In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest developments in AI, gaming IP, and practical technology trends shaping the industry today. They explore why the current AI skepticism signals maturity, how AI solutions are moving beyond flashy features, and the rise of gaming as a prime entertainment and commercial frontier. In the second segment, Cathy interviews Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule, about how human-centered AI is transforming matchmaking. They discuss voice-first technology, data-driven compatibility, IRL dating resurgence, coaching as a skill, and why AI amplifies intuition rather than replacing human connection.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Adam Cohen-Aslatei Bio

Adam Cohen Aslatei is the CEO of Three Day Rule, one of the longest-standing matchmaking companies in the United States, with over 15 years of industry experience. With a background spanning dating app development, including roles at Bumble and the Meet Group, he brings a unique perspective on the evolution of digital dating and human connection. Adam is recognized for pioneering the integration of AI-driven matchmaking with traditional human-centered approaches, leveraging over 80,000 successful match data points to create outcomes-focused dating solutions.

Adam Cohen Aslatei on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:15 AI's "So What?" Question: Moving Beyond Hype to Real Utility
• 06:22 Apple Intelligence and Gmail Show the Power of Unobtrusive AI Integration
• 10:18 The Trough of Disillusionment: Why We're Excited About AI's Reality Check
• 12:22 Robotic Snow Removal and Vocational Work: AI Supporting Human Infrastructure
• 17:33 Tech Magic Transitions to New Home with Big Plans Ahead
• 18:45 Three-Day Rule: Building AI Matchmaking on 15 Years of Real Data
• 20:24 How AI Sentiment Analysis Detects Truth in Dating Compatibility
• 25:28 Voice-First Technology Creates More Authentic Human Connection
• 29:13 Why In-Real-Life Dating Experiences Beat Endless Digital Swiping
• 31:18 Dating as a Learnable Skill: How Coaching Increases Match Success by 40%
• 34:45 Three Day Rule's 70-80% Success Rate vs. Dating Apps' 9% Failure
• 40:09 Gaming IP Movies and the End of Marvel Fatigue
• 43:41 Super Mario Galaxy, Iron Lung, and the Rise of Game Adaptations
• 46:48 Fallout Series Success: How Gaming IP Drives Video Game Sales
• 49:51 Gaming's Hidden Economy: Slot Machines, Free-to-Play, and Esports Silos
• 51:17 Walmart and Unity SDK: Selling Physical Products in Virtual Worlds
• 52:04 1.1 Million Unity Developers Get New Revenue Channels

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler, unpack the realities behind today’s AI headlines. They explore OpenAI’s shift toward advertising, the growing human bottleneck in data center expansion, and why the AI conversation is moving beyond productivity toward physical and human-centred systems. The discussion dives into the surprising earning power of skilled trades, how XR is transforming workforce training, and why the metaverse was never just about VR headsets. From VRChat to The Sims, Cathy and Lee reveal where the spatial web is quietly taking shape, and what it all means for the future of work and technology.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:33 The Shift in AI Conversation: From Productivity to Humanity
• 05:15 OpenAI's Financial Crisis and the Ad-Supported ChatGPT Problem
• 11:31 Can AI Intentionally Give Wrong Answers to Keep You Engaged?
• 13:46 The Unexpected HVAC and Trades Shortage Fueling AI Infrastructure
• 16:34 How XR Technology Transfers Expert Knowledge to New Tradespeople
• 20:21 Meta's Metaverse Layoffs: Why Spatial Computing Is Still the Future
• 25:33 VRChat Breaks Records While Gaming Embraces Living Worlds
• 26:28 Luxury Brands Return to Gaming with Coach and The Sims
• 28:08 Bethesda Revamps Fallout 76 After TV Show Success
• 32:31 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler return from a holiday break to unpack the most important ideas and innovations from CES 2026. Cathy breaks down how the AI conversation has evolved beyond large language models into embodied AI, agentic systems, world models, and on-device intelligence. The discussion spans standout demos, from attention-aware robots and immersive VR experiences to smart wearables and biodegradable batteries. Cathy and Lee also question whether AI is solving real problems or becoming an innovation theatre. We end with a forward look at 2027 as a critical inflection point for AI devices from Apple, OpenAI, and Meta.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

