Endgame with Amanda Cassatt

Can a digitally native dollar outcompete the systems that built global finance?Sean Neville, Co-Founder of Circle and former President of Circle Financial, unpacks why stablecoins are not just a side note in crypto, they’re the financial infrastructure quietly reshaping global payments, remittances, and even central bank strategy.Together, Sean and Amanda explore how stablecoins are reshaping global finance, from reducing friction in traditional payment systems to creating programmable money with transparency and trust at the core. They dissect the promise of decentralization, the role of regulatory frameworks like the Genius Act, and how Circle’s long-term compliance strategy sets it apart from competitors like Tether. But the conversation doesn’t stop at crypto. Amanda and Sean dive deep into how AI-native institutions are already emerging, why AI agents may soon become primary economic actors, and what the financial world could look like when reliability matters more than cost.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Understanding Stablecoins08:04 Infrastructure and Governance in Stablecoins13:24 The Evolution of Payment Systems16:33 Regulatory Clarity and the Genius Act21:20 Market Dynamics: Circle vs. Tether25:42 The Rise of Stablecoins29:39 AI Native Financial Institutions34:34 The Future of AI in Finance45:59 Navigating the AI Spectrum: Doomers to Bloomers

Do you think UBI is inevitable in an AI-driven world?Martin Köppelmann, co-founder of Gnosis, Gnosis Safe, and Circles, believes Universal Basic Income isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable. In a world where AI disrupts the job market, he says we won’t be able to rely on states or billionaires to deliver it.In this episode, Martin and Amanda unpack what “basic” income should really mean. He argues UBI should be simple, universal, and free from government control, biometric scans, or eligibility checks and believes crypto offers a way for communities to create and distribute money themselves without needing permission from centralized powers.Known for building trusted infrastructure in crypto, Martin has spent the last decade quietly obsessed with another question: how do we fund human dignity from the ground up? This is a conversation about post-AI economics, the limits of state welfare, and why issuing your own money might be the most radical and necessary act of all.TIMESTAMPS00:00 The Future of Universal Basic Income (UBI)05:33 AI's Impact on Job Markets and UBI09:06 The Mechanics of UBI Implementation12:02 Defining Basic Needs for UBI15:33 Funding UBI: Who Pays?18:49 Preventing Inflation and Maintaining Purchasing Power20:20 Managing Scope Creep in UBI Programs23:13 Dependence on UBI and Societal Resilience25:44 Crypto and UBI: A New Economic Model30:40 Circles: A Community-Based Currency System32:57 The Currency Debate: Martin Tokens vs US Dollar38:00 Circles: A New Approach to Currency42:35 WorldCoin vs Circles: A Comparison of UBI Approaches46:54 Decentralized UBI: Empowering Individuals48:22 Circles 2.0: New Features and Future Prospects54:43 AI Doomsday: The Future of Humanity and AIRESOURCESMartin on X: https://x.com/koeppelmann @koeppelmannSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast  Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Could quantum computers destroy Bitcoin?John Lilic, early Ethereum adopter and crypto investor and Stefano Gogioso, quantum computing expert and Oxford lecturer, unpack one of the biggest threats on crypto’s horizon: Q-Day - the moment quantum computers become powerful enough to break the encryption behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the entire blockchain ecosystem.Together with Amanda, they dive deep into what quantum cryptography actually means, why current encryption standards are dangerously outdated, and what crypto needs to do right now to prepare for a post-quantum world. John and Stefano debate how close Q-Day really is, what’s being done (or not) to prevent chaos in the stablecoin and DeFi systems, and why this topic isn’t getting the attention it deserves.TIMESTAMPS00:00 The Threat of Quantum Cryptography05:03 Understanding Quantum Computing and Its Implications10:04 The Race for Quantum Computing Technology14:55 Use Cases and Applications of Quantum Computing19:48 The Preparedness of Blockchain for Quantum Threats28:32 The Quantum Threat to Cryptography31:41 Market Perceptions and Quantum Computing34:55 Valuations in Quantum Computing35:43 Understanding Quantum Progress and Its Implications39:08 The Future of Quantum Cryptography41:38 Innovations in Quantum Cryptography48:12 Preparing for Quantum Risks51:41 Philosophical Implications of Quantum MechanicsRESOURCESJohn & Stefano on X: @LilicJohn & @StefanoGogiosoSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

