This Week in Startups

Kazakh Bitcoin mining outage, Synthetic actors, Memes + Ben Awad: Gen Z Programming Mentor | E1355

Jan 7, 2022

Ben Awad, a software engineer and popular online creator, joins the discussion to explore the impact of Kazakhstan's internet shutdown on Bitcoin mining, disrupting 15% of the network. The conversation shifts to the amusing world of AI-created actors and deepfakes, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas they present. Ben shares insights on Gen Z's unique career paths in tech and content creation, including his innovative approaches to coding education. The podcast also features a humorous take on memes, blending current events with tech culture.

01:01:36

Creator website

Episode guests

Ben Awad

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Kazakhstan's Internet Shutdown and Bitcoin Mining Impact

2min

Bitcoin Mining and Environmental Challenges

5min

Evolving Cloud Services and the Impact of Bitcoin Policies

4min

DeFi Dangers and AI Impacts

7min

Exploring the Uncanny Valley of Public Figures and Investment Opportunities

3min

Navigating the Digital Frontier

13min

The Rise of Public Building and Gen Z Culture

3min

Innovative Hiring in Tech

18min

10.

Navigating Design Trends in Software Engineering

5min

Jason and Molly cover how 15% of the world’s bitcoin mining network going down when Kazakhstan’s internet was shut off (3:11) and Chainalysis' scam report (12:32). Then they do a "We Live in the Future" segment about AI created actors (16:49) and “Memes of the Week” review of Marc Andreessen's tweets (25:32). Finally, Producer Rachel wraps with an "OK Boomer" interview with YouTube creator and software engineer Ben Awad (38:43).

(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(01:15) A special welcome video for Molly
(03:11) Kazakhstan crypto
(10:42) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(12:32) Chainalysis 2021 Crypto Crime Report
(16:49) WLITF Synthesia replacing cameras with code
(21:06) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(22:26) Possibilities for AI deepfakes
(25:32) Memes of the Week - Marc Andreessen
(34:18) OK Boomer - Producer Rachel introduces the guest
(37:12) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(38:43) Ben Awad Gen Z Programming Mentor

FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/benawad
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.