Radical Hospitality Show

Zeke Freeman
  • 5.0 (44)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

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 entrepreneur, our show is for you. We dive deep into the world of architecture, development, and hospitality, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when creating exceptional experiences. Join us as we interview fascinating guests who share their insights, stories, and practical advice. Tune in for inspiring conversations, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on the hospitality industry. Podcast: https://radicalhospitalityshow.com/ Instagram: @rootarchitecturedevelopment YouTube: The Radical Hospitality Show TikTok @RadicalHospitalityShowFacebook @RadicalHospitalityShowReady to get started on your hospitality project? Visit us at https://root-ad.com/

  1. May 18

    The Biophilic Design Revolution That Is Transforming Luxury Hospitality Worldwide with Louis Thompson

    Louis Thompson, CEO and co-founder of Nomadic Resorts, joins host Zeke Freeman to share how a hospitality career, a tsunami, and a mushroom-inspired treehouse dining pod led to one of the most distinctive eco-resort design firms in the world. Louis and his creative partner have spent over a decade building bamboo floating resorts, manta ray treehouses, caterpillar-cocoon tent camps, and other biomimicry-driven structures for major luxury brands like Six Senses, Shangri-La, and Banyan Tree — all while bootstrapping the company on a $10,000 loan from Louis's mom.  The conversation covers everything from the engineering reality of hanging a nest from living trees in a Thai rainforest to why unconventional construction doesn't have to cost more than a conventional build, and why the future of hospitality belongs to hyper-niche, experience-first destinations. Things You'll Learn in This Episode What biophilic design and biomimicry actually mean, and how they shape every Nomadic Resorts projectWhy a mushroom-inspired treehouse dining pod that rises on a winch became a massive PR win for a luxury hotel brandHow Louis and Olaf bootstrapped Nomadic Resorts and convinced a client to invest $13M from a hand sketchWhy unconventional, nature-inspired construction can cost the same as a conventional buildHow Nomadic Resorts approaches new locations by studying vernacular architecture and local building materialsWhy Louis believes AI will drive a surge in hyper-niche, activity-specific resort concepts Connect with Louis Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-thompson-9825308/ Nomadic Resorts: https://nomadicresorts.com/ Nomadic Escapes: https://www.nomadic-escapes.com/ 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.

    46 min

  2. May 6

    Building Passive Income Through RVs and Franchising with Garr Russell

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Garr Russell, founder of Fireside RV Rentals, to unpack how a simple family RV purchase turned into one of the largest RV rental management franchises in the country. Garr shares his entrepreneurial journey from early lawn care businesses to building scalable systems in hospitality, why RV rental management is fundamentally different from short-term rentals, and how faith, discipline, and long-term thinking have shaped his approach to business. The conversation covers franchising, asset-light models, delegation, generational wealth, and why documenting systems is the real work behind scale. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How RV rental management works and why it differs from Airbnb-style real estate rentalsWhy turning lifestyle assets like RVs into income streams can offset ownership costs without chasing appreciation The economics behind Fireside’s 50/50 management model and why it makes sense in the RV industryWhat it takes to build and operate an RV rental management franchise with low overhead How franchising can be a faster and more scalable path than owning large fleets of depreciating assets The importance of documentation, systems, and delegation when scaling a hospitality business How faith influences Garr’s decision-making, leadership style, and approach to entrepreneurship Why thinking in terms of assets and recurring revenue changes how entrepreneurs build long-term wealthHow community and support systems play a critical role in sustainable franchise growth Connect with Garr Russell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrrussell Website: https://firesidervrental.com/ https://firesidervrentalfranchise.com/ https://garrrussell.com/ 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.

    48 min

  3. Apr 22

    From One Treehouse to 33 Units: Building Bolt Farm the #1 Bucket-List Romantic Getaway - Tori Bolt

    Download to get you $1M Presale Framework based on this episode → root-ad.com/presale In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Tori Bolt, co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, to unpack how one of the most recognizable names in experiential outdoor hospitality was built from a single handcrafted treehouse into a thriving, design-forward micro-resort.  Tori shares the real story behind Bolt Farm, including early missteps with zoning and entitlements, the painful decision to walk away from a failed development, and the lessons that shaped their successful relaunch in Tennessee.  The conversation dives deep into building with intention, scaling through offsite construction, designing amenities that actually drive revenue, and creating a hospitality brand centered on connection, relationships, and unforgettable guest experiences.  This episode is a masterclass for anyone building in hospitality who wants to grow with clarity, discipline, and heart. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How Bolt Farm Treehouse evolved from a single wedding treehouse into a 33-unit experiential destinationWhy zoning, entitlements, and location selection can make or break a hospitality projectThe financial and operational lessons learned from a failed development and full restartHow offsite construction and prefab manufacturing accelerated Bolt Farm’s growthWhy focusing on a clear guest avatar leads to stronger branding and higher nightly ratesHow spa and wellness amenities can significantly impact revenue and marginsThe role of Instagram, influencers, and direct bookings in building demand before openingHow to structure a hospitality team as you scale without bloating payrollWhat it takes to deliver “unreasonable hospitality” at scalePractical advice for couples building and running a business together Connect with Tori Bolt LinkedIn: Tori Bolt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-bolt/ Website: https://www.boltfarmtreehouse.com/ Instagram: @boltfarmtreehouse - https://www.instagram.com/boltfarmtreehouse/ 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.

