🚀 Ready to see the future of the classroom? The latest episode of the XReality Podcast is officially live!

This week, I sit down with EdTech powerhouse and AR/VR consultant, Jaime Donally. From her roots as a math teacher to her current work transforming instructional technology, Jamie brings incredible, hands-on insights into how immersive tools are actively reshaping how students learn.

If you are curious about where education technology is heading next, you won't want to miss this one!

🎧 Here is what we dive into:

Making STEM Interactive: How tools like McGraw-Hill's AR app and DelightX are moving students beyond traditional reading into interactive, 3D problem-solving.

Overcoming the Hurdles: An honest conversation about faculty bandwidth, cost, and accessibility when implementing new immersive tech in schools.

Smart Glasses vs. VR Headsets: Why WebXR and spatial learning via smart glasses might be the practical, cost-effective future over bulky traditional headsets.

AI in Education: Why we need to embrace teaching responsible AI use and critical thinking, rather than avoiding it, all while protecting student privacy.

Whether you're an educator looking to innovate, a spatial computing enthusiast, or a parent curious about the future of learning, this conversation is packed with actionable insights!

Follow Jaime: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimedonally/

👇 Catch the full episode below and let us know your thoughts in the comments! What do you think is the biggest hurdle for bringing AR/VR into schools?

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎧 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

Partner with GatherVerse

#EdTech #ImmersiveLearning #XR #AugmentedReality #VirtualReality #AIinEducation #SmartGlasses #WebXR #SpatialComputing #STEM #XRealityPodcast

🚀 Just dropped a brand new podcast episode! I had an absolute blast sitting down with Alex Coulombe, co-founder of Agile Lens Immersive Design, to dive deep into the colliding worlds of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence.Alex shared his fascinating journey from architecture and theater to the cutting edge of spatial computing, and we tackled some of the biggest shifts happening in tech right now. 🏗️🎭Here is a sneak peek at what we covered:The AI Evolution in XR: How rapid advancements in AI tools (like Claude and emerging 3D generative AI) are transforming development workflows and "vibe coding." We also discussed why human expertise and spatial understanding remain crucial for high-quality VR. 🤖The Hardware Horizon: Why sleek AR smart glasses (like Meta's Orion and Snap's upcoming devices) are poised to overtake bulky VR headsets by offering seamless, contextual spatial data. 🥽Groundbreaking Projects: An inside look at his team pushing the boundaries of tech—from a massive 5,000 sq ft wireless, photorealistic VR experience for the Four Seasons to a 5-year global run of A Christmas Carol in VR! ✨Future-Proofing Careers: A candid discussion on the importance of building strong foundational skills. We explored why students and professionals must use AI as an extension of their skills, rather than replacing the critical thinking needed for true innovation. 🎓Whether you are a developer, a designer, or just curious about how emerging technologies are reshaping live events and human connection, this episode is packed with insights from the early days of a new technological medium.Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcoulombe/🎧 Catch the full conversation now! Links to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube are in the comments below. YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityProApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

🚀 XReality Podcast 71: The Convergence of Spatial AI, Robotics, and the Future of XR with Nate Harper

Is VR "dead"? Not even close. But the conversation is changing.

In our latest episode of the XReality Podcast, I sat down with Nate Harper, Business Development Manager at AWE (Augmented World Expo), to dive deep into the massive shifts happening in the XR industry. From the rise of "Physical AI" to the regulatory hurdles of autonomous drones, we covered the full spectrum of what it means to live in a spatially-aware world.

🎙️ Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

→ Beyond the Screen: We discussed how Spatial AI and Physical AI are moving past text-based models and into the physical world—transforming industries like defense, healthcare, and manufacturing.

→ The Smart Glass Revolution: Why the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses is a pivotal moment for consumer AR and what it means for the future of wearable tech.

→ Agentic AI in Enterprise: How "AI agents" are changing software development, allowing creators to focus on problem-solving while AI handles the execution.

→ Education & Accessibility: A candid look at the challenges of bringing XR into higher education, from budget constraints to the critical need for inclusive, accessible 3D content.

→ Aviation 2.0: Why the pilot shortage is creating a massive opportunity for VR training and the future of autonomous passenger drones.

Nate also gives us a "behind-the-curtain" look at AWE USA 2026, explaining how this community remains the heartbeat of the industry by fostering a "family-like" atmosphere for innovators.

💡 Advice for the college students:

For students and aspiring professionals, Nate’s advice is simple but powerful: Stay consistent. The industry moves fast—staying connected to trends and building a network is just as important as the tech itself.

