Podcast
Hospitality Forward
Hosted by Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig · EN
Welcome to Hospitality Forward, a podcast for hospitality & travel professionals, where we invite members of the media to share their insights and tips.
My name is Hanna Lee. I’m President of Hanna Lee Communications, an award-winning public relations agency in New York City.
And I’m Michael Anstendig, a food and beverage writer and my work has appeared in publications like the New York Times, Time Out New York, New York magazine online and others. I'm also the Editor in Chief at Hanna Lee Communications.
The hospitality & travel industry is now facing incredible challenges, and we know our community is looking for support and solutions. So we want to provide ways of attracting the media spotlight that can help your business rebuild and prosper.
That is why we created this podcast, where we will interview the smartest, most accomplished journalists who cover hospitality & travel for some of the world’s leading outlets.
Our upcoming episodes featuring media members from the New York Times, Esquire, Fortune, Time Out New York, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and many others.
And because we understand the power of media coverage, we’ll ask our guests to reveal their insider tips.
They’ll explain how to get the word out about yourself and your business, how to handle media interviews, how to be a great media resource, and how to tell your newsworthy story in a compelling and authentic way.
We are so excited to bring you these insightful interviews to help our industry reset, redirect and rebound.
So subscribe today and join us as we move Hospitality Forward together.
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25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode #109: Rob LeDonne, Freelancer for Vogue, New York Post and The Guardian
6d ago00:26:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Rob LeDonne. Rob is a New York-based culture writer who regularly contributes to Vogue, New York Post and The Guardian. Rob’s work can also be seen in Rolling Stone, PAPER Magazine and GQ. Since 2024, Rob has been the writer of a recurring TV/film and music column called Notable for The Ankler. He also worked on Apple TV+ Social Networks as a senior writer. Rob is also a comedy writer, having written jokes for the likes of Jimmy Fallon.Connect with Rob:Instagram: @robledonne LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robledonne For all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ TikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #108: Dan Christian, Founder/Host, Travel Trends Podcast
3w ago00:30:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Dan Christian. Dan is the Founder and Host of the Travel Trends Podcast, the world’s #1 B2B travel podcast, reaching listeners in more than 125 countries. It features in-depth conversations with the executives, founders and innovators shaping the future of the global travel industry. Dan is a frequent keynote speaker, moderator and event host at leading global industry events including ITB Berlin, World Travel Market London, Phocuswright and Arival. He is also the creator of the Travel Trends AI Summit, which brings together travel leaders and innovators exploring the intersection of AI and the future of travel. Passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, Dan also serves as a board member and advisor to several travel startups and growth companies, helping guide strategy, partnerships and global expansion.Connect with Dan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dctrips/TikTok: http://tiktok.com/traveltrendspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danchristian/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@traveltrendspodcastFor all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ TikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #107: Leah van Deventer, Freelancer, Your Luxury Africa and EatOut & 50 Best Academy Chair
4w ago00:29:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Leah van Deventer, a globally respected drinks writer who also serves as an Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars. Leah is a recognized voice in the drinks industry, working at the intersection of writing, judging, education and public speaking. Leah contributes to several top media outlets, including Your Luxury Africa and EatOut, where she covers cocktails, travel and food.Leah directs Cape Town Cocktail Week (CTCW), teaches spirits for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), contributes to multiple publications and consults across the drinks sector. She also founded the industry sorority SIS in 2022 to promote solidarity and upliftment. Leah sits on numerous competition panels and regularly presents seminars at leading bar shows.Leah’s work has earned her multiple accolades, including four placements among the Bar World 100, three South African Bar Communicator of the Year Awards, a global Top 4 ranking for Spirits Communicator in and the title of Best Mentor in 2024. SIS was named Best Upliftment Initiative in 2023, and CTCW Drinks Festival of the Year in 2026. Connect with Leah:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahvandeventer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahvandeventer/ For all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ TikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #106: Karen Cicero, Contributing Travel Editor, Good Housekeeping & Brie Schwartz, Director of Editorial Commerce, Good Housekeeping
Apr 2900:34:10Tap to summarizeTo kick off Season 8, we have a double interview featuring Good Housekeeping’s Karen Cicero and Brie Schwartz.Karen is a Contributing Travel Editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers family travel, leisure travel and travel trends. In this role, she helps manage the annual Good Housekeeping Travel Awards, which she helped launch, and creates digital travel coverage.Karen was IMM's Travel Journalist of the Year in 2025 and has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance, and was previously the Travel Editor at Parents. She has visited almost every state with her family. Brie is the Director of Editorial Commerce at Good Housekeeping, where she leads the brand’s shopping coverage. Brie covers shopping, travel and trends relating to beauty, fashion and more. With 17 years of experience as an editor and content strategist, Brie has written extensively about style, beauty, travel, wellness and relationships.Before joining the team, Brie was the Commerce Director for Glamour and Teen Vogue, and helped launch Oprah Daily as the site’s Deputy Editor. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Elle, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Women’s Health, Men’s Health and more.Connect with Karen:Instagram: @karen.ciceroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-cicero-9933717/TikTok: @karenciceroConnect with Brie:Instagram: @brietaylorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-schwartz-22416b1a/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brie.schwartz.5TikTok: @brieschwartzFor all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ TikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #105: Julia Cosgrove, Editor in Chief, Afar
