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 Aryan Sheikhalian, Head of Research at CMT Digital, a global blockchain and Web3 proprietary trading and venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments that accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology. Together, they dive into what it really takes to build sustainable decentralized systems.What you’ll learn:How Aryan's early exposure to cryptography and Blockchain Research Institute shaped his investment lensWhat CMT Digital looks for in pre-seed and seed-stage startupsWhy Ethereum's shift to a data availability layer could be both a superpower and a challengeWhat modular blockchain design unlocks for institutional adoption and infrastructure composabilityWhy stablecoins are the real killer use case in crypto, and how U.S. policy is accelerating their global reachAnd much more!Aryan Sheikhalian is the Head of Research at CMT Digital, a Chicago-based VC firm backing early-stage blockchain startups. With roots in cryptography, economics, and distributed systems, Aryan brings a pragmatic and research-driven lens to Web3. At CMT Digital, he plays a critical role in sourcing and managing investments while leading research efforts in blockchain technology. Aryan has worked with top blockchain organizations and is deeply involved in fostering the growth of decentralized finance and Web3.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 Marc Tillement, Director of the Pyth Data Association, an independent entity pursuing decentralized financial data distribution through the Pyth Network ecosystem. Together, they explore how Pyth Network aims to transform financial data distribution through its oracle network that serves over 100 blockchains.What you’ll learn:How traditional financial data distribution is controlled by 5-6 companies generating $30B in annual revenueWhy decentralized oracle networks are crucial for bringing real-world data on-chainThe strategic advantage of creating new financial data sources rather than just redistributing existing onesHow Pyth Network engages major trading firms and exchanges as data publishersWhy running an independent app chain enables better oracle service across multiple blockchainsHow privacy concerns are driving innovation in decentralized exchange infrastructureAnd much more! Marc Tillement is the Director of the Pyth Data Association. With vast experience in traditional finance and blockchain technology, Marc leads efforts intended to revolutionize how financial market data is sourced, distributed, and utilized across more than 100 blockchain networks. Under his leadership, Pyth Network has established partnerships with major traditional finance institutions, like CBOE and NYSE, while onboarding over 100 data publishers, including prominent trading firms like Virtu and GTS. Marc brings unique insights on transforming the $30 billion financial data industry through decentralized infrastructure, offering high-frequency, real-time market data feeds to smart contracts across multiple chains.Episode Highlights:[18:21] Revolutionizing Financial Data InfrastructureMarc Tillement explains how Pith Network is creating a universal price layer that powers financial applications across blockchains. The network provides nearly 2,000 price feeds with sub-millisecond refresh rates available permissionlessly on over 100 blockchains. Rather than just sourcing existing data, Pith creates new financial data directly from trading firms and exchanges who generate it. Developers can integrate these price feeds directly into their DeFi applications without intermediaries. The platform's infrastructure-as-code approach allows seamless integration across chains while maintaining data quality and reliability.[26:09] Building a Decentralized Data Publisher Network Trading firms like Virtex, GTS, and Jump Trading have joined Pith as data publishers, contributing their own market data rather than relying on exchanges. This direct-from-source model eliminates the traditional practice of exchanges repackaging and reselling traders' own data back to them. By aggregating data from multiple publishers, Pith can create synthetic asset prices that are decorrelated from any single exchange. The network has onboarded over 100 publishers including major institutions like CBOE and US stock exchanges. Publishers receive token rewards based on data quality and quantity contributed.[39:32] Evolution from Solana Oracle to Multi-Chain PlatformPith began as a Solana-native oracle but evolved to run its own application-specific blockchain for price aggregation. This sovereign chain allows publishers to run validator nodes and produce price proofs that can be verified across any blockchain. The app chain model solved scalability challenges of running directly on Solana while enabling permissionless access across chains. Developers can integrate Pith's price feeds by simply deploying smart contracts that verify proofs from the Pith chain.[49:41] The Future of TradFi on ChainMarc predicts traditional finance will increasingly move on-chain to enable 24/7 markets and trading. This transition may take years but will fundamentally change how financial markets operate. The blockchain industry will likely split between TradFi-oriented chains focused on real-world assets and pure DeFi chains maintaining the original crypto ethos. Privacy tools and technology will become increasingly important as more traditional trading moves on-chain. The key is being early to capitalize on this shift while maintaining decentralization principles.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 Josh McIntyre, Chairperson of the CCE Committee at C4, a non-profit organization advancing the understanding and adoption of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and secure private key management. Together, they explore essential blockchain security practices that both newcomers and veterans often overlook.What you’ll learn:How to evaluate your personal security threat model and build appropriate protection strategiesThe three critical security pillarsWhy complacency is the biggest threat to experienced crypto users and how to combat itHow to implement the urgency-threats-rewards framework to identify social engineering attacksWhy hardware security keys like YubiKey should be deployed in pairs for redundancyHow to maintain security hygiene through regular audits and testing of backup systemsAnd much more!Josh McIntyre is a software engineer at Microsoft and a tech educator at Chaintuts, a comprehensive educational platform demystifying cryptocurrency security for everyone, from curious newcomers to technical professionals. With a rich background in systems engineering and a deep passion for digital sovereignty, Josh has spent years helping individuals better understand how to safeguard their crypto assets. Whether through his hands-on coding tutorials, video content, or his contributions to the Cryptocurrency Certification Consortium, Josh has become a respected voice in promoting practical, real-world crypto security.Episode Highlights:[26:08] The Three Pillars of Crypto Security FrameworkJosh McIntyre outlines three critical components for comprehensive crypto security: social engineering awareness, self-custody practices, and exchange account management. The framework addresses the most common vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency, from phishing attempts to key management, and exchange security. Users must first understand social engineering tactics, as scammers frequently attempt to trick people into revealing keys or sending irreversible transactions. For self-custody, it's essential to properly manage and backup private keys while keeping them inaccessible to attackers. Exchange users need to focus on account hygiene, including strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and ensuring email security matches exchange security levels. [29:45] The UTR (Urgency-Threats-Rewards) Pattern for Detecting ScamsMcIntyre reveals a powerful three-part pattern for identifying social engineering attacks in crypto: urgency, threats, and rewards. The urgency component involves pressuring targets to act quickly without time to think, while threats often include warnings about account closure or loss of funds. Scammers frequently exploit human psychology by offering too-good-to-be-true rewards, such as promises of massive returns or free crypto. Common examples include phishing emails demanding immediate seed phrase verification and investment scams promising unrealistic daily returns. This pattern recognition approach helps users develop an automatic mental filter for detecting potential scams before falling victim.[34:56] Essential Backup Strategies for Crypto AssetsMcIntyre emphasizes that losing a seed phrase is fundamentally different from losing a standard password, as it represents complete and irreversible loss of access to crypto assets. He recommends implementing the "three copies, two different mediums, one off-site" rule for backing up critical data. Users should consider using fire-resistant storage, metal backups, and potentially even bank safety deposit boxes for secure storage. The strategy must account for both physical threats (fire, flood, theft) and access planning for heirs or trusted parties. This comprehensive backup approach ensures resilience against various failure scenarios while maintaining practical accessibility.[46:07] Avoiding the Complacency Trap in Crypto SecurityMcIntyre warns that experienced users often fall victim to security breaches due to complacency rather than lack of knowledge. He advises scheduling regular security audits, at least annually, to review and update security practices as threats evolve. The key is treating security as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time setup, including regular testing of backup systems and verification of access methods. Even security professionals can fall victim to sophisticated attacks, making it crucial to maintain vigilance regardless of experience level. Regular security maintenance helps prevent the gradual erosion of good practices that often leads to compromised assets.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 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