In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Michele Herrmann. Michele is a features and lifestyle writer with nearly three decades of experience in print and digital, covering travel, food & beverage and hotels. Her writing has appeared in Forbes, USA Today, InsideHook, VinePair, Lonely Planet, Smithsonian Magazine and Livability, among others. Michele's adventures have taken her as far as Fiji. Next stop, Scotland! Connect with Michele: IG: @micheleherrmann X: @micheleherrmann Blues...
Jul 02, 2025•23 min•Season 7Ep. 95
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Adam Erace. Adam is an award-winning food and travel writer whose work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Fortune, Virtuoso and many other publications. Adam is the co-author of the Laurel and Palizzi Social Club cookbooks and four cocktail books. His latest, "In Session: Low-Proof Cocktails for High-Quality Occasions," will be published on Nov. 11, 2025. Adam lives in Philadelphia with his wife and two maniacal rescue dogs. Connect with Adam Er...
Jun 25, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 94
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Adam Reiner. Adam is a James Beard Award-winning food and drinks writer with over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. He worked at many of New York City’s most popular restaurants, like Carbone, The Grill and Babbo. Adam's writing has appeared in Eater, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, New York Magazine and others. His upcoming book, “The New Rules of Dining Out: An Insider’s Guide to Enjoying Restaurants,” is scheduled for release t...
Jun 18, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 93
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Amber Gibson. Amber is a nomadic freelance journalist who spends 340 nights a year in hotels. She has more than a decade of experience as a full-time freelancer covering luxury travel, food, wine and wellness. Amber's byline has appeared in dozens of publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Artful Living, Fine Dining Lovers, Food & Wine, Robb Report, The Telegraph, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TIME, Thrillist, Saveur and many other...
Jun 11, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 92
Welcome to Season 7 of the "Hospitality Forward" Podcast. In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Paul Brady, News Director, Travel + Leisure. Paul has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler, Skift and The Huffington Post. His reporting focuses on how consumers can have better trips and the trends shaping the future of the industry. Connect with Paul Brady: IG: @pbbrady1 LinkedIn: paul-brady-51104499 For all 90+ ...
Jun 05, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 91
Welcome to the “Hospitality Forward” Podcast! Each week, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee interview top journalists who share their insights and tips for being featured in their stories. The duo is so excited to launch Season 7. Hanna is President & Founder of Hanna Lee Communications, an award-winning public relations agency in New York. The agency builds national and global brands for luxury hotels, travel destinations, restaurants, bars, spirits and wine brands. Michael is Editor in Chief ...
May 28, 2025•2 min
In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Hamish Smith back to our show. Hamish is an award-winning drinks journalist specializing in the bar industry. Based in London, Hamish edits the UK bartender magazine CLASS and works across sister title Drinks International as Bars Editor. He is also The World’s 50 Best Bars' Chair for the UK and Ireland. Within his role with CLASS, Hamish hosts and organizes the CLASS Bar Awards, one of the world's longest-running bar awards that started in 2003....
May 09, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 90
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Lucy Simon. Lucy is an Assistant Editor at Food & Wine. She leads the cocktail coverage in the magazine and collaborates with Ray Isle on wine. Having joined the team in 2021, Lucy has worked for print, video and digital. Her written work can be seen in a variety of sections across the magazine. Lucy has always been infatuated with the world of food and beverage and has worked in restaurants, bars, food nonprofits and food policy. She even s...
May 01, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 89
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Alice Lascelles. Alice has been writing about the drinks industry in all its forms for nearly 20 years. She is probably best known for her column in the Financial Times, which covers wine, spirits and bar culture. Alice’s articles and columns have also appeared in publications like The Times, The Economist, Wired, Monocle, VICE, Food & Wine and PUNCH. She can often be found talking about drinks on TV and BBC Radio. Alice is the author of ...
Apr 24, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 88
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Austa Somvichian-Clausen. Austa is an acclaimed freelance journalist and author, who covers spirits, travel, hospitality, commerce, interior design and fragrance. Her work has appeared in numerous publications such as National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par and Men's Journal. Austa was an honoree of Cherry Bombe Magazine's Future of Food 50 List in 2023 and her book, “The Live Life Now List,” was published by Simon & Schuste...
