TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the latest breakthroughs in AI and their ripple effects across industries. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. They discuss how AI democratizes app creation, they examine Business Insider’s bold move toward a 70% AI-driven newsroom, Apple’s strategic push into gaming, and XR military collaborations from Meta and Microsoft. From wearable AI to the future of digital work, Cathy and Lee offer a sharp, balanced look at how AI is reshaping our world.

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 to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 03:45 The Rise of Vibe Coding: Non-Developers Creating Sophisticated Apps
• 15:30 Business Insider's AI Adoption and the Future of Journalism
• 25:45 The Hidden Cost of Replacing Entry-Level Jobs with AI
• 35:20 Social Media's Evolution in the Age of AI Content
• 45:15 Apple's Gaming Strategy: Studio Acquisition and Platform Development
• 55:30 XR Military Contracts: Meta, Microsoft, and Palmer Luckey's Partnership
• 01:05:00 Next Week at AWE: Live Broadcasting and Upcoming Conversations

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler reunite to explore the latest in AI, tech hardware, and digital retail with special guest Dina Fierro, an Advisor and Fractional Marketing Leader. From Roblox’s real-world commerce integration to Google’s new XR glasses, the trio dives into how AI transforms distributed commerce, digital fashion, and the consumer experience. They also unpack wearable tech trends, spatial computing, and the ethical frontiers of AI-powered content creation. Whether you're a tech leader or brand builder, this episode delivers sharp insights on where innovation meets human connection in the future of retail.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Dina Fierro Bio

Dina Fierro is a visionary marketing leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of beauty, fashion, culture, and technology. She has held senior roles at Christian Louboutin, NARS, and Shiseido Americas, where she led groundbreaking digital initiatives across AI, social commerce, and mixed reality. Known for blending creativity with innovation, Dina has launched industry-first experiences on platforms like Roblox and TikTok. A sought-after speaker, mentor, advisor, and fractional marketing leader, she helps brands translate cultural shifts into strategic, consumer-centric growth.

Dina Fierro on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
• 03:00 Adventures in Big Sur: When Google Maps Leads You Astray
• 04:30 Exploring Japan: Robotics, Culture and Innovation
• 14:01 The YouTube AI Content Crisis: A New Era of Disinformation
• 20:13 AI in the Workplace: Why Companies Shouldn't Replace Humans
• 32:04 Interview with Dina Fierro: The Future of Retail & Commerce
• 34:21 The Evolution of Distributed Commerce
• 46:11 Future-Proofing Brand Strategy in the AI Era
• 54:12 The Fashion Challenge of Wearable Tech
• 58:59 Texas Social Media Laws & Gaming Platforms
• 01:02:31 The ChatGPT Coffee Ground Divorce Story
• 01:08:36 Book Recommendations & Looking Ahead to AWE

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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!

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 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 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 episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl shares an exciting announcement, whilst co-hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis McGee dissect the latest shifts in AI, gaming, and digital privacy. From the delayed launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 to Meta’s controversial AI-driven ad strategies, the duo tackles pressing ethical, legal, and technological questions. They explore Visa’s investment in AI agents, Spotify’s AI DJ, and the societal impact of chatbots and deepfake legislation. With candid insights and sharp analysis, Lee and ADM shed light on the balance between innovation and responsibility, highlighting how AI reshapes industries, public trust, and the digital future.

What you will learn:

• Why GTA 6's delay to 2026 signals broader challenges in game development timelines
• How Meta's AI-powered advertising strategy could revolutionize digital marketing 
• Why AI chatbots present significant safety concerns for minors 
• The implications of new US legislation targeting deep fake pornography 
• How Visa's AI agent payment system could transform automated purchasing behaviors
• Why Meta Ray-Ban's default AI privacy settings raise significant data concerns
• How AI models prioritize objectives over truthfulness, with accuracy rates below 50%
• Why AI-generated evidence in legal proceedings requires new regulatory frameworks
• The impact of Spotify's AI DJ feature on the future of personalized music curation
• The challenges of training AI on potentially compromised or biased internet data
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Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction & Birthday Greetings for Cathy
• 01:36 AI's Impact on Tech: A Bumpy Road Ahead
• 05:10 GTA 6 Delay & Roblox Brand Partnerships
• 07:14 AI Chatbots: Safety Concerns for Young Users
• 13:09 Google's Responsible Approach to AI Development
• 14:29 New Legislation on Deepfake Content
• 19:55 AI-Generated Evidence in Legal Proceedings
• 24:25 The Truth Problem: AI's Accuracy Below 50%
• 28:23 Training AI on Internet Data: Garbage In, Garbage Out
• 30:58 Visa's AI Shopping Assistant Plans
• 36:09 Meta's AI-Powered Advertising Revolution
• 43:24 Meta Ray-Ban Privacy Settings Update
• 45:37 AI DJs & The Future of Music Curation
• 51:20 Closing Thoughts & Next Week's Preview

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the cutting-edge innovations transforming finance and commerce in 2025. Along with special guest Nabil Manji, SVP of Fintech Growth at Worldpay, the trio discusses the rise of digital wallets and embedded finance, as well as the power of AI agents and real-time payments. They explore how technology is redefining money movement on a global scale and tackle the impact of quantum computing on payment security. They look at the challenges of AI safety and what companies like Shopify are doing to lead the charge. A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of fintech.

What you will learn:

• How digital wallets are transforming global commerce
• Why embedded finance is revolutionizing delivery of financial services to customers
• The evolution of real-time payments across different global markets 
• How AI agents are reshaping commerce through automated purchasing 
• Why stablecoins are emerging as a crucial tool for cross-border payments 
• The impact of quantum computing on payment security 
• The challenges facing traditional retail experiences 
• Current concerns around AI chatbots and the need for stronger safety measures
• The growing pains of emerging tech trends, from Nintendo's preorder challenges to Meta's AI controversies

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Nabil Manji Bio

Nabil Manji is the Senior Vice President and Head of Fintech Growth and Financial Partnerships at Worldpay, where he leads strategic initiatives in emerging payment technologies and financial partnerships. With extensive experience in the payments industry, he oversees how Worldpay collaborates with banks, fintech companies, and card networks to shape the future of money movement. His expertise in payment infrastructure and involvement in Worldpay's Global Payments Report make him uniquely qualified to discuss how technological innovations are transforming the way we think about and handle transactions in an increasingly digital world. His strategic vision for the intersection of technology and finance provides valuable insights for businesses and professionals interested in the future of payments and financial technology.

Nabil Manji on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
• 02:44 AI & Mental Health: The Rise of Digital Therapy Solutions
• 09:51 Nintendo Switch 2: When Preorders Go Wrong
• 18:06 Slate Auto: Reimagining the Electric Truck
• 25:44 The Three Pillars of AI in Payments with Nabil Manji
• 39:37 Digital Wallets: The Evolution of Modern Payment Methods
• 46:20 Cryptocurrency as Payment Infrastructure
• 49:20 Understanding Embedded Commerce & Finance
• 53:57 Quantum Computing's Impact on Payment Security
• 01:03:47 Meta AI Controversy: Safety Concerns & Celebrity Voices

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack viral AI trends, privacy concerns with ChatGPT's photo location capabilities, and the future of spatial computing with special guest Tom Emrich, author of "The Next Dimension." They discuss the marketing power of augmented reality, including Avon’s 320% sales boost, and examine the evolution from smartphone-based AR to smart glasses and mixed reality. Tom introduces the “Play, Pilot, Proof” framework and explains why “presence” is the new P in marketing. It’s a compelling look at how digital and physical worlds are converging fast.

What you will learn:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can identify photo locations with striking accuracy
• Why the "em dash" has become a telltale sign of AI-generated content
• The significance of "presence" as the new P in marketing 
• How dark factories are revolutionizing manufacturing with robot-only operations
• Why brands need to follow the "Play, Pilot, Proof" framework 
• How spatial computing is transforming from smartphone-based AR to wearable devices 
• The implications of viral AI trends for privacy and data collection
• The potential impact of AI replacing white-collar workers and C-suite executives
• How brands can leverage AR for marketing with conversion rate increases of up to 320%

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Tom Emrich Bio

Tom Emrich is a pioneering product leader in spatial computing with over 15 years of experience in AR, VR, and wearables. He’s helped shape the future of human-technology interaction through roles at Meta and Niantic, where he led AR platform strategy, launched industry-first AR Ads, and introduced mixed reality experiences. As the author of The Next Dimension, Tom offers a definitive guide to using AR for business growth. He’s also an investor, startup advisor, and ecosystem builder, known for founding We Are Wearables and co-producing AWE. A recognized thought leader, Tom’s insights have been featured in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times.

Tom Emrich on LinkedIn

Buy the Next Dimension here

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 04:45 AI Trends: From Studio Ghibli to Dogs as Humans
• 08:25 ChatGPT's Photo Location Detection: Privacy Concerns Revealed
• 17:35 The Em Dash: How to Spot AI-Generated Content
• 25:30 Should You Say "Please" and "Thank You" to AI?
• 35:38 Interview: Tom Emrich on The Next Dimension of AR Marketing
• 40:51 How AR is Transforming the Marketing Funnel
• 44:29 The Evolution of Spatial Computing Hardware
• 50:13 "Presence" - The New P in Marketing
• 56:10 Humanoid Robots and Dark Factories: The Future of Manufacturing

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the latest from the TED conference, including Cathy’s AI matchmaking experiment and Google's XR glasses demo. They explore OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s controversial take on intellectual property, the growing urgency for AI regulation, and how international tariffs reshape tech manufacturing. The duo also dives into evolving gaming platforms like Among Us 3D and Meta’s Horizon tools, raising key questions around privacy, education, and empathy in leadership. It's a wide-ranging, thought-provoking discussion on where technology is headed—and how society can keep pace.

