TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

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TechMagic with Cathy Hackl helps you navigate the future and make sense of today’s rapid technological change. Hear unique perspectives, explore new trends, and journey into the heart of technology. TechMagic is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of tech because Arthur C. Clarke said it best: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2D AGO

    TechMagic Greatest Hits: Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, and Creator Evolution with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

    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 Overview02:50 -  The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation11:15 -  Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year28:18 -  Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later41:24 -  Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards47:32 -  The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth53:27 -  Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships01:02:34 -  Creator Identity & Platform Evolution01:07:55 -  Final Thoughts & Media Recommendations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m

  2. MAY 14

    Love in the Age of AI: Cathy Hackl with Samantha G Wolfe on Dating, Ethics, and Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale

    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 reliefWhy 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 ScaleThe emerging challenges of AI-generated messages in relationshipsWhy 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 & Life02:47 Dating in the Age of AI: Government Restrictions and Digital Romance12:20 Beyond Loneliness: The Many Reasons People Use AI Companions16:05 The Value of Human "Messiness" in Relationships21:00 Reimagining Digital Dating Through 3D Presence38:15 The Non-AI Relationship Pledge: Setting Digital Boundaries44:53 The Tech Intimacy Scale: Finding Balance in Modern Love50:20 Dating AI Chatbots: A Week-Long Experiment Preview58:54 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Human Connection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  3. MAY 7

    GTA 6 Delay, Meta’s AI Ads, Deepfake Laws, Meta Ray-Ban Privacy, and Spotify’s AI DJ with Lee Kebler and Adam Davis McGee

    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 timelinesHow 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 behaviorsWhy Meta Ray-Ban's default AI privacy settings raise significant data concernsHow AI models prioritize objectives over truthfulness, with accuracy rates below 50%Why AI-generated evidence in legal proceedings requires new regulatory frameworksThe impact of Spotify's AI DJ feature on the future of personalized music curationThe challenges of training AI on potentially compromised or biased internet dataCome for the tech, stay for the magic! Key Discussion Topics: 00:00 Introduction & Birthday Greetings for Cathy01:36 AI's Impact on Tech: A Bumpy Road Ahead05:10 GTA 6 Delay & Roblox Brand Partnerships07:14 AI Chatbots: Safety Concerns for Young Users13:09 Google's Responsible Approach to AI Development14:29 New Legislation on Deepfake Content19:55 AI-Generated Evidence in Legal Proceedings24:25 The Truth Problem: AI's Accuracy Below 50%28:23 Training AI on Internet Data: Garbage In, Garbage Out30:58 Visa's AI Shopping Assistant Plans36:09 Meta's AI-Powered Advertising Revolution43:24 Meta Ray-Ban Privacy Settings Update45:37 AI DJs & The Future of Music Curation51:20 Closing Thoughts & Next Week's Preview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  4. APR 30

    Embedded Finance, Digital Wallets, AI Agents, and Payment Innovation in 2025 with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Special Guest Nabil Manji

    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 commerceWhy embedded finance is revolutionizing delivery of financial services to customersThe 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 measuresThe 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 Kebler02:44 AI & Mental Health: The Rise of Digital Therapy Solutions09:51 Nintendo Switch 2: When Preorders Go Wrong18:06 Slate Auto: Reimagining the Electric Truck25:44 The Three Pillars of AI in Payments with Nabil Manji39:37 Digital Wallets: The Evolution of Modern Payment Methods46:20 Cryptocurrency as Payment Infrastructure49:20 Understanding Embedded Commerce & Finance53:57 Quantum Computing's Impact on Payment Security01:03:47 Meta AI Controversy: Safety Concerns & Celebrity Voices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m

  5. APR 23

    AI Photo Tracking, AR Marketing, Spatial Computing, and Humanoid Robots with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Special Guest Tom Emrich

    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 accuracyWhy the "em dash" has become a telltale sign of AI-generated contentThe significance of "presence" as the new P in marketing How dark factories are revolutionizing manufacturing with robot-only operationsWhy 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 collectionThe potential impact of AI replacing white-collar workers and C-suite executivesHow 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 Kebler04:45 AI Trends: From Studio Ghibli to Dogs as Humans08:25 ChatGPT's Photo Location Detection: Privacy Concerns Revealed17:35 The Em Dash: How to Spot AI-Generated Content25:30 Should You Say "Please" and "Thank You" to AI?35:38 Interview: Tom Emrich on The Next Dimension of AR Marketing40:51 How AR is Transforming the Marketing Funnel44:29 The Evolution of Spatial Computing Hardware50:13 "Presence" - The New P in Marketing56:10 Humanoid Robots and Dark Factories: The Future of Manufacturing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m

  6. APR 16

    Cathy Takes the TED Stage, Nokia Bells Labs Centennial, Google XR Glasses, Sam Altman’s IP Stance, Global Tariffs, and VR Gaming Trends with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

    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 Kebler04:02 Inside the TED Conference: Robots, AI, and Global Tensions15:35 The Future of Virtual Worlds: Meta and Roblox's AI Building Tools31:30 The AI Employment Paradox: Automation vs Human Workforce43:39 OpenAI and IP Rights: Sam Altman's Controversial TED Talk 50:12 AI Ethics and Regulation: Navigating New Legal Challenges57:21 Among Us 3D: Cross-Platform Gaming Evolution Announced59:13 Final Thoughts: Technology, Education, and Society's Future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  7. APR 10

    Switch 2 Strategy, Deepfake Detection, Robotics Redefined, Google’s AR, and EU’s €20B AI Bet with Lee Kebler and Adam Davis-McGee

    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 2026Why 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 Kebler03:20 Nintendo Switch 2: Fighting Scalpers with Smart Pre-Orders13:02 Gaming Price Evolution: From Game Boy to $80 Games15:15 Valve's New VR Headset: The $1200 Deckard Revolution22:37 Google Debuts AR Glasses at TED: Meta's New Competition34:42 EU's €20B AI Investment: Building Europe's Tech Future38:21 Honor's AI Deep Fake Detection Goes Global44:05 Kawasaki's Robo-Horse: The Future of Quadruped Robotics56:06 Wrap-Up: Next Week with Cathy Hackl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min

  8. APR 2

    OpenAI’s New Direction, Ghibli AI Controversy, Interactive Entertainment, Nintendo’s Next Move and More with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Adam Davis-McGee

    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 transparencyHow the viral Studio Ghibli AI trend raised concerns about data privacy and copyrightWhy Apple's approach to AI training may prove more sustainable long-termThe latest updates on Nintendo Switch 2 How Generation Alpha is revolutionizing dating through gaming platforms Why immersive experiences like Meow Wolf are reshaping entertainmentKey developments in Netflix's evolving approach Come for the tech, stay for the magic! Key Discussion Topics: 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Innovation & Beyond00:46 TreeFort Tech Festival: A Pacific Northwest SXSW07:22 OpenAI Academy Launch & Data Privacy Concerns16:06 Nintendo Switch 2: What to Expect from the Big Reveal20:22 Gen Alpha's Dating Revolution: Gaming Meets Romance23:02 Black Mirror Season 7 & Netflix's Interactive Future28:04 The Rise of Immersive Entertainment: Meow Wolf & Beyond 30:45 ADM's New Segment: Sundance's Move & The Future of Indie Film34:43 Music Spotlight: Jazz is Dead & Show Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
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4.8
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TechMagic with Cathy Hackl helps you navigate the future and make sense of today’s rapid technological change. Hear unique perspectives, explore new trends, and journey into the heart of technology. TechMagic is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of tech because Arthur C. Clarke said it best: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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