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Connecting you with the people who bring student housing to life.
Episodes
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
🎙️Episode Summary
In this episode, recorded live from Lease Con / Turn Con in Charlotte, host Wesley Deese sits down with Dan Smith, co-founder of Verbaflo and host of the Housed podcast. While Dan is a familiar voice in the UK and European student housing sectors, he is making his debut in the US market with Verbaflo, an award-winning conversational AI platform designed specifically for student accommodations.
The conversation covers Dan's journey from operations and consultancy to tech entrepreneurship, driven by the need for better communication tools in the industry. Dan and Wes discuss the capabilities of Verbaflo—which supports 180 languages across voice, chat, and messaging apps—and how it achieved "PropTech of the Year" status in Europe. They also explore the company's strategy for the US market, including a risk-free pilot program designed to prove value to operators before they commit to contracts.
⏱️Timestamps & Segments
00:00:00 – Intro: The reality of speaking with AI agents.
00:03:20 – Introduction to the episode: Profiling Verbaflo.
00:06:45 – Interview begins: Welcoming Dan Smith to the US.
00:08:53 – Dan’s background: From gin distilleries to student housing operations.
00:09:50 – The origin of Verbaflo: Solving the communication problem.
00:15:30 – Operational efficiency vs. staff reduction: Enhancing the community manager role.
00:19:40 – US Expansion Strategy: The 3-month risk-free pilot program.
00:20:45 – Winning "PropTech of the Year" and managing 200,000 beds in Europe.
00:25:09 – Upcoming appearances: Interface Student Housing Conference 2026.
00:24:45 – The value of remaining an active consultant while selling tech.
00:27:30 – Contact information and the Housed podcast.
📎Resources & Links Mentioned
Verbaflo:
Shop Talk: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
Housed – The Shared Living Podcast: Dan Smith’s weekly podcast covering the UK/European sector.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/housed-the-shared-living-podcast/id1729644031
Interface Student Housing Conference:
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
🎙️Episode Summary
In this episode, recorded live at the LeaseCon+TurnCon in Charlotte, host Wesley Deese moderates a candid panel with five college students about their off-campus housing experiences. The students share unfiltered feedback on the increasingly early timeline for signing leases—with some securing senior housing as early as their freshman year. The discussion covers the critical role of social media and word-of-mouth in their decision-making, often outweighing traditional marketing or AI tools. The panel also dives into the realities of move-in day, the amenities that actually matter (versus those that just look good on a tour), and the frustrations caused by poor communication and aggressive renewal tactics. This "voice of the customer" session offers essential takeaways for operators looking to improve resident satisfaction and retention.
⏱️Timestamps
00:00:00 – Intro / Cold Open: The shock of signing leases 18 months in advance.
00:00:40 – Sponsor Message: Improving resident engagement with Opiniion's Social Pro.
00:02:27 – Host Welcome: Wesley Deese sets the stage for the live student panel.
00:10:09 – Meet the Panel: Introductions from students Lydia, Erica, Dana, Kara, and Austin.
00:12:03 – The Housing Search & Timelines: From relying on word-of-mouth to signing senior leases during freshman year.
00:19:15 – Move-In Day: A look at organized check-ins versus chaotic experiences with maintenance issues.
00:33:56 – Amenities That Matter: The reality of what gets used (gyms and pools) versus marketing fluff like golf simulators.
00:36:11 – The Renewal Decision: Why students choose to leave and the annoyance of redundant renewal calls.
00:44:59 – Audience Q&A: The panel answers operator questions regarding furniture quality, the use of AI in leasing, and social media engagement.
01:03:04 – Outro: Key takeaways for operators and final thoughts.
💡Sponsor Spotlight
This episode is sponsored by Opiniion and their new Social Pro platform. Social Pro helps property teams streamline their social media management, allowing them to create consistent content, publish across multiple platforms instantly, and measure engagement without overburdening their staff.
Learn more about Social Pro: opiniion.com/shi
🔗 Resources & Links
Student Housing Insight:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
Shop Talk Webinars: Register for monthly legislative updates and pre-leasing data at
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
🎙️Episode Summary
In this wrap-up episode for November and December, Wes Deese and co-host Gretta Dare take a deep dive into the busy conference season and the latest industry news. The duo recaps Wes’s experience as an "influencer" at the OpTech conference in Las Vegas, including insights on prop-tech trends and the spectacle of the Sphere. They then shift focus to a detailed breakdown of LeaseCon TurnCon, sharing takeaways from the student panel, the importance of the human element in leasing, and the ongoing staffing challenges discussed at the ShopTalk Executive Summit.
