The Brave Technologist

Luca Schnetzler, CEO of Pudgy Penguins, discusses their mission to become the face of crypto through innovative uses of NFTs, community involvement in brand development, and successful partnerships with major retailers like Walmart. As a high school dropout to successful tech entrepreneur, Luca also shares advice for young entrepreneurs who want to build businesses at the intersection of tech, creativity, and IP. Key Takeaways: The significance of first edition collections and how they’ve changed IP Bridging the gap from online client collectibles to offline products in big box retailers like Walmart The Abstract consumer L2, and how it will help scale consumer adoption Guest Bio: Luca Schnetzler is a 25-year-old entrepreneur with a notable career in tech and e-commerce. After honing his skills in direct-to-customer sales at Ring, he launched his own successful e-commerce venture. Today, Luca is the CEO of Pudgy Penguins, a cutting-edge IP company that integrates innovative technology and creative content to redefine the digital 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  

Sam Lyman, Director of Public Policy at Riot Platforms, discusses the disruptive potential of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency as tools to decentralize power. He highlights the generational shift that may influence the regulatory landscape as more tech-savvy policymakers rise to positions of influence. He also discusses how miners using excess energy (that would otherwise be wasted) could support future energy demands. Key Takeaways:  The generational divide in understanding cryptocurrency How the U.S. and its political leaders compare to other nations in AI policy and innovation Bitcoin’s role in energy sustainability and misconceptions of miners’ environmental impact Why gold and Bitcoin need to be accumulated together Guest Bio: Sam Lyman is a DC policy wonk working at the intersection of technology and global affairs.  Currently he’s a Director of Public Policy at Riot Platforms. He’s also a contributor at Forbes reporting on crypto and policy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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  

Hamed Haddadi, Chief Scientist at Brave Software, discusses the future of ethical and inclusive technology, and how a human-centered approach can transform AI development's impact on society. We also discuss how to navigate the complex dynamics among academia, industry, and policymakers in crafting ethical standards that safeguard citizen rights. Key Takeaways:  The importance of human-centered systems AI's role in preserving democratic processes The purpose of Brave’s research team Future of ethical and inclusive technology Guest Bio: Hamed Haddadi is the Professor of Human-Centered Systems at the Department of Computing at Imperial College London. In his industry role, he is the Chief Scientist at Brave Software, where he leads Brave’s research team. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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  

Camila Russo, Founder of The Defiant, discusses their role in making cryptocurrencies more accessible, and in making complex topics more comprehensible for everyone. We also explore the resilience of DeFi amid regulatory challenges and its potential to reshape the financial ecosystem. Key Takeaways:  Ways that AI is enhancing media coverage (and what parts of that coverage can never be replaced) How regulation is impacting the growth and development of DeFi Biggest myths and misconceptions about Ethereum Guest Bio: Camila Russo is the founder of The Defiant, a media company focusing on decentralized finance, and the author of The Infinite Machine, the most read book on the history of Ethereum. Previously, she was a markets and crypto reporter at Bloomberg News, based in Buenos Aires, Madrid, and New York. She has an MSc in Journalism from Northwestern University, and is originally from Santiago, Chile. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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  

Jeff Boudier, Head of Product and Growth at Hugging Face, discusses the evolving landscape of AI and the role open-source development plays in its transformation. We also explore the challenges and opportunities that organizations encounter when embracing AI, especially with open-source solutions. Key Takeaways:  Why it’s important to democratize AI and adopt open source development (and how Hugging Face is making it easier to do so) Ways Hugging Face is collaborating with academic institutions worldwide through projects like Big Science and Big Code Essential leadership qualities for managing AI projects, and the ethical dilemmas that come with responsible AI practices Guest Bio: Jeff Boudier is the Head of Product and Growth at Hugging Face, the #1 open platform for AI builders. Previously Jeff was a co-founder of Stupeflix, acquired by GoPro, where he served as Director of Product Management, Product Marketing, Business Development, and Corporate Development. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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  

Jean-Paul Schmetz, SVP of Ads at Brave, discusses the evolution of search engines from closed platforms like AOL to today’s open web, and how advertising has influenced their growth. We dive into AI’s integration in search and advertising, the challenges of maintaining privacy, and the future role of regulation. Jean-Paul also shares practical tips for users to protect their privacy and take control of their data. Key Takeaways:  The evolving relationship between browsers, search engines, and the Internet,  and how advertising has shaped the development of all three The integration of AI in search and advertising, and the complexities of maintaining privacy in digital advertising as we navigate an AI-driven future Balancing privacy and efficiency when leveraging LLMs, and the role regulation will play in the future of AI-powered advertising Ways we can empower users to make simple but impactful changes to protect their privacy, own their data, and shape their lives online    Guest Bio: JP Schmetz is the SVP of Ads at Brave, and a Brave Board Observer. He’s been building tech companies since 1995 (once of which—Cliqz—eventually became Brave Search). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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  

Lambert Hogenhout, Chief of Data and AI at the United Nations Secretariat, explores the delicate balance of embracing technological advancements while maintaining our authentic human identities. We also discuss the benefits of open-source models for global equity, along with the crucial intersection of data privacy and AI. Key Takeaways:  Organizational readiness - how organizations can ensure that their AI systems are designed and implemented with ethical considerations using safety by design principles Building trust amongst your team and community through transparency and responsible AI  Maintaining our own authentic identity as humans while adoption of AI becomes mainstream Guest Bio: Lambert Hogenhout is Chief Data and AI at the United Nations Secretariat. He is also an author, keynote speaker and advisor on AI and responsible use of technology. He has 25 years of experience working both in the private sector and with international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. He leads governance and strategy in the areas of data and AI and oversees its practical implementation. He has published on data privacy, data governance, the societal implications of technology and responsible use of AI. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.  

Yan Zhu, Chief Information Security Officer at Brave Software, brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Yahoo and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. In this insightful discussion, she tackles the unique security challenges faced by browsers and highlights how Brave prioritizes user privacy through minimal data collection. Yan also explores the potential of AI in automating security tasks, the evolution of critical technologies like HTTPS and two-factor authentication, and the importance of user education in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Hester M. Peirce (appointed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by President Donald J. Trump), shares insights into the SEC's role in enforcing laws amidst rapid technological advancements. We also explore balancing innovation with consumer protection, and emphasizing the need to rethink outdated legislation along with how regulatory clarity can foster more innovation. Key Takeaways: The importance of public engagement with regulatory bodies to shape future policies constructively Weighing the need for innovation against the risks of misuse and surveillance The role of the SEC within the crypto space and the attitudes of the agency towards emerging technologies The ways technology can advance responsibly, while still safeguarding personal liberties and addressing governmental concerns Guest Bio: Hester M. Peirce was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and was sworn in on January 11, 2018. Prior to joining the SEC, Commissioner Peirce conducted research on the regulation of financial markets at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She was a Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she advised Ranking Member Richard Shelby and other members of the Committee on securities issues. Commissioner Peirce served as counsel to SEC Commissioner Paul S. Atkins. She also worked as a Staff Attorney in the SEC’s Division of Investment Management. Commissioner Peirce was an associate at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (now WilmerHale) and clerked for Judge Roger Andewelt on the Court of Federal Claims. Commissioner Peirce earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University, and her JD from Yale Law 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  

Caitlin Cook, Head of Growth at Moonwalk Fitness, shares how their product is gamifying health, leveraging Web3 technology and offering crypto incentives to get you moving. She also shares how they’re targeting non-crypto native users in an effort to achieve mainstream adoption. Key Takeaways:  How you can join their steps challenges, deposit crypto like USDC or Solana and earn rewards for staying active Strategies for integrating crypto technology into mainstream consumer applications Ways they’re engaging NFT and token communities Future AI integration possibilities within gaming Guest Bio: Caitlin Cook is Director of Growth at Moonwalk Fitness, a gamified fitness accountability tool built on Solana. After starting her career in finance at Deutsche Bank, Caitlin transitioned to crypto in 2020 to spearhead the creation and development of a crypto education platform for RIAs, family offices, and other institutional allocators. In June, 2022 Caitlin dove into DeFi full-time, becoming Head of Communications and Marketing for Hxro Labs, a core contributor to the derivatives and betting infrastructure project Hxro Network. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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