The Brave Technologist

Austin Campbell, Managing Partner at Zero Knowledge Consulting, and Adam Zarazinski, CEO at Inca Digital, explore the Genius Bill and its potential to revolutionize the stablecoin landscape. They discuss the many changes with the current government, including regulations and compliance, along with how this new legislative proposal could drive innovation and widespread adoption of stablecoins. Key Takeaways:  Why the Genius Bill matters, and its potential impact on stablecoin adoption New compliance experiments and why the traditional approach is dead The brain drain of crypto experts within banking The need for innovation and technological transformation in traditional finance Guest Bio: Austin Campbell is the managing partner and founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting, and an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. Previously, he ran the stablecoin platform and portfolio management at Paxos, and was the chief risk officer of Paxos National Trust. Austin has managed fixed income trading desks at JP Morgan and Citi covering >$100B of cash derivatives, and has been a portfolio manager and structurer at Stone Ridge, the parent of NYDIG. He holds a BS in Mathematics from CSU Chico, and an MBA from NYU Stern. Adam Zarazinski is the CEO of Inca Digital, a fintech company that provides data and analytics on the digital asset ecosystem to government agencies and financial institutions using natural language processing and LLMs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Ryan Rugg, Global Head of Digital Assets for Citibank’s Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS), discusses their approach to integrating Web 2.0 and 3.0. She shares insights on Citi Token Service, a new solution designed to provide 24/7 liquidity and borderless transactions, and explains how it simplifies user experience by obfuscating blockchain complexity. Key Takeaways:  The future potential of digital assets and blockchain technology in transforming financial services and enabling faster, more efficient transactions globally The importance of regulatory compliance and collaboration with regulators to ensure responsible innovation The value of daily standups in driving agile development Mutual learning opportunities between traditional finance institutions and Web 3.0 projects Guest Bio: Ryan Hugg is the Global Head of Digital Assets for Citibank’s Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS), helping clients streamline treasury, payments, and commerce. She recently led the launch of Citi Token Services, a blockchain-based solution enabling 24/7 liquidity transfers and integrating tokenized deposits and smart contracts into Citi’s global network. Previously, Ryan led IBM’s Americas blockchain team, advising clients on tokenization, identity, and sustainability strategies. Her team helped launch New York’s Excelsior Pass, a digital health wallet used by millions, now serving as a model for other credential systems. A passionate advocate for diversity in leadership, she has led multiple initiatives to advance female representation, and mentors emerging leaders toward executive roles. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Marc Vanlerberghe, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at The Algorand Foundation, dives into the exciting world of blockchain adoption. He shares Algorand's unique approaches to decentralization and how it's gearing up for billions of users and AI interactions on-chain. The discussion highlights the game-changing concept of agent commerce, emphasizing user-first strategies for real-world applications. Marc also reveals Algorand's roadmap for mainstream adoption and a new campaign that includes thrilling prizes, making blockchain more accessible than ever!

Wendy O, cryptocurrency analyst and host of The O Show, discusses how one careless click can jeopardize your financial security. She shares practical advice for starting your journey in crypto, earning BAT, and protecting your wealth from digital risks. Key Takeaways: The critical importance of privacy once you begin accumulating wealth in crypto Flaws with current accredited investor laws Actionable steps to protect your wealth and digital identity in a Web3 world Advice for women entering the crypto space The role of creators in the future of crypto adoption Guest Bio: Wendy O is a cryptocurrency analyst and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. She is the host and founder of The O Show, an influential YouTube channel focused on Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology, with a global audience of more than 1 million followers. Wendy has been contributing to the crypto community through her content and analysis since 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and leader of the SEC's Crypto Task Force, sheds light on the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation. She discusses the SEC's shift towards a collaborative approach with industry stakeholders and lawmakers. Peirce emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity to protect investors while fostering innovation. She also touches on the significance of cross-border cooperation to enhance enforcement and the transformative potential of tokenized finance in traditional banking.

