Exploring Crypto AI Agents With Austin Barack | DeFi Podcast #52 Defi podcast

48:03

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 this Recorded 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 Summit 00:32 Introducing John Neha: From Tradify to Crypto 01:19 John Neha's Journey into Blockchain 07:50 Building Token Vault and Early Blockchain Ventures 11:57 Exciting Developments in Avalanche 14:24 The Future of Web3 Gaming on Avalanche 17:44 Avalanche's Unique Approach to Blockchain 20:41 The Evolution and Future of Crypto 24:16 Launching Your Own L1 Chain 24:42 The Rise of L1 Season 25:31 Challenges and Opportunities for L2s 27:10 The Value of L1 Chains 29:32 The Role of the C-Chain 34:19 Highlighting Use Cases and Supporting Builders 41:48 The Importance of Transparency in Crypto 44:49 Avalanche Summit and Community Building 47:01 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up Follow the Pod: https://x.com/defipodcast Follow the Guest: https://x.com/JohnNahas84 https://x.com/AvaLabs Follow the Hosts: https://x.com/Bill_Tanyeri https://x.com/JFSaine https://x.com/M0xrrissey Disclaimer: 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…

Defi Podcast

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How Babylon is Leading Bitcoin’s Renaissance with Clayton Menzel | DeFi Podcast #64 53:28

21 days ago53:28

53:28

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 Tac Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin Use Cases 00:42 Market Update and Bitcoin Performance 03:31 Ethereum and Crypto News Highlights 10:24 Deep Dive into Babylon and Bitcoin Staking 13:37 Understanding Babylon's Staking Mechanism 17:11 Comparing Babylon with Other Protocols 19:44 Security and Liquidity in Bitcoin Staking 26:04 Shared Security and Bitcoin Liquidity 28:32 Bitcoin Renaissance and Staking Functionality 31:05 Yield and Rewards for Staking Bitcoin 32:51 Babylon Genesis Chain and Its Use Cases 36:26 Bitcoin's Role in Decentralized Finance 40:17 Challenges and Opportunities for Bitcoin Security 44:20 The Future of Bitcoin and Babylon's Vision 51:04 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Follow us: Twitter: @DefiPodcast Follow the Hosts: @Bill_Tanyeri @RhettShipp @M0xrrissey Disclaimer: 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…

Defi Podcast

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Blockchain for All - Building the WordPress of Web3 with Pakt CEO Brendan Joyce | DeFi Podcast #63 1:08:20

28 days ago1:08:20

1:08:20

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 team Whether 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 @PaktWorld Follow us: @DefiPodcast Follow the Hosts: @Bill_Tanyeri @M0xrrissey @RhettShipp Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:16 Market Update and Economic Insights 06:14 Movement Labs Controversy 09:05 Challenges with Market Makers 15:15 Oiler Protocol's Comeback 29:09 Brendan's Journey in the Avalanche Ecosystem 35:38 Pitching at Avalanche Creates 38:53 Introducing Pakt: The WordPress for Web3 42:47 The Evolution of Pakt with AI 49:14 Addressing Security and Reputation Concerns 53:19 The Future of Blockchain-Powered Businesses 56:16 Live Demo and User Experience 01:06:29 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events Disclaimer: 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…

Defi Podcast

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From Philosophy to NFTs Kenny Schachter on Art, Blockchain & Breaking the Rules | DeFi Podcast #62 1:11:47

5 weeks ago1:11:47

1:11:47

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: @DefiPodcast Guest links: @kennyschac https://www.kennyschachter.art Follow the Hosts: @Bill_Tanyeri @JFSaine @RhettShipp Disclaimer: 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…

Defi Podcast

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The most CONCERNING approach to AI 0:39

5 weeks ago0:39

0:39

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.…

Defi Podcast

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AI Implementation at Scale, Tools, Agents & Benchmarks: Jacob Miller (Pattern) | DeFi Podcast #61 1:02:26

