

The Defiant - DeFi Podcast
Camila Russo
The internet of money is being built with blockchain technology and without banks. We call it DeFi, short for Decentralized Finance, and this is where you can hear the builders and users of this cutting edge world tell their stories first hand. Hosted by Camila Russo.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
May 16, 2025 • 59min
AI Agents, Meme Coins, and a Better Future for Investing: Insights from Shaw Walters
Shaw Walters, Founder of Eliza Labs and creator of an innovative OS for AI agents, shares his insights on the convergence of AI and cryptocurrency. He discusses how AI can enhance collaboration in organizations and transform the investment landscape through decentralized finance. Walters advocates for 'fairer-than-fair' token launches and emphasizes the need for genuine utility over hype. He also explores the challenges of market manipulation and the crucial role of community-driven innovation in shaping a better future for investing.

4 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
The Fight for Digital Privacy Decentralized AI and the Future of Freedom with Patrick Amadon
Patrick Amadon, an artist and digital activist, delves into the critical themes of digital privacy, censorship, and decentralized AI. He discusses how decentralized platforms, like Ethereum, can empower individuals and artists, while exploring the dangers of centralized AI. Amadon emphasizes the importance of digital disobedience in countering authoritarianism and protecting free speech. He highlights the need for innovative solutions to safeguard privacy and argues for a renewed focus on data ownership in the evolving tech landscape.

May 9, 2025 • 1h 7min
Beyond the Hype: Bitcoin, Inflation, and the Future of Crypto with Gus Grillasca
In this engaging discussion, Gus Grillasca, a cypherpunk and artist known for his work with Bitcoin Ordinals and NFTs, dives into the complex interplay between cryptocurrency and global economics. He critiques inflation as banker propaganda and shares his own journey navigating the challenges of finance in Europe as a Mexican artist. Topics include the future of Bitcoin as a treasury asset, the potential of crypto in Latin America, and the risks of meme coins compared to stable investments. Gus also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in fostering blockchain adoption.

May 7, 2025 • 54min
Will Crypto ETFs Transform the Market? Expert Insights from Matt Hougan, Bitwise CIO
In this insightful discussion, Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise and a thought leader in crypto assets, dives into the transformative potential of Bitcoin and crypto ETFs. He analyzes how economic factors like tariffs and interest rates impact the cryptocurrency market, emphasizing Bitcoin's evolution from a risk asset to a safe haven. The conversation also touches on Ethereum ETFs, investor demand influenced by staking, and how index-based investing is reshaping access to digital assets. The future looks bright, with significant growth on the horizon for crypto investments.

Apr 24, 2025 • 50min
Insights on DePIN, Web3 Policy, and More | Amira Valliana from Solana Foundation
Amira Valliana, Head of Deepin at the Solana Foundation, discusses her background in policy from the White House to the blockchain space. She highlights how decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) can revolutionize real-world applications and reshape traditional business models. Valliana explores the intersections of blockchain and policy, the Helium project for improved internet access, and the incredible potential of decentralized AI in overcoming big tech challenges. Tune in for valuable insights into the future of decentralized infrastructure.

Apr 16, 2025 • 58min
Dive Into Lending, Borrowing, and Real World Assets with Maple Finance: Sid Powell
Lending and borrowing onchain has quickly become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing sectors in Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Among the leaders in this space is Maple Finance, a platform that has already facilitated over $800M in assets, showcasing the growing adoption and practicality of tokenized private credit for institutions. By bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems, Maple Finance is demonstrating how institutions can leverage blockchain technology for more efficient and transparent lending solutions.In an insightful conversation, Camila Russo sat down with Maple Finance’s CEO, Sid Powell, to delve into the potential of real-world assets (RWAs) within DeFi, the evolving role of stablecoins in this ecosystem, and strategies to unlock new lending markets onchain. Their discussion highlights the rapid innovations taking place in the DeFi space and sheds light on the future of decentralized credit markets.

