Domain Name Wire Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Lars Jensen, CEO of ShortDot, shares insights on expanding into ccTLD management, revealing plans for over 100 new extensions. Paige Howe, a seasoned domain investor, discusses her focus on niche TLDs and the revival of The Domain Show. Grant Polachek updates us on Adam.com's innovative registrar features, including instant transfers tailored for investors. The buzz from NamesCon in Miami is palpable, showcasing the vibrant community and exciting trends in domain investment.

In this conversation, Kevin Doerr, SVP and GM at Squarespace, dives into the company's booming domain business following its acquisition of Google Domains. He explains the transition, highlighting a surge to 10 million domains and the launch of a new reseller API designed for partners. Kevin also discusses evolving pricing strategies, the impact of AI on domain suggestions, and how domain features are tailored for both site-first customers and technical users. Tune in for insights on the future of domains and Squarespace's role in the industry.

Exploring hype vs. reality in web3 and domain names. There’s been a lot more noise lately about web3 and how blockchain can be applied to domain names. Domain investor Shane Cultra is well-versed in this intersection, so I asked him to come on the show to separate hype from reality and to discuss where he […] Post link: What is web3 good for? – DNW Podcast #558 © DomainNameWire.com 2025. This is copyrighted content. Domain Name Wire full-text RSS feeds are made available for personal use only, and may not be published on any site without permission. If you see this message on a website, contact editor (at) domainnamewire.com. Latest domain news at DNW.com: Domain Name Wire.

This week, the host dives into fascinating insights from their domain sales through mid-October. With 27 sales so far, they unpack where and how these domains were sold, revealing tactics like outbound emails that led to a surprising $4,000 deal. New developments in domain marketplaces, including GoDaddy’s premium listings and SnapNames' fresh pricing model, are discussed. The complexities of recent legal disputes over high-value domains also spark intrigue. Plus, get a glimpse into the blend of strategies that drive their diverse sales!

Robbie Birkner, CEO North America for OpusDNS, brings 25 years of domain industry expertise to the discussion. He argues for the urgent need for a new reseller platform to address technical limitations existing players face. Birkner unveils OpusDNS's innovative AI concierge designed to ease migration pain for users. He delves into why agencies and domain investors benefit from reseller platforms, highlighting features like volume discounts and API access. With an emphasis on superior support and a human touch, OpusDNS aims to change the game for domain resellers.

Ben Crawford, CEO of Com Laude and veteran of the domain industry, dives into the company's recent acquisitions, including FairWinds Partners. He shares insights on Com Laude's role as a corporate registrar and its focus on brand protection. Crawford emphasizes the renewed value of dot-brands and how they can enhance security while offering feasibility studies to brands. He also discusses the strategic rationale behind acquiring MarkMonitor and reassures clients about maintaining service quality amid ownership changes. Expect more acquisitions as Com Laude continues its expansion!

David Ciccarelli, a serial entrepreneur and the mind behind Lake.com, dives into the immense value of a great domain. He shares how acquiring Lake.com for over a million dollars transformed his vacation rental business. Listeners learn about the significance of a category-defining domain, negotiation strategies for high-value deals, and the power of branding. David also discusses innovative features like AI-powered searches and a commission model focused on shared success, showcasing how he's redefining the rental landscape.

James Beck, Head of Growth at ENS Labs, dives into the fascinating world of Ethereum Name Service. He explores the evolution of the .eth domain, detailing its utility for wallets, apps, and payments. James explains ENS's governance by a DAO and its funding model. The conversation highlights crucial topics like privacy, digital identity, and the integration of registries with ENS. Listeners will discover the implications of name collisions and the importance of traditional DNS integration for blockchain naming projects.

Michael Rader, a seasoned domain investor and founder of BrandRoot, shares his journey from a DMV employee to a successful brandable domains entrepreneur. He reveals his recent surge in registering nearly 2,000 domains and reflects on the emotional ties to his portfolio. Listeners learn about the evolution of BrandRoot, its sale, and how insights on market trends shape strategic decisions. Rader also introduces tools that streamline domain research, turning laborious tasks into swift processes while discussing effective pricing strategies and transitioning into full-time investing.

Maria Cypher and Laurel Sutton, co-founders of the successful naming agency Catchword, discuss their journey from branding giants like VW and Upwork to the world of domain investing. They dive into the importance of crafting evocative names and the impact of intentional misspellings. The duo shares insights on domain registration strategies and the critical link between brand identity and online presence. They also reflect on a UDRP dispute, offering valuable lessons in ethical domain negotiations.