The Ismono Podcast

Latest Episodes:

From Watches to Backpacks: A Master Designer's Story. with @RushfasterTV  Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Ever wonder why your travel backpack opens the way it does? In this episode of Just Booked It, I sit down with Adrian, Product Design Director at Rush Foster, whose design career spans decades — from technical surf watches at Ripcurl to co-founding Bellroy and Carryology, and now leading design at Rush Foster.
Adrian breaks down the real reasoning behind Rushfaster's most talked-about features: the three quick-access pockets organized by security level, why the bag opens like a book instead of a clamshell, and the genius behind the packing cubes' dirty-laundry compartment. We also get personal — what Adrian carries daily, his one-bag vs. checked-luggage habits, and why he's not precious about losing an old sketchbook.
If you care about travel gear, EDC, or how good design actually happens, this one's packed with insight.
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00:00 Intro/Teaser
00:33 Welcome & Meet Adrian from Rush Foster
00:46 Adrian's 25+ Year Design Journey (Ripcurl, Bellroy & More)
01:37 Designing Technical Watches at Ripcurl
02:47 Transitioning From Hard Goods to Soft Goods Design
04:24 Learning From Trial, Error & Design Mentors
07:27 The Real Challenge: Creating Value in a Saturated Market
09:33 From Product-Focused Design to Brand-Customer Connection
11:45 The Designer's Role Between Brand and Customer
14:13 Understanding Modern EDC & Changing Lifestyles
18:16 How Rush Foster Decides Which Features Make the Cut
22:17 The Post-COVID Shift Toward Simplicity
25:49 What's Inside Adrian's Everyday Carry
30:09 Why Adrian Isn't Precious About His Sketchbook
32:26 One-Bag Travel vs. Checked Luggage
37:49 Sling Bags: What Adrian Carries and Why
39:28 Designing the Three Quick-Access Pockets
45:47 Why the Bag Opens Like a Book, Not a Clamshell
50:49 The Genius Design Behind the Packing Cubes
57:33 Designing for Customers, Not Reviewers
1:03:24 Where to Find Adrian & Rush Foster Online

How to Beat Jetlag & Travel Like a Pro with @justbookedit Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Get the honest reality of full-time travel with Geo from Just Booked It. We dive into the logistics the influencers skip: maintaining a fitness routine in hotel rooms, the truth about "sink laundry," and how to manage hydration on long-haul flights. Geo also shares his "disaster recovery" plan after having his phone stolen in Colombia—a must-hear for protecting your banking and identity abroad. We wrap up with the "Buy Once, Cry Once" gear debate: are premium travel bags worth the investment, or is it just branding? If you’re a digital nomad or just prepping for your next trip, this episode is packed with tactical advice to upgrade your travel experience.

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:29 Meet Geo from Just Booked It
00:01:43 The "Boundless Life": Moving every 3 months
00:02:42 Why the bag is the star of the show
00:04:35 Travel fitness: Staying consistent without a gym
00:07:40 The "100 Burpees" hack
00:09:09 Managing documents & family travel
00:12:40 Payment strategies: Cash vs. cards
00:15:34 Why Japan's 7-Eleven is a wonderland
00:17:19 Washing clothes: The sink laundry struggle
00:20:52 Merino Wool vs. Technical Graphene Fabrics
00:25:15 Random hack: The white noise machine
00:30:15 Jetlag strategies
00:31:13 Hydration, sunlight, and schedule optimization
00:34:27 The electrolyte strategy for long-haul flights
00:37:33 Phone security: Lessons from a theft in Colombia
00:42:40 The sling bag EDC situation
00:44:52 Value, branding, and budget-friendly bags
00:50:03 "Buy Once, Cry Once": The investment gear philosophy
00:56:29 Defending small brands & pricing fairness
00:58:36 Where to find Geo (Just Booked It)

Minimalist Gear, Retro Gaming & The "Sling Slut" Debate with @visionswell  Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Watch the video version here

In this episode of the isMono podcast, we sit down with Zak from Vision Swell to explore the intersection of wellness, intentionality, and the gear we carry. Zak shares his transformative journey of "The Purge"—selling off a massive collection of 80s and 90s pop culture memorabilia to embrace a more focused, minimalist lifestyle. We also discuss his inspiring career pivot at age 40, moving from digital advertising to social work, and how that shift changed his perspective on the products he reviews.

On the gear side, we dive into Zak's "Personal Item Only" travel philosophy, his defense of the trackball mouse for workstation ergonomics, and the "Sling Slut" culture within the carry community. We compare the aesthetic of "dad bags" like Pacsafe to the heritage feel of Double Oak and the technical precision of Able Carry. Zak explains why he prefers bags in the 20L–28L range and how he balances modular vs. integrated organization.

The second half of the show is a deep dive into retro gaming. We discuss the technical differences between FPGA and emulation (Analog Super Nt), the rise of handhelds like the Anbernic RG35XX, and the "lost art" of physical manuals and strategy guides. Whether you’re interested in the psychology of decluttering or looking for the perfect minimalist setup for both travel and gaming, this conversation offers a refreshing and grounded perspective.

🔥 Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: Zak from Vision Swell
1:40 – Career Pivot: From Digital Ads to Social Work
4:41 – The Purge: Selling the 80s & 90s Toy Collection
7:10 – Personal Item Only: 20L Travel Philosophy
9:47 – EDC Essentials & The Need for Quick Access
10:50 – Workstation Wellness: The Trackball Mouse Defense
13:50 – Modular vs. Integrated Bag Organization
16:03 – The "Sling Slut" Debate & Satchel History
19:15 – Sling Safety: US vs. European Perspectives
22:58 – Pacsafe Review: Security vs. "Dad Bag" Aesthetics
26:28 – Current Favorites: Able Carry & Double Oak Heritage
30:43 – Retro Gaming: FPGA Tech & Analog Super Nt
32:53 – Handheld Gaming: Anbernic RG35XX vs. Steam Deck
34:26 – SNES vs. Genesis: The Aladdin & TMNT Debate
36:02 – Digital Games vs. Physical Media Nostalgia
41:53 – The Era of Strategy Guides & Nintendo Power
45:18 – Why Super Nintendo is the Greatest Console Era
49:32 – Beginner Guide: Why You Should Start Retro Gaming
55:27 – Outro: Where to Find Zak (Vision Swell)

Mastering One Bag Travel with @Outenthelights Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Watch the video version here

In this episode of the Ismono podcast, we sit down with Alex from the popular YouTube channel Outen The Lights to dive deep into the world of minimalist travel. Known for his unique, cinematic storytelling and refreshing "vibe," Alex shares why he prioritizes style and comfort over everything else when choosing his gear. We discuss the philosophy of "one bag travel," the importance of a capsule wardrobe, and how simplifying your carry can turn a stressful flight into a seamless experience.

Whether you're a seasoned "one-bagger" or just looking to lighten your load for your next vacation, Alex provides practical, real-world advice on everything from choosing the right fabrics like Merino wool to the underrated benefits of chunky zippers. We also touch on the current state of the bag industry, the rise of the "1.5 bag carry," and why some of the most popular brands might be losing their unique edge.

Stick around as we explore Alex's favorite gear from brands like Pioneer, Aer, and Bellroy, and hear a surprising story about his unexpected connection to the Harry Potter universe via a role alongside Alan Rickman. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more deep dives into the gear and lifestyle of your favorite creators!

