Coffey & Code

Join us as Julie Smithson, co-founder of Metavrse and XR Women, shares her journey in immersive technology and the vital role of community and education in the XR space. 

Key Takeaways

• Julie Smithson's journey in immersive technology began with creating touchscreen technology for the music industry.
• She co-founded Metavrse, a 3D game engine for the Spatial Web, and is passionate about inspiring and educating the next generation.
• Julie emphasizes the importance of community and the role of XR Women in bringing people together from around the world.
• She discusses the impact of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain on society and the need for humans to adapt and build the right skill sets.
• Julie introduces the Unlimited Awesome Academy, a program focused on mental wellness and skill development for the digital age. Collaboration and community are key in the immersive technology industry.
• Immersive training can significantly reduce training time and costs.
• Retail experiences can be enhanced through immersive technology, such as gamified scavenger hunts.

Follow Julie on Linkedin, and learn more about the XR Women meetups in immersive environments each Wednesday. Thank you for listening to Coffey & Code!

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Listen: This episode of Coffey & Code offers valuable insights into the world of technology startups, the realities of entrepreneurship, and how innovative solutions like Big Ass Bag can emerge from everyday frustrations. Listeners interested in technology, business, and personal development will find Jenae's story both inspiring and informative.

S2 EP58: Jenae Goodin, the innovative mind behind Big Ass Bag (BAB), shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the development of BAB, a tool designed to make online shopping more efficient by consolidating purchases from multiple stores into a single interface via a Chrome extension and app. Born out of frustration with the cumbersome process of managing numerous shopping tabs, BAB aims to simplify the online shopping experience, particularly for busy parents. 

Despite facing significant scheduling hurdles, financial constraints, and the challenges of balancing her professional ambitions with personal responsibilities as a mother and partner, Jenae's dedication and innovative spirit shine through. Her story, delivered from the unconventional setting of her closet, underscores the importance of perseverance, mental health, and the supportive role of community and mentorship in overcoming the obstacles of entrepreneurship and tech integration, offering valuable insights and inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs.

Key Moments:

• Origin and Concept of Big Ass Bag
• From Idea to MVP: The Journey of Big Ass Bag
• Growth and Feedback: Enhancing Big Ass Bag

Follow Big Ass Bag on Instagram

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key Moments:

First Impressions:

• The excitement of seeing the Apple Vision Pro in person after years of anticipation.
• Aesthetic highlights: Glass display, 23 million pixels, 3D technology, and Micro‑OLED.

Demo Experience:

• The 30-minute in-store demo, available only by walking in.
• Scripted elements and limited room for independent exploration.
• A rogue moment: Testing the Safari app for an immersive website experience.

Favorite Immersive Experience:

• A standout moment in a lake with a 360-degree view transitioning into the rain.
• Similar to creating a vivid Colorado hiking trail experience in May.

Spatial Memories:

• Reflections on the intriguing and occasionally peculiar aspects of spatial memories.

Powerhouse Specs and Cost:

• Breakdown of specifications: 8‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, and more.
• Justifying the high cost (around $5k) with top-tier quality.

Privacy and Security Features:

• Apple's commitment to privacy and security.
• Introduction of Optic ID: A secure authentication system using the uniqueness of the user's iris.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #56: Let’s Talk  Storytelling in Marketing with Vilona Michael, Founder of V.Marketing 

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Topics Covered:

• Building Community:
  • V.Marketing's Key role in OKC Uptown 23rd district's growth.
  • Successful fundraising events for community support.
  • Transitioning network connections into a full-fledged agency.
• Authentic Connections:
  • Vilona's unique approach to community building across the state of Oklahoma.
• Entrepreneurial Challenges:
  • Overcoming challenges in a new market.
• Local Projects and Initiatives:
  • Involvement in community art projects.
  • Successful Giving Tuesday campaign for food security.
• Balancing Work and Family:
  • Juggling roles as a working mom and entrepreneur.
  • Family's commitment to business and community.
• Future Aspirations:
  • Expansion plans beyond Oklahoma City.
  • Launching a website in 2024 to showcase the agency's journey.
• Marketing Strategies:
  • Unique marketing strategies inspired by personal experiences.

