The Brave Technologist

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.

Rob Viglione, the Co-Founder and CEO of Horizen Labs, transitioned from military intelligence to blockchain innovation, focusing on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) essential for privacy. He highlights how ZKPs enable secure, anonymous transactions and their pivotal role in connecting crypto with traditional finance. Rob discusses AI's convergence with blockchain, exploring how ZKPs can verify AI outputs without compromising privacy. His insights into the utility of cryptocurrencies in unstable jurisdictions and the future of digital identity reveal the transformative potential of these technologies.

Shafik Quoraishee, a Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times, discusses his work on iconic games like Wordle and Crosswords. He reveals how consumer behavior shaped the viral success of Wordle and the importance of user engagement in design. Shafik explores balancing innovation with brand legacy and the potential of AI to create immersive experiences. He also shares insights from his journey, including his time developing for the NBA and the evolving dynamics of gaming as technology advances.

Explore the evolving landscape of AI and cryptocurrency regulations, highlighting new opportunities and community feedback's role in shaping user privacy. Discover Brave's innovative initiatives, including the expansion of the Basic Attention Token and partnerships that prioritize user-centric technology. Listen in as the hosts discuss the podcast's rebranding towards user engagement and the implications of a privacy-focused digital future. Embrace the journey of emerging tech without the intimidation!

Anton Kraminkin, Founder of Sleepagotchi, shares insights on the importance of sleep, the cultural shifts towards valuing sleep, and how Sleepagotchi rewards users for maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Key Takeaways:  The surprising sleep habits Sleepagotchi has learned about their users The ethics of gamifying health habits and working with sensitive data Combating bots and bad actors attracted to the financial incentives Sleepagotchi provides The use of Telegram as a tool for marketing and low-friction user acquisition Monetization and ways to generate revenue in the Web3/health space Guest Bio: Anton Kraminkin is the founder and CEO of Sleepagotchi, a sleep app that uses gamification and AI to  incentivize users to sleep better. Sleepagotchi raised investments from 6th Man Ventures, Collab+Currency, 1kx and Alliance, and angels including the CPO of Duolingo, among others. Previously, Anton worked on product at Duolingo. He started Sleepagotchi while completing his studies at Harvard Business School. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Yemel Jardi, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Decentraland Foundation, shares insights on the evolution of Decentraland from a digital experiment to a vibrant community. He discusses the importance of human connection in virtual worlds and the unique opportunities for creators. The conversation also dives into the balance of decentralization with governance, highlighting ethical concerns surrounding AI in these spaces. Jardi emphasizes how community-driven content enriches the user experience and enhances engagement in the metaverse.

Zack Guzman, founder of Trustless Media and host of Coinage, discusses how Web3 technology is revolutionizing media through a community ownership model. He explains how NFT holders can actively co-own and influence content, transforming passive viewers into engaged participants. The podcast dives into the journey of Coinage, detailing how community involvement helped it amass 100,000 YouTube subscribers. Topics include new NFT uses, the rise of decentralized media, and the exciting role of AI in collaborative content creation.

Andrew Rabinovich, VP and Head of AI and Machine Learning at UpWork, discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming freelance work into a human-machine partnership that amplifies rather than replaces talent. He also discusses job security in the age of AI, and ways the freelance economy is already responding to its opportunities and challenges. Key Takeaways:  Why 2025 is predicted to be "the year of agents"  Ways that AI agents will turn workers into managers who are managing the machines How human-centered AI focuses on amplifying human capabilities rather than replacing them Why the missing piece in AI development is creating natural interfaces between humans and machines Guest Bio: Andrew Rabinovich is the VP and Head of AI and Machine Learning at UpWork, and a prominent figure in the field of computer vision and machine learning. He is known for his work in deep learning, particularly in applications such as object recognition, scene understanding, augmented reality, and multitask learning. Rabinovich has held influential roles in both academia and industry, contributing to cutting-edge research and technology development at Google and Magic Leap. In 2020, he founded Headroom, an AI video collaboration platform, which was acquired in 2023. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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