We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Christian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Virtual and augmented reality, collectively known as extended reality (XR), are going to change how we learn and interact in ways that will surprise most people. Learning has evolved from telling stories around the campfire to today’s interactive content via computers. Now, with XR, we are in the computer and our brains are engaged in learning by doing but in a hyper visual way that is beyond reality. Immersive learning has the potential to give us the visuals and techniques that geniuses use to learn and process information. Brace yourselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The company I helped start is called From the Future because we are a group of futurists and problem solvers known for working with cutting edge technology. In the last six years we have been specializing in XR development and products. We started with games and are currently focused on training and education as we feel that is where we can make the biggest, positive impact.

We got where we are today by being curious, honest, and hard working. The journey has not been easy but we haven’t expected it to be. We enjoy challenges, problem solving, and making a difference. We have overcome our obstacles with humor and an attitude of okay, what else can you throw at us?

Our focus has been creating deep and useful immersive learning technology that spans unrivaled technical and creative expertise. We have dived deep into the XR pool and are active in various organizations, speaking, and writing. One of our latest publications is titled How VR Will Revolutionize Training and Education. People can get a free copy from our website https://www.ftfvr.com/ebook/ or buy a copy from Amazon https://tinyurl.com/3usy62y8.

We want the world to know that we change how people learn. Our approach to immersive learning and obtaining skills and knowledge deepens, accelerates, and endures. We face many threats and challenges in our future from viruses, climate change, to how we fundamentally get along with each other. Improved learning can help. Join us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The metroplex, when you include Denton, is a Bermuda triangle of fun and good times. If you love art, food, drink, music, comedy, hiking, motorcycles, and aliens then the area is the place for you to visit. There are too many places to list so I’m just going to mention a few in each category in or near Denton, where I live, that might not be so obvious to most visitors.

Art – I love the local art shows and art hanging in various venues, like the gallery in the Armadillo Ale Works brewery or going to see something truly incredible like Michael Angelo’s “The Torment of Saint Anthony” hanging in the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth.

Food – Food trucks behind East Side in Denton, Barley and Board, The Chestnut Tree, 940 Kitchen & Cocktails,

Drink – A bar and brewery tour would be fun in all three points of the triangle. In Denton you have The Bearded Monk, Denton County Brewing, East Side, Howling Mutt, Barley and Board, Oak St DraftHouse, Harvest House, Wine Squared, and Armadillo Ale Works. End your evening for some prohibition-era cocktails in Paschall Bar.

Music – Dan’s Silver Leaf, Harvest House, Andy’s, and Rubber Gloves

Comedy – Catch or join an open mic at the Denton’s the Bearded Monk or Killer Tacos. Head to the Stomping Ground in Dallas for an improv show or sign up for classes.

Hiking – Denton’s greenbelt or the trails around Lewisville and Grapevine lakes will keep you fit with interesting terrain and sites. Dust off that trail bike for a real challenge.

Motorcycles – By an Indian or Harley in Denton. Ride it down to Strokers or Lee Harvey’s in Dallas for some great motorcycle and people viewing.

Aliens – I have a friend that saw a “delta” type UFO while riding his motorcycle in The Colony. Denton is the location of one of the nation’s first reported UFO sightings. So keep your eyes on the sky (not while driving of course) and try to spot the alien walking around the Denton Square. Is it flat earth guy? Maybe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many many people that have helped me get to where I am from family, friends, teachers, coworkers, writers… the list goes on and on. However, if forced to choose then I will have to say my parents. I was adopted and sometimes I joke that I was raised by milk cows since I spent so much time in the dairy barn. My parents were a stable force in my life and taught many valuable lessons while growing up. The three most fundamental things they did for me was to teach me to work hard, encourage me to read, support my interests in computers, and to love me. They knew when to support me and when to say, “Don’t do that.” That support enabled me to teach myself to program while in high school, earn a double-major degree at OSU, and then go and pursue careers in games and extended reality.

Website: https://www.ftfvr.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-christian-272b4b, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ftfvr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FromtheFutureXR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FromtheFutureXR

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHs80utA0pdwgztScUX9JBw

Other: https://www.ftfvr.com/ebook/

Image Credits
Gina Pratt

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.