Still Spinning on 06.10.26

Still Spinning on 06.10.26

From The Still Spinning Podcast by Dan Deibert / Nicole Devin

June 10, 2026 · 39 min · Episode 146

About this episode

Dan and Nicole return to discuss hospitality, AI travel scams, and cell service options.

Dan and Nicole are back after a few weeks away, and they're jumping right in. After a quick catch-up on birthdays, anniversaries, and Nicole's notable failure to remember either of Dan's, the conversation takes off in all directions. First up, Dan's been reading "Unreasonable Hospitality" -- the fascinating (and slightly creepy) story of one of the world's most celebrated restaurants and the lengths they go to make guests feel like they're the only person in the room. Hint: they know more about you before you walk in than you'd probably like. The gang also digs into the tasting menu experience and whether a $500-a-plate dinner with no choices is brilliant or just insane. Then things get scary. AI-powered travel scams have officially gone next-level. Scammers are now creating fake hotel listings -- complete with AI-renovated photos that make dingy motels look like boutique resorts -- and some travelers are arriving to find no hotel at all. We're talking paid-in-full reservations that simply don't exist. Dan breaks down how it works, how to protect yourself, and why the advice to "just book direct" is easier said than done. And finally: are you still paying $200+ a month for cell…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dan Deibert, Nicole Devin

Topics covered

  • hospitality
  • AI scams
  • travel
  • cell service
  • tasting menu
  • restaurant experience

Keywords

  • hospitality
  • AI scams
  • travel scams
  • tasting menu
  • Mint Mobile

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mint Mobile

Books & works: Unreasonable Hospitality

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