Endgame with Amanda Cassatt

Serotonin
Endgame with Amanda Cassatt

The world is changing at an accelerating pace—Endgame is here to make sense of it. Hosted by Amanda Cassatt, founder of Serotonin, this podcast brings you conversations with the visionaries driving breakthrough technologies and shaping the future. Join Amanda as she unpacks the trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts defining our time. Where is this all going? Let’s figure it out together. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

Episodes

  1. UBI Is Inevitable: Gnosis Founder Martin Köppelmann Says Crypto, Not Governments, Are the Answer

    JUN 10

    UBI Is Inevitable: Gnosis Founder Martin Köppelmann Says Crypto, Not Governments, Are the Answer

    Do you think UBI is inevitable in an AI-driven world? Martin Köppelmann, co-founder of Gnosis, Gnosis Safe, and Circles, believes Universal Basic Income isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable. In a world where AI disrupts the job market, he says we won’t be able to rely on states or billionaires to deliver it. In this episode, Martin and Amanda unpack what “basic” income should really mean. He argues UBI should be simple, universal, and free from government control, biometric scans, or eligibility checks and believes crypto offers a way for communities to create and distribute money themselves without needing permission from centralized powers. Known for building trusted infrastructure in crypto, Martin has spent the last decade quietly obsessed with another question: how do we fund human dignity from the ground up? This is a conversation about post-AI economics, the limits of state welfare, and why issuing your own money might be the most radical and necessary act of all. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Future of Universal Basic Income (UBI) 05:33 AI's Impact on Job Markets and UBI 09:06 The Mechanics of UBI Implementation 12:02 Defining Basic Needs for UBI 15:33 Funding UBI: Who Pays? 18:49 Preventing Inflation and Maintaining Purchasing Power 20:20 Managing Scope Creep in UBI Programs 23:13 Dependence on UBI and Societal Resilience 25:44 Crypto and UBI: A New Economic Model 30:40 Circles: A Community-Based Currency System 32:57 The Currency Debate: Martin Tokens vs US Dollar 38:00 Circles: A New Approach to Currency 42:35 WorldCoin vs Circles: A Comparison of UBI Approaches 46:54 Decentralized UBI: Empowering Individuals 48:22 Circles 2.0: New Features and Future Prospects 54:43 AI Doomsday: The Future of Humanity and AI RESOURCES Martin on X: https://x.com/koeppelmann @koeppelmann Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast   Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt   Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin   Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    48 min
  2. The Quantum Threat to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi with John Lilic & Stefano Gogioso

    JUN 3

    The Quantum Threat to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi with John Lilic & Stefano Gogioso

    Could quantum computers destroy Bitcoin? John Lilic, early Ethereum adopter and crypto investor and Stefano Gogioso, quantum computing expert and Oxford lecturer, unpack one of the biggest threats on crypto’s horizon: Q-Day - the moment quantum computers become powerful enough to break the encryption behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the entire blockchain ecosystem. Together with Amanda, they dive deep into what quantum cryptography actually means, why current encryption standards are dangerously outdated, and what crypto needs to do right now to prepare