TechMagic with Cathy Hackl
TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

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Overview
Episodes

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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."

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Recent Episodes

LEAP Forward: The Future of AI, Wearable Tech, and Quantum Computing with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
FEB 19, 2025
LEAP Forward: The Future of AI, Wearable Tech, and Quantum Computing with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore groundbreaking innovations from Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference to Meta’s ambitious hardware plans. They discuss Meta’s vision for 10 million Ray-Ban smart glasses by 2026, Apple's Vision Pro updates, advances in humanoid robotics, and the future of AI regulation. With insights on quantum computing, wearable tech, and military mixed reality, this episode delves into the rapidly evolving tech landscape and its impact on global industries.

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 & Lee Kebler
  • 01:35 Inside LEAP: Saudi Arabia's Massive Tech Conference
  • 04:05 Quantum Computing: Moving from Concept to Reality
  • 06:45 Global AI Perspectives: Beyond US-China Dynamics
  • 12:53 Meta's Hardware Ambitions: 10M Ray-Ban Smart Glasses by 2026
  • 17:15 Tech Giants' Dilemma: Focus vs. Diversification
  • 21:29 Apple Vision Pro Updates: Intelligence Integration Coming Soon
  • 23:50 The Robot Revolution: Tech Companies Enter the Race
  • 27:58 Industry Updates: Unity Layoffs & Final Thoughts




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24 MIN
VR, AI Law, OpenAI’s Bold Chip Play, and Music Tech Shifts with Lee Kebler and Adam Davis-McGee
FEB 12, 2025
VR, AI Law, OpenAI’s Bold Chip Play, and Music Tech Shifts with Lee Kebler and Adam Davis-McGee

In this episode of Tech Magic, host Lee Kebler welcomes special guest Adam Davis-McGee for an insightful conversation that explores the latest in AI, VR, and accessibility tech, including OpenAI’s custom chip ambitions, legal updates on AI-generated content, and groundbreaking haptic displays, making NBA games accessible to blind and low-vision fans. They also discuss the evolution of music technology, Meta’s Horizon platform challenges, and the security concerns surrounding AI tools in government. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of emerging technology. For this episode, co-host Cathy Hackl is away attending the LEAP conference in Saudi Arabia. 

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 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


Adam Davis-McGee Bio

Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.


Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn


Key Discussion Topics

  • 00:00 - Intro & Update from Cathy in Saudi Arabia
  • 03:10 -  Music Tech Innovation: NAM Conference Highlights
  • 07:10 -  AI Copyright Laws: New Rules for Creative Works
  • 14:17 -  OpenAI's Bold Move into Chip Design
  • 21:53 -  Meta's Horizon Challenges & VR Gaming Future
  • 29:15 -  Innovative Haptic Display for Blind Sports Fans
  • 34:04 - Super Bowl Tech: Minimalist Marketing Trends
  • 38:54 - Final Thoughts & Recommendations




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33 MIN
Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, and  and Creator Evolution with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
FEB 5, 2025
Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, and and Creator Evolution with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this 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!


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


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


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69 MIN
DeepSeek AI, NAM Show Highlights, XR Leadership, and Tech's New Frontiers with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
JAN 29, 2025
DeepSeek AI, NAM Show Highlights, XR Leadership, and Tech's New Frontiers with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore groundbreaking trends in tech. They discuss the rise of DeepSeek AI and its disruption of traditional business models, the strategic importance of spatial computing and XR technologies for U.S. leadership, and key takeaways from the NAM show. The duo highlights open-source innovation, shifts in AI adoption, and hardware advancements shaping the future. Listeners gain valuable insights into how these developments impact global competitiveness and the evolving tech landscape.

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
  • 01:27 The DeepSeek Disruption
  • 13:15 U.S. Leadership in Spatial Computing
  • 32:16 NAM Show's AI-Free Innovation
  • 39:50 Super Bowl Tech Predictions
  • 44:11 Retro Gaming Nostalgia


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41 MIN
From CES 2025 to AI Dating Coaches, Tech Trends, and the Creator Economy with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
JAN 22, 2025
From CES 2025 to AI Dating Coaches, Tech Trends, and the Creator Economy with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the latest innovations from CES 2025, delving into groundbreaking AI developments and the dynamic creator economy. They reflect on the impact of AI on technology and society, share insights from global tech hubs, and discuss the future of dating technology. With engaging discussions on the evolving landscape of social media and the attention economy, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of innovation and culture.


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  
  • 02:44 AI RAN Alliance   
  • 05:21 The Creator Economy in Dubai   
  • 10:21 Tech's Growing Presence in Washington, DC   
  • 12:08 The Attention Economy  
  • 24:38 Emerging Tech Hubs and Global Perspectives -  
  • 44:47 The Future of Dating Technology -




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52 MIN