XR Industry Leaders – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, hosts Brad Scoggin and Will Stackable talk with Michelle Rebaleati, Multimedia Technologist and Career Navigator with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Michelle shares how GOED turned the tourism slowdown of 2020 into a statewide innovation success story with the launch of Project SANDI, a VR-driven workforce initiative that helps residents move from unemployment or underemployment to sustainable careers. What started as a recovery grant has evolved into a network of 1,000 VR devices across 80+ locations, giving Nevadans immersive access to in-demand careers in healthcare, skilled trades, IT, and advanced manufacturing.

From high school students in tiny desert towns to unhoused adults in workforce centers, GOED’s program uses VR to let people “test drive” real careers by putting them in the shoes of an employee in life-like scenarios. Michelle discusses what it takes to deploy VR across one of the largest and most rural states in the U.S. as only a team of three, and how ArborXR makes it possible to manage and update every device remotely.

She also shares measurable impact: participants have achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Career Readiness Certificate exam, proving VR isn’t just inspiring, it’s driving real change for Nevadans.

Timestamps:

• The economic crisis that sparked Nevada’s statewide VR workforce initiative (00:41)
• Project SANDI and the push to explore STEM and skilled-trade careers in VR (01:40)
• Reimagining “career day” with immersive field trips and simulations (03:56)
• Expanding VR career exploration from colleges to libraries across rural Nevada (05:21)
• Addressing low labor market literacy with the Individual Career Map (06:44)
• How Michelle’s three-person team deployed 1,000 headsets across a vast rural state (09:58)
• Making statewide VR possible with ArborXR’s remote device management (19:08)
• Achieving a 100% pass rate on the ACT WorkKeys career readiness exam (27:53)

About Michelle Rebaleati:

Michelle Rebaleati is a Multimedia Technologist and Career Navigator with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). She leads statewide initiatives using VR for workforce development, managing over 1,000 devices across 80+ locations to help Nevadans explore, train for, and launch new careers in high-demand industries.

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 Michelle on LinkedIn
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn
• Watch Michelle’s TED Talk

In this episode of the XR Industry Leaders Podcast, Brad Scoggin and Will Stackable sit down with Thi Luu, Vice President and General Manager of VR Training at Axon, to explore how immersive technology is transforming public safety training.

Axon, known globally for the TASER energy weapon and body-worn cameras, has made VR a cornerstone of its mission to reduce gun-related deaths between police and the public by 50% over the next decade. Thi shares how Axon scaled from early pilots to one of the largest VR deployments in the world, helping officers train more often, more effectively, and more safely.

From building muscle memory for high-stakes scenarios to using AI for verbal de-escalation, Thi offers a rare inside look at how Axon designs scalable, high-impact immersive training for thousands of agencies. She also explains how ArborXR helps Axon manage and scale headsets, enabling deployments across precincts, training academies, and field operations.

Whether you’re leading training for a police department or an enterprise team, this episode offers a masterclass in building scalable, data-informed XR programs that drive measurable impact.

Key Moments:

• Axon’s mission to reduce gun-related deaths through VR training (02:48)
• VR as an essential part of public safety programs (05:20)
• Evolution of Axon’s VR training with two-pronged curriculum (07:15)
• Overcoming resistance and building buy-in across generations (15:24)
• Real-world scenarios: How VR training prepared an officer to deescalate (20:57)
• Lessons learned from scaling Axon VR training nationwide (24:34)
• Measuring success beyond just metrics with ArborXR (27:50)
• The future of immersive skills training: AI-powered learning (35:14)

About the Guest:

Thi Luu is the Vice President and General Manager of VR Training at Axon, where she leads product, design, and engineering teams developing immersive training solutions for public safety. With over 20 years in technology, Thi has driven Axon’s VR expansion from pilot to global scale, training thousands of officers worldwide. Her team’s work has earned national recognition for innovation in de-escalation and less-lethal training.