Assaf Kipnis, AI safety (intel and investigation) at ElevenLabs, discusses the evolving landscape of online safety, the sophisticated tactics of threat actors, and the role of regulation in shaping tech company responses. He also discusses the need for accountability in both tech companies and regulatory bodies to enhance safety and security in the digital space. Key Takeaways:  New tactics and scams threat actors are using, and the effectiveness of measures like age verification and red teaming Limitations faced by tech companies in combating online safety issues, and the challenges of maintaining online safety at scale The role of law enforcement and regulation in pressuring companies, platforms, and teams to improve online safety Guest Bio: Assaf Kipnis is an AI safety investigator with over a decade of experience at companies like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google. Now at ElevenLabs, he builds systems to uncover and respond to emerging threats in generative AI, focusing on the intersection of security, abuse prevention, and human impact. Assaf is known for making sense of complex, messy problems, combining deep investigation with storytelling to drive action. He’s guided by values like curiosity, care, and doing the right thing, and is passionate about reclaiming technology as a force for good. He strives to create environments where people feel safe, seen, and valued. Outside of work, he’s a parent, systems thinker, and mentor who believes the best solutions start with asking the right questions—and remembering to stay human. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Tom Aulet, Co-Founder and CEO of Ergatta, dives into the intersection of gaming and fitness. He explains how gamification makes workouts enjoyable and habit-forming, transforming traditional perceptions of exercise. Aulet discusses the role of AI in personalizing fitness experiences, ensuring workouts are tailored to users' needs. He emphasizes the importance of privacy in health tech while celebrating the potential of innovative design to enhance mental well-being. Finally, Aulet predicts that game-based fitness will overshadow traditional sports in popularity.

Angel Menendez, a Staff Developer Advocate at n8n and expert in cybersecurity and AI automation, discusses the transformative power of AI in enterprise workflows. He highlights the significance of self-hosting solutions for data privacy and cost reduction. The conversation covers how AI can address cybersecurity threats and enhance organizational creativity. Angel also dives into the evolving landscape of automation standards and the importance of community engagement in integrating new technologies.

Jonathan Mann, aka the Song a Day Guy, is a songwriter and Internet icon who has been writing and sharing an original song every day since 2009. We discuss his artistic journey, his experiences with NFTs, and the future of digital art and music on blockchain. He also opens up about his legal battle with the SEC, and the challenges he has faced in the crypto space. Key Takeaways:  His transition from an unemployed, aspiring artist to a full-time musician who leverages Web3 and creates digital collectibles The impact of AI on music creation, and advice for aspiring creators working at the intersection of music and cryptocurrency The freedom and empowerment he feels from being able to mint a song a day to his community through NFTs without being restricted by any other party His experience suing the SEC and what he was fighting for Guest Bio:  Jonathan Mann is a songwriter, performer, and Internet icon best known for writing and sharing an original song every single day for the last 17 years—a streak that has earned him millions of views and a devoted following. As The Conference Troubadour, he creates custom songs live at events for companies like Apple, TEDMED, and Novartis. His work sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture—and he's now exploring how crypto and AI are reshaping the future of artistic expression. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Jared Phillips, CEO of GolfN, discusses the intersection of golf and technology, focusing on how AI and crypto are transforming the golfing experience. He emphasizes a user-centric approach, making technology accessible without overwhelming users with crypto complexities. Key Takeaways:  How they’re designing GolfN to appeal to traditional golfers who aren’t yet crypto savvy (growing the Web3 community with Web2 audiences) The evolution of golf apps and GolfN’s early success in acquiring users, including $200k in paid memberships in their first month How they balance social, convenience, and privacy when designing for users Guest Bio: Jared Phillips is the CEO and co-founder of GolfN, a platform redefining how golfers engage with the game through rewards, technology, and community. With a background in executive leadership across both traditional industries and Web3, Jared brings a unique blend of operational expertise and startup vision. Before launching GolfN, he led sales and M&A initiatives in the insurance sector, and has since helped scale GolfN through early product success, strategic partnerships, and a growing global user base. A lifelong golfer, Jared is driven by the belief that the game should be more accessible, connected, and rewarding for everyone who plays it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte