Augmented and virtual reality are no longer just for gaming—they’re shaping the future of military readiness. On this episode of WMD, Dr. Tamara Schwartz hands off the mic to YCP Cybersecurity Management major Thomas Burgess as he dives into how AR and VR are transforming defense operations, from hyper-realistic training environments to enhanced battlefield awareness. These immersive technologies are helping soldiers prepare for complex scenarios, rehearse missions in simulated warzones, and gain real-time data overlays in live combat. Thomas explores the strategic benefits of synthetic training environments, the integration of AR in heads-up displays, and how these tools are improving decision-making, coordination, and survivability.

What happens when artificial intelligence learns to move—and virtual battlefields feel more real than the front lines? The convergence of AI, robotics, and virtual reality is rapidly transforming modern warfare, pushing the boundaries of how militaries train, fight, and make decisions. From autonomous ground units that adapt in real time to VR combat simulations that prepare soldiers for high-stakes missions, this tech trifecta is reshaping the future of defense. On this episode of WMD, Dr. Tamara Schwartz hands off the mic to York College Cybersecurity Management major Tommy Travato and Business Analytics major Kent Schmalenberger. Together, they explore the fusion of intelligence, embodiment, and simulation—how AI enables machines to learn and act, how VR creates realistic environments for tactical training, and how robotics are being deployed from boot camp to battlefield. As the line between physical and digital warfare blurs, they ask: are we building smarter systems to protect us—or autonomous forces we may not be able to control?

When machines can choose to kill, what happens to the rules of war? Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems—known as LAWS—are no longer the stuff of science fiction. These AI-powered systems can identify, target, and engage enemies without direct human input, raising critical questions about accountability, ethics, and the future of warfare. On this episode of WMD, Dr. Tamara Schwartz hands off the mic to York College Cybersecurity Management majors Charlie Malone and Nate Rugh who unpack how LAWS are reshaping global defense strategies, from autonomous drones to AI-guided missile systems. Are these weapons making war faster, cleaner, and more precise—or are we entering a dangerous era where algorithms decide who lives and who dies? As militaries race to integrate autonomy into the battlefield, they ask: where should the human decision-maker fit in—and what happens when they’re left out entirely?

What happens when creativity meets code? From virtual fitting rooms to AI-generated clothing lines, technology is stitching itself into the fabric of fashion—changing not just how we shop, but how we define style itself. On this episode of WMD, Dr. Tamara Schwartz hands over the hosting seat to York College Business Analytics major Devin Gasiorowski. He’s joined by streetwear innovator Elijah Clay, who brings a firsthand perspective on how AI is influencing not just high fashion, but the culture-driven world of streetwear. They talk tech, taste, and the future of fashion in a world where style is increasingly shaped by algorithms. As fashion becomes more automated, they ask—can machines capture the nuance of human expression, or are we dressing for a future that’s already been calculated?

From robotic surgical assistants to AI that reads X-rays faster than doctors, intelligent machines are revolutionizing hospital care. These technologies aren’t just tools—they’re teammates, streamlining logistics, enhancing precision, and diagnosing illness with unprecedented speed and accuracy. On this episode of WMD, Dr. Tamara Schwartz hands over the mic to York College Cybersecurity Management students Jasmine Wright and Halie Brackbill. Together, they step into the hospital of the future to explore how robotics and AI are reshaping healthcare from the inside out. From autonomous surgical systems to delivery bots and digital diagnostics, machines are not simply automating routine tasks—they’re augmenting human capability. Whether it’s assisting in operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, monitoring patients, or even offering emotional support, robots and AI are changing how hospitals heal.

From surgical assistants to delivery bots, robots are quietly transforming hospitals from the inside out. These machines don’t just automate—they augment, assisting with everything from precision surgeries to sterilization, patient monitoring, and even emotional support. On this episode of WMD I hand off the hosting microphone to YCP Cybersecurity Management student Fernando Paulino Tavarez and Gavyn Miller who are experiencing first-hand how robotics and the Internet of Things are reshaping healthcare: improving efficiency, reducing risk, and raising new questions about trust, ethics, and the role of the human touch. When robots scrub in, what happens to the way we heal—and the people who help us do it?

The future of driving may not involve any driving at all. From highway autopilot to fully autonomous taxis, self-driving cars promise to revolutionize how we move through the world. But behind the sleek dashboards and lidar sensors are complex ethical questions, safety concerns, and infrastructure challenges that society is only beginning to confront. On this episode of WMD I hand off the hosting microphone to YCP Cybersecurity Management student Brayden Rampulla, who takes a ride into the world of autonomous vehicles—exploring the tech, the trust, and the tension between progress and control. Are self-driving cars the key to safer roads and smarter cities, or just another step toward surrendering the wheel—literally and figuratively?

What if the next cybersecurity breach didn’t start in a server room—but in a game lobby? As video games become more immersive, social, and connected, they're also becoming prime battlegrounds for digital threats. On this episode of WMD Dr. Tamara Schwartz welcomes YCP Business Analytics graduate Kaitie Ciano and Cybersecurity Management graduate Zach Deal to the show to explore how the mechanics of gaming—and the rise of virtual reality—are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. From gamified hacking tactics to virtual environments that blur the lines between simulation and reality, what happens when everything becomes a game, and how will we protect what is real?

Baseball has always been a numbers game—but now, it’s a game powered by artificial intelligence. What started with Moneyball and the rise of sabermetrics has evolved into a new era where machine learning models optimize lineups, predict pitch outcomes, and even generate scouting reports. On this episode of WMD Dr. Tamara Schwartz welcomes YCP cybersecurity management majors Jason Cassidy and Evan Hughes to the show. We discuss how AI is reshaping player development, in-game strategy, and front office decision-making, asking as algorithms increasingly call the shots behind the scenes, is the soul of the game evolving—or being automated away?

Baseball has always been a game of stats—but now, it’s a game of sensors, too. From smart bats that measure swing speed to connected stadiums that track every pitch, step, and fan reaction, the Internet of Things is transforming America’s pastime into a real-time data machine. On this episode of WMD Dr. Tamara Schwartz welcomes YCP cybersecurity management majors Ryan Partlow and Aaron Hershberger to the show. They explore how IoT is reshaping the way players train, coaches strategize, and teams engage their audiences, asking the question: with all this intelligence flying around—from RFID chips in uniforms to player-tracking beacons embedded in the field—is baseball becoming smarter, or just more surveilled?