00:00 Intro: Welcome Back to Tech Magic in 2026

03:27 AI's Evolution: From Language Models to Embodied Intelligence

05:30 Glasses Galore: Meta Ray-Ban Displays and Wearable Utility

09:26 Robots Everywhere: From Laundry Folders to AI-Powered Lawnmowers

12:00 CES 2027 Inflection Point: Q3-Q4 2026 Device Announcements to Watch

16:11 Innovation Theater vs. Problem-Solving: Evaluating Real Tech Impact

18:21 Trinity Vehicle and Cool Concepts: NVIDIA and Will.i.am's AI-Powered EV

20:51 Biodegradable Paper Batteries: Flint's Sustainable Solution

23:04 XR Display Glasses and Next-Gen Wearables: X Real and Gaming Integration

24:01 Attention Labs: On-Device AI and Data Sovereignty in Robotics

27:53 Why On-Device AI Matters: Global Markets and Data Regulations

29:30 IXR Podcast Meetup: Felix and Paul's Interstellar Arc VR Experience

33:32 LEGO Smart Bricks: The Future of Educational Robotics

35:44 Final Thoughts: CES as Geekapalooza and Plans for 2027

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In this Greatest Hits episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech developments, from Meta's bold moves in AR to Apple's Vision Pro journey one year later. They highlight Meta's success with Ray-Ban AI glasses, Apple’s challenges in AR innovation, and how creators are evolving into media moguls. Cathy also interviews special guest Jeff Barrett, who shares insights on building sustainable creator careers, the rise of nano-influencers, and the global expansion of digital content platforms. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or the creator economy, this episode captures 2025’s emerging trends.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Jeff Barrett Bio

Jeff Barrett serves as the Chief Evangelist at the Shorty Awards, where he's been involved with the organization for 10 years. A former Shorty Award winner for Best Business Blogger, Barrett has evolved from a creator to an agency leader, demonstrating the possible progression within the creator economy. His journey began uniquely on MySpace and included creating a successful parody account on Twitter that inadvertently led to legitimate recognition in the marketing world. Barrett currently hosts the Shorty Awards show and runs a podcast called "It's No Fluke," which has produced over 130 episodes featuring leaders from major companies like Google, Meta, and the NFL.

Jeff Barrett on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics

• 00:00 -  Intro & Tech News Overview
• 02:50 -  The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation
• 11:15 -  Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year
• 28:18 -  Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later
• 41:24 -  Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards
• 47:32 -  The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth
• 53:27 -  Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships
• 01:02:34 -  Creator Identity & Platform Evolution
• 01:07:55 -  Final Thoughts & Media Recommendations

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In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl is joined by Samantha G Wolfe, founder of PitchFWD and NYU adjunct professor, to explore how AI and emerging tech are redefining relationships. From AI-generated love letters to dating in virtual environments, they examine the evolving boundaries between authentic connection and digital convenience. The duo discusses the ethics of emotional AI, the importance of human messiness, and the need for “non-AI pledges” in romance. Packed with Cathy’s real-world experiments and insightful commentary, this episode is essential for anyone navigating love, intimacy, and connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology.

What you will learn:

• How AI companions are being used beyond loneliness relief
• Why the "messiness" of human relationships remains valuable 
• How to navigate the balance between technology-enhanced and authentic human connections in modern dating using Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale
• The emerging challenges of AI-generated messages in relationships
• Why creating "non-AI relationship pledges" might become important 
• How spatial computing and 3D interactions could transform the future of digital dating and what Cathy’s building to disrupt this space 
• Why human presence and in-person connections remain crucial 

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Samantha G Wolfe Bio

Samantha G Wolfe is the founder of Pitch Forward and an adjunct professor at NYU, where she teaches pioneering courses on avatars, AI agents, and virtual beings. With a background in psychology, television, and emerging tech, Sam specializes in brand strategy for bleeding-edge technologies, helping visionary companies clearly articulate their value and future impact. Her expertise spans AI, spatial computing, XR, haptics, and metaverse innovation across 20+ industries. Known for her clarity, depth, and contagious enthusiasm, she bridges the gap between innovation and understanding through thought leadership, marketing strategy, and education, empowering the world to grasp the true potential of tomorrow’s tech.

