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."
The impact of AI on content creation, social media platforms, sports, and the future of technology
Épisode 143
vendredi 14 août 2026 • Durée 42:43
In this episode, Lee and Cathy explore the impact of AI on content creation, social media platforms, and the future of technology. They discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents for creators, platforms, and consumers, emphasizing the importance of ethical use and innovation. Outside of their tech executive roles, Cathy and Lee are also creators. Cathy is one of the top B2B creators and a top tech voice on LinkedIn and speaker. She recently launched a Travel and Tech video series on LinkedIn, Instagram and Youtube where she travels the world and brings her perspective on global tech. Lee is a talented musician with a significant following on Instagram and gifted writer too. He recently launched Dig, an animated short story series.
Key topics
AI's influence on content creation and monetization
Challenges faced by platforms like YouTube and TikTok due to AI
Opportunities for platforms like Roblox and LinkedIn in the AI era
Privacy concerns and data ownership in AI applications
The role of human creativity versus AI automation
Legal and ethical considerations of AI-generated content
The future of AI in sports, music, and entertainment
The importance of authentic human stories in a digital world
Key takeaways
AI is transforming content creation but raises ethical and monetization challenges.
Platforms are adjusting thresholds and policies to combat AI-generated spam and maintain quality.
Opportunities exist for platforms like Roblox and LinkedIn to innovate and monetize differently.
Privacy and data ownership remain critical concerns with AI and digital platforms.
Authentic human storytelling continues to be valued over AI-generated content.
Legislation and platform policies will shape how AI is integrated into media and entertainment.
Sound Bites
"AI is generating so much garbage that platforms have to increase thresholds"
"People want to watch humans, not AI robots"
"Hate the system, not the technology"
Sections
00:00Introduction to the episode and guest overview
02:11Lee shares his new web series inspired by a solar eclipse
03:55Cathy discusses her travel series in Greece and personal passions
05:07The creative process and overcoming fears of rejection
07:22YouTube's monetization changes and AI's impact on creators
10:40The rise of AI-generated content and its effects on platforms
12:20Juxtaposition of real creators versus AI content for kids
14:01Opportunities for platforms like Roblox and LinkedIn
16:53The challenge of AI in music and media industries
18:20Concerns about privacy and data ownership in AI
20:18The importance of human storytelling and authenticity
23:12AI's role in sports and entertainment, maintaining human element
27:38The future of AI regulation and ethical considerations
33:54Media partnerships and trust in AI-generated news
40:55The limits of AI in entertainment and human connection
42:15Closing thoughts and call for positive stories in tech
TechMagic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler is Back!
Épisode 142
mercredi 5 août 2026 • Durée 50:14
In this episode, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler discuss the current state of technology, AI, gaming, and the importance of human connection in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They share insights on global tech trends, the future of gaming, and the significance of ownership and authenticity in digital media.
keywords: technology, AI, gaming, digital ownership, human connection, global tech trends, UGC, generative AI, tech landscape, innovation
Key topics
Current state of technology and AI
The evolution of gaming and UGC platforms
Ownership and digital rights in media
Global conversations on AI and quantum computing
The importance of human connection in tech development
Takeaways
Technology is at a point of recalibration, with a focus on responsible innovation.
The gaming industry is shifting towards user-generated content and digital ownership.
Global conversations on AI are expanding beyond generative AI to include quantum and material sciences.
Ownership of digital media remains a concern, with a preference for tangible and owned content.
Human connection remains central to meaningful technology use and development.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and return to podcast
02:02Ownership of the podcast and its significance
03:18The changing landscape of technology and AI
04:55Overextension and recalibration of tech expectations
07:31Global conversations on AI and other emerging technologies
10:43Broader perspectives on innovation and global tech hubs
13:19Market trends and the return of startup innovation
The Future of Dating and AI, Voice Technology, and Gaming Trends with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Adam Cohen-Aslatei
mercredi 28 janvier 2026 • Durée 56:43
In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest developments in AI, gaming IP, and practical technology trends shaping the industry today. They explore why the current AI skepticism signals maturity, how AI solutions are moving beyond flashy features, and the rise of gaming as a prime entertainment and commercial frontier. In the second segment, Cathy interviews Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule, about how human-centered AI is transforming matchmaking. They discuss voice-first technology, data-driven compatibility, IRL dating resurgence, coaching as a skill, and why AI amplifies intuition rather than replacing human connection.
Come for the tech and 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.
AI Ads, Data Center Labor, Skilled Trades, XR Training, and Spatial Web with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
mercredi 21 janvier 2026 • Durée 29:37
In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler, unpack the realities behind today’s AI headlines. They explore OpenAI’s shift toward advertising, the growing human bottleneck in data center expansion, and why the AI conversation is moving beyond productivity toward physical and human-centred systems. The discussion dives into the surprising earning power of skilled trades, how XR is transforming workforce training, and why the metaverse was never just about VR headsets. From VRChat to The Sims, Cathy and Lee reveal where the spatial web is quietly taking shape, and what it all means for the future of work and technology.
Come for the tech and 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.
CES 2026 Trends, World Models, Privacy-First AI, Robotics Demos, Future Devices with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
mercredi 14 janvier 2026 • Durée 30:51
In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler return from a holiday break to unpack the most important ideas and innovations from CES 2026. Cathy breaks down how the AI conversation has evolved beyond large language models into embodied AI, agentic systems, world models, and on-device intelligence. The discussion spans standout demos, from attention-aware robots and immersive VR experiences to smart wearables and biodegradable batteries. Cathy and Lee also question whether AI is solving real problems or becoming an innovation theatre. We end with a forward look at 2027 as a critical inflection point for AI devices from Apple, OpenAI, and Meta.
