TechMagic with Cathy Hackl - podcast cover

TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

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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Episodes

My Interview with two Humanoid Robots about Love

Imagine a future where the emerging tech radically transforms human dating experiences. On this episode of TechMagic, tech futurist Cathy Hackl explores first hand the future of love and dating in the age of AI and humanoid robots. Cathy’s experiment with AI matchmaking shows its impact and limitations on human connections. The hosts discuss the importance of preserving human interactions and communications using the AI tech. Come for Tech, Stay for Magic! Cathy Hackl Bio Cathy Hackl is a global...

Jul 09, 20257 minSeason 2Ep. 41

Smart Glasses, Policy and State of AI in DC, Nintendo Glitches, Salesforce’s AI Leap, and Meta vs. OpenAI with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

On this TechMagic episode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler break down the latest trends shaping our AI-powered future, as well as the policy and state of AI in DC. From Meta’s $100M AI recruitment strategies to their game-changing partnerships with Oakley and Prada for smart glasses, the duo explores how AI and hardware innovation are converging. They unpack the ethical and emotional nuances of human-AI relationships, the rise of AI-generated content, and how companies like Salesforce are integ...

Jul 02, 202548 minSeason 2Ep. 40

Dating AI, Loving Human: Exploring AI Relationships, Meta’s New Tech Partnerships, Inside AWE, and Military AI with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Adam Davis McGee

On this TechMagic episode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the complex relationship between humans and AI, from Cathy’s immersive week dating four AI boyfriends to growing concerns around AI-generated content. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. The discussion spans Meta’s new smart eyewear partnerships with Oakley and Prada, VRChat’s innovative brand integration with Sawhorse Studios, and alarming developmen...

Jun 25, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 39

Meta XR, Snap Glasses, AI Dating, Apple AR, and Story Living with Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee dive into the cutting edge of spatial computing, AI, and extended reality. Lee is on sick leave this week and we wish him a speedy recovery! 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 expl...

Jun 18, 202530 min

Beyond the Hype: AI, AR, Spatial Computing and the Next Wave of Innovation with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Sandy Carter

On this TechMagic Greatest Hits episode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler welcome AI thought leader Sandy Carter , author of AI First, Human Always , and COO of Unstoppable Domains for a deep dive into AI-driven leadership and technological transformation. They break down the latest innovations, from Apple’s Vision Pro developer workshop to Meta’s bold moves in AR and spatial computing. Sandy shares expert insights on how business leaders can embrace AI while staying human-centric. Plus, hear ex...

Jun 11, 202546 min

Vibe Coding, AI Journalism, XR Warfare, AI App Building, and Apple Gaming with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the latest breakthroughs in AI and their ripple effects across industries. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. They discuss how AI democratizes app creation, they examine Business Insider’s bold move toward a 70% AI-driven newsroom, Apple’s strategic push into gaming, and XR military collaborations from Meta and Microsoft. From wearable AI to the ...

Jun 04, 202544 minSeason 2Ep. 36

AI in Retail, Wearable Tech, Distributed Commerce, and Roblox Fashion with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Dina Fierro

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler reunite to explore the latest in AI, tech hardware, and digital retail with special guest Dina Fierro , an Advisor and Fractional Marketing Leader. From Roblox’s real-world commerce integration to Google’s new XR glasses, the trio dives into how AI transforms distributed commerce, digital fashion, and the consumer experience. They also unpack wearable tech trends, spatial computing, and the ethical frontiers of AI-powered content cr...

May 28, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 35

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...

May 21, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 34

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 rea...

May 14, 202555 minSeason 2Ep. 33

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 ...

May 07, 202546 minSeason 2Ep. 32

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...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 31

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 “presenc...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 30

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...

Apr 16, 202557 minSeason 2Ep. 29

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 counterpa...

Apr 10, 202553 minSeason 2Ep. 28

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 enth...

Apr 02, 202537 minSeason 2Ep. 27

AI in Drive-Throughs, VR’s Social Boom, Gen Alpha’s New Dating Trends, and the Future of Digital Ethics with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech innovations shaping our world. They explore AI’s growing role in fast-food automation, the rapid expansion of VR social platforms, and how Gen Alpha is redefining dating through gaming. The episode also unpacks Spain’s strict AI content laws, the Take It Down Act to combat deepfakes, and AI’s groundbreaking impact on healthcare. With discussions on AI copyright regulations and the future of digital interact...

