In this episode of TechFirst, host Jon Koetsier welcomes Emmy award-winning XR director Michaela Ternasky-Holland to delve into the world of immersive storytelling through technologies such as virtual reality (VR). Using her VR documentary project, On the Morning You Wake, as a case study, Michaela explains how the deeply immersive nature of VR can change the audience's perception of a global threat - nuclear weapons. She compares the engagement and impact of VR experiences to traditional 2D experiences, highlighting how the narrative and the audience's sense of agency play key roles in creating quality engagement. The discussion further explores the future of immersive storytelling, addressing their potential and challenges in the technology field. 00:01 Introduction and Context 00:34 Guest Introduction: Michaela Ternasky Holland 00:56 The Role of Technology in Storytelling 01:13 Discussing the Project: On the Morning You Wake 05:18 The Impact of VR on Audience Engagement 05:40 Challenges and Solutions in VR Accessibility 08:07 The Emotional Impact of VR Storytelling 10:55 The Future of VR and Storytelling 12:04 The Role of Research in VR Storytelling 19:07 The Intersection of VR and Gaming 21:30 The Ultimate Expression of Storytelling in VR 25:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts