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BlueStar Nation is the podcast that tackles the hot topics, trends, and emerging technologies impacting the specialty IT reseller channel, software companies, MSPs, and hardware manufacturers. Hosted by John Martin & Dean Reverman. Tell us what YOU want to hear about: nation@bluestarinc.com
Episodes
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Most businesses have key performance indicators, metrics, or other measurable outcomes they want to accomplish. In the supply chain, that could range from same-day shipping to upper-90% inventory accuracy and improved data. This week, Sonaria's John Wirthlin joins the pod to explain why addressing those KPIs should be a cornerstone of your sales strategy. How does a KPI-first philosophy help sell more solutions like RFID and inventory management hardware? How do metrics differ across industries? What are business leaders asking for now, and what will they need tomorrow?
Learn more about Sonaria's RFID Software!
Around the Nation: Enroll your new reps in BlueStar Academy!
#VARValue - Why should VARs partner with Sonaria as an ISV—and where are the biggest opportunities?
On Our Radar
John W - Making data easy and Sonaria's comic books
Dean - Protein "evolution engine"
John M - Is Earth going to lose gravity for 7 seconds? (Weird conspiracy theory alert!)
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
Most organizations deploy a variety of devices for employee and customer use across a range of operating systems, including fixed and mobile devices. In a world increasingly reliant on data to power AI and automation and to create a competitive edge, those devices must communicate, integrate, and be seamlessly manageable. Device management is Esper's specialty, and today we're joined by Keith Szot, Senior VP & Chief Evangelist, to explain why it's critical for the modern SaaS model to focus on outcomes. Why are VARs reluctant to sell device management services? What is "seamless provisioning"? How can you address multi-OS deployments? It's the episode that is anything but boring and predictable.
Around the Nation: Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter
#VARValue - What is Esper’s value proposition for VARs? How do they help generate some sticky, recurring revenue to address outcomes?
On Our Radar
Keith - RFID embedded in smartphones
Dean - Exploring axolotl limb regeneration capabilities
John - Weird tech of CES
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Sponsored by:
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
We're back! To launch us into a new year, Dean shares his experiences and insights from NRF 2026. We follow that with a look at our most popular podcasts and content from 2025, audit our predictions at the start of last year, and make new ones for 2026.
Top 2025 Content:
- The RFID Revolution
- How to Sell Networking & Connectivity
- RFID for Checkout
- 3 Things Retailers Want in POS
- Healthcare Mobility Survey
- VARTECH 2025 Recap
Around the Nation: The 2U Tour kicks off in Tampa on Feb. 24th
#VARValue - What can VARs expect from BlueStar this year?
On Our Radar (Christmas Gift Edition)
Dean - Electric pump, therapeutic massage gun, & candle warmer
John - The Bartesian cocktail maker and Spider-Man 2 for the PS5
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
We're wrapping up our sixth season with the annual discussion of all things Star Wars with special guest Sam Hughes! What's the latest news on new movies, series, and scrapped projects? We're actually getting a new film next year (The Mandalorian & Grogu), but will it be good? After brief discussions on "Skeleton Crew," "Tales of the Underworld," and "Visions 3," we dig deep into season 2 of "Andor," one of our favorite Star Wars projects.
Around the Nation: Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you in BlueStar Nation!
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
The NRF "Big Show" is a huge event that kicks off a new year for retailers, suppliers, consumer brands, technology providers, and more. For new and veteran attendees alike, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. This week, Intel's Mariya Zorotovich is bringing her experience from across the retail world to share tips for making the most of the show (and any industry event!). What does this year's theme, "The Next Now," mean? What should first-timers expect, and how do veterans prepare? How do we differentiate between cool ideas and real potential solutions that could represent growth for the channel? Put on your comfy shoes and enjoy!
Learn more about how Intel is elevating retail customer experience with their partners at NRF!
