Episode Summary:

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, Brad Scoggin and Will Stackable sit down with Dave Raasakka of Somero Enterprises and Greg Meyers & Devin Weidinger from ForgeFX to explore how VR is transforming training for the concrete construction industry.

What began as a solution to scaling training for niche heavy equipment has evolved into a full-fledged VR program that’s enhancing safety, saving costs, and boosting trainee confidence. The conversation dives deep into how Somero equips operators to handle machines that weigh up to 20,000 pounds—without ever touching real concrete. From loading a screed machine onto a trailer to precision pouring with laser-guided equipment, trainees now fail safely in virtual environments before they ever touch the real thing.

Together, the teams unpack the technical side of building a high-fidelity VR experience, how multi-user sessions enable real-time feedback, and why starting small is key to launching a successful XR training program.

Key Moments:

• The Hiring Bottleneck That Sparked Somero’s VR Program (02:26)
• How Somero Integrated VR into a Real-World Training Pipeline (05:00)
• Simulating High-Stakes Tasks Safely: The Trailer Loading Use Case (08:31)
• How ForgeFX Identifies High-Impact Use Cases (10:30)
• Why VR? Why not video or text? (15:24)
• Creating Physical and Spatial Memory (18:16)
• Building High-Fidelity, Accurate Digital Twins (20:16)
• Using ArborXR to Manage, Deploy, and Iterate at Scale (23:59)
• Advice for Launching Your XR Training Program (34:45)

“VR gives us what I call ‘safety without penalty.’ You can make a mistake and learn from it without damage or danger—and that’s a huge win in our world.”

– Dave Raasakka, Somero Enterprises

"I’ve got a one-word answer to “Why VR?”—failure. Failure is phenomenal in training. You can't excel at something unless you try and fail and figure out how to overcome it. In the real world, you can’t let someone drive a trailer off the edge to learn spatial awareness. But in VR, you can fail safely, learn from it, and improve.”

– Greg Meyers, ForgeFX

About the Guests:

Dave Raasakka

Dave is the Senior Vice President of Global Customer Support at Somero Enterprises, where he oversees XR training strategy. With 25+ years in mechanical engineering and support, Dave has led the adoption of VR to help train operators on complex screed equipment across the U.S.

Greg Meyers

Greg is the CEO of ForgeFX Simulations. With a background in immersive learning and enterprise simulations, he leads ForgeFX’s strategy to help manufacturers reduce risk and cost by creating simulation-based training.

Devin Weidinger

Devin is the Technical Director at ForgeFX. He brings a decade of VR experience, including projects like Job Simulator and Rick and Morty VR. At ForgeFX, he ensures training simulations are realistic, intuitive, and immersive.

Links & Resources:

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-weidinger-3a451467/

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-meyers-4402a514/

Connect with Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-weidinger/

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/

Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

Somero Enterprises website: https://www.somero.com/

ForgeFX website: https://www.forgefx.com/

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, Brad Scoggin and Will Stackable sit down with Dr. Christina Potter from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to unpack how VR is revolutionizing pediatric care and staff training.

Christina shares how what began as a one-year pilot to reduce pre-surgery anxiety has scaled into a hospital-wide program supporting 8,000 patients in a year. From immersive patient distraction tools to cutting-edge staff training on behavioral emergencies, the hospital is seeing measurable reductions in pain, stress, and clinical incidents.

The episode explores how Christina built a scalable, data-driven VR program from scratch, the importance of co-creating content with hospital staff, and how ArborXR helps them manage headsets across 12 units. Whether it’s reducing parental anxiety or helping neurodiverse patients learn to drive, this is a compelling look at VR for good in healthcare.

Key Moments:

• Problem Solving with VR at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (00:41)
• Early Challenges Launching a VR Program (04:01)
• Current Use Cases Across 12 Units (07:20)
• Day-to-Day VR at the Hospital (11:51)
• Improving Pediatric Patient Experiences (14:44)
• Why VR Works for Pain and Anxiety (17:37)
• Staff Training with VR for Psychiatric Emergencies (24:29)
• Co-Creating Content with Hospital Teams (29:22)
• The Future of XR in Pediatric Healthcare (34:43)

“We supported 8,000 patients with VR last year alone, and ArborXR helps us manage it all. Being able to push content, track usage, and show real-time data makes all the difference when pitching for funding and proving impact.” – Dr. Christina Potter

“We’ve seen up to a 60% drop in patient anxiety and pain perception—and a 70% reduction in parental anxiety—just by introducing VR into the pre-op experience.” – Dr. Christina Potter

About Dr. Christina Potter:

Dr. Christina Potter is the Director of Digital Innovation at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. With a background in research and a passion for emerging technology, Christina has led the hospital’s expansion into virtual reality, developing use cases for patients, staff, and caregivers. Under her leadership, Nicklaus has seen over 8,000 VR uses annually, with outcomes including a 60% reduction in preoperative anxiety and groundbreaking staff training programs.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinapotterphd/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/
• Nicklaus Children's Hospital website: https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/home

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, Brad Scoggin and Will Stackable sit down with Tomissa Smittendorf from Kellanova and Scott Stachiw from Roundtable Learning to explore how VR revolutionized retail sales training at Kellanova.