6 weeks ago1:02:26

1:02:26

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 integration Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:40 Jacob Miller's Background and Role at Pattern 04:03 AI Models and Their Applications 06:35 Public vs. Private Benchmarks in AI 10:05 Writing and AI: Personal Experiences 12:25 Consumer AI and User Experience 16:10 Google's AI Journey and Market Dynamics 19:21 Future of AI: Investment and Bottlenecks 25:19 Fine-Tuning AI Models: Is It Worth It? 28:35 Surprises and Contrarian Views in AI 29:48 Unexpected Breakthroughs in AI 29:54 The Rapid Evolution of Image Generation 31:05 The Competitive Landscape of AI Models 33:33 AI Agents: Overhyped or Future Game-Changers? 42:23 AI in Personal and Professional Life 53:08 The Future of AI and Its Potential Risks 01:01:56 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions Follow us: Twitter: @DefiPodcast Guest links: @patternhq Follow the Hosts: @Bill_Tanyeri @JFSaine @RhettShipp Disclaimer: 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 Podcast

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Building a Palantir with Zero Employees: Crunch DAO’s Jean Herelle | DeFi Podcast #60 44:58

7 weeks ago44:58

44:58

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 data Why financial institutions were the first to adopt Crunch's technology How blockchain technology enables a global talent marketplace The future of AI's "gut feeling" and what's coming for the Crunch platform Chapters: 00:00 Building a Palantir with Zero Employees 00:22 Introduction to the Defi Podcast 01:16 Market Update: A Roller Coaster Week 01:56 Trump's Tariffs and Market Reactions 08:01 Crunch DAO: A Deep Dive 08:26 How Crunch DAO Works 08:40 The Role of Data Scientists in Crunch DAO 10:05 Differential Privacy and the Bird Game 10:10 Applications and Use Cases of Crunch DAO 12:52 Challenges and Solutions in AI and Machine Learning 16:43 Client Engagement and Data Management 22:47 Protecting Intellectual Property in AI Models 23:41 Challenges of Overfitting in Data Science 24:43 Live Data Testing and Model Validation 26:17 Diverse Approaches to Machine Learning 28:09 Intersection of Crunch and Blockchain Technology 29:33 Ensuring Fair Rewards for Model Creators 31:04 Trusted Execution Environments for Code Security 36:31 Future of AI and Human Intuition 41:23 Current State and Future Plans for Crunch 44:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow us: Twitter: @DefiPodcast Follow the Hosts: @Bill_Tanyeri @JFSaine @RhettShipp Disclaimer: 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…

Defi Podcast

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Smart Transactions & ETH’s Future: Boris Mamlyuk (STXN) on Blockchain Evolution | DeFi Podcast #59 43:41

8 weeks ago43:41

43:41

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 chains Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:00 Market Overview and Tariffs Impact 04:09 Blockchain and Tariff Verification 08:36 Stablecoin Legislation Concerns 10:57 Ethereum's Challenges and Future 18:35 Boris Ma's Journey into Crypto 21:06 The Birth of Crypto Law Review 21:44 Joining Forces with STXN 22:59 Challenges in Ethereum Transactions 23:44 STXN's Solution to Transaction Failures 26:12 Decentralized Solver Networks 37:17 Conditional Transactions and Smart Contracts 43:19 Conclusion and Future Prospects Follow the Pod https://x.com/defipodcast Follow the Hosts https://x.com/Bill_Tanyeri https://x.com/JFSaine https://x.com/RhettShipp Disclaimer: 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.…

Defi Podcast

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ETHDenver, White House Crypto Summit & Post-Dollar Future | DeFi Podcast #57 52:51

12 weeks ago52:51

52:51

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/m0xrrissey X.com/JFSaine X.com/Bill_Tanyeri X.com/RhettShipp Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:41 ETH Denver Recap: Attendance and Vibes 03:42 ETH Denver: Side Events and Key Takeaways 09:00 Ethereum Foundation Drama 23:33 Macro Trends and Canadian Tariffs 29:22 Canada's Business Environment Challenges 30:38 Missed Opportunities in Canadian Cities 31:03 Crypto and Canadian Talent Migration 40:04 The White House Crypto Summit 41:09 Strategic Reserve and Crypto Legislation 47:23 Trump's Economic Impact and Tariffs 51:35 Concluding Thoughts on U.S. Manufacturing and Security 52:38 Wrap-Up and Farewell Disclaimer: 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 Podcast

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DOGE, Bybit, Epstein & Blockchain, plus GoGoPool’s Community L1 Launch & Coqnet | DeFi Podcast #56 46:59