Around the Nation: Watch the IHL 2026 Retail Trends Webinar
#VARValue - For VARs, ISVs, and vendor partners attending NRF, what is Intel’s approach to the show, and how will they be interacting with existing and potential partners? What does BlueStar do at the show?
On Our Radar
Mariya - Agentic AI for checkout & change leadership
Dean - Toy Story 5
John - Is grey hair a good thing?
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
The interest in RFID has never been higher, but what's driving it, and how can the channel capitalize on this momentum? This week, we have an all-star panel: Zebra's Patti Blessing, AIM Global's Mary Lou Bosco, and GS1 US's Teresa Williams. What does the RFID market look like from a broad perspective and within the channel? How are standards and mandates helping guide RFID adoption in industries like retail and healthcare? Is RFID the solution for fighting organized retail crime? Listen to find out why RFID is like a vegetable.
Around the Nation: Check out next week's NRF Prep episode with Intel's Mariya Zorotovich
#VARValue - Final thoughts on the future of RFID and how Zebra, AIM, and GS1 are helping the channel grow and prepare.
On Our Radar
Teresa - NFC tags around the home
Mary Lou - Ja'Marr Chase suspension
Patti - Shopping with RFID
Dean - AI country artist
John - Gabb smart watch for kids
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
It's the 250th episode!!! We like to celebrate milestones with fun topics, and having this one fall on Thanksgiving presented the perfect opportunity to discuss the tech we are thankful for with Sarah Schlueter. First, we share our takes (some quite controversial?) on the Thanksgiving holiday, the food, and leftovers. Then, what tech makes our personal and professional lives better, and we wouldn't want to live without? You'll also hear from colleagues and friends around the channel.
Thanks to all our listeners who keep us going...on to the next 250!
Around the Nation: BlueStar's Webinar Series
On Our Radar
Sarah - Bye bye to the penny
Dean - Russia's AIdol robot flops
John - Parasocial - Cambridge Dictionary word of the year
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Elo's Self-Service Array
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Visitor management is an oft-overlooked opportunity for resellers in industries they already serve, especially education, healthcare, government, and any enterprise where security, protecting sensitive information, or employee and guest safety are prioritized. This week, Epson's Michael Weitz joins to explain the challenges of outdated or traditional visitor management, where you should be looking for business, and why color-printing badges and passes elevate the process. It's the episode that's looking a little shady...
Around the Nation: Need help with your next project? Ask about our Custom Configuration capabilities!
#VARValue - How does the Colorworks printer line enhance the visitor management process, and how should VARs approach their customers about changing existing technology?
On Our Radar
Michael - RAMaggeddon
Dean - Workslop
John - iPhone Pocket
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
BlueStar Academy is our new training program designed to help VARs, ISVs, and vendors give their new (or veteran) sales reps access to education on core technologies, industries, and skills to grow as a solution seller. This week, Mike Monocello, BlueStar Academy program leader and training specialist, explains what executives and managers want from these trainings, how he's building courses, and what attendees can expect. Pay attention...there may be a quiz later!
Learn more about BlueStar Academy and provide your feedback to guide our schedule for 2026
Around the Nation: Find software partners on TEConnect Live
On Our Radar
Mike - Network-attached storage
James - Mirage AI Video
John - MLB The Show 2025
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Labeling in fast-paced QSRs is a critical, time-sensitive task that ensures orders for in-store patrons, delivery drivers, and pickups are properly sorted and accurate. That's where linerless printing can make operations more efficient. This week, Epson's Thermal Label Product Manager, Ian Livesay, joins the podcast to make the case for linerless over die-cut labels. What problems does it solve? Are there other industries that could use them? It's an aggressively sticky episode!
Around the Nation: Watch the BlueStar/Intel Solutions Summit
#VARValue - How does Epson approach linerless label printing? What are some key products VARs should know about, and how do they help you win business?
On Our Radar
Ian - AI-enabled recycling
John - IKEA smartphone bed
Keep in Touch!
Email – nation@bluestarinc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by: