Defi Podcast

Avalanche Summit Special: John Nahas, web3 Gaming, Multi-Chain & Future Adoption | DeFi Podcast #65

In this special episode recorded live at the Avalanche Summit at Historic Hatfield Park, we sit down with John Nahas, Chief Business Officer at Ava Labs, for an in-depth conversation about Avalanche's vision for the future of blockchain.John shares his fascinating journey from international affairs and policy work to becoming a key figure in crypto, including his early Bitcoin discovery at a Los Angeles coffee shop in 2012 and his path through traditional finance, media, and eventually to Ava Labs.We explore why John believes we're entering "L1 season" and how Avalanche's multi-chain architecture is positioned to capture this shift. From Web3 gaming finally becoming indistinguishable from traditional gaming to enterprises needing their own purpose-built chains, John breaks down why general-purpose blockchains are becoming obsolete.Key Topics:🔺 John's background: from political wonk to international trade to crypto pioneer🔺 Why Web3 gaming is "just starting" and how Avalanche enables true scalability🔺 The coming "L1 season" and why L2s are starting to falter🔺 How the C-chain acts as a hub without fragmenting liquidity🔺 Enterprise adoption and why every business will need its own chain🔺 The importance of regulatory clarity and building in New York🔺 Why the best tech doesn't always win and how Avalanche is addressing thisRecorded at the Avalanche Summit, this episode offers unique insights into one of crypto's most ambitious ecosystems and the strategy behind making blockchain technology truly accessible for enterprises, gamers, and developers alike.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Defi Podcast at Avalanche Summit00:32 Introducing John Neha: From Tradify to Crypto01:19 John Neha's Journey into Blockchain07:50 Building Token Vault and Early Blockchain Ventures11:57 Exciting Developments in Avalanche14:24 The Future of Web3 Gaming on Avalanche17:44 Avalanche's Unique Approach to Blockchain20:41 The Evolution and Future of Crypto24:16 Launching Your Own L1 Chain24:42 The Rise of L1 Season25:31 Challenges and Opportunities for L2s27:10 The Value of L1 Chains29:32 The Role of the C-Chain34:19 Highlighting Use Cases and Supporting Builders41:48 The Importance of Transparency in Crypto44:49 Avalanche Summit and Community Building47:01 Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpFollow the Pod:https://x.com/defipodcastFollow the Guest:https://x.com/JohnNahas84https://x.com/AvaLabsFollow the Hosts:https://x.com/Bill_Tanyerihttps://x.com/JFSainehttps://x.com/M0xrrisseyDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.#Avalanche #L1 #Web3Gaming #Enterprise #Blockchain #DeFi #AvalancheSummit

How Babylon is Leading Bitcoin’s Renaissance with Clayton Menzel | DeFi Podcast #64

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we're joined by Clayton Menzel, Head of BD at Babylon, to explore how they're revolutionizing Bitcoin by enabling staking functionality without bridging or wrapping.Clayton explains Babylon's innovative approach that allows Bitcoin holders to put their BTC to work through a delegated proof-of-stake system while maintaining custody of their assets. Learn how Babylon is creating both a security layer and liquidity layer for Bitcoin, allowing it to secure other chains while injecting Bitcoin liquidity into various ecosystems.Key Topics:🔹 How Babylon enables Bitcoin staking without leaving the Bitcoin network🔹 The slashing risk profile compared to other DeFi activities🔹 Babylon Genesis Chain and its role in the ecosystem🔹 The future of trustless LST creation using BitVM technology🔹 How Babylon contributes to Bitcoin's long-term security model🔹 Partnerships with chains like Osmosis and TacChapters:00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin Use Cases00:42 Market Update and Bitcoin Performance03:31 Ethereum and Crypto News Highlights10:24 Deep Dive into Babylon and Bitcoin Staking13:37 Understanding Babylon's Staking Mechanism17:11 Comparing Babylon with Other Protocols19:44 Security and Liquidity in Bitcoin Staking26:04 Shared Security and Bitcoin Liquidity28:32 Bitcoin Renaissance and Staking Functionality31:05 Yield and Rewards for Staking Bitcoin32:51 Babylon Genesis Chain and Its Use Cases36:26 Bitcoin's Role in Decentralized Finance40:17 Challenges and Opportunities for Bitcoin Security44:20 The Future of Bitcoin and Babylon's Vision51:04 Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksFollow us:Twitter: @DefiPodcastFollow the Hosts:@Bill_Tanyeri@RhettShipp@M0xrrisseyDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.#DeFi #Bitcoin #Babylon #Staking #BTC #Crypto