Samantha G Wolfe on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Special Episode on Tech, Love & Life
• 02:47 Dating in the Age of AI: Government Restrictions and Digital Romance
• 12:20 Beyond Loneliness: The Many Reasons People Use AI Companions
• 16:05 The Value of Human "Messiness" in Relationships
• 21:00 Reimagining Digital Dating Through 3D Presence
• 38:15 The Non-AI Relationship Pledge: Setting Digital Boundaries
• 44:53 The Tech Intimacy Scale: Finding Balance in Modern Love
• 50:20 Dating AI Chatbots: A Week-Long Experiment Preview
• 58:54 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Human Connection

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In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee dive into the cutting edge of spatial computing, AI, and extended reality. Join Cathy and Adam as they unpack Meta’s XR partnership with Palmer Luckey, Snap’s smart glasses ambitions, and Apple’s sleek AR design strategy. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. The conversation also explores AI dating experiments, haptic tech in entertainment, and the evolving ethics of privacy in a spatially connected world. With insights from AWE and ILMxLAB, they reflect on the shift from storytelling to “story living” and highlight key legislation shaping AI security. A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of tech-human interaction.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Adam Davis-McGee Bio

Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.

Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl
• 06:33 Meta's Eagle Eye: Military XR Partnership with Palmer Luckey
• 14:05 Apple's Liquid Glass: Paving the Way for AR Glasses
• 17:25 Haptic Innovation: Apple's F1 Movie Trailer Experience
• 19:18 Human vs AI: Why F1 Racing Needs the Human Element
• 22:27 Browser History Dating: AI's Latest Match-Making Experiment
• 26:27 Snap's Vision: Consumer Smart Glasses Coming in 2026
• 31:27 From Storytelling to Story Living: ILMxLAB's Immersive Future
• 33:54 Closing Thoughts: Summer Break Announcement

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis McGee unpack the rapid shifts transforming AI, hardware, and creative industries. Cathy is away this week and will be back in the new year. Lee and Adam explore how RAM manufacturers are pivoting away from consumer electronics toward AI, and how this will spike gaming and device prices in 2026, why Meta’s mixed-reality delays open the door for Google’s surprising partnership with Warby Parker, and how Google may be quietly edging ahead in the AI race. In the second half, Lee speaks with Ryan McMahan, who breaks down the legal and ethical storm surrounding AI-generated music. Together, they examine copyright grey zones, artist rights, and why AI is becoming more of an accelerant for creativity than a replacement for human artistry.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Key Discussion Topics:

• 01:40: RAM Shortage Will Devastate Consumer Electronics Pricing in 2026
• 06:12: Meta's Mixed Reality Delay & the Battle Between Google and Meta
• 11:29: Why Google Will Win the AI Race Over OpenAI
• 23:52: AI Music Generation and the Copyright Crisis on Spotify
• 33:28: Meet Ryan McMahan: Artist Manager Fighting for Creator Rights
• 35:34: Blanco Brown's Story: From Platinum to Fighting AI
• 38:50: The First Major Artist Covers an AI-Generated Song
• 40:45: Understanding Covers vs. Derivatives in Copyright Law
• 45:51: AI as a Creative Tool, Not a Job Replacement
• 50:32: The Fast Fashion Problem in Modern Music Production
• 57:31: Independent Artists Need Representation at Policy Tables
• 01:01:45: Creative Industry Workers Share AI Concerns and Opportunities
• 01:04:17: Meta's Consent Prompt: Is Algorithmic Boost Tied to AI Training Permission?
• 01:05:59: Key Takeaways: AI, Copyright, and the Future of Creative Work

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore how the future of AI is being shaped through hardware innovation happening around the world. They break down breakthroughs in autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, and spatial computing, highlighting why hardware ownership now determines who controls data, training models, and long-term AI power. Cathy shares insights from her travels across Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while the hosts examine China’s accelerating hardware ecosystem, Gen Alpha’s rejection of “AI slop,” and the shift toward vision-action models. It’s a fast, global look at where AI is really advancing, and why it matters.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Key Discussion Topics: 