    52 min

  4. Apr 14

    From Wiped Out to $100M Exit: How Sarah Dusek Built the Glamping Brand That Changed Outdoor Hospitality

    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 businessesWhy defining the right problem is half the solution in business and developmentKey lessons from scaling Under Canvas from “tents in a field” to a national brandWhat truly makes a business scalable—and why not every business should scaleHow to respond when everything falls apart (literally) and keep moving forwardThe importance of identity and personal values in hospitality brand designHow Few & Far is redefining luxury travel through conservation, community, and carbon sequestrationWhat investors really look for beyond pitch decks and financialsLessons Sarah learned moving from founder to investor and why she returned to buildingPractical advice for hospitality entrepreneurs navigating growth, capital, and leadership challenges Connect with Sarah Dusek Website: https://www.sarahdusek.comFew & Far Travel: https://www.fandftravel.comFew & Far Luvhondo Lodge: https://www.fewandfarluvhondo.comBook: Thinking Bigger: A Pitch Deck Formula for Women Who Want to Change the WorldGrab 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.

    58 min

  5. Apr 6

    The Real Economics Behind Glamping, Micro Resorts, and Outdoor Hospitality in 2026 with Connor Schwab

    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 headingWhy canvas tents often fail to pencil and the hidden costs behind themThe operational challenges of glamping and seasonal setupsWhy utilities usually make or break your budgetHow unit mix determines ADR, occupancy, and long-term brand valueWhy scale matters and why most properties struggle below $1M in revenueHow OTAs can fast-track occupancy but hurt profitabilityWhy unique, hand-built units outperform off-the-shelf structuresWhat makes a micro resort work in cold or seasonal marketsConnor’s strategy for building a $100M hospitality portfolio today Contact Connor Schwab • Website: https://www.clearsummitinvestments.com/ • Email: connor@clearsummittinvestments.com • 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.

    44 min

  6. Mar 30

    How Vision Driven Leadership Builds Organizations That Last with Doug Dameron of Orchard Church

    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 organizationWhy vision should focus on people, not just buildings or scaleThe dangers of becoming inward-focused in business and leadershipHow accountability and clarity strengthen culture, not weaken itWhy hospitality is one of the most powerful and overlooked growth strategiesWhat churches and businesses can learn from each other about leadership and systemsHow to balance mission with changing methods in a fast-moving worldPractical ways AI can support creativity and efficiency without replacing humanityThe trellis and the vine framework for sustainable growthWhat 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.

    46 min

  7. Mar 23

    The Mindset Shift That Builds Trustworthy Teams in Hospitality with Tiffani Packer

    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 homeWhy their core value of “family first” shapes every business decisionThe story behind their children becoming entrepreneurs and leaders in the businessHow they create strong, autonomous teams that run restaurants with excellenceWhy they choose unique restaurant concepts instead of duplicating a single modelThe small design details and operational decisions that shape unforgettable guest experiencesWhat it takes to stay resilient in tough seasons of business and parentingHow couples can successfully navigate entrepreneurship togetherWhy leaders must model enthusiasm and authenticity for their teamsWhat “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.

    52 min

  8. Mar 10

    Hospitality as a Mindset in Design and Development with Devon Tilly

    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 typeHow childhood jobsite experiences shaped Zeke’s pathWhat “radical hospitality” looks like in design and developmentBehind the scenes of the treehouse stay built during COVIDThe multi‑year journey of entitling a boutique hotel near Red RocksHow to avoid common and costly building mistakesWhy real relationships outperform digital networkingThe value of feasibility studies and early design clarityHow entrepreneurs can collaborate to create better guest experiencesHow 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.

    49 min
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5
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

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 entrepreneur, our show is for you. We dive deep into the world of architecture, development, and hospitality, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when creating exceptional experiences. Join us as we interview fascinating guests who share their insights, stories, and practical advice. Tune in for inspiring conversations, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on the hospitality industry. Podcast: https://radicalhospitalityshow.com/ Instagram: @rootarchitecturedevelopment YouTube: The Radical Hospitality Show TikTok @RadicalHospitalityShowFacebook @RadicalHospitalityShowReady to get started on your hospitality project? Visit us at https://root-ad.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Zeke Freeman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root Architecture and Design
  • Show Website
    Radical Hospitality Show

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