Neon Protocol

About Neon Protocol

"Decoding the systems shaping tomorrow’s tech." A podcast where innovators, engineers, designers, and futurists break down the hidden frameworks behind emerging technology. Each episode explores the systems, ethics, and real‑world impact of AI, XR, automation, and the tools reshaping how we live and work. Smart, curious, and grounded in real conversations—built for people who want to understand not just what’s next, but why it matters. Revolving Members (Alphabetical by Last Name) Gene Feldman — Immersive Training Integration Gene’s focus is on the evolution of extended reality and AI as a usable, durable medium, bringing historical context and practical insight to understand adoption patterns and the integrations needed to make them work at scale. Lucky Gobindram — Kinemeric Lucky works at the intersection of identity, intelligence, and computation. He explores how agentic systems, personalization, and adaptive softwares challenge traditional assumptions about users, ownership, and interaction. Mark Grob — UPS From one of the world’s most complex logistics networks, Mark explores enterprise innovations for physical infrastructure, data, and operational scale intersect. He deploys tech into real world constraints: supply chains, reliability, and execution at global scale. Aditya Mani — Yologram Aditya explores spatial computing, immersive platforms, and the future of presence. His perspective bridges XR, storytelling, and human experience — asking how emerging interfaces change not just what we see, but how we collaborate and remember. Dan Meeks — DEFIANTXR Dan works across simulation, systems design, and immersive technology. He explores how reliability, interoperability, and human‑centered engineering shape the next generation of XR experiences—bridging defense‑grade precision with open‑web creativity. Emma (Middleton) Valdés — Lowercarbon Capital Emma brings a climate forward investment lens to the protocol conversation, connecting deep tech with planetary outcomes. She grounds speculative ideas in material impact — energy, carbon, infrastructure, and the systems required to scale them responsibly. Damon Shackleford — Endeavor B2B Damon brings the growth stage operator view: how emerging tech becomes real revenue, real teams, and real companies. His focus sits squarely on go to market clarity, B2B scale, and the messy middle between vision and performance. Ron Thompson — CAIL Ron brings an entrepreneurial perspective on opportunities with AI and XR — including spatial computing and immersive technologies — along with insights on improving decision making and business outcomes in the enterprise. Mike Vann — Agents of Play Mike operates where creativity meets systems design. He deploys gamification, simulation, and experiential engagement as serious tools for learning, behavior change and business growth — bridging XR, AI and next gen interaction models.

Publisher

Gene Feldman

Category

news · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 May 2026

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Signals From the Summit

   Real time insights from operators, builders, and enterprise leaders who are shaping augmented work. Neon Protocol broadcasts from the floor of the Augments Enterprise Summit in Atlanta, bringing listeners a direct line to the conversations happening behind the scenes. The Neon Protocol team shares what leaders are wrestling with right now, including AI driven workforce augmentation, immersive enablement, and the emerging playbooks that are guiding enterprise adoption. No hype cycles and no staged demos. Just the raw signals, the unexpected tensions, and the breakthroughs that are shaping how augmented work becomes real inside the enterprise. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Ash Gobindram Lucky Gobindram Dan Meeks Ron Thompson Mike Vann

2. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Live System Check V2

   Live System Check V2 takes a fresh look at the signals shaping XR and AI right now. In this episode, we break down the latest headlines, unpack what they actually mean for builders and operators, and cut through the noise to highlight the shifts that matter. We dig into the newest Meta and Muse announcements, explore how these updates fit into the broader spatial ecosystem, and call out the trends that are starting to accelerate. If you want a clear read on where immersive tech is heading next, this system check gives you the pulse. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Lucky Gobindram Mark Grob Dan Meeks Scott Patterson Damon Shackleford Mike Vann

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Adaptive Reality Architects

   How Dauntless XR builds human‑centered immersive systems that evolve with the user. In this episode, the Neon Protocol team sits down with Lori‑Lee Elliott and Sofia Lazaro of Dauntless XR to explore how adaptive XR experiences are reshaping training, collaboration, and human performance. They break down what it means to design immersive environments that respond to people rather than force people to adapt to the technology. From enterprise‑grade XR workflows to the future of avatar‑driven interaction, Lori‑Lee and Sofia share how Dauntless is building tools that make extended reality more intuitive, more accessible, and more human.

4. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Designing Intelligence

   A conversation with Ashwin Gobindram on designing AI systems that move from concept to production — blending product strategy, human‑centered design, and scalable architectures shaped through his work at Kinemeric. Ashwin Gobindram, founder of Kinemeric, joins Neon Protocol to explore how organizations turn AI concepts into production‑ready systems that scale. We dig into why prototypes stall, how product strategy and human‑centered design drive adoption, and the architectural choices that make enterprise AI durable. Ashwin shares practical frameworks from his work helping companies build workflow‑aligned automation, decision intelligence, and responsible AI solutions that deliver real value in real environments. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Lucky Gobindram Dan Meeks Damon Shackleford Ron Thompson Mike Vann

5. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Spatial Systems, Real Futures

   How spatial computing is becoming enterprise infrastructure and a catalyst for workforce transformation through AI‑powered XR training. In this episode, the Neon Protocol team sits down with Geoff Crawford to explore how spatial computing is becoming both enterprise infrastructure and a powerful engine for workforce transformation. Geoff shares how Eight24 Solutions uses AI‑powered XR vocational training to equip underserved individuals with real, job‑ready skills through immersive simulations and comprehensive support. The conversation highlights how thoughtful spatial design can streamline operations, scale training, and expand access to meaningful careers — proving that the future of XR is as much about people as it is about technology. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Dan Meeks Damon Shackleford

6. 

   6 Aug 2026

   Immersive Architects

   Enterprise XR Innovation That Actually Scales Ruslan Kapustin joins Neon Protocol for a deep dive into how emerging technologies truly scale inside enterprise environments — not in theory, not in pitch decks, but in production. With more than 15 years leading global digital transformation across manufacturing, retail, consumer goods, and life sciences, Ruslan specializes in turning AI, XR, and cloud innovation into operational value that survives real-world constraints. In this drop-in session, the Protocol team and Ruslan unpack why so many pilots stall, how to architect solutions that endure, and what leaders must do to bridge strategy, engineering, and adoption. From immersive training and spatial computing to AI-driven workflows and cloud modernization, Ruslan shares the frameworks and patterns that consistently move organizations from “interesting demo” to “measurable impact.” If you’re building, scaling, or championing emerging tech inside an enterprise, this conversation is a blueprint for doing it right — and doing it sustainably. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Dan Meeks Damon Shackleford Ron Thompson

7. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Designing for Presence

   Crafting meaningful, human‑centered XR gaming experiences that prioritize presence, emotion, and connection. In this conversation, Coray Seifert joins Neon Protocol to unpack the art and psychology behind presence in immersive environments. We explore how emotion, pacing, and interaction design come together to create experiences that feel natural and deeply human. Coray shares lessons from years of building narrative‑rich worlds and offers practical guidance for creators looking to elevate their XR work. This episode is all about designing with intention — and building immersive spaces that truly resonate. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Dan Meeks Damon Shackleford Mike Vann

8. 

   13 Jul 2026

   AI Inside Immersive Training

   The practical, measurable side of immersive learning and how XR becomes a true performance tool. This week on Neon Protocol, Sophie Thompson joins us to talk about the real‑world impact of XR for communication, leadership, and soft‑skill development. We dig into how VirtualSpeech blends AI, simulation, and behavioral science to create training that actually sticks. Sophie shares insights on designing for outcomes, building trust with enterprise customers, and the evolving expectations for XR as it moves from “cool demo” to mission‑critical learning infrastructure.

9. 

   7 Jul 2026

   Live System Check V1

   This town hall marks the first step in expanding Neon Protocol beyond interviews and into a more open, collaborative format. This episode is a live pulse‑check with the crew and past guests — a space to surface emerging ideas, debate what’s breaking, and shape where the show goes next. Neon Protocol Live System Check is our first-ever open forum episode — an unscripted town hall with the crew and past guests. We’re using this space to talk through what’s shifting in tech, what’s keeping us curious, and what deserves deeper exploration in future episodes. It’s loose, it’s collaborative, and it’s the start of a new cadence of community-driven conversations.

10. 