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 Thi on LinkedIn

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn

Connect with Will on LinkedIn

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/

South Dakota State University strived to use XR to bring educational access to rural communities – starting with outreach and gradually expanding to classroom use. In this episode, we meet with Dr. Greg Heiberger to explore how they made that goal a reality.

Today, SDSU integrates XR into various subjects across their curriculum, from nursing, to architecture and chemistry. They’ve also conducted research showing VR’s effectiveness in anatomy education when used before cadaver labs.

We uncover how the university overcame challenges in scaling an XR program in a rural community, and explored how the technology prepares students for future workforce needs.

Looking ahead, Greg sees XR as a catalyst for innovation at SDSU, and as a potential solution to address challenges in rural education and healthcare across the country.

Timestamps:

• Greg on the educational landscape of rural South Dakota (01:06)
• Scaling up from just one headset (04:34)
• The use-cases and return on investment (11:28)
• Using VR on campus with students (19:42)
• Translating success to leadership (24:08)
• How ArborXR has helped scale the XR program at SDSU (27:49)
• XR – The spark for innovation and its future at SDSU (32:04)

About the Guest:

Dr. Greg Heiberger is a quantitative researcher with 19 years of experience at South Dakota State University (SDSU). His research interests span from STEM education to the impact of social media. Dr. Heiberger was among the first to publish work demonstrating the positive relationship between Facebook use and increased student engagement among college students. He’s currently the Associate Dean for Academics and Student Success, and spearheads the university’s XR initiatives.

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 Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheiberger/
• 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 explore one of the largest XR deployments in the world of education with Louise Paepe, XR Coordinator for RTC Antwerpen.

She shares how RTC Antwerpen is leading VR integration across nearly 700 schools in Flanders, Belgium, benefiting 150,000 students.

We uncover the importance of strategic planning, from rigorous teacher training to carefully vetting educational content to align with curriculum goals. The initiative involves collaboration with over 100 partners and leverages ArborXR’s platform to streamline content management and headset deployment.

RTC Antwerpen envisions VR becoming as essential in classrooms as laptops are today, reflecting their commitment to making VR a sustainable and valuable part of education.

Timestamps:

• Introduction to RTC (00:52)
• The Cutting Edge of XR for Entering the Labor Market (01:58)
• Scoping and Deploying XR in Schools (04:25)
• Content Management (06:45)
• Guiding Educators in XR (09:56)
• The Logistics of Scaling Over 1000 Headsets (14:53)
• Managing Access Across a Whole Organization (17:19)
• Putting Parameters in Place for Vendors (20:56)
• Outro and Conclusion (24:07)

About the Guest:

Louise Paepe is the XR Coordinator at RTC Antwerpen, dedicated to enhancing education at the intersection of learning and the labor market. Louise oversees projects that bring innovative technologies into the classroom, ensuring they become sustainable educational tools. She helped spearhead the XR Action Plan, managing the deployment of VR headsets in schools across Flanders, Belgium.

About RTC Antwerpen:

RTC Antwerpen is a government organization in Flanders, Belgium, focused on bridging the gap between education and industry. For over 20 years, RTC has introduced innovations from the industrial sector to schools, particularly in technical and vocational education. They offer resources and organize specialized training programs for educators and students. Their projects include the XR action plan, deploying VR headsets across schools to enhance educational experiences. RTC plays a crucial role in ensuring that education aligns with labor market needs, fostering quality education through industry collaboration.

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:

• View the XR Action Plan: https://rtc-antwerpen.be/xr-actieplan/
• Connect with Louise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-paepe/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/

In the episode, we discuss the past, present and future of XR technology in enterprise, and Qualcomm’s role in shaping the industry.

Brian Vogelsang joined us from Qualcomm to uncover how the company is driving advancements in the world of XR. Brian highlights initial challenges in understanding and deploying XR at scale but emphasizes the technology's diverse applications and substantial ROI. He elaborated on how XR is revolutionizing learning and development by enhancing speed, retention, and accessibility.

