

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

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 Collaborations
Fake Joe Biden robocall tells New Hampshire Democrats not to vote Tuesday
‘Palworld’ video game ignites furor as it becomes an overnight sensation
BMW Group on Twitter
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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 Happen
Roblox Monthly Active Users tweet
Forbes Makes Premium Content Free For Web3 Community Via Digital Wallet Connect
Vayner Morning Brew tweet
Follow 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 Cryptocurrency
Fox News and Polygon team up to develop and opensource a media verification platform
Reality check: virtual human AYAYI launches first “phygital” fashion collection
TOKiMONSTA’s Twitter
Laura’s Twitter
Sonu’s Website
Mags’ Twitter
Double Down Fund Website
Follow 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 Work
Rekt Brand Announces Equity For It’s Holders
Sony, Nikon and Canon Partner to Fight Deepfakes
Keith’s Twitter
Follow 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 integration
The rise of AI fake news is creating a ‘misinformation superspreader’
H&M nailed its metaverse entry with one simple priority, UX
Ivan’s Twitter
Follow 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 Company
The EU Just Passed Sweeping New Rules to Regulate AI
GTA 6: Grand Theft Auto VI could smash revenue records
Follow 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 work
Your A.I. Companion Will Support You No Matter What
Michael on Twitter
Sotheby’s Website
Follow 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 Writers
Developer Conference Axed After Fake Female Profiles Outcry
Pika Wows in Debut as AI Video Generator Takes Aim at Tech Giants
Dogecoin Funded SpaceX ‘Doge-1’ Moon Mission Gets a Step Closer to Launch
Mike on Twitter
Niantic Website
Follow 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 NFTs
Dunk Wars on Fortnite
Chris on Twitter
Follow 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 Wars
Daniel on Twitter
Gods Unchained Website
Follow 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.