13 weeks ago46:59

46:59

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 launches Whether 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/m0xrrissey X.com/JFSaine X.com/Bill_Tanyeri X.com/RhettShipp Disclaimer: 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 Podcast

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Tesseract & The Future of L1s with Dylan (ravageur77) from Yield Yak | DeFi Podcast #55 42:52

15 weeks ago42:52

42:52

In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we're joined by Dylan (@Ravager77), founder of Yield Yak and Tesseract, to explore the revolutionary developments in cross-chain liquidity and the future of Avalanche L1s. Through live demonstrations, Dylan showcases Tesseract's groundbreaking technology that executes complex cross-chain swaps in seconds, potentially solving the long-standing challenge of fragmented liquidity across L1s. Alongside hosts Bill, JF, and Jared, we dive deep into how Avalanche's L1 ecosystem is evolving. From the technical infrastructure making instant cross-chain transactions possible to the broader vision of hundreds of specialized L1s serving different purposes. Key Topics: 🔺 Live demo of Tesseract's instant cross-chain swaps 🔺 How Tesseract differs from traditional aggregators 🔺 The vision for Avalanche's L1 ecosystem 🔺 Why Web2 companies are rushing to launch their own L1s 🔺 GoGoPool's role in the L1 expansion Follow the Pod https://x.com/defipodcast Follow the Guest https://x.com/ravageur77 https://x.com/Tesseract_avax https://x.com/yieldyak_ Follow the Hosts https://x.com/Bill_Tanyeri https://x.com/JFSaine https://x.com/0xJared 00:00 Episode Start 00:26 Welcome & Dylan Introduction 01:14 Yield Yak to Tesseract Journey 10:18 Tesseract Live Demo 30:52 Understanding L1 Vision 29:15 L1 Misconcenptions 36:50 Real World Applications 41:55 Wrap Up Disclaimer: 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 Podcast

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AI Just Wiped $500B Off Nvidia what’s next? | DeFi Podcast #54 55:04

17 weeks ago55:04

55:04

DeepSeek, Nvidia’s Collapse, and AI’s Future – The DeFi Podcast #53 In this episode of the DeFi Podcast, we break down the shocking impact of DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough, the $500B crash in Nvidia stock, and what this means for crypto, AI, and investing in the next decade. 🔹 Is DeepSeek really a ChatGPT killer, or are they bluffing? 🔹 Did DeepSeek’s backers short Nvidia before launching? 🔹 Will AI create universal abundance or monopolise power? 🔹 How does AI change the game for crypto, DeFi, and meme coins? 🔹 What should you invest in over the next 5-10 years? We also dive into Tesla, AGI predictions, AI hedge funds, and why some of us are bearish on real estate but bullish on land and commodities. Whether you're deep into AI, crypto, DeFi, or just want to see what’s coming next, this episode is packed with bold takes and hard-hitting insights. 💬 Follow the Pod: X.com/defipodcast 📢 Follow the Hosts: X.com/m0xrrissey X.com/JFSaine X.com/Bill_Tanyeri X.com/RhettShipp Chapters: 00:00 Taster Clips 00:25 Introduction to the DeFi Podcast 00:37 DeepSeek's AI Model and Its Implications 03:42 Exploring the Scaling Hypothesis in AI 07:19 The Future of AI and Synthetic Data 11:29 Investment Strategies in a Rapidly Changing World 25:20 The Role of Robotics and AI in Labor 28:35 Exploring AI's Impact on Investment Strategies 29:37 Debating AI's Influence on Economic Growth 32:38 AI and the Future of Labor 34:09 The Role of AI in Wealth Distribution 39:16 Investing in the Age of AI 44:07 Future Investment Opportunities and Risks 54:29 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Crypto Disclaimer: 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 Podcast

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AI Just Wiped $500B Off Nvidia what’s next? | DeFi Podcast #54 55:04

17 weeks ago55:04

55:04

Defi Podcast

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AI Just Wiped $500B Off Nvidia what’s next? | DeFi Podcast #54 55:04

17 weeks ago55:04

55:04

Defi Podcast

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Trump’s Meme Coin Frenzy, Ross Ulbricht’s Freedom, and Avant’s Avalanche Launch | DeFi Podcast #53 49:51

18 weeks ago49:51