The World Beyond – Michael Mack and the Emotioneers of Tomorrow

Michael Mack & David Ginnuttis „Man muss nicht mit Ed und Edda aufgewachsen sein, um bei Grand Prix of Europe mitzufiebern. Der Film spricht wirklich jeden an.“ David Ginnuttis ist Creative-Head, Storyteller und Autor bei MACK Magic und einer der kreativen Köpfe hinter dem ersten internationalen Kinofilm des Europa-Park. In dieser Folge von The World Beyond spricht Podcast-Host Michael Mack mit ihm über eines der ambitioniertesten Projekte in der Geschichte des Familienunternehmens. Gemeinsam mit Warner Bros. entstand ein Animationsfilm auf internationalem Top-Niveau, an dem mehrere hundert Menschen weltweit beteiligt waren. Der Film Grand Prix of Europe startet am 24. Juli 2025 in den deutschen Kinos – doch das Abenteuer endet dort nicht: Die Geschichte rund um Ed, Edda & Co. gibt es auch als Comic, Buch, Computerspiel, Tonie-Figur – und natürlich als spektakuläre 3D-Darkride-Attraktion im Europa-Park. Wie schafft es MACK Magic, ein ganzes Universum rund um die Figuren über so viele Medien hinweg nahtlos zu erzählen? Welche Rolle spielen Emotion, Technologie, Musik, KI, echte Menschen und Charakterentwicklung im kreativen Prozess? Und beginnt eine gute Geschichte bei David Ginnuttis klassisch mit Stift und Papier – oder längst komplett digital? Antworten gibt es in dieser Folge von THE WORLD BEYOND. — Ein MACK One Original Podcast.

Marcus Ernst & Brian Schwab “Tangibility was a problem. LEGO is the king of tangibility.” – When Brian Schwab reflects on his work, it’s more than nostalgia, it’s a call to rethink how we design technology. As Head of AI & Creative Technology at LEGO and a veteran of the gaming industry, Brian blends decades of interactive experience with a deep belief in human-centric design. — In this episode of THE WORLD BEYOND, podcast host Marcus Ernst sits down with one of the most thoughtful minds in game design and emerging tech. Brian has worked across major studios, tackled the challenges of spatial computing at Magic Leap and now helps shape the future of play by bringing physical and digital worlds together. — Their conversation explores the emotional depth of interactivity, how generative AI must feel authentic to truly engage us and why sensory memory might be the secret key to better experiences. From the magic of theme parks to the messiness of human behavior, Brian invites us to imagine a future where technology fades into the background and human experience comes first. — This is a story about the power of play, the science behind what feels “real” and the need to reclaim our senses in a world dominated by screens. As Brian puts it: “We can derive meaning and fun from technology if we design it to serve us, not distract us.” — Press play and jump right into THE WORLD BEYOND. — A MACK One Original Podcast.

Marcus Ernst & Nanea Reeves “We can show you your breath like stardust.” – When Nanea Reeves talks about her work, it sounds poetic — but it’s also deeply rooted in cutting-edge technology. As the founder and CEO of TRIPP, Nanea is at the forefront of a revolution that blends immersive virtual reality, emotional wellness and artificial intelligence into one powerful experience. — In this episode of THE WORLD BEYOND, podcast host Marcus Ernst sits down with one of the most innovative voices in tech and mindfulness. Nanea’s career spans leadership roles at giants like Sony PlayStation and Electronic Arts, she has advised Oculus in its early days, and today she leads one of the most talked-about startups in the wellness tech space. Her work at TRIPP earned her the prestigious AUREA Award for Innovation – and even though she’s the cousin of Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves, it’s her own vision and presence that continue to captivate audiences across industries. — Their conversation journeys through the science of VR’s stress-reducing potential, the emotional intelligence of Kōkua — TRIPP’s AI companion — and the urgent need for mental health tools that speak to the unique struggles of young men. But beyond the tech, it’s about trust — between users and machines, between data and integrity, between what feels artificial and what feels real. — This is a story of technology that doesn’t distract, but reconnects. A call for more empathy in innovation. And a vision of digital wellness that’s less about optimization — and more about transformation. As Nanea puts it: “We’re living in one of the most exciting times. The future of emotional well-being is personal, immersive and just beginning.” — Press play and jump right into THE WORLD BEYOND. — A MACK One Original Podcast.

Michael Mack & Patrik Schumacher „THE INTERNET WILL TRANSFORM INTO SPATIAL EXPERIENCES. SO, OF COURSE, WE NEED VIRTUAL CITIES.“ PATRIK SCHUMACHER, CEO OF LEGENDARY ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS AND A TRUE VISIONARY, ENVISIONS A FUTURE WHERE ARCHITECTURE EXISTS IN BOTH THE PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL REALMS. AS THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN THE REAL AND VIRTUAL WORLDS BLUR, URBAN PLANNING MUST UNDERGO A RADICAL TRANSFORMATION. IN THIS EPISODE OF THE WORLD BEYOND, PODCAST HOST MICHAEL MACK SITS DOWN WITH PATRIK SCHUMACHER AT THE AUREA AWARD AT EUROPA-PARK TO DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING TOMORROW’S CITIES: HOW CAN ARCHITECTURE ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY? WHAT ROLE DOES GAMING TECHNOLOGY PLAY IN DESIGNING VIRTUAL CITIES? WHAT POLITICAL DIMENSIONS WILL THE METAVERSE ASSUME? WHAT IS METATOPIA? AND WHY IS COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND INNOVATION? DIVE IN AND DISCOVER WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS! A MACK One Original Podcast.

Michael Mack & Alvin Wang Graylin “I’m not afraid of evil AI; I’m much more afraid of evil people misusing the AI superpowers given to them.” – Alvin Wang Graylin is a true pioneer in the fields of Virtual and Augmented Reality. Over 30 years ago, he recognized that artificial intelligence would play a significant role in shaping the future and transforming our lives. Today, he serves as the Global Vice President of Corporate Development at HTC and is widely regarded as one of the leading experts on the Metaverse and artificial intelligence. His book, „Our Next Reality: How the AI-powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World“, has been recognized by the AUREA community. Join podcast host Michael Mack, CEO of MACK One and Europa Park, in this fascinating conversation recorded live in front of an audience at Studio 78. Together, they discuss the opportunities and risks of an AI-powered Metaverse, the real possibilities it holds for humanity, and the AI technologies waiting just beyond the horizon. TRUE TO THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF THIS YEAR’S AUREA AWARDS, MICHAEL MACK AND HIS GUEST DIVE DEEP INTO SOME OF THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS FACING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: WHAT TOOLS ARE WE CREATING TO EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF STORYTELLERS? HOW WILL AI REDEFINE THE CREATIVE PROCESS IN IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT? AND, AS AI GAINS THE ABILITY TO PRESERVE AND CONTROL OUR NARRATIVES LONG AFTER WE’VE PASSED ON, HOW DO WE REDEFINE OUR OWN MEMENTO MORI? PRESS PLAY AND UNCOVER THE ANSWERS RIGHT HERE ON THE WORLD BEYOND! Ein MACK One Original Podcast.