The Layover

LOST iN
  • 5.0 (1)
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LOST iN presents The Layover - a podcast at the intersection of travel culture and creative industry. Built for brand leaders, designers, hoteliers, and forward-thinking marketers, the series unpacks the people, ideas, and trends redefining global travel. From evolving consumer behavior to destination storytelling and innovation in hospitality, each episode delivers sharp insight through the distinct voice of LOST iN. If you're building the future of travel, The Layover is your essential briefing.

  1. Inside GuestOS with Jessie Fischer: AI Hospitality, Yosemite & the Future of Guest Experience

    2D AGO

    Inside GuestOS with Jessie Fischer: AI Hospitality, Yosemite & the Future of Guest Experience

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jessie Fischer, founder and CEO of GuestOS, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality—not by replacing people, but by giving hotel teams more time to create meaningful guest experiences. Raised in a family that has operated hotels near Yosemite National Park for more than 50 years, Jessie grew up answering phones, calming guests during wildfires and power outages, and learning firsthand what hospitality looks like when nature keeps you on your toes. Today, she’s channeling those experiences into GuestOS, an AI-powered hospitality platform helping hotels automate repetitive tasks while elevating service and personalization. Jessie breaks down how GuestOS is: Automating repetitive guest inquiries so hotel staff can focus on hospitality, not busyworkCreating customizable AI “teammates” trained on each property’s unique brand and personalityHelping hotels unlock underutilized spaces and create new guest experiencesUsing AI to improve communication during emergencies like wildfires and road closuresSupporting outdoor destinations like Yosemite through better visitor information and coordinationReimagining hotels as hubs for experiences, community, and connection—not just places to sleepThe conversation also dives into the future of hospitality tech, overtourism in national parks, outdoor travel, female founders in hospitality, and why the best travel memories almost always come from human connection—not amenities. Whether you’re a hotelier, travel tech founder, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about how AI can make hospitality feel more human, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where the industry is headed next.

    54 min
  2. Building Pink Notebook: Goedele Mangelaars on the Future of Travel Tech

    APR 30

    Building Pink Notebook: Goedele Mangelaars on the Future of Travel Tech

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Goedele Mangelaars, founder and CEO of Pink Notebook, an AI-powered travel platform reimagining how trips are discovered, planned, and booked. From growing up across continents to working at companies like Skyscanner and Terra API, Goedele brings a global, data-driven perspective to one of travel’s biggest pain points: too much inspiration, not enough context. Pink Notebook is built to bridge that gap—combining visual discovery, smart curation, and seamless booking into one cohesive experience. Goedele breaks down how Pink Notebook is: Reducing decision fatigue by narrowing thousands of options into a curated shortlistCombining inspiration, context, and booking into a single end-to-end platformChallenging traditional OTAs by focusing on boutique hotels and high-intent travelersUsing AI more like Spotify or Pinterest—surfacing what you’ll love, not overwhelming you with choicesDesigning for a world where 80% of travel decisions are driven by womenPushing back against trend-driven travel in favor of authentic, meaningful discoveryThe conversation also explores the future of agentic travel planning, the limits of AI trust, and why human curation still matters in a world flooded with content. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, startup founder, or simply tired of clicking through 277 tabs to plan a trip, this episode offers a fresh take on where travel tech is headed—and how to make it work better for real people. Follow Pink Notebook at @pinknotebooktravel for more!

    37 min
  3. Inside LOST iN with Jon Skogmo: Print Revival, IRL Experiences & The Future of Travel Media

    APR 23

    Inside LOST iN with Jon Skogmo: Print Revival, IRL Experiences & The Future of Travel Media

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Jon Skogmo, CEO of LOST iN, for an inside look at how the brand is redefining travel media; blending physical guidebooks, digital storytelling, and real-world experiences into one cohesive ecosystem. From betting on print in a digital-first world to building a community that spans social, newsletters, and IRL events, Jon shares why the future of travel isn’t just about where you go—but how you connect along the way. Jon unpacks how LOST iN is: Leading a resurgence of physical media, with guidebooks designed as collectible, story-driven travel companionsTargeting millennials and Gen Z travelers who prioritize experiences over ownershipBridging the gap between URL and IRL, using events, pop-ups, and community moments to deepen engagementTreating travel as the antidote to AI, prioritizing real experiences over digital noiseBuilding a curated creator network focused on authenticity, not follower countExpanding globally with 400+ retail locations and growing first-party audience dataFrom vacations to transformational travel trends, this conversation dives into how cultural shifts, remote work, and creator ecosystems are reshaping the way (and the reasons) people explore the world. Whether you’re a traveler, brand marketer, or media operator, this episode offers a candid look at how LOST iN is building a next-generation travel brand rooted in curation, community, and real-world connection. 🌍 Explore LOST iN guidebooks, destinations, and experiences at lostin.com.