Follow Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nateharperxr

👇 Watch/Listen to the full episode here:

📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

Partner with GatherVerse

#XR #SpatialComputing #AWE2026 #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics #EdTech #XRealityPodcast #AugmentedReality #VirtualReality #TechTrends

I just interviewed Avi Bar-Zeev for the XReality Pro Podcast, and it was a deep dive into the soul of the industry. Avi’s resume reads like a history of Silicon Valley: Disney (Aladdin’s Magic Carpet), Google Earth, Second Life, Microsoft HoloLens, and the Apple Vision Pro.

But today, he isn’t just building products; he’s building the XR Guild to ensure our digital future is safe, ethical, and human-centric.

💡 The "Prediction Machine" Paradox: Avi explains why AI raises the floor for average skills but might actually lower the ceiling for exceptional ones—and how you can stay "above the stack."

💡 The Truth About AR Privacy: We tackle the uncomfortable reality of smart glasses and why we must support companies that prioritize user privacy over data harvesting.

💡 Career Longevity: How to reinvent yourself as technology moves from 3D graphics to Spatial AI without losing your unique human value.

"Focus on meeting fundamental human needs: communication and connection, rather than pursuing technology for its own sake." — Avi Bar-Zeev

If you are a developer, a creator, or just curious about where the "Metaverse" is actually headed, this conversation is your roadmap.

Connect with Avi Bar-Zeev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avi-bar-zeev

👉 Listen to the full episode here:

📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

Partner with GatherVerse

#XRealityPodcast #XRGuild #SpatialComputing #AppleVisionPro #HoloLens #AI #XR #TechEthics #XR #AugmentedReality #Metaverse #Innovation

🎙️ New episode of XReality Podcast #69: When the Audience Is Inside the Film" — with Liz Rosenthal FRSA, Venice Immersive

I had the honor of sitting down with Liz Rosenthal, curator and executive producer of Venice Immersive at the Venice Film Festival, to talk about what happens when storytelling meets spatial media.

Liz has been at the forefront of this space since the early days of digital filmmaking, founding Power to the Pixel and helping build the world's largest annual exhibition for immersive arts and media.

We went deep on:

→ Why the medium should serve the story, not the other way around

→ The difference between traditional film and immersive storytelling

→ How AI tools are changing production — but not replacing the human craft behind it

→ Taiwanese directors pushing the boundaries of spatial cinema (including back-to-back Grand Jury Prize winner Singing Chen)

→ Why embodied experiences in VR engage us in ways flat screens never can

→ The future of higher education, creativity, and human-centered skills in an AI-driven world

One thing that stuck with me: technology should amplify human capacity, not replace it. That's been the throughline of my own work across XReality and the California Community Colleges, and hearing Liz articulate it from the lens of immersive arts was powerful.

Follow Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-rosenthal-frsa-70b8b22/

🎧 Listen to XReality Podcast:

📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

Partner with GatherVerse

#XRealityAcademy #ImmersiveStorytelling #SpatialComputing #VeniceImmersive #SpatialAI #VR #XR #ImmersiveMedia #AIinCreative #FutureOfFilm #EmbodiedExperience #HigherEducation #HumanCenteredAI #CreativeTechnology #Podcast

Check out XReality Podcast #68. XR Training and Virtual Worlds with Laura Kusumoto

In this episode, we explored the hidden danger of "false training" in VR, where simulations feel productive but actually teach the wrong skills. We discussed how avatar embodiment changes cognitive behavior through the Proteus effect and the guardrails needed when generative AI enters fully immersive spaces. We also tackled how to design XR education that sharpens critical thinking rather than creating passive compliance.

Follow Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakusumoto

Listen to XReality Podcast:

📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

Partner with GatherVerse

#XR #SpatialComputing #VRTraining #FalseTraining #AvatarLearning #GenerativeAI #EdTech #CriticalThinking #ImmersiveTech #Education

I recently sat down with Jasmine Lehman (#AtomBombBody) on the XReality Pro Podcast, and her career trajectory is a masterclass in adaptability. What happens when you mix marketing expertise, voice acting, and a passion for VR tutorials?

You get a fascinating conversation with AtomBombBody.In this episode:

✅ Streamlining VR content with OBS & MetaQuest Developer Hub.

✅ Navigating the "No AI" vs. "AI-First" divide in education.

✅ Why the "hustle culture" of LA differs so much from the Bay Area.

✅ Tips for Gen Z creators looking to break into the industry. Don't miss this deep dive into the tech shaping our future.

Here are the Podcast Links:

📽 YT: https://lnkd.in/ghhCeav5

🍎 Apple: https://lnkd.in/gq9eMSVX

🎙 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gqAiRSNf

Partner with GatherVerse

Quick note for listeners working at the intersection of AI, education, and workforce.

Futures Summit 2026 takes place September 9–10 in Santa Clara, focused on Human Skills in an Autonomous World. It’s a convening for people doing the real work—educators, technologists, and partners building equitable, scalable solutions.

If your organization wants to connect with California Community Colleges leaders, sponsorship opportunities are open now.

Details at bit.ly/FuturesSummit26.

Are we giving AI too much credit when it comes to true human creativity? 🎬🤖

I am BEYOND excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring the incredible Elad! With his deep background as a VFX artist and director of immersive projects (including Bono’s Stories of Surrender), Elad brings a brilliant, grounded perspective to the AI hype train.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rapid rise of AI and its real-world impact on everything from filmmaking to the classroom. While AI is an incredible tool, we tackle the hard truths about what happens when we prioritize shortcuts over the human journey of creating.

Here is a sneak peek at what we cover:

• The Classroom Crisis: Why AI tools like ChatGPT are challenging traditional education and causing shifts in English and Tech departments.

• The AI "Skills Gap": Why relying on bots instead of training junior employees could backfire on major companies.

• The Power of Imperfection: Why the process of art, collaboration, and human flaws will always evoke a stronger emotional response than polished, AI-generated content.

• Ethical Guardrails: The growing need to protect IP, unique storytelling, and real human interactions (yes, we talk about that frustrating AWS bot experience!).

🎧 Links for XReality Podcast:

📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

Whether you are an artist, a student, or just someone trying to navigate the future of work, this conversation is an absolute must-listen. We also give a quick shoutout to our upcoming plans for Future Summit 2026! 🚀

Let us know in the comments: Do you think AI will ever be able to replicate genuine human emotion in art? 👇

#ArtificialIntelligence #Filmmaking #FutureOfWork #EdTech #Creativity #VFX #PodcastEpisode #FutureSummit2026

Are Smart Glasses the "Final Form Factor" for AI? 👓🤖I recently sat down with Qiuxuan (Eileen) Wu, Program Manager at Google and researcher from the MIT Media Lab, for a mind-bending conversation about the future of embodied AI.We didn’t just talk about chatbots. We talked about a future where your AI isn't just on a screen—it’s seeing what you see and hearing what you hear.In this episode, we dive deep into:The "Final Form Factor": Why Eileen believes smart glasses will become our extended memory and "ambient" partners.Bridging the Gap: How we ensure high-tech tools (like VR/AR) are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.The Workforce Revolution: A look at our pilot program for training EV technicians using VR headsets at California Community Colleges. 🚗⚡Agentic AI: Moving from AI that "chats" to AI that does—automating the mundane so humans can focus on strategy.If you’re interested in how we transition from "staring at phones" to "interacting with the world," this episode is for you.Connect with Eileen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-wu-1111b0107/👇 Listen to the full episode here: 📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wuQuick note for listeners working at the intersection of AI, education, and workforce.Futures Summit 2026 takes place September 9–10 in Santa Clara, focused on Human Skills in an Autonomous World. It’s a convening for people doing the real work—educators, technologists, and partners building equitable, scalable solutions.If your organization wants to connect with California Community Colleges leaders, sponsorship opportunities are open now.Details at bit.ly/FuturesSummit26.Partner with GatherVerse#AI #SmartGlasses #FutureOfWork #EdTech #AugmentedReality #Podcast

Are we becoming AI's passengers, or its pilots? ✈️

I just sat down with Rick White, a polymath and professor at MiraCosta College, for an episode that completely changed how I look at the future of technology and education. Rick’s background is incredible—spanning genomics, blockchain, and now, leading a groundbreaking Human-Centered AI degree program.

Here is why you need to listen to this one:

The Generational Shift: We talked about why my students preferred building a zombie shooter game over reading Romeo and Juliet. Rick explains how we can help the younger generation reclaim their independence and imagination in a digital-first world.

Cyborgs vs. Centaurs: We explored the "Jagged Frontier" of AI. It’s not just a tool; it’s becoming an operating system for life. The goal isn't to let AI control us, but to use it to amplify our own human agency.

The "Why" Over the "How": In a world where AI can do the "how" (coding, writing, calculating), the most valuable skill you can have is understanding the "Why". We’re moving toward a future where "learning velocity" is more important than a GPA.

Tech with a Soul: Rick introduced me to the Confucian concept of Ren—the joy found in altruism—and how we can actually build that into our AI systems to create a more equitable society.

We are at a crossroads between "techno-feudalism" and a world of radical abundance. Rick’s vision for a human-centered future is the roadmap we all need.

🎧 Check out the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

What do you think? Is AI your co-pilot or are you just along for the ride? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇

Follow Rick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvjwhite

Listen to XReality Podcast: 

📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992

🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

Partner with GatherVerse

#AI #FutureOfWork #HumanCenteredAI #Education #Podcast #GenerativeAI #EdTech