The Bagfather

AI, Innovation & Rebuilding Trust in Baggage Operations In this episode of The BagFather , host Marlon van der Meer sits down with Gus Naughton , Principal Software Engineer at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines , to explore how AI and digital innovation are transforming baggage handling behind the scenes. The conversation starts with the airline industry’s shift from manual, fragmented proces...

Seamless Travel & the Future of Baggage: AI, Biometrics & Connected Journeys In this episode of The BagFather , hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Stephane Thao , Head of Seamless Travel Solutions at Amadeus , to explore how technology is reshaping baggage handling and the wider passenger experience. The conversation begins with the core challenges facing today’s t...

Rethinking Airport Baggage Systems: Design, Operations & the Future of Automation In this episode of The BagFather , hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Ryan E. Gales and Azmat Aulakh from Jenkins/Gales & Martinez, Inc. (JGM) to explore the complexities of airport baggage handling system design and the evolving demands of modern airport operations. The conversation dives...

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Anja Schumacher, Senior Manager Airport Experience & Partnerships at Lufthansa, and Juergen Lehmann, Senior Manager Baggage Innovations. Together, they explore Lufthansa’s ongoing journey to reimagine baggage handling through innovation, customer insight, and operational resilience. Lufthansa's custom...

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...

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...

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 wa...

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/listen...

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 omnystudi...

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 pr...

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 fo...

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...

This episode features Matt Senske of Efficient Technologies, a specialist in automation systems built for the baggage world. We explore what works, what doesn't and why some robotics projects fail while others take off. For anyone looking to cut through the noise around airport automation, this episode delivers clarity, not buzzwords. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnyst...

In Episode 6 of  The Bagfather , we sit down with Darin Juby, a key figure in the world of baggage innovation. From leading baggage operations at Toronto Pearson Airport to his current role with Future Travel Experience, Darin shares valuable insights on what it takes to drive real change in airport operations. We explore the highs, the hurdles, and the bold ideas shaping the future of baggag...

In this episode of The Bagfather, we sit down with Mark Baker, Senior Manager of Baggage Strategy & Execution at Southwest Airlines, to explore how one of the world’s most recognised carriers keeps its baggage operations running smoothly. Mark shares insights into Southwest’s unique approach to customer service, operational efficiency, and the technology driving its baggage su...

In this special on-location episode of The Bagfather, Marlon and Jen take you inside the iconic Willis Tower at United Airlines’ Global Headquarters. Joined by Kaveh Dabiran, Managing Director of Planning and Development for Corporate Real Estate, they explore how United is leading the way in aviation innovation — from reimagining airport infrastructure and baggage systems to prep...

From United Airlines head office, in WIllis Tower, Chicago, we sit down with Craig Mosfords from the TSA for a behind-the-scenes look at airport security operations.  Craig shares surprising stories about the unusual items travellers attempt to bring through security and gives insight into how the TSA manages these challenges.  Plus, hear about what's next for the TSA as they adapt to ne...

From Iraq, to Sydney, to Chicago! Recorded from Willis Tower, home to United Airlines, we sit down with Mohammad Taher, self-titled as "The Airport Guy." Mohammad is on a mission to bring new talent into the aviation industry, addressing the declining interest in aviation careers. How do we inspire the next gen to be part of aviation? His passion for using STEM education as a gateway and leveragin...

Meet Jen and Marlon, hosts of The Bagfather, learn a little more about them and get an inside look at the podcast's mission. This episode introduces the world of baggage operations, travel logistics, and the stories behind the scenes of air travel. Perfect for industry insiders and curious travellers alike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Welcome to The Bagfather, the podcast exploring the world of baggage and aviation. In this series, we'll reveal the stories, innovations and secrets behind global travel. Hosted by industry experts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba, The Bagfather covers everything from luggage breakthroughs to fascinating behind-the-scenes moments. It’s a must-listen for aviation fans, tech enthusiasts, and...