    26 min
  4. Inside the Las Vegas Aces with D’Andra Duggans: Sports Travel, Brand Experience & Building a Championship City

    FEB 19

    Inside the Las Vegas Aces with D’Andra Duggans: Sports Travel, Brand Experience & Building a Championship City

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with D’Andra Duggans, Chief Brand Officer of the Las Vegas Aces, to explore how women’s sports, destination marketing, and live entertainment are reshaping Las Vegas into a global sports travel powerhouse. From championship culture to marquee partnerships, D’Andra shares how the Aces are designing experiences that draw fans far beyond the arena. As sports tourism surges toward a projected $2 trillion global market, the Aces are emerging as a must-see stop on the Las Vegas itinerary—proving that women’s basketball can drive travel, culture, and economic impact at scale. D’Andra breaks down how the Aces are: Turning championship success into a destination-worthy game-day experiencePartnering with MGM and the LVCVA to integrate Aces games into broader Vegas travel itinerariesTaking a quality-over-quantity approach to brand partnerships and sponsorshipsBuilding player-led storytelling that empowers athletes as creators and media brandsPositioning the Aces as a cornerstone franchise in both the WNBA and Las Vegas’ sports ecosystemUsing CES as a platform for inspiration, innovation, and future-facing fan engagementWhether you’re a sports marketer, brand strategist, or traveler planning your next Vegas trip, this episode offers a compelling look at how the Las Vegas Aces are redefining sports entertainment—and why women’s sports are becoming a powerful engine for tourism and culture. 🏀 Learn More Follow the Las Vegas Aces and their upcoming season to see how championship basketball meets destination-driven storytelling in Las Vegas: https://aces.wnba.com/

    11 min
  5. Inside Black Tomato with Tom Marchant: Transformational Travel, Human Connection & the Future of Luxury

    FEB 10

    Inside Black Tomato with Tom Marchant: Transformational Travel, Human Connection & the Future of Luxury

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, the award-winning luxury travel company known for designing deeply immersive, emotionally driven journeys around the world. From backpacking through the Philippines and Brazil to building one of the most influential brands in experiential travel, Tom shares how curiosity, not comfort, has always been the compass. Tom unpacks how Black Tomato has helped pioneer the rise of transformational travel, creating trips that prioritize how travelers want to feel, not just where they want to go. In this conversation, Tom explores: Why luxury today is defined by thoughtfulness, access, and emotion, not just five-star amenitiesHow Black Tomato finds meaningful experiences beyond overtouristed destinationsThe role of local fixers and human relationships in creating truly personal journeysDesigning family and multi-generational travel that brings people together—without frictionWhy AI can support travel planning but will never replace human intuition and trust Whether you’re fascinated by the psychology of travel, seeking deeper experiences beyond the bucket list, or curious how luxury brands stay human in an AI-driven world, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why the most powerful journeys don’t just change where you go—they change how you see the world. 🌍 Discover more about Black Tomato and their approach to transformational travel at blacktomato.com. Website: https://www.blacktomato.com/Instagram: @blacktomatotravelTom Marchant on Instagram: @tommymarchant10Gift of Boredom (mentioned in conversation) Destinations and itineraries mentioned: Iceland: Snorkel and dive between tectonic platesA Journey into Mongolia (for campfire cookouts, eagle hunting, and mountain monasteries)Ultimate Bhutan: A Luxurious & Cultural Retreat (spiritually enlightening and as remote as they come)An Adventure Across Iceland (for magma chambers, trolls, and geothermal tomato farms)Switzerland & Italy (a luxury vacation in the Alps, lakes, and coast)An insiders guide to the Amalfi Coast: Limoncello, sweeping vistas and storied villas

    1h 2m
  6. Inside Michigan Mobility with Justine Johnson: EV Road Trips, Smart Roads & Cross-Border Travel

    FEB 3

    Inside Michigan Mobility with Justine Johnson: EV Road Trips, Smart Roads & Cross-Border Travel

