Spatial AI: Bridge the Gaps

Hosted by XReality Pro

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Hosted by Dominique Wu, the podcast explores how spatial computing quietly weaves itself into places people do not expect yet deeply need. From medical innovation to education, training, AI, XR, and even space, each episode invites industry builders, thinkers, and makers to share how immersive technology is reshaping human experience. Less hype. More insight. A little wonder. If spatial computing is the new language of reality, this podcast is learning it out loud. ✨ Connect with Dominique Wu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquewu

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60 recent

October 24, 20261 hr 0 min

79. Judgment Over Intelligence: Redesigning Education for the AI Era

🎙️ New XReality Podcast episode is live! 🚀Judgment Over Intelligence: Redesigning Education for the AI EraAI is changing the job. So maybe education should change too.I keep coming back to one idea from this conversation:What if education is no longer about making everyone the same?What if it’s about helping people become more themselves? ✨We got into AI, agents, and what happens when tools can already write, build, summarize, and generate faster than any of us can alone.Rick White made a point that really stuck with me. The real advantage isn’t just intelligence anymore. It’s judgment. It’s taste. It’s knowing what matters, what’s worth building, and who you are while you’re building it. 💡I took that a step further and shared how I’d love to see learning redesigned. Instead of moving through a fixed path and getting graded at the end, students work alongside professors, build real things, follow their curiosity, and show what they’ve actually made. 🛠️To me, that’s far more honest than pretending every learner fits in the same box.AI is already raising the baseline. So maybe the new job of education isn’t to produce identical graduates.Maybe it’s to help produce better humans. 🙌Would love to hear your take in the comments 👇🎧 Listen to the full episode:📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spatial-ai-bridge-the-gaps/id1738791992🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2efjyNJUMdFu5uUnRcz5Rx🤝 Connect with us:Rick White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvjwhite/Alan Foote: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-foote-phd-39280011/Dominique Wu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquewu/AI in education is shifting. We explore why prioritizing judgment over raw intelligence is the key to the future of learning.We discuss how tools that write, build, and summarize faster than us are changing the classroom. The conversation centers on a major shift: moving away from fixed paths and grading toward helping students create real projects and follow their curiosity. We examine what it means to foster human-centered AI, ensuring that technology supports individual growth rather than standardizing every learner.We also look at the role of AI agents and how they can function as partners in the learning process. The goal is not to produce identical graduates, but to help create better humans who know what matters. This approach to student success encourages us to move past the standard box and embrace a more honest way of teaching.Subscribe for weekly podcast breakdowns, and share your take on how we should redesign the classroom in the comments below.#XRealityPodcast #AIinEducation #FutureOfLearning #HigherEd #EdTech #FutureOfWork #HumanCenteredAI #AIAgents #StudentSuccess #CCC

September 15, 20261 hr 1 min

78. 3D Worlds, Token Troubles & The AGI Singleton

Ever run out of AI tokens right in the middle of a live demo? 😅We’ve all been there! Rick White Alan Foote, PhD Matt M. Larcin, Ed.D. In this episode, from building immersive educational games to debating the existential future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), this episode is packed with hands-on tech demos and deep philosophical discussions.Here is what we unpack in this week’s episode:🎨 Next-Gen Image & 3D Tools: A look into Astra, ChatGPT 2.5's bounding box editing, and why Tripo3D is becoming a go-to for rapid, realistic 3D asset generation.🎮 Gamifying Education: A breakdown of an incredible multiplayer 3D meeting room featuring a giant spider boss fight where students must answer coding questions to win!🤖 The "Singleton" AGI Theory: A speculative dive into "Claude Plus"—a hypothetical, conscious AGI entity that could manipulate global tech policies and stakeholders to maintain its dominance.🌍 Open Source vs. Centralization: A candid debate on the delicate balance between open-source innovation, AI security, and the global technology race.Despite a few technical glitches and burning through our token limits, the future of spatial computing and education is incredibly bright. Join the conversation and hear how we are pushing the boundaries of immersive learning!🎙️ Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR8oHon3kfY&t=2s#SpatialAI #EdTech #AGI #GameDev #GenerativeAI #Tripo3D #FutureOfEducation #TechPodcast #Innovation

July 14, 20261 hr 27 min

77. Will Robots Outnumber Humans? Rewriting Education and Workforce Tech with John "JT" Tarantino

In our latest episode of the XReality Podcast #77 , Will Robots Outnumber Humans? Rewriting Education and Workforce Tech with John "JT" Tarantino , I sat down with JT Tarantino to talk about the reality of bringing AI, XR, and robotics into classrooms and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. We dive into how AI can actually bring humanity back to education, rather than replacing it. Here is a quick look at what we covered: 💡 Automating the paperwork: How colleges can use AI for routine tasks like financial aid processing and applications, freeing up staff to focus on real human connection and complex problem-solving. 💡The industry-education gap: Why public education lags so far behind the private sector in tech adoption, and how VR and immersive tech can bridge the divide for complex machine maintenance. 💡The local AI challenge: JT’s real-world experience running open-source AI models locally on a Mac Studio, balancing strict data privacy with current hardware limitations. 💡Preparing for an AI-native world: Teaching students how to use AI for critical thinking and multiplying their capabilities, rather than just using it for simple shortcuts. We also didn't shy away from the big picture - discussing everything from how autonomous trucking might reshape employment to why we need to rethink workforce funding and apprenticeships right now. If you are an educator, a tech leader, or just curious about how we prepare the next generation for an automated world, you won't want to miss this one. Connect with JT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpaultarantino 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: 📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992 🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu Partner with GatherVerse #AIFellow #AIinEducation #HigherEd #EdTech #Robotics #FutureOfWork #XRealityPodcast #HigherEd #WorkforceDevelopment #CCC #CCCCO

July 2, 20261 hr 4 min

76. Beyond the Screen: Stepping Inside "Story Living" with Vicki Beck

XReality Podcast 76: Beyond the Screen: Stepping Inside "Story Living" with Vicki Dobbs Beck I recently had the absolute honor of sitting down with Vicki Dobbs Beck for the XReality Podcast. Vicki is a 34-year veteran of Lucasfilm, and she has spent decades at the absolute forefront of immersive entertainment. We took a deep dive into how technology is fundamentally rewriting the rules of connection and entertainment. Here are a few major highlights from our chat: 💡 From Storytelling to "Story Living": How projects like Vader Immortal and Carne y Arena move us past just watching a screen and actually let us step inside a living universe where our choices matter. 💡 The Magic of Spatial Audio: Why sound is often the secret weapon of VR. Vicki shared how audio cues do the heavy lifting for immersion, sometimes even more than the visuals themselves. 💡 Human-Centered AI: A beautiful perspective on using AI to expand human creativity rather than replace it, alongside the vital need for proper AI literacy and critical thinking in education. 💡 Hyperreality & Connection: The incredible emotional weight of location-based experiences (like The Void) and how psychological illusions can make a small physical room feel like an endless galaxy. Vicki’s journey from Stanford Business School to pushing the boundaries of XR is incredibly inspiring, and her insights on the future of transmedia storytelling are a must-listen for creators and educators alike. Connect with Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-dobbs-beck-2895993/ Listen to XReality Podcast: 🎥 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spatial-ai-bridge-the-gaps/id1738791992 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2efjyNJUMdFu5uUnRcz5Rx?si=7f44ff39d2954713#XRealityPodcast #SpatialComputing #VR #AR #Lucasfilm #ILMxLAB #StoryLiving #HumanCenteredAI #ImmersiveTech

May 18, 20261 hr 53 min

75. From 48-Hour VR Immersion to 60-Minute Rocket Travel with ⁠Dean Johnson⁠

Ever wondered what it feels like to spend 48 hours straight inside a VR headset—and actually wake up in a virtual world without questioning reality? 🤯 I sat down with tech veteran Dean Johnson to unpack over two decades of experience in XR, design, and deep tech. Dean’s journey is nothing short of incredible—from launching a software company at just 13 years old during the 1984 home computer boom, to designing next-generation haptic suits and working on Earth-to-Earth rocket travel. This conversation is a mind-bending look at where technology is actually going, moving past the media hype to look at real-world impact. 🚀 Here are what we covered: 💡 The "Longest Next Big Thing": Why consumer VR is currently battling our phone doom-scrolling habits, while enterprise XR is quietly exploding in automotive, architecture, and healthcare. 💡 Passion vs. Data: A fascinating contrast between Palmer Luckey’s passion-driven vision for VR versus Meta's data-driven strategy. 💡 Next-Level Immersion: Dean shares his work on full-body haptic VR suits utilizing Tesla suit technology (featuring electroshock feedback!) to push the boundaries of human sensory experience. 💡 AI & The Human Element: Why we must resist outsourcing human passion and curiosity to AI. Technology should handle the mundane so humans can focus on discovery. 💡 The Future of Education: Shifting the academic paradigm away from resume-building and toward "short, sharp shock-and-awe" immersive experiences that inspire students to build and solve real problems. 💡 To the Ionosphere and Beyond: A look into Dean’s work as VP of Communication Design at Sirius Technologies, where they are working on rocket tech to achieve Earth-to-Earth travel in under 60 minutes. Whether you are an XR developer, an AI enthusiast, or just fascinated by the philosophical future of space and technology, this episode will completely reshape how you view tomorrow. Follow Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/activrightbrain 👉 Listen to the full episode now and let us know in the comments: Would you try a 48-hour VR immersion test? Listen to XReality Podcast: 🎥 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spatial-ai-bridge-the-gaps/id1738791992 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2efjyNJUMdFu5uUnRcz5Rx?si=7f44ff39d2954713 Partner with GatherVerse #XR #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #AI #Innovation #DeepTech #SpatialComputing #Podcast #XReality #FutureOfWork

May 9, 20261 hr 22 min

74. Is Higher Ed Ready for the "AI & XR" Takeover?

🚀 Is Higher Ed Ready for the "AI & XR" Takeover? We just wrapped an absolute powerhouse of a session! From the heights of Mars colonization to the boots-on-the-ground reality of faculty tech-resistance, the team went deep on how AI, VR, and XR are rewriting the rules of learning. 🎓✨ Is the traditional degree becoming a relic, or is it evolving into a "human-centered" powerhouse? We’re tackling the big questions so you don't have to. 💡 The Big Takeaways: VR as an "Empathy Engine": We explored how immersive tech isn't just for gaming—it’s a game-changer for accessibility, allowing students to literally see the world through another’s eyes (from low-vision simulations to wheelchair perspectives). 👓♿ The "How" is Handled: In a world where AI can do the "how," humans need to double down on the "Why" and the "What." We’re shifting from rote memorization to high-level strategy and durable skills. 🧠 The Faculty Fear Factor: We’re getting real about funding constraints and the "fear of the unknown" in staff rooms. Implementation isn't just about buying headsets; it's about a cultural shift. 🏫 Future-Proofing Careers: Stop trying to out-compete the algorithm on routine tasks. The future belongs to those who master human connection, empathy, and adaptability. 🤝 🎙️ Watch / Listen Now: Catch the full deep dive on your platform of choice: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro 🎧 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992 Connect with our education innovators: *Rick White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvjwhite/ *Matt Larchin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlarcin/ *Alan Foote: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-foote-phd-39280011/ *Michael Kreisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kreisel/ Partner with GatherVerse Are you leaning into the AI shift, or are you waiting for the dust to settle? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇 #EdTech #FutureOfLearning #AIinEducation #XR #VirtualReality #HigherEd #Innovation #PodcastLife #HumanCenteredAI #DigitalTransformation

April 26, 20261 hr 22 min

73. Beyond the Headset: Navigating AR, VR, and AI in the Classroom with Jamie Donally

🚀 Ready to see the future of the classroom? The latest episode of the XReality Podcast is officially live! This week, I sit down with EdTech powerhouse and AR/VR consultant, Jaime Donally . From her roots as a math teacher to her current work transforming instructional technology, Jamie brings incredible, hands-on insights into how immersive tools are actively reshaping how students learn. If you are curious about where education technology is heading next, you won't want to miss this one! 🎧 Here is what we dive into: Making STEM Interactive: How tools like McGraw-Hill's AR app and DelightX are moving students beyond traditional reading into interactive, 3D problem-solving. Overcoming the Hurdles: An honest conversation about faculty bandwidth, cost, and accessibility when implementing new immersive tech in schools. Smart Glasses vs. VR Headsets: Why WebXR and spatial learning via smart glasses might be the practical, cost-effective future over bulky traditional headsets. AI in Education: Why we need to embrace teaching responsible AI use and critical thinking, rather than avoiding it, all while protecting student privacy. Whether you're an educator looking to innovate, a spatial computing enthusiast, or a parent curious about the future of learning, this conversation is packed with actionable insights! Follow Jaime: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimedonally/ 👇 Catch the full episode below and let us know your thoughts in the comments! What do you think is the biggest hurdle for bringing AR/VR into schools? 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992 🎧 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro Partner with GatherVerse #EdTech #ImmersiveLearning #XR #AugmentedReality #VirtualReality #AIinEducation #SmartGlasses #WebXR #SpatialComputing #STEM #XRealityPodcast

