gap: photography, reviews, furniture15:30 Multi channel, and where the bookings actually come from18:00 Calendar sync and avoiding double bookings21:00 AI, automation and the personal touch26:00 Review culture across platforms27:10 The most costly mistakes new hosts make29:30 Testing photographers and the hero shot31:00 Repainting stairs and choosing robust materials34:00 Do not put heirlooms in your listing36:30 Pricing: smart pricing, engines, and holding your rate42:25 Silvia on peak season pricing mistakes44:30 Rent arbitrage versus owning the asset49:25 Regulation, the 180 day rule and development approvals53:35 Jeff's advice for anyone getting started Find Jeffwww.discoverperformanceadvisory.comInstagram: @discoverperformance Stay with usRay's South Yarra Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5Ray's North Melbourne Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3Silvia's Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X Recorded on Riverside. Use code RAY15 for 15% off.

  7. Aug 9

    Ep 64 - Why Booking 6 Months in Advance Might Cost Airbnb Hosts 30–40% of Their Guests

    Join us as Laura shares her journey from managing a few properties to running a thriving Airbnb business in regional Victoria. We dive into strategies for calendar management, expanding your portfolio, and building community connections—essentials for hosts looking to thrive in regional markets. ​The impact of calendar open periods on booking volume and revenue​How seasonal events and local attractions influence pricing and occupancy strategies​Managing growth from a family operation to a mid-sized hospitality business with 50 properties​Methods for maintaining quality and consistency with linen, cleaning, and guest experience​The importance of community relationships and word-of-mouth in regional settings​Adapting to technological challenges with internet connectivity and platform changes​Strategies for balancing family life and business, including staffing, scheduling, and involving children​The significance of personal stories and sentimental branding in regional hospitality​Planning expansion into neighboring regions and selecting properties aligned with local demand​Experimenting with policies like strict cancellation to stabilize income streams Connect with FCG BNB Services: Website: https://fcgbnbservices.com.au/ Instagram: @fcgbnbservicessunraysia Other Resources: ​Ray: ⁠raymondyee.com.au⁠ and ⁠lanestay.com.au⁠​⁠Silvia's Airbnb

  8. Jul 26

    Ep 63: 12 Years of Home Sharing — Silvia’s Airbnb Story

    What began as an experiment with a spare bedroom has become an important source of income and a rewarding way to meet people from around the world. Silvia shares how home sharing has evolved, the practical systems she uses to live comfortably alongside guests, and how becoming more available helped lift her rating from 4.7 to 4.9. Silvia begins with Airbnb’s move towards simplified pricing. She explains her transition from paying a 3% host service fee—with guests paying an additional fee—to a host-only fee of 15.5%. She discusses Airbnb’s tool for adjusting nightly rates, while Ray questions whether the fee has disappeared for guests or is simply incorporated into the price. They also discuss direct bookings, platform fees and the seasonal slowdown affecting hosts in Victoria and Sydney. Silvia started hosting while working as a real estate agent. She had an unused bedroom but didn’t want the commitment of a permanent flatmate. After speaking with another woman who hosted her spare room, Silvia decided to try Airbnb. Both she and her first guest were nervous, but the experience quickly showed her that sharing her home could work. As Airbnb expanded into entire-home accommodation, Silvia learned to clearly tell guests that they would be sharing the property with their host—preventing mismatched expectations and awkward arrivals. Silvia takes listeners inside The Grid, her architecturally distinctive Sydney apartment building. Designed around natural ventilation instead of air conditioning, it uses cross-flow breezes, a thermal chimney, water ponds, terrazzo flooring and adjustable louvres to regulate temperature. During winter, underfloor heating keeps the bedrooms and bathroom warm. Clear expectations are essential when sharing a kitchen and bathroom. After guests repeatedly left the kitchen messy, Silvia introduced a detailed rule asking them to clean every surface and appliance they use. The change immediately improved guest behaviour. Ray also introduces Silvia to bath stones—a fast-drying, mould-resistant alternative to traditional bath mats. For Silvia, the greatest rewards extend beyond income. Hosting has introduced her to people from different cultures, professions and stages of life. She has celebrated engagements, supported guests through difficult circumstances and helped international visitors experience Sydney like locals. When Silvia stopped working full-time, she worried that being home more often might make guests uncomfortable. Instead, her rating increased from 4.7 to 4.9. She credits taking greater control of the cleaning and being available to answer questions and share local recommendations. If you have a spare bedroom, most of what you need may already be in place. Silvia’s advice is simple: give home sharing a try. If you enjoy it, continue. If it isn’t right for you, you can easily stop. Ray’s properties:https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb Silvia’s Sydney Airbnb:https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under/ Airbnb’s Simplified Pricing ChangesFrom Spare Room to SuperhostLife at The GridMaking a Shared Home WorkThe Human Side of HostingSilvia’s AdviceStay with Ray and Silvia

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Hosted by Ray & Silvia Superhosts Down Under is a podcast that guides and inspires aspiring Airbnb hosts on how to successfully set up and run an Airbnb in Australia. Each episode features engaging stories, lessons, and insights from different guests — from seasoned hosts to industry experts — sharing their unique experiences in short-term rental hosting. Join Ray and Silvia as they explore Australia’s most remarkable Airbnbs and uncover the stories of the owners who make them possible.

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