The Bagfather

Baggage Media
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  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Your all-access pass to the world of baggage, aviation, and innovation. Step into the fascinating world of baggage and aviation with The Bagfather. This exciting podcast delves into the untold stories, innovative breakthroughs, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep the global travel industry moving. Hosted by Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba, both seasoned professionals with years of experience in the skies and on the ground, The Bagfather uncovers the challenges, triumphs, and transformations shaping how people and their belongings travel across the globe. From industry leaders revolutionising baggage handling to captivating tales from the tarmac, this is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts, tech lovers, and anyone curious about the hidden logistics of travel. Because in this industry, every bag tells its own story.  The Bagfather is a Fresh Air Production for Baggage Media. The producer is Julian Lorkin and the executive producer is Annie Day with editorial support from Caroline Blacklock-Vandy.

  1. Ina Eldøy: The Future of Baggage Handling | A High-Tech Journey of Your Suitcase

    12 HR AGO

    Ina Eldøy: The Future of Baggage Handling | A High-Tech Journey of Your Suitcase

    In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Ina Eldøy, founder of Norway’s BagID, a company reshaping the baggage handling experience through smart, reusable electronic bag tags.  The conversation explores how BagID is challenging the status quo of traditional baggage handling by introducing digital solutions that improve tracking accuracy, streamline check-in processes, and reduce reliance on disposable paper tags. Drawing on her deep aviation background, Ina shares the story behind BagID’s founding, the operational gaps she set out to solve, and how the company has evolved into a technology disruptor within the airline industry. This episode also covers:• Challenges of lost luggage, limited tracking, and inefficient baggage workflows• How reusable electronic bag tags support sustainability goals by cutting paper waste and promoting eco-conscious travel• The growing shift toward software-driven infrastructure across airlines/airports• Building strategic partnerships with airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies to enable large-scale adoption• Staying ahead of rapid technological change while meeting evolving passenger expectations• The importance of diversity in aviation and technology, and empowering more women and underrepresented groups to lead innovation The episode highlights how collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking technology are transforming one of travel’s most overlooked touchpoints: the checked bag. As you listen, consider: How can smarter baggage solutions redefine the passenger journey from curb to carousel? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  2. Alfie Watts: How To Travel Light & Live Large | Lessons from a Race Across the World Winner

    27 MAR

    Alfie Watts: How To Travel Light & Live Large | Lessons from a Race Across the World Winner

    In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Alfie Watts, acclaimed travel influencer and winner of BBC’s Race Across the World, for an engaging conversation on modern travel and the art of packing smart. Alfie, drawing on high-pressure competition, details his minimalist packing philosophy. He explains how traveling light reduces stress and increases flexibility, citing Race Across the World moments where strategic packing was key to adapting and succeeding. This episode also covers:• Tips for minimalist/carry-on-only travel without sacrificing the essentials• Navigating airline baggage policies, avoiding excess fees, and handling lost or delayed luggage• Budget travel tips, including finding affordable flights and maximizing limited resources on the road• Managing international travel complexities  Technology in travel and how to balance convenience with staying present• The emotional realities of life on the move, including resilience, adaptability, and personal growth through travel• Emerging trends in baggage innovation, including smart luggage, sustainable materials, and shifting airline policies Throughout the discussion, Alfie blends practical advice with personal anecdotes and humor, offering listeners both inspiration and actionable guidance. The conversation highlights how preparation, flexibility, and mindset can transform the travel experience; whether you’re racing across continents or simply navigating your next airport departure.   Follow & Catch Up With Us Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod Follow and come along for the journey.   Alfie Watts https://www.instagram.com/_alfiewatts_/?hl=en Youngest ‘Race Around The World’ winner See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  3. Dr. Joel Greenberg: Reinventing Aviation Security Technology Through AI-Driven X-Ray Innovation

    13 MAR

    Dr. Joel Greenberg: Reinventing Aviation Security Technology Through AI-Driven X-Ray Innovation

