META This!

Hosted by Stefan GuttensohnIn 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 robotsHow robots are being used in manufacturing, architecture, entertainment, and even woodworkingThe economic impact of automation, reshoring, and the flexibility of batch-size-one productionHow sensors, AI, and real-time systems are pushing robotics into new industriesRobot longevity, adaptability, and their role in addressing skilled labor shortagesWhether 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

🎮👗 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 trendHow avatars influence IRL fashion choicesThe importance of authentic brand activation in the MetaverseExamples of companies doing it right—from Dior to Alo to BalenciagaHow Muus Collective is gamifying fashion with its upcoming mobile releaseWhether 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

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 gamesThe importance of System Shock, Turok 3, Doom 64, and Dark ForcesChallenges with IP rights, source code recovery, and legal clearancesWhat makes a game “unplayable” and how modern engines like KEX change thatThe influence of immersive sims on today’s gamesWhy Gen Z gamers care about retro titlesThe cultural and artistic significance of video gamesHow Nightdive fits into Atari’s renewed strategyThe future of classic games in VR and the MetaverseIf 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.

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 outfitsHow kids now prefer their allowance in Robux over real dollarsWhat 3D and VR commerce will mean for brands like Nike and PatagoniaThe myth that AR/VR is required for metaverse engagementThe future of digital assets, ownership, and permanenceThe gamification of shopping and blending of physical/digital goodsAccessibility, community, and identity in online immersive spacesWhy Apple’s Vision Pro and spatial computing signal a paradigm shiftMorgan brings expert insights from both the retail tech space and personal experience navigating virtual worlds for over a decade.

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 protectsWhether your employer can own your inventionThe difference between patent prosecution and litigationWhy a patent doesn't always give you the right to use your inventionInternational patent protection and the PCTPatentability of makeup techniques and other content creator methodsWhat “work for hire” means in a legal contractWhen copyright vs. patent vs. trademark appliesPacked with real-life scenarios and witty banter, this is a valuable listen for startups, creators, and professionals navigating today’s innovation economy.

In Episode 4 of META This!, David Schnider is joined by Justin Hochberg, CEO of Virtual Brand Group, to break down how global franchises like The Voice and Barbie are stepping into the metaverse.They cover:Building a virtual theme park for The Voice in DecentralandDesigning gamified fashion for Barbie in RobloxWhy social interaction—not gaming—is the metaverse’s secret sauceHow loyalty rewards and avatar fashion are reshaping marketingWhat interoperability, user behavior, and Gen Z trends mean for brand strategyThe future of media, identity, and virtual commercePlus, Justin shares upcoming launches and how his team is shaping the next frontier of interactive storytelling.

In Episode 3 of META This!, host David sits down with Jason Fader—senior game developer and CEO of Iocaine Studios—for a deep dive into the Metaverse, its evolving platforms, and the technologies driving its growth. They unpack how platforms like Roblox and VRChat are building digital communities, the future of cross-platform NFTs, and how generative AI is revolutionizing content creation, game development, and user experience design. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, brand strategist, or curious creative, this episode reveals how close we are to designing entire digital worlds through natural language and AI.

In Episode 2 of META This!, host Stefan Guttensohn welcomes Will Wong—serial entrepreneur and general partner at DAP Capital—to break down the core concepts shaping the next evolution of the internet: Web3, blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse. Together, they explore decentralization, digital identity, immersive experiences, and how creators, brands, and users are navigating new opportunities and responsibilities in this rapidly shifting landscape. From NFT art valuation and avatar concerts to smart contracts and gamification, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding the legal, economic, and cultural implications of life in Web3.

In the first episode of Meta This!—a new series from Nolan Heimann’s LOOK.legal podcast—partner David Schnider is joined by Justin Hochberg, CEO of Virtual Brand Group and one of the leading voices in metaverse brand strategy.They dive into what the metaverse actually is (and isn’t), how platforms like Roblox and Fortnite are already shaping culture and commerce, and why decentralization, IP ownership, and user-built experiences are redefining how brands connect with audiences. Hochberg shares behind-the-scenes insights from launching Forever 21 and Barbie into Roblox, and breaks down why challenger brands have a golden opportunity to leap ahead while big players hesitate.From niche subcultures and immersive entertainment to brand protection and digital ownership, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of law, innovation, and the future of digital engagement.🔗 Learn more about Justin and Virtual Brand Group at virtualbrandgroup.com