The Smart Economy Podcast: Real-World Blockchain Applications with Crypto, DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Sam MacPherson, CEO and co-founder of Phoenix Labs, the R&D company behind the multi-chain DeFi platform Spark.What you’ll learn:How Spark Liquidity Layer helps solve cross-chain fragmentation by automatically deploying capital across multiple L2sWhy the transition from DAI to USDS represents a strategic move to capture mainstream adoptionThe mechanics behind Spark's APY generation through diversified yield sourcesHow institutional adoption is driving DeFi innovation through products like Coinbase's Bitcoin BorrowHow Spark evaluates and onboards new L2 networks based on user metrics and market demandAnd much more!Sam MacPherson is the CEO and co-founder of Phoenix Labs, an R&D group dedicated to building the Spark protocol ecosystem. With over 20 years of software engineering experience spanning video game development and DeFi, Sam joined MakerDAO's protocol engineering team in 2021 during its transition to DAO governance, where he wrote critical smart contracts managing billions in assets. As a key architect of the Spark protocol, which has scaled to $3.6 billion in deployed capital, Sam leads initiatives to solve multi-chain liquidity fragmentation and develop innovative yield-bearing stablecoin solutions.Episode Highlights:[09:30] Stablecoins as Crypto's Killer ProductSam Macpherson explains why stablecoins have emerged as one of crypto's strongest product-market fits, with supply consistently growing through both bull and bear markets. The demand is driven by real utility, particularly in developing nations where people need access to stable USD-denominated stores of value and efficient international transfers. While Tether and Circle dominate the high-liquidity portion of the market, Spark is focused on yield-bearing stablecoins that allow users to earn at least the risk-free rate on idle funds. During bull markets, these yields can reach double-digit percentages, providing significant value to users. This sustainable growth demonstrates how stablecoins solve genuine problems around accessing stable value and generating yields on savings.[16:24] Spark's Automated Capital Allocation SystemThe Spark Liquidity Layer has scaled to $3.6B in just months, becoming the largest on-chain capital allocator by leveraging multiple yield sources. The system automatically deploys capital across lending markets, treasury bills, and exchange funding rates to maximize risk-adjusted returns. Rather than users having to actively manage their positions, Spark handles the complexity of finding and capturing the best yields. This automated approach allows even those unfamiliar with DeFi to earn competitive yields while maintaining the security of their principal. The platform continues expanding its reach, recently adding support for tokenized T-bills through BlackRock, SuperState, and Janus Henderson.[34:38] Making DeFi Accessible Through Sandbox TestingRecognizing that DeFi can be intimidating for newcomers, Spark created a sandbox environment where users can practice with $10,000 in test tokens before risking real money. This approach allows people to familiarize themselves with the platform's features and understand how yield generation works without fear of making costly mistakes. The interface is intentionally simplified to focus on core functionalities like deposits and withdrawals rather than complex trading features. By prioritizing user safety and education, Spark aims to make DeFi yields accessible to mainstream users who may be intimidated by more complex protocols.[37:59] Three-Ring Approach to User AdoptionSpark employs a strategic three-ring model to capture different user segments, from DeFi natives to traditional finance participants. The inner ring serves existing crypto users familiar with decentralized protocols, while the middle ring targets users of centralized platforms through infrastructure partnerships. The outer ring focuses on traditional finance integration through products like ETFs, making yield-bearing stablecoins accessible through familiar investment vehicles. This layered approach allows Spark to meet users at their comfort level while gradually expanding DeFi adoption. The strategy is already showing success, with Spark providing 80% of the capital for Coinbase's Bitcoin borrow product.Previous guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Aaluxx Myth, co-founder of Maya Protocol, a decentralized liquidity solution enabling native L1-to-L1 token swaps.What you’ll learn:How Maya Protocol's approach to cross-chain liquidity differs from THORChainThe real-world impact of crypto in Latin AmericaHow Prop 6 transformed a potential $500M ecosystem collapse into a sustainable recovery solutionWhy pseudonymous founding teams can enhance security and principle-based development in cryptoThe framework for creating sustainable tokenomics that prioritize swap volume over speculative valueHow crisis management in DeFi can be handled transparently through community governanceAnd much more!With a background in software development and startups, Aaluxx leads a team of over 70 engineers and designers, with a core focus on building permissionless financial infrastructure. Known for authoring Proposal 6, which led to the creation of the TCY token, Aaluxx played a pivotal role in resolving the THORChain DeFi ecosystem crisis in early 2024.Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Decentralization as a Tool for PermissionlessnessAlux Smith introduces a crucial perspective on decentralization's role in crypto ecosystems, framing it as a means rather than an end. This insight challenges the common industry obsession with decentralization for its own sake, focusing instead on its practical utility in enabling permissionless systems and self-custody. The approach recognizes that excessive focus on decentralization metrics can distract from the core goal of creating truly accessible financial systems. By prioritizing permissionlessness, protocols can better serve users in regions with restricted financial access while maintaining security and autonomy. This framework has guided Maya Protocol's development, resulting in a more focused and effective system that serves its core mission of enabling trustless cross-chain trading.[12:44] Crypto as an Exit Strategy in Emerging MarketsThe interview reveals how cryptocurrency serves as a vital financial safeguard in Latin American economies, particularly as an "exit plan" for citizens facing potential political instability. Unlike developed markets where crypto is often viewed as a speculative asset, regions with historical monetary instability see it as a practical tool for preserving wealth and maintaining financial mobility. The key advantage lies in crypto's ability to be quickly accessed from anywhere, contrasting with traditional assets like real estate that can be difficult to liquidate during crises. This perspective has driven significant adoption among middle-aged professionals in Mexico who understand the value of having portable, self-custodied wealth. The insight demonstrates how different market contexts create vastly different value propositions for blockchain technology.[27:54] Maya Protocol's Innovation in L1-L1 SwapsAlux details Maya Protocol's architectural approach to cross-chain liquidity, using the Kakao token as an intermediary for efficient asset swaps. Rather than creating direct pairs between all assets (requiring n-factorial pools), the protocol reduces complexity by routing all trades through Kakao, requiring only n pools. This design choice prioritizes liquidity efficiency while avoiding the third-party risk inherent in using stablecoins as intermediaries. The zero-inflation policy and fair launch mechanism have created a more stable system focused on sustainable growth rather than speculative trading. This approach has attracted integration partners who value reliability over short-term price action.[41:14] Crisis Management in DeFi The resolution of the Thorfi crisis through Prop 6 demonstrates a novel approach to handling protocol insolvency without destroying ecosystem value. Instead of liquidating assets at a loss, the solution created a new token (TCY) that entitled holders to a perpetual share of protocol revenues. This approach allowed users to either exit immediately at a discount or maintain exposure to the protocol's recovery. The implementation required extensive coordination and 90,000+ lines of code, but provided a more equitable solution than traditional bankruptcy proceedings. The success of this model offers valuable lessons for other protocols facing similar challenges.Previous guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Ryan Galvankar, the founder of Plaza Finance, a platform built on Base that is specializing in programmable derivatives.What you’ll learn:How traditional finance expertise shaped Plaza's approach to building decentralized derivativesWhy Base was chosen as the L2 solution for Plaza's productsThe mechanics behind bondETH's stable 10% annual yield through quarterly coupon paymentsHow levETH achieves "leverage without liquidation" through self-balancing protocolsWhy institutional adoption of Ethereum continues despite market sentiment fluctuationsThe relationship between bondETH and levETH in creating balanced risk profiles for different investorsHow programmable derivatives can bridge TradFi and DeFi by offering familiar financial productsAnd much more!Ryan Galvankar is the founder of Plaza Finance, a platform built on Base that is specializing in programmable derivatives. With a background in electrical engineering and finance from the University of Pennsylvania, Ryan brings vast traditional finance experience from roles at Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Magnetar Capital, and Atalaya Capital Management, where he focused on structured credit and trading. As Plaza Finance's founder, Ryan is pioneering innovative DeFi solutions that bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology, aiming to minimize liquidation risk in its structured leveraged products bondETH and levETH.Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Bridging DeFi's Risk Spectrum[00:15:24] Understanding Programmable Derivatives[00:36:09] Bond ETH: A Bridge to Conservative Investors[00:46:04]  LevETH: Sustainable Leverage InnovationPrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Gregory Di Prisco, co-founder and Chief Architect at M0, a platform that aims to empower builders of application-specific stablecoins.What you’ll learn:Why the future of stablecoins may lie in modular infrastructure rather than monolithic issuers like Circle and TetherHow M0's extension model enables partners to launch custom stablecoins while abstracting complexityThe key differences between the GENIUS Act and the STABLE ActWhy consumer experience will drive mainstream stablecoin adoptionHow yield distribution and compliance can be modularized through third-party service providersWhy