The Brave Technologist

Andrew Pelekis, the CEO of Claynosaurz and creator of the viral Nobody Sausage, discusses transforming digital ownership through fun and accessible Web3 technologies. He highlights the importance of community engagement in building lasting brands, compares user experience to platforms like TikTok, and shares insights on navigating regulatory clarity. Andrew also explores new revenue models that empower creators and fans, the evolving landscape of crypto acceptance, and upcoming projects like games and a TV show that integrate his innovative digital IP.

Liz Zaborowska, Founder & CEO of Bhava Communications and Spring Catalyst, explores the common fears and misconceptions that lead to resistance against AI adoption. She emphasizes the importance of proper training and support, ensuring that team members feel confident and secure in their use of AI tools. Key Takeaways: The business benefits of embracing AI, including practical strategies to overcome fears and successfully adopt artificial intelligence throughout your team How AI tools can complement, rather than replace, human creativity The ongoing importance of fact-checking in the digital age Principles of responsible AI use and the policies that support it Ways to maintain authenticity with AI-generated content Guest Bio: Liz Zaborowska is the founder and CEO of Spring Catalyst, where she helps teams optimize performance and navigate AI adoption. With over 20 years in technology and deep expertise in team dynamics, she empowers organizations to transform how they create, communicate, and collaborate in the AI era. Liz has worked with AI companies for more than a decade and served in an advisory capacity for the Responsible AI Institute. Liz is also the founder of Bhava Communications, an award-winning marketing, PR, and social media agency that has helped hundreds of enterprise and consumer technology companies stand out as category leaders. Prior to founding her own companies, she ran technical, product, and corporate marketing on the tech startup side. She studied biology and theater at Tufts University, bringing a unique perspective that combines scientific rigor with creative ideation to help businesses and individuals thrive in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Daniela Barbosa, General Manager of Decentralized Technologies at the Linux Foundation, and Executive Director at LF Decentralized Trust, discusses the most promising open-source projects they've supported so far, and how more builders can get involved. She also emphasizes the importance of community contributions and cross-sector partnerships to accelerate the adoption and impact of decentralized technologies. Key Takeaways: How LF Decentralized Trust fits within the Linux Foundation and why it matters Why open source collaboration is key to interoperable, secure trust frameworks Common misconceptions about open-source blockchain The role of open governance in driving enterprise and government adoption How open-source communities are shaping next-gen secure, privacy-first technologies Guest Bio: Daniela Barbosa serves as General Manager of Decentralized Technologies at the Linux Foundation, and Executive Director of LF Decentralized Trust. She has 20+ years of enterprise technology experience, including seven years driving the global, collaborative development of enterprise-grade blockchain and identity technologies at Hyperledger Foundation. She is a leading voice for the power of openly developed decentralized technologies to spur efficiency, privacy, and inclusivity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Explore the intriguing dynamics between TradFi and DeFi stablecoins, highlighting their unique risk profiles and the impact of the Genius Act on regulatory clarity. Discover how platforms like Curve Finance ensure liquidity and stability in the space. Gerrit delves into the real-world implications of crypto adoption in high-inflation countries like Argentina, and discusses the dual role of AI in enhancing crypto security while posing new risks. The conversation blends insights on financial technology, regulation, and the future of digital currencies.

Elizabeth Hansson is the Michigan President of Stand With Crypto and Founder of the Detroit Blockchain Collective. In this episode she discusses the importance of grassroots activism in shaping digital asset policy, the challenges of educating lawmakers, and how community engagement is driving innovation and regulatory clarity. She also reflects on America's lag in cryptocurrency innovation and the critical need for market structure and state-level legislation. Key Takeaways: How Stand With Crypto is helping to bridge the gap between lawmakers and the crypto industry Current regulatory gaps and need for clear frameworks to foster innovation and protect users in the digital asset space. Why educating policymakers about crypto is essential to dispel misconceptions and encourage informed decision-making (and how communities can help do this). The importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping clear regulatory frameworks that foster innovation. State-level initiatives that are addressing unique local needs and driving progress in digital asset adoption. Guest Bio: Elizabeth Hansson is the Michigan President of Stand With Crypto and the founder of the Detroit Blockchain Collective. With a background in engineering and decentralized systems, she now works at the intersection of technology and policy, leading grassroots advocacy for digital assets across Michigan. Elizabeth has been instrumental in mobilizing communities, building coalitions, and advancing federal legislation to support innovation in the digital asset space. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 no w powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Jimmy Secretan, the CTO of JustWin and a leading expert in privacy-preserving neural networks, discusses groundbreaking innovations in AI tailored for small businesses. He explains how JustWin employs AI to streamline the process of winning government contracts. The conversation dives into the importance of balancing user autonomy with innovation in AI development, explores the potential of open-ended systems, and anticipates a growing consumer demand for local model ownership. This insightful dialogue sheds light on the future of ethical AI.

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