    22 Jun 2026

    The Open XR Frontier

    Why the next wave of XR innovation depends on open standards, browser‑based experiences, and a more accessible development ecosystem. WebXR advocate and immersive developer Daniel Meeks joins Neon Protocol to break down the shift from closed XR platforms to open, browser‑native experiences. We explore the technical realities of building for the open web, the lessons he carried over from military simulation, and how interoperability will reshape training, collaboration, and consumer experiences. A forward‑looking conversation about the XR ecosystem we should be building. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Damon Shackleford Mike Vann

11. 

    15 Jun 2026

    Healing in 3D

    Why immersive technology is becoming essential for clinical confidence, patient engagement, and the next generation of care delivery. Tonight on Neon Protocol, Dax Leepart from PICO joins us to unpack how XR is reshaping both sides of the healthcare experience — the clinicians delivering care and the patients receiving it. Dax walks us through how VR simulations are elevating clinical training and workforce readiness, giving teams the ability to rehearse complex scenarios with consistency and confidence. We also explore XR’s growing role in rehabilitation and patient‑centered therapy, where immersive environments can improve motivation, adherence, and outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Dax highlights what healthcare leaders really want to know: how to measure impact, prove ROI, and scale immersive tools responsibly. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Damon Shackleford Lucky Gobindram Ron Thompson

12. 

    1 Jun 2026

    The Hardware Behind the Future

    Why the next era of spatial computing will be defined by the devices we build—and the ecosystems required to support them. Tonight on Neon Protocol, we’re joined by Scott Patterson from Lenovo to explore the hardware realities shaping the future of XR and spatial computing. Scott breaks down the engineering trade offs behind modern headsets, the rise of modular architectures, and the growing demand for devices that can flex across training, collaboration, simulation, and field operations. We dig into how Lenovo thinks about durability, ergonomics, compute distribution, and the long term roadmap for enterprise grade XR. This episode is a deep dive into the physical layer of the future—and why the right hardware unlocks everything else. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Mike Vann Damon Shackleford Lucky Gobindram

13. 

    25 May 2026

    The Human Side of Immersive Tech

    Why immersive environments improve learning, retention, and engagement—and what that means for the future. In this episode, the Protocol team sits down with Bobby Carlton from FS Studios to unpack the psychology behind immersive learning. They explore why XR experiences can accelerate skill development, how companies are using them to solve real‑world problems, and what it takes to design training that actually changes behavior. Bobby offers a grounded, practical look at how immersive tech is evolving—and why it’s not just a trend, but a shift in how humans learn. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Ron Thompson Mike Vann Damon Shackleford Lucky Gobindram

14. 

    18 May 2026

    Designing the Future

    XR, Storytelling, and the Systems Behind Immersive Innovation In this episode of Neon Protocol, our roundtable sits down with Annie Eaton, CEO of Futurus and a leading voice in immersive technology. Together, we explore the real systems behind XR innovation — from the creative frameworks that guide experience design to the operational challenges that determine whether immersive tech truly sticks inside organizations. Annie shares insights from her book, The Extended Reality Blueprint (https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Reality-Blueprint-Demystifying-Production/dp/1394207689/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NQQANQNX3Z6L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DOs-7tv5vHdnoaFPungKZNi2SSQbzxhRcnsHjqI-irwtLCrvwOXDtdDN2rtnubND-eDi1E50xY7FuAlmmRpYG6oUfkMTPg9aNTgRYWYGUIR9sgAj2ENU2oiwLdwoouAjX0s1Nl6ED9hjan6UN_DcZU053ZRlHlWPw_PD9fZ_NRRGnUIylRvmWdnnSHbFFNoIo08B4P-KYQWP2weHdLJH2Llcp29KSyeZNCEr7NnDJQ4.89pyc1UDLeXaR27p3LD0_nGjG08NOOoB0_vj48qT98k&dib_tag=se&keywords=annie+eaton&qid=1779376679&sprefix=annie+eaton%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1), offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at the ideas, lessons, and experiences that shaped her journey as a founder. The conversation dives into the future of spatial computing, the evolving expectations of users, and how organizations can adopt immersive tools in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and human‑centered. If you’re curious about how XR really gets built, how creative and technical teams collaborate, or what’s coming next in immersive tech, this roundtable lights up the grid. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Ron Thompson

15. 