dollar-denominated stablecoins continue to dominate despite macro uncertaintyHow stablecoins could integrate into everyday transactions within five years, largely invisible to end usersAnd much more!With a background in futures trading and involvement in cryptocurrency dating back to 2010, Gregory has held key positions, including Head of Business Development at MakerDAO and co-founder of Distributed Capital, one of the first crypto VCs. His journey from traditional finance to blockchain technology includes supporting ETF development through tools like EtherIndex and significant contributions to the stablecoin ecosystem.Episode Highlights:[00:37:01] User Experience Trumps Technical Details[00:42:45] The Wholesale-Retail Model for Stablecoins[00:51:07] The Future of Stablecoin Adoption[00:25:03] Consumer Demand for Digital CashPrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Paul Neuner,  the Founder and CEO of Telcoin, acompany leveraging blockchain technology to provide low-cost DeFi products for mobile phone users globally.What You’ll Learn:Why state-chartered digital asset banks may offer a more efficient path to crypto adoption than federal chartersHow Telcoin's eUSD differs from traditional stablecoinsThe emerging framework for merchant adoption of digital cash payments that could reduce fees from 3% to under 1%Why upcoming stablecoin legislation in May 2024 could accelerate mainstream crypto adoptionHow telecom companies could play a crucial role in the future of digital identity and financial servicesThe roadmap for connecting 3 billion people to digital cash through local currency integrationWhy institutional adoption and regulatory clarity are positive signals despite retail crypto market sentimentAnd much more!Paul is the Founder and CEO of Telcoin, acompany leveraging blockchain technology to provide low-cost DeFi products for mobile phone users globally. With a vast background in telecommunications fraud and security, Paul founded Mobius Wireless and Sedona before entering the blockchain space. As an innovator in digital banking solutions, Paul has worked closely with Nebraska legislators to establish groundbreaking digital asset banking regulations and is actively involved in shaping federal stablecoin legislation.Episode Highlights:[12:31] Nebraska's Digital Asset Banking Innovation[21:06] Digital Cash vs Stablecoins Evolution[38:01] Two-Phase Payment Strategy[48:10] Regulatory Outlook for 2025Previous guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Alan Orwick,  the CEO of Dominant Strategies, a development entity creating tooling and applications on the Quai Network.What You’ll Learn:Why traditional stablecoins represent an "Achilles heel" for cryptoHow Quai Network's dual-token model (QUAI and QI) creates a complete monetary system with a store of value, medium of exchange, and unit of accountThe surprising environmental benefits of PoW mining, including carbon-negative operations through methane captureWhy PoW can be more scalable than PoS through innovations like proof-of-entry-minimumHow Quai's UTXO-based QI token creates a truly private, cash-like digital currency with fixed denominationsAnd much more!Alan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a degree in Computer Science, where he founded Texas Blockchain, a student club focused on exploring blockchain technology. Following graduation, Alan worked at Apple as a full stack software engineer. Alan is currently driving forward a portfolio of projects, most notably Quai Network.Episode Highlights:[20:50] Stablecoins, Strategic Reserves & US Dominance[25:44] Stablecoin Monopoly and Opportunity for Disruption[35:21] Why QI Is More Than Just a Stablecoin[53:29] PoEM and the Return of Proof of Work[56:49] Dual Token Model: QI and QUAIPrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Ingo Ruebe, the founder of Kilt Protocol, a decentralized digital identity solution serving enterprises, governments, and consumers.What You’ll Learn:Why Web2 identity is fundamentally brokenThe difference between identity and identificationHow W3C standards are reshaping digital credentialsBuilding resilient systems for defense and enterpriseThe power of owning your personal dataBridging traditional industries with blockchain techThe future of AI agent identificationAnd much more!With a background as a computer scientist and former CTO of a major publishing company, Ingo has vast experience across the healthcare, media, and energy sectors. After discovering blockchain technology at South by Southwest in 2015, he founded Kilt Protocol in 2018 to address fundamental issues in Web2 identity systems. His work in developing standardized digital identity solutions through the W3C consortium and the Decentralized Identity Foundation has helped shape industry standards for digital credentials.Episode Highlights:[14:50] The Fundamental Difference Between Identity and Identification[24:48] Blockchain's Three Key Benefits for Identity Systems[38:16] Social KYC: Rethinking Digital Identity Verification [48:18] Preparing Identity Systems for AI AgentsPrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by David Hoffman, the co-founder and host of Bankless, a cryptocurrency media brand and community that focuses on educating and empowering individuals to navigate the decentralized financial landscape.What You’ll Learn:The journey from Ethereum maximalism to broader crypto coverageBuilding a media business while maintaining ethical standardsThe firewall between Bankless Media and Bankless VenturesHow