The conversation moves to critical news impacting the sector, starting with a discussion on the shifting value perception of four-year degrees based on a recent NBC poll. Wes and Gretta also tackle the FTC’s recent settlement with Greystar regarding fee transparency and analyze the latest Open Doors data showing a decline in new international student enrollment. Finally, they cover major company news, including Lincoln Property Company’s acquisition of Capstone Development Partners and updates on Yugo’s portfolio growth.
⏱️Timestamps
00:03:34 – OpTech Conference Recap: Being an "Influencer" & PropTech trends
00:10:00 – Exhibit Hall highlights: App Work’s unique booth strategy
00:15:47 – Hologram technology in conferences
00:18:00 – LeaseCon TurnCon Recap: Bringing the whole team
00:23:18 – The Student Panel: Why students still want human connection
00:34:00 – ShopTalk Executive Summit: HR and maintenance staffing challenges
00:44:50 – Debate: Where should future conferences be held? (Charlotte vs. Dallas)
00:53:50 – Industry News: NBC Poll on the declining perceived value of college degrees
01:06:00 – FTC & Greystar: The settlement on "junk fees" and transparency in advertising
01:16:00 – International Student Trends: Analyzing the Open Doors data and enrollment drops
01:25:00 – Company News: Lincoln Property Company acquires Capstone Development Partners
01:28:40 – Management Updates: Peak and Yugo portfolio awards
💡Sponsor Spotlight: Jameson Bedding
This episode is sponsored by Jameson Bedding. As you prepare your budget and inventory for the upcoming summer turn, don't let the stress of mattress replacement slow you down. Student Housing Pros rely on Jameson Bedding for their US-made mattresses that ship quickly anywhere in the lower 48, along with durable encasements to extend the life of your inventory. Visit StudentHousingMattress.com to learn more and stay ready for move-in.
🔗 References & Resources
Student Housing Insight Platform:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
ShopTalk Webinar Info:
Open Doors Data (International Student Enrollment): https://opendoorsdata.org/annual-release/international-students/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
OpTech Conference (NMHC):
Friday Dec 26, 2025
Friday Dec 26, 2025
🎧 Episode Summary
In this episode, host Wesley Deese sits down with Teddy Abdelmalek from HH Redstone to discuss the current state of student housing operations following the recent Shop Talk Executive Summit and LeaseCon/TurnCon conferences. Teddy shares his unique professional journey, transitioning from a pre-med track and Resident Assistant (RA) role into a career in property management and business development.
The conversation explores the critical impact of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) on leasing success, specifically highlighting how comfortable mattresses can significantly influence a resident's experience and decision-making. Teddy also outlines HH Redstone's "secret sauce" operational philosophy: treating residents as if they are the CEOs or owners of the property to drive performance and reputation. Finally, the discussion covers the importance of "speed winning" in leasing, the transition from operations to business development, and why investing in onsite talent is crucial for 2025.
⏱ Episode Timestamps & Key Topics
00:01:38 – Recap of the Shop Talk Executive Summit and LeaseCon
00:04:55 – The Strategic Importance of FF&E and Mattresses in Leasing
00:07:05 – Innovations in Common Areas: The Recre Kiosk
00:08:45 – Teddy’s Journey: From Pre-Med to Student Housing Property Management
00:15:30 – Building on University Relationships and Operational Growth
00:18:20 – Advice for Transitioning from Operations to Business Development
00:21:25 – HH Redstone’s Geographic Focus and Market Strategy
00:25:40 – The "Secret Sauce": Treating Residents Like CEOs
00:33:15 – Moving the Needle: Speed Wins and Bias Towards Action
00:36:15 – The Role of AI as a Supplement to Human Effort
00:37:30 – 2025 Takeaways: Investing in Staff and Professional Development
🤝 Episode Sponsor Student Housing Mattress Move-in day is stressful enough without the added worry of missing or uncomfortable mattresses. Powered by Jameson Bedding, Student Housing Mattress provides US-made mattresses that ship quickly anywhere in the lower 48 states, ensuring you are ready for move-in.
👉 Learn more and stay move-in ready: https://www.studenthousingmattress.com
🔗 Sources & References Mentioned in the Episode
Student Housing Insight:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com
Shop Talk Home Page:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com
StudentHousingMattress.com (Jamison Bedding):
https://www.studenthousingmattress.com
HH Redstone:
Lease Con / Turn Con (Interface Conference Group):
https://interfaceconferencegroup.com
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
🎧Episode Summary
In this episode, Student Housing Insight Ambassador Cody Hardy sits down with Tim Baldwin, attorney and owner of Property Management Law Solutions, for a deep dive into how landlord–tenant law has evolved in today’s post-COVID, AI-driven world. They unpack the foundational mistakes operators often make, the rise of tenant attorneys and class-action exposure, how AI is arming residents with new tools, and why having a trusted legal partner is no longer optional — it's a proactive risk-management strategy. Whether you're managing a single community or overseeing a national portfolio, this conversation reframes how to think about efficiency, documentation, compliance, and long-term protection for your assets and your team.
⏱️Timestamps
00:02:21 – Introduction to today’s topic and why operators need this conversation
00:04:38 – Cody introduces guest Tim Baldwin
00:08:28 – Common foundational mistakes in property management
00:11:04 – COVID, AI, and the rise of tenant attorneys
00:15:05 – How the industry has changed since 2020
00:20:25 – Why “doing it the right way” is actually more efficient
00:24:42 – PM Law Solutions’ online eviction platform
00:27:10 – How Tim’s team is structured to support multiple properties
00:29:16 – Misconceptions about cost and “I’ve always done it this way”
00:31:54 – How the industry has shifted: ESAs, accommodations, regulations
00:36:03 – No such thing as a dumb question — why clarity protects you
00:38:07 – How to connect with Tim Baldwin
00:38:34 – Wes’s closing takeaways & upcoming content preview
💡Sponsor Highlight StudentHousingMattress.com — Powered by Jamison Bedding Move-in day can unravel fast when even one bed is missing. Inspections miss things, local stores don’t carry student-housing sizes, and replacements are slow. StudentHousingMattress.com solves this with fast-shipping, U.S.-made mattresses — including industry-standard durable blue-vinyl models. Stay ready for move-in.
👉 https://studenthousingmattress.com/
🔗Mentioned Resources & Links
Student Housing Insight:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
ShopTalk.Info: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Cody Hardy’s LinkedIn Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-hardy-cam-797100189/
Property Management Law Solutions, PLLC:
Student Housing Mattress:
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
🎙️ Episode Summary In this monthly wrap-up, host Wes Deese and co-host Gretta Dare unpack the biggest developments shaping the student housing industry in October. From insights at the NMHC Student Housing Conference to major legislative wins in California’s student housing crisis, the episode covers market trends, AI in operations, and key company news. They discuss highlights from NMHC—including the 2025 Market Outlook, AI integration panels, and reflections on data transparency across operators. The duo also dives into new California laws aimed at easing housing shortages for college students, an adaptive reuse project in Long Beach, and other headlines impacting developers and operators nationwide. The episode closes with upcoming events like ShopTalk and LeaseCon/TurnCon, plus a spotlight on industry promotions and partnerships.
💡 Sponsor Spotlight: The Guarantors This episode is sponsored by The Guarantors, the industry leader in rent coverage and risk reduction solutions for student housing operators. Their Rent Coverage product eliminates the uncertainty of parental guarantors, ensuring faster leasing conversions and reliable protection against rent loss.
👉 Learn more at theguarantors.com/student
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:05:05 – NMHC Conference Recap: Location, Attendance, and Vibe
00:08:33 – Industry Networking and TopGolf Mixer Fundraiser Recap
00:09:40 – Waymo Ride Experience in Scottsdale
00:16:55 – NMHC Key Sessions: 2025 Market Outlook & Executive Strategy Panel 00:22:40 – Data Sharing Debate and University Collaboration Challenges
00:32:47 – AI and Analytics in Student Housing Panel Highlights
00:38:07 – Breaking News: California’s Student Housing Legislation
00:51:57 – Adaptive Reuse Project: Office-to-Student-Housing Conversion in Long Beach
00:54:48 – Company News: Mergers, Partnerships, and Promotions
01:01:08 – Upcoming Events: ShopTalk, LeaseCon/TurnCon, and Executive Summit
🔗 References & Resources
Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
Shop Talk Webinars: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Hi, How Are You Foundation: https://www.hihowareyou.org/
NMHC Student Housing Conference: https://www.nmhc.org/
Yugo: https://yugo.com/en-gb/home
PeakMade Real Estate: https://peakmade.com/
Scion Group: https://thesciongroup.com/
Capstone Development Partners: https://capdevpartners.com/
Fountain Residential Partners: https://fountainresidential.com/
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
🎧 Episode Summary
In this episode of Student Housing Insight, host Wes Deese sits down with Matt Walker, Global Head of Student Housing for Mapletree Investments, to trace his two-decade journey from leasing manager in Oklahoma to leading international student housing investments from London. Matt shares lessons learned across roles at EDR, CA Ventures, and now Mapletree, offering insight into how career agility, openness to relocation, and curiosity about global markets can shape an exceptional trajectory in student housing. He reflects on the differences between U.S. and international markets, the cultural nuances of students living in South America and Europe, and how the sector continues to evolve in response to generational and economic shifts. A must-listen for operators, investors, and anyone passionate about the global student housing landscape.
