Talking Tokens

In this episode of Talking Tokenization, Jacquelyn Melinek interviews Vivek Raman, CEO of Etherealize and former Wall Street high yield credit trader. Vivek shares his journey from top-tier banks to pioneering Ethereum-based tokenization solutions. He explains why tokenizing existing financial assets on public blockchains is crucial for the future of finance and how Etherealize is tackling the challenges of institutional-grade privacy, compliance, and scalability. The episode covers the shift in institutional sentiment towards blockchains, the importance of public and layer-2 Ethereum networks, and the massive opportunity tokenizing the global capital markets presents. Vivek also highlights why privacy solutions onchain are mission-critical and shares his outlook on regulatory tailwinds and the urgent need for responsible innovation today.Sponsored by Securitize, the proven leader in tokenized funds, equities, and private markets. Discover more at ⁠securitize.io⁠.Sponsored by Fireblocks, the trusted stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:08) - Why Vivek left banking? The lack of tech upgrades on Wall Street (03:22) - Discovering Ethereum in 2020 and seeing product-market fit (05:07) - Defining tokenization in simple terms (07:11) - Why Ethereum is the best back-end for financial assets (09:27) - Stablecoins as the first step in tokenization (12:03) - Regulatory clarity, bipartisan support & the Clarity Act (14:46) - Etherealize raises $40M to build tokenization infrastructure (18:25) - Privacy as table stakes for institutional adoption (20:11) - Future tokenized assets: treasuries, mortgages, car loans (23:01) - Global opportunity: emerging markets & democratized access (27:04) - The urgency of building responsibly before momentum fades (31:00) - Tokenization makes assets programmable and globally accessible (35:09) - Investing in private companies like OpenAI & regulatory issues (38:06) - Scaling Ethereum for institutions & risks of fragmentation (40:07) - Final thoughts📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141⁠ Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek⁠ https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek⁠ | Podcast⁠ https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens⁠ Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/⁠Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have financial interests in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Matthew Tabbiner, CEO of Stable, a layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for stablecoins. Stable recently received a strategic investment from PayPal Ventures and enabled use of PayPal USD (PYUSD) on its chain, aimed at expanding the stablecoin’s distribution and utility for payments, remittances, and commerce. They discuss why Stable uses USDT as the native gas token, how that design targets fast, low-friction settlement, and what this means for institutions, B2B flows, and emerging markets. They also cover how Stable fits alongside broader moves in the sector as major issuers and payments firms push stablecoin infrastructure onchain.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:23) - Stable’s mission for everyday utility of stablecoins (03:14) - Why Stable is purpose-built as a payments chain (05:25) - New PayPal partnership and support for PYUSD (07:33) - UX/UI challenges and why PayPal is Stable’s perfect partner (09:07) - Explosive B2B stablecoin growth in market (2,900%+ since 2023) (12:20) - Remittances, payroll, and multinational adoption use cases (14:17) - Launching the Stable Wallet and fee-free P2P USDC transfers (16:28) - Stripe, Tether, and enterprise validation for stablecoin rails (19:58) - Financial inclusion: 1.5B unbanked and mobile-first adoption (22:12) - Emerging markets (Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia) vs. U.S. adoption (25:09) - Institutional adoption, treasuries, and guaranteed blockspace (29:14) - Everyday utility: from savings to paying for coffee (32:06) - The “Summer of Stablecoins” and institutional momentum (36:09) - Final advice: build from user needs, ground up📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.