0:00 Intro: Alex from Outen The Lights

3:19 Harry Potter Quiz & Alan Rickman Story

5:32 The Core of One Bag Travel

5:57 Capsule Wardrobes & Sink Laundry

11:17 The 1.5 Bag Carry Explained

13:55 Choosing Your Bag: Style vs. Comfort

16:07 Fabrics, Haptics, and Topology Gear

18:44 Personal Style & Color Schemes (Bordeaux & Blue)

20:15 The Problem with Industry "Copycats"

21:39 Handling Internet Comments & Generic Bags

24:01 Most Memorable Bags: Pioneer Duration Pack

26:12 The Best Accessory of the Year: Bellroy Pod

29:45 Why "Vibe" and "Soul" Matter in Gear

34:20 Future of Outen The Lights: Production Quality

41:10 The Reality of Modern Camera Gear (Fuji & Sony)

46:55 Quickfire Round: Coffee, Vinyl, and Gaming

50:12 Final Wrap-up: Where to find Alex

23-Pound Commute: EDC, Leather Care, Bag Reviewer's Philosophy THE ISMONO PODCAST with @UnPackD  Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Watch the video version here.

Bo welcomes back John from UnPack'D to discuss how his popular YouTube channel has grown, the evolution of his content creation, and how his perspective on gear has shifted after reviewing dozens of bags. John shares the two most memorable bags he's tested (the unique Embarro and the leather Grams28), including a deep dive into the practicalities of caring for leather in extreme weather. The conversation then explores John's philosophy of reviewing, which focuses on understanding the designer's intent, and how that has forced him to constantly change his own EDC loadout. He also reveals the shocking weight of his daily carry (over 23 pounds!) for his 2-mile walking commute and offers his thoughts on the rise of budget brands like Tomtoc and the latest gear he is excited to test. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Intro

0:30 - Welcome Back John from UnPack'D: Channel Growth & Going from Phone to Camera

3:38 - The Reality of Filming Outdoors (DJI Pocket 3)

4:40 - Memorable Bags of the Year: Grams28 and Embarro

8:28 - The Dilemma of Leather in Bag Carry and Weather Resistance

12:09 - The Amazing Look of the X-Pac Rover Collection

14:30 - How Reviewing Bags Changed John's Perspective

17:52 - Finding the Designer's Intent in Every Bag

20:07 - Why John Changes His Packing Style for Every Review

22:55 - John's Daily Loadout: The 23-Pound Commute

26:26 - EDC on Days Off: The Perfect Dog Owner's Sling Bag

28:55 - What's Next for Review: Grams28 and King Kong Core

30:25 - Is the King Kong Core Backpack a Bag Nerd's Gym Bag?

36:18 - Thoughts on Tom Bihn and the Tomtoc "Disruptor"

52:20 - GORUCK's Future Focus: Rucking vs. Stealth Carry

Bellroy Camera Sling as a Diaper Bag? THE ISMONO PODCAST with @Nitpacker Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

I sit down with Wolf from the YouTube channel @Nitpacker to discuss the elusive search for the perfect bag, the life of a gear reviewer, and real-world carry systems. Wolf is known for his "nitpicky" reviews and reveals the single backpack that sparked his obsession, how he uses a Bellroy 10L Camera Sling as an ingenious Dad Bag for his two young children (ages 3 and 1), and his ultimate multi-bag system for traveling internationally with a family.

From why he reviews bags to his red-eye flight hacks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in EDC, travel gear, or simplifying family travel.

0:34 - Intro: A New Voice in Bag Reviews (Wolf from Knit Packer) 1:48 - Wolf's Background: Why He's "Nitpicky" 2:27 - How Wolf's Professional-Looking Videos are Made 3:58 - Why Bags? How a Revolving Door of Hobbies Led to Gear Review 6:06 - The First Bag That Started the Obsession: Why the Patagonia Refugio 28L Failed 7:56 - Daily Carry and Loadout Philosophy 10:52 - The Bellroy 10L Camera Sling: The Ultimate Dad Bag Hack 14:40 - Wolf's Multi-Month Family Travel Packing System (Carry-on vs. Checked Luggage) 18:11 - Why Traveling with Kids Requires SO Many Bags 21:29 - Travel Tips: Red-Eye Flights, Screen Time, and the Flyaway Bed 26:25 - Wolf's Minimalist EDC Wallet 29:17 - The Problem with Over-Engineered Dop Kits (and Peak Design) 31:31 - The Christopher Ward Watch Dilemma & The Watch That Finally Clicked (Tudor Ranger) 32:54 - Wolf’s EDC Watch: The Tudor Ranger

My Top 5 Bags of 2025. THE ISMONO PODCAST Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Watch the video version here.

Welcome to a new podcast episode where I dive into my Top 5 Favorite Bags of 2025! This list focuses exclusively on the bags I actively used this year, highlighting unique features, build quality, and why they earned a permanent spot in my rotation.

The list includes unexpected usage (a rolling case as a mobile editing station and a travel backpack as a gym bag), a deep dive into the ergonomics of my favorite sling, and a nostalgic shout-out to a classic bookbag design.

00:00 Preview

0:17 - Introduction & Why a Podcast for Bag Reviews

1:56 - #1: Bellroy Rolling Case (The Mobile Editing Workstation)

3:31 - The Challenge: Carrying a Dual-Screen Setup & Peripherals

4:26 - Why the Bellroy Rolling Case is perfect: No Sweat Commute

5:03 - Key Feature: Integrated Hooked Packing Cubes (Gear Protection)

6:27 - The Downside: No Dedicated Laptop Slot (Paired with the Black Ember Forge)

7:48 - Multipurpose Use: Carry-on Luggage for Camera Gear

8:46 - #2: Nayosmart U5 Backpack (The Surprise Budget-Friendly Favorite)

9:36 - Why the Material Works: Easy to Wipe Off & Unique Feel

11:15 - Key Feature: Mystery Ranch Trifold Style Opening (Fast Access)

12:15 - Comfort & Flexibility: Why I was Surprised I Loved It

14:26 - #3: Able Carry Core Sling

14:56 - Initial Hesitations: The Front Pocket & Permanent Shoulder Padding

16:15 - The Game-Changer: Four Attachment Points & 360-Degree Hooks

18:29 - Real-World Use: Quick Access with the Front Temporary Storage Slot

19:45 - Small Nitpick: Confusing Zipper Pulls on Dual Compartments

22:22 - #4: Evergoods CB22 (Classic Book Bag) (Nostalgia & Build Quality)

23:23 - The Iconic Design I Always Wanted (Eastpak/Jansport Vibe)

24:29 - Evergoods Quality: Build to Last & Clamshell Opening

25:23 - Downside: The Unprotected Front Pocket (Pickpocket Risk)

26:56 - #5: Pakt Aero Carry-On Backpack (My Dedicated Gym Bag)

28:29 - Key Feature: Suitcase Style Opening (Perfect for Locker Rooms)

29:33 - Great Organization & Build Quality (Fits Two Water Bottles)

30:34 - Major Downside: Laptop Slot Squished Between Halves

32:12 - The Risk: Pressure Points on Your Laptop Screen (Chargers/Hard Items)

33:33 - Conclusion & Favorite EDC Item (Anbernic RG35XX Plus)

Why EVERYDAY CARRY Matters: EDC Optimization. THE ISMONO PODCAST Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

Watch the video version here

Welcome to a new essay-style episode for Season 2! Today, we dive deep into the philosophy of Everyday Carry (EDC) and introduce a new concept: EDC Optimization.

Everyone has an everyday carry—your phone, wallet, and keys are the non-negotiables. But for enthusiasts, EDC is about so much more. I discuss whether carrying extra items (like a camera, gaming device, or multi-tool) is bogging you down, or if it's providing essential creature comforts and a much-needed security blanket.

I also cover practical steps on how to evaluate your EDC loadout, choose high-value gear (like a quality Leatherman vs. a dollar-store tool), and stress the importance of understanding local laws regarding items like knives.

