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  • Brian Schwab, Head of AI & Creative Tech at LEGO: Designing the Future of Play through AI and Tangibility

    Brian Schwab, Head of AI & Creative Tech at LEGO: Designing the Future of Play through AI and Tangibility
    May 23 2025
    “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.
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    58 Min.
  • Nanea Reeves, Founder and CEO of TRIPP: Creating Real Feelings in a Digital World

    Nanea Reeves, Founder and CEO of TRIPP: Creating Real Feelings in a Digital World
    Apr 25 2025
    “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.
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    51 Min.
  • Patrik Schumacher, CEO of Zaha Hadid Architects: Building virtual Mega Cities - the Future of Architecture and Design

    Patrik Schumacher, CEO of Zaha Hadid Architects: Building virtual Mega Cities - the Future of Architecture and Design
    Feb 17 2025
    „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.
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    54 Min.
  • Alvin Wang Graylin, Vice President HTC: „Money will become less and less important in the future“ (AUREA AWARD Special)

    Alvin Wang Graylin, Vice President HTC: „Money will become less and less important in the future“ (AUREA AWARD Special)
    Jan 24 2025
    “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.
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    44 Min.
  • Bernd Bohnert & Lars-Gerrit Hansen: GRAND PRIX EDventure - aus Kinoabenteuer entsteht interaktiver 3D-Darkride

    Bernd Bohnert & Lars-Gerrit Hansen: GRAND PRIX EDventure - aus Kinoabenteuer entsteht interaktiver 3D-Darkride
    Dec 10 2024
    „Wir haben 400 Rechner bei uns stehen, die über ein Jahr lang Tag und Nacht rendern“ - Bernd Bohnert ist Produktionsleiter bei MACK Animation und gibt einen exklusiven Einblick in die Produktionsprozesse des ersten 90-minütigen Kinoabenteuers mit den Europa Park Maskottchen-Stars Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE. Der Kinofilm ist eine Co-Produktion von MACK Magic und Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany und wird verantwortet von Michael Mack. Parallel zum Leinwandabenteuer (ab Sommer 2025 überall im Kino) entsteht in Europas größten Freizeitpark der neue interaktive 3D-Darkride GRAND PRIX EDventure: „Wir bringen Spielspaß und Abenteuer durch modernste Multimedia-Integration und liebevolle thematische Gestaltung auf eine neues Level“, erzählt Lars-Gerrit Hansen über das kommende Highlight im Europa Park. Der Projektleiter der neuen Attraktion gibt hier im Podcast die ersten Details zu Storyline, Technik, Interaktionen und Fahrdauer bekannt. Podcast-Host und Visionär Michael Mack wirft zusammen mit seinen Gästen einen Blick in die Zukunft: An welchen Innovationen arbeiten die Animations- und Ingenieurteams bei diesen Projekten? Vor welchen Herausforderungen stehen sowohl Filmemacher als auch Konstrukteure? In welchen Bereichen arbeiten die Teams von MACK Animation und MACK Magic zusammen? Und wie wird sich die Welt des Entertainments in den nächsten Jahren verändern? Antworten hier im Podcast: THE WORLD BEYOND! -- Ein MACK One Original Podcast.
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    45 Min.
  • Patrick Marx & Lukas Metzger: Voltron Nevera - Blick hinter die Kulissen der „besten neuen Achterbahn der Welt“

    Patrick Marx & Lukas Metzger: Voltron Nevera - Blick hinter die Kulissen der „besten neuen Achterbahn der Welt“
    Nov 12 2024
    „Dass Voltron ein absoluter Kracher wird, war relativ schnell klar – denn das war auch die Anforderung! Eine Anlage in dieser Größenordnung bauen wir nur alle 10 bis 15 Jahre, da muss es einfach sitzen.“ - Patrick Marx, Head of Masterplanning bei MACK One, und Lukas Metzger, Head of Park Operations im Europa Park, sind näher dran an der „besten neuen Achterbahn der Welt“ als jeder andere: Seit der ersten Fahrt vor etwa 6 Monaten hat Voltron Nevera - powered by Rimac - bereits knapp 3 Millionen Menschen durch die Luft gewirbelt. Podcast-Host Michael Mack, Gründer und CEO von MACK One, gibt in dieser Episode von THE WORLD BEYOND einen exklusiven Einblick in dieses Meisterwerk der Ingenieurskunst: Was macht Voltron Nevera so außergewöhnlich erfolgreich? Was sind die physikalischen Limits einer Achterbahn? Wie wird sich der kroatische Themenbereich, dessen Herzstück die Achterbahn ist, in Zukunft weiterentwickeln? Und an welchen innovativen Attraktionen arbeiten die MACK Emotioneers aktuell? Antworten hier im Podcast: THE WORLD BEYOND! -- Ein MACK One Original Podcast.
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    50 Min.
  • Bill McCoy, Head of Make-Up at the Traumatica Horror Festival: “I’m an Engineer of Fear.”

    Bill McCoy, Head of Make-Up at the Traumatica Horror Festival: “I’m an Engineer of Fear.”
    Sep 27 2024
    “Horror is not about the monster. It’s about hope.” - Bill McCoy is a world-renowned make-up artist who has been creating incredible and often terrifying characters for film, TV, and live events for over 25 years. His exceptional work can be seen in major Hollywood productions such as “Stranger Things,” “The Walking Dead,” and many more. Join podcast host Michael Mack, founder and CEO of MACK One, in this thrilling conversation about the psychology of creating fear, the delicate balance between horror and storytelling, and the innovative trends shaping the future of special effects make-up. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into this year’s Traumatica Festival of Fear: “This year, it’s going to be intense; everything has either been upgraded or completely overhauled. The ‘Cinema’ is going to be the fan favorite — I think the scare-factor there is very high. What I want is for Traumatica to become a brand of horror, not just a place you can visit.” Press play and embark on this spine-chilling journey into THE WORLD BEYOND! -- A MACK One Original Podcast.
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    54 Min.
  • Bill Butler, VP of Creative Development at Garner Holt Productions: Mechanically Speaking – It’s All About the Brains

    Bill Butler, VP of Creative Development at Garner Holt Productions: Mechanically Speaking – It’s All About the Brains
    Sep 20 2024
    “The next big change is how we achieve performances for these figures — how we create an experience that feels organic, as if it's happening in real time.” Bill Butler is a brilliant mind in the field of creating and programming hyper-realistic mechatronic puppets (animatronics) controlled by multiple machines to move fluidly. Join podcast host Christina Rees, one of the Emotioneers from MACK Magic, in this deep-dive conversation about a top-secret project for the U.S. Department of Defense, where they built an immersive training space for the Marines (a highly detailed Afghan village), and how innovations are changing the way animatronics are created to look more and more lifelike. “Now we have things that could fit in your pocket, capable of controlling an entire attraction, and that’s been one of the biggest changes.” Press play and dive into a thrilling journey to the world beyond! -- A MACK One Original Podcast.
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    44 Min.