Episodes

Sarah Diehl, Founder Empowered Hospitality, is revolutionizing HR in the hospitality industry by focusing on creating supportive and thriving workplace cultures. Drawing from her own experience managing teams without dedicated HR support, Sarah built Empowered Hospitality to bridge the gap for small businesses. “HR is about maximizing your team’s performance and creating a positive environment,” she shares. From simplifying communication with smartphone-friendly tools to recruiting for cultural ...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the transformative potential of dynamic pricing in the restaurant industry and beyond. Featured guest Ashwin Kamlani, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in travel, hospitality, and revenue management, shares his journey of applying innovative pricing strategies to new industries. Ashwin joins host Shawn Walchef to explore how dynamic pricing, coupled with storytelling and data-driven insights, can reshape consum...

In this unique episode of Digital Hospitality, we feature an interview from Hospitality Huddles, where Scot Turner sits down with Shawn Walchef. Shawn shares his powerful philosophy: no one is coming to tell your story, so you must embrace the tools at your disposal to share it yourself. From building authentic connections to leveraging digital platforms, Shawn emphasizes how storytelling can transform businesses and communities. This conversation challenges hoteliers, restaurateurs, and entrepr...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live delves into the power of free samples as a transformative tool for growth and engagement across industries. Joining the conversation is special guest Kyle Inserra, who has more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and is the host of the Closed Monday Podcast. Kyle brought his expertise and humor to the table, sharing practical insights from his journey as a restaurateur and content creator. Together, they explored how free samples—both tangi...

In a world grappling with the challenges of sustainability, health, and food security, CUBIQ FOODS is emerging as a trailblazer in food technology. Co-founded by Andres Montefeltro, this innovative company is reshaping how we think about fats and their role in our diets. Montefeltro, with a robust background in biotech and a passion for creating impactful solutions, leads CUBIQ FOODS with a vision to improve global nutrition. Interview Takeaways: Improving People’s Nutrition – In a world overfl...

In this Coaching Call with David Meltzer, Shawn Walchef dives into the power of consistency, content capture, and leveraging technology for meaningful connection. David shares insights from his 25+ years of uninterrupted weekly trainings, emphasizing the importance of capturing authentic moments that resonate. They discuss the evolution of live streaming, the role of platforms like YouTube TV and Netflix in shaping the media landscape, and how technology can amplify human connection. Packed with...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the community gathers to reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of 2024 while setting the stage for a transformative 2025. Hosted by Shawn Walchef and Stover Harger, this live discussion features heartfelt personal stories, professional milestones, and practical tips from a diverse group of business leaders and creatives. From scaling businesses and building intentional partnerships to fostering meaningful connections and embracing personal growth,...

We explore the future of websites, how they serve as dynamic hubs for businesses, and why they’re more essential than ever for storytelling, community building, and commerce. Featuring special guest speakers Kyle Pflueger, Owner at Mithril Media and Digital Strategy Director at Cali BBQ Media, and Michael Beck, CEO, Inc Tank GTM. This episode dives into best practices for website design, accessibility, and functionality. Together, they share expert insights and personal experiences on creating m...

Jesse & Ben’s redefines frozen fries by blending nostalgia with quality. Co-founded by Jesse Konig and Ben Johnson, the company began with curiosity and a commitment to doing things differently. From a food truck to Whole Foods shelves, their journey centers on crafting fries with simple, non-GMO ingredients like avocado oil and grass-fed beef tallow. Unlike big brands prioritizing profits, Jesse & Ben’s puts care and authenticity into every bag, creating “junk food without the junk.” Their frie...

Shawn Walchef and David Meltzer discuss Meltzer’s transformative partnership with the Napoleon Hill Institute, where he aims to modernize Hill’s teachings through a "capture, modify, amplify, perpetuate" strategy. Meltzer shares his philosophy of abundance, emphasizing the power of taglines like “Make a lot of money, help a lot of people, have a lot of fun.” He reflects on Hill’s legacy and how today’s technology allows for unprecedented reach and impact. With insights into community building, c...

In this festive session, we dive into the joy, nostalgia, and spirited debates that come with holiday movies and traditions. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the group explores what makes a great holiday movie, shares personal favorites, and even tackles the age-old question: Is Die Hard really a Christmas movie? The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, family traditions, and the power of films to bring people together during the holiday season. From classic debates to qu...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the group explores actionable LinkedIn strategies, including the power of personal storytelling, testing new content formats, and leveraging tools like newsletters and video posts. The conversation emphasizes authenticity, community building, and creating value-driven content to maximize your reach and impact. Interview Takeaways: Authenticity Drives Engagement – Sharing personal stories and genuine insights, rather than just business-oriented content, cre...