⏱️ Key Time Stamps
00:01:30 – Introduction to Student Housing Insight and SHI’s Shop Talk webinars
00:04:02 – Meet Matt Walker: From on-site operations to international investment leadership
00:10:36 – Early career: EDR, Norman to Lawrence to Fort Worth
00:25:38 – Lessons in management, mentorship, and growth mindset
00:29:31 – Building CA Ventures’ West Coast operations
00:36:57 – Transition to international markets and challenges in South America 00:48:05 – Cultural differences in student living globally
00:59:32 – Moving to London and building a platform in the U.K.
01:35:04 – The future of global student housing and professional takeaways
💡 Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies Whether developing or acquiring student housing, reliable internet is non-negotiable. Campus Technologies delivers high-speed wired and wireless internet infrastructure purpose-built for student housing, with 25 years of expertise and unmatched customer support.
📘 Download their free white paper on upgrading your property’s internet infrastructure at campustechnologies.com.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
ShopTalk.Info: https://www.shoptalk.info/
SHI Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
NMHC Student Housing Conf: https://www.nmhc.org/meetings/calendar/shc/2025-nmhc-student-housing-conference/
2025 TopGolf Mixer: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events/2025topgolfmixer
Interface LeaseCon+TurnCon 2025:
https://interfaceconferencegroup.com/event/leasecon-turncon-2025/
LC+TC x SHI Scholarship:
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
📄 Episode Summary
Host Wes Deese sits down with Dave Borsos and Matthew Berger from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) to preview this fall’s lineup of major student housing conferences, including the NMHC Student Housing Conference, & OpTech. They unpack trends in capital markets, international student enrollment, and tax policy—and explore how technology and AI are shaping property operations. Later, Rich Kelley from Student Housing Business joins to share what’s ahead for LeaseCon+TurnCon, new scholarship opportunities, and how shifting leasing patterns are influencing 2026 planning.
🕒 Time Stamps
00:04:57 – NMHC Conference Preview with Dave Borsos & Matthew Berger
00:19:37 – The Role of Technology & RETTC
00:29:48 – Upcoming Industry Events
00:32:59 – LeaseCon/TurnCon Preview with Rich Kelley
00:46:42 – Closing Notes & Sponsor Reminder
💡 Episode Sponsor Campus Technologies – With more than 25 years of experience, Campus Technologies provides enterprise-level internet and managed IT services tailored for student housing communities. Future-proof your properties with their latest insights.
📘 Download the free white paper:
👉 campustechnologies.com
🔗 Resources Mentioned
Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com
Shop Talk Registration: https://www.shoptalk.info
NMHC Student Housing Conference: https://www.nmhc.org
College Student Mental Wellness Coalition: https://www.hihowareyou.org
Interface LeaseCon + TurnCon 2025:
https://www.interfaceconferencegroup.com/event/leasecon-turncon-2025/
SHI Scholarship for LC+TC 2025: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/shi2025scholarship
Student Housing Business Magazine:
https://www.studenthousingbusiness.com
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
🎧Episode Summary: September was a busy month in the student housing world, and we’re unpacking it all in this special “wrap-up” edition of the Student Housing Insight Podcast. Host Wes Deese is joined once again by longtime co-host Gretta Dare, who returns with updates on her own new venture, Vitra Housing. Together, they dig into company shakeups, mergers, leasing season data, and how international enrollment trends may shape the industry moving forward. If you’ve been trying to keep up with the flood of headlines, this episode is your one-stop recap.
💡 Sponsor Spotlight: Whether you're developing a new community or acquiring an existing one, Campus Technologies delivers robust internet and IT services tailored for student housing. With nearly 25 years of experience, their high-speed wired/wireless internet, combined with managed IT services, ensures operational excellence and satisfied residents.
👉 Learn more at: https://www.campustechnologies.com
🕒 Timestamps & Topics:
00:01:17 – Introduction
00:03:53 – Greta’s Update: Vitra Housing
00:07:42 – LeaseCon/TurnCon Scholarship Program
00:11:29 – Industry News Round-Up
00:18:00 – Marketing & Leasing Strategies
00:22:00 – Market Data & Leasing Reports
00:38:30 – Pre-Leasing and Rent Growth Concerns
00:52:48 – International Student Enrollment Trends
01:05:54 – Dual Enrollment Trends
01:07:55 – Outro
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Student Housing Insight: https://studenthousinginsight.com
Student Housing Insight Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
Shoptalk Webinars: https://shoptalk.info
Vitra Housing: https://www.vitrahousing.com/
NMHC Student Housing Conference: https://www.nmhc.org/meetings/calendar/shc/2025-nmhc-student-housing-conference/
LeaseCon+TurnCon Scholarship Opportunity:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/shi2025scholarship
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
🎧Episode Summary:
In this episode, Wesley Deese sits down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining higher education. The discussion centers on the growing number of young adults who are choosing alternative paths outside of traditional college—and what that means for student housing, property managers, and the broader industry. Hannah shares insights on the motivations and needs of “degree free” students, how off-campus housing can adapt to serve them, and why operators should rethink lease terms, amenities, and marketing. Together, they examine opportunities for housing providers to support this emerging demographic, from independence and community needs to career resources and flexible living models.
💡 Sponsor Spotlight: Whether you're developing a new community or acquiring an existing one, Campus Technologies delivers robust internet and IT services tailored for student housing. With nearly 25 years of experience, their high-speed wired/wireless internet, combined with managed IT services, ensures operational excellence and satisfied residents.
👉 Learn more at: https://www.campustechnologies.com
🕒 Timestamps & Topics:
00:02:59 - Details on the monthly Shop Talk webinar series, including pre-leasing data and registration
00:04:59 - Episode overview: Discussing higher ed challenges, enrollment cliff, and preparing student housing for changes
00:06:38 - Introduction to guest Hannah Maruyama and her work with Degree Free
00:09:43 - Start of Interview: Gen Z's perspective on college value, financial awareness, and lifestyle-driven decisions
00:15:06 - Hannah's Introduction, background, Degree Free's mission, and statistics on jobs requiring degrees
00:18:00 - Factors driving enrollment decline: Demographics, tuition costs, wage stagnation, and employer surveys (e.g., intelligent.com)
00:20:22 - Reference to Business Insider article on Gen Z pivoting to blue-collar jobs 00:24:01 - Potential abolishment of the Higher Education Act and Peter Thiel's comments on student loans
00:27:03 - Rebranding student housing as "new adult housing" and opportunities for underserved markets
00:28:25 -Wesley's personal story: His daughter's journey through Degree Free to phlebotomy training
00:36:37 - Housing needs for degree-free students and misconceptions about off-campus eligibility
00:43:57 - Profile of degree-free students: Life stages, local vs. relocation preferences, and lease flexibility
00:48:56 - Marketing strategies: TikTok, messaging shifts, and targeting working young adults
00:51:50 - Collaborations: Resident programming for career placement, resumes, and interviews
00:56:00 - Business implications: Enrollment cliff, property conversions, and serving non-traditional residents
00:57:46 - Plug for Degree Free's Launch program and alignment with student housing
01:03:00 - Upcoming events: Scholarships for LeaseCon TurnCon, BisNow summit, NMHC conference, and Top Golf mixer
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Student Housing Insight: https://studenthousinginsight.com
Upcoming Industry events: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
Shoptalk webinars: https://shoptalk.info
Degree Free Website: https://degreefree.com/
Degree Free Launch Program: https://degreefree.com/launch/
Bisnow National Student Housing Digital Summit: https://www.bisnow.com/webinar/national/student-housing/national-student-housing-digital-summit-9451?utm_source=copromo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=studenthousinginsights_calendarlis
Hi, How Are You Project (mental health advocacy):
NMHC Student Housing Conference:
https://www.nmhc.org/meetings/calendar/shc/2025-nmhc-student-housing-conference/
LeaseCon+TurnCon Scholarship Opportunity: