Coffey & Code

This episode kicks off with a look at the unconventional path of Steve Goodgame, whose journey from agriculture to the Executive Director of the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) proves that the best tech leaders often come from diverse backgrounds. Steve and Ashley discuss the fundamental shift needed in STEM: moving away from "Lego-style" instruction manuals and toward Inquiry-Based Learning. At KIPR, the goal isn't just to build a robot; it’s to build a problem-solver who can handle the frustration of a failing sensor or a bug in the code.

The heart of the technical discussion centers on Botball, KIPR’s flagship program. For the tech crowd, the "hook" here is autonomy. Unlike typical RC-style competitions, Botball robots are fully autonomous, requiring students to write sophisticated code in C, C++, or Java. Steve explains how this creates a high-stakes environment where the robot must "think" for itself on the game board. They also touch on the Junior Botball Challenge, which scales these complex engineering concepts down for younger students without losing the technical rigor.

As the conversation turns toward the future, Ashley and Steve tackle the "elephant in the room": Generative AI. They explore how AI is being integrated into the KIPR ecosystem, not as a way to "cheat," but as a high-level tutor that helps students debug embedded systems and refine their logic. This leads into a preview of the 2026 "Stack Attack" season and the upcoming Global Conference on Educational Robotics (GCER) in Norman, Oklahoma. 

Whether you are a developer, an educator, or a tech enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in how we can use robotics to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution.

Quick Links & Resources

The Organization: KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR)

The Programs: Botball Robotics and the Junior Botball Challenge

The Tech: Virtual Botball Academy (Simulator and Online IDE)

The Event: Global Conference on Educational Robotics (GCER) 2026

EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.
Headshot by Brandlink Media
Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS
Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Coffey & Code, host Ashley Coffey sits down with Jason Marsh — founder and CEO of Flow Immersive— to explore how AI, AR, and spatial computing are transforming the way we visualize and interact with data.
Marsh, a veteran technologist with over 50 years of coding experience and a former Apple engineer, shares how Flow Immersive is replacing 2D slide decks with immersive 3D data stories powered by artificial intelligence. From visualizing Medicare and financial data in augmented reality to powering data storytelling at the United Nations General Assembly, Flow is changing how leaders collaborate, communicate, and make data-driven decisions.
Listeners will learn:
How AI and AR smart glasses create interactive, multi-user data environments.
Why Flow Immersive’s “speak with your data” feature lets users query and visualize information in real time.
The challenges and breakthroughs of building multi-user AI systems for the enterprise.
Why the boardrooms of the future will feature floating, collaborative 3D visualizations instead of flat PowerPoint slides.
How Marsh defines “cool” as mastery and control — the ultimate intersection of human intuition and technology.
Whether you’re curious about the future of spatial computing, AI-driven storytelling, or immersive collaboration, this conversation is a front-row look at how data visualization is evolving from slides to holograms.
🎧 Listen now on Coffey & Code — where technology meets human creativity.

EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.
Headshot by Brandlink Media
Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS
Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author and experience designer Caitlin Krause joins Coffey & Code to unpack digital wellbeing beyond buzzwords: agency over algorithms, the “presence pyramid,” culture cornerstones (dignity, freedom, invention, agency), and practical ways to design for authentic connection in an age of AI, agents, and XR. The conversation spans data ownership, interoperable “internet of agents” ideas like Project NANDA, the loneliness epidemic, and responsible product choices that reduce harm and increase belonging
Episode At A Glance:
Define “digital wellbeing” without the hype: aligning intention and attention; context over one-size-fits-all rules
Agency over algorithms: opting into platforms and practices that honor user choice, not just engagement metrics
Presence Pyramid & somatic awareness: embodied practices that translate across 2D, XR, and spatial environments
Culture Cornerstones: dignity → freedom → invention → agency as a repeatable loop for teams and communities
From silos to interoperability: why open protocols for AI agents matter (e.g., Project NANDA)
Designing for belonging: move beyond performative social to ambient, low-stakes co-presence that reduces loneliness
Safety first: name harms clearly; pair AI with human support paths and mood check-ins after use
Resources Mentioned:
Digital Well-being (book) by Caitlin Krause; also: Designing Wonder, Mindful by Design
Presence Pyramid (framework)
Project NANDA: Networked AI Agents and Decentralized Architecture
Stanford HAI; MIT Media Lab; AR in Action
Research/voices referenced: Esther Perel, Sherry Turkle, Brené Brown, Fei-Fei Li, Ramesh Raskar, David Eagleman
On anthropomorphism of AI (NPR segment)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US)
 

EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.
Headshot by Brandlink Media
Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS
Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Coffey and Code podcast, host Ashley Coffey sits down with Joseph Kirk, a seasoned real estate agent and strategist from Lake Sotheby's International Realty. 
Joseph shares his insights on the importance of aligning technology with business vision, the role of process in achieving efficiency, and how client experience serves as his North Star. Tune in to discover how Joseph leverages technology to enhance client relationships and streamline operations, and learn why he believes in the power of a strong network and the simplicity of going from zero to one. Whether you're in real estate or any other industry, Joseph's approach to innovation and client service offers valuable lessons for all.
Connect with Joseph Kirk on Linkedin

EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.
Headshot by Brandlink Media
Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS
Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Coffey & Code Podcast, host Ashley Coffey sits down with Joe Pace, VP of Corporate Development at ASICS, to dive into the cutting-edge intersection of fitness, innovation, and virtual reality gaming. Joe shares how his journey—from launching a yoga startup to leading corporate ventures—led to the creation of DISC, ASICS’ first-ever virtual reality game, now available on the Meta Quest Store.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The story behind Joe’s transition from a yoga startup founder to leading innovation at ASICS.
How ASICS Ventures explores new digital business models and emerging technologies.
Why community engagement is central to building meaningful and successful products.
How DISC, a VR game blending fitness with e-sports, is reshaping how we think about gaming and wellness.
Joe’s vision for DISC’s evolution, including its potential future in the global e-sports arena.
Key Takeaways:
ASICS is expanding beyond footwear into digital experiences that align with its mission of promoting “a sound mind and a sound body.”
DISC offers an innovative, full-body VR gaming experience designed to get players moving while having fun.
Community feedback through platforms like Discord is driving the next generation of immersive product design.
Corporate venture capital is a powerful tool for established brands to stay ahead in technology and culture.
Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Explore ASICS: https://www.asics.com/
Play DISC (Free Download on Meta Quest Store): https://www.meta.com/experiences/disc/9796932137025973/ 
Join the DISC Community on Discord: https://disc.asics.com/
 

EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced and edited by Ashley Coffey. Cover art designed by Ashley Coffey.
Headshot by Brandlink Media
Introduction music composed and produced by Ashley Coffey

LINKS
Follow Coffey & Code on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube for the latest emerging tech updates! Subscribe to the Coffey & Code Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to be notified when new episodes go live.

© 2026 Coffey & Code Podcast. All rights reserved. The content of this podcast, including but not limited to text, graphics, audio, and images, is the property of Ashley Coffey and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without the express written consent of the owner.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.