

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

Feb 20, 2024 • 42min
The Creator Is the Product, With Shopify’s Head of Brand Jess Williams
Jess Williams, head of brand at Shopify, joins “Gen C” to share how they're leveraging creators and gaming for commerce.We’re joined by Jess Williams, head of brand at Shopify, to discuss the brand's work with creators and influencers as the next generation of entrepreneurs, their investment in women's sports sponsorships and their use of platforms like TikTok and gaming for commerce opportunities. Williams also provides insights on marketing trends like leveraging creators for ads and driving commerce through immersive experiences.Links mentioned from the podcast: Disney Tries Again To Get Game Business Right With Epic, Fortnite DealCoinbase’s bouncing QR code Super Bowl ad was so popular it crashed the appJess on TwitterShopify WebsiteWatch this episode on video:YouTubeCoinDeskFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-Consensus is where experts convene to talk about the ideas shaping our digital future. Join developers, investors, founders, brands, policymakers and more in Austin, Texas from May 29-31. The tenth annual Consensus is curated by CoinDesk to feature the industry’s most sought-after speakers, unparalleled networking opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Take 15% off registration with the code GENC15. Register now at consensus.coindesk.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong, with additional production assistance from 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.

Feb 12, 2024 • 46min
Digital Art and Cultural Acceptance With MoMA's Madeleine Pierpont
Madeleine Pierpont of The Museum of Modern Art shares how the renowned museum is embracing digital art and bringing awareness of the medium to its visitors.In this week’s episode, Madeleine Pierpont from MoMA discusses the museum's initiatives around digital art, exhibiting Refik Anadol’s NFT art physically, launching the Postcard project for collaborative blockchain art creation and their goal of bridging the gap between the traditional art world and Web3. We also discuss the role of museums today, challenges around art financialization and the future of AI art.Links mentioned from the podcast: Apple Vision Pro review: The infinite desktopEmployee loses $25M of firm’s funds after call with deepfake colleaguesFarcaster's Dan Romero Explains How 'Frames' Did What X (Twitter) Doesn'tWatch this episode on video:YouTubeCoinDeskFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-Consensus is where experts convene to talk about the ideas shaping our digital future. Join developers, investors, founders, brands, policymakers and more in Austin, Texas from May 29-31. The tenth annual Consensus is curated by CoinDesk to feature the industry’s most sought-after speakers, unparalleled networking opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Take 15% off registration with the code GENC15. Register now at consensus.coindesk.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong, with additional production assistance from 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.

Feb 5, 2024 • 43min
Verifying Truth in the Age of Misinformation, With Melody Hildebrandt of FOX
Melody Hildebrandt, CTO of FOX, discusses the impact of AI on the media industry, the importance of verifying content in the age of disinformation, and how blockchain could revolutionize content financing and distribution.

Jan 30, 2024 • 44min
Driving Into the Metaverse With Pia Schörner of BMW
BMW’s Head of Digital Experiential Content, Gaming and the BMW Metaverse shares insights on creating authentic brand experiences in virtual worlds and building relationships with the next generation of drivers.In this episode of “Gen C,” Avery and Sam chat with BMW’s Head of Digital Experiential Content, Gaming and the BMW Metaverse Pia Schörner about the automaker's forward-thinking approach to engaging younger audiences through gaming, the metaverse and emerging technologies like VR and AI. With 17 years driving innovation at BMW, Schörner provides an inside look at everything from the company's presence on Fortnite to its perspectives on digital ownership and the future of driving.Links mentioned from the podcast: Just Us: Kith Announces Loyalty Program With Exclusive Sneaker CollaborationsFake Joe Biden robocall tells New Hampshire Democrats not to vote Tuesday‘Palworld’ video game ignites furor as it becomes an overnight sensationBMW Group on TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong, with additional production assistance from 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 22, 2024 • 37min
Getting Unhinged on CES, Snoop x Solo Stoves and, Is Roblox the new Amazon? With Avery and Sam
With Avery back in action, she and Sam get into the latest news and updates like Snoop and Solo Stove and celebrity CMOs in this episode of “Gen C.”Avery shares her experience attending CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, and the key trends and technology that stood out. They also analyze the massive growth of Roblox's user base and discuss how and when the platform should monetize its audience. Other topics include Forbes utilizing connected wallets for subscriber acquisition and the implications of AI in content production and e-commerce.Links mentioned from the podcast: Inside Solo Stove’s Viral Snoop Dogg Partnership—And How It Almost Didn’t HappenRoblox Monthly Active Users tweetForbes Makes Premium Content Free For Web3 Community Via Digital Wallet ConnectVayner Morning Brew tweetFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong, with additional production assistance from 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, 2024 • 52min
Bringing Transparency to the Future of Music With TOKiMONSTA and Laura Jaramillo of Sonu
In this episode, we discuss with the co-founders of Sonu how they’re disrupting the music industry and empowering both artists and fans with their blockchain-backed music streaming company.DJ and music producer TOKiMONSTA and Co-Founder Laura Jaramillo discuss Sonu, their music streaming and NFT platform built on blockchain aiming to provide artists with new revenue streams and more transparency into their fandom. We’re also joined by Magdalena Kala, our guest co-host to discuss the latest news of the week like the Bitcoin ETF approval.Links mentioned from the podcast: Bitcoin ETFs Win SEC Approval, Bringing Easier Access to Biggest CryptocurrencyFox News and Polygon team up to develop and opensource a media verification platform Reality check: virtual human AYAYI launches first “phygital” fashion collectionTOKiMONSTA’s TwitterLaura’s TwitterSonu’s WebsiteMags’ TwitterDouble Down Fund WebsiteFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-"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.

Jan 8, 2024 • 59min
Brand Building, Collectibles and Zero Second Commerce With Keith Soljacich of Publicis Media
EVP and Head of Innovation at Publicis Media Keith Soljacich joins us on this episode of “Gen C” and discusses how brands utilize evolving technologies to create deeper connections and supercharge business.In the first episode in 2024, we sit down with Keith Soljacich, EVP, head of innovation at Publicis Media to discuss how he uses emerging technologies to create personalized and emotional brand connections. Keith talks us through how he vets and brings technological opportunities, like artificial intelligence, blockchain and XR, to the number of clients that make up the Publicis Media network.Links mentioned from the podcast: The Times Sues OpenAI and Microsoft Over A.I. Use of Copyrighted WorkRekt Brand Announces Equity For It’s HoldersSony, Nikon and Canon Partner to Fight DeepfakesKeith’s TwitterFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3-"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 26, 2023 • 51min
Predictions for the New Year and Discussing Puma’s Marketing Playbook With Ivan Dashkov
Puma's Head of Emerging Technology, Ivan Dashkov, joins us to discuss how the sportswear brand is approaching digital fashion, community building and marketing innovation.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.In the final episode of 2023, Avery and Sam discuss predictions for 2024 and interview Ivan Dashkov, Head of Emerging Technology at Puma, about innovation in marketing and brand-building strategies like social media, NFTs, the metaverse and AI.Links mentioned from the podcast: Threads is officially starting to test ActivityPub integrationThe rise of AI fake news is creating a ‘misinformation superspreader’H&M nailed its metaverse entry with one simple priority, UXIvan’s 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.

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.