    In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Dr. Joel Greenberg, the founder and CEO of Quadridox, a company at the forefront of aviation security technology.  The episode delves deep into Quadridox’s groundbreaking advancement: the integration of X-ray diffraction technology with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to revolutionize the way checked baggage is screened at airports. Dr. Greenberg provides an in-depth look at the origins of this technology, tracing its roots from early-stage academic research in material science and imaging, through years of development and prototyping, to its current real-world trials in major international airports. This episode also covers:• The technical and logistical challenges of bringing lab innovations into large-scale industry use• Navigating regulatory requirements and collaborating with airport authorities and security agencies• How Quadridox’s approach dramatically reduces false alarms, improving both efficiency and passenger experience• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, and policymakers• The role of public trust and transparent communication in the adoption of next-generation security technologies The conversation ultimately reflects on how innovation, cooperation, and vision can redefine global aviation security. As you listen, consider: How do you think emerging technologies should shape the future of airport safety and the passenger journey? Follow & Catch Up With Us Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod Follow and come along for the journey. Dr. Joel Greenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-greenberg-phd-atquadridox/ President and CEO of Quadridox See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  4. Blank Slate, Big Plans: Jan Wicki on Baggage at Noida International

    20/08/2025

    Blank Slate, Big Plans: Jan Wicki on Baggage at Noida International

    We wrap up Series One of The Bagfather with Jan Wicki from Noida International Airport. As a brand new greenfield airport, Noida offers a rare opportunity to design a baggage system with no legacy constraints. Jan takes us inside the planning process, the priorities, and what it means to start fresh in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  5. Breaking the Paper Habit: Jasper Quak on the Rise of BAGTAG

    06/08/2025

    Breaking the Paper Habit: Jasper Quak on the Rise of BAGTAG

    This week on The Bagfather, we go deep with Jasper Quak, Managing Director of BAGTAG. We talk origins, obstacles and the growing momentum behind electronic bag tags. With a focus on sustainability, simplicity and scaling up, Jasper offers a clear-eyed view of what the future of baggage could—and should—look like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  6. Heavy Lifting: Jason Odey on the Realities of Baggage at a Major Hub

    23/07/2025

    Heavy Lifting: Jason Odey on the Realities of Baggage at a Major Hub

    This week, The Bagfather welcomes Jason Odey, the man behind baggage operations at Toronto Pearson. As Director of Baggage for one of North America’s busiest airports, Jason reveals the pressures, the wins and the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep things moving. It’s a rare look at the people and planning powering the passenger journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  7. Inside Aviation Security: A Global View with IATA’s Matthew Vaughan

    09/07/2025

    Inside Aviation Security: A Global View with IATA’s Matthew Vaughan

    We go behind the scenes of aviation security with Matthew Vaughan, Director at IATA. With a unique perspective on both policy and practice, Matthew breaks down the realities of keeping passengers, baggage and systems secure in an era of constant change. From tech innovation to international collaboration, it’s a deep dive into the world few travellers ever see. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  8. Zero Limits: BAGTAG and Ink on the Future of Travel Tech

    25/06/2025

    Zero Limits: BAGTAG and Ink on the Future of Travel Tech

    In this bonus episode of The Bagfather, we bring together Jasper Quak from BAGTAG and Shawn Richards from Ink Innovation to discuss a partnership that’s reshaping how we handle baggage. From electronic bag tags to Ink’s newly launched platform Zero, we explore what seamless travel could look like—and how close we really are to getting there. It’s a candid conversation about collaboration, ambition and the next phase of passenger experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
See All (16)

Trailer

About

Your all-access pass to the world of baggage, aviation, and innovation. Step into the fascinating world of baggage and aviation with The Bagfather. This exciting podcast delves into the untold stories, innovative breakthroughs, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep the global travel industry moving. Hosted by Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba, both seasoned professionals with years of experience in the skies and on the ground, The Bagfather uncovers the challenges, triumphs, and transformations shaping how people and their belongings travel across the globe. From industry leaders revolutionising baggage handling to captivating tales from the tarmac, this is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts, tech lovers, and anyone curious about the hidden logistics of travel. Because in this industry, every bag tells its own story.  The Bagfather is a Fresh Air Production for Baggage Media. The producer is Julian Lorkin and the executive producer is Annie Day with editorial support from Caroline Blacklock-Vandy.

Information

  • Creator
    Baggage Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Baggage Media
  • Show Website
    The Bagfather