Welcome to Talking Tokenization, a new podcast series unlocking how onchain assets are transforming finance, capital markets, and the way the world trades. Award-nominated journalist Jacquelyn Melinek leads conversations with the people and projects building the real world asset ecosystem, from tokenizing treasuries and private credit to launching the next wave of onchain funds and public equities. This series is supported by Securitize, the industry’s leading platform for tokenizing investments. In the debut episode, Carlos Domingo, co-founder and CEO of Securitize, explains what it takes to move from pilot projects to institutional mainstream, why BlackRock’s onchain fund is a true turning point, and how compliance-first infrastructure is powering the rise of a new financial industry. Dive in to hear what’s next as tokenization enters a new era of scale and impact. If you want to understand how global markets are being rebuilt for the next decade and how this movement will shape investing and access around the world, this is the conversation to follow.Sponsored by Securitize, the proven leader in tokenized funds, equities, and private markets. Discover more at securitize.io.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Introducing Talking Tokenization (01:40) - Why capital markets need tokenization (04:15) - Launching Securitize in 2017 and early challenges (07:20) - Why tokenization failed before and why it works now (10:05) - Stablecoins, regulation, and adoption momentum (13:15) - The KKR partnership: first tokenized fund (16:40) - BlackRock’s $2B tokenized treasury fund explained (20:30) - Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin integration (23:50) - DeFi meets tokenization: lending, collateral & Aave (27:40) - Native tokenization vs wrappers: what investors must know (31:20) - Tokenized stocks and the path to mainstream adoption (35:00) - Market structure, regulation & investor protections (38:40) - What’s next for Securitize and RWAs (42:20) - Final thoughts from Carlos Domingo📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.

Today’s episode was recorded at the Real World Asset Summit, where leaders from across capital markets and crypto came together to chart the future of tokenized assets. Jacquelyn moderated a candid panel with Kaushal Sheth (Head of US Sales, Blockdaemon), Neil Chopra (Head of Strategy & Business Development, Fireblocks), and Jenn Senhaji (Head of Growth & BD, Chronicle) on what institutional demand for tokenized money market funds and stablecoins really looks like today. The guests break down the state of RWA infrastructure, the unique compliance and regulatory hurdles being tackled, why “tokenize everything” is both a meme and a mission, and what’s finally bridging DeFi with traditional finance. Learn about emerging use cases for stablecoins, tokenized collateral, cross-border settlements, the boom in onchain private assets, and the timeline for true retail access.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro: Stablecoins and market structure today (01:04) - Guest intros: Chronicle, Fireblocks, Blockdaemon (02:23) - From price oracles to tokenized assets (03:47) - Fireblocks on custody, wallets & security (04:51) - Blockdaemon’s path: nodes, staking & DeFi infra (05:35) - Why fragmentation is a “necessary evil” (06:20) - Regulation, the Clarity Act & institutional readiness (07:52) - Institutions shifting from curiosity to execution (09:00) - Why compliance comfort has improved (11:00) - The business case for stablecoins (12:01) - Stablecoins as bridges between TradFi and DeFi (13:21) - Collateral management with money market funds (15:07) - Onchain FX as the next opportunity (16:12) - Stablecoins as easy-to-understand consumer rails (17:38) - Tokenized collateral and global settlement demand (18:44) - Private credit, private equity & tokenized funds (20:20) - Global competition & regulatory races (22:05) - Tokenizing equities and global access (23:07) - Should everything be tokenized? Utility vs hype (25:08) - Trial and error: what works and what doesn’t (27:09) - DeFi and TradFi convergence: coexistence, not replacement (29:10) - Younger generations & the shift to digital-native finance (30:24) - Final thoughts and closing📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.

In this episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Armani Ferrante, co-founder and CEO of Backpack. Armani explains how Backpack EU became one of Europe’s first fully regulated derivatives exchanges, after acquiring and refunding FTX EU’s user base. The team also launched daily proof of reserves, verified by OtterSec, to show transparency regardless of market conditions. He highlights the massive gap left by other exchanges exiting Europe, the unique compliance culture across regions (EU, Asia, US), and what “crypto’s next-generation bank” actually means. Armani also reflects on learnings from the FTX collapse, building trust through compliance and daily transparency, and why focusing on long-term cycles is key to survival and innovation in crypto.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:23) - Backpack EU operating under MiFID II License (02:08) - Refunding FTX EU users (03:23) - Acquiring FTX EU compliance cleanup (06:05) - Why regulated perps matter in Europe (06:53) - Perpetual futures explained (08:29) - Compliance first approach at Backpack (09:00) - Exchanges exit EU, demand grows (10:57) - Institutions already here in crypto (12:36) - Two year journey to licenses worldwide (13:56) - Expansion playbook US, Asia, Japan, UAE (16:36) - Japan tax cut and market revival (19:17) - Why Armani chose to build close to users in Japan (21:02) - Dubai first, Asia next, US later (24:41) - Backpack in US? Live in 17 states (26:16) - Compliance for Backpack wallet and Mad Lads (27:41) - Crypto bank vs traditional brokers and banks (29:31) - Integrating fiat on/off-ramps, cross-border payments, and multichain wallet power (31:26) - Building a new financial stack (33:09) - Build vs buy: FTX EU case (34:04) - Competing with major exchanges like Coinbase and Binance (36:35) - Next-generation apps focused on transparency (38:23) - Crypto only verifiability and security (41:11) - Daily proof-of-reserve and OtterSec audits (42:14) - Stripe’s Tempo blockchain and corporates in crypto (44:02) - From speculation to real world products (44:43) - Closing advice on long term conviction📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.