What if the future of civilization isn’t in fixing our current systems—but starting entirely new ones? Dryden Brown is the co-founder of Praxis, the ambitious project aiming to build a new city-state from the ground up—one that’s already backed by over $500 million in funding. Dryden shares his vision for a modern Atlantis: a society designed as a refuge from AI disruption and bureaucratic gridlock, born from the cracks COVID revealed in our existing cities. Together, Amanda and Dryden unpack what it actually takes to found a new nation. They dive into acceleration zones, AI’s seismic impact on the future of work, and the provocative question of whether heroism means elevating the elite or defending the powerless. At the heart of it all: the urgent need to build communities rooted in shared values, meaning, and resilience. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Founding a New Nation: The Vision Behind Praxis 03:00 Challenges of Nation-Building: Lessons from History 06:04 Acceleration Zones: Redefining Economic Development 08:47 Navigating Bureaucracy: The Role of Innovation 11:55 AI and the Future of Labor: A New Urban Landscape 15:02 Pursuing Meaning in a Post-Work Society 18:00 Sustaining a New Society: Resources and Defense 20:56 The Future of Praxis: Location and Strategic Partnerships 27:37 Building Durable Relationships in Project Development 30:09 Funding and Economic Heft for Praxis 32:42 Community Building and Member Engagement 38:05 Heroism in Modern Society 47:03 The Future of Praxis and Community Growth 51:20 Competition and Collaboration in New Ventures RESOURCES: Dryden on X: https://x.com/drydenwtbrown Praxis Nation on X: https://x.com/PraxisNation Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside. Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer 03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges 06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington 09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics 12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying 15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying 18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space 20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence 29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations 35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto 43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence 49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana 51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and WashingtonRESOURCES:Kristin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDC Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440

What do billion-dollar asset managers really think about your token?Pranav Kanade manages Digital Assets Alpha Fund, an actively managed crypto strategy at VanEck, one of the world’s largest asset managers with over $116B in assets under management. In this episode, Amanda and Pranav unpack how traditional finance approaches the space, how they evaluate projects, what good tokenomics actually look like, and why most founders misunderstand what institutional investors care about.They dive into Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and even a few DePIN projects and dig into why some play well with capital allocators while others don’t stand a chance. Pranav shares what makes a token investable, how he thinks about liquidity, governance, and incentives, and what’s still broken in the DeFi–TradFi bridge.This episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes for a crypto project to earn the attention of a firm like VanEck and reveals how institutions really view the space.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Pranav's Journey from TradFi to Crypto03:04 Defining Good Crypto Investments05:59 The Importance of Tokenomics08:52 Buyback and Burn Mechanisms12:10 The Impact of Financialization on Technology15:01 Strategies for Token Generation Events18:13 Building Trust in Crypto Projects21:06 The Future of Multi-Token ETFs24:08 Exciting Developments in Tokenized Equities29:36 Tesla's Path to Robotaxis31:59 The Role of Centralized Exchanges32:54 User Experience in DeFi vs. TradFi34:32 The Future of Crypto and TradFi Integration38:01 The Ideal End State for Crypto40:15 Predictions in the Crypto Market41:45 AI Agents and Financial Transactions44:28 AI and Crypto Crossover Opportunities47:03 The Future of Stablecoins49:50 The Power Law in Currencies50:52 Quality of People in CryptoRESOURCES Pranav on X: @vaneckpk https://x.com/vaneckpk Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/45B9szUxVXEwfCDA6uRxwq?si=HT9XXqF9Q2CcM9hfLbmkVg Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

George Hotz, a renowned hacker and AI founder, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. He discusses how machines may shift economic value, emphasizing that humans will still hold importance in this new world. Topics include the critique of intellectual property in light of AI abundance, the need for high-skilled immigration to drive growth, and innovative approaches to hiring that prioritize skills over credentials. Hotz also warns against the societal impacts of digital addiction and highlights the importance of adapting to technology’s advancements.