Thank you to Vilona Michael for sharing her journey. Subscribe, rate, review, and share for more inspiring conversations. Follow Vilona on Instagram to stay up to date on all things V.Marketing! 

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #55: Let’s Talk Sound Therapy Technology for Mental Health with Sandeep Prakash, PhD.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Topics Covered:

• Sound therapy technology for mental health
• Sound therapy for mental health
• Using sound therapy for mental health treatment
• Ketamine therapy and digital therapeutics
• Using immersive technology for mental health treatment
• Virtual reality and mental health technology

Visit SoundSelf.com to learn more about this innovative technology, and sign up to be notified when a SoundSelf practitioner serves in your area.

⁠⁠Want to support this podcast?⁠⁠ Subscribe, leave a review/rating, and share with a friend. It means a lot as a one-woman show <3

Thanks for listening!

-Ashley Coffey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #54: Let’s Talk Creativity, Community, and Collaboration with Chris Cox

FULL TRANSCRIPT

In the latest episode of Coffey & Code, we sit down with Chris Cox, Founder of The House Creates, The House Helps 501(c)(3), and The House Homes.

Topics Covered:

• Branding, collaboration, and creativity.
• Reaching out to local politicians for non-combative communication.
• Digital footprint, Digital literacy, and social media usage
• Social media's impact on news consumption and personal boundaries.
• Creative business management and client relationships.
• Video, AI, and generative content creation in the film industry.
• Technology, teamwork, and client management in a creative firm.

Be sure to follow ⁠Chris Cox and House Creates on social media!

⁠⁠Want to support this podcast?⁠⁠ Subscribe, leave a review/rating, and share with a friend. It means a lot <3

Thanks for listening!

-Ashley Coffey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #53: Let’s Talk Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Kyle Golding

In the latest episode of Coffey & Code, we sit down with a true visionary in the world of entrepreneurship and innovation - ⁠Kyle Golding⁠, the CEO and Chief Strategic Idealist at ⁠The Golding Group⁠. Prepare for an enlightening discussion as we explore the intricacies of fostering innovation in the business world and the value of community over competition!

Topics Covered:

• Kyle shares his inspiring journey, from his early career to becoming the driving force behind the Golding Group.
• The Golding Group's Approach to Innovation
• Navigating Entrepreneurship Challenges: Kyle talks about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, from securing funding to building a sustainable business model. Kyle shares his insights on how to overcome these obstacles and thrive in the competitive landscape.
• The Role of Creativity

Be sure to follow ⁠Kyle Golding⁠ and ⁠⁠The Golding Group⁠ on social media to stay up to date with the latest entrepreneurship innovations.

⁠⁠Want to support this podcast?⁠⁠ Subscribe, leave a review/rating, share with a friend, and consider becoming a monthly supporter of Coffey & Code.

Thanks for listening!

-Ashley Coffey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #52: Let’s Talk Beauty and Entrepreneurship with Margo Gianos – Founder of Honestly Margo

Get ready to tune into the latest episode of Coffey & Code, where we bring on ⁠Margo Gianos⁠, the creator of ⁠Honestly Margo⁠, to dive into her journey as a young entrepreneur in the beauty industry and how to use social media as a tool to market yourself and/or your business! We discuss some of the challenges and logistics that came along with creating her own business, as well as some of her latest products. She shares some insightful tips on how to keep up with the ever-changing social media landscape and how to use them to your advantage to stay ahead of the game!

Topics Covered:

• Margo’s background and where she came up with the idea for Honestly Margo.
• Margo’s journey as a young entrepreneur launching a small business in Oklahoma at age 12.
• Lessons learned and advice on how to navigate the business industry.
• Tips on how to use technology to help you navigate social media and market yourself or your business around the world.
• Keeping up with the everchanging trends of the digital world.
• Using connections and relationships through social media to connect and grow with others in order to build a healthy network around you.
• Exclusive hot tip about the latest product being created by Margo Gianos!

Make sure to check out this episode to stay in the know about the realities of becoming an entrepreneur, how to navigate social media as a small business owner, to learn more about Honestly Margo, and to hear about the amazing journey of Margo Gianos and how she turned her dreams into reality!