In this episode, Vidor Gencel, Co-Founder of Solflare, shares the journey of building one of the most widely used crypto wallets in the Solana ecosystem. This episode is a part of the Solana Sessions campaign that Token Relations and the Talking Tokens podcast are doing, diving into founders’ journeys and startups building on Solana. Solflare has over 4 million users and manages billions in assets. He discusses how crypto’s cyclical nature shaped Solflare’s growth approach, emphasizing the importance to innovate even during bear markets. Vidor explains the crucial role of self-custody, how the wallet adapts to diverse user needs globally, and the importance of seamless user experience. Hear about Solflare’s integration with Solana Mobile’s Seed Vault on Seeker and its flagship Saga device, the team’s focus on security with multi-wallet support, and plans for stablecoin yield and debit cards. He also shares insights on product design, lessons from both successes and challenges, and his optimistic outlook on Solana’s technical progress. This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:01) - Vidor's early Web3 journey and technical background (02:24) - What inspired Solflare’s creation on Solana (03:32) - From initial release to 4 million active users and $15B assets managed (04:38) - Market-driven feature focus: staking, trading, and onboarding tailored to trends (06:03) - Empowering users to own their crypto assets (07:40) - Overcoming fear of self-custody in mainstream audiences (09:52) - Community-driven development through user feedback (12:36) - Adapting to diverse user roles (14:28) - Integrating with Solana Mobile’s Seeker Seed Vault and Saga device (17:03) - Hot wallets, hardware wallet support including Ledger, Keystone, and Saga (20:16) - Product strategy on Solana and perspective on multichain future (22:14) - Lessons from limit orders and cautious stance on perpetuals (26:06) - Stablecoin management trends and rollout of self-custodial debit cards (28:50) - Thoughts on Solana’s network upgrades (31:52) - Vidor’s closing advice📢 Subscribe & FollowSubscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmeline | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Discussions may include perspectives of guests with financial interests. Not investment advice.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn welcomes Shiv Shankar, CEO of Boundless, a protocol for verifiable compute across any chain, powered by the RISC Zero zkVM technology. From software engineering at companies like Coinbase, Lyft, Ava Labs, and Microsoft, to becoming CEO of Boundless, Shiv is pioneering blockchain research, while bringing the world of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to everyone. He explains how ZK unlocks privacy, app scaling, and true interoperability. Tune in to learn why Boundless’ mainnet beta began on Base (with Ethereum Foundation support), how proof-of-verifiable-work compresses costs, and how ZK will make cross-chain apps and frictionless user experiences possible for the next billion users.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.⏱️ Timestamps📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn interviews Michael Shaulov, CEO and co-founder of Fireblocks, the firm securing over $10 trillion in digital assets and now leading the way in global payments. Michael explains the launch of Fireblocks Network for Payments, a universal infrastructure standardizing stablecoin settlement, already connecting 2,400+ institutional participants across 60 currencies and all major stablecoins. He unpacks why “Swift for stablecoins” isn’t just about creating faster, cheaper, and transparent cross-border transactions, but building a foundation for the next generation of programmable money, real-world finance, and global innovation. Michael shares Fireblocks’ journey, stablecoin adoption across emerging markets, the core payment “sandwich” use cases, AI and trade finance possibilities, and why mass integration will shift both enterprise and consumer experience. Recorded live as regulatory clarity fuels record institutional demand, you’ll hear his candid reflections on network effects, payment security, and what comes after the next industry unlock.