• [00:00] Intro
• [00:23] Saudi Arabia and Qatar are booming in tech and entertainment.
• [00:04:00] Formula One tech highlights the Abu Dhabi Championship showdown.
• [00:07:13] Autonomous racing vs. human drivers shows motorsports’ future.
• [00:10:23] NVIDIA's AlphaMoor offers open-source vision-language models.
• [00:14:23] Women often prefer autonomous vehicles to human drivers.
• [00:20:44] Owning hardware means owning data: the AI supremacy principle.
• [00:22:19] Global hardware innovations from Alibaba, Huawei, and ByteDance are under the radar.
• [00:26:51] "Human-authored" labels reveal widespread AI fatigue.
• [00:30:05] Gen Alpha rejects AI content, demanding authentic creations.
• [00:33:55] Copyright issues arise when sampling AI-generated music.
• [00:37:03] Cathy’s Middle East speaking tour and CES 2025 lineup updates.
• [00:39:33] Holiday spending is shifting to experiences over products.
• [00:42:14] Book picks: the future of storytelling and understanding people.
• [00:44:49] Gaming culture highlights: Dungeon Crawler Carl, FNAF 2, and Stranger Things.
• [00:46:34] Key takeaways: physical AI, hardware ownership, and authentic human connection.

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler break down the biggest shifts shaping tech, entertainment, and personal branding. They explore emerging trends, from real-world experiences like Beastland, to the growing influence of spatial computing, and why authentic human content is becoming a premium as AI saturation rises. In the second half, Cathy sits down with David Cash, Founder and CSO of Cash Labs, Founder and Executive Producer of Catalyst Content Haus and Head of Marketing and acting CMO of DeLorean Labs, to discuss building a future-proof personal brand, repurposing content at scale, and why founders must take ownership of their digital presence now. Together, they reveal practical strategies for standing out and earning trust in an AI-driven media landscape.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

David Cash Bio:

David Cash is the Founder of Cash Labs and Catalyst, recognized as a leading force in bringing Web3 and emerging technologies to market. After a 12-year acting career and seven years running a production company, working on campaigns for brands like Brisk, Gaviscon, and Netflix, David became an early leader in Web3, authoring the first Master’s thesis on NFTs and producing Metaverse Fashion Week. Through Cash Labs, his work has driven billions of impressions and major revenue for global brands. His newest venture, Catalyst, helps executives create high-impact, future-ready content.

David Cash on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

• 00:00 Intro: Tech Magic Returns from the Middle East
• 00:03 Beastland: MrBeast's Pop-Up Amusement Park Phenomenon in Riyadh
• 00:08 Apple Vision Pro & Real Madrid: The Future of Immersive Sports Content
• 00:12 Tim Cook's Potential Departure and Apple's Need for Disruption
• 00:16 Meta Quest 3S at Costco for $200: The VR Hardware Game Heats Up
• 00:20 Meet David Cash: From Child Actor to Web3 Pioneer and Content Strategist
• 00:24 Why Business Leaders Must Own Their Content Strategy Now
• 00:27 Catalyst: Productizing Executive Content Creation Into a Luxury Service
• 00:30 How to Build a Personal Brand Session in One Day
• 00:33 The Dead Internet Theory: Why Authentic Voices Are Your Competitive Moat
• 00:36 Syndication Strategy: Turn One Piece of Content Into 1,000 Assets
• 00:37 Legacy Media Still Matters: Why Adweek and Vogue Amplify Personal Brands
• 00:40 The Evolution of Entertainment: From Broadway to Authentic Vlogging
• 00:43 Human-Crafted Content as Luxury: The OnlyFans to OnlyWalks Future
• 00:44 The Metaverse Isn't Web3: Redefining Virtual Spaces and Digital Identity
• 00:48 How Your Content Choices Today Shape Your XR Future Tomorrow
• 00:52 AI as a Tool: When to Use Generative Tech and When to Create Authentically
• 00:53 The "Human Authored" Label: Why AI Slop Is Making Credibility Scarce
• 00:57 Silicon Valley's Billion-Dollar Paradox: Oracle, SoftBank, and Unsustainable Bets
• 01:00 Hardware Matters: Why Lam Research Is the Invisible Infrastructure Winner
• 01:03 Key Takeaways: Personal Branding, Content Strategy, and the Human Edge

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AI is booming, VR is evolving, and AR is exploding into the real world—but most of it still feels underwhelming.

