
Gen C
Generation Crypto is focused on how brands and marketers are exploring and building in the Web3 ecosystem to experiment in and potentially transform their businesses. Each week, our hosts Avery Akkineni of Vayner 3 and Sam Ewen from CoinDesk, will dive into how Fortune 500 brands and new start-ups alike are coming to the blockchain and utilizing new technologies, the creator economy and rewriting fandom/ownership to generate attention, gain customers and create value for their bottom line and those of their communities.
Latest episodes

Jan 30, 2023 • 42min
Where Business Value Meets Cultural Value With Sophie Kelly, SVP of Whiskies at Diageo North America
Hear how Sophie’s curiosity for Web3 allowed her to tap into a new market of consumers and connect with them in ways that are more collaborative and iterative than in Web2.Sophie Kelly, SVP of Whiskies at Diageo North America joins us this week on the podcast to share her experience spanning from media to advertising and digital agencies and her current role on the client side at Diageo. She shares insights on how to approach marketing to a Web3 audience and the importance of creating incremental value as a brand to its target consumers. Plus, Avery and Sam discuss Doodles 2 on Flow and the polarizing Porsche NFT drop in the weekly round up.Links mentioned from the podcast: Doodles Releases Eagerly Awaited New NFT Project Doodles 2 on FlowPorsche NFT Collection Fails to Gain Traction as Mint Kicks Into GearSophie’s TwitterSophie’s LinkedInFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 23, 2023 • 41min
Being Ahead of the Curve With Co-Founder of BFF and Club CPG, Jaime Schmidt
Jaime Schmidt, Co-Founder of BFF and Club CPG joins the podcast to share her journey as a serial entrepreneur. From founding Schmidt’s Naturals to Club CPG to BFF, Jaime drops insight on how creating products and brands for niche interest groups has proven successful and that it doesn’t need to be a one-size-fits-all.Jaime Schmidt has had great success across multiple endeavors and is recently known for co-founding BFF, whose mission is to educate women and non-binary people and onboard them into the world of Web3. She joins the podcast this week to share how she’s successfully launched brands in the Web2 and Web3 space and discusses how patience and timing are key in allowing communities to grow and extract the most value from their Web3 experiences.Links mentioned from the podcast: In pivotal case, Metabirkins to move to trialJaime’s Book: Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own TermsJaime’s TwitterJaime’s InstagramBFF WebsiteBFF TwitterBFF InstagramFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 16, 2023 • 45min
Web3 and the Playbook to Rebuild Trust With Marc Mathieu, Co-Founder of the Web3 Studio at Salesforce
Marc Mathieu not only is the Co-Founder of the Web3 Studio at Salesforce but previously was CMO at Samsung Americas. He has held senior marketing positions with Unilever, Coca-Cola, among others. His unique and provocative approach to a Web3 strategy should be a must listen for all marketers.The Web3 Studio at Salesforce is focused on bringing hundreds of thousands of brands large and small into the Web3 universe. As the largest SAAS company in the world, unlike Nike or Starbucks, Salesforce is not focused on the end consumer, but on the business layer that lies in between. Avery and Sam sit down with Marc to discuss his career, why he is so passionate about Web3 and Salesforce’s role in it. They also dive into key lessons from Marc’s career that affect his perspective on the new internet.Links mentioned from the podcast: Virtual Worlds, Real-Life Use Cases: How Web2 and Web3 Tackled the Metaverse at CES 2023Mastercard accelerator program to help emerging artists break into Web3Report: Web3 and the Future of LuxuryNFT Collective Proof Signs With United Talent AgencySalesforce’s Web3 ModulesMarc's TwitterSalesforce WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 9, 2023 • 47min
Bringing Web3 to 3 Billion People, With Spencer Gordon, Group Vice President, Consumer Connections at Anheuser-Busch
With billions of customers around the globe, Anheuser-Busch (AB) produces some of the most popular products in the world. In this episode, Spencer Gordon joins us to discuss how AB entered the Web3 space and how Anheuser-Busch is utilizing its heritage brands to deepen customer relationships and create unique connections through collectibles, communities and experiences.Spencer Gordon, group vice president, consumer connections at Anheuser-Busch sits down with Avery and Sam to discuss AB’s long-term approach and Web3 strategy with legacy brands including Budweiser and Bud Light. Hear Spencer’s take on how to create longstanding value directly to consumers through targeted tactics that ladder up to a brand’s core strategy.Links mentioned from the podcast: The NFL and Bud Light Announce An NFT Powered Contest To Win PrizeAnheuser-Busch WebsiteSpencer's TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 27, 2022 • 38min
The Accessibility Layer of Web3 With Fonz, Founder and CEO of TokenProof
Hear how TokenProof is making Web3 safer while bringing utility, identity and access points to brands and NFT communities for live events around the world. This week’s guest is Fonz, Founder and CEO of TokenProof. Hear how TokenProof started and why the growing platform is the chosen method of ticketing and wallet identification for events from NFTNYC to Art Basel to brand activations large and small.Links mentioned from the podcast: Christie’s Sales Are DownChatGPTDall-eMidjourneyTokenProofFonz’s TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 19, 2022 • 45min
Bridging the Physical to the Digital With Kate Brady, Head of Next Gen DTC Connections & Innovation of PepsiCo
For big corporations like PepsiCo, we talk about the challenges of bringing their heritage brands into the space. This week’s guest is Kate Brady, Head of Next Gen DTC Connections and Innovation of PepsiCo. Brady has helped bring highly beloved brands including Cheetos, Gatorade and Pepsi into the metaverse and Web3. She discusses the mindset needed to bring Web3 innovation to a large, cross-functional organization.Links mentioned from the podcast: The Pepsi Mic Drop WebsitePepsi Mic Drop NFT CollectionThe Pepsi Black, Zero Sugar NFT CollectionPepsiCo TwitterPepsiCo websiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus -"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 12, 2022 • 48min
The Fandom of Digital Collectibles, With Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America
Matt Kalish joins the podcast this week to talk about how bullish he is on Web3 and NFTs, going so far as to updating his LinkedIn picture to a BAYC PFP. In this episode, we touch on brands entering the World Cup conversation with their own digital collectibles, and a potential hot take on how Apple is missing the mark when it comes to the blockchain. Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America, joins the podcast to share insights on how DraftKings meets its consumers where they are through fantasy sports and digital collectibles. A key takeaway being that audience market fit is as important as product market fit. Links mentioned from the podcast: Web3 Is Heading to the World CupCoinbase Disables Mobile NFT Transfers, Citing Apple’s App Store PoliciesThe Balance Between Art and IP Theft in NFT CultureDraftKings Reinmakers Fantasy Football gameProps & Drops with Matt Kalish & GaryVee Podcast (Apple, Spotify)Matt’s TwitterDraftKings TwitterDraftKings websiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 5, 2022 • 38min
Wen Web3 IRL?
This week, we’re on the road in Miami to discuss trends we’re seeing at Miami Art Week and dropping some alpha on how brands can effectively reach the crypto and Web3 audience with IRL events and activations.At Miami Art Week, we saw people being brought together to celebrate art and culture with even more traditional brands leaning into Web3. Avery and Sam break down their on-the-ground observations, from Oscar Mayer to Prada, on creative activations and how it’s more clear than ever that brands both in Web2 and Web3 are vying for the same audience, especially at large cultural events.Links mentioned from the podcast: TIME President Keith Grossman Joins Crypto Payments Startup MoonPayThe Contagion Fever Breaks: NFTs Dominate Art BaselFollow us on Twitter:Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 28, 2022 • 43min
The Inevitability of Web3 With CMO of Vista, Ricky Engelberg
After ushering Nike into the digital era, CMO Ricky Engelberg discusses how he’s helping both businesses and creators understand the importance of community, innovation and brand management in his current role at Vista.On this week’s podcast, Sam and Avery touch on the latest news in Web3, from JPMorgan registering a trademark for cryptocurrency wallets to Coachella’s lifetime NFTs stuck on FTX. This week’s guest, Ricky Engelberg talks about how to make onboarding people into Web3 easier, including not using the word phygital.Links mentioned from the podcast:Vayner Web3 Trend ReportRicky's TwitterVista's TwitterVista website99designs websiteFollow us on Twitter:Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 snips
Nov 21, 2022 • 53min
Doubling Down With Magdalena Kala
Consumer investor and founder of the consumer Web3 fund, Double Down, Magdalena “Mags” Kala joins Sam and Avery as the first guest of the "Gen C" podcast.After spending years at Bain and as a consultant, Mags has a unique perspective on the power of consumer Web3 opportunities. Listen as she shares insights on what it means to be a consumer-centric investor and how she thinks about consumer psychology.Links mentioned from the podcast: [Article] A Tale of Two Narratives: Money Crypto vs. Tech CryptoDouble Down websiteMags' TwitterDouble Down TwitterDouble Down Dispatch Newsletter sign upMeta-Curious Marketing CohortFollow us on Twitter: Sam EwenAvery AkkineniCoinDeskVayner3From our sponsor:Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.