Mar 26, 202544 minSeason 2Ep. 26

AI, Gaming, and the Future of Human Connection: Microsoft Edge, Niantic’s $3.85B Sale, and More with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest in AI, gaming, and digital innovation. They explore how companies can move beyond AI hype to real-world applications, the evolving landscape of social platforms post-COVID, and why Niantic's $3.85B gaming sale signals a shift in geospatial AI. They also examine Microsoft's overlooked accessibility tech, AI-powered gaming coaches, and the rising battle for AR dominance. With sharp insights and candid analysis, th...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 25

Trending in Tech: AI, Gaming, Fashion’s High-Tech Future, Vibe Coding, and More with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Special Guest Melissa Medina

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore cutting-edge innovations, from AI agents to Meta’s fashion-forward Ray-Ban smart glasses. Special guest Melissa Medina , CEO of eMerge Americas , discusses South Florida’s rise as a global tech hub and previews their upcoming conference featuring industry leaders like Palmer Luckey and Daymond John. The hosts also dive into gaming news from GDC, NVIDIA’s latest advancements, and the evolution of "vibe coding" in software dev...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 24

Beyond the Hype: AI, AR, Spatial Computing and the Next Wave of Innovation with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Sandy Carter

On this TechMagic episode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler welcome AI thought leader Sandy Carter , author of AI First, Human Always , and COO of Unstoppable Domains for a deep dive into AI-driven leadership and technological transformation. They break down the latest innovations, from Apple’s Vision Pro developer workshop to Meta’s bold moves in AR and spatial computing. Sandy shares expert insights on how business leaders can embrace AI while staying human-centric. Plus, hear exclusive detail...

Mar 05, 202546 minSeason 2Ep. 23

Investing in Purpose: AI, Gaming, and the Future of Tech with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Richard Attias, CEO of FII

In this episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler , along with special guest Richard Attias , CEO of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), explore the latest trends in AI, spatial computing, and gaming. They discuss the future of Apple Vision Pro, the challenges of productizing AI, and the rise and fall of Humane AI Pin. They also highlight the potential of user-generated content (UGC) in gaming, with a focus on Grand Theft Auto VI. Richard shares his vision for purpose-driven in...

Feb 26, 202550 minSeason 2Ep. 22

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 indus...

Feb 19, 202525 min

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 governm...

Feb 12, 202534 min

Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, 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 c...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 19

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 comp...

Jan 29, 202542 minSeason 2Ep. 18

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 an...

Jan 22, 202553 minSeason 2Ep. 17

CES 2025 Highlights, AI Innovations, Nintendo’s Next Move, Health Tech, and the Future of Gaming with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this exciting episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler kick off 2025 live from CES in Las Vegas. They delve into the latest AI trends, explore groundbreaking health tech like Withings' innovative health tracking mirror, and discuss the buzz around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. With insights into AI’s growing role across industries, reflections on CES's vibrant atmosphere, and a light-hearted look at quirky innovations, Cathy and Lee provide an engaging mix of humor, predictio...

Jan 21, 202535 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Greatest Hits 2024: Apple Vision Pro and Beyond, Spatial Computing, Netflix, AI, and the Next Big Thing in Gaming with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this Greatest Hits episode, we revisit an outstanding show from earlier this year. Join us on TechMagic , where Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler look back at the tech events of 2024 and recap the latest tech developments. They discuss the buzz surrounding CES, Apple Vision Pro's release, and spatial computing's evolving landscape. They also dive into the intersection of AI and journalism, explore the future of gaming, and delve into a groundbreaking innovation—the eTongue, which mimics human taste....

Jan 01, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 15

2024 AI Retrospective: AI’s Impact on Creativity, Commerce, and Careers with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this second part of the 2024 retrospective episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler reflect on AI's profound impact across industries in 2024. They discuss YouTube’s groundbreaking decision to allow users to request the removal of AI-generated impersonations, highlighting its promise and challenges in content moderation. The hosts revisit key moments from the Roblox Developers Conference, where AI was leveraged to innovate virtual commerce and redefine brand engagement for youn...

Dec 24, 20247 minSeason 2Ep. 14

2024 Gaming Retrospective: AI, Atari’s Comeback, and the Rise of Lofi Worlds with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this first part of a two-part episode of TechMagic , hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler reflect on the key developments in the gaming industry in 2024. They explore Mike Verdu's appointment as Netflix’s VP of Generative AI for Games, his creator-first vision, and the rise of AI-driven tools to accelerate game development. The duo discusses Atari's nostalgic comeback, highlighted by founder Nolan Bushnell's insights on affordable VR tech like the Oculus Quest 3. They also tackle the staff exodus...

Dec 18, 202412 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Creativity at the Intersection of Fashion, Industrial Design, and VFX: Cathy Hackl Interviews Katie McIntyre

While Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler take a short holiday break, TechMagic brings you an interview with Katie McIntyre , Founder and Design Lead of Matriarch . Katie was a TechMagic guest cohost earlier in the season, and Time Magazine has ranked her as one of the leading female VFX artists and has featured her creations. Katie discusses her groundbreaking work in feminine futurism and shares her unique approach to integrating feminist art principles into design and technology. She also reflects on ...

Dec 11, 202433 minSeason 2Ep. 12
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