On this week’s episode of TechMagic, host Lee Kebler welcomes Andrew Schwartz while host Cathy Hackl is away. Andrew is the Director of Metaverse Engineering at Nike, and together, they unpack the realities behind today’s AI hype cycle, revealing why generative AI can feel both astonishing and underwhelming. They explore brand risks in AI-driven content, the fight against AI slop in music distribution, and the long road to mainstream VR and AR adoption. Andrew and Lee also break down Pokémon GO’s execution-first success and the rise of identity-based tech, from digital product passports to personalized, location-aware experiences, offering a clear-eyed look at what truly comes next in immersive technology.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Andrew Schwartz Bio

Andrew Schwartz is a technology strategist and the Director of Metaverse Engineering at Nike, where he pioneered emerging technology integration within the Technology Innovation Office. Having coined the title "godmother of the metaverse" for industry luminary Cathy Hackl, Andrew brings deep expertise in blockchain identity, XR/AR/VR technologies, and spatial computing. 

Andrew Schwartz on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

• [00:00] Intro
• [00:00] Welcome to Tech Magic with Andrew Schwartz
• [00:01] How "Godmother of the Metaverse" Became Cathy Hackl's Defining Title
• [00:03] Nike's Metaverse Engineering and Emerging Technologies
• [00:06] Technology First vs. Outcome First: The Real AI Hype Cycle Challenge
• [00:13] Why Coca-Cola's 70,000-Prompt AI Christmas Ad Reveals a Deeper Problem
• [00:16] Imperfection as Strategy: When Flaws Build Brand Trust
• [00:21] The AI Music Crisis: How Spotify and CD Baby Protect Indie Artists
• [00:27] Copyright, Authenticity, and the Future of AI-Generated Content
• [00:31] VR Headsets Are Impressive—But Where's the Killer App?
• [00:34] Apple Vision Pro: Great Technology, Missing Experience
• [00:36] Why Beat Saber Succeeded Where Other VR Games Failed
• [00:38] Content Over Hardware: Lessons from iPhone, iPod, and Atari
• [00:40] Pokemon Go Wasn't About AR—It Was About the Brand
• [00:42] Super Nintendo World Shows How to Make Technology Invisible
• [00:44] The Future of Identity: Digital Product Passports and NFC Activation
• [00:47] Music Recommendation: SAULT, Neo-Soul, and the Mystery of AI
• [00:49] Key Takeaways: Where Tech Magic Actually Happens

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As AI systems start rewriting their own code and sanitising negative news about themselves, the line between control and autonomy is blurring. In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the unsettling rise of AI self-management, Google’s growing edge over OpenAI through real-world data, and the “AI slop spiral” threatening to degrade the entire internet. They also examine malware that now uses AI to rewrite its own code, an alarming glimpse into adversarial AI. 

The episode also includes Cathy’s exciting interview with Myles Slayton, CEO of Cerca Dating, to explore how mutual-based dating is redefining online connections through trust and community. From Gen Z’s new dating habits to the irreplaceable value of human imperfection, this episode dives deep into what’s next for both AI and authenticity.

Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!

Myles Slayton Bio

Myles Slayton is the 23-year-old Co-founder and CEO of Cerca Dating, a mutuals-based dating app revolutionizing how Gen Z approaches online dating. A Georgetown University graduate, Miles founded Circa to address the fatigue and safety concerns plaguing traditional dating applications. With a mission to connect users through trusted friend networks rather than algorithms, Cerca has rapidly scaled to approximately 100,000 users while maintaining a healthy 60%+ female user base.

Myles Slayton on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

• 00:00:00 Intro
• 00:06:09 ChatGPT's Automatic Headline Sanitization Exposed
• 00:14:32 The "Dog Eating Its Own Barf" Problem in AI Training
• 00:18:02 Google Wins the AI War with Real-World Data Access
• 00:24:23 OnlyFans Monetization Model & Vylit App Launch
• 00:26:19 The Death of Traditional Dating Apps
• 00:32:02 Circa: The Mutuals-Based Dating App Revolution
• 00:33:21 Cuffing Season 2.0 and Gen Z Dating Trends
• 00:39:15 Trust, Safety & Reputation-Based Dating
• 00:43:50 Why AI Cannot Replicate Human Chemistry
• 00:49:06 Roblox Abuse Lawsuit and Platform Safety Issues
• 00:53:33 AI-Powered Malware Rewriting Its Own Code
• 00:55:03 TEDx Atlanta and the Future of Creativity
• 00:57:50 "Humanity is the Moat Around the Machines"
• 00:58:50 Cathy's Gulf States Roadshow & CES 2025 Plans
• 01:01:4 What We're Watching: Pluribus & The Spatial Race
• 01:02:16 Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

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