Michael Diego, co-founder and CEO of Wise Assistant, is revolutionizing restaurant marketing by connecting businesses with local influencers. With a background in journalism, global travel, and tech, Michael combines storytelling and technology to help restaurants thrive in today’s competitive market. Wise Assistant streamlines influencer marketing, matching restaurants with creators who resonate with their brand and community. Through campaigns like Cali BBQ's influencer event, which garnered 2...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, we are joined by Cam Hardy, a YouTube expert and member of the Cali BBQ Media team, to discuss the transformative potential of YouTube for businesses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating engaging, consistent video content that connects with audiences. From short-form clips to long-form storytelling, Cam shares actionable strategies for leveraging YouTube to expand your reach and maximize your impact. Interview Takeaways: YouTube as a Str...

In this session, we explore the future of podcasting and what it means for creators, businesses, and brands as we move into 2025. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the group discusses the power of digital storytelling—beyond just audio—and emphasizes the importance of leveraging video, short-form clips, and multi-platform distribution to grow your reach. Whether you're just starting or leveling up, consistency, authenticity, and repurposing content are key to success. The message is clear: s...

We kick off our livestream in style by diving into, you guessed it, livestreaming! As 2024 winds down, one thing is clear: whether you’re building a business, personal brand, or podcast, livestreaming is a must for growth. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the group discusses the importance of letting go of fears—whether it’s worrying about how you look or how many people are watching—and just getting started. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and the only way to succeed is by taking...

Aaron David Roberts, is spearheading the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex, to transform San Diego into a hub for cutting-edge media production. The CEO & Founder of CVEC believes this visionary project addresses the shortage of advanced studio spaces by incorporating next-generation virtual production technology and fostering collaboration through coworking spaces, podcast studios, and event areas. Partnering with Chula Vista, Roberts envisions a creative hub bridging traditional and new media....

The world has undeniably gone digital, but have we paused to consider the power of Printed Hospitality? In an age dominated by screens, there's still a unique value in physical experiences like printed menus, direct mail flyers, and other tangible touchpoints. In this episode of Rising Tide, the group dives deep into the enduring significance of printed hospitality. They explore why, even in a digital-first era, print remains a vital tool for businesses—particularly in the restaurant industry. D...

Eat, drink, and cherish time with loved ones! Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect on what we're thankful for and enjoy the company of those around us. At the heart of this celebration is hospitality in all its forms. Whether it’s dining at a restaurant, preparing a home-cooked feast for a crowd, or being a guest in someone’s home, hospitality and Thanksgiving go hand in hand. In today’s Rising Tides LinkedIn Live, we explore the essence of Thanksgiving hospitality and share some of our fa...

David Meltzer shares key strategies for building a thriving digital brand: leveraging YouTube, maximizing Instagram posting, and embracing live streaming. He highlights YouTube as the world’s largest TV platform, perfect for growing visibility and deep audience engagement. On Instagram, Meltzer advises relentless posting to foster authentic connections and attract high-value followers. Finally, he champions going live as a powerful tool to showcase authenticity, amplify reach, and create lasting...

Josh Schonfeld, COO of Vandalay Brands, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Chicago-based restaurant group into a culinary powerhouse with 10 unique concepts. From managing ski lodges to leading diverse dining establishments, Josh’s hands-on approach and leadership have fueled Vandalay’s growth. Balancing a passion for hospitality with strategic innovation, he embraces technology to streamline operations, supported by partners like F3 Technologies. With advice on building trust in part...

Securing a meeting is a key part of business, work, and life. Whether it’s landing a potential client or closing a sale, we all aim for those important opportunities—but it’s not always easy, and it can take time. It’s natural to feel discouraged when things don’t come together right away, but with the right approach, persistence pays off. So, what are the best ways to get “the meeting” you’ve been working toward? In this episode of Rising Tide, we’re sharing practical tips and strategies to hel...

Storytelling is the secret to standing out in today’s crowded digital world. At the California Restaurant Show, Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media shared his journey, emphasizing, “No one is coming to tell your story.” Walchef discussed his Orange Tree Theory, a personal story highlighting the importance of sharing unique experiences to connect with audiences. By embracing vulnerability and consistency, businesses can create impactful stories that drive connection and growth. Interview Takeaways: ...

Schedules are a part of our daily lives, and we all strive to keep up with them. As technology advances, having digital schedules helps us manage our time more efficiently. But schedules are about more than just knowing where and when to be somewhere—they can also include staff schedules at a restaurant or a list of clients to review work in your office. As scheduling becomes increasingly important, having them in the digital space is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In today’s Rising Tide e...