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.

© 2025 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.

In this episode of Coffey & Code, host Ashley Coffey sits down with Josh Bankston, Partner at Mace Virtual Labs, for a deep dive into the evolving world of XR—Extended Reality—and how it’s reshaping the future of education, business, and immersive experiences.

With over 13 years in the XR industry, Josh shares powerful insights on the importance of thoughtful product design, why iteration is key to innovation, and how champions inside organizations play a critical role in adopting new technology. From VR-powered training to brand activations that forge direct audience connections, this episode is packed with takeaways for anyone looking to design meaningful, tech-forward experiences.

You’ll also hear about:

Real-world examples of XR in action across industries

The shift toward AI-integrated 3D modeling and development

How immersive tools are changing the way we engage and learn

Why community and collaboration—not gatekeeping—are the heartbeat of the XR movement

If you’re curious about how to leverage XR and AI to design the future of work, learning, and storytelling—this one’s for you.

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.

© 2025 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.

In this episode of Coffey and Code, host Ashley Coffey engages with Dr. Rolando Masís-Obando, a computational neuroscience postdoc at Johns Hopkins University. They discuss the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and ethics, particularly focusing on neuro rights and the implications of brain-computer interfaces. Rolando shares insights from his research, the importance of ethical considerations in technology, and the evolving landscape of neural data privacy. The conversation highlights the need for a human-centered approach in shaping the future of technology and neuroscience, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and interdisciplinary connections.

Want to hear even more? Listen to Dr. Rolando Masis-Obando's Talk on "Should We Fear AI?" at Princeton Research Day, 2023

Chapters

03:15 The Intersection of Neuroscience and Ethics

09:07 Curiosity and the Journey into Neuroscience

15:28 Neuro Rights and Technology

21:39 Protecting Neural Rights in the Digital Age

24:48 The State of Consumer Privacy

26:31 Neuroscience and Technology: Surprising Insights

32:34 Brain-Computer Interfaces: Opportunities and Ethical Concerns

39:30 The Future of Neuroscience and Neuroethics

45:33 The Journey of Innovation and Adaptability

Connect with Dr. Rolando Masis-Obando on Linkedin and follow his research on neuro rights and the future of innovation.

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.

© 2025 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.