When you think of Airbnb, what comes to mind?

Maybe it’s a memorable weekend with friends. Maybe it’s outrageous cleaning fees. Maybe a mixed bag?

It feels like “mixed bag” is a good way to describe Airbnb these days.

I’ve had great experiences and epic stays like this one in Istanbul, but you don’t need to look hard for horror stories or find someone who will never stay in one again.

Hospitality and experience curation is a fine art, and Airbnb is in that awkward, identity-crisis stage…trying to figure out what that means to them (or, more importantly: to its users).

You Can Airbnb Patrick Mahomes 🏈

In case you missed it, you could have bid on a Sunday Funday with Patrick Mahomes.

Airbnb rolled out its revamped version of “experiences” called Airbnb Originals this month with high-profile names like Mahomes, Meghan Thee Stallion (lol) and Lollapalooza.

Let’s be clear, playing backyard games and eating BBQ with Mahomes is pretty cool, but it’s also a bit of a cheap trick - a shiny object to draw attention for a new product launch. Will it have staying power? Or are they half-assing home stays and curated experiences each at the same time?

While Airbnb looks to go wide, upstart luxury rental company Wander just raised a $50 million Series B, signaling some market validation of their model: go deep and intensely focus on every aspect of what makes a stay luxurious (meticulous property, 24/7 concierge, full suite of services, etc.).

On could argue Airbnb is too big to fail, but if you’re stuck between a wide spectrum of rental stays and inconsistent experience offerings, not even Mahomes can save you. You need to stick to your fundamentals, shore up the offensive line, and defend your most valuable assets. Just ask Chiefs fans!

Around the Horn 🔼 🔽 ▶️ ◀️

RIP: It’s only fitting to name this week’s roundup after one of the most iconic sports shows of all time finally says goodbye. Tony Reali really had the best job in the world.

Sports 🤝 Art: It took me 2 times to figure out what I was watching, but this kid is doing something right if this golf painting is going for $260k.

Andor: For all my Star Wars nerds out there, Season 2 is awesome and essential viewing this summer if you haven’t already. The data backs it up!

This Week’s Playlist 📻

We like to keep it fun & eclectic over at Bruce Lee’s.

This week: Jamie xx, Julio Iglesias and a hilarious Dean Martin track round out the 10 new songs.

It’s crazy to have been making this playlist for over 9 years now.

RP WEEKLY!!!!