New Arc Podcast

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we go deeper on immersive experiences, story, and what physical AI has to understand about the world.Most of today’s immersive rooms still work like modern art: you walk in, lights and projections happen around you, and nothing asks you to come back. Disney is the other model — stories first, then rides, then a universe people return to. We talk about stickiness, liminal space, the Backrooms as a kind of modern mythology, and why an experience has to exchange something with you if it wants to last.From there the conversation turns to robotics. Do machines need a scan of every refrigerator door and every pair of sunglasses, or can they learn the way people do — from a few useful rules about what an object is? That leads into data, compute, house-scale intelligence, Rosie from The Jetsons, and why the useful future may look more like R2-D2 and C-3PO at once: a body that can act, and a presence that can talk.This episode grounds the New Arc vision in story, return visits, and the practical questions of putting intelligent machines into real spaces.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we sit down with Kimate Richards — mechatronic engineer, former AWS strategic architect in spatial computing and embodied AI, university advisor, and founder of 10 Things.Kimate shares how robotics is changing in real time: the steep technical on-ramp that still exists today, why inverse kinematics and low-level systems knowledge may soon recede for most builders, and how generative AI is turning more engineers into idea people while simulation and code generation take on the heavy lift. He talks about education, shifting job paths from computer science into robotics, and why human judgment — especially around testing, failure modes, and what a system is actually for — still matters.We explore the human side of physical AI: how robots could reshape daily life, work, and even expectations of relationships; why consumer robotics needs more than engineering; and how immersive experiences might help people reconnect instead of drifting further into screens. The conversation also touches on responsibility — what we choose to build, and what those machines quietly teach us to expect from each other.This episode grounds the New Arc vision in practical robotics and the human questions that come with putting intelligent machines into real spaces.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Recorded at: Audion in Austin, TXhttps://audionllc.com/Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we sit down with Nate Strayer — writer, director, producer, and founder/CEO of Stray Vista Studios in Dripping Springs, Texas.Nate shares his journey from shooting home movies in Michigan to film school, a COVID-era no-budget feature that launched his career, and building a virtual production studio that’s worked on Super Bowl commercials, major streaming series, and projects with talent like Matthew McConaughey and Dennis Quaid. We explore how virtual production has become a powerful storytelling tool, why Texas is emerging as a serious media hub, and the growing intersection of film, immersive experiences, and technology.The conversation expands into theme parks, dark rides, and the future of physical storytelling — how robotics, virtual production, and intentional design can create experiences that go beyond thrill rides to truly immerse audiences. Nate and the New Arc team dig into the shared goal of making Texas a bigger player in entertainment while fighting for the cool version of the future.A lively, wide-ranging discussion on story, technology, and building the next generation of immersive experiences.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Recorded at: Audion in Austin, TXhttps://audionllc.com/Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we visit HICAM (Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing) in East Austin and sit down with founder & executive director Marcus Metzger and strategic partnerships lead Jamie Harkrider.HICAM is a 501(c) nonprofit advanced manufacturing facility near Tesla’s Gigafactory with a clear mission: become the center of gravity for robotics and embodied AI in Central Texas. Marcus and Jamie walk us through their co-building model (not just co-working), workforce programs with ACC and Tesla, individual and builder memberships, and the growing community of hardware startups and makers already prototyping robots on site.We dig into the flourishing of accessible robotics tools, the power of open-source platforms like Reachy, why naming robots dramatically improves human adoption, the importance of narrative and human-robot interaction, and how Austin is positioning itself as a real hub for physical AI. The conversation also explores the gap between digital and physical systems, first-principles thinking, and what it takes to build a true ecosystem where inventors, operators, and storytellers can collaborate.A grounded, energetic discussion on community, manufacturing, and the people turning robotics ideas into real machines in Texas.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, Joel and Cory dig into one of the most important shifts happening in robotics right now: giving machines real understanding of the world.They break down the recent acquisition of SceniX by World Labs and what it signals about the convergence of simulation, dexterous manipulation, and contextual world models. The conversation explores why navigation alone is no longer enough — robots now need rich environmental understanding, the kind of foundational “ground truth” humans develop in early childhood through play, trial, and physical interaction.From grasping a grape versus a tennis ball, to shifting a robot’s intention from pure manipulation to purposeful action, Joel and Cory examine the gap between knowledge and embodied intelligence. They also touch on the broader implications for immersive experiences, storytelling, and the next generation of human-robot interaction.A grounded, forward-looking discussion on the systems that will let robots not just move through the world — but actually understand it.