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.
Greatest Hits - Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, and Creator Evolution with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler and Jeff Barrett
mercredi 31 décembre 2025 • Durée 01:09:18
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!
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.
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.
Greatest Hits: Love in the Age of AI: Cathy Hackl with Samantha G Wolfe on Dating, Ethics, and Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale
mercredi 24 décembre 2025 • Durée 54:48
In this Greatest Hits 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 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.
Greatest Hits - Meta XR, Snap Glasses, AI Dating, Apple AR, and Story Living with Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee
mercredi 17 décembre 2025 • Durée 29:53
In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee dive into the cutting edge of spatial computing, AI, and extended reality. Join Cathy and Adam as they unpack Meta’s XR partnership with Palmer Luckey, Snap’s smart glasses ambitions, and Apple’s sleek AR design strategy. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. The conversation also explores AI dating experiments, haptic tech in entertainment, and the evolving ethics of privacy in a spatially connected world. With insights from AWE and ILMxLAB, they reflect on the shift from storytelling to “story living” and highlight key legislation shaping AI security. A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of tech-human interaction.
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.
AI Hardware Shifts, RAM Price Spikes, Google–Warby Parker Wearables, Meta’s MR Delays, and the Battle for AI Music Rights with Lee Kebler, Adam Davis McGee, and Ryan McMahan
mercredi 10 décembre 2025 • Durée 01:01:42
In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis McGee unpack the rapid shifts transforming AI, hardware, and creative industries. Cathy is away this week and will be back in the new year. Lee and Adam explore how RAM manufacturers are pivoting away from consumer electronics toward AI, and how this will spike gaming and device prices in 2026, why Meta’s mixed-reality delays open the door for Google’s surprising partnership with Warby Parker, and how Google may be quietly edging ahead in the AI race. In the second half, Lee speaks with Ryan McMahan, who breaks down the legal and ethical storm surrounding AI-generated music. Together, they examine copyright grey zones, artist rights, and why AI is becoming more of an accelerant for creativity than a replacement for human artistry.
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics:
01:40: RAM Shortage Will Devastate Consumer Electronics Pricing in 2026
06:12: Meta's Mixed Reality Delay & the Battle Between Google and Meta
11:29: Why Google Will Win the AI Race Over OpenAI
23:52: AI Music Generation and the Copyright Crisis on Spotify
33:28: Meet Ryan McMahan: Artist Manager Fighting for Creator Rights
35:34: Blanco Brown's Story: From Platinum to Fighting AI
38:50: The First Major Artist Covers an AI-Generated Song
40:45: Understanding Covers vs. Derivatives in Copyright Law
45:51: AI as a Creative Tool, Not a Job Replacement
50:32: The Fast Fashion Problem in Modern Music Production
57:31: Independent Artists Need Representation at Policy Tables
01:01:45: Creative Industry Workers Share AI Concerns and Opportunities
F1 Tech and Cadillac Enters the Track in 2026, Humanoid Robots at MWC Doha and Vision Action Models.
mercredi 3 décembre 2025 • Durée 46:38
In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Keblerexplore how the future of AI is being shaped through hardware innovation happening around the world. They break down breakthroughs in autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, and spatial computing, highlighting why hardware ownership now determines who controls data, training models, and long-term AI power. Cathy shares insights from her travels across Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while the hosts examine China’s accelerating hardware ecosystem, Gen Alpha’s rejection of “AI slop,” and the shift toward vision-action models. It’s a fast, global look at where AI is really advancing, and why it matters.
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics:
[00:00] Intro
[00:23] Saudi Arabia and Qatar are booming in tech and entertainment.
[00:04:00] Formula One tech highlights the Abu Dhabi Championship showdown.
[00:07:13] Autonomous racing vs. human drivers shows motorsports’ future.
[00:14:23] Women often prefer autonomous vehicles to human drivers.
[00:20:44] Owning hardware means owning data: the AI supremacy principle.
[00:22:19] Global hardware innovations from Alibaba, Huawei, and ByteDance are under the radar.
[00:26:51] "Human-authored" labels reveal widespread AI fatigue.
[00:30:05] Gen Alpha rejects AI content, demanding authentic creations.
[00:33:55] Copyright issues arise when sampling AI-generated music.
[00:37:03] Cathy’s Middle East speaking tour and CES 2025 lineup updates.
[00:39:33] Holiday spending is shifting to experiences over products.
[00:42:14] Book picks: the future of storytelling and understanding people.
17:21Content discovery challenges and digital ownership
20:07The future of gaming and user-generated content
26:16The decline of physical media and ownership issues
29:03Hollywood's embrace of gaming IP and UGC
32:16Launching new gaming studios and independent development
34:05The importance of authentic innovation in tech
37:33Interesting recent tech news and societal impacts
40:43Human connection versus technological automation
44:34The impact of AI on jobs and societal shifts
46:49Closing thoughts and future outlooks
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.
Adam Cohen Aslatei is the CEO of Three Day Rule, one of the longest-standing matchmaking companies in the United States, with over 15 years of industry experience. With a background spanning dating app development, including roles at Bumble and the Meet Group, he brings a unique perspective on the evolution of digital dating and human connection. Adam is recognized for pioneering the integration of AI-driven matchmaking with traditional human-centered approaches, leveraging over 80,000 successful match data points to create outcomes-focused dating solutions.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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