Tomissa shares how they replaced an expensive, in-person grocery store training center with an immersive VR experience that enhances onboarding, boosts display execution by 90%, and improves knowledge retention.

Scott breaks down the design strategy behind creating a virtual store where new hires learn to upsell, identify safety issues, and build real-world confidence.

The episode dives into how VR created scalable, data-driven training, and why strong partnerships are key to successful XR adoption. From overcoming deployment challenges to envisioning future applications across supply chain and retail partners, this is a masterclass in turning XR experimentation into a strategic advantage.

Timestamps:

• Problem Solving with VR at Kellanova (01:19)
• Roundtable’s collaboration with Kellanova (05:02)
• What makes a successful VR deployment (06:48)
• Kellanova’s use-cases today (07:46)
• How did Kellanova decide to embrace VR training? (12:30)
• How does Roundtable Learning take on a project like this? (16:43)
• Scoping a VR project for Roundtable and Kellanova (22:43)
• How has ArborXR positively affected deployment? (26:35)
• What’s next for VR at Kellanova and beyond? (31:28)

About Tomissa Smittendorf:

Tomissa has over 30 years of CPG experience and is a visionary leader at Kellanova, driving growth through strategic learning initiatives. As Sr. Director, Commercial Capabilities, she led the launch of VR training at Kellanova, transforming onboarding and upskilling. Her work builds high-impact teams and a culture of continuous learning that solves real business challenges.

About Scott Stachiw:

Scott Stachiw is VP of XR Development and Design at Roundtable Learning, where he leads immersive learning strategy and content creation. With deep expertise in instructional design and XR technologies, Scott played a key role in launching Kellanova’s VR training—designing scalable, experiential solutions that drive measurable business impact.

About ArborXR: ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• How Kellanova uses VR for Sales Training: https://youtu.be/8J88QdsqoL8?si=jfZExI_HJNnh2_lY
• Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stachiw/
• Connect with Tomissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomissasmittendorf/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

Boston Children's Hospital is pioneering the use of XR technology to enhance medical training and improve patient care. In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, we meet with Angelina Gu, an XR Simulation Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Immersive Design Systems.

Angelina shares how XR is transforming medical training by providing realistic, scenario-based learning experiences for clinical staff. She discusses how VR helps trainees practice high-risk procedures, familiarize themselves with hospital environments, and improve communication skills in high-stress situations.

The conversation highlights the importance of easing new users into VR, the challenges of managing device updates, and the role of data in optimizing training.

Angelina also shares insights on the future of XR in healthcare, predicting deeper integration with traditional simulations and increased accessibility. We explore how XR enhances—not replaces—existing training methods, making medical education more immersive and effective.

Timestamps:

• Angelina’s Role at Immersive Design Systems (00:35)
• What Challenges Inspired the Introduction of XR? (01:17)
• Skills Taught in Students’ XR Experiences (03:22)
• Content Development (08:59)
• Challenges of XR Implementation (11:46)
• Angelina’s Experience of Device Management (15:30)
• Medical Training in VR and Public Perception (20:11)
• VR in Health Care over the Next Decade (23:26)

About Angelina Gu: Angelina is an XR Simulation Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital's Immersive Design Systems. Collaborating with clinical educators at BCH, Angelina develops and facilitates immersive training experiences harnessing the power of immersive media (VR, AR, MR, 360 media, etc). Angelina is passionate about how immersive media transform medical simulation practice, making medical training more accessible and engaging.

About ArborXR: ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Boston Children’s Hospital Immersive Design Systems
• Connect with Angelina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinaguboston/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

Mars Wrigley, one of the world’s largest food manufacturers, faced significant challenges in their gum production operations: increasing output, improving efficiency, and reducing employee training time. The solution? Virtual Reality.

In this episode, we explore how Mars Wrigley revolutionized its training program using VR, cutting training time in half and boosting output by 45%. Faced with the challenge of onboarding 200 operators in just six months, Mars Wrigley partnered with Futurus and ArborXR to create an immersive learning experience.

The VR solution standardized training, improved retention, and delivered measurable results, including a $19 million business impact and 200,000 additional cases of gum in seven months.

Join us as we discuss how this innovative approach is shaping the future of workforce development and scaling across global operations.

Timestamps:

• Mars Wrigley’s start in VR Technology (00:47)
• Mars Wrigley’s Reduction in Training and What It Looks Like (04:30)
• Employee’s Response to VR Training (09:52)
• Why VR over Other Training Options (13:50)
• The Secret of Mars Wrigley’s $20 Million in Savings (21:42)
• The Economics of Implementing VR Training (24:48)
• The Benefit of Experienced ISVs (29:12)
• The Challenges of XR Deployment and Arbor’s Assistance (32:14)
• Advice for Future XR Deployers (37:45)

About Josh McCrary: As the Training Coordinator at Mars Wrigley, Josh oversees VR training initiatives across multiple facilities, managing modules that streamline onboarding and upskilling for employees. With hands-on experience training operators both traditionally and with VR, Josh focuses on optimizing processes to boost efficiency and reduce downtime. His leadership has been instrumental in scaling Mars Wrigley VR training programs nationwide.

About Lauren Rucker: Lauren Rucker is the Training Lead for Mars Wrigley’s stick packaging operations, designing and implementing modules that have successfully onboarded over 200 employees. With a background in education and instructional design, Lauren aligns training strategies with corporate goals, ensuring effective skill development.

About ArborXR: ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-rucker/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

In this episode, Alex Rühl from PwC shares insights into her role as Head of Emerging Tech and the company’s innovative use of VR internally and externally for clients.

From VR training for leadership and healthcare to groundbreaking projects like "In My Shoes," designed to foster empathy and awareness about race, Alex highlights how VR is transforming industries.

Alex also discusses PwC’s pivotal VR study showcasing faster learning and cost-effectiveness at scale, as well as VR’s impact on remote work, data visualization, and pre-sales.

Tune in to explore how VR is redefining learning, collaboration, and engagement, while driving measurable outcomes for PwC and their clients.

Timestamps:

• What is PwC? (00:44)
• Alex’s initial work at PwC (02:06)
• How has PwC’s research influenced VR? (05:32)
• How has PwC implemented VR in their workflow on Alex’s Team? (10:36)
• What’s exciting Alex about VR? (15:00)
• How benefits does Alex see implementing VR at PwC? (22:06)
• The impact of “In My Shoes” as a training resource in VR (26:14)
• Managing a fleet of AR & VR devices with ArborXR (35:04)
• Conclusion (37:08)

About the Guest:

Alex Rühl is an award-winning VR creator and Head of Emerging Tech at PwC. Renowned for projects like "Keyed Alike" and "Playing God"—which premiered at Cannes Film Festival—she’s a Global XR All-Star and TEDx speaker, driving innovation by helping organizations leverage emerging technologies for the future of work and entertainment.

About ArborXR:

ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmakesvr/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, ArborXR is joined by Andrew Seleznov, Head of Production at Snap’s Arcadia Innovation AR Studio. Andrew shares his journey into augmented reality, inspired by a transformative 2016 YouTube video, and discusses his pivotal role at Snap, including leading projects for global brands like Nike, Disney, and Coca-Cola.

Highlighting Arcadia’s mission, Andrew explains how the team delivers bespoke AR solutions, such as interactive festival maps, accessible AR vending machines and more. He reflects on the balance between innovation and usability, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in AR experiences. We also explore AR’s evolution, Snap’s Spectacles, and the potential of XR to transform daily life and well-being over the next decade.

This episode is a deep dive into XR’s current impact and boundless future. If you’re an XR enthusiast, enterprise leader, or curious to learn more about the technology - tune in.

Timestamps:

• Andrew’s Current Role at Snap, Inc. (00:44)
• Projects at Snap, Inc. (05:24)
• User Feedback to Festival AR (09:19)
• Collaborating with Coca-Cola (12:24)
• Future Use Cases (12:24)
• Snap Spectacles (17:00)
• The Future of XR (25:39)

About the Guest:

Andrew Seleznov is the Head of AR Production at Snap’s Arcadia Creative Studio, where he leads a team crafting cutting-edge AR experiences for global brands like Nike, Disney, and Coca-Cola. With eight years at Snap, Andrew combines technical expertise and creative leadership to pioneer innovative, accessible AR solutions that redefine industry standards.

About ArborXR:

ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewseleznov/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, we learn how Parker University is using VR to advance their chiropractic program.

Mary Lee Carter, Immersive Teaching and Learning Specialist at Parker University, shares how the school embraced XR following a tornado in 2019 that disrupted campus facilities. The staff pivoted to VR to enhance accessibility and learning. The university’s “twin” metaverse, developed with VictoryXR, allows students to virtually explore campus and participate in classes remotely.

We discuss ways students leverage VR content for anatomy education, communications training and beyond. Mary Lee highlights challenges like Wi-Fi limitations and creating chiropractic-specific scenarios with partners like SimX.

