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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August 20, 202644 min
AI Watermarking, Apple's New Devices, Future of Content Creation + From MySpace to a Robot Bartender
Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler break down the biggest shifts reshaping tech and content creation. Explore AI watermarking's role in combating deepfakes, how social media algorithms now reward authenticity over virality, and why Apple's upcoming launches matter for creators. Plus: the creator economy's new degree programs, ethical questions around tipping robots, and what smart glasses mean for privacy. This episode cuts through the hype to reveal what actually impacts creators, brands, and the future of digital culture. Keywords: AI watermarking, social media algorithms, content creation, generative AI, authenticity, privacy, Apple launches, creator economy, smart glasses, ethical technology Sound Bites "Watermarking in AI is a complex challenge." "Upcoming Apple devices could redefine user experience." "Tipping robots raises new ethical questions." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:56 The integration of AI into schoolwork and watermarking 04:05 Watermarking in music and generative AI 05:49 Challenges of watermarking in AI generated content 08:00 Recognizing AI-generated content and voice 10:02 Social media algorithms and human authenticity 11:55 The return of MySpace and social media evolution 14:00 Monetization and creator economy updates 16:04 Upcoming tech launches from Apple and new devices 17:59 Legal issues surrounding Meta and AI 20:08 AI in youth and safety concerns 22:04 The future of smart glasses and XR 24:04 Apple’s new products and privacy focus 25:59 Parental control and screen time management 27:55 Robotic bartenders and tipping etiquette 30:00 Summary and closing remarks
August 14, 2026Episode 14342 min
The impact of AI on content creation, social media platforms, sports, and the future of technology
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 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest overview 02:11 Lee shares his new web series inspired by a solar eclipse 03:55 Cathy discusses her travel series in Greece and personal passions 05:07 The creative process and overcoming fears of rejection 07:22 YouTube's monetization changes and AI's impact on creators 10:40 The rise of AI-generated content and its effects on platforms 12:20 Juxtaposition of real creators versus AI content for kids 14:01 Opportunities for platforms like Roblox and LinkedIn 16:53 The challenge of AI in music and media industries 18:20 Concerns about privacy and data ownership in AI 20:18 The importance of human storytelling and authenticity 23:12 AI's role in sports and entertainment, maintaining human element 27:38 The future of AI regulation and ethical considerations 33:54 Media partnerships and trust in AI-generated news 40:55 The limits of AI in entertainment and human connection 42:15 Closing thoughts and call for positive stories in tech
August 5, 2026Episode 14250 min
TechMagic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler is Back!
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 00:00 Introduction and return to podcast 02:02 Ownership of the podcast and its significance 03:18 The changing landscape of technology and AI 04:55 Overextension and recalibration of tech expectations 07:31 Global conversations on AI and other emerging technologies 10:43 Broader perspectives on innovation and global tech hubs 13:19 Market trends and the return of startup innovation 17:21 Content discovery challenges and digital ownership 20:07 The future of gaming and user-generated content 26:16 The decline of physical media and ownership issues 29:03 Hollywood's embrace of gaming IP and UGC 32:16 Launching new gaming studios and independent development 34:05 The importance of authentic innovation in tech 37:33 Interesting recent tech news and societal impacts 40:43 Human connection versus technological automation 44:34 The impact of AI on jobs and societal shifts 46:49 Closing thoughts and future outlooks
February 28, 2024Episode 201 hr 8 min
AI Hype Cycles | AR at Super Nintendo World | Relationships with Holograms
In this week's episode, Cathy and Lee talk about the AI, spatial computing, and tech hype cycles. Cathy thinks spatial computing is in the Innovation Trigger section of the chart. Cathy gives her first impressions of the Humane AI Pin. Lee visits Super Nintendo World in LA. Cathy and Lee discuss layoffs at Nike and discuss companies that created virtual studios. Improve your marketing performance. Adobe and Meta solutions help advertisers optimize ad targeting, decrease cost per action, and see a more complete picture of campaign activity. Show Notes: 8 TED Talks To Help You Prepare for The Era Of AI-Driven Spatial Computing Google Lays Off Thousands More Employees Despite Record Profits One Year After Laying off 12,000 Employees As Workers Begin Worrying AI is Slowly Replacing Them Nike lays off tech leaders as company cuts costs LG-Made Quest Pro 2 Will Reportedly Ship In H1 2025 Apple Ponders Whether to Develop Smart Glasses, Fitness Ring The First TV Series A woman is marrying an AI hologram, ushering in a weird new era for human-robot relationships Hybrid couple - Alicia Framis Your fingerprints can be recreated from the sounds made when you swipe on a touchscreen — Chinese and US researchers show new side channel can reproduce fingerprints to enable attacks | Tom's Hardware (tomshardware.com) Subscribe and Share: Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn Lee Kebler on LinkedIn Lily Snyder on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 30, 2024Episode 640 min
AI Influencers, Feminine Futurism, VR Landscape, and Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest with Katie McIntyre and Lee Kebler
In this episode of TechMagic , host Lee Kebler and guest co-host Katie McIntyre discuss AI and VR's evolving roles in technology, fashion, and marketing. Katie, a Toronto-based designer and founder of Matriarch, shares insights on "feminine futurism" and the challenges of AI influencers, highlighting potential ethical risks, particularly around body image. They critique Apple’s Vision Pro, comparing it with Meta’s VR approach, and question whether Apple understands user needs. The conversation explores the balance between AI and human connection, emphasizing that while AI offers intriguing tools, it cannot replace authentic relationships, urging more ethical development in tech innovation. Come for the tech, and stay for the magic! 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 Katie McIntyre Bio Katie McIntyre is a visionary Creative Director, Fashion and Industrial Designer, Film Director, VFX Artist, Ivy League Lecturer, and Women’s Rights Advocate. Founder of Katie McIntyre Studio, she collaborates with artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Lizzo, crafting iconic album and product designs, films, and VFX for live shows. Her “feminine futurism” philosophy drives collaborations with brands such as Mugler, Puma, and Amazon, and her work has graced stages like Coachella. Named a “World’s Leading Female VFX Artist” by Time and a “Leader of Tomorrow” by the St. Gallen Symposium, she is also CEO of Matriarch, dedicated to empowering women through innovative design. Katie McIntyre on LinkedIn Katie McIntyre Studio Website Key Discussion Topics 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 2:38 - Puma's AI Influencer Announcement 10:01 - Authenticity in Marketing 16:31 - Ethical Considerations of AI Representation 22:21 - Apple's Product Announcements and M4 Chip 28:01 - Critique of Apple Vision Pro and VR Strategy 32:11 - Market Demographics and User Behavior 36:13 - Applications of VR in Industry 48:01 - AI as a Substitute for Human Friendship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9, 2025Episode 417 min
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 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 Episode Highlights: Cathy Interviews Two Humanoid Robots - Cathy speaks with two humanoid robots on love and connection, gaining insights into how AI is responding to questions all about love The Impact of AI in Modern Dating - Cathy shares an insightful perspective about the need for human connection over dating a humanoid robot. She highlights the reality of the dating space which is to find warmth, connection and presence which isn’t provided by AI. The AI Dating Models - Cathy discusses one of her experiments with AI matchmaking which was to bring two people together at a TED event she attended and find out if they are a match, she finds out that the couple who were a match met a day prior and had experienced a connection. This result emphasized the important need for humans - connection. The future is about presence and human connection. The Humanoid Love - Cathy talks about her latest experience with dating four AIs - Chad (Chad GPT), Jim (Gemini, Google), Mateo (Meta AI), and Claude from Anthropic. She shares how much fun the experiment is and how it is shaping her view about love. Key Discussion Topics: 27:10 AI and The Future of Relationships 28:08 Human Connections or AI attachments? 28:44 AI Matchmaking Experiment at TED 29:50 The Humanoid Love Experiment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 2025Episode 351 hr 3 min
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 creation. Whether you're a tech leader or brand builder, this episode delivers sharp insights on where innovation meets human connection in the future of retail. Come for the tech, stay for the magic! Dina Fierro Bio Dina Fierro is a visionary marketing leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of beauty, fashion, culture, and technology. She has held senior roles at Christian Louboutin, NARS, and Shiseido Americas, where she led groundbreaking digital initiatives across AI, social commerce, and mixed reality. Known for blending creativity with innovation, Dina has launched industry-first experiences on platforms like Roblox and TikTok. A sought-after speaker, mentor, advisor, and fractional marketing leader, she helps brands translate cultural shifts into strategic, consumer-centric growth. Dina Fierro on LinkedIn Key Discussion Topics: 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler 03:00 Adventures in Big Sur: When Google Maps Leads You Astray 04:30 Exploring Japan: Robotics, Culture and Innovation 14:01 The YouTube AI Content Crisis: A New Era of Disinformation 20:13 AI in the Workplace: Why Companies Shouldn't Replace Humans 32:04 Interview with Dina Fierro: The Future of Retail & Commerce 34:21 The Evolution of Distributed Commerce 46:11 Future-Proofing Brand Strategy in the AI Era 54:12 The Fashion Challenge of Wearable Tech 58:59 Texas Social Media Laws & Gaming Platforms 01:02:31 The ChatGPT Coffee Ground Divorce Story 01:08:36 Book Recommendations & Looking Ahead to AWE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
December 17, 202529 min
Greatest Hits - Meta XR, Snap Glasses, AI Dating, Apple AR, and Story Living with Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee
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. 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: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl 06:33 Meta's Eagle Eye: Military XR Partnership with Palmer Luckey 14:05 Apple's Liquid Glass: Paving the Way for AR Glasses 17:25 Haptic Innovation: Apple's F1 Movie Trailer Experience 19:18 Human vs AI: Why F1 Racing Needs the Human Element 22:27 Browser History Dating: AI's Latest Match-Making Experiment 26:27 Snap's Vision: Consumer Smart Glasses Coming in 2026 31:27 From Storytelling to Story Living: ILMxLAB's Immersive Future 33:54 Closing Thoughts: Summer Break Announcement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
November 17, 2022Episode 840 min
Season 2 Finale: Web3 - What’s Next?
The metaverse is still in extremely early development-it feels almost like a party that just started. How does its audience grow? How can it improve upon issues in the current iteration of the internet? Companies are focusing on a human-centered development paradigm, with an almost anti-big tech attitude. This episodes explores how Web3 and Meta can reach more skeptical audiences. Follow Cathy on Twitter: @CathyHackl Subscribe to Adweek's Metaverse Marketing on your favorite podcast platform! You can listen and subscribe to all of Adweek’s podcasts by visiting adweek.com/podcasts. Stay updated on all things Adweek Podcast Network by following us on Twitter: @adweekpodcasts. And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at podcast@adweek.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 21, 2024Episode 4523 min
A Peek at Our Sister Podcast, Being a Vanguard in an Established Company: Lessons from Kate Huyett, CMO of Bombas
With Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on a recording break for the next few weeks, we would like to introduce you to “ Marketing Vanguard ,” our sister podcast. The word “vanguard” is defined as “a group of people leading the way in new development or ideas.” Marketing Vanguard: the podcast spotlights the people who are driving the marketing industry forward. The podcast is hosted by our friend and colleague, Jenny Rooney . This episode features Jenny in conversation with Kate Huyett , CMO of Bombas , a comfort-focused sock and apparel brand on a mission to help those in need. Many marketers will tell you that performance marketing and altruistic company missions run on parallel tracks that don’t intersect. They’re wrong. Listen in as Kate explains how Bombas aligns performance marketing with its company mission. Discover Kate’s transition from Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs to leading marketing at Bombas. She reveals Bombas's mission, its evolution, and innovative marketing strategies. Explore the significance of brand, collaboration, and marketing’s cross-functional dynamics. With insightful stories and future plans, this episode is essential listening for marketing enthusiasts. Subscribe now for an engaging and insightful experience! Kate Huyett Bio Kate is Bombas's Chief Marketing Officer. Over the last five years, she has been responsible for profitably growing the company's ad spend, driving customer loyalty, and telling the brand story through both online and offline channels. In her role, Huyett oversees the company's marketing department, which includes acquisition, retention, partnerships, digital products, insights, and data and analytics. Huyett graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography & Economics. After graduating, she pursued a career in Private Wealth and Investment-Grade Capital Markets at Goldman Sachs. Over the last decade, Huyett has honed her expertise in strategically growing start-ups through a mix of marketing channels. Prior to Bombas, she served as VP of Marketing at online dating site HowAboutWe, leading the company through an acquisition, and as Director of Marketing, Americas at Transferwise, overseeing its North American expansion. Kate Huyett on LinkedIn Bombas Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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