Today we're welcoming Dawn from The Olive Jar, an experiential marketing studio specializing in vacation rental design and guest experiences. Dawn's path to this work is unconventional—she started in film advertising writing movie trailers, moved into documentary filmmaking with brands, and then spent years producing immersive culinary experiences before COVID shut down her entire industry. When short-term rentals exploded during the pandemic, she discovered that creating intimate experiences for cabin guests combined everything she'd learned about storytelling, production design, and emotional connection.

What makes Dawn's approach different is her insistence that branding isn't just a logo or color palette—it's about creating a cohesive feeling from the moment someone discovers your property until long after they've checked out. She talks about branding as "vibe creation" and argues that if you have to tell people your stay is luxurious or experiential, you've already failed. The experience should speak for itself through carefully curated details.

We explore why small touches like bubble wands or a doggy guest book can be more powerful than expensive amenities, how to translate your brand into marketing without overwhelming yourself, and why vulnerability and humanity in your communication matters more than perfect polish. Dawn shares her process for creating brand story guides that help hosts identify their ideal traveler and design experiences that create what she calls "core memories"—those multi-sensory moments that stick with people long after they leave.

Whether you're struggling to define your brand, wondering how to market without being salesy, or trying to create genuine connection with guests through thoughtful details, this conversation offers a framework for thinking about hospitality as storytelling and generosity as your most powerful marketing tool.

Instagram: @theolivejar.co

Booking Site: https://theolivejarhostingquiz.scoreapp.com/

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Sarah and Matt from Hyggeland Cabin in upstate New York, who built their own cabin from the ground up—a decision born from a COVID-era road trip and a serendipitous introduction to Den Outdoors cabin plans. What makes their story particularly compelling is they started dating in May 2020, bought land together on their one-year anniversary, and spent the next two years building a cabin while navigating a brand new relationship.

Sarah grew up in a handy New Hampshire household where building additions and self-sufficiency were the norm, while Matt came from Hong Kong and Los Angeles with zero carpentry experience. Their journey together became as much about Matt discovering a new identity as a blue-collar builder as it was about creating a physical space. They touched every piece of wood in their cabin—Matt sanding and Sarah staining—while managing the project themselves and learning to navigate decision fatigue, budget overruns, and relationship dynamics.

Their unique living situation adds another layer: they actually live in the cabin except when it's rented, which means they're constantly commuting two and a half hours from their Westchester apartment for turnovers. This hands-on approach has given them deep insights into what makes a space functional, from hidden storage with childproof locks to phone chargers at every bedside.

We explore their philosophy of building with love, why they chose hourly contractor rates despite the uncertainty, how they've embedded themselves in their local community through volunteer firefighting, and their honest reflections on burnout, relationship strain, and why they're already planning to build another cabin despite saying they'd never do it again.

Whether you're considering a DIY build, navigating a major project with a partner, or wondering how to balance living in your rental property, this conversation offers candid insights from a couple who learned everything the hard way.

Instagram: @hyggelandcabin

Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1150094111589366186?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaedjMdYkKtkd_J6LLAt7glhegEPG8HNDSbdKcsDtPzogFSuvyAS2WsHIqm5mg_aem_bAsfyE2-cGhia2He_BtZ8Q

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Rick and Lindsay from the south coast of the UK, who created Looking Glass Lodge—a stunning example of how cabin culture translates across different countries and landscapes. What makes their story particularly compelling is that they didn't set out to become cabin hosts at all. When Rick's father retired from managing a nature reserve, Rick and Lindsay inherited a piece of woodland that had been lovingly cultivated over thirty years, and they faced a choice: how do you maintain and preserve this special place while also sharing it with others?

Their solution was to create a cabin so thoughtfully designed that it feels like a natural extension of the forest itself. Working with architect Michael Kendrick, they spent two and a half years designing a structure that sits at just the right angle in a natural clearing, maximizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces without disrupting the ecosystem his parents had spent decades nurturing.

What struck me most about their approach is how they've flipped the typical cabin business model. Rather than extracting profit from the land, all income from Looking Glass Lodge goes directly back into maintaining the woodland and nature preserve. They're essentially using hospitality as a conservation tool, giving people the opportunity to experience this special place while ensuring it remains protected for future generations.

