The short-term rental industry is evolving faster than anyone imagined. Stricter regulations, new technology, and shifting consumer behavior make success harder than ever.
Yet, until now, there was no single place to cut through the noise. No destination to get the unfiltered truth. That’s why we created STR Global Unlocked.
Led by Simon Lehmann—CEO and cofounder of AJL Atelier, investor, and advisor—this podcast opens the door to conversations the industry has been avoiding.
Because let’s be honest: success in STR isn’t easy. But it’s far from impossible.
STR Global Unlocked Podcast | Welcome
LET’S GET REAL ABOUT STR
Every industry has a story. In short-term rentals, it’s a story few people truly know, even though the business now touches millions of travelers worldwide.
There are truths about this industry that many overlook—or prefer not to face. But they matter. The more we talk about them, the more we understand.
That’s Simon Lehmann’s goal, and it’s what you’ll hear on his podcast, STR Global Unlocked.
Simon has shaped short-term and vacation rentals for decades. He’s worked with companies like Vacasa, Phocuswright, and HomeAway. Today, he leads AJL Atelier, a consultancy focused on vacation rentals and business strategy.
And now, he’s your host—ready to guide you through the industry’s hidden truths.
Watch the Trailer:
Podcast Content
WHAT YOU’LL GET
You’ll hear solo episodes where Simon shares, in real time, what excites him and what keeps him up at night about STR. You’ll join conversations with industry leaders, where he pushes for the answers others avoid. And expect a seat at the table as he takes you behind the scenes of global events and into the most heated panel debates.
Each episode delivers the kind of insight that’s usually only shared in boardrooms or behind closed doors.
Sharp conversations in under 60 minutes.
Stories from founders, CEOs, and operators who are reshaping STR.
The unfiltered truth, told by the people who know it best.
Upcoming Episodes
Want to dive deeper into the industry? Each issue we share facts, news, and tech updates worth your attention.
The Four Acts of STR
Simon Lehmann takes a personal, in-depth look at the four “acts” in the history of STR. We’ve entered the fourth, and he explains why understanding it matters.
COMING OCT 6 →
Disruption to Come
Brian Egan, CEO of Evolve, breaks down why disruption in STR is tougher than ever—and why it still hasn’t happened.
COMING OCT 13 →
STR Challenges
Graham Donoghue (Forge Group), Steve Schwab (CasaGo), and Quirin Schwaighofer (MadeComfy) tackle rising guest expectations, shifting regulations, and more.
COMING OCT 20 →
What’s Broken in STR
Carl Shepherd doesn’t hold back. He shares what’s broken in vacation rentals and what needs to change.
COMING OCT 27 →
Thinking Best, Not Big
Amiad Soto argues that success in STR isn’t about thinking “big.” It’s about thinking “best.”
COMING SOON →
Lessons for Operators
Cliff Johnson breaks down owner flexibility, channel strategy, and pricing as the levers that actually move revenue.
COMING SOON →
CLOSING THOUGHTS
STR Global Unlocked is more than a podcast. Each week the newsletter brings you the insights, data, and conversation starters inspired by every episode. Stay with us, follow the debates, and be part of the story as it unfolds.