

Gen C
CoinDesk
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2024 • 21min
What We’re Reading: The Books Redefining Marketing and Innovation
Dive into a treasure trove of book recommendations that have shaped careers in marketing and innovation! The hosts explore classic texts and modern insights, touching on consumer behavior and social media strategies. They discuss the transformative power of 'The Tipping Point' and 'Ogilvy on Advertising,' while also dissecting financial perspectives from Galloway's 'The Algebra of Wealth.' From storytelling lessons in Steve Jobs' biography to the intricacies of AI literature, this discussion promises to inspire and equip listeners for success.

Aug 19, 2024 • 46min
How The World Works: Financial Innovation in Blockchain and AI with Visa’s Vanessa Colella
Visa's Head of Innovation and Digital Partnerships shares insights on the future of payments, from cryptocurrencies to the creator economy.Vanessa Colella, Head of Innovation and Digital Partnerships at Visa, joins the podcast to discuss how Visa is shaping the future of finance and commerce. She explains Visa's work on stablecoins, tokenization, AI and solutions for creators and small businesses. Colella also shares her thoughts on broader fintech trends and Visa's approach to innovation focused on solving real-world problems.Links mentioned from the podcast:
How Kamala Harris TikTok Remixes Reveal the Future of Music Consumption
Squid Game: The (immersive) Experience is coming to New York City in October
Being Digital book by Nicholas Negroponte
Watch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
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Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. 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.

Aug 12, 2024 • 42min
From LOLPics to Web3: 9GAG's Ray Chan on the Evolution of Memes
Memeland and 9GAG’s Founder and CEO, Ray Chan discusses the evolution of meme culture and shares his insights on the future of internet culture and digital ownership.In this episode, we sit down with Ray Chan, Founder and CEO of 9GAG and Memeland, one of the world's largest independent meme-sharing websites and his Web3 venture studio. Ray shares the origin story of 9GAG and offers insights into the evolution of meme culture over the past 16 years. He discusses the intersection of memes with Web3 and NFTs and provides his perspective on the future of internet culture and digital ownership.Links mentioned from the podcast: Ray’s TwitterWatch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. 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.

Aug 5, 2024 • 57min
Traditional Marketing Meets Crypto Innovation with Binance’s CMO Rachel Conlan
Rachel Conlan, CMO of Binance, discusses the company's marketing strategies, challenges in crypto adoption and her vision for the future in this week’s episode of “Gen C”.In this episode, we speak with Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. Rachel discusses Binance's strategies for attracting new users, the importance of education in crypto adoption, and the role of brand partnerships in the industry by shedding light on their partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. She also shares her vision for the future of Binance and the broader cryptocurrency landscape.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Not Like Us Game
Dallas Influencer Nara Smith Is Angering TikTok Again, Now With a Marc Jacobs Ad
DraftKings Dumps NFT Business, Citing Legal Developments
Meta Scraps Celebrity AI Chatbots That Fell Flat With Users
Rachel’s Twitter
Watch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. 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.

Jul 29, 2024 • 43min
Memes Are Serious Business: Licensing, AI and Digital IP with Liz Hagelthorn of SmarterLicense
In this episode, we explore how memes are reshaping the digital landscape and learn about innovative content licensing strategies with SmarterLicense founder Liz Hagelthorn.Liz Hagelthorn, founder and CEO of SmarterLicense, joins the pod to discuss the intricate world of meme culture and content licensing. With her extensive background in managing viral meme accounts and working with creators, Liz shares invaluable insights on monetization strategies for creators and the evolving landscape of digital IP. The conversation touches on AI's impact on content creation, effective brand engagement with memes and surprising parallels between meme economics and cryptocurrency trends.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Liz’s Twitter
Smarter License Website
Watch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. 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.

Jul 22, 2024 • 35min
The Final Squiggle: Erick Calderon on Art, Community and Spreading Joy in Web3
In this episode of “Gen C”, we discuss how a simple colorful squiggle became an icon of the crypto art movement and what it means for the future of Web3.Erick Calderon, Founder/CEO of Art Blocks and creator of the Chromie Squiggle, joins us to discuss the final mint of the iconic NFT project. Erick reflects on the Squiggle's journey from a proof of concept to a symbol of the crypto art movement, now featured in major museum collections. He also shares his thoughts on bringing more joy and innovation to the Web3 space, emphasizing the need to engage people outside the crypto ecosystem.Links mentioned from the podcast: Erick’s TwitterWatch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. 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.