Nov 2600:38:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Julia Cosgrove. Julia is the Editor in Chief and Vice President of Afar, the critically acclaimed brand that makes a positive impact on the world through high-quality storytelling that inspires, enriches and empowers travelers who care. Afar's editorial distinction and authority have helped it cultivate the most affluent and influential audience across all travel media. Previously, Julia was a writer and editor at media companies, large and small, including Time Out, BusinessWeek and ReadyMade. A graduate of Barnard College, Julia has taught magazine writing and design at the d.school at Stanford University. She lives in Berkeley, Calif., with her husband and two daughters. This episode concludes Season 7. Stay tuned for Season 8 in early 2026 and join us as we move hospitality forward together!Connect with Julia:Instagram: @afarmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-c-cosgrove/ For all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #104: Karla Walsh, Freelancer for Better Homes & Gardens, Allrecipes, Travel + Leisure and More
Nov 1900:32:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Karla Walsh. Karla is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance lifestyle writer. She has been covering travel, food, drink and wellness topics professionally for more than 17 years. When Karla is not on the road searching for the story behind the stories, she contributes to Better Homes & Gardens, Allrecipes, EatingWell, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, VERANDA, SHAPE, Southern Living, Food & Wine and more. Karla is also a Level One sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and is certified as both a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor.Connect with Karla:Instagram: @karlaswalshFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlawalsh/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-walsh-31457126/ For all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #103: Arianna Sartzetakis, Founder, Editor in Chief & CEO, Uncover More
Nov 1200:24:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Arianna Sartzetakis. Arianna is the Founder, Editor in Chief and CEO of Uncover More, a hyper-local and tailored platform to discover bespoke experiences. She covers hospitality, art and happenings.Since launching Uncover More in 2016, Arianna has reinvented how to uncover vetted experiences and local businesses in cities worldwide, offering her highly engaged community best-in-class guides across art, culture, gastronomy, travel and more.Arianna is passionate about building valuable relationships with her community. Through her multifaceted platform, Arianna has led and executed partnerships across multiple sectors, including tourism boards, hospitality groups, hotels and large household-name brands.Beyond her experience as an entrepreneur, Arianna previously worked in the financial services industry at Goldman Sachs. She attended St. Francis College and holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. Arianna was raised in Brooklyn, where she currently resides.Connect with Arianna:Instagram: @asartz and @uncovermore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianna-sartzetakis-4743b1134/For all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, as well as our agency, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsInstagram: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeInstagram: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigInstagram: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #102: Tim Latterner, Freelancer for Vogue Living, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s & Surface
Nov 500:31:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Tim Latterner. Tim is a freelance features writer and editor who covers travel, food and pop culture for a variety of outlets, including Vogue Living, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s and Surface.A former editor at Architectural Digest and Travel + Leisure, Tim covered restaurant openings, hotel stays and broader cultural features. In addition to travel writing, Tim is also a comedy writer and producer who has worked on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” MAD Magazine, National Lampoon and is the founder of “The Bowery Review,” New York’s best and only humor magazine. Tim is also an independent film director.Connect with Tim:Instagram: @timlatternerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-latterner-6b62b046For all 100+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, along with our agency, on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #101: Amy Rosner, Co-Founder, Fluent Mag
Sep 300:31:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are delighted to chat with Amy Rosner, Co-Founder of Fluent Mag, the first social media-coded magazine born in New York City. A former lifestyle editor turned content creator, Amy’s career spans Gotham Magazine, Modern Luxury, WWD and People, where she honed her editorial eye and love for storytelling. But Amy always knew she wanted to tell stories that felt closer to home. After years of pitching, posting and powering through closed doors, she stopped waiting for a seat at the table and built her own. Fluent Mag is a reflection of that: part magazine, part mindset, all about being ahead of the curve. Amy coined the term inFLUENTcer journalism™ to describe its unique blend of influencer culture and editorial storytelling. It’s bold, unfiltered and written in the language we actually speak. Connect with Amy:Instagram: @amyrosner_ and @fluentmagLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rosner-423060174/TikTok: @fluentmagFor all 100 media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode #100: Kate Krader, Food Editor, Bloomberg Pursuits
Aug 2000:40:42Tap to summarizeFor our 100th episode, we are delighted to welcome back Kate Krader, who was one of our very first guests during Season 1.Kate is the Food Editor at Bloomberg Pursuits, where she writes about news and trends around the world for the website and Businessweek magazine. She also contributes to the Bloomberg business division. The former Restaurant Editor at Food & Wine, Kate oversaw its news, trend and restaurant coverage. During her long tenure at the monthly magazine, Kate led Food & Wine's annual search for Food & Wine Best New Chefs. She also edited Food & Wine Cocktails, an annual guide to the hottest cocktail recipes, the best spots and the biggest trends in nightlife. A graduate of Kenyon College in Ohio, Kate received her formal culinary training at La Varenne in Paris. She currently resides in London.Connect with Kate:Instagram: @kkrader Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kate-krader/100066480131100/ X: @KkraderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-krader-babba8172/For all 100 media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with our hosts Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee along with our agency on IG, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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