Interview with Dan Ryan, founder and host of the podcast Defining Hospitality, co-owner of Agency 967, and Business Development Executive of BERMANFALK Hospitality Group.

“I am just very curious and I love talking to people, learning from them, and sharing those learnings with others.”

Dan Ryan

Meet Dan Ryan: Host, Entrepreneur, Connector

With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and nearly 200 episodes under his belt, Dan Ryan has become a recognized voice in the hospitality industry through his podcast Defining Hospitality. Available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, he has conversations with different industry professionals to investigate what hospitality truly means, at the core. Beyond the checklists, trends, and hotel locations, he aims to spark meaningful, inspiring dialogue rooted in the human experience. 

BERMANFALK is proud to sponsor a podcast that brings fresh perspectives to the forefront, exploring the many meanings of hospitality through thoughtful, intuitive conversations led by Dan. We recently had the chance to sit down with him, not as a podcast guest, but to flip the script and ask him the very question he’s asked hundreds of times: how do you define hospitality?

His answer: “I don’t. It’s more like a Venn Diagram.” 

Breaking Down Hospitality: A Venn Diagram 

Dan explains that his understanding of hospitality derives from years of conversations and experiences with many different kinds of people – guests on the podcast, collaborators, clients, and colleagues. What he’s learned is that hospitality is a mix of many things including presence, intention, and creating meaningful connections. At its core, hospitality is about how we show up for others. Whether it’s anticipating a client’s needs, actively listening, or creating a space where someone feels truly seen.

“Hospitality is really the gateway to the relationships we build in life. It’s about slowing down and being there for whoever’s right in front of you.”  – Dan Ryan

Like a venn diagram, hospitality is made up of overlapping pieces – where giving and receiving from others meet, and where awareness blends with action. It’s not just about what people tell you they need, but about tuning into what’s left unsaid. Sometimes it’s a pause in conversation, a glance, or a subtle shift in tone. Those quiet signals reveal just as much as words do and help determine what needs to be done in order to meet their needs. For Dan, hospitality shows up in the way we listen, respond, and create space for others to feel understood. Whether you’re managing a project, welcoming someone to your home, or designing a hotel space, it’s the small, intentional moments that leave the biggest impact.

“In anything you’re doing, there can be a checklist to make sure you’re hitting all the right steps, but if you’re not pausing to really listen and hear someone’s heart, it doesn’t work.” – Dan Ryan

Talk Shop: Defining Hospitality Podcast 

What inspired Dan to start his podcast? His initial answer isn’t what you’d expect: “out of laziness,” but we all know there’s more to it than that. He loves talking with and learning from others. Originally he started writing articles and blog posts and then realized with the popularity of podcasts growing that talking to people was a better option. The podcast allowed him to explore new conversations with interesting people, making it an exciting change from the routine of writing.

“It was a lightbulb moment: I can just talk to people rather than just write. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing, but it got to be a bit of a drag.” – Dan Ryan

The timing of the podcast launch during the pandemic also added to its appeal. With limited opportunities for in-person interaction, podcasts became a unique medium in connecting with others. For Dan, the idea of uninterrupted, hour-long conversations was a highlight. “It’s a good way to figure out how to talk to people at a deeper level,” he explains. Unlike everyday life, where conversations are frequently interrupted, a podcast provides a dedicated space for active listening and sharing, satisfying his thirst for learning. 

Dan Ryan draws inspiration from other podcasts, like Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. He loves that Carlin isn’t a professional historian, just a passionate fan of history. You could say it’s true “Dan” fashion since Dan Ryan isn’t a designer or hotelier either, but he’s a devoted fan of design and travel. Neither needs the title when they’ve both got genuine interest and enthusiasm. This mindset allows him to engage deeply with guests from all walks of life, making his podcast engaging and interesting. 

“If it is genuine and authentic it’s easy to pick up on – people like that.” – Dan Ryan

It’s not without its challenges though. Whether recording in person or remotely, there are countless production details to consider: audio, video, lighting, syncing it all together. While most episodes are recorded remotely with help from a producer, live recordings on the road require cameras, mics, and quick thinking. Dan credits YouTube as his unofficial mentor, joking that you could probably build a house just by watching enough tutorials. 

“We basically have production companies in our pockets now, the question is how do we use them?” – Dan Ryan

The Future of Hospitality: People

After dozens of interviews with leaders across the hospitality industry, Dan Ryan has come away with a clearer picture of where the industry is headed and what matters most along the way. At the heart of it all? People. Yes, technology is changing the guest experience with keyless entry, contactless check-ins, and even fully automated hotels, but Dan still believes the real magic happens in human connection. While tech can make things easier, he finds joy in conversations, storytelling, and the small interactions that define true hospitality.

“Technology is cool, but people are cooler.” – Dan Ryan

One topic that continues to come up in conversations is sustainability. For Dan, it’s not just about checking boxes, it’s about committing to a mindset. The hospitality industry is always evolving, and so are the ways we can build smarter, design better, and operate more responsibly. He believes sustainability should be woven into how companies think, work, and grow. It starts with being a student: learn from others, ask better questions, and stay open to change. When companies and their people do this, sustainability becomes part of the culture.

“There are always more sustainable ways to do things. Be a student and continue to learn from others.” – Dan Ryan

The more episodes he records, the more Dan has come to appreciate just how many hands are involved in bringing a hotel to life. From the early vision of a designer to the person laying tile or driving the delivery truck, it’s a huge team effort.  Every hotel is a massive collaboration, and it’s made him see just how essential good communication and shared values are at every step. Though, what’s surprised him most is how many people find their way into hospitality by accident… and stay because they fall in love with it. Everyone has a different path and passion, and it’s that wide range of stories and perspectives that keeps Dan and his listeners coming back for more. In the end, the future of hospitality isn’t just about trends or tech. It’s about people.

Building a Community: One Conversation at a Time

For Dan, one of the most meaningful parts of hosting Defining Hospitality is hearing how the stories resonate with listeners. Whether it’s someone rethinking their career path, finding a new way to lead, or simply feeling inspired by a podcast guest’s journey, those moments of impact are what keep him going. As long as people are willing to share and listen, Dan plans to keep the podcast going.

“So much impact comes from people just listening. It’s always a cool surprise.” – Dan Ryan

When it comes to choosing guests, it’s not about big names or flashy titles. Dan looks for people he knows, likes, and trusts – people with interesting perspectives who are shaping the hospitality world in meaningful ways. That might be a hotel owner, a restaurant operator, or even an author with a fresh take. He sees each episode as a chance to explore the ideas that bring businesses to life.

“How do you create something from nothing? The most powerful thing in the world is ideas so how do you make them tangible?” – Dan Ryan

Looking ahead, Dan is excited to deepen the sense of community around the podcast. He’s dreaming up in-person events, like Jeffersonian-style dinners that bring past guests together to exchange ideas and learn from one another. With new voices, bigger conversations, and a growing network of passionate people, Defining Hospitality is evolving, just like the industry itself.

Listen to Defining Hospitality here.