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

🎮👗 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

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.