Curtis Yarvin—founder of Urbit, political philosopher and  blogger formerly known as Mencius Moldbug, the man who coined the term “red pill” is known for his influence on thinkers like Peter Thiel and JD Vance. In this episode, he offers a critical analysis of America’s political and economic landscape. He critiques the MAGA movement, exploring the limits of democracy and the rise of oligarchy, the roots of Trump’s tariffs in mercantilist thinking, and the administration’s “vibe governing”.The conversation transitions to cryptocurrency, examining Bitcoin’s evolution, government regulation, and how Urbit could reshape digital identity. Curtis reflects on Urbit’s role in creating autonomous economic identities and the challenges of achieving product-market fit in web3.TIMESTAMPS00:00 The State of America: A Critical Examination07:59 Manufacturing and Economic Policy: A Mercantilist Perspective18:14 Power Dynamics: Authority, Democracy, and Oligarchy34:02 Vibe Governing: The Challenges of Modern Leadership34:53 Mercantilism: Successes and Failures40:41 The Future of Crypto and Bitcoin49:18 Urbit: A New Paradigm for Digital Identity01:08:30 The Vision for Autonomous Economic IdentitiesRESOURCESCurtis on X: https://x.com/curtis_yarvinSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Having access to a bank account is synonymous with human rights.Stani Kulechov is a pioneer in decentralized finance and blockchain technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Avara, the software development company behind DeFi protocol Aave, stablecoin GHO, SocialFi tech stack Lens Chain and Family, the Ethereum wallet. In this episode, he joins Amanda to discuss the evolving dynamics between DeFi, traditional finance, and regulation. They explore Aave’s growth, the decentralization-versus-crentralization debate, and the evolving role of KYC in DeFi. Later, they dive into Ethereum’s technical roadmap in today’s shifting regulatory landscape, the impact of stablecoins, and the urgent need for innovation in crypto. Stani introduces Lens Chain, his latest venture in decentralized social media, and examines how web3 could reshape online interactions. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Understanding DeFi: Access and Opportunity03:13 The Limitations of Traditional Finance08:50 The Evolution and Future of DeFi11:59 Aave's Unique Position in the DeFi Landscape16:39 Building a Profitable DeFi Protocol21:29 Decentralization vs. Centralization in Finance24:02 The Future of KYC and Compliance in DeFi30:26 Ethereum's Technical Roadmap and Community Dynamics37:19 Expanding Aave Beyond Ethereum40:20 The Role of Stablecoins in DeFi45:09 Innovating Wallets for User Experience47:08 Decentralized Social Media: The Lens Protocol51:51 Navigating Politics and Regulation in CryptoRESOURCES:Stani on X: https://x.com@StaniKulechov Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Is Ethereum staying true to its ideals?Ameen Soleimani—founder of SpankChain, summoner of MolochDAO, contributor to Tornado Cash, and now leading 0xbow—has spent years building tools that test the boundaries of decentralization and financial privacy. In this episode, he joins Amanda to explore Ethereum’s shifting values: what’s been preserved, what’s been sacrificed, and what’s at stake as the network grows.They discuss the political and ethical tensions behind privacy tools like Tornado Cash and how Ameen’s latest project, 0xbow, is rethinking privacy for a post-sanctions world. With Privacy Pools, users can prove their funds aren’t linked to illicit activity—offering a new path forward for compliant anonymity onchain.As regulators step in and institutional actors gain influence, this episode asks: Can Ethereum remain neutral? Can it scale without centralizing? And can privacy survive in the spotlight?A direct, unsentimental look at the future of Ethereum—and the values worth fighting for.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Ethereum's Direction and Ideological Shifts05:06 Intellectual Honesty in Blockchain Evaluation11:17 Privacy Tools and the Ethics of Hacking18:01 Privacy in Financial Transactions and Tools22:18 Institutional Influence on Blockchain Development25:10 Balancing Ideals and Reality in Ethereum28:07 The Role of Neutrality in Geopolitical Contracts30:36 Decentralization: Ethereum vs. Other Blockchains35:42 Cultural Capture: The Influence of Ideology44:00 Paths Forward for Ethereum's Culture and LeadershipRESOURCES: Ameen on X: https://x.com/ameensol 0xbow: https://0xbow.io/Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