META This!

META This! Ep.9: The Future of Robotics: Insights from Yarek Niedbala of KUKA Robotics

Hosted by Stefan Guttensohn In this expansive episode, we’re joined by Yarek Niedbala, Vice President of Technology Advancement at KUKA Robotics, a global leader in industrial automation. Together with host Stefan Guttensohn, Yarek unpacks what defines a robot, how collaborative robots (co-bots) are disrupting the industry, and how emerging ecosystems are enabling businesses to customize robotic solutions with plug-and-play tools. 🎙 Topics covered: * The difference between industrial, service, and collaborative robots * How robots are being used in manufacturing, architecture, entertainment, and even woodworking * The economic impact of automation, reshoring, and the flexibility of batch-size-one production * How sensors, AI, and real-time systems are pushing robotics into new industries * Robot longevity, adaptability, and their role in addressing skilled labor shortages Whether you're a tech enthusiast, designer, or business owner, this episode provides deep insight into the growing role of robotics in our daily lives. 📍 Guest: Yarek Niedbala – KUKA Robotics

META This! Ep.8: Exploring Digital Fashion in the Metaverse: An Interview with Amber Bezahler of Muus Collective

🎮👗 Fashion, gaming, and the future of digital identity collide in this insightful episode. Amber Bezahler, co-founder and co-CEO of Muus Collective, joins host David Schnider to explore how digital fashion and immersive platforms are shaping the next evolution of ecommerce and self-expression. From Roblox and Fortnite to emerging Web3 ecosystems, Amber unpacks how brands and users alike are redefining identity, style, and social engagement in virtual spaces. 💡 What you’ll learn: * Why digital fashion is more than just a trend * How avatars influence IRL fashion choices * The importance of authentic brand activation in the Metaverse * Examples of companies doing it right—from Dior to Alo to Balenciaga * How Muus Collective is gamifying fashion with its upcoming mobile release Whether you're a brand strategist, gamer, or fashion fan, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how we show up—digitally. 🔗 Learn more: muuscollective.com [https://muuscollective.com/]

META This! Ep.7: Gamers, Heads Up! Nightdive & Atari are Bringing Back Lost Classic Games

In Episode 7 of META This!, host David Schnider is joined by Larry Kuperman, Director of Business Development at Nightdive Studios—now part of Atari—for a deep and engaging conversation about preserving the past to power the future of gaming. Larry walks us through: * How Nightdive identifies, licenses, and remasters classic games * The importance of System Shock, Turok 3, Doom 64, and Dark Forces * Challenges with IP rights, source code recovery, and legal clearances * What makes a game “unplayable” and how modern engines like KEX change that * The influence of immersive sims on today’s games * Why Gen Z gamers care about retro titles * The cultural and artistic significance of video games * How Nightdive fits into Atari’s renewed strategy * The future of classic games in VR and the Metaverse If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring a lost game back from the dead—or why it even matters—this episode will hit home.

META This! Ep.6: Virtual Reality is Where the Young Spend their Time & their Allowance! Fortnite = $3B a Year

In Episode 6 of META This!, host David Schnider welcomes Morgan Linton, CTO and co-founder of Bold Metrics, for a deep dive into how Gen Z is shaping the Metaverse—and spending billions doing it. Topics include: * Why Fortnite generates $3B annually from virtual outfits * How kids now prefer their allowance in Robux over real dollars * What 3D and VR commerce will mean for brands like Nike and Patagonia * The myth that AR/VR is required for metaverse engagement * The future of digital assets, ownership, and permanence * The gamification of shopping and blending of physical/digital goods * Accessibility, community, and identity in online immersive spaces * Why Apple’s Vision Pro and spatial computing signal a paradigm shift Morgan brings expert insights from both the retail tech space and personal experience navigating virtual worlds for over a decade.

Meta This! Ep.5: Does Your Employer Own Your Invention? Take The Quiz

In Episode 5 of META This!, registered patent attorney Adam Diament challenges entertainment attorney Ted Nguyen with a pop quiz on common patent law myths—testing how much even seasoned lawyers know about IP ownership. This episode dives into: * What a utility patent actually protects * Whether your employer can own your invention * The difference between patent prosecution and litigation * Why a patent doesn't always give you the right to use your invention * International patent protection and the PCT * Patentability of makeup techniques and other content creator methods * What “work for hire” means in a legal contract * When copyright vs. patent vs. trademark applies Packed with real-life scenarios and witty banter, this is a valuable listen for startups, creators, and professionals navigating today’s innovation economy.