Blockchain for All - Building the WordPress of Web3 with Pakt CEO Brendan Joyce | DeFi Podcast #63

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we're joined by Brendan Joyce (@azzabazazz), CEO of Pakt (@PaktWorld), who is revolutionizing how businesses are built on blockchain.Brendan shares his fascinating journey from Hollywood screenwriter to Obama campaign worker to blockchain innovator, and how winning a pitch contest launched Pakt as the "WordPress for Web3." Learn how Pakt is using AI tools to dramatically lower the barrier to creating blockchain-powered businesses, potentially changing the way we think about entrepreneurship in the digital age.Our hosts Bill, Jared (@M0xrrissey), and Rhett also cover recent market moves with Bitcoin hitting 97K, the Movement Labs controversy, and the challenges crypto projects face when working with market makers.Key Topics:- How Pakt creates "chain sites" that seamlessly integrate blockchain functionality - Non-custodial escrow systems that protect both freelancers and clients - Using AI to create blockchain businesses in days instead of months- The vision for turning early adopters into builders- The journey from Rwanda to Nairobi building with a global teamWhether you're interested in building on blockchain, AI's impact on crypto, or the future of decentralized business models, this episode offers fresh insights into how the industry is evolving beyond price speculation toward real utility.Follow the guest:@azzabazazz@PaktWorldFollow us:@DefiPodcastFollow the Hosts:@Bill_Tanyeri@M0xrrissey@RhettShippChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:16 Market Update and Economic Insights06:14 Movement Labs Controversy09:05 Challenges with Market Makers15:15 Oiler Protocol's Comeback29:09 Brendan's Journey in the Avalanche Ecosystem35:38 Pitching at Avalanche Creates38:53 Introducing Pakt: The WordPress for Web342:47 The Evolution of Pakt with AI49:14 Addressing Security and Reputation Concerns53:19 The Future of Blockchain-Powered Businesses56:16 Live Demo and User Experience01:06:29 Closing Remarks and Upcoming EventsDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.#DeFi #Blockchain #AI #Pakt #WebThree #Avalanche

From Philosophy to NFTs Kenny Schachter on Art, Blockchain & Breaking the Rules | DeFi Podcast #62

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, hosts Bill, JF, and Rhett sit down with the multifaceted Kenny Schachter – artist, writer, curator, and leading voice in the NFT movement, who has spent over three decades challenging art world conventions.Kenny shares his remarkable journey from philosophy student to self-taught art expert, revealing how he stumbled into the art world and later embraced blockchain technology. Whether you're interested in art, NFTs, or the future of creative expression in the digital age, Kenny's provocative insights and entertaining stories offer a unique perspective from someone operating at the intersection of traditional and digital art worlds.Key topics include:- Kenny's unconventional path from law school to becoming an art world provocateur- Why he believes "NFT" has become a pejorative term in today's culture- His controversial stance against royalties in the NFT space- The intersection of AI, blockchain, and traditional art- His experiences with hacks that led to significant crypto losses- How the art market functions as a "zero-sum game of economics"The hosts also provide updates on crypto markets and discuss developments with Avant Protocol, which has reached 40 million TVL without token incentives.Chapters:Follow us:Twitter: @DefiPodcastGuest links:@kennyschachttps://www.kennyschachter.artFollow the Hosts:@Bill_Tanyeri@JFSaine@RhettShippDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.#NFTs #ArtMarket #Blockchain #DigitalArt #CreativeEconomy #DeFi

The most CONCERNING approach to AI

Why AI hackers are more dangerous than we think: They don't need perfection to succeed. When attacking systems, being wrong 10,000 times doesn't matter if you get it right just once. This clip explains how economically feasible it's becoming to "throw more spaghetti at the wall" with AI-powered attacks in hacking and drone warfare - creating unprecedented security risks through sheer volume rather than sophistication.

AI Implementation at Scale, Tools, Agents & Benchmarks: Jacob Miller (Pattern) | DeFi Podcast #61

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we're joined by Jacob Miller, VP of Data Science at Pattern, to explore how AI is being implemented at enterprise scale in one of e-commerce's biggest players.Jacob reveals Pattern's approach to benchmarking various AI models (Claude, Gemini, GPT) against real business metrics rather than public leaderboards, and why fine-tuning is finally becoming worthwhile after years of being a "trap." As the VP overseeing AI operations for the #1 seller on Amazon globally, Jacob offers rare insights into how commercial AI is transforming business operations and driving tangible ROI.Alongside hosts Bill, JF, and Rhett, we dive into Jacob's contrarian take on AI agents, why different AI models are becoming increasingly specialized, and his fascinating personal applications of AI - from creating a Chinese language tutor for his son to building an AI coach that helps him stay aligned with his goals throughout the day.Key Topics:- How Pattern swaps and benchmarks different AI models to determine which works best for specific business tasks- Why fine-tuning AI models is finally becoming valuable after previously being a "trap"- Jacob's "hot take" that AI agents are currently overrated but will be valuable in ~2 years- Creative personal AI applications including an AI coach and Chinese language tutor- Realistic perspectives on AI development timelines and the limitations of current technology- The intersection of AI and blockchain - why crypto may have an advantage for AI agent integrationChapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:40 Jacob Miller's Background and Role at Pattern04:03 AI Models and Their Applications06:35 Public vs. Private Benchmarks in AI10:05 Writing and AI: Personal Experiences12:25 Consumer AI and User Experience16:10 Google's AI Journey and Market Dynamics19:21 Future of AI: Investment and Bottlenecks25:19 Fine-Tuning AI Models: Is It Worth It?28:35 Surprises and Contrarian Views in AI29:48 Unexpected Breakthroughs in AI29:54 The Rapid Evolution of Image Generation31:05 The Competitive Landscape of AI Models33:33 AI Agents: Overhyped or Future Game-Changers?42:23 AI in Personal and Professional Life53:08 The Future of AI and Its Potential Risks01:01:56 Concluding Thoughts and PredictionsFollow us:Twitter: @DefiPodcastGuest links:@patternhqFollow the Hosts:@Bill_Tanyeri@JFSaine@RhettShippDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.

Building a Palantir with Zero Employees: Crunch DAO’s Jean Herelle | DeFi Podcast #60

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, hosts Bill, JF, and Rhett sit down with Jean from Crunch DAO to explore how they're connecting 8,000 data scientists globally to solve complex problems while maintaining data privacy.Jean reveals Crunch's unique approach that transforms sensitive financial data into abstracted games (like the "Bird Game" for forex trading), allowing data scientists to build powerful models without seeing the actual data. Learn how Crunch is leveraging blockchain technology to ensure fair compensation for global talent and why diversity of approaches creates superior AI solutions compared to small internal teams.Key Topics:How Crunch functions as "a Palantir with zero employees"The differential privacy technique that protects sensitive financial dataWhy financial institutions were the first to adopt Crunch's technologyHow blockchain technology enables a global talent marketplaceThe future of AI's "gut feeling" and what's coming for the Crunch platformChapters:00:00 Building a Palantir with Zero Employees00:22 Introduction to the Defi Podcast01:16 Market Update: A Roller Coaster Week01:56 Trump's Tariffs and Market Reactions08:01 Crunch DAO: A Deep Dive08:26 How Crunch DAO Works08:40 The Role of Data Scientists in Crunch DAO10:05 Differential Privacy and the Bird Game10:10 Applications and Use Cases of Crunch DAO12:52 Challenges and Solutions in AI and Machine Learning16:43 Client Engagement and Data Management22:47 Protecting Intellectual Property in AI Models23:41 Challenges of Overfitting in Data Science24:43 Live Data Testing and Model Validation26:17 Diverse Approaches to Machine Learning28:09 Intersection of Crunch and Blockchain Technology29:33 Ensuring Fair Rewards for Model Creators31:04 Trusted Execution Environments for Code Security36:31 Future of AI and Human Intuition41:23 Current State and Future Plans for Crunch44:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow us:Twitter: @DefiPodcastFollow the Hosts:@Bill_Tanyeri@JFSaine@RhettShippDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.#DeFi #AI #Blockchain #CrunchDAO #DataScience #MachineLearning

Smart Transactions & ETH’s Future: Boris Mamlyuk (STXN) on Blockchain Evolution | DeFi Podcast #59