Episode Highlights:

• Google’s XR Glasses and the Rise of AI-Powered Memory—Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore Google’s new XR glasses, which retain spatial memory and allow users to interact with remembered environments. They discuss how persistent AI memory could redefine personal computing and digital assistance.

• Meta, Roblox, and the Future of Text-to-3D World Building—The hosts explore how platforms like Meta and Roblox use AI to transform simple text into immersive virtual worlds. They weigh the creative potential against the risk of low-quality content flooding digital spaces.

• Automation vs. Employment in the Age of AI – Lee and Cathy unpack how AI and robotics are displacing workers across sectors. They analyze the rising adoption of automation in manufacturing and the urgent need for education reform to ensure economic sustainability and job creation.

• The Creative Rights Battle in AI Training Data – Sam Altman’s TED talk sparks a heated debate about AI models being trained on copyrighted content. The hosts discuss the ethical dilemma, calls for creator compensation, and how tech leaders must build fair frameworks for the future.

• Gaming’s Evolution with Among Us 3D and Meta Horizons – Cathy and Lee spotlight the shift toward cross-platform, immersive gaming. From Among Us 3D to Meta’s Horizon tools, they explore how gaming is becoming a testing ground for virtual presence, collaboration, and digital identity.

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 04:02 Inside the TED Conference: Robots, AI, and Global Tensions
• 15:35 The Future of Virtual Worlds: Meta and Roblox's AI Building Tools
• 31:30 The AI Employment Paradox: Automation vs Human Workforce
• 43:39 OpenAI and IP Rights: Sam Altman's Controversial TED Talk 
• 50:12 AI Ethics and Regulation: Navigating New Legal Challenges
• 57:21 Among Us 3D: Cross-Platform Gaming Evolution Announced
• 59:13 Final Thoughts: Technology, Education, and Society's Future

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis-McGee break down the most significant shifts in tech, from Nintendo’s Switch 2 delays to the EU’s bold €20B AI infrastructure push. They unpack Honor’s deepfake detection breakthroughs, Kawasaki’s quadrupedal robot horse, and tariffs disrupting major product launches. With a live update from Cathy Hackl from TED2025, the episode also explores the future of AR wearables and why four-legged robots might outpace their humanoid counterparts. Whether you're into cutting-edge gadgets or global tech policy, this episode offers a sharp, fast-paced look at what’s shaping our digital future.

What you will learn:

• Why Nintendo's Switch 2 anti-scalping measures represent a new approach 
• How the EU's €20 billion AI gigafactory initiative signals a shift in global tech 
• The evolution of deep fake detection technology into a $15.7 billion market by 2026
• Why Kawasaki's robotic horse represents a practical approach to autonomous mobility 
• The significance of Honor's AI deep fake detection technology 
• Why quadrupedal robots may prove more practical than bipedal designs 
• How companies like Meta and Google are approaching AR glasses development 

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Lee Kebler
• 03:20 Nintendo Switch 2: Fighting Scalpers with Smart Pre-Orders
• 13:02 Gaming Price Evolution: From Game Boy to $80 Games
• 15:15 Valve's New VR Headset: The $1200 Deckard Revolution
• 22:37 Google Debuts AR Glasses at TED: Meta's New Competition
• 34:42 EU's €20B AI Investment: Building Europe's Tech Future
• 38:21 Honor's AI Deep Fake Detection Goes Global
• 44:05 Kawasaki's Robo-Horse: The Future of Quadruped Robotics
• 56:06 Wrap-Up: Next Week with Cathy Hackl

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler break down the latest in AI, gaming, and entertainment. They discuss OpenAI’s education initiatives, the viral Studio Ghibli AI trend, and Apple’s AI strategy. Plus, get insights into Nintendo Switch 2 rumors and the rise of immersive experiences like Meow Wolf. This episode also introduces a new segment hosted by Adam Davis McGee, diving into the evolving relationship between technology and storytelling. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an industry insider, TechMagic keeps you ahead of the curve on emerging trends and groundbreaking innovations.

What you will learn:

• Why OpenAI's new Academy signals important shifts in AI education and transparency
• How the viral Studio Ghibli AI trend raised concerns about data privacy and copyright
• Why Apple's approach to AI training may prove more sustainable long-term
• The latest updates on Nintendo Switch 2 
• How Generation Alpha is revolutionizing dating through gaming platforms 
• Why immersive experiences like Meow Wolf are reshaping entertainment
• Key developments in Netflix's evolving approach

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Innovation & Beyond
• 00:46 TreeFort Tech Festival: A Pacific Northwest SXSW
• 07:22 OpenAI Academy Launch & Data Privacy Concerns
• 16:06 Nintendo Switch 2: What to Expect from the Big Reveal
• 20:22 Gen Alpha's Dating Revolution: Gaming Meets Romance
• 23:02 Black Mirror Season 7 & Netflix's Interactive Future
• 28:04 The Rise of Immersive Entertainment: Meow Wolf & Beyond 
• 30:45 ADM's New Segment: Sundance's Move & The Future of Indie Film
• 34:43 Music Spotlight: Jazz is Dead & Show Wrap-up

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