What The F*** Is The Metaverse?

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May 2025

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An intergenerational discussion about all things "Metaverse" between a Hollywood film director (known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man) and his 'VR early adopter' son. whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

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23 recent

May 9, 202545 min

First Time Inside a Waymo Robotaxi: Real-Time Reactions on AI Breakthroughs, Safety, Vibe-Coding, Agents, VR & More!

Filmmaker Brett Leonard and his producer-editor son Shannon hit record the moment they step into a Waymo in Santa Monica, Brett’s first time trusting a car with no human at the wheel. What starts as raw, real-time nerves quickly becomes a lively, inter-generational look at why robotaxis already log millions of safer miles and what that means for city life, safety, and culture.As LA traffic rolls by, the conversation widens to fresh AI headlines: ARK’s Evo-2 model predicting human mutations from animal DNA, jailbreak hacks that trick large language models, Apple Vision Pro’s next moves, and the rise of “vibe-coding” apps anyone can build with agentic AI. Expect candid back-and-forth, practical context, and a front-seat view of how emerging tech is reshaping everything from commuting to creativity.Thank you for listening! Please subscribe via your favorite podcasting platform and (if you feel like it) leave us a 5 star review. It really helps our podcast grow!Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Brett’s son, Shannon Leonard, has over 10 years of experience across feature films, advertisements, YouTube, and short-form media. He is focused on integrating AI and VR into creative media workflows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

May 9, 202550 min

Riding the AI Tsunami: O3 Mini, DeepSeek, Agents, and the Future of Storytelling

Recorded February 2025. OpenAI’s brand-new O3 Mini drops just as China’s DeepSeek reasoning model grabs headlines, setting off a fresh round in the global race to AGI. Shannon Leonard and director Brett Leonard unpack what makes these models different, why agentic AI matters, and how O3 Mini already lets a non-coder spin up production-ready software in days. They trace the knock-on effects for medicine, markets, and every creative field, pointing out where skepticism is warranted and where it isn’t.Then the conversation zooms out. Brett compares today’s acceleration to the shift from analog film to digital, only thousands of times faster, and explains why the skills of a movie director map perfectly to commanding AI agents. Father and son debate job loss versus new opportunity, the environmental cost narrative, and the urgent need for positive stories that shape AI for good. By the end you’ll know why the “studio of one” is here and how to keep your humanity in the loop. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

October 22, 202456 min

AI Companions, Apple’s Private Intelligence, and the Rise of Reasoning AI: Brett Leonard's Insights on the Next Digital Frontier

In this episode, Shannon and Brett once again explore the rapidly evolving world of AI, this time diving deep into the rise of AI companions, Apple's focus on privacy with its "Apple Intelligence," and the imminent arrival of reasoning AI. (NOTE: This was recorded about a week before OpenAI’s o1 launch). From AI-driven friends designed to reduce loneliness to Apple's strategic privacy innovations, they discuss how these technologies are reshaping relationships, mental health, and our understanding of what it means to be human in a hyperconnected world. This episode also takes a look at the future of reasoning AI and its potential to transform industries with next-level problem-solving capabilities.Thank you so much for listening. Please subscribe via your favorite podcasting platform and (if you feel like it) leave us a review. It really helps our podcast grow! Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Brett’s son, Shannon Leonard, has over 10 years of experience across feature films, advertisements, YouTube, and short-form media. He is focused on integrating AI and VR into creative media workflows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

April 9, 202450 min

"Hollywood will change radically": Brett Leonard on Sora, Apple Vision Pro, and AI's Rise

In a riveting podcast episode, Brett Leonard, the director behind "The Lawnmower Man," proclaims "Hollywood will change radically within the next five years," setting the stage for a deep dive into the transformative technologies of Sora and Apple Vision Pro. Brett draws thought-provoking comparisons between the once unparalleled IMAX experiences to the burgeoning realm of virtual reality—a transition underscored by Sora's advanced AI, which promises a new epoch for content creators. The discussion then shifts to Apple Vision Pro's innovative leap, highlighting how it's reshaping our engagement with digital environments, much like VR reimagined the very concept of immersive experiences.Through this intergenerational dialogue, Shannon and Brett Leonard navigate the nuances of these technological marvels, examining their profound implications on traditional media and beyond. They explore how Sora's AI is not just an editing tool but a collaborative partner for creators, while Apple Vision Pro's immersive interface heralds a new standard for user interaction and 3D cinema. Shannon shares insights from launching a newsletter aimed at guiding creatives through the intricate web of emerging AI technologies. The episode invites listeners to explore how these leading-edge technologies are scripting a new future for the entertainment industry.Please subscribe via your favorite app/platform and leave us a 5-star review if you enjoyed the podcast. Thank you for listening!Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Brett’s son, Shannon Leonard, has over 10 years of experience across feature films, advertisements, YouTube, and short-form media. He is focused on integrating AI and VR into creative media workflows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

December 31, 202353 min

The State of the Metaverse: The AI Revolution, Effective Accelerationism's Rise, and Spatial Computing's Impact

This episode ventures deep into the tech vortex of 2023, dissecting the trends that have transformed the buzzword 'metaverse' into a tangible digital frontier powered by AI. Hosts Shannon and Brett navigate through the year's pivotal moments, from the rise and fall of tech lingo to the ethical conundrums posed by AI's advance. They examine the intersection where technology meets humanity, pondering the implications of virtual realities and AI in our daily lives.With an eye on both the rearview and the road ahead, they offer an intergenerational dialogue on the digital revolution—its potential to innovate and its capacity to disrupt. This is an exploration of not just the technology that's reshaping our world, but also the narratives, skepticism, and speculations surrounding it.Topics covered in this episode:* Advancements in AI: How artificial intelligence is becoming more integrated into creative industries and everyday applications.* Effective Accelerationism: Discussion about the societal and technological changes being expedited by a new movement or “neo-religion” focused on speeding up technological progress.* Spatial Computing Developments: The latest in spatial technology, such as the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest.* Tab, Humane, and Screen-less AI Computing: A dive into new wearable AI tech and its implications for human-computer interactions.And more as the hosts reflect on 2023!Please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Thank you for listening!Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Shannon Leonard is a creative director, YouTube creator and VR early adopter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

November 23, 202347 min

Unpacking OpenAI's Drama: Sam Altman's Firing, Reinstatement, and Beyond

AI Acceleration and Tech's New Era! Brett and Shannon dissect the tumultuous events surrounding OpenAI, focusing on the firing and reinstatement of Sam Altman. The discussion also touches on Microsoft's growing influence in OpenAI's direction, highlighting the complexities of corporate interests in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. The conversation further delves into OpenAI's impressive reach, with over 100 million weekly users, and its impact across various industries. Brett and Shannon provide insights into the ethical and practical implications of AI's accelerated development, discussing the potential benefits and consequences of this technology on society and individual lives.This episode offers a unique blend of technical analysis, business dynamics, and philosophical inquiry, presenting a comprehensive overview of the current state and future trajectory of AI and the Metaverse.Please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Thank you for listening!Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Shannon Leonard is a creative director, YouTube creator and VR early adopter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

October 3, 202358 min

Blurring Boundaries: The AI Acceleration, Apple Vision Pro, and the Merging of Realities

In this wide-ranging conversation, father and son co-hosts compare perspectives across generations and dive deep into how AI is fueling the digital world’s rapid evolution. They discuss innovative technologies like the Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, GPT-4, DALL-E 3, and AlphaFold, reflecting on how quickly these hardware and software tools are transforming fields like medicine, science, and the arts.Fundamental questions bubble up around capitalism, privacy, the value of the physical versus digital, and even the nature of death. As communication itself morphs, Brett and Shannon agree the acceleration of change feels unprecedented, perhaps like a "vortex" or a mythic "Promethean moment." More reflections on the blurring lines between physical and virtual are sure to come.Please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

April 27, 202353 min

AI as Interviewer: Brett Leonard Reflects on Cinema, Technology, and Society Through AI-Curated Questions

Brett discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on filmmaking, technology, and society. Reflecting on his own work, including the film The Lawnmower Man, Leonard discusses the iconic line "I am God" and its significance in illustrating the theme of humans merging with machines. Drawing on inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, the conversation delves into the idea of humans becoming the gods they have created throughout history, as AI continues to advance and shape our world.The discussion also encompasses the broader implications of AI's presence in the realm of cinema and beyond, touching on films like Virtuosity and Hideaway. Brett and Shannon share their own experience in using AI tools for various creative projects, highlighting the importance of a balanced, collaborative approach. They also explore recent developments in AI-generated content, such as video and 3D scene generation, and the impact these advancements may have on the future of the industry.This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, creative collaboration, and the future of storytelling.Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Shannon Leonard is a creative producer, YouTube creator and VR early adopter.Send your questions on Twitter @directorleonard and @shannonleonard. Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

March 22, 20231 hr 0 min

The Digitization of Everything: Exploring GPT-4, Silicon Valley Bank Collapse, and Balaji's Wild Bitcoin Prediction

We explore the impact of GPT-4 on the digital landscape, discuss the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, and examine some wild predictions from Balaji Srinivasan (the former Chief Technology Officer of Coinbase, and former general partner at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz) about Bitcoin and the future of the banking system. We'll explore how GPT-4 marks a significant leap forward in natural language processing and machine learning, enabling a new era of human-AI collaboration. From content generation to virtual assistants, we'll discuss how GPT-4 is revolutionizing various industries and what it means for the future of work, creativity, and communication.Furthermore, we'll delve into the repercussions of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, examining the ripple effects felt throughout the financial ecosystem and the implications for the global economy. As we sift through the wild conjectures emerging on Twitter, we'll weigh in on the credibility of these predictions and their potential impact on the banking system.Lastly, we'll share our thoughts on the digitization of everything, contemplating the evolving relationship between technology, finance, and society. Could this be a positive turning point for humanity, or will new challenges arise in this interconnected digital world? Most likely, both!Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and leave us a review. Thank you for listening!Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Shannon Leonard is a creative director, YouTube creator and VR early adopter.Send your questions on Twitter by tagging both @directorleonard and @shannonleonard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com

March 9, 202347 min

Hollywood Director Explains How AI Will Transform Entertainment and Storytelling

Exploring the Power of AI: Hype or Reality? Welcome to another episode of our intergenerational podcast, where we explore the latest trends and innovations in the Metaverse era. In this episode, we're shifting our focus to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and asking the question: is AI all hype, or is it the future of computing?As AI technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, many industries are already benefiting from its capabilities, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and advertising. But is this just a passing trend, or are we truly witnessing the birth of a new era in computing?We'll be discussing the latest developments in generative AI, exploring how it works and the incredible potential it holds for creative industries. And, of course, we'll be mentioning the highly popular ChatGPT!Brett Leonard is a veteran Hollywood film director known for introducing the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture with his hit film Lawnmower Man. Apart from directing many other feature films, he is involved with innovating immersive content production for the emerging virtual mediums of the Metaverse era. Shannon Leonard is a creative producer, YouTube creator, and VR early adopter. Send your questions on Twitter @directorleonard and @shannonleonard. Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatisthemetaverse.substack.com