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

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🚀 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/

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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

🚀 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

🚀 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

🚀 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

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#XR #SpatialComputing #AWE2026 #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics #EdTech #XRealityPodcast #AugmentedReality #VirtualReality #TechTrends

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

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#XRealityPodcast #XRGuild #SpatialComputing #AppleVisionPro #HoloLens #AI #XR #TechEthics #XR #AugmentedReality #Metaverse #Innovation

🎙️ New episode of XReality Podcast #69: When the Audience Is Inside the Film" — with Liz Rosenthal FRSA, Venice Immersive

I had the honor of sitting down with Liz Rosenthal, curator and executive producer of Venice Immersive at the Venice Film Festival, to talk about what happens when storytelling meets spatial media.

Liz has been at the forefront of this space since the early days of digital filmmaking, founding Power to the Pixel and helping build the world's largest annual exhibition for immersive arts and media.

We went deep on:

→ Why the medium should serve the story, not the other way around

→ The difference between traditional film and immersive storytelling

→ How AI tools are changing production — but not replacing the human craft behind it

→ Taiwanese directors pushing the boundaries of spatial cinema (including back-to-back Grand Jury Prize winner Singing Chen)

→ Why embodied experiences in VR engage us in ways flat screens never can

→ The future of higher education, creativity, and human-centered skills in an AI-driven world

One thing that stuck with me: technology should amplify human capacity, not replace it. That's been the throughline of my own work across XReality and the California Community Colleges, and hearing Liz articulate it from the lens of immersive arts was powerful.

Follow Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-rosenthal-frsa-70b8b22/

🎧 Listen to XReality Podcast:

📽 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

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#XRealityAcademy #ImmersiveStorytelling #SpatialComputing #VeniceImmersive #SpatialAI #VR #XR #ImmersiveMedia #AIinCreative #FutureOfFilm #EmbodiedExperience #HigherEducation #HumanCenteredAI #CreativeTechnology #Podcast

Check out XReality Podcast #68. XR Training and Virtual Worlds with Laura Kusumoto

In this episode, we explored the hidden danger of "false training" in VR, where simulations feel productive but actually teach the wrong skills. We discussed how avatar embodiment changes cognitive behavior through the Proteus effect and the guardrails needed when generative AI enters fully immersive spaces. We also tackled how to design XR education that sharpens critical thinking rather than creating passive compliance.

Follow Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakusumoto

Listen to XReality Podcast:

📽 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 #VRTraining #FalseTraining #AvatarLearning #GenerativeAI #EdTech #CriticalThinking #ImmersiveTech #Education