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we're joined by Boris Mamlyuk, CEO and co-founder of STXN, who shares his journey from tenured law professor to blockchain innovator. Boris discusses STXN's groundbreaking work on "smart transactions" - technology designed to dramatically reduce the 15%+ failure rate plaguing blockchain transactions. Alongside hosts Bill, JF, and Rhett, we examine the impact of recent tariff announcements on crypto markets, debate Ethereum's economic model following Kane Warwick's controversial thread, and explore how STXN is building decentralised infrastructure to make blockchain more accessible. Boris reveals how STXN's "Block Clock" app allows users to earn crypto through a decentralised timestamp network and shares the company's vision for connecting EVMs, Solana, and beyond with an enhanced transaction layer.Key Topics:🔹 The market impact of tariffs on crypto and potential blockchain solutions🔹 The debate around Ethereum's L2-centric roadmap and fee economics🔹 How STXN is solving the high failure rate of blockchain transactions🔹 STXN's approach to creating decentralised transaction processing🔹 The vision for programmable smart transactions across multiple chainsChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:00 Market Overview and Tariffs Impact04:09 Blockchain and Tariff Verification08:36 Stablecoin Legislation Concerns10:57 Ethereum's Challenges and Future18:35 Boris Ma's Journey into Crypto21:06 The Birth of Crypto Law Review21:44 Joining Forces with STXN22:59 Challenges in Ethereum Transactions23:44 STXN's Solution to Transaction Failures26:12 Decentralized Solver Networks37:17 Conditional Transactions and Smart Contracts43:19 Conclusion and Future ProspectsFollow the Podhttps://x.com/defipodcastFollow the Hostshttps://x.com/Bill_Tanyerihttps://x.com/JFSainehttps://x.com/RhettShippDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.RetryClaude does not have internet access. Links provided may not be accurate or up to date.Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

ETHDenver, White House Crypto Summit & Post-Dollar Future | DeFi Podcast #57

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we dive into ETH Denver's transformation, the Ethereum Foundation drama, and what the White House Crypto Summit means for your portfolio.🔹 Rhett shares his experience at ETH Denver 🔹 Ethereum Foundation's Drama🔹 White House Crypto Summit's strategic reserve.🔹 US-Canada tariffs and the economic impact.🔹 An absolutely incredible alt season incoming?Whether you're deeply invested in crypto, curious about regulatory changes, or just want to see what's coming next, this episode is packed with insights on where the market is headed.💬 Follow the Pod:X.com/defipodcast📢 Follow the Hosts:X.com/m0xrrisseyX.com/JFSaineX.com/Bill_TanyeriX.com/RhettShippChapters:00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:41 ETH Denver Recap: Attendance and Vibes03:42 ETH Denver: Side Events and Key Takeaways09:00 Ethereum Foundation Drama23:33 Macro Trends and Canadian Tariffs29:22 Canada's Business Environment Challenges30:38 Missed Opportunities in Canadian Cities31:03 Crypto and Canadian Talent Migration40:04 The White House Crypto Summit41:09 Strategic Reserve and Crypto Legislation47:23 Trump's Economic Impact and Tariffs51:35 Concluding Thoughts on U.S. Manufacturing and Security52:38 Wrap-Up and FarewellDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.

DOGE, Bybit, Epstein & Blockchain, plus GoGoPool’s Community L1 Launch & Coqnet | DeFi Podcast #56

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we dive into the most significant crypto and blockchain developments of the week:We also explore the risks of total financial transparency, North Korean hackers' sophistication, and why tariffs might actually help the US economy. 🔹 DOGE in DC: Could government spending on blockchain revolutionize financial transparency?🔹 Epstein List: How Polymarket betting markets are predicting outcomes in real-time🔹 Bybit's $1.5B Hack: Breaking down the largest crypto security breach in history🔹 GoGoPool 9000: Exclusive alpha on the platform revolutionizing Avalanche L1 launchesWhether you're interested in blockchain governance, DeFi innovation, or the future of L1s, this episode delivers sharp insights on what's happening and what's next.💬 Follow the Pod:X.com/defipodcast📢 Follow the Hosts:X.com/m0xrrisseyX.com/JFSaineX.com/Bill_TanyeriX.com/RhettShippDisclaimer: Nothing discussed on this podcast constitutes financial advice. The hosts and guest may hold positions in some of the assets or projects mentioned during the episode. Please consult a professional investment advisor and do your own research before making any financial decisions.