Jul 15, 2024 • 48min
Beyond Brick-and-Mortar: Walmart's Innovative Approach to Reaching New Audiences
Walmart's Justin Breton reveals how the retail giant is reinventing itself for the digital age through immersive commerce and virtual world experiences.In this episode, Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Walmart, discusses the company's foray into digital platforms like Roblox and their new immersive commerce destination, Walmart Realm. Justin shares insights on partnering with creators, introducing real-world commerce in virtual environments, and Walmart's approach to innovation. He also touches on the company's strategy for engaging younger audiences and their cautious approach to implementing AI technologies.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Justin Breton’s Twitter
Walmart Realm Website
Watch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. 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.

Jul 1, 2024 • 42min
Live from Consensus: Brands Using the Metaverse for Social Good
From the Consensus stage, this episode focuses on the future of immersive technologies, underlining how brands and creators are utilizing these platforms to drive community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.In this episode, we bring you another conversation from Consensus where we delve into how various brands are leveraging the metaverse and immersive technologies for social good, featuring insights from industry leaders: Justin Breton of Walmart, Adam Shlachter of Niantic, Winnie Burke of Roblox and moderated by Laurie Keith of Ad Council. Topics include Walmart’s virtual initiatives, innovations spotlighted at the Cannes Lions Festival, the impact of celebrity tokens on culture and commerce and media licensing within the evolving landscape of AI. This episode was recorded live at Consensus 2024 in Austin, TX. Links mentioned from the podcast:
Justin Breton’s Twitter
Laurie Keith’s Twitter
Watch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-Safe (formerly Gnosis Safe) is the ownership layer of web3 with the most battle tested smart accounts. Trusted to secure over $100 billion, Safe offers unparalleled usability and security for individuals, DAOs, and institutions. Experience true digital ownership with Safe's flagship web and mobile wallet and its leading account abstraction infrastructure. Get started today at safe.global.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong. 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.

Jun 24, 2024 • 41min
Spawning Success: Todd McFarlane on Comics, Toys, and Crypto
Legendary comic creator Todd McFarlane discusses his journey from artist to entrepreneur on this week’s episode of “Gen C”.Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn and founder of Image Comics and McFarlane Toys, joins the podcast to discuss his career. He shares his journey from comic book artist to successful entrepreneur, offering insights on building brands and navigating the entertainment industry. McFarlane also delves into his recent forays into blockchain and digital collectibles, explaining his perspective on the future of art and collectibles.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Todd on Twitter
McFarlane Toys Website
Watch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-Safe (formerly Gnosis Safe) is the ownership layer of web3 with the most battle tested smart accounts. Trusted to secure over $100 billion, Safe offers unparalleled usability and security for individuals, DAOs, and institutions. Experience true digital ownership with Safe's flagship web and mobile wallet and its leading account abstraction infrastructure. Get started today at safe.global.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong. 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.

Jun 17, 2024 • 42min
Live from Consensus: Building a Brand on Blockchain Without Talking About Blockchain with Ben Leventhal of Blackbird
From the Consensus stage, Ben Leventhal shares his philosophy of building consumer-friendly crypto brands by prioritizing user experience over crypto buzzwords.Ben Leventhal, founder of restaurant brands like Eater.com and Resy, joins Sam Ewen on the stage at Consensus to discuss his latest venture, Blackbird, which aims to enhance the relationship between restaurants and customers through loyalty programs and payments built on blockchain technology. They explore Ben's philosophy of prioritizing user experience over crypto jargon and infrastructure when creating consumer-facing products. Ben also shares advice for other entrepreneurs looking to build successful Web3 brands. This episode was recorded live at Consensus 2024 in Austin, TX.Links mentioned from the podcast: Ben on TwitterWatch this episode on video:
YouTube
CoinDesk
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-Safe (formerly Gnosis Safe) is the ownership layer of web3 with the most battle tested smart accounts. Trusted to secure over $100 billion, Safe offers unparalleled usability and security for individuals, DAOs, and institutions. Experience true digital ownership with Safe's flagship web and mobile wallet and its leading account abstraction infrastructure. Get started today at safe.global.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong. 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.


