In this second installment of The Future of Money podcast, host Caleb Kioh continues the deep dive into the convergence of blockchain, AI, Web3, and digital currencies with two of the industry's boldest minds:

🚀 Russell Castagnaro – Blockchain & Digital Identity Pioneer, Co-Founder of Unicorn Account

🚀 Adryenn Ashley – Venture Capitalist, Futurist, and Founder of Minting the Future

This episode explores how the way we earn, store, and exchange value is evolving — and how AI and decentralized technologies are shaping the next financial era.

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

00:16 – Introduction & Setup

Caleb sets the tone: Why the future of money isn't just financial — it's technological.

“Being in finance… I get excited when I get to talk about digital currencies and Bitcoin.”

03:29 – Russell Castagnaro: Blockchain Through the Lens of Government & Payments

Russell shares how he pioneered payment infrastructure for the State of Hawaii, developed a Bitcoin POS system, and built one of the first digital ID systems using blockchain.

“We were doing $2 billion in payments a year… that’s how I saw the power of crypto.”

08:31 – Adryenn Ashley: From Early Bitcoin to AI-Powered Web3 Startups

Adryenn recounts her 2009 entry into crypto, building blockchain-based consent systems for dating apps, and launching 100+ consumer-facing blockchain startups.

“I like being on the bleeding edge… I built a decentralized consent platform before NFTs existed.”

12:07 – The Misunderstood Worlds of Blockchain, AI & Web3

The trio breaks down public misconceptions: why people fear AI, how blockchain is often misrepresented, and what Web3 truly empowers.

“It’s not the AI you should be afraid of — it’s the companies behind it.”

20:31 – Data Ownership, Privacy & Stablecoins

They unpack how centralized apps harvest user data, why stablecoins matter in unstable economies, and what decentralization can actually solve.

“If the product is free, you are the product.”

27:13 – Venmo ≠ Peer-to-Peer: The Problem with App-Based Payments

Caleb and Adryenn discuss how popular fintech apps aren’t truly peer-to-peer, and the risks of custodial systems.

“Venmo isn’t P2P — it’s account to account with a middleman.”

32:43 – Tokenization & Light-Touch Crypto Regulation

Russell explains the difference between utility, investment, and patronage tokens — and advocates for clear but flexible regulatory frameworks.

“We need a registry system that works like stock exchanges: transparent, simple, optional.”

41:41 – Evolution, Not Replacement: How Crypto Complements Traditional Money

They reframe the narrative: crypto isn’t here to kill fiat — it’s the next phase of money's evolution.

“It’s just like going from checks to credit cards to mobile apps.”

44:55 – Getting Started: Tools, Tips & Investor Mindsets

Practical advice: Stablecoins for payments, Roth IRAs for crypto gains, and figuring out what kind of investor you are.

“Know who you are before diving into crypto. This is the deep end — no lifeguard.”

49:14 – Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself, Learn, and Take Control

The guests close with a warning against scams and a rallying cry to embrace digital empowerment.

“This is the future — but prepare yourself. Be sensible. Learn first. Invest after.”

🔗 Connect with the Guests

• Russell Castagnaro: Unicorn Account | Bufficorn Ventures
• Adryenn Ashley: Minting the Future | CryptoVixens
• Caleb Kioh: Founder of WalletGyde

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