We'll explore their philosophy of "selling nothing"—how they've intentionally avoided adding hot tubs, barbecues, and other typical cabin amenities because they discovered their guests just want to disconnect completely. We'll dive into their design philosophy, from sourcing unique Scandinavian furniture to the biophilic design principles that help guests feel truly immersed in nature, and why they believe maintaining a seamless connection between cabin and woodland is what makes a cabin truly special.

Whether you're interested in sustainable cabin business models, designing with minimal environmental impact, or just want to hear about a place where doing absolutely nothing is the main attraction, this conversation offers a different perspective on what cabin culture can be.

Instagram: @lookingglasslodge

Booking Site: https://www.lookingglasslodge.co.uk

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Jessie Lane, an interior designer based in Los Angeles who created what might be the most unique cabin interior I've ever seen. During the pandemic, Jessie and her husband purchased a log cabin in North Carolina sight unseen—a decision that launched a three-year design journey that would challenge everything you think you know about cabin interiors.

Jessie describes herself as someone who loves novelty and wants spaces to transport people, which explains why her approach to this traditional log cabin was anything but traditional. What started as plans for a Big Sur-inspired 70s aesthetic evolved into something she calls "fairy tale meets Art Nouveau"—complete with stained glass windows, rich wallpapers applied directly alongside massive logs, and custom furniture pieces she invented specifically for the space.

This isn't just a cabin makeover story—it's a masterclass in creative problem-solving and trusting your artistic instincts. Jessie walks us through her discovery that working with logs means embracing richness rather than fighting it, why cream walls felt "unfinished" next to the natural wood, and how a failed stained glass installation in the kitchen hood led to an even better solution that became the centerpiece of the space.

We explore the philosophy behind her design choices, from incorporating meaningful family heirlooms like her grandmother's clock to creating custom pieces like the Shasha sofa that transforms from seating to a proper guest bed. Jessie also opens up about the emotional challenges of the creative process, the frustration that's actually a necessary part of innovation, and why she believes interior design is ultimately about creating "soulful spaces for your story."

Whether you're struggling with how to design around existing wood elements, curious about mixing traditional and modern pieces, or wondering how to trust your creative instincts when everyone says it won't work, this conversation offers both practical advice and philosophical permission to create something truly unique.

Instagram: @jessielaneinteriors

Website

Architectural Digest Feature

Cozy Rock Contact Info

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

On today’s episode we're doing something a little different—this is less traditional cabin content and more behind-the-scenes business and social media strategy. But, if you’re anything like me, who is currently facing social media dilemmas as we expand our to a new property, then this might be just what you need to hear. In this episode I’m chatting with Taylor Hildreth, a social media expert who documented her A-frame cabin build from foundation to launch, growing from zero to 30,000 followers before opening for guests. She successfully transitioned from a single-property Instagram account to a broader Minnesota travel brand with over 130,000 followers.

This conversation tackles a challenge many cabin owners face, including myself: what happens when you expand beyond one property? Do you start fresh accounts or rebrand your existing one? Taylor shares the real challenges of pivoting a 30,000-follower account, including the year-long growth stall, behind-the-scenes criticism, and why she decided it was worth losing followers to build the brand she actually wanted.

We dive into practical strategies for managing this transition and explore the psychology of social media growth—why consistency matters more than perfect content, how to build authentic engagement, and the trap of viral content that attracts the wrong audience for your business goals.

Whether you're just starting to document your first build, managing multiple property accounts, or considering a major rebrand, this conversation offers practical strategies from someone who's successfully navigated these transitions.

Instagram: @taytakesatrip and @hilhausaframe

Website: https://taytakesatrip.com

Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48902510?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadc1tYNll7gGebLwk9m3pF8XFXuf_5RjbuX1bOfUilSQxGCVTCPVX5Md3rEdQ_aem_21yw2a8iFbIUZK3yFpesKg&source_impression_id=p3_1758675105_P32oaS6dryvDviZk

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Emmy award-winning host Jack Stewart spent seven years bringing national parks to television through ABC's "Rock the Park" and now creates adventure content on his YouTube channel "Tiny Cabin Life." After losing his father to cancer, Jack transitioned from corporate TV to independent content creation, discovering that cabin content resonated more with audiences than traditional adventure vlogs.

Jack has built six different cabins, including portable versions on wheels that range from a seven-by-twelve-foot family structure with full kitchen to a five-by-eight-foot cabin he pulls behind an e-bike. He shares how he creates livable spaces for under $6,500, the challenge of balancing content creation with authentic outdoor experiences, and insights from his glamping industry work.

We explore his transition to YouTube independence, the heartwarming story of how his golden retriever Ellie chose him during a camping trip, and his philosophy that authentic experiences matter more than perfect production values.

Whether you're interested in tiny cabin builds, YouTube content creation, or maintaining authenticity while sharing outdoor adventures online, this conversation offers practical wisdom from someone living at the intersection of adventure and entrepreneurship.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinyCabinLife

Instagram: @jackfsteward

Website: https://www.jacksteward.com/

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Mary Bauer built a luxury baby furniture empire (Brat Decor) that furnished celebrity nurseries for Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashians, and Alec Baldwin. When her husband's cancer diagnosis forced them to downsize their business, they transformed their handbuilt West Virginia cabin into a premium rental—pricing it 4-5x higher than local competition and succeeding.

Mary's unexpected journey includes a 20-year obsession with George Washington that led to Martha Washington reenacting and designing their next rental around Revolutionary War themes. We explore how business expertise translates to hospitality success, why authentic materials and storytelling command premium rates, and the unique touches that set luxury cabins apart—including custom property apps and personal guest consultations.

From 120-year-old reclaimed logs to engineering disappearing pool decks, this conversation reveals how passion projects become profitable when authenticity meets business acumen.

Instagram: @wvluxurycabins
Website: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qSmsxeKZ8YyWXXreo1ADsnEUEZ_MSILqy1Upu3tJHVI/edit?tab=t.0

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

Today we're welcoming Dale Mulfinger, an architect and self-proclaimed "cabinologist" who literally wrote the book on what makes a cabin a cabin. Dale has spent over three decades designing cabins across the upper Midwest, taught university courses on cabin architecture, and authored multiple books including "Cabinology" and "The Family Cabin." His research began when a client asked him to design a cabin and he realized he didn't actually know what distinguished a cabin from a house—so he sent university students into "cabin land" with rolls of film to document 100 cabins and figure out what made some feel more "cabin-like" than others.

What emerged from that research—and from 35 years of practice—is a philosophy that cabins aren't defined by logs or rustic aesthetics, but by function: they're modest structures connected to meaningful sites that prioritize social bonding over private retreat. Unlike homes where bedrooms serve as escape spaces, cabin bedrooms are deliberately connected to the communal areas because "it's all about bonding."

Dale's own cabin, co-owned with another couple, showcases these principles with creative touches like leaf patterns cut into railings, ash trees incorporated into the kitchen island, and a two-sided fireplace built with stones he wheelbarrowed from a nearby gravel pit. We'll explore his strong opinions about screen doors that slam, variable ceiling heights, and why contemporary cabins with soaring windows often miss the point of horizontal lake views.

Beyond design philosophy, Dale offers practical wisdom about finding good builders (hint: ask at the lumber yard who pays their bills), the economics of custom versus pre-made plans, and why homemade cookies can be as important as architectural drawings when working with craftsmen. He also tackles the rental market's impact on cabin design, noting how insurance requirements and code compliance can strip away some of the personality that makes cabins special.

Whether you're dreaming of building your first cabin, curious about what separates genuine cabin culture from Instagram-friendly imitations, or just want to understand why a good screen door slam might be more important than granite countertops, this conversation offers both philosophical insight and practical guidance from someone who has dedicated his career to understanding these special places.

https://salaarc.com/people/dale-mulfinger/

Portfolio of Work: https://salaarc.com/people/dale-mulfinger/

'Cabinology'

‘The Family Cabin’

Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com