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we sit down with Winsten Whaley — engineer, inventor, and self-described contrarian thinker with deep experience in manufacturing, automation, and high-stakes industrial environments.What started as a casual debate about the limitations of humanoid robots led Winsten to file (and receive approval for) a patent on a dynamic robotic tail inspired by cheetah biomechanics. He breaks down why tails could solve critical stability and balance issues in real-world conditions — from rubble fields to pitching boat decks — and how biological inspiration can accelerate practical robotics.The conversation explores the challenges of building humanoids for imperfect environments, the power of questioning assumptions, the importance of IP and creative problem-solving, and how engineers and storytellers can collaborate to create more capable, expressive machines. Winsten also shares reflections on persistence, invention, and the deeper meaning behind building technology that serves humanity.A grounded, insightful discussion on the messy realities of robotics innovation and why the best ideas often come from unexpected places.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this fourth episode of the New Arc Podcast, we welcome Dr. Luis Sentis — renowned roboticist, founder of the Human Centered Robotics Laboratory, former DARPA and NASA collaborator, and a pioneer in humanoid robots with over 200 peer-reviewed publications.Luis shares his journey from growing up in post-dictatorship Spain to building humanoids in the U.S., and why he believes robotics must be deeply human-centered. The conversation explores the explosive potential of humanoids in entertainment and branding — from Build-A-Bear style interactive characters to bringing beloved IPs into physical form, democratizing storytelling, and creating immersive, community-driven experiences.We dive into the convergence of robotics, AI, and narrative: emotional connection beyond screens, extending human creativity, community-centered design, empathy training through embodied interaction, and how affordable, expressive humanoids could transform everything from malls and theaters to personal storytelling. Luis also reflects on societal readiness, the importance of clear robotic intent, and building technology that augments rather than replaces human connection.This episode makes a powerful case for robotics as a tool for creativity, empathy, and community — not just capability.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Recorded at: Audion — Austin, TXhttps://audionllc.com/Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Javad Gatabi — entrepreneur, electrical engineer, PhD in materials science & commercialization, and inventor with 13 patents and 50+ technical publications.Javad shares his incredible journey growing up in Iran, stories of hidden gold and cheetahs, and how his passion for measurement led him into the world of advanced sensors. We explore how sensors are the unsung foundation of modern robotics, AI, autonomous systems, electric vehicles, and manufacturing — from basic detection to cutting-edge precision at the nanometer level.He dives into real-world innovation, including developing GPS collars for cheetahs with a custom non-invasive drop-off mechanism, working with Apple, oil & gas, and military applications, and the convergence of hardware, software, and AI that’s powering the next generation of robotics. The conversation also touches on creativity, human advantages, and building technology that serves meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in robotics, sensor technology, AI, and the future of embodied intelligence.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this second full episode of the New Arc Podcast, we shift from the hardware of robotics to the heart of storytelling.We explore the current state of the entertainment industry—its cyclical ebbs and flows, the pessimism around AI disruption and offshoring, and the underlying optimism fueled by technological democratization. We discuss why emotionally resonant, long-form narratives that touch the soul and spark family conversations matter more than short dopamine hits, the power of embodied experiences, and how robotics and AI can revive inspirational, character-driven storytelling. This episode makes the case for technology that serves deeper human connection and calls creators, builders, and investors to help shape the next generation of interactive entertainment—where story comes first.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagner https://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this first full episode of the New Arc Podcast, we dive into the most overlooked piece of robotics and AI — not the brain, but the body.We explore why nonverbal communication, timing, gestures, and movie magic matter more than raw LLM responses, the challenges of the uncanny valley, and how Hollywood storytelling instincts can make robots feel truly alive. We discuss character embodiment, practical categories for robotic characters, and the future of meaningful human-robot connection.This episode lays the groundwork for how New Arc thinks about building the next generation of interactive storytelling — where technology serves narrative, not the other way around.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagner https://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Produced by: New Arc Ventures

In this prologue episode, we pull back the curtain on the vision behind New Arc — exploring the collision of robotics, artificial intelligence, and storytelling.We sit down for an honest conversation about where entertainment, technology, and humanity are heading. We discuss the shift from passive media to interactive, embodied experiences, why storytelling must lead technology rather than the other way around, and how we can build the next generation of immersive worlds without losing what makes us human.This episode sets the foundation for what New Arc is really about: using advanced tools like robotics and AI to create more meaningful, emotionally resonant stories — not just bigger spectacles.CreditsProduced by: New Arc Ventures