Be sure to follow ⁠@MargoGianos⁠ and ⁠@HonestlyMargo⁠ on all socials to stay up-to-date on the latest Honestly Margo News!

⁠Want to support this podcast?⁠ Subscribe, leave a review/rating, share with a friend & consider becoming a monthly supporter of Coffey & Code.

Thanks for listening!

-Ashley Coffey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #51: Let's Talk Virtual Reality and Joy in the Morning with JoyReignVR

Welcome to the latest episode of Coffey & Code, where we dive deep into the world of virtual reality with an extraordinary guest, JoyReignVR! Get ready for an immersive experience as we explore the possibilities of VR and uncover the secrets behind JoyReignVR's groundbreaking show, Joy in the Morning. From the future of entertainment to the impact of VR on society, this episode will leave you spellbound. Tune in to discover how JoyReignVR is revolutionizing storytelling and bridging the gap between virtual and real worlds.

Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that will transport you to the cutting edge of technology. Get your headsets ready and join us on an unforgettable journey into the realm of virtual reality!

Topics Covered:

• JoyReign's background and how she started in the VR space
• The inspiration behind Joy in the Morning Show
• Learning how to create virtual worlds in VR
• The power of representation, community, and positive energy in virtual spaces

⁠About Shika (JoyReign) Duncan⁠

Shika Duncan (JoyReignVR) is a Louisiana native who graduated from the HBCU Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a degree in Economics. She is an enthusiastic XR Evangelist and Content Creator who specializes in building metaverse experiences that caters to brands and promote community. Helping people connect and engage with technology while also building worlds that inspire others to build is her mission. Even though she has been in the XR space for a few years, JoyReign's metaverse work has been highlighted by Meta, Meta Reality Labs, Meta Horizon Worlds, and Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Whether she is hosting her talk show "Joy In The Morning" in Meta Horizon Worlds, podcasting with her husband on their "Get'Em To The Metaverse” podcast, or strategizing content through her business,⁠ Onyx Leaf Media⁠, JoyReign is always staying true to her north star to help people to become more joyful, optimistic, and yearning for positivity.

Be sure to follow ⁠@JoyReignVR⁠ on all socials to stay up-to-date on the latest Joy in the Morning news!

⁠Want to support this podcast?⁠ Subscribe, leave a review/rating, share with a friend & consider becoming a monthly supporter of Coffey & Code.

Thanks for listening!

-Ashley Coffey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #50: Let's Talk XR & Artificial Intelligence with Laura Piza, COO of Reboot Imagine

⁠FULL TRANSCRIPT⁠ ⁠⁠

Join us as Laura Piza takes us on an exhilarating journey into the world of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Discover how Reboot Imagine is pushing the boundaries of innovation in industries like esports and entertainment, and gain insights into the exciting future of XR and AI. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a gamer, or simply curious about the next wave of immersive experiences, this episode of Coffey & Code is not to be missed!

Topics Covered:

• Laura's background and how she started in the XR space
• The inspiration behind Reboot Imagine
• Increasing innovation with diverse teams
• The impact of the growth of XR in entertainment
• Community over competition

⁠About Reboot Imagine⁠

Reboot Imagine is a turn-key XR and 24/7 US-based support for hardware, software, installation, training, and more. Tailored for various industries, including esports and entertainment.

⁠About Laura Piza⁠

After eight years in the luxury hospitality industry, Laura tried VR for the first time, and her life changed. She strategically shifted her focus to the XR industry and aligned with Reboot Imagine, a start-up that specializes in turn-key solutions, installations, and technical support. Seeing the need for customer service in XR was a natural fit for someone coming from the world of hospitality. Laura gracefully leverages her skills in operational management, customer service, and project management to create effective and unforgettable immersive experiences through customer-centric solutions. She leads Reboot Imagine as the COO. Laura’s hope is XR adoption in all facets of everyday life, from entertainment to education and beyond. Laura is a member of ⁠XR Women⁠, a group of forward-thinking women in technology.

⁠Want to support this podcast?⁠ Subscribe, leave a review/rating, share with a friend & consider becoming a monthly supporter of Coffey & Code.

Thanks for listening!

-Ashley Coffey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.

Headshot by Brandlink Media

Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS

Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.