content strategy evolves with shifting market interestsManaging community expectations and misunderstandingsThe differences between crypto Twitter and public perceptionFinding a balance between audience demands and personal interestsWhat really happened with the AICC controversyAnd much more!David is the co-founder and host of Bankless, a cryptocurrency media brand and community that focuses on educating and empowering individuals to navigate the decentralized financial landscape. With deep roots in the Ethereum ecosystem since 2017, he helped build Bankless from a newsletter into a comprehensive media organization that includes podcasting, educational content, and venture capital investments. As a prominent content creator in the blockchain space, David has played a crucial role in making complex blockchain concepts accessible while striving to maintain high ethical standards in the industry.Episode Highlights:[17:57] The Three-Way Content Optimization Framework[25:27] Building a Sustainable For-Profit Crypto Media Business [52:21] The 2:1 Podcast Preparation Rule[35:55] Managing Media and Venture Capital SeparationPrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Patrick Young, Head of Go-to-Market at Galxe, a platform for Web3 community growth and engagement.Join them as they:Delve into Patrick's background in blockchainExplain how Galxe builds and maintains resilient Web3 communities Discuss Galxe's identity solutions, including Galxe Passport and Galxe ScoreExamine the role of Galxe's EarnDrop program in assisting with token distribution and community buildingHighlight the development of Gravity Chain, Galxe’s upcoming L1 blockchainConsider the convergence of blockchain and AI technologiesExplore how blockchain can support different inference layers and serving frameworksDiscuss how Galaxy's suite of products creates an end-to-end lifecycle management system for Web3 projectsAnd much more!Patrick Young is the Head of Go-to-Market at Galxe, a leading platform for Web3 community growth and engagement. With extensive experience in blockchain education and ecosystem development, Patrick helped create one of the first blockchain curricula at Miami University and has been instrumental in shaping community-driven approaches in the Web3 space. His background includes key roles at Block Key Capital, Ledgermatic, and Chainlink Labs, where he helped grow the team from 65 to 700 people while running their Web3 commercial services business. His expertise in bridging traditional institutions with Web3 communities and his involvement in Galxe's forthcoming Gravity blockchain makes him a valuable voice for those interested in the future of decentralized ecosystem development.Episode Highlights:[17:16] Building Effective Web3 Communities Through Quest[28:07] Transforming Token Distribution with EarnDrop[38:00] Galxe's Identity Protocol: The Future of Web3 Authentication[50:14] Gravity Chain: Building the Infrastructure for Web3 ScalePrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

In this episode of The Smart Economy Podcast, host Dylan Grabowski is joined by Joe Doll, general counsel at Magic Eden, a leading cross-chain NFT marketplace.Join them as they discuss:The transformative impact of the new administration's pro-crypto executive orderHow stablecoins could cement U.S. dollar dominanceMagic Eden's journey to becoming the #1 NFT marketplace by users and revenueThe evolution of NFT projects from 2021 to presentThe real story behind Operation Chokepoint 2.0The importance of upcoming stablecoin legislationBuilding regulatory-compliant infrastructure in cryptoHow culture shapes successful Web3 companies And much more!With extensive experience in crypto law spanning eight years, including roles at prominent firm Fenwick & West where he helped launch 40-50+ tokens, Joe brings unique insights into both the technical and regulatory aspects of digital assets. His work with major clients like Coinbase, Kraken, Yuga Labs, and OpenSea, combined with his current role at Magic Eden, provides a comprehensive view of how regulation and innovation intersect in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Intro[04:35] Stablecoins and US Dollar Dominance[08:25] Evolution of Crypto Regulation [17:10] Magic Eden's On-Chain Vision[22:31] Surviving the NFT Bear Market [29:46] NFT Quality: 2021 vs Today[39:54] Magic Eden's Regulatory Approach[48:58] Operation Chokepoint 2.0 ConfirmedPrevious guests include: Rusty Matveev, Chief Strategy Officer at Calaxy; Andrew Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of Censo; Zac Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder of Meanwhile; Jesper Johansen, CEO and Co-Founder of Northstake; Tama Churchouse, COO of Cumberland Labs; Holly Wood of Boson Protocol; Sid Powell of Maple Finance; Chad Barraford of THORChain; and many others.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Laying the Groundwork for a Billion-User Blockchain with Rich Rines, Contributor at Core DAOStaking the Future: From Blockchain Beginnings to Institutional Innovations with Chen Zhuling of RockXThe Unstoppable Nature of Blockchain: A Conversation with Bonart Mati of ObligateAttention all blockchain, crypto, and Web3 professionals! If you're a founder, CEO, or expert doing something innovative in this space, we're interested in speaking to you! Apply to be a guest on our platform and connect with our vibrant community of blockchain professionals:  https://fame.so/nnt-guestThe Smart Economy Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so