Go beyond the lobby and step into the real world of hotels. From front desk hustle to behind-the-scenes hustle, Lobby Talks shares honest stories, industry insights, and the people who make hospitality happen. Whether you’re a hotel pro, event planner, or just curious about what goes into a great stay, this podcast is your insider pass. Two new episodes every month.
Steins, Brats & Big Crowds: Inside Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa
What makes Tulsa Oktoberfest more than just a festival?
In this episode of Lobby Talks, we explore the traditions, entertainment, and people behind Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa. Kenny Ott of Das Glockenspiel joins us virtually to share how the group has brought German culture to the festival through music and performance for nearly two decades.
We’re also joined by Ryan Howell, Games Master of Tulsa Oktoberfest, to discuss the games, activities, and behind-the-scenes coordination that make the festival a memorable experience. Together, these conversations offer a closer look at preserving cultural traditions, creating engaging entertainment, and bringing the Tulsa community together.
Tune in to discover the people and traditions behind one of Tulsa’s signature events.
14 Oct 2026
Stronger Together: The Impact of Hotel Associations on Hospitality
What happens when hospitality professionals work together instead of navigating industry challenges alone?
On this episode of Lobby Talks, host Ravi Sharma welcomes Trisha Kerkstra, Executive Director of the Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association, to discuss the importance of hospitality associations and their impact on the industry.
From advocacy and workforce development to networking and tourism growth, Trisha shares how collaboration helps hospitality professionals strengthen relationships, share solutions, and create opportunities across Tulsa.
We also explore the future of hospitality, the evolving guest experience, and Trisha’s vision for her dream hotel.
Guest: Trisha Kerkstra, Executive Director, Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging AssociationHost: Ravi Sharma
Lobby Talks explores hospitality, leadership, innovation, and the people creating experiences that bring communities together.
24 Sept 2026
More Than a Title: The Leaders at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills Who Keep the Hotel Moving
Can you really lead a hotel from a distance?
In hospitality, leadership can look very different depending on where you sit.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, we go behind the scenes with four hotel leaders working across finance, sales and marketing, human resources, and operations to explore what happens when leadership is physically close to the operation.
How does being on property change the way leaders make decisions?
How does it affect associate experience, guest experience and workplace culture?
And can you truly understand the business of a hotel without understanding the people and operation behind the numbers?
Host and General Manager, Ravi Sharma sits down with Debra, Rachell, Lee and Bryan to talk about their careers, their roles and the realities of leading a full-service hotel and event operation.
This conversation is for hotel managers, General Managers, department heads, hospitality executives, emerging leaders and anyone interested in the people and decisions behind the guest experience.
Because behind every room, event, meal, guest score and financial report is a team of people making it happen.
You're not simply overseeing the work. You're part of it.
🎙️ Lobby Talks is a podcast by hotel and event professionals exploring hospitality, leadership, innovation, travel, events and the people shaping the industry.
Who has been a guest on Lobby Talks
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
French intern
Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills team members
Team members at Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,103
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
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