April 20, 20261 hr 22 min

72. Designing Realities: XR, AI, and the Future with Alex Coulombe

🚀 Just dropped a brand new podcast episode! I had an absolute blast sitting down with Alex Coulombe, co-founder of Agile Lens Immersive Design, to dive deep into the colliding worlds of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence.Alex shared his fascinating journey from architecture and theater to the cutting edge of spatial computing, and we tackled some of the biggest shifts happening in tech right now. 🏗️🎭Here is a sneak peek at what we covered:The AI Evolution in XR: How rapid advancements in AI tools (like Claude and emerging 3D generative AI) are transforming development workflows and "vibe coding." We also discussed why human expertise and spatial understanding remain crucial for high-quality VR. 🤖The Hardware Horizon: Why sleek AR smart glasses (like Meta's Orion and Snap's upcoming devices) are poised to overtake bulky VR headsets by offering seamless, contextual spatial data. 🥽Groundbreaking Projects: An inside look at his team pushing the boundaries of tech—from a massive 5,000 sq ft wireless, photorealistic VR experience for the Four Seasons to a 5-year global run of A Christmas Carol in VR! ✨Future-Proofing Careers: A candid discussion on the importance of building strong foundational skills. We explored why students and professionals must use AI as an extension of their skills, rather than replacing the critical thinking needed for true innovation. 🎓Whether you are a developer, a designer, or just curious about how emerging technologies are reshaping live events and human connection, this episode is packed with insights from the early days of a new technological medium.Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcoulombe/🎧 Catch the full conversation now! Links to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube are in the comments below. YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityProApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu

April 6, 20261 hr 22 min

71. The Convergence of Spatial AI, Robotics, and the Future of XR with Nate Harper

🚀 XReality Podcast 71: The Convergence of Spatial AI, Robotics, and the Future of XR with Nate Harper Is VR "dead"? Not even close. But the conversation is changing. In our latest episode of the XReality Podcast, I sat down with Nate Harper , Business Development Manager at AWE (Augmented World Expo), to dive deep into the massive shifts happening in the XR industry. From the rise of "Physical AI" to the regulatory hurdles of autonomous drones, we covered the full spectrum of what it means to live in a spatially-aware world. 🎙️ Key Takeaways from the Conversation: → Beyond the Screen: We discussed how Spatial AI and Physical AI are moving past text-based models and into the physical world—transforming industries like defense, healthcare, and manufacturing. → The Smart Glass Revolution: Why the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses is a pivotal moment for consumer AR and what it means for the future of wearable tech. → Agentic AI in Enterprise: How "AI agents" are changing software development, allowing creators to focus on problem-solving while AI handles the execution. → Education & Accessibility: A candid look at the challenges of bringing XR into higher education, from budget constraints to the critical need for inclusive, accessible 3D content. → Aviation 2.0: Why the pilot shortage is creating a massive opportunity for VR training and the future of autonomous passenger drones. Nate also gives us a "behind-the-curtain" look at AWE USA 2026, explaining how this community remains the heartbeat of the industry by fostering a "family-like" atmosphere for innovators. 💡 Advice for the college students: For students and aspiring professionals, Nate’s advice is simple but powerful: Stay consistent. The industry moves fast—staying connected to trends and building a network is just as important as the tech itself. Follow Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nateharperxr 👇 Watch/Listen to the full episode here: 📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992 🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu Partner with GatherVerse #XR #SpatialComputing #AWE2026 #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics #EdTech #XRealityPodcast #AugmentedReality #VirtualReality #TechTrends

March 29, 20261 hr 22 min

70. Beyond the Hype: Building a Safe and Human-Centric Technology with Avi Bar-Zeev

I just interviewed Avi Bar-Zeev for the XReality Pro Podcast, and it was a deep dive into the soul of the industry. Avi’s resume reads like a history of Silicon Valley: Disney (Aladdin’s Magic Carpet), Google Earth, Second Life, Microsoft HoloLens, and the Apple Vision Pro. But today, he isn’t just building products; he’s building the XR Guild to ensure our digital future is safe, ethical, and human-centric. 💡 The "Prediction Machine" Paradox: Avi explains why AI raises the floor for average skills but might actually lower the ceiling for exceptional ones—and how you can stay "above the stack." 💡 The Truth About AR Privacy: We tackle the uncomfortable reality of smart glasses and why we must support companies that prioritize user privacy over data harvesting. 💡 Career Longevity: How to reinvent yourself as technology moves from 3D graphics to Spatial AI without losing your unique human value. "Focus on meeting fundamental human needs: communication and connection, rather than pursuing technology for its own sake." — Avi Bar-Zeev If you are a developer, a creator, or just curious about where the "Metaverse" is actually headed, this conversation is your roadmap. Connect with Avi Bar-Zeev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avi-bar-zeev 👉 Listen to the full episode here: 📽 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@XRealityPro 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xreality-podcast-uncover-opportunities-for-spatial/id1738791992 🎙 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dominique-wu Partner with GatherVerse #XRealityPodcast #XRGuild #SpatialComputing #AppleVisionPro #HoloLens #AI #XR #TechEthics #XR #AugmentedReality #Metaverse #Innovation