We dive into Qualcomm's advancements into machine learning and AI, which enhances XR devices' capabilities and user interfaces. We also touch on their key collaborations with Lenovo on the VRX standalone VR headset, and with Sony on a high-resolution mixed reality headset for enterprise and content creators.

Learn about Qualcomm’s perspective on the future of XR over the next ten years, and why the company believes the technology will fundamentally change how enterprises operate.

Timestamps:

• Introduction to Qualcomm (01:37)
• Qualcomm’s origin in XR (02:33)
• AR vs VR in the market (04:52)
• Qualcomm’s contributions to the industry (07:08)
• What is the impetus of Qualcomm’s tech and what’s next? (12:39)
• Challenges of scaling to enterprise (16:57)
• The successes of Snapdragon Spaces (20:23)
• Where is technology going next? (26:19)
• Outro and Conclusion (43:30)

About the Guest:

Brian Vogelsang is the Senior Director of Product Management at Qualcomm. His 30 year career at Qualcomm began in IT before moving into the XR space about 7 years ago. He conceived, built, and launched Snapdragon Spaces, the first commercial, cross-OEM XR platform. With a deep expertise in product strategy and development, Brian led the multi-year roadmap for Snapdragon Spaces, securing C-level approval and scaling the team from 2 to over 300 professionals. He spearheaded the integration of key acquisitions.

About Qualcomm:

Qualcomm is a leader in the XR space. Their mission is to enable a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. Qualcomm powers products and technologies including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and more. Their Snapdragon® XR solutions include processors, software and perception technologies, reference designs and developer tools.

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

Discover HTC’s VR Revolution - from mobile devices, to gaming and enterprise innovations. In this episode of XR Industry Leaders, our guest Daniel O'Brien reveals how HTC is pioneering VR and AR technology for a transformative future.

Learn about the critical factors in choosing XR headsets for your business, the role of 5G in next-gen connectivity, and the positive impact of VR and AR in fields like mental health and senior care.

The VIVE set new industry standards with its superior tracking and durability, featuring innovations like room-scale VR and 90 frames per second gameplay. Initially targeting gamers, HTC's open system design nurtured a thriving developer ecosystem, extending VR technology's reach into sectors like automotive and architecture.

We delve into the importance of privacy, security, and ease of deployment while highlighting HTC's monumental partnerships in aerospace, defense, financial services, and healthcare. Tune in to see how HTC's mission of human-centered innovation is shaping the XR landscape.

Timestamps:

• HTC entering the XR industry (00:51)
• Bringing the HTC VIVE to market (02:25)
• Transitioning from smartphones to VR (08:21)
• Keeping open systems for development in 2024 (15:30)
• What to look for in a headset depending on the use-case (24:18)
• Pilot programs/going to scale with HTC (28:37)
• What’s next for HTC (32:27)
• “I painted with rainbows” (40:37)
• Outro and conclusion (43:30)

About the Guest:

Daniel O’Brien is a seasoned technology executive with over 24 years of experience in leading and managing the commercialization of emerging technologies, innovations, and solutions for consumers and professional customers. He is the HTC VIVE President for the Americas, overseeing the sales, marketing, product, and operations for the immersive and wireless divisions of HTC.

As a humanity mission driven leader, Daniel is focused on delivering revenue growth, brand building, e-commerce strategies, business development, content creation, and strategic partnerships for HTC VIVE, the pioneer and global leader in virtual reality. He has a proven track record of defining and executing the channel strategy, marketing strategy, product management, supply chain, and public relations for HTC VIVE.

About HTC:

HTC designed some of the world's first touch and wireless hand-held devices. The company is now also a leader in VR technology, pioneering advancements in tracking, durability, and immersive experiences. At HTC, their mission is to connect the world through design that extends beyond gaming into sectors like automotive, architecture, and healthcare.

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 Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obriend17/
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/