My Personal EDC Loadout: I reveal the gear I'm currently carrying, including my favorite mechanical watch (Steinhart Ocean 500), my preferred multi-tool (the Gerber Dime), and why a power bank and flashlight are essential.

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00:00 Intro

00:16 Welcome to the Essay Style Podcast (Season 2)

00:46 Question: Is Your Everyday Carry Making Your Life Worse?

01:16 Defining EDC: Beyond Phone, Wallet, Keys

02:41 Expanding the Loadout: Multi-Tools, Headphones, and Watches

03:36 Why EDC is Special: It's Highly Individualized

05:04 The Struggle: Carrying a Gaming Device (Anbernic RG35XX Plus) & Camera (DJI Pocket 3)

06:33 Psychological Benefits: The Security Blanket Argument

07:27 A Real-Life Example: My Multi-Tool Saved Me in a Hotel Room

08:24 Why a Dedicated Camera is Better Than Your Phone

10:14 Experience Over Convenience: Dedicated Items vs. Phone Distractions

12:13 How to Start: Organizing and Deciding Your EDC Items

14:57 Sling Bag vs. Backpack: The Loadout Limit

15:53 Value Proposition: Balancing Cheap vs. High-Quality Gear

17:10 Evaluating Your EDC: Fun & Utility Check-ins

18:53 IMPORTANT: Abide by Your Local EDC Laws (German Knife Laws)

20:46 The Hobby: Introducing EDC Optimization

21:54 My Current EDC Loadout: Phone, Watch, Wallet

23:03 My Sling Bag Contents: Camera, Gaming, and Power

24:00 My Multi-Tool & Flashlight: The Gerber Dime and Wuben X2 Pro

25:05 Support the Podcast! (Affiliate Links Below)

Why Having Two Kids Changed My EDC & YouTube THE ISMONO PODCAST with @RonKwok  Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

Watch the video version here

Back with Ron Kwok! Why Having Two Kids Changed My EDC & YouTube Welcome back to the podcast! 🎉 For the first episode after a six-month hiatus, I'm thrilled to welcome back the incredible Ron Kwok from Live with Purpose!

Since our last chat in March 2023, Ron’s life and content creation journey have seen some big changes—including becoming a dad of two!

In this episode, Ron opens up about his recent content sprint, experimenting with new video formats (like his viral interview-style EDC video), and the evolution of his gear setup. We deep dive into what it really means to have a practical Everyday Carry for Dads when your hands are full 🍼.

Spoiler: Say goodbye to the knife!

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00:00 Intro 0:15 - The Podcast is BACK! (And I'm rusty) 1:12 - Ron Kwok Update: Family Life, Content Sprint, and the 5 AM Grind 2:58 - Ron's New Netflix-Style Interview EDC Video 5:01 - Ron’s Camera Gear: Why the Sony a7C is Still the Workhorse 7:00 - Filming at Home: The Challenge of Work/Life Balance for Creators 7:45 - What is Ron's Current EDC? (The Dad Edition) 9:40 - The EDC Essential: Why Ron Rocks a Sling Bag (Front-Slung) 11:04 - The No-Knife Rule & Why He Carries a Leatherman PS Style 11:33 - Why Ron Switched to a Fountain Pen (Big Idea Designs) 14:59 - Power Banks, Tech, and Preparedness for Day Trips 18:31 - The Daddy Diaper Bag Dilemma: Ron's Solution 19:23 - Ron’s Day Pack: The Able Carry Daybreaker 20:35 - Organization Secret: Using Color-Coded Pouches (No Cavemen Here!) 23:37 - X-PAC vs. Ripstop: Do You Need Expensive Materials? 25:35 - Ron's System for Unpacking Every Bag to Stay Organized

The Ismono Podcast is coming back Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

The podcast is coming back

Check the video version here If you want to check out my Youtube videos or my Instagram you can find me here. YOUTUBE main channel YOUTUBE 2nd channel INSTAGRAM And if you like early access to the podcasts + their video versions or you want to support my content, check out my Patreon

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