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Branded WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe). Together, they explore the evolving landscape of branding, culture, and sustainability on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s a unique conversation between continents, combining sharp insight, industry know-how, and personal dialogue to uncover how brands are navigating global challenges. Why the Name "Branded WOR(L)DS"? The title is a deliberate play on words: • "Branded Worlds" represents the global universe of branding, design, and communication. • "Branded Words" (with the parenthetical L) underlines the role of language, story, and meaning in branding. This duality reflects the core of the podcast: where products meet purpose, and messages shape markets.

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Check latest episodes from BRANDED WOR(L)DS podcast

Built on Trust – How Whitestone Turns Relationships into Scalable Impact

2026/02/01

In this episode of BRANDED WOR(L)DS, Steven Baumgaertner and Jeff Solomon sit down with Joseph Sommer, Founder & CEO of Whitestone. They explore how trust, culture, and long-term partnerships become a scalable business strategy—and why credibility matters more than visibility in today’s branded merchandise industry.

Powering Ideas – How Brandcharger Turns Innovation into Energy

2026/01/18

Steven and Jeff speak with the founders of Brandcharger about creating high-quality tech accessories with global appeal. The episode explores innovation, design standards, and sustainability, as well as Brandcharger’s unique ability to merge lifestyle trends with functional products that elevate modern branded merchandise worldwide.

BRANDED WOR(L)DS & Why It Matters: MERCH 2030 Special Continues with Part II

2026/01/04

Following the powerful first installment, Part 2 of the MERCH 2030 special continues the unscripted transatlantic conversation between Jeff Solomon, Rod Brown, and Steven Baumgaertner. This episode goes deeper into execution, leadership responsibility, and the real-world consequences of today’s strategic decisions. The discussion explores how business models must evolve, why courage and mindset matter more than ever, and what it truly takes to shape the future of branded merchandise—beyond trends, products, or short-term thinking.

From Apparel to Impact – How Storm Creek Turns Sustainable Fashion into a Movement

2025/12/21

In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with Storm Creek’s leaders about building an outdoor-inspired apparel brand driven by sustainability, innovation, and purpose. They explore responsible sourcing, community impact, and how Storm Creek blends performance design with environmental commitment to shape a more conscious future for branded apparel.

Special Transatlantic Episode: BRANDED WOR(L)DS x Why It Matters Present “MERCH 2030”

2025/12/07

BRANDED WOR(L)DS and Why It Matters join forces for a special transatlantic episode exploring MERCH 2030, the bold new industry blueprint by Steven Baumgaertner. Together with Jeff Solomon and Rod Brown, he unpacks the forces transforming branded merchandise — from evolving supply chains and sustainability demands to multisensory experiences and data-driven creativity. This unscripted, unfiltered conversation delivers rare insight from three leading voices. MERCH 2030 will be available in Europe and the U.S.

Shaping the Future of Promo – How ASI Connects an Industry

2025/11/23

This episode explores ASI’s evolution into a digital powerhouse for data, education, and media. Steven and Jeff speak with Tim Andrews about technology-driven growth, global industry shifts, and how research, platforms, and storytelling are reshaping the future of promotional products worldwide.

From Garage to Global Brands – The Journey of Torsten Jansson and New Wave Group

2025/11/09

From a small Swedish town to a global portfolio of over 40 brands, Torsten Jansson has built New Wave Group on patience, craftsmanship, and long-term vision. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the founder and CEO about leading with independence, protecting creativity through growth, and why building slow might be the fastest way to truly matter.

Leading by Example – How Showdown Displays Builds Culture, Purpose, and Global Impact with John Bruellman, CEO

2025/10/26

From Minnesota to markets around the world, John Bruellman has led Showdown Displays with one clear belief: people come before profits. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the CEO and visionary leader about how to scale culture across continents, balance innovation with empathy, and turn purpose into real-world impact. From social initiatives in Guatemala to building a global community of makers, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with integrity — and standing tall for what truly matters.

Leading with Purpose from Sweden to the World – How values, networks, and mentoring shape lasting impact

2025/10/12

From mentoring young professionals to redefining sustainability as opportunity – Kjell Harbom has shaped the promotional products industry for decades. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the Swedish thought leader about why relationships matter more than clicks, how nature influences leadership, and what it means to create genuine value beyond profit.

Beyond the Print – Patrick Bardsley on Inclusion, Impact, and the Power of Purpose at Spectrum Designs

2025/09/28

From a small idea in Port Washington to a thriving nonprofit enterprise – Spectrum Designs shows how commerce can become a catalyst for inclusion. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with co-founder and CEO Patrick Bardsley about building meaningful jobs for people on the autism spectrum, turning purpose into lasting impact, and why authentic storytelling through products can redefine success across industries.

Between Two Worlds – How Skylar Steudter Turns Intercultural Experience into Professional Storytelling

2025/09/14

From leaving Germany at 18 to becoming a LinkedIn Thought Leader – How intercultural experiences shape professional storytelling At just 18, Skylar Steudter left Germany to start a new life in the United States. Today, he is a LinkedIn specialist and storyteller who bridges cultures and continents. In this episode, Steven and Jeff explore how moving between Germany and the U.S. shaped Skylar’s voice, why authenticity looks different across cultures, and what professionals on both sides of the Atlantic can learn from each other.

Simply Human – How Goldstar Balances Reach, Relevance, and Responsibility

2025/08/31

In an industry where efficiency often overshadows empathy, Goldstar takes a different path – one where simplicity is a strategy, and people are at the heart of every decision. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we sit down with Heather Smartt, Global Head of Goldstar, to discuss how the brand has built global reach without losing its human touch. From transparent pricing to meaningful sustainability initiatives, Heather shares how Goldstar blends clarity, connection, and care to create lasting impact – proving that in branding, being felt is just as important as being seen.

Global Cooperation, Local Impact – The IPPAG Way

2025/08/17

In a world where global networks often prioritize scale over substance, IPPAG offers a different approach: a cooperative model built on long-term trust, transparency, and shared values. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we speak with Florence Mosnier and Andre Noordwijk from IPPAG, a global alliance of promotional product companies that redefines what it means to work across borders – and to do so with intention. Together, we explore how a cooperative structure can foster real innovation, empower local businesses, and drive authentic sustainability in the branded merchandise industry.

Branded WMaking Noise – How RUPT Is Flipping the Script on an Industry and Getting Noticed or(l)ds – A Transatlantic Dialogue

2025/08/03

Today’s episode is one of those “damn, we did that” stories. We’re joined by Jason Lucash who didn’t just enter the promo world — he and his team rewrote the rules. From startup to PPAI 100 in less than a year, RUPT is flipping the script on what this industry can be — bold, fast, sustainable, and unapologetically cool. Jason Lucash is here, and he's not just making noise — he and his team is shaping the future of branded merch. Let’s dive into the dialogue.

BrandeThreads Across Oceans – How Vantage and Lynka Stitch Together a Global Apparel Allianced Wor(l)ds – A Transatlantic Dialogue

2025/07/13

In this episode of BRANDED WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue, we sit down with two industry leaders: Rob Watson (Vantage Apparel, USA) and John Lynch (Lynka, Poland). Together, they share the story of a transatlantic partnership built not just on business, but on trust, shared values, and bold leadership. From navigating cultural differences to launching humanitarian initiatives like Corporate Aid for Ukraine, this conversation reveals what it takes to create global impact—one stitch at a time. Tune in to hear how purpose, people, and partnership shape the future of branded apparel.