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks. ⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro: Michael Shaulov and the new Fireblocks Network for Payments (00:38) - What is “Swift for stablecoins”? Discovery, partner standards, global APIs (03:59) - Why now: Stablecoin adoption, regulation, and the long strategy ahead (05:34) - Problems solved: Network effects, on/off ramp, and real cross-border settlement (08:19) - Stablecoins’ evolution: Safe haven to global payment rails (09:37) - Early use cases: DeFi yields, FX markets, and stablecoin “sandwich” (12:18) - Real-world payouts: Multinationals, contractors, and next-gen remittance (14:01) - From $900 credit card fees to $0.25 stablecoin transfers, “the magical moment” (16:16) - The transparency advantage: Why blockchain payment tracking sets new standards (17:12) - What comes next? AI, trade finance, and programmable money (19:45) - Fireblocks’ edge: Unlocking scale, security, and innovation for massive flows (22:07) - Going mainstream: How Fireblocks bridges B2B, fintech, and bank adoption (26:10) - Regulatory clarity: Surveying the market, shifting barriers, and new opportunities (29:13) - Killer use cases: U.S. institutions expand global reach, lower costs, onboard new markets (31:08) - Surprising clientele including manufacturing giants and corporates betting on stablecoins (34:17) - The “payout unlock”: When sending stablecoins is as easy as scanning a QR code (37:18) - Why universal crypto acceptance drives actual change (41:21) - Risks ahead: Financial complexity, bubbles, and speculation (45:51) - Fireblocks’ mission: A secure, open, and truly scalable global money network📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn sits down with Farooq Malik, co-founder and CEO of Rain, a company building the payment rails powering the next wave of stablecoins, tokenized money, and digital banking worldwide. Recorded live at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, Farooq explains why regulatory clarity unleashed a boom in institutional stablecoin adoption and how Rain enables anyone, from fintechs to governments, to instantly spend and settle with digital dollars. The conversation covers the launch of Wyoming’s Frontier Stable Token which includes Rain’s partnership with Avalanche, and why “making payments boring again” (fast, invisible, interoperable) unlocks the real future of crypto. Farooq also shares insights from his career in traditional finance, reveals the real tech behind Rain’s APIs, and why openness, not walled gardens, will define the next era of global banking. Plus: contrarian takes, instant holiday settlements, and why believing the world can be better is his ultimate founder advice.This episode is sponsored by Across Protocol.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (00:48) - The challenge: Why market cap isn’t enough—real usage matters (01:09) - Farooq’s founding story: From DeFi to “tokenized money” infrastructure (03:39) - Betting early: Why regulatory clarity transformed stablecoin adoption (04:00) - Wyoming’s Frontier Stable Token: How Rain and Avalanche are building government-backed money (05:02) - Real purpose of money: Making payments possible everywhere (06:26) - Bringing stablecoins to merchants—making transactions seamless (07:14) - How Rain cards let anyone spend stablecoins “just like dollars” (08:15) - Removing off-ramps: True blockchain native payments (08:47) - Lessons from TradFi: Reconciling payments, eliminating manual work (09:43) - Making settlement instant, reducing costs and risks (10:11) - The magic of tokenized money—using USDC for instant, holiday payments (14:01) - Deciding what to change vs. what to keep in payment experiences (16:35) - Distribution matters: Why Rain partners with Visa for global merchant acceptance (17:39) - Who’s really using stablecoin payments? (18:58) - Making money boring again: Stablecoins behind the scenes (20:10) - Security, custody, and why Rain avoids single points of failure (22:20) - Rain’s APIs: How banks, fintechs, and remittance platforms connect to stablecoins (23:37) - Going global: Rain’s unified product stack for worldwide customers (25:06) - Now that regulatory clarity is here, what comes next for banks and institutions (26:33) - Tokenized money is inevitable—how efficiency wins over legacy infrastructure (27:01) - Big banks, small banks: Why technology shifts create new winners (29:13) - U.S. leads the way—surprising adoption trends and mainstream integrations (31:16) - Interoperability unlocks value: The magic of connecting payments, apps, and platforms (32:09) - Why retail users don’t need to “opt in” to stablecoins (33:29) - Farooq’s contrarian view: Stablecoins are just instant, non-fungible money (35:01) - How slowness costs—why instant settlement will replace payday lenders and legacy systems (36:12) - Rain’s big mountain: Expanding global coverage and showing tokenized money can scale (37:49) - Founder advice: Believe the world can be better📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Lorien Gabel, co-founder and CEO of Figment, a leading non-custodial staking provider supporting over a thousand institutional clients. Figment works with asset managers, custodians, exchanges, foundations, and wallets, helping institutions securely access crypto yield.Lorien shares his journey from building internet infrastructure companies to founding Figment in 2018. They discuss how staking has evolved, why distribution is Figment’s moat, what institutions want from staking, and how regulation is reshaping the industry. Lorien also breaks down misconceptions about custody, the rise of liquid staking, global adoption trends, and why staking may soon become as common as dividends or savings accounts.This episode is sponsored by Across Protocol.