

Around The Coin
Stephen Sargeant and Mike Townsend
Around The Coin is a podcast exploring finance, fintech, and the future of money. Hosted by industry experts, it features deep dives into payments, crypto, banking, and disruptive innovations shaping the global economy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 15, 2024 • 60min
Can AI Transform the Hiring Process? - Adam Jackson | ATC #512
In this episode of the Around The Coin Podcast, host Stephen Sargeant engages in a deep dive with Adam Jackson, CEO of Braintrust, discussing the transformative impact of AI on the recruitment industry. They explore Braintrust's AI recruiter 'Braintrust AIR', which optimizes the hiring process by efficiently sifting through applicants and conducting video interviews, all while ensuring regulatory compliance and using AI to enhance the recruiters' capabilities. The discussion also touches on the challenges in the current recruitment landscape, the emergence of remote work, and insights into becoming more efficient with AI in the hiring process. Moreover, they delve into the broader implications of AI and remote work on future employment trends, the tech industry's mass layoffs, and the principles guiding successful entrepreneurship in the tech space.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumXFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloudCheck out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

May 8, 2024 • 55min
How will Crypto impact the Financial Equality? - Charles Hoskinson | ATC #511
In this in-depth interview, host Stephen Sargeant talks to Charles Hoskinson, CEO & Founder of Input Output Global, shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics beyond just blockchain and cryptocurrency. He discusses his investments in groundbreaking projects like bringing back the woolly mammoth and his approach to business across different industries. The conversation also delves into how blockchain can serve underbanked populations, the importance of decentralization, and insights into his ventures in synthetic biology and construction. Additionally, Hoskinson shares updates on Cardano, including his excitement about governance on the platform, and touches on broader interests like anti-aging research and creating glow-in-the-dark plants. The talk offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a key figure in the crypto space, showcasing his deep thought processes and the wide array of initiatives he is involved in.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumXFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

May 1, 2024 • 54min
How Decentralized Exchanges Benefit Everyone? - Sunny Aggarwal | ATC #510
In this episode of the Around The Coin podcast, host Stephen Sargeant engages in a comprehensive conversation with Sunny Aggarwal, co-founder of Osmosis, about his journey in the cryptocurrency space, the inception of Osmosis, and the broader developments within the Cosmos ecosystem. Sunny shares his background, from being a student at Berkeley interested in Bitcoin to dropping out and dedicating his career to cryptocurrency, specifically working with Cosmos and Osmosis. He discusses the evolution of blockchain education, the significance of decentralized finance (DeFi), the concept of app-chains, and the unique functionalities of Osmosis as a decentralized exchange (DEX). Furthermore, Sunny explains the innovative features of the Cosmos ecosystem, such as IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) and Mesh Security, and touches on future focuses including the Bitcoin renaissance, improving user experience in crypto onboarding, and enhancing privacy in DeFi. The conversation also delves into the importance of learning Rust for blockchain development, and Sunny's perspectives on Bitcoin Spot ETFs, privacy in the digital age, and the mission behind building a decentralized equivalent to Coinbase.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumXFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloudCheck out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Apr 24, 2024 • 54min
Building a Better Financial System with Crypto - Farzam Ehsani | ATC #509
In this episode of Around The Coin Podcast, host Stephen Sargeant engages with Farzam Ehsani, CEO and co-founder of VALR, one of Africa's largest crypto exchanges. Farzam shares in-depth insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of operating a crypto exchange in Africa, emphasizing the importance of trust, regulatory clarity, and operating within legal boundaries while still pushing technological innovations. He recounts his journey from skepticism to embracing the potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency, and his pivot from a traditional finance background to co-founding VALR in 2018. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of cryptocurrency for financial inclusivity and the evolving landscape of global finance. Farzam discusses regulatory hurdles in Africa and other regions, the potential of AI and blockchain, and the importance of ethical practices and customer protection in the crypto industry. The dialogue highlights VALR's future plans for expansion, innovation, and contributing to a more inclusive financial system worldwide.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumXFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloudCheck out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Apr 17, 2024 • 53min
Fighting Cybercrime with Crypto Asset Recovery Tools - Lili Infante| ATC #508
Join host Stephen Sargeant in a captivating discussion with Lily Infante, CEO of CAT Labs, on battling dark web crimes and the impact of blockchain on law enforcement. Explore her innovative investigative techniques, insights on asset recovery in the crypto space, and the significance of supporting women in technology and entrepreneurship. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersections of crypto, law enforcement, and entrepreneurship through the eyes of a seasoned expert.

Apr 10, 2024 • 54min
Blockchain for the Masses: Mission Possible? - Nick Mussallem | ATC #507
This comprehensive podcast conversation between the host Stephen Sargeant and Nick Mussallem, the Head of Product at Ava Labs, covers a broad range of critical perspectives on blockchain technology's evolution. The discussion delves into Ava Labs' revolutionary product, Ava Cloud, challenges of banking the underbanked, and how blockchain can integrate with traditional Web 2.0 companies. Also, it investigates the intricate layers of blockchain ecosystem, the role of Ava Labs, importance of communities in blockchain development, and the potential of AI in this field. This engaging dialogue provides an enlightening understanding of the current landscape and future of blockchain.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastStitcherSpotifyGoogle PodcastPlayer FMQuoraMediumTwitterFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloudCheck out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Apr 3, 2024 • 48min
How is Crypto Being Regulated Around the World? - Denisse Rudich| ATC #506
Join Stephen Sargeant for an insightful episode of the Around The Coin Podcast featuring special guest, Denisse Rudich. Denisse is the Founder and CEO of Rudich Advisory and COO of ElementaryB. She shares details of her career journey, her insights into technological changes in the financial sector, and her latest innovative projects. Denisse also discusses topics like the impact of sanctions on financial profit, working in a business with a family member, cryptocurrency regulations in the EU, open banking in Canada, and the role of influencers in politics.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastStitcherSpotifyGoogle PodcastPlayer FMQuoraMediumXFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud

Mar 27, 2024 • 56min
How AI & Crypto Combine for Innovation - Niraj Pant | ATC #505
In this episode of Around The Coin, host Stephen Sargeant interviews Niraj Pant, co-founder of Ritual. They explore the intersection of AI, cryptocurrency, and blockchain, and how these technologies come together to solve problems and create innovative solutions. Through the conversation, Niraj talks about his journey into the world of cryptography and blockchain, and his experience co-founding Ritual. He gives an overview of what Ritual is and its mission to bring decentralized AI into the world. As they discuss the current state of the art in AI and blockchain, Niraj gives his insights on the future of these fields, the role of memes in the crypto culture, and what it takes to be a successful founder and attract investors in a bear market.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastStitcherSpotifyGoogle PodcastPlayer FMQuoraMediumTwitterFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 13min
Is Web3 the Future of Social Media? - Ray Chan| ATC #504
In this enlightening episode, our host Stephen Sargent has an engaging conversation with Ray Chan, the CEO, and co-founder of 9GAG, a widely popular platform for sharing memes. Now he's bringing us Memeland, a project in the Web3 space. This interview dives deep into the corners of building social media platforms in the age of Web3, exploring Ray's vision for the future of tech, content creation, and the importance of community in the growth of a platform. From the early days of 9GAG to the exploration of cryptocurrency and blockchain as Ray delves into the Web3 ecosystem, this episode is chock-full of insights for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolution of the digital world.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastStitcherSpotifyGoogle PodcastPlayer FMQuoraMediumTwitterFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud

Mar 13, 2024 • 52min
How Can FinTech Revolutionize Small Business Finance? - Zaid Rahman | ATC #503
In this episode of the Around The Coin Podcast, host Stephen Sargeant interviews Zaid Rahman, the Founder and CEO of Flex. They discuss Zaid's experiences with his multiple ventures and his unique insights as an entrepreneur and investor. The conversation takes a deep dive into the functionality and impact of Flex, an all-in-one finance platform transforming the way small businesses manage and understand their finances. They also touch on crucial topics such as fintech trends, negotiation strategies in business, the intersection of AI and machine learning in business management, and the power of persistence in entrepreneurship.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastStitcherSpotifyGoogle PodcastPlayer FMQuoraMediumTwitterFacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud