
The Owl Explains Hootenanny
Owl Explains is a proud project of the Ava Labs Legal team that is committed to helping policymakers break through hype and navigate the blockchain world. Owl Explains hosts podcasts with industry leaders seeking to build a better Internet. Check out our X profile @OwlExplains, and visit our website owlexplains.com, where you will find practical explainers, quizzes, and more fun resources on all things Web3.To stay in the know, subscribe to News from the Nest
Latest episodes

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 24min
Ava Labs x CBER Ep 3: Just-In-Time Liquidity At Decentralized Exchanges
This episode discusses a phenomenon known as Just-In-Time Liquidity at Decentralized Exchanges. Agostino Capponi (Columbia University) explains that, while this phenomenon is generally viewed as positive for liquidity demanders, it can actually undermine liquidity provision. More specifically, JIT liquidity providers can pick-and-choose the best trades, which reduces the incentive for passive liquidity providers to offer liquidity. The consequent reduction in passive liquidity can lead to lower overall liquidity.Paper: The Paradox Of Just-In-Time Liquidity In Decentralized Exchanges: More Can Sometimes Mean Less

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ava Labs x CBER Ep 2: Governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations
Brett Falk (University of Pennsylvania) and Gerry Tsoukalas (Boston University) discuss voting protocols in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations. Brett Falk (University of Pennsylvania) and Gerry Tsoukalas (Boston University) highlight weaknesses in existing voting protocols. An important point is that many voting protocols weight votes based on token holdings but a voter’s token holdings does not, in general, reflect the level of information that the voter has with regard to a voting proposal. The consequence of this misalignment between a voter’s weight and a voter’s information is suboptimal welfare outcomes.Papers: Token-Weighted Crowdsourcing and Balancing Power in Decentralized Governance

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 44min
Ava Labs x CBER Ep 1: Are Cryptoassets Securities?
Lewis Cohen (DLx Law) discusses whether cryptoassets are securities from the perspective of US law. Lewis Cohen (DLx Law) explains the relevant US securities laws and then highlights how cryptoassets can differ from traditional securities. A key point is that many cryptoassets do not confer rights in the manner of traditional securities, instead conferring abilities. Cryptoassets thus might require a novel regulatory framework.Paper: The Ineluctable Modality of Securities Law

Nov 15, 2023 • 38min
Ep 21: How Can Web3 Protect Speech?
Maria Bustillos, journalist, editor, and founder of Popula and the Brickhouse Cooperative, delves into the complexities of managing misinformation, illegal, and harmful content online. Join us in a timely discussion on the challenges of content moderation and freedom of speech in today's internet landscape.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Oct 31, 2023 • 41min
Ep 20: Blockchain Security Featuring John Neufeld
John Neufeld, General Counsel at Open Zeppelin and Charter Member at TechGC, joins Sylvia Sanchez for an in-depth discussion on the enhanced security features of blockchain technology compared to traditional databases in our latest Owl Explains podcast. We delve into why security is crucial in blockchain development, and how cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning are being integrated to fortify blockchain security.How Should We Regulate Crypto/Web3 Cybersecurity?

Oct 16, 2023 • 56min
Global Series Ep 1: SPANISH - Cinco principios para guiar la regulación cripto
Owl Explains anuncia su iniciativa en Español, siendo un proyecto comprometido con el pensamiento global para el desarrollo responsable de la tecnología blockchain. Sylvia Sánchez project manager de Owl Explains, y Leandro Davo, abogado, consultor para emprendedores y empresas, especialista en propiedad intelectual e investigador de blockchain desde 2018, nos presentan el 'Árbol de la Sabiduría'. Este modelo de cinco ramas guía la regulación de la blockchain y Web3. Comenzamos con una base sólida sobre blockchain, desmitificando conceptos clave. Luego, exploramos la tokenización, sus usos y diferentes tipos de tokens. Profundizamos en el ambiente regulatorio de esta industria y concluimos con temas relevantes en el campo.

Oct 11, 2023 • 46min
Ep 18: Why Do We Need a Digital Euro?
Anne-Sophie Gógl (Digital Euro Association) and Peter Kerstens (European Commission) shed light on the digital euro's potential form and the crucial role of various stakeholders in making it a reality. We discuss the European Commission’s proposal and the ECB’s upcoming decision to potentially move from investigation to realization of this ambitious project. Amidst debates over privacy, security, and the impact on cash, we delve into the EU’s vision of a digital currency embodying its core values.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Sep 29, 2023 • 21min
Ep 17: Congressman Flood and the Regulatory Crawl
Congressman Mike Flood delves into the latest crypto policy developments in Washington, sharing his perspective on the Fintech Flyover event and the evolving crypto regulatory landscape. He contrasts the House’s innovation-friendly stance with the Senate’s more cautious approach and offers his predictions for the future of U.S. crypto regulation. Key highlights include the importance of industry engagement with policymakers and the growing consensus on the need for regulatory frameworks. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the direction of crypto policy in the United States.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Sep 21, 2023 • 54min
Ep 16: Why Do We Need a Digital Pound?
Dive into the world of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Jannah Patchay (Digital Pound Foundation and Markets Evolution), Varun Paul (Fireblocks), and moderator Emma Pike (H+K Strategies). This episode focuses on the UK's Digital Pound, exploring its potential to transform financial transactions, savings, and investments. We'll examine what sets the Digital Pound apart from traditional money and other digital currencies, its requirements for success, and lessons from other CBDCs. Join us for an enlightening discussion, whether you're a crypto expert or just curious about the evolving landscape of money.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Sep 5, 2023 • 32min
Ep 15: What do policymakers think about when they think about blockchain?
As blockchain reshapes finance and data interaction, understanding its regulatory landscape is crucial. Join us on the Owl Explains podcast for an in-depth discussion on blockchain policy with experts Thomas Tindermans (Hill+Knowlton Strategies), Norma Krayem (Van Scoyoc Associates), and Scott Mason (Holland & Knight LLP), moderated by Emma Pike (Hill+Knowlton Strategies). This episode delves into current policy trends and their impact on the blockchain ecosystem. Ideal for enthusiasts, policymakers, or anyone interested in the future of blockchain, don't miss this insightful exploration of the policy dimensions driving this digital revolution. Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com