The Defiant - DeFi Podcast

• AI Agents, Meme Coins, and a Better Future for Investing: Insights from Shaw Walters

  Explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, cryptocurrency, and startup culture in our latest episode. We spoke with Shaw Walters, Founder of Eliza Labs, about the exciting possibilities and challenges of AI agents in digital worlds, the crypto ecosystem, and token launches. Discover how these technologies are shaping a fairer, more inclusive future for investing and why real products and vision matter more than hype. Chapters:00:00 Defiant introduction00:07 Episode summary00:54 Introduction to Shaw Walters and Eliza Labs02:27 AI agents in digital worlds10:56 Eliza as a framework for providing what GPT doesn’t11:25 Writing actions for AI agents14:10 Use cases for AI agents14:55 Moving from one-on-one to group settings16:33 Connecting Eliza to the crypto ecosystem19:20 Pros and cons of AI agents in financial services21:25 AI agents as an interface24:53 auto.fun and launching AI agents30:08 Fairer than fair token launch31:58 A new age of investing in startups32:32 The government does not trust you with your own money34:33 Crypto workarounds for investing in startups35:43 The Trump administration and our path to regulation36:57 Changing laws around investing in startups38:32 Decentralized AI and opening investment to the public39:30 What will bring AI agents back to the forefront?44:25 How to structure better launchpads for startups46:00 Crypto markets in their current state are casinos49:24 Jeffy Yu and Zerebro53:36 Why the crypto culture needs to change55:31 Real products and real vision58:00 Closing remarks

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• The Fight for Digital Privacy Decentralized AI and the Future of Freedom with Patrick Amadon

  This week, we spoke to Patrick Amadon about the complex intersections of digital privacy, surveillance, censorship, and the potential of decentralized AI. Amadon offers a critical perspective on some of the most pressing issues in technology, from the role of digital disobedience to the regulatory challenges surrounding cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.Key topics include: The potential of decentralized AI and Ethereum's pivotal role The impact of censorship on free speech in the digital era How AI and blockchain technology can empower individuals and artists Risks posed by centralized AI and the push for decentralization Strategies for protecting digital privacy and countering AI surveillance Amadon also examines how the framework for success in the digital age is shifting, emphasizing the importance of data ownership and financial independence. This conversation offers valuable insights for those interested in the evolving relationship between technology, freedom, and the pursuit of a decentralized future.Chapters:00:00 Defiant Intro00:07 Decentralized AI is a win for Ethereum01:30 Introduction to Patrick Amadon02:08 Digital disobedience and decentralized ecosystems04:10 Challenges in modern discourse07:40 “No Rioters” and threats to free speech 10:10 The place for disruption12:00 The paths to success are changing13:05 Crypto and data ownership13:32 Meaningful AI Legislation14:20 The race to AGI and why we need to beat China16:48 Regulating crypto and AI18:34 The failure of the stablecoin bill22:08 “Passive Observer” and the role of the public in geopolitical events27:50 Art as resistance to homogenizing the narrative30:10 When crypto starts making sense to normies30:55 The fight to decentralize AI33:25 The risks of centralized AI35:40 Our lack of digital security and privacy37:32 Why should AI belong to the people?38:00 AI’s effects on the job market41:25 How to get under the hood of AI45:00 AI lowers the barrier to entry for art, technology, and more46:30 AI and the arts49:20 The pros and cons of decentralization50:32 Decentralized infrastructure, currency, and economy52:15 The Pectra update54:35 The power of owning your own currency55:18 How will wallets as smart contracts affect artists?55:40 The NFT art space only works as it imagines a new art world58:00 Pectra and the future of meaningful technologies58:55 A digital renaissance01:00:58 Counter AI surveillance technology01:05:00 Why is digital privacy so important?01:12:15 VeilPNG and hiding data01:13:20 Closing remarks

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• Beyond the Hype: Bitcoin, Inflation, and the Future of Crypto with Gus Grillasca

  In today’s episode with cypherpunk and artist Gus Grillasca, we explore the intricate crossroads of cryptocurrency and global economics. From the propaganda of inflation to Bitcoin Ordinals and the NFT controversy, this episode challenges conventional narratives and opens up new perspectives. Hear Gus' insights on navigating the Ethereum ecosystem, the financialization of Bitcoin, and privacy coins in the digital age.We also talk about the evolving role of crypto in Latin America, reflect on the surprising dynamics of meme coins, and uncover gaps in financial literacy that could shape the next chapter of blockchain adoption. Whether you’re captivated by the promise of stablecoins, intrigued by NFT permanence, or pondering crypto’s place in an unstable world, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and artistic freedom at its core.INFLARE: https://scarce.city/goods/inflare Fierro Viejo: https://superrare.com/artwork/eth/0xb932a70A57673d89f4acfFBE830E8ed7f75Fb9e0/34374 Chapters:00:00 Defiant Intro00:10 Inflation is bankers’ propaganda00:50 Introduction to Gus Grillasca01:38 Gus’ Journey into blockchain02:35 Banking challenges for travelors04:44 Rare Pepes, Ethereum NFTs, and Bitcoin Ordinals07:44 Changing views on the Ethereum ecosystem09:04 Bitcoin Ordinals, memes, and the NFT Controversy10:30 Bitcoin Ordinals and NFT permanence14:53 The controversy around updates to the Bitcoin protocol16:28 “INFLARE” and The Space by Art of Freedom17:25 Inflation as a monetary phenomenon21:06 Global inflation, purchasing power, and the role of crypto in an unstable world25:37 Is the financialization of Bitcoin good or bad for crypto?27:25 Bitcoin Reserve and the Digital Asset Stockpile30:36 Thoughts on $TRUMP and other meme coins34:45 Changing expectations of investing in NFT38:18 Crypto’s role in Latin America45:35 “Fierro Viejo,” NFTs and intellectual property50:00 A gap in financial literacy 53:18 Ethereum’s changing roadmap57:25 Privacy coins59:40 The need for privacy in the digital age01:03:05 Stablecoins, financial products, and exciting prospects in crypto 01:05:56 Final Thoughts

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• Will Crypto ETFs Transform the Market? Expert Insights from Matt Hougan, Bitwise CIO

  Are crypto ETFs set to reshape the investing landscape? Join us on The Defiant as we dive deep into the future of crypto assets, the evolving regulatory environment, and the rise of index-based investing. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, shares his expert insights on what these changes mean for investors and how crypto ETFs could revolutionize access to digital assets. Chapters:00:00 The Defiant Intro00:10 Why tariffs could be bullish for Bitcoin 00:41 Intro to Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise01:35 The impact of U.S. interest rates on crypto markets 04:00 Tariffs and their effects on crypto08:24 How USD fluctuations affect global crypto trends 10:15 Investor reactions to a weaker dollar11:58 Bitcoin as a hedge against volatility14:58 The role of traditional investors in driving Bitcoin’s price 20:54 Regulatory insights and which assets stand to gain 22:10 Crypto ETFs24:50 What sets Bitwise apart in the crowded ETF space 26:52 The rise (and slow start) of Ethereum ETFs29:00 How will ETH staking play into demand?30:21 How will an ETH staking fund be structured?32:30 Top crypto assets to watch for the next wave of ETFs 35:25 How index funds are influencing the future of crypto investing 36:50 Crypto native investors38:38 Index funds and the SEC40:11 Ethereum’s coming of age and shifting goals43:45 What can get 1000x users on Ethereum?46:28 Ethereum vs. Solana and the next big trends 48:31 Where and how different blockchains thrive51:30 Predictions for 202553:10 Closing Remarks

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• Insights on DePIN, Web3 Policy, and More | Amira Valliana from Solana Foundation

  Immerse yourself in the future of decentralized infrastructure in this exclusive interview with Amira Valliana from the Solana Foundation. Perfect for Web3 enthusiasts, this episode unpacks how onchain solutions are redefining physical networks, policy, and global collaboration.Chapters & Key Topics: 00:00 Introduction to decentralized infrastructure onchain 00:33 Podcast & guest welcome 03:16 Amira Valliana’s policy work at Solana Foundation 09:19 Shaping blockchain policy and its real-world impact 12:31 What is DePIN? (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) 15:25 Case Study spotlight: Geonet 18:19 Current tech limits for onchain assets 20:21 Experiments in tracking real-world objects via blockchain 22:00 Supply chain challenges and onchain opportunities 24:08 Using crypto to coordinate worldwide networks 25:38 Helium Network deep-dive 29:00 Future applications for Helium 31:05 Exploring Hivemapper 34:15 Bridging DePIN and AI innovation 38:27 Decentralized AI and infrastructure synergy 42:32 Macro trends (interest rates, tariffs, resources, and more) and their effect 45:43 What’s next for decentralized physical infrastructure?If you’re curious about DePIN, policy in Web3, or the next wave of decentralized AI, you’ll get actionable insights and real-world examples to fuel your curiosity. Subscribe and hit the bell for more interviews with leaders shaping the decentralized future!

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