Parker employs a mix of one-to-one and shared headset models, managed with ArborXR, to streamline deployment. Mary Lee explores the possibility of expanding VR across programs to advance immersive learning and human performance studies, underscoring its growing role in education.

Timestamps:

• Overview of XR at Parker University (00:46)
• Employing the Metaverse at Parker University (02:59)
• Student Response to the Metaverse (05:38)
• Feedback on XR’s Role in Education (09:49)
• Managing XR Resources (11:35)
• Challenges of Building an XR Lab (20:25)
• The Benefits of Working with ArborXR (22:23)
• What’s Next for Parker University with XR (25:23)

About the Guest:

Mary Lee Carter is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE™) dedicated to immersive teaching and learning. She specializes in VR/AR/MR simulations and standardized patient scenarios in higher education. With extensive experience in hospital-based and academic medical simulation programs, she works with one of the world’s largest Chiropractic cohorts.

About ArborXR:

ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Mary Lee Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-lee-carter-simulation/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

In this episode, ArborXR co-founders Brad Scoggin and Will Stackable explore how Energy Safety Canada is using XR to address an anticipated job shortage in the country’s energy industry.

Program Managers Kelly Johnson and Lisa Pollio lead an initiative that uses VR to engage and educate students about the careers in the energy industry. Since 2019, they’ve launched VR experiences that virtually transport users to drilling rigs, oil sands, and other worksites, offering immersive career exploration.

You’ll learn how the organization uses “virtual field trips” to give students hands-on insights into the energy industry’s diverse roles, from engineering to environmental sustainability.

Using ArborXR’s device management, Energy Safety Canada streamlines content and keeps devices updated, reaching over 3,000 students annually. With gamified VR content and relatable career options, they aim to reshape perceptions of energy careers, showing the sector as tech-driven and full of exciting opportunities.

Timestamps:

• Introduction to Energy Safety Canada (01:05)
• What careers in energy can look like (05:54)
• How does Energy Safety Canada source their content (07:45)
• How did Energy Safety Canada decide on this use case? (10:53)
• Challenges and lessons learned (14:38)
• Using ArborXR to manage logistics (19:03)
• Where is VR headed? (26:03)

About the Guests:

Lisa Pollio has been at Energy Safety Canada for over 5 years. She is dedicated to engaging students with immersive VR experiences that highlight career opportunities in energy. Passionate about technology and education, she is a Program Manager leading initiatives that gamify industry roles, showing the diversity and dynamism of energy careers to future generations.

Kelly Johnson is a Program Manager at Energy Safety Canada, where she leads innovative projects to inspire young talent in the energy industry. With a background in workforce development, she focuses on creating VR experiences that offer students an immersive look into energy careers, helping to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

About ArborXR:

ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-johnson-79594265/
• Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-pollio-bodnarus-crsp-823872b/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

In this episode of XR Industry Leaders, we meet with virtual reality visionary, Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo, Director of Medical Virtual Reality at the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Rizzo shares his groundbreaking work in applying VR technology to clinical psychology and rehabilitation, showcasing the transformative power of immersive technologies in healthcare.

This conversation explores Dr. Rizzo’s countless contributions to the field, including the development and widespread adoption of “Bravemind,” a VR-based exposure therapy program for PTSD treatment.

We also dive into his research and innovative applications of VR in ADHD assessment, physical rehabilitation, and autism spectrum disorder support.

Dr. Rizzo also shares his outlook on how VR will revolutionize clinical practices and improve patient outcomes.

Key Highlights:

• Pioneering researcher in VR applications for clinical assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation across psychological, cognitive, and motor functioning domains.
• Developer of “Bravemind,” a widely adopted VR exposure therapy tool for PTSD treatment, used in over 170 clinical sites.
• Recipient of the American Psychological Association’s 2010 Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Treatment of Trauma.
• Innovator in using VR for diverse applications, from ADHD assessment in children to physical rehabilitation and social skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Timestamps:

• Skip’s work with Bravemind (01:06)
• Pioneering Tech in Medical VR (05:17)
• The Emotional Engagement of VR (08:23)
• Mind VR and Working with Dementia (10:44)
• Translating Therapeutic Experiences into Data (12:29)
• VR with ADHD (17:18)
• VR for Physical and Mental Rehabilitation (23:24)
• Working with AI Patients (26:36)
• The Future of VR (32:51)

About the Guest:

Dr. Albert "Skip" Rizzo is a pioneer in the field of medical virtual reality. He is a clinical psychologist by training. As the Director of Medical Virtual Reality at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies, he leads innovative research and development efforts that bridge the gap between clinical needs and technological solutions. He’s been at USC since 1995.

About ArborXR:

ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Skip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skiprizzovr/
• See Skip’s latest videos on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrbzaW3x9wWoZPl4-l4GSA
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/