    11 May 2026

    Eyes of a Stranger

    What happens when the future is watching back? In this episode of Neon Protocol, we sit down with Cortney Harding (https://www.amazon.com/Spatial-Race-Prepare-Future-Meta-Physical/dp/B0FJY3PPV5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=347CLNTSRU665&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UlO9DM6xP5WSI7vG2zZn9kDLG1ua-vX8x-nUXXlA-aTx7d0dUKZl-74eX7cm7HD1CxQ35-0Zh_PHQk9n2JzmKg.GoFr5DbL6b3S3Ea3C_Gfxh8cop4z1aAIClgOGL8aSa8&dib_tag=se&keywords=courtney+harding&qid=1779123185&sprefix=courtney+harding%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1) to unpack the quiet rise of AI‑powered smart glasses—and the hidden cost behind their surprisingly low price. Marketed as seamless, helpful, and hands‑free, these devices promise convenience and intelligence at eye level. But what are we really giving up in exchange? Through the lens of “Eyes of a Stranger,” we explore how always‑on wearables blur the boundary between public and private, observer and observed. From ambient recording and invisible data capture to the normalization of surveillance as a lifestyle feature, this conversation digs into what it means to live in a world where seeing is also collecting. Cortney brings clarity to the trade‑offs: why accessibility and affordability often come paired with diminished privacy, how consent becomes murky in shared spaces, and what it means when technology doesn’t just watch the world—but learns from it. This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. Because when intelligence moves from our pockets to our faces, the question isn’t just what can these glasses do? It’s who do they see—and who’s watching through them? Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Mike Vann Damon Shackleford Lucky Gobindram

16. 

    4 May 2026

    Signal vs. Noise: XR and AI

    Welcome to Neon Protocol — the show where we go inside the systems shaping what comes next. Each episode brings together members of the Neon Protocol team and a guest who’s actively building, researching, or governing the technologies transforming our world. Founders, engineers, researchers, policymakers, operators — people who aren’t just imagining the future, but constructing it. Together, we break down what’s working, what’s breaking, and what’s emerging across XR, AI, spatial computing, and the infrastructures that support them. The recurring Neon Protocol members form a multidisciplinary group exploring technology as a living system shaped by culture, constraints, and human behavior. Gene Feldman — XR Gene focuses on the evolution of extended reality and AI as a usable, durable medium, bringing historical context and practical insight into adoption and scale. Lucky Gobindram — Kinemeric Lucky works at the intersection of identity, intelligence, and computation, exploring how agentic systems and adaptive software reshape assumptions about users and interaction. Mark Grob — UPS Mark brings the enterprise‑scale view from one of the world’s most complex logistics networks, translating frontier tech into real‑world constraints, reliability, and operational scale. Aditya Mani — Yologram Aditya explores spatial computing, immersive platforms, and the future of presence — how new interfaces change collaboration, memory, and human experience. Emma (Middleton) Valdés — Lowercarbon Capital Emma connects deep tech with planetary outcomes, grounding speculative ideas in energy, carbon, infrastructure, and responsible scale. Damon Shackleford — Endeavor B2B Damon brings the growth‑stage operator lens: how emerging tech becomes real revenue, real teams, and real companies. Ron Thompson — CAIL Ron brings an entrepreneurial perspective on AI and XR, focusing on decision‑making and business outcomes in the enterprise. Mike Vann — Agents of Play Mike works where creativity meets systems design, using gamification, simulation, and experiential engagement to drive learning and behavior change. In this episode, Dr. Bob Stone joins the conversation for a wide‑open look at the current state of XR and AI. With decades of experience in human factors engineering, simulation science, and applied immersive research, Dr. Stone brings a perspective that cuts through hype and gets to what matters. Together, we explore how XR and AI are evolving in parallel, where they meaningfully intersect, and why human‑centered design remains the anchor point for both. The group digs into today’s spatial computing landscape — validation challenges, adoption friction, and the growing role of AI in shaping workflows, training, and real‑world decision‑making. Neon Protocol Members: Gene Feldman Mark Grob Mike Vann Damon Shackleford

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.