Step inside Episode 5 of GrooveTalk as host and Senior Creative Technologist Doug Hogan sits down with two “Groovy” women shaping the creative engine at Groove Jones: Ashton Kennedy, Head of Production and Partner, and Emily Austin, Head of Recruiting.
In this lively and candid conversation, they reflect on nearly a decade of growth, innovation, and the all-important Groove Jones vibe check. From wrangling VR demo gear through airports to producing holograms for Spirit Halloween and billboards in Times Square, Ashton and Emily share their journeys through an ever changing landscape of immersive tech.
They talk about the pure joy of first-time in VR moments, the magic of watching people experience their creations, and how Groove Jones continues to evolve. The team has gone from early American Horror Story VR scares to today’s web-based and AI-driven experiences. Along the way, they open up about being women in tech, the lessons learned from the road and sea, and why curiosity and collaboration remain the studio’s secret sauce.
Who’s On the Mic
• Doug Hogan – Host and Senior Creative Technologist
• Ashton Kennedy –Head of Production with roots in film, VR, and immersive storytelling
• Emily Austin – Head of Recruiting, culture curator, and keeper of the Groove Jones vibe check
What They Cover
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Origin stories at Groove Jones and how the studio scaled
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The VR wow factor and why it never gets old
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Behind the scenes on American Horror Story VR, Spirit Halloween holograms, and Times Square billboards
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Women in tech and creative leadership at an innovation-focused studio
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What is next for AI, wearables, and XR storytelling
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Life outside the headset and how hobbies recharge creative teams
Key Highlights
• The Groove Jones vibe check and hiring for passion, curiosity, and that creative spark
• Why American Horror Story VR still holds a special place for the team
• Ashton’s hologram work for Spirit Halloween and the thrill of seeing it live in Times Square
• Emily’s quarantine at sea to help deliver a Royal Caribbean VR build during COVID
• How non-traditional backgrounds can thrive in tech-focused roles
• The power of Project Share, an internal showcase inspired by Pixar’s Braintrust
• Real talk on wearables, mixed reality, and practical uses for generative AI
Why It’s Worth Watching
If you want an inside look at how a small, fearless team keeps pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling, Episode 5 delivers inspiration, practical insight, and a lot of heart. Whether you are in tech, production, or simply curious about the future of experiences, this conversation captures the culture, creativity, and camaraderie that make Groove Jones tick.
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