
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

Dec 18, 2023 • 24min
Art Basel Recap: The Cultural Upscaling of Brands
In this episode, we dive into recent news in tech, gaming and all things Miami Art Week.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.Avery and Sam discuss recent stories in tech regulation, gaming and brands at Miami Art Week. They explore topics like the EU's AI Act, the leaked trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, brands participating in the metaverse and games and how brands can capture the high-value Art Basel audience.Links mentioned from the podcast: Decrypt Media Inc. and Rug Radio Merge to Create Global Web3 Publishing CompanyThe EU Just Passed Sweeping New Rules to Regulate AIGTA 6: Grand Theft Auto VI could smash revenue recordsFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Dec 11, 2023 • 48min
Unpacking the Role of Digital Art in Art History With Sotheby’s Michael Bouhanna
Michael Bouhanna joins us to discuss the art world’s embrace of NFTs and the intersection between digital art and traditional auction houses.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.In this episode of "Gen C," we sit down with Michael Bouhanna, vice president, contemporary art specialista and head of digital art and NFTs at renowned auction house Sotheby’s. Michael takes us through the evolution of digital art as a movement and collectors’ growing embrace of crypto art. We discuss sales like Sotheby’s record-breaking $6 million sale of the Goose, as well as predictions for digital art's presence during Miami Art Week and beyond.Links mentioned from the podcast: Shopify COO nods to their crypto workYour A.I. Companion Will Support You No Matter WhatMichael on TwitterSotheby’s WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Dec 4, 2023 • 43min
Merging Digital and Physical Through AR Gaming With Niantic CMO Mike Quigley
Mike Quigley, chief marketing officer of Niantic, discusses the company's history of developing location-based augmented reality games, including Pokemon GO.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.Listen to this week’s episode where we discuss how Niantic encourages people to explore and bring joy to their lives through the use of AR. We talk about tools for developers, partnerships with brands and his thoughts on the future of AR and generative AI.Links mentioned from the podcast: Sports Illustrated Published Articles by Fake, AI-Generated WritersDeveloper Conference Axed After Fake Female Profiles OutcryPika Wows in Debut as AI Video Generator Takes Aim at Tech GiantsDogecoin Funded SpaceX ‘Doge-1’ Moon Mission Gets a Step Closer to LaunchMike on TwitterNiantic WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Nov 27, 2023 • 42min
AI and Unlocking Creativity With Chris Duffey, Strategic Development Lead of Adobe
This week, Avery and Sam unpack the OpenAI drama, then chat with Chris Duffey of Adobe on AI's impact on creativity and his view on Web3.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.In this episode, Avery and Sam interview Chris Duffey, who leads strategic development for Adobe’s Emerging Solutions. We discuss how Adobe is incorporating generative AI into their suite of creative tools including Photoshop, and Duffey's vision for bringing these emerging technologies to brands, creators and 3D worlds.Links mentioned from the podcast: Sam Altman to Return as OpenAI CEO Following In-Principle Agreement'Oops, You Stepped Into the Future': Nike Drops Sneakers With NFTsDunk Wars on FortniteChris on TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Nov 20, 2023 • 46min
Inside Gods Unchained and the Evolution of Web3 Gaming With Daniel Paez of Immutable
On this episode of "Gen C," we dive into the current gaming landscape with Daniel Paez, vice president and executive producer of the Immutable digital trading card game Gods Unchained.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.This week, Avery and Sam interview Daniel Paez, the VP and Executive Producer of Gods Unchained, a successful digital trading card game from Immutable. Daniel shares insights from his experience in traditional gaming at places like Blizzard and discusses the state of Web3 gaming today, including how to build sustainable games and a potentially hot take on why ownership matters less to gamers than we think.Links mentioned from the podcast: Disney To Launch NFT Platform With Dapper Labs Featuring Pixar and Star WarsDaniel on TwitterGods Unchained WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Nov 14, 2023 • 52min
Crenshaw to Crypto With DeShone Kizer of One of None and Jorge Peniche of The Marathon Clothing
DeShone Kizer and Jorge Peniche join this episode of “Gen C” to discuss their origin stories and how the two brands are collaborating around rapper Nipsey Hussle’s legacy.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.DeShone Kizer shares how he made the shift in his career from an NFL quarterback to founder of an authentication platform for limited editions called One of None. We discuss the collaboration between Kizer and Jorge Peniche, creative director of Nipsey Hussle’s clothing brand, The Marathon Clothing, and about bringing to life a new NFT project bridging physical Marathon gear and digital collectibles.Links mentioned from the podcast: NFTs could be coming to RobloxHumane launches AI PinOne of None WebsiteThe Marathon Clothing WebsiteDeShone on TwitterJorge on TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Nov 6, 2023 • 36min
Web3 and the Playbook to Rebuild Trust With Marc Mathieu, Co-Founder of the Web3 Studio at Salesforce
In this episode of “Gen C”, we are re-airing our conversation with Marc Mathieu, the co-founder of the Web3 Studio at Salesforce and was previously 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 is a must listen for all marketers.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.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: Salesforce’s Web3 ModulesMarc's TwitterSalesforce WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Oct 30, 2023 • 45min
From VR to AI, Mattel’s Vision for the Future of Play
This week, Ron Friedman, VP of Mattel Future Lab, joins us to share how Mattel is bringing iconic toy brands into the digital future through a human-centered approach to innovation.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.Ron Friedman of Mattel Future Lab shares his perspective on the importance of brand authenticity, mainstream accessibility and leveraging Web3 tech to reimagine play. He shares Mattel's vision for pioneering the future while staying true to their mission of connecting people. We talk about iconic brands like Hot Wheels and Barbie and how the brand is continuously looking to evolve these beloved entities.Links mentioned from the podcast: Threedium Secures $11 Million Series A Led by Interpublic Group To Revolutionize High-Fidelity 3D CommerceMeta Quest 3 review: almost the one we’ve been waiting forMattel CreationsRon on TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Oct 23, 2023 • 41min
Decentralizing Museums With Tom McLeod of Arkive
In this episode of “Gen C,” Tom McLeod, co-founder of Arkive, discusses the company’s goal of making art more accessible through decentralization and community.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.Tom McLeod, co-founder of Arkive, joins Gen C to discuss his background shifting from music and tech to arts and culture and how his company, Arkive is democratizing art collecting and patronage. Tune in to learn about Tom’s takes on emerging tech, collective ownership and disrupting the traditional museum model.Links mentioned from the podcast: Universal Music sues AI company Anthropic for distributing song lyricsMacy’s Steps Into the Metaverse With New Digital Fashion PlatformTom on TwitterArkive WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.

Oct 16, 2023 • 38min
Restaurants, Loyalty and Getting $FLY With Ben Leventhal, Founder and CEO of Blackbird Labs
Nobody understands restaurants like Ben Leventhal. From starting Eater and Resy to his new venture, Blackbird, Ben discusses bringing restaurants on-chain and building loyalty.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.In this episode of the podcast, Avery and Sam chop it up with Ben Leventhal from Blackbird Labs. Ben has been a successful entrepreneur having started Eater, acquired by Vox, and Resy, acquired by Amex, and is now using NFTs and loyalty rewards on-chain to connect restaurants with their best customers with his new venture, Blackbird Labs.Links mentioned from the podcast: Wearable Life Moment Tech Is BackVeeFriend Partnership Game Is StrongBen on TwitterBlackbird WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. 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.