Gen C

In this episode of ‘Gen C’, Avery and Sam explore the rise of meme culture and are joined by guest Adam Levine, Director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art to discuss the financialization of art and his approach to collecting and exhibiting digital art. In this episode, hosts Sam and Avery discuss the over-financialization of culture and the impact on the art world, particularly in the realm of digital and crypto art. They are joined by this week’s guest Adam Levine, the director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art, who discusses the museum's criteria for evaluating quality in art, the importance of diversity and representation and the role of financialization in the art ecosystem. The conversation provides a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving landscape of the art industry.Links mentioned from the podcast:  Biden and Trump-Themed Meme Coins Take Center Stage on Solana GameScent Wants You to Smell the Gunfire While You Play Video Games Toledo Museum of Art Website Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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. 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.

Co-Founders of MITH, Natalie Bruss and Michelle Sanchez, discuss how they’re reimagining fan engagement in a hyperconnected era.Natalie Bruss and Michelle Sanchez, co-founders of MITH, join the podcast to discuss their new creator platform that aims to transform the relationship between creators and fans. With deep backgrounds in talent management, events, and venture capital, they share insights on empowering creators to build direct connections with their most engaged audiences, leveraging blockchain for verifiable digital experiences, and the role of AI in enhancing creative workflows and fan interactions.Links mentioned from the podcast:  ‘air head’ by Sora Video Mith on Twitter Mith.io Website Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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. 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.

From Digital Collectibles to AI influencers, Dina Fierro of Shiseido Americas discusses beauty's boundaries in virtual realms.Dina Fierro, SVP Web3/Metaverse at Shiseido Americas, shares her journey from fashion to PR and marketing, becoming an early participant of online communities and influencer marketing. She delves into brands' exploration of Web3, metaverse, AI and gaming platforms like Roblox, balancing innovation with brand safety and measurable business objectives. Dina also highlights successful campaigns she’s executed like the NARS Color Quest experience on Roblox and Shiseido's Future Reflections generative NFT project.Links mentioned from the podcast:  Why Did Starbucks' Web3 Project Fail? | First Mover Clips Pepe, Dogwifhat Could Lead Next Round of Meme Coin Surge, Traders Say Dina on Twitter Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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. 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.

In this episode of “Gen C”, VP of Vivendi, Fabien Aufrechter, discusses how a major media conglomerate is embracing Web3 and generative AI for content authentication, tokenization and more.Sam interviews Fabien Aufrechter, VP at Vivendi, about the company's initiatives around Web3 and generative AI. They discuss using NFTs and blockchain for content provenance and fighting misinformation, tokenizing media for decentralized CRMs and the opportunities and risks that generative AI presents for creative industries. Fabien also shares his unique perspective as the mayor of a French town, Verneuil-sur-Seine.Links mentioned from the podcast:  Farcaster Loses 60% of Users In One Month As Interest In SocialFi Wanes Fabien on Twitter Vivendi Website Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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.-Want to get three years of access to Consensus with the Microcosms NFT? For just 1ETH, you will gain entry to the conference and be eligible to receive randomized rewards including gift cards to local Austin spots, a hotel stay and VIP access to supercharge your event experience! In addition to three years of access to Consensus, you will also be the holder of a unique generative artwork, the Microcosms NFT, created by artist Fahad Karim. Mint now until March 14th at coindesk.com/consensusnft.-"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.

SVP of Vodka and Rum at Diageo, Julie Yufie, joins the pod to share how she keeps iconic spirits brands culturally relevant in this episode of “Gen C.”Julie Yufe, SVP of Vodka and Rum at Diageo, joins “Gen C” to discuss how the beverage giant balances global brand strategy with localized activations. She shares her approach to tapping into cultural moments like the Super Bowl through innovation and creator partnerships. Julie also explains why brand purpose is essential and how she stays inspired by trends across industries.Links mentioned from the podcast:  Binance made crypto perfume in a baffling attempt to woo women Public trust in AI is sinking across the board Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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.-Want to get three years of access to Consensus with the Microcosms NFT? For just 1ETH, you will gain entry to the conference and be eligible to receive randomized rewards including gift cards to local Austin spots, a hotel stay and VIP access to supercharge your event experience! In addition to three years of access to Consensus, you will also be the holder of a unique generative artwork, the Microcosms NFT, created by artist Fahad Karim. Mint now until March 14th at coindesk.com/consensusnft.-"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.

In this week’s episode, LVMH's Nelly Mensah shares her insight on the luxury giant's foray into Web3, metaverse and immersive tech.Nelly Mensah, VP of Digital Innovation at LVMH joins "Gen C" to discuss their approach to Web3, metaverse and immersive technologies. She discusses LVMH's early embrace of NFTs and the metaverse, the role of digital fashion and virtual worlds in enhancing customer experiences, and how AI is shaping the future of luxury branding.Links mentioned from the podcast:  The Rebooting Newsletter on the state of publishers Gab’s Racist AI Chatbots Have Been Instructed to Deny the Holocaust Roblox Game Developers Earned a Record $741 Million Last Year Nelly’s Twitter Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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.-Want to get three years of access to Consensus with the Microcosms NFT? For just 1ETH, you will gain entry to the conference and be eligible to receive randomized rewards including gift cards to local Austin spots, a hotel stay and VIP access to supercharge your event experience! In addition to three years of access to Consensus, you will also be the holder of a unique generative artwork, the Microcosms NFT, created by artist Fahad Karim. Mint now until March 14th at coindesk.com/consensusnft. -"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.

Micah Johnson, former pro baseball player, artist and creator of Aku World, joins "Gen C" to discuss art in crypto.Today we have artist and former professional athlete Micah Johnson on the podcast. From being a successful artist to creating Aku, a character reminding children to go after their big dreams which has shown up at the NBA All-Star Game, on Beats Headphones, to the cover of Time Magazine, hear how Micah embodies aspirational creator culture.Links mentioned from the podcast:  Aku World Micah’s Instagram Micah on Twitter Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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.

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 Deal Coinbase’s bouncing QR code Super Bowl ad was so popular it crashed the app Jess on Twitter Shopify Website Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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.

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 desktop Employee loses $25M of firm’s funds after call with deepfake colleagues Farcaster's Dan Romero Explains How 'Frames' Did What X (Twitter) Doesn't Watch this episode on video: YouTube CoinDesk Follow 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.

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.