Stay Success Podcast

Darisse Kennedy
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Smart strategies and tools to simplify short-term rental hosting. The Stay Success Podcast is your go-to guide for hosting with confidence — and without the constant overwhelm. Each episode delivers proven strategies, tech insights, and guest experience tips to simplify your business and increase profits. I’ll share practical lessons and honest advice so you can get back to what matters: happy guests, more bookings, and actually enjoying the hosting journey. Whether you’re brand new or ready to level up, you’ll find encouragement to keep going.

Episodes

  1. 10/24/2025

    Guest Leaves Early? What Airbnb Hosts Should Do (Refunds, Reviews & Rebooking Tips) | STR Host Tips

    If the Airbnb app stresses you out, my Airbnb App Roadmap Course can help. It walks you step-by-step through alterations, cancellations, messaging, and more — all from your phone. 👉 ⁠https://shop.staysuccess.org/p/Run-Your-Airbnb-from-Your-Phone⁠ I’ve had guests leave early — and if you host long enough, you will too. What matters is how you handle it. In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when a guest cuts their stay short — whether you should offer a refund, alter the reservation, or just let it be. I’ll walk you through real experiences from my own listings and talk about what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re trying to protect your income, keep your cool, and stay professional as a host. Here’s what I cover: When a guest leaves early and doesn’t ask for a refund When to issue a partial refund vs hold firm How to alter and rebook dates so you don’t lose money Handling early checkouts due to property issues Managing the fear of bad reviews For more Airbnb host tips and resources, visit staysuccess.org. Join my email list to keep up with the latest products, tips, and tools for your hosting journey: https://stay-success.ck.page/ec8e651fe1 Subscribe to Stay Success Stories for real hosting experiences, lessons learned, and simple ways to stress less while you host smarter. #AirbnbHost #AirbnbPodcast #HostingTips #StaySuccess

    Guest Leaves Early? What Airbnb Hosts Should Do (Refunds, Reviews & Rebooking Tips) | STR Host Tips

  2. 10/07/2025

    Airbnb’s New Texas Tax — and What It Means for Us as Hosts

    When I first read the message from Airbnb about a “Texas Data Processing Tax,” I thought — wait, another tax? In this episode, I unpack what this new charge really means, why it’s showing up on reservations, and how it’s different from the occupancy taxes we already pay. I’ll walk through what Airbnb’s message didn’t explain clearly, what parts apply to hosts versus guests, and how to double-check your listings before the October 2025 deadline. If you host in Texas (or plan to), grab your coffee and let’s make sense of this together — because the last thing any of us needs is another confusing tax surprise in our inbox. 👉 Resources: www.staysuccess.orgCourse: Airbnb App Roadmap

    Airbnb’s New Texas Tax — and What It Means for Us as Hosts

  3. 09/30/2025

    Tiny Houses on Airbnb: Hidden Advantages, Real Challenges & Surprising Returns

    Could a tiny house make more money than a traditional Airbnb home? In this episode, I sit down with Superhost Kyla Longino, who manages four tiny houses, to uncover the secrets behind her success. You’ll hear: Why her tiny houses often rent for almost as much as larger homes — with less laundry and cleaning. The unexpected guest types that keep them booked (hint: not just vacationers). How discounts, last-minute bookings, and word-of-mouth fuel her occupancy. The quirky challenges of running tiny houses — from financing loopholes to finding the right cleaners. Why Kyla says she’d never buy another single-family home for Airbnb. If you’ve ever thought about buying or building a tiny home, this episode will give you the real numbers, struggles, and wins you won’t find on social media. 👉 More resources for hosts: www.staysuccess.org Need help with the tech side of running your Airbnb? Check out my course: Airbnb App Roadmap

    Tiny Houses on Airbnb: Hidden Advantages, Real Challenges & Surprising Returns

  4. 09/22/2025

    Airbnb Cleaning Chaos: Flies, Smells, and “Human Mange? | Behind the Scenes Hosting Stories