Apr 1, 2025 • 55min
Bringing Intellectual Property Onchain with Story Protocol | Jason Zhao
Explore the future of intellectual property on the blockchain in this insightful interview with Jason Zhao. Discover how Story Protocol is revolutionizing the way creators protect, share, and license their work. By bringing IP and copyright onchain, the protocol streamlines the process, ensures compliance with state and national laws, and secures rights in an innovative, transparent manner. Perfect for Web3 creators and blockchain developers ready to push boundaries and unlock new possibilities.Chapters00:00 - Intro: Jason Zhao, Co-founder and Chief Protocol Officer at Story Protocol 00:45 - How Story Protocol is revolutionizing IP management on blockchain 01:16 - Case study: Acquiring Justin Bieber's "Peaches" song rights 02:34 - The vision: Making IP as programmable as stablecoins 05:15 - Jason's background: From AI at DeepMind to blockchain 08:58 - Story's technical architecture: Custom Layer 1 blockchain 11:13 - Proof of Creativity Protocol explained 13:15 - Storing full IP rights and metadata (beyond NFTs) 18:47 - Legal framework and enforceable IP licenses 21:36 - Mainstream IP vs. native Story Protocol IP 24:07 - DeFi integration: Royalties and liquid IP markets 27:31 - How creators monetize their work on Story 29:50 - Tokenomics and the Big Bang staking event 33:51 - Roadmap: IP Portal and future upgrades 37:23 - David Goyer (Dark Knight trilogy) launching new IP on Story 38:28 - Fraud prevention and attestation services 45:02 - Staking mechanics and validator system 49:08 - Meme coins and IP-backed tokens 54:20 - The long-term vision: "HTTP for IP"✨ Check out our new website ✨https://thedefiant.io/🚀 Sign up to our newsletter 🚀https://thedefiant.io/go-premium#pric...🤑 Find DeFi investment opportunities & educational primers herehttps://thedefiant.io/promo?utm_sourc...✊ Follow The DefiantTwitter: / defiantnews Discord: / discord Instagram: / thedefiant.io Telegram: https://t.me/DefiantNews📬 Contact our Newsroomeditorial@thedefiant.io🤝 Sponsorships & Partnershipssponsors@thedefiant.io#TheDefiant #DeFi #Decentralized #Finance #Blockchain #Web3

14 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 59min
How Coinbase is Bridging Bitcoin to DeFi with New OnChain Lending | Will Robinson, VP of Engineering
Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase, shares insights on bridging centralized and decentralized finance. He discusses the launch of Bitcoin-backed USDC loans via Morpho, a game changer for Bitcoin holders seeking liquidity. Robinson introduces cbBTC as a new alternative to WBTC, explaining its advantages and mechanics. He emphasizes the significance of cross-chain interoperability and safety in lending. The conversation also touches on Coinbase's mission to democratize finance and the evolving role of meme coins in the crypto landscape.

11 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 55min
Bill Barhydt: The Next Altcoin Season, $350K Bitcoin & The Future of DeFi Banking
Bill Barhydt, Founder and CEO of Abra, shares his expertise on the crypto landscape, covering macroeconomic influences on Bitcoin and the trend of companies holding it on their balance sheets. He discusses the challenges faced by Ethereum and the future of DeFi, suggesting it may replace traditional banking. Barhydt expresses optimism about upcoming U.S. regulations for stablecoins and digital assets, while predicting Bitcoin could reach $350,000, and highlights the rising interest in alternative cryptocurrencies.

6 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Kain Warwick on Infinex, Synthetix, and the Future of DeFi UX and Stability
Kain Warwick, founder of Synthetix and Infinex, dives into the evolution of decentralized finance. He discusses Infinex’s user-friendly interface that balances accessibility and decentralization. Warwick shares insights on the recent governance changes at Synthetix and the competition with Hyperliquid. He emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity and improved infrastructure to drive DeFi growth. Looking ahead, he hints at future integrations with Bitcoin, XRP, and Doge, while also reflecting on liquidity strategies and the lessons learned from past stablecoin initiatives.