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, to explore how the state is future-proofing travel through bold infrastructure projects, clean energy innovation, and cross-border connectivity. From America’s first public wireless-charging road to an EV-friendly Lake Michigan Circuit designed to keep charging stops within reach, Justine breaks down how Michigan is making road trips more seamless for the next generation of travelers. Ever wonder what a city is like beyond the tourist traps? LOST iN is a travel company built on curiosity...dedicated to the food, fashion, people, and stories that show what a place actually feels like. At LOST iN we explore travel culture in all its forms through hidden restaurants, shops, and local spots far from the typical tourist path. Follow along to stay connected wherever you roam. For travelers craving deeper, more authentic experiences check out travel guides, destination videos, and our membership that unlocks exclusive travel deals, cultural insights, curated city guides, and members-only events. —Connect with us— Website: https://lostin.com/

    13 min
  7. Inside Unplugged Collective: Mike Richter & Erica Fieldman on Modern Travel Storytelling

    JAN 29

    Inside Unplugged Collective: Mike Richter & Erica Fieldman on Modern Travel Storytelling

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Mike Richter and Erica Fieldman of Unplugged Collective to unpack how modern travel storytelling is evolving—and what it really takes to build trust, scale audiences, and create content that actually moves people. From navigating brand partnerships and audience growth to balancing creativity with commercial realities, Mike and Erica share an insider’s perspective on building a media platform rooted in authenticity, intention, and community. Together, they explore: How Unplugged Collective approaches travel storytelling with purpose, not just reachWhy depth, perspective, and credibility matter more than ever in a crowded media landscapeWhat brands misunderstand about creator partnerships—and how to get them rightHow audience trust is built through consistent point of view and lived experienceWhere travel media is headed as platforms, formats, and consumer behavior continue to shiftWhether you’re a creator, brand marketer, tourism board, or simply passionate about thoughtful travel, this episode offers a grounded look at how Unplugged Collective is shaping the future of travel media—one story at a time. Ever wonder what a city is like beyond the tourist traps? LOST iN is a travel company built on curiosity...dedicated to the food, fashion, people, and stories that show what a place actually feels like. At LOST iN we explore travel culture in all its forms through hidden restaurants, shops, and local spots far from the typical tourist path. Follow along to stay connected wherever you roam. For travelers craving deeper, more authentic experiences check out travel guides, destination videos, and our membership that unlocks exclusive travel deals, cultural insights, curated city guides, and members-only events. Connect with us Website: https://lostin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel

    15 min
  8. Inside Lithuania with Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis: Culture, Cuisine & Europe’s Most Underrated Destination

    JAN 16

    Inside Lithuania with Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis: Culture, Cuisine & Europe’s Most Underrated Destination

    In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Gediminas Varvuolis, Ambassador of Lithuania to the United States, live from CES, to explore why this Baltic nation is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most intriguing travel destinations. From medieval old towns and Baroque architecture to lakeside castles, comfort-driven cuisine, and a booming innovation ecosystem, Lithuania blends deep history with modern momentum in a way most American travelers haven’t discovered yet. Ambassador Varvuolis shares how Lithuania is: Showcasing its 700-year-old capital Vilnius, a UNESCO-listed city rich in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectureOffering nature-forward travel with 2,000+ lakes, outdoor adventures, and slow-travel appealServing up hearty, soulful cuisine—from potato-based cepelinai to refreshing pink beet soupPositioning itself as a rising hub for fintech, startups, and digital nomadsLeveraging CES to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovatorsInvesting in AI infrastructure, renewable energy, and human capital for the futureWhether you’re a curious traveler looking beyond Western Europe, a foodie chasing regional flavors, or a founder scouting your next international base, this episode offers a compelling introduction to Lithuania—where old-world charm meets next-generation ambition. 🇱🇹 Learn More & Plan a Visit Explore Lithuania through the Lithuanian Embassy or connect with local consulates in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles—and if you’re craving Lithuanian food stateside, Chicago is your first stop.

    16 min
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About

LOST iN presents The Layover - a podcast at the intersection of travel culture and creative industry. Built for brand leaders, designers, hoteliers, and forward-thinking marketers, the series unpacks the people, ideas, and trends redefining global travel. From evolving consumer behavior to destination storytelling and innovation in hospitality, each episode delivers sharp insight through the distinct voice of LOST iN. If you're building the future of travel, The Layover is your essential briefing.

Information

  • Creator
    LOST iN
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reserved Media Group
  • Show Website
    The Layover

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