Apr 10, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 87
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Jennifer Kester. Jennifer is VP & Executive Editor of Forbes Travel Guide. She covers everything that touches upon luxury travel: food & drink, culture, wellness and hotels. Jennifer has been an editor and writer for Forbes Travel Guide since 2008 and has served as Executive Editor since 2015. She has visited hundreds of luxury hotels, and her travels have brought her everywhere from Toronto to Tallinn to Tokyo to Tasmania during her mor...
Apr 03, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 86
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Heather Clark, Assistant Managing Editor for Static Media’s food brands: Tasting Table, Mashed, Daily Meal, Food Republic, Chowhound and Foodie. Previously, Heather was the Senior Editor for Put A Egg On It and freelanced for various food and drink publications such as Edible New York and Yummly. Connect with Heather Clark: IG: @heatheralayneclark TikTok: @heatheralayneclark For all 80+ media guests to date, you can find their inf...
Mar 27, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 85
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Sean Evans, an acclaimed freelance writer who contributes to Whisky Advocate, VinePair, Robb Report and a wide array of prestigious outlets. He covers spirits, automotive and longevity. Sean honed his writing and interviewing skills interviewing thousands of celebrities as a gossip columnist for the New York Daily News. Connect with Sean Evans: IG: @angryinparadise LinkedIn: sean-evans For all 80+ media guests t...
Mar 21, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 84
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Jillian Dara. Jillian is a lifestyle writer and editor with a particular interest in luxury travel, as well as wine and spirits. She writes for top publications, including Robb Report, Decanter, Michelin Guides, Food & Wine, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Wine Enthusiast and more. Jillian holds a Certification in WSET 2. She currently resides in Boston and has also lived in Bermuda, London, New York and Santiago, Chile. Connect with Jillia...
Mar 13, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 83
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Stinson Carter. Stinson is a freelance contributor to Men's Journal, Fatherly and Maxim. He also writes for other top outlets that include Wired, Gear Patrol, Esquire, Vanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal and WSJ Magazine. Stinson covers wine & spirits, travel, tech, cars and feature profiles from his home base of Charleston, South Carolina. Connect with Stinson Carter: IG: @stinsoncarter Facebook: stinson.carter Link...
Mar 06, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 82
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Joey Hernandez, an award-winning journalist whose career spans more than 20 years. Joey is the Senior Service Editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he covers lifestyle, travel, food and wine. He was formerly Deputy Food Editor at this prominent media outlet and splits his time between the City of Brotherly Love and Brooklyn. Joey previously served as Research Director at Bon Appétit and is an acclaimed wine and food writer and former editor...
Feb 28, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 81
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Betsy Andrews. Betsy is a James Beard, IACP and SATW award-winning food, drink and travel writer. She is a Contributing Editor at Food & Wine and SevenFifty Daily. Besty also writes for numerous publications, including Imbibe, the Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Wine Enthusiast, Serious Eats and Plate. Her first cookbook, “Coastal: A Road-Trippy California Cookbook,” a collaboration with Chef Scott Clark, come...
Feb 21, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 80
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Chloe Frechette. Chloe is the Deputy Editor of PUNCH, where she has worked since 2016, and primarily covers cocktails and spirits. Chloe is also the author of “Easy Tiki: A Modern Revival With 60 Recipes.” She has a master’s degree in History of Design from the Royal College of Art where she earned distinction for her research on the material culture of cocktail consumption. Connect with Chloe Frechette: IG: @chloefrechette ...
Feb 14, 2024•40 min•Season 6Ep. 79
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Aly Walansky. Aly is a freelance writer for Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Food Network and many other prestigious media outlets. Aly covers lifestyle topics, with a focus on food, cocktails and travel. She has spent the last two decades traveling the world in pursuit of the hottest spices and most delicious cocktails. Her daily substack email newsletter goes out to thousands of media professionals each day. Connect with Aly Walansky: IG:...
Feb 07, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 78
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Andy Wang. Andy is a contributing writer for Observer, where he published the 2023 Nightlife + Dining Power List. He has written regularly about restaurants and nightlife for publications including Food & Wine, Los Angeles Magazine and Robb Report. Andy’s work has also appeared in the New York Times, Forbes, New York Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and many others. He was previously the real estate and travel editor at the New York Post. ...
Jan 25, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 77
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Larry Olmsted. Larry is an award-winning travel, food and drinks writer who contributes to Forbes, Whisky Advocate, Cigar Aficionado Magazine, MasterCard Luxury Magazine and many other leading media outlets. Larry specializes in travel-related topics including industry trends, culinary, luxury and sports travel, especially golf, skiing and active and spectator sports travel. The author of “Real Food, Fake Food,” “FANS” and “Getting Into Guin...
Jan 17, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 76
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Yolanda Evans. Yolanda is an award-winning freelance writer based in Berlin, Germany, who contributes to PUNCH, Imbibe, Thrillist and countless other top media outlets. Specializing in covering travel and booze, Yolanda earned a prestigious IACP Award for Narrative Beverage Writing with Recipes. Connect with Yolanda Evans: IG: @yevans007 X: @yolie007 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-evans-4630207/ For all 7...
Jan 10, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 75
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with John Kell. John is a freelance writer who contributes to Fortune, Fast Company and Business Insider. He covers a wide range of topics from beverages to technology to DEI and sustainability. Previously, John worked as an on-staff reporter for Fortune, the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires, where he covered food and beverage, retailers, restaurants and apparel makers. Connect with John Kell: IG: @lovebiznews X: @Johnnerkel...
Jan 03, 2024•27 min•Season 6Ep. 74
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Claire Stern. Claire is the Digital Director of ELLE.com. Previously, Claire worked in the editorial departments of InStyle, J.Crew, Bergdorf Goodman and POPSUGAR. She earned her master’s degree from the Columbia Journalism School. Claire’s penchant for interviewing started with the “Harriet the Spy” notebook she had as a kid. Connect with Claire Stern: IG: @clairecstern X: @clairecstern LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cla...
Dec 27, 2023•29 min•Season 6Ep. 73
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Emma Janzen. Emma is an award-winning journalist and author who writes about spirits and cocktails for outlets including the New York Times, PUNCH, Eater, Good Beer Hunting and more. Emma won a James Beard Award and a Spirited Award from Tales of the Cocktail for “The Bartender’s Manifesto” co-authored with Toby Maloney, and earned a James Beard Award for “The Way of the Cocktail” co-authored with Julia Momosé. She is also the author of the James...
Dec 20, 2023•30 min•Season 6Ep. 72
Welcome to the “Hospitality Forward” Podcast by Hanna Lee Communications. We are excited to launch Season 6! With listeners in more than 160 countries, the weekly interview show is hosted by Hanna Lee, President & Founder of Hanna Lee Communications, an award-winning global PR agency specialized in Hospitality & Travel. Hanna is joined by co-host Michael Anstendig, Editor in Chief of Hanna Lee Communications, co-author of “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail” and a food & beverage wr...
Dec 18, 2023•2 min
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Marci Waldman, a seasoned network news professional with more than 30 years of experience. Marci is a producer for “CBS Saturday Morning” and the creator of its James Beard award-winning segment, “The Dish.” The segment explores chefs and restaurateurs through the lens of their food and what role it has played in developing their lives and careers. Connect with Marci Waldman: IG: @marcibethcbs Twitter: @MarciBethCBS For all media guest...
May 10, 2023•28 min•Season 5Ep. 71
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Stacey Leasca, an award-winning freelance Contributing Editor for Travel + Leisure and a Contributing News Editor for Food & Wine. In addition, Stacey writes for Tripadvisor, Hotels Above Par and Men's Health. Stacey is the co-founder of Be a Travel Writer with Nina Ruggiero of Travel + Leisure. She is also currently pursuing her Ph.D. with a focus on building resiliency to misinformation in early-career journalists. Connect with Stacey Le...
May 03, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 70
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Kelly McCarthy, a two-time Emmy Award-winning Senior Producer and Food Reporter for ABC “Good Morning America.” As a multi-platform journalist with over 12 years of experience, Kelly covers food, beverage and hospitality. At “Good Morning America,” she leads the food editorial, which includes everything from broadcast cooking segments to original digital features. Connect with Kelly McCarthy: IG: @superkellyfragelistic LinkedIn:https://www...
Apr 26, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 69
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with Sheila Yasmin Marikar, a freelance writer who covers culture, travel and food & beverage for publications such as The New Yorker, New York Times, Air Mail, New York Magazine's “The Cut” and Fortune. Sheila’s best-selling debut novel, “The Goddess Effect,” came out in October 2022 to rave reviews from The Washington Post, Allure, Marie Claire and others. Her New York Times Magazine profile of Chef Gaggan Anand was selected for the 2021 edition...
Apr 19, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 68
