In this episode of Behind the Service, we sit down with Kara Hammes; founder, designer, and host of the Brown County Barn Burner and Tanglewood Hideaway, two beautiful large-group Airbnbs in the heart of Nashville, Indiana.

Kara takes us behind the scenes of running a high-touch, high-impact short-term rental business from the ground up. With no formal background in hospitality, she followed her gut, filled a gap in her community, and created an experience that feels effortless for guests, even when it’s anything but behind the scenes.

We talk about the real work of hosting: managing guest expectations, creating liveable spaces (not just pretty ones), and challenging the myth that short-term rentals are passive income. We also dive into balancing business with family life, navigating guest issues, and the kind of conversations we don’t always hear about in the industry.

This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and insights for anyone curious about what it takes to build something meaningful in the world of lodging.

📍 Connect with Kara:
🏡 Brown County Barn Burner – www.bcbarnburner.com
🏡 Tanglewood Hideaway – www.tanglewoodhideaway.com
📸Social Media Handles: @bcbarnburner & @tanglewood.hideaway

In this episode of Behind the Service, we’re joined by Nick Elliott, better known as The Wine Guy—a certified sommelier, former winemaker, and classically trained chef. Nick brings a refreshing, humble, and down-to-earth approach to wine and hospitality, proving that expert knowledge doesn't have to be intimidating.

From the floor of high-end dining to the world of wine education and travel, Nick shares his journey and offers heartfelt insights that go far beyond pairing notes. His genuine passion for creating positive guest experiences and promoting kindness in the industry leaves a lasting impression—not only for those in hospitality, but for anyone navigating life with empathy and intention.

This episode is full of real talk, personal reflections, and encouragement to make wine (and service) feel more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

🎧 Whether you're in the hospitality business or just someone who enjoys a great glass of wine, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Connect with Nick Elliott, The Wine Guy:

📧 Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
🌐 Website: www.thewineguy.vin
🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TheWineGuyNTE

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wine.guy.NTE
👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wineloversclubofsandiego
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.wine.guy/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realwineguy

In this episode of Behind the Service, we’re joined by the incredibly accomplished Dr. Dominique M. Carson LMP H.C., a licensed massage practitioner, award-winning freelance journalist, public speaker, and former hotel overnight auditor.

From working night shifts in Virginia Beach to writing feature articles and healing bodies through massage therapy, Dr. Carson’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and deep service to others. She opens up about what it was like behind the front desk, how hospitality shaped her path, and why every job matters on the road to purpose.

We explore what it means to align intention with action, the power of customer service, and how even temporary roles can become defining chapters in our journey.

Professional Portfolio: https://dominiquecarson.contently.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/domcarson
Facebook: facebook.com/dmc922
Instagram: instagram.com/domcarson90
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquemcarson

In this episode of Behind the Service, we’re joinedby the dynamic Holly Oldham — a luxury residential cleaner, coursecreator, comedic poet, and the force behind Pause Reflect Move Forward.

Holly brings energy, honesty, and a deep passion forcreating clean, healthy spaces where families can thrive. From her early daysas a janitorial professional to becoming a business owner and mentor, she opensup about the realities of cleaning work, the toll it takes, and the joy itbrings when done with purpose.

We talk motherhood, solo entrepreneurship, physical burnout,wealth and wellness, and the power of taking control of your own time. Thisconversation is raw, empowering, and filled with heart.

🔗 Connect with Holly& Explore Her Work:

📱 Follow Holly onSocial Media
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter:
@PauseReflectMoveForward

🌐 Facebook Page:
facebook.com/pausereflectmoveforward

🧼 Online CleaningCourse:
From Solo Cleaner to Essential House Manager
https://bit.ly/4184CJd

🎧 Tune in and getinspired by Holly’s story — because in this industry, passion makes all thedifference.

#BehindTheServicePodcast #CleaningBusiness #WomenInBusiness#JanitorialLife #HousekeeperStories #PauseReflectMoveForward

In this episode of Behind the Service, we sit down with chef, cultural curator, and food justice advocate Kimberly Parris—also known as CEO Kimi Michelle—to explore the intersection of food, identity, and purpose.

Kimi opens up about her experiences in professional kitchens, the emotional weight of high expectations, and the toxic commitment many of us carry in hospitality. From the sacredness of dining culture to the everyday realities of motherhood, she shares what it looks like to reclaim your life while still honoring your calling.

This is a conversation about healing, heritage, and heart—and about what happens when you step into your purpose and serve your community in ways that go far beyond the plate.

Connect with Kimberly Parris:
🌐 Website: https://www.theceokimimichelle.com/
📸 Instagram: @ceokimimichelle
💼 LinkedIn: Kimi Michelle Parris

🎧 Listen on: Spotify, YouTube Music, Audible, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📍 New episodes every other Saturday at 10 AM EST

This week, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most unique and heartfelt hospitality stories we've ever heard. Chef Matthew Gray joins us to talk about his evolution from working in rock and roll tour catering with some of the biggest names in music… to becoming a pioneer of Hawaii’s award-winning culinary tours.In this uplifting episode, Chef Gray reminds us that hospitality isn’t just a job—it’s who we are. Whether you’re plating five-star meals or guiding guests through your city’s culture, there’s a deep, emotional heart to the work we do. ✨🎙️ If you’ve ever loved your job so much it didn’t feel like work, this one’s for you.🔗 CONNECT WITH CHEF MATTHEW GRAY:🌐 50 Tastes of Grayhttps://lovelife.com🌐 Hawaii Food Tourshttps://hawaiifoodtours.com📱 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/matthew.hawaii📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/50TastesOfGray💼 LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on vacation rentals with guest Brittany Moore (@BrittChrishawn)—a multi-faceted business owner, visionary creative, and seasoned host with several short-term rental properties.

We’re talking:

• The realities of managing short-term stays behind the scenes

• Guest complaints that often stem from simple misunderstandings

• What hosts really wish guests knew before booking

• The unspoken pressure of reviews

• Tips for both travelers and hosts to improve the experience

Brittany brings a well-rounded perspective from both sides of the stay. As an active traveler with serious wanderlust, she understands the guest experience firsthand—and as a property owner, she knows exactly what it takes to create and maintain it.

✨ Check out Brittany’s listings:
airbnb.com/h/artbytrade2
airbnb.com/h/artbytrade
airbnb.com/h/artbytrade3

🔗 Follow Brittany everywhere: @BrittChrishawn (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram & more)

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, and all major podcast platforms.
Don’t forget to follow Behind the Service: Real Talk from the Backbone of the Industry for more stories from the service world—unfiltered and honest.

The hospitality industry never stops, and neither do the people who keep it running. In this episode, we sit down with an executive housekeeper and new mom, to discuss the realities of balancing leadership in hospitality while navigating motherhood.Disclaimer: This guest has requested to remain anonymous. We value the privacy and security of all of our guests.