Monthly BASF podcast hosted by Joe Hanson replaces Creating Chemistry magazine with accessible storytelling on the green transition

In September BASF launches the new podcast SUBSTANCE with host Joe Hanson
Graph: BASF SE

(IN BRIEF) BASF will launch its new podcast SUBSTANCE in September, offering monthly English-language episodes on sustainability, science, and global challenges. Hosted by science communicator Joe Hanson, the first season includes eight episodes covering topics such as hydrogen, plastics, and biotechnology. The inaugural episode explores “golden hydrogen” with experts from Canada and France, while BASF introduces its new electrolyzer in Ludwigshafen for CO2-free hydrogen production. The podcast replaces the print edition of Creating Chemistry magazine, which will now appear online with additional articles, videos, and infographics. According to Dr. Nina Schwab-Hautzinger, the move underscores BASF’s digital-first communications strategy, making complex scientific issues accessible and engaging for customers, employees, investors, and the general public. SUBSTANCE is available on major streaming platforms and through BASF’s website, with a newsletter subscription option to ensure listeners never miss an episode.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 25-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF is breaking new ground in its corporate communications with the launch of its new podcast SUBSTANCE, set to premiere in September. Released monthly in English, the podcast will spotlight sustainability-driven innovations, global issues, and visionary projects, while replacing the print edition of BASF’s Creating Chemistry magazine, which will now appear exclusively online.

Hosted by science communicator and biologist Joe Hanson, Ph.D., the first season features eight episodes exploring the essential materials that shape everyday life, from hydrogen and plastics to fungi in biotechnology. Hanson, who is widely known for his award-winning YouTube channel Be Smart, blends accessible science with engaging storytelling. He speaks with international experts and BASF innovators to highlight how chemistry and cutting-edge technologies are advancing the green transition.

The debut episode investigates the growing interest in “golden hydrogen,” a naturally occurring energy source found deep underground. Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar from the University of Toronto and Dr. Olivier Sissmann from IFP Energies Nouvelles offer insights into its potential, while BASF’s Volker Ehret explains how the company produces CO2-free hydrogen at its Ludwigshafen site using a state-of-the-art electrolyzer.

“With SUBSTANCE we are focusing on digital-first communication that directly engages our target audiences,” said Dr. Nina Schwab-Hautzinger, Head of Corporate Communications & Government Relations at BASF. “The podcast makes complex science easy to understand, entertaining, and relevant, inspiring enthusiasm for sustainability and innovation.”

The podcast is aimed at BASF’s broad stakeholder base, including customers, employees, investors, applicants, and the public. Complementary content will be available in the online Creating Chemistry magazine, which will continue to feature articles, videos, and infographics. Among the new additions is a video series showcasing BASF’s contributions to everyday life, starting with Infinergy® sports shoe technology.

Episodes of SUBSTANCE will be available on Apple, Spotify, Deezer, and at www.basf.com/substance-podcast. A monthly newsletter is also available for subscribers who want to stay updated.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com

Media Contact:

Daniela Rechenberger
Corporate Media Relations
Battery Materials, Sustainability
+49 621 60-41040

SOURCE: BASF