    What’s the wildest mess you’ve ever walked into at your Airbnb? In this episode of The Stay Success Podcast, I sit down with Kyla Longino — a Texas superhost who self-manages seven short-term rental properties and even does the cleaning herself. Kyla shares one of the craziest Airbnb guest stories I’ve ever heard: swarms of flies, a house that smelled like a science experiment gone wrong, and a medical misdiagnosis that had her wondering if she actually had human mange?! This episode has it all — drama, humor, and the raw truth about what Airbnb hosting really looks like behind the scenes. You’ll hear: How one disastrous one-night stay turned into refunds, extra cleaning fees, and a ruined comforter Why communication with guests matters (especially when the smell won’t go away) How Kyla dealt with a scary health scare that started with a rash and ended with weeks of antibiotics What it’s like to manage multiple properties without a property management company Why determination, flexibility, and resilience are must-haves for every Airbnb host If you’ve ever thought hosting was all about pretty décor and five-star reviews, this conversation will give you the unfiltered version. Kyla’s honesty and determination to keep hosting — even when everything seemed stacked against her — is both hilarious and inspiring. Whether you’re a brand-new Airbnb host, a seasoned superhost, or just curious about the crazy world of short-term rentals, you’ll laugh, cringe, and learn right alongside us. Airbnb Cleaning Checklist – so you’re never caught off guard when you face your own cleaning disaster Airbnb App Roadmap Course – learn how to run your rental business straight from your phone and save hours each week 🎧 Subscribe to The Stay Success Podcast for more real Airbnb stories, practical tips, and honest lessons from hosts who have been there. New episodes every week! Helpful resources for hosts: Youtube Channel Instagram FacebookWebsite

    Airbnb Cleaning Chaos: Flies, Smells, and “Human Mange? | Behind the Scenes Hosting Stories

  5. 09/11/2025

    Airbnb Host Safety Essentials: What Every Rental Needs

    Running a short-term rental is about more than décor and guest communication — safety comes first. In this episode, I share the must-have safety essentials every Airbnb host needs to protect guests, earn great reviews, and give yourself peace of mind. I’ll walk you through the most important items I rely on — from fire extinguishers to smart locks — and explain how these simple tools can make hosting smoother and safer for everyone. Whether you’re brand new, a co-host managing multiple properties, or an experienced host looking to level up, this episode will give you practical tools you can put into action today. Here is a link to the fire blanket I mentioned: https://amzn.to/41HN2wK You can find all the links I mentioned by checking out the free resource below. 📥 Free Resource for Hosts Download my Airbnb Host Safety Checklist (PDF) + get access to my Ready-to-Shop Spreadsheet with direct links to the safety items I recommend → Get the Checklist and Spreadsheet!Links are in the show notes, and some may be affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

    Airbnb Host Safety Essentials: What Every Rental Needs

  6. 09/10/2025

    The #1 Challenge for Airbnb Hosts: Cleaning

    Running an Airbnb has a lot of moving parts, but nothing stresses me out more than cleaning. If a guest walks into a property that isn’t spotless, or if they don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes as I walkthrough one of my rentals and check the work of my cleaning crew. I’ll be honest with you — cleaning has been the toughest part of hosting for me. Over the years, I’ve worked with multiple crews. Some are expensive and amazing, some are budget-friendly but miss details, and others are still learning. I’ve seen it all, from beds made perfectly… to fingernail clippings left on the couch (yep, that really happened 🤦‍♀️). Here’s what I share in this episode: Why cleanliness and safety are the two most important things for guestsThe pros and cons of different types of cleaning crews (and why I use more than one)How I train cleaners with checklists, walkthroughs, and even photosThe moment I realized my Airbnb could actually make money while I was on vacation ✨ Resource for Hosts: Want to make turnovers easier at your rental? Grab my Cleaning Guide. It’s the exact system I use with my own crews to make sure nothing gets missed. 💡 This episode is sponsored by my course, The Airbnb AppRoadmap. Inside, I share the exact apps and systems I use to save time, eliminate frustration, and grow my business without being tied down. 📌 Related Resources You’ll Love: Blog: Want 5-Star Airbnb Reviews? Your Cleaning System Is the Key!Video: Create an Efficient Airbnb Turnover Process

    The #1 Challenge for Airbnb Hosts: Cleaning

  7. 09/05/2025

    Airbnb Service Fee Changes – Will All Hosts Be Paying 15.5%?

    Airbnb is making big changes to their service fee structure — but what does that actually mean for you as a host? If you’ve been confused by the debate about single fees, split fees, and the new 15.5% rate, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down the changes, explain who is affected, and help you figure out what this update means for your hosting business. Here’s what we cover in today’s episode: The difference between split fee vs. single fee models Why PMS-connected hosts are moving to a single 15.5% host-only fee starting in October What’s really happening in December for independent hosts (hint: not everyone is being forced into the new model) Whether the fee has always been 15% or if Airbnb recently raised it to 15.5% How these changes might affect your pricing strategy and profits Many hosts are asking: “Will I have to switch to a 15.5% host-only fee in December?” The answer depends on how you’re currently set up — and I’ll walk you through it step by step. My goal is to cut through the confusion so you can make smart decisions for your listings and stay ahead of Airbnb’s constant updates. Sponsored by: 📊 Airbnb Profit & Loss SpreadsheetStop guessing about your rental profitability. My customizable Google Sheet template helps you: Track income and expenses in one place See profit margins instantly with automated calculations Stay organized for tax season Save hours on bookkeeping every month Get the spreadsheet here → Get the Spreadsheet 📱 Airbnb App RoadmapLearn how to run your entire Airbnb from your phone — without frustration or wasted time. In this course, I’ll show you: How to master the Airbnb app and its hidden features Time-saving tricks to handle guest communication Smart tech tools that keep hosting stress-free Systems to help you stand out as a host or co-host Enroll in the course here → Get the Course Airbnb fees aren’t just a technical detail — they directly affect your nightly rate, your competitiveness, and your bottom line. If you don’t adjust your pricing strategy to account for the 15.5% fee (or if you misunderstand when the change applies), you could end up losing money or scaring off potential guests with higher rates. By understanding the timeline and the difference between PMS-connected and independent hosts, you’ll be able to make confident decisions and keep your business profitable. Here's a link to the help article: Article If you found this episode helpful, make sure to: Subscribe to this podcast for future episodes Check out my YouTube channel for video tutorials and updates: Stay Success Channel Visit my website for resources, digital products, and blog posts: Stay Success Website Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and a clear understanding of Airbnb’s updates, you can save time, stay profitable, and actually enjoy the journey. 👉 Airbnb Service Fee Changes – Will All Hosts Be Paying 15.5%? is your guide to making sense of the latest changes and protecting your hosting income. Why This Matters for Hosts Airbnb fees aren’t just a technical detail — they directly affect your nightly rate, your competitiveness, and your bottom line. If you don’t adjust your pricing strategy to account for the 15.5% fee (or if you misunderstand when the change applies), you could end up losing money or scaring off potential guests with higher rates. By understanding the timeline and the difference between PMS-connected and independent hosts, you’ll be able to make confident decisions and keep your business profitable. Stay Connected If you found this episode helpful, make sure to: Subscribe to this podcast for future episodes Check out my YouTube channel for video tutorials and updates: Stay Success Channel Visit my website for resources, digital products, and blog posts: Stay Success Website Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and a clear understanding of Airbnb’s updates, you can save time, stay profitable, and actually enjoy the journey.

    Airbnb Service Fee Changes – Will All Hosts Be Paying 15.5%?
  • 7 Episodes

About

Smart strategies and tools to simplify short-term rental hosting. The Stay Success Podcast is your go-to guide for hosting with confidence — and without the constant overwhelm. Each episode delivers proven strategies, tech insights, and guest experience tips to simplify your business and increase profits. I’ll share practical lessons and honest advice so you can get back to what matters: happy guests, more bookings, and actually enjoying the hosting journey. Whether you’re brand new or ready to level up, you’ll find encouragement to keep going.

Information

  • Creator
    Darisse Kennedy
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Darisse Kennedy
  • Show Website
    Stay Success Podcast