The Brave Technologist

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  

Luke Mulks, Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, discusses the tokenization of finance, exploring how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are reshaping the financial landscape. He also discusses the significance of stablecoins and their growing adoption in emerging markets. Key Takeaways:  The basics of stablecoins and their role in bringing stability to crypto markets How tokenized equities are removing barriers to global investment access The potential of blockchain to empower emerging markets and under-banked populations Key regulatory advancements shaping the adoption of stablecoins in the U.S. Guest Bio: Luke Mulks is the Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, where he helps lead the company’s privacy-focused advertising and Web3 initiatives. Since joining in 2016, he’s played a key role in launching Brave Ads and expanding the Basic Attention Token (BAT) ecosystem. A former ad tech executive and media producer, Luke also hosts The Brave Technologist podcast, which helps make emerging tech like AI and blockchain more accessible for all. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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  

Diego Pareschi, the Global Product Line Manager for EV chargers at ABB eMobility, shares his extensive expertise in crafting innovative charging solutions. He discusses how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing user experiences and optimizing EV charging systems. Diego highlights challenges in EV adoption, particularly around accessibility and standardization, and reveals insights from his work with Formula E technology. He envisions a future where charging becomes an ambient service integrated into daily urban life, empowering seamless and intelligent user interactions.

Scott Mann, a Ret. U.S. Army Green Beret and founder of Task Force Pineapple, shares his remarkable journey from military service to storytelling. He discusses the innovative use of the Signal app to coordinate the urgent evacuation of Afghan allies during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Scott highlights the significance of biometric data in military operations and its risks post-evacuation. He also touches on his award-winning play, Last Out, which aims to heal veterans through theater.

John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer and whistleblower known for exposing the agency’s torture program, dives into his profound experiences in intelligence. He discusses the precarious balance between privacy rights and national security. Kiriakou highlights the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in intelligence, the evolution of drone warfare, and the implications of the US Patriot Act on civil liberties. With a gripping narrative, he sheds light on the personal toll of whistleblowing and the ongoing debate surrounding surveillance and individual rights.

Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains and a leading authority on AI and blockchain, discusses the future of digital identity. She highlights the revolutionary concept of on-chain identities and the launch of the new .BRAVE domain. Sandy dives into how blockchain can enhance trust and security in identity management, particularly in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI agents within crypto wallets, emphasizing how these innovations can empower users and reshape their online experiences.

Debbie Reynolds, a globally recognized technologist and data privacy expert, dives into the challenges parents face in safeguarding their children's digital footprints. She discusses balancing convenience with privacy and the critical role of parental supervision in navigating online risks. Debbie highlights the evolving corporate mindset on data collection and advocates for stricter policies and transparency, especially in the age of AI. Her insights emphasize the need for users to take control of their data and the importance of decentralization in future privacy management.