Hospitality Forward
99 episodes Last Updated: Jun 25, 25
Welcome to Hospitality Forward, a podcast for hospitality & travel professionals, where we invite members of the media to share their insights and tips.
My name is Hanna Lee. I’m President of Hanna Lee Communications, an award-winning public relations agency in New York City.
And I’m Michael Anstendig, a food and beverage writer and my work has appeared in publications like the New York Times, Time Out New York, New York magazine online and others. I'm also the Editor in Chief at Hanna Lee Communications.
The hospitality & travel industry is now facing incredible challenges, and we know our community is looking for support and solutions. So we want to provide ways of attracting the media spotlight that can help your business rebuild and prosper.
That is why we created this podcast, where we will interview the smartest, most accomplished journalists who cover hospitality & travel for some of the world’s leading outlets.
Our upcoming episodes featuring media members from the New York Times, Esquire, Fortune, Time Out New York, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and many others.
And because we understand the power of media coverage, we’ll ask our guests to reveal their insider tips.
They’ll explain how to get the word out about yourself and your business, how to handle media interviews, how to be a great media resource, and how to tell your newsworthy story in a compelling and authentic way.
We are so excited to bring you these insightful interviews to help our industry reset, redirect and rebound.
So subscribe today and join us as we move Hospitality Forward together.
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Episodes
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 Erace:IG: @adameraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-erace-37b1b93/For all 90+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 this fall on Sept. 19, 2025. Adam got his start in writing with the popular blog, “The Restaurant Manifesto.” Connect with Adam Reiner:IG: @dopereinerX: @adamreinerBluesky: @adamreinerAdam's Upcoming Book, "The New Rules of Dining Out":IG: @rulesofdiningwww.newrulesofdining.comFor all 90+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 11, 2025
Episode #92: Amber Gibson, Freelancer for Chicago Tribune, Artful Living & Fine Dining Lovers
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 others.A Taiwanese-American, Amber speaks Mandarin fluently and earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.Connect with Amber Gibson:IG: @amberyvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aygibsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambergibsonX: @ambergibFor all 90+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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: @pbbrady1LinkedIn: paul-brady-51104499For all 90+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 2025
Hospitality Forward Podcast Season 7 Trailer
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 of Hanna Lee Communications, a food & beverage writer and co-author of “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail.” Helping the community has always been part of the agency’s mission. Michael and Hanna understand that a lot of hospitality & travel professionals might not have the resources to hire a PR agency. They believe everyone has a story to share. So they created this podcast where the audience can get to know these media luminaries and start building relationships. And today, the podcast has loyal listeners in 160 countries.With Michael a working journalist and Hanna a PR professional, they understand the power of media coverage and its positive impact on someone's career and business. So tune in each week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio or your favorite podcast app. The first episode of Season 7 will be released next Wednesday. In the meantime, for all media guests who kindly shared their insights and tips to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Michael (@michaelanstendig), Hanna (@hannaleeny) and our agency (@hannaleepr) on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X.And join us as we move hospitality forward together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.Connect with Hamish Smith:IG: @hamishssmithX: @HamishSSmithLinkedIn: hamish-smith-07907a1b3That’s a wrap for Season 6. Stay tuned for Season 7!For all 85+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendigFor a chance to win our agency’s award-winning book, “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail,” please email hello@hannaleecommunications.com and share your favorite pitching tip that you learned from the show.In addition, if you were featured in the media thanks to following advice from our journalist guests heard on our podcast, please send us a link to the article or segment. We will be happy to send you a copy of our book as a congratulatory gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 spent a summer as a fishmonger. Lucy has completed the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in wine.Connect with Lucy Simon:IG: @lucynashsimonFor all 85+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendigFor a chance to win our agency’s award-winning book, “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail,” please email hello@hannaleecommunications.com and share your favorite pitching tip that you learned from the show.In addition, if you were featured in the media thanks to following advice from our journalist guests heard on our podcast, please send us a link to the article or segment. We will be happy to send you a copy of our book as a congratulatory gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 two books, “The Cocktail Edit” and the upcoming book, “The Martini,” both from Quadrille Publishing.Connect with Alice Lascelles:IG: @alicelascellesFor all 85+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendigFor a chance to win our agency’s award-winning book, “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail,” please email hello@hannaleecommunications.com and share your favorite pitching tip that you learned from the show.In addition, if you were featured in the media thanks to following advice from our journalist guests heard on our podcast, please send us a link to the article or segment. We will be happy to send you a copy of our book as a congratulatory gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 & Schuster in 2022. A dual citizen and proud member of the AAPI and LGBTQ+ communities, Austa is the founder of the sapphic bar concept, grotto.Connect with Austa Somvichian-Clausen:IG: @austaclausenLinkedIn: austaclausenTikTok: @austascFor all 85+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendigFor a chance to win our agency’s award-winning book, “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail,” please email hello@hannaleecommunications.com and share your favorite pitching tip that you learned from the show.In addition, if you were featured in the media thanks to following advice from our journalist guests heard on our podcast, please send us a link to the article or segment. We will be happy to send you a copy of our book as a congratulatory gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 more than two-decades-long career. Connect with Jennifer Kester:IG: @jennifer.kesterFacebook: jennifer.kester.102LinkedIn: jenniferlkesterX: @jenniferkesterTikTok: @jennifer.kester For all 85+ media guests to date, you can find their information and episodes on our agency’s website, www.hannaleecommunications.com. Connect with hosts Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig along with our agency on IG, as well as on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and TikTok.Hanna Lee CommunicationsIG: @hannaleeprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannaLeeCommunications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanna-lee-communications/ X: @hannaleepr Hanna LeeIG: @hannaleeny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannaleenyc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaleepr/ X: @hannaleenyTikTok: @hannaleeny Michael AnstendigIG: @michaelanstendigFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.anstendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anstendig-7b5256/ X: @ImbibingGuy TikTok: @michael.anstendigFor a chance to win our agency’s award-winning book, “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail,” please email hello@hannaleecommunications.com and share your favorite pitching tip that you learned from the show.In addition, if you were featured in the media thanks to following advice from our journalist guests heard on our podcast, please send us a link to the article or segment. We will be happy to send you a copy of our book as a congratulatory gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.