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro: Who is Lorien Gabel? (00:57) - Figment overview: one of the largest non-custodial staking providers (02:10) - Founding story: co-founders & early staking with Tezos (03:47) - Differentiation: focusing on institutions & distribution (05:24) - Lessons from Microsoft/Intel: distribution as a moat (06:24) - Traits of successful founders: stoicism in volatile markets (08:47) - Figment’s $1.4B valuation & growth journey (10:27) - Defining staking clearly: protocol security vs DeFi rewards (13:10) - Institutions adopting staking via ETFs and treasuries (15:30) - Why storytelling and scale matter (Saylor effect) (19:20) - Regulation shifts & U.S. institutions re-entering staking (22:10) - Liquid staking: benefits, risks & institutional appetite (24:40) - Global adoption: Europe, Asia, and emerging markets (27:10) - Future outlook: staking as common as savings accounts (29:00) - Final advice: treat crypto like a game, stay steady, enjoy itYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn sits down with John Darsie, CEO of SALT and managing partner at SkyBridge Capital, best known for connecting Wall Street, Washington, and the crypto industry. They unpack the evolution from the exuberant Crypto Bahamas era in 2022 to today’s Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, how institutions and policymakers are engaging crypto, why narrative and PR are more important than ever, and the secret behind attracting actual capital allocators (not just the crypto echo chamber) to conferences. John shares firsthand insights on the Trump administration’s approach, regulatory progress, bipartisan outreach, and what it will take to propel the next wave of adoption. Plus: event philosophy, why fun matters, and wild stories from Jackson Hole.This episode is sponsored by Across Protocol.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Crypto’s PR Problem: Misconceptions, narratives, and industry unity (00:49) - Why the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium? The journey from SkyBridge to Bahamas to Jackson Hole (05:04) - Learning from the Bahamas era: From FTX parties to regulatory focus (06:32) - Creating “the adults’ conference”: Curation, institutions, and escaping the echo chamber (09:16) - Genius Act, Circle IPO, Bitcoin rally: The tipping point for institutional adoption (11:10) - Real change: Word-of-mouth, inbound interest, and what’s different this year (12:22) - Bridging government and tech: Fed, SEC, Treasury—roundtables and candid talks (14:10) - Fireside chat takeaways: U.S. crypto policy, Bitcoin as a strategic reserve, and regulatory progress (17:00) - Federal vs. state regulation: Wyoming vs. New York and long-term policy debates (18:52) - How the Trump administration and key hires have altered crypto’s future (22:10) - The American Bitcoin project, Eric Trump, and what public/private engagement looks like (26:38) - What still holds U.S. crypto adoption back? Due diligence, regulatory clarity, and industry PR (32:08) - Making crypto bipartisan, persistent misconceptions, and event strategy (33:36) - Event philosophy: Why “fun” is as important as networking and policy (34:57) - Lessons from Jackson Hole: Moose sightings, bear run-ins, and the “intimate” advantage (35:39) - What’s next: SkyBridge as a crypto bridge, future SALT events, and the golden age of alternative assets📢 Subscribe & FollowSubscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn welcomes Hart Lambur, co-founder of Across Protocol, back to the show to break down Across’s next big move: live, fast bridging between Solana, Ethereum, and major L2s. Hart explains why true chain interoperability matters for all users and devs, how open intents and a “two-second bridge” are setting new speed standards, and why fragmentation, not maximalism, is the challenge stopping web3’s next phase of growth. You’ll get the inside story on why Across expanded to Solana, the real tradeoffs behind non-EVM integration, cost and speed advantages, and what cross-chain UX should look like in 2025. Hart also gives a candid take on rival bridges, open intents, the path toward unified standards, and why loving your team is the most important lesson in crypto.This episode is sponsored by Across Protocol.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Introduction: Hart Lambur, Across Protocol, and Ethereum to Solana fast bridge (03:08) - Why bridges matter: fragmentation, interoperability, and user experience (07:05) - Choosing Solana: user demand, technical lift, and why Solana came next (14:12) - Two-Second Bridge UX: Solving for speed, no more “wait a minute” (18:17) - What makes Across different: cost, hooks, and EVM vs Solana smart contracts (22:15) - The Open Intents Framework: past progress and future standards (27:28) - Fragmentation vs. unification: where the multi-chain UX breaks down (30:05) - What seamless cross-chain means for app builders and users (34:12) - Technical surprises and lessons from bridging EVM ↔ SVM (36:00) - Macro market trends, Bitcoin, stablecoins, and digital asset sovereignty (37:50) - Hart’s advice: Love your team, trust each other, and building for the long haul📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinekTalking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Joseph Onorati, CEO of DeFi Development Corp. (formerly Janover), a publicly traded digital asset treasury focused on Solana.Joseph shares his journey from gaming economies and early Bitcoin meetups to nearly a decade at Kraken, before rebranding Janover into DeFi Dev Corp. They discuss why the company chose to focus on Solana over Bitcoin or Ethereum, how it’s aiming to drive Sol-per-share growth, and what makes its strategy different from traditional ETFs.He also talks about working with Pantera and Cantor Fitzgerald, acquiring Solana from Alameda’s bankruptcy estate, running validators, launching the dfdvSOL liquid staking token, and why treasury companies can outperform the assets they hold.TimestampsYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Arianna Simpson, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) crypto, one of the most influential firms in tech and crypto.Arianna shares her journey from Facebook to founding her own venture fund, and eventually joining a16z. They discuss how the firm approaches early-stage web3 investments, what they look for in founders, and the sectors she’s most excited about, including stablecoins and decentralized AI infrastructure. She also talks about global adoption trends, navigating regulation, and why the next wave of blockchain innovation will be more user-focused than ever.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro: Who is Arianna Simpson? (01:20) - From Facebook to founding a crypto venture fund (04:10) - Joining a16z crypto and early-stage investment focus (07:15) - How a16z chooses which founders to back (10:05) - Key sectors on a16z’s radar: stablecoins, DeFi, infrastructure (13:00) - Why user experience will drive the next wave of adoption (15:45) - Global adoption trends and emerging markets (18:40) - Navigating regulation and policy changes (21:20) - Advice for founders entering the space now (24:15) - The role of storytelling in raising capital (27:10) - How founders can stand out to top investors (30:25) - Building resilience through market cycles (33:45) - Common mistakes early-stage founders make (36:40) - Final thoughts: stay adaptable, mission-driven, and boldYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with AJ Warner, Director of Strategy at Offchain Labs, the team behind Arbitrum, one of Ethereum’s top layer-2 blockchains with over $4B in TVL.AJ shares his journey from real estate lawyer to crypto strategist, and how a college connection led him to help build Arbitrum from the ground up. They discuss the unique "barbell" strategy powering both Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Orbit, why liquidity and composability are critical for growth, and how Arbitrum balances being a top public chain with enabling enterprises to launch custom blockchains.He also dives into the recent Robinhood partnership - from launching tokenized stocks on Arbitrum One to designing a dedicated Robinhood chain - and why powering fintech products with crypto rails might be the fastest path to mass adoption. Plus, AJ breaks down why some projects shouldn’t launch their own chain, how Arbitrum’s governance gives token holders real control over upgrades and revenue, and where L2 innovation is headed next.Timestamps(01:12) - From law to crypto via a college connection (04:04) - Building Arbitrum’s "barbell" product strategy (07:40) - Liquidity, composability & Arbitrum’s public chain advantage (10:19) - Stablecoin liquidity leadership: USDC, USDT, PayPal USD (12:48) - Arbitrum Orbit: Launching custom L3 chains (16:21) - Why Uber-style incentive models fail in crypto (20:59) - Who should (and shouldn’t) launch their own chain (24:44) - MEV, operating costs & economics of L2 ownership (28:50) - Opinionated blockspace: making the chain part of the product (33:09) - Governance, token holder control & the Arbitrum treasury (37:31) - Designing Robinhood’s on-chain strategy (39:16) - Why fintech products powered by crypto rails matter (42:52) - Making blockchain invisible (in a good way) (44:52) - Final advice: No shortcuts, just hard workYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Emmett Hollyer, General Manager at Solana Mobile — the team behind Saga and now Seeker, crypto’s most ambitious attempt at a mobile-native device and ecosystem.They discuss how Solana Mobile went from 20K Saga phones to 150K Seeker phones sold, why web3 apps need a crypto-friendly App Store, and how mobile can fix broken user onboarding through tools like Seed Vault, Seeker ID, and in-phone token rewards. Emmett also explains how they’re battling bots, supporting new dApps, and preparing to launch a new token $SKR.This episode is a part of the Solana Sessions campaign that Token Relations and the Talking Tokens podcast are doing, diving into founders’ journeys and startups building on Solana.Timestamps(00:00) - Solana Seeker: New Phone, New Vision (01:00) - From Saga to Seeker: 20K to 150K Phones Sold (03:11) - Why Solana Took Mobile Seriously Early (05:22) - Challenging the Duopoly: Apple vs Solana Mobile (07:20) - Secondary Device to Primary Phone: The Shift (08:23) - Seeker Season: Weekly App Incentives & Rewards (09:53) - Crypto-Friendly App Store With Zero Fees (12:01) - Will Non-Solana DApps Be Supported? (14:28) - Seeker ID: Unique Identity & Anti-Sybil Tools (18:46) - Will Seeker Tools Expand to Other Phones? (20:12) - Seed Vault & Key Vault Wallet Explained (24:10) - Global Shipping & Target Markets (26:42) - Tokenized Stocks in Wallet (xStock Feature) (30:57) - The SKR Token: When, Why, and How (34:42) - Seeker Flywheel & Ecosystem Growth Strategy (41:50) - Final Advice: Stay Small, Stay NimbleYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube.If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on XJacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinekTalking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on InstagramTalking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, one of the world’s top crypto exchanges. Under her leadership, Bitget has grown to 100M+ users across 150+ countries, with over $3 billion in daily trading volume and a thriving token ecosystem built around BGB.Gracy opens up about her journey from broadcast journalism to fintech and eventually crypto. She breaks down Bitget’s strategy for global growth, how BGB could be more than just an exchange token, and what they're building beyond trading — including wallets, partnerships, and education. They also discuss AI, regulation, token utility, and more women entering web3 leadership.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:44) - From TV anchor to fintech investor to Bitget (04:39) - How Bitget grew to 100M+ users & 150+ countries (07:53) - How BGB aims to be more than an exchange token (10:12) - Bitget Wallet, education, and expanding access (13:31) - Gracy’s early investments: BTC, ETH & XRP in 2015 (16:58) - Why she left traditional finance for Web3 (20:47) - How she became CEO after investing in Bitget Wallet (24:09) - Women in Web3: representation, storytelling & risk-taking (28:46) - Brand building, community trust & emerging markets (33:17) - The future of BGB & Bitget’s next big bets (37:52) - Final advice: be visible, lead with mission, tell your storyYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube.If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on XJacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinekTalking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on InstagramTalking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sat down with Hong Sun, head of institutions at Core. Core is a bitcoin-secured, EVM-compatible L1 powering a new wave of BTCFi apps, stablecoin adoption, and yield primitives without requiring bitcoin to leave holders’ wallets.Hong walks through how Core uses bitcoin time locks to enable staking and yield generation, what "dual staking" means for institutional safety and returns, and how Core partners with firms like Maple Finance, Copper, and DeFi Technologies to operationalize BTCFi. He breaks down the rise of liquid staking for bitcoin, how spot ETFs paved the way for the next wave of bitcoin adoption, and what new builders can expect from Core’s Rev+ model.They also discuss how BTCFi is changing institutional strategies, bitcoin-as-treasury dynamics, and the future of composable bitcoin collateral in both DeFi and traditional finance.Timestamps(0:00) - Who is Hong Sun & what is Core? (0:54) - From Paxos to BTCFi: Hong's journey (2:01) - Why bitcoin yield matters for adoption (2:34) - Yield without custody risk: Time locks explained (4:03) - LSD-BTC and tokenizing yield (5:44) - ETF buyers vs. yield seekers: the next wave (6:51) - How institutions are thinking about BTC yield (8:12) - Why time locks minimize risk (10:25) - Tax efficiency & regulatory clarity (11:08) - From gold to fixed income: Bitcoin's new narrative (13:14) - Allocating bitcoin in portfolios (15:01) - Is bitcoin the new real estate? (17:14) - Growth of BTCFi across L1s (19:28) - Core as infra for Bitcoin utility (21:30) - New products: wBTCY, Rev+ (23:29) - Sharing gas fees with builders (24:37) - The stablecoin connection to BTCFi (26:28) - Monetizing distribution for issuers (27:27) - Incentives for builders & devs on Core (29:33) - Educating institutions on safe BTC yield (32:24) - BTCFi: treasuries, ETFs & traders (34:08) - Positive carry for market makers (35:25) - What dual staking unlocks (38:13) - BTCFi TAM & billion-dollar upside (40:23) - Composable Bitcoin in traditional finance (42:15) - Liquidity, volatility & macro impacts (44:14) - Hong’s advice: think big, build aligned systemsYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn sits down with Simon Davis, co-founder and CEO of Mighty Bear Games, and Martin Masser, head of growth at TON Foundation. The two combined forces to shape the future of gaming and digital collectibles inside Telegram. Simon breaks down the story behind Mighty Action Heroes and why his studio pivoted to build on TON. Martin shares how TON-powered Telegram apps are quietly onboarding millions, often without users realizing they’re even interacting with crypto. The discussion covers the new wave of airdrop farming games, why collectibles and mini-apps matter, and what mass adoption in web3 could look like. Plus: advice on growth, why frictionless UX beats hype, and practical tips for breaking into crypto.⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:08) - What’s the REAL connection between Telegram and TON? (03:30) - How Simon and Martin got started in web3 & gaming (05:34) - What actually makes a good web3 game? Audiences, fun, yield, and “crypto speculators” (08:05) - Why onboarding is broken—and how Telegram/TON plan to fix it (09:08) - Using Telegram Collectibles as social and onboarding gateways (13:16) - Users don’t care about chains or tech. They just want fun, easy games (16:05) - Growth hacks: using AI bots and community agents for user acquisition (18:07) - Social apps, sticker NFTs, and why “crypto” is better hidden behind the scenes (22:09) - The next wave: Brand partnerships, new utility, and sticker store innovations (27:14) - Challenges: Airdrop farmers, awareness gaps, and what still needs building (36:14) - Lessons & advice: Stay curious, get into the weeds, and “provide value” if you want in (43:04) - Final tips for security, jobs, and how to really impress in crypto📢 Subscribe & FollowSubscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.

On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn sits down with Henri Stern, co-founder and CEO of Privy, the wallet infrastructure powering over 75 million accounts across major platforms like Hyperliquid, Blackbird, and Farcaster.Recently acquired by Stripe in June 2025, Privy continues to operate independently while scaling its innovative wallet solutions. Henri shares the vision behind simplifying crypto onboarding for developers and users alike, bridging the gap between onchain and offchain worlds. Discover how Privy’s embedded wallet technology and focus on user experience are accelerating new financial product innovations, and why seamless integration across chains like Ethereum, Solana, and Base is key to mass adoption.⏱️ Timestamps(0:00) - Intro (0:50) - Who is Henri Stern? (2:40) - Henri’s crypto journey and founding Privy (3:37) - Solving the onchain/offchain gap with embedded wallets (4:44) - The Stripe acquisition: alignment and fast process (7:45) - Benefits of operating within Stripe’s ecosystem while remaining independent (10:30) - Developer tooling focus vs. consumer crypto products (14:00) - Growth ambitions and courting larger customers (18:20) - Accelerating adoption by non-crypto fintechs and enterprises (22:00) - Wallets as social and financial super apps (27:00) - The future of wallets as digital identity and ubiquitous infrastructure (36:00) - Founder advice: focus, simplicity, and building what users understand📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. Leave a review if you like the show! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have financial interests in assets or companies discussed. Not investment advice.