

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 28, 2023 • 47min
Don’t Be An Expert, Be A Student with Sandeep Seth, CMO of Coach
Sandeep Seth, CMO of Coach, started off as an engineer before changing his career to focus on marketing. From P&G to Coach, Sandeep shares lessons learned along the way as well as a deeper dive into his perspective on innovation across Web3, Immersive Worlds and AI. Links mentioned from the podcast:
Friendtech heats up
YouTube tackles AI
Sandeep's Twitter
Coach
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.

Aug 21, 2023 • 48min
Growing A Web3 Brand With Austin Hurwitz, Head of Business Development and Strategy at Doodles
Avery and Sam speak with Austin Hurwitz from Doodles on recent collaborations, managing a Web3 community and channeling creativity with a Web3 based brand.This week's guest is Austin Hurwitz, head of business development and strategy at Doodles. Austin has worked at Amazon and other brands with a focus on music. Now, he is helping to steer Doodles from a pure play Web3 project to a mainstream brand, including recent collaborations with Adidas and CAMP. We hear what Austin and Doodles are focusing on and how they are doing so far.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Adidas and BAPE Launch Tokenized Sneakers
Zynga's First Web3 Game
South Korean Web 2 Metaverse Platform Zepeto Gets a Web3 Makeover
Doodles Website
Austin’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.

Aug 14, 2023 • 49min
Understanding Web3 Talent and Opportunities With Lesley Silverman of UTA
Avery and Sam sit down with United Talent Agency’s Lesley Silverman to talk about career paths in Web3 and how talent agencies can help.This week's guest is Lesley Silverman, Head of Web3 at United Talent Agency. UTA represents many of the most dynamic artists in the Web3 space as well as many of the top actors, directors and creators in the world. We discuss her journey from lawyer to Web3, how creatives are approaching the space and how supporting artists is more about patronage than financial gain.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Grimes says she made more from NFTs than music
Onchain Summer
Paypal launches stablecoin
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.

Aug 7, 2023 • 52min
From Batman to NFTs: How Warner Bros. Discovery Is Building Web3 Into Franchises
Avery and Sam chat with Josh Hackbarth of Warner Bros. Discovery about how major franchises are superserving their existing fan base and exploring new and engaging opportunities in Web3.Our guest this week is Josh Hackbarth, SVP, Franchise - DC, Animation and NFT Commercial Development for Warner Bros. Discovery. Hackbarth sits down with Avery and Sam to discuss developing Web3 initiatives for iconic franchises like Batman and Looney Tunes and how to further engage fans by creating open dialogue through Discord.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Ralph Lauren Goes Bigger on Fortnite with island and phygital boots
With rebrand, Claire’s leans into AI and web3
This Art Exhibit Is Bringing New Life to Allen Ginsberg’s Poetry Using AI
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.

Jul 31, 2023 • 49min
Coachella's Sam Schoonover on Building Communities Online
We sat down with Sam Schoonover, innovation lead at Coachella, to discuss Coachella Island, music NFTs and the shift in physical experiences with the rise of social media.Sam joins the podcast to talk about his work with Coachella but also as the founder of Forward, a creative and emerging technology studio. He shares his experiences working with entertainment brands in the consumer innovation and technology space ranging from Universal Pictures to Epic Games.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Twitter is being rebranded as X
As Actors Strike For AI Protections, Netflix Lists $900,000 AI Job
The State of Web3 Growth Tech 2023
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.

Jul 24, 2023 • 39min
The Next Evolution of Gen C with Avery and Sam
On this episode, we talk about Google Play’s policy update allowing NFTs in their apps, Hollywood’s latest proposal amidst the strikes revealing studios want to own the likeness of background actors in perpetuity and Snoop Dogg’s Web3 music platform, Sound. Most importantly, Avery and Sam talk about the expansion of the pod to include more topics and guests. Gen C is the new generation of the internet. The C stands for Crypto, but it also stands for Creators, the Connected Consumer and Collectibles (both digital and physical with OnChain provenance). It stands for Culture and Characters (the ones we play in games and the companion ones that AI is building alongside us. It stands for Community and Digital Citizenship and the new set of transparent and trustless tools being built to govern them. Welcome to the new Gen C!Links mentioned from the podcast:Google Play Changes Policy on Tokenized Digital Assets, Allowing NFTs in Apps and GamesActors say Hollywood studios want their AI replicas — for free, foreverSnoop Dogg and a16z Back Web3 Music Platform Sound’s $20M Funding RoundFollow 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.

Jul 17, 2023 • 50min
Brand Growth and the Consumer Mindset With Rachel Weiss of L’Oréal BOLD Ventures
On this episode of “Gen C,” we discuss the evolution of the beauty industry with Rachel and how emerging tech, from VR and AR to new social platforms like Threads, has challenged the ways she engages with consumers.This episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.Rachel has spent 16 years at L’Oréal where she’s shifted from marketing to digital strategy and innovation, to her current role as early stage investor at L'Oreal BOLD Ventures. Avery, Sam and Rachel talk about the early days of the beauty industry where products were primarily purchased in stores vs. online, how content creators play a large role in bringing awareness to new product launches and how EQ is at the heart of the human experience and connecting with consumers.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Why Threads Got 100 Million Users When Other Twitter Rivals Could Not
Free Slurpee NFTs Served Up by 7-Eleven
Tokenized U.S. Treasuries Surpass $600M as Crypto Investors Capture TradFi Yield
Rachel's Twitter
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
From our sponsors:Web3 offers budding opportunities for brands to create more value for their customers, engage fans and build immersive communities. But that doesn't come without its risks. Chainalysis helps Fortune 500 brands better understand and manage the risks in Web3 through proactive assessments on chain monitoring, investigations, training and more so that they can focus on building a roadmap for long-term growth. Learn more about how Chainalysis can help your company grow in Web3 at www.chainalysis.com/genc.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong and 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.

Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Edges of Innovation With Seth Goldstein, Founder of Bright Moments
Seth Goldstein has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation. From the nascent stages of the Internet to his role as Entrepreneur-in-residence at Flatiron Partners, he has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible. He is now pushing forward the generative art movement with Bright Moments.This episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.Seth is a serial entrepreneur who has had a large number of successful companies and a few others that may have been launched a bit before their time. With Avery away, Seth and Sam go deep into Seth’s history, how he thinks about innovation and being ahead of the curve and we hear the origin story and current state of his much beloved generative art organization, Bright Moments, and how over the last two years they have circumnavigated the globe highlighting the innovation of digital art and on-chain ownership.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Lacoste Expands Its NFT Ecosystem With New Rewards
Harry Styles Concert App Takes Fans in More Than One Direction With Blockchain Rewards
Bright Moments Website
Seth's Twitter
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
From our sponsors:Web3 offers budding opportunities for brands to create more value for their customers, engage fans and build immersive communities. But that doesn't come without its risks. Chainalysis helps Fortune 500 brands better understand and manage the risks in Web3 through proactive assessments on chain monitoring, investigations, training and more so that they can focus on building a roadmap for long-term growth. Learn more about how Chainalysis can help your company grow in Web3 at www.chainalysis.com/genc.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong and 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.

Jul 3, 2023 • 49min
Defining Culture in Web3 With Jeff Carvalho, Co-Founder of Highsnobiety
Entrepreneur and trend curator Jeff Carvalho shares his perspective on building culture and communities in Web3. Topics discussed include the intersection of technology and culture, bringing more users to the space, and the impact of the internet on communication and storytelling. Also, Jeff's involvement with Barata in fashion and blockchain, launching NFTs, and strategizing for Fortune 500 companies.

Jun 26, 2023 • 38min
Metaverse Learning, NFTs in the Intelligence Industry and AI Powered JPEGs With CoinDesk’s Cam Thompson
In this episode, special guest host Cam Thompson from CoinDesk and Sam talk about all of the latest stories and deep dive into metaverse learning and how the German Intelligence division is using NFTs to recruit talent.Cam Thompson is CoinDesk’s web3 journalist and is also a host of the “Carpe Consensus” podcast on the CoinDesk Podcast network. Cam and Sam break down the latest stories and trends on what is happening in AI, NFTs and metaverse learning.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Brycent Playing the Nike x Fortnite collaboration
Alethea AI and ChatGPT
German Intelligence Uses NFTs to Recruit Talent
UNIC Metaverse Masters Degree
Cam on Twitter
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
From our sponsors:Web3 offers budding opportunities for brands to create more value for their customers, engage fans and build immersive communities. But that doesn't come without its risks. Chainalysis helps Fortune 500 brands better understand and manage the risks in Web3 through proactive assessments on chain monitoring, investigations, training and more so that they can focus on building a roadmap for long-term growth. Learn more about how Chainalysis can help your company grow in Web3 at www.chainalysis.com/genc.-PayPal provides a secure and convenient platform for converting dollars into crypto. Start exploring new Web3 applications with peace of mind knowing that PayPal has your back. Buy, sell, HODL, transfer, send and checkout with crypto. All with PayPal. Get started today at PayPal.com/crypto.-WineChain revolutionizes fine wine as an alternative asset class on Polygon. Top wineries mint rare cuvées as NFTs backed by physical bottles, tradable on our marketplace. Experience unmatched liquidity and seamless storage and shipping. Create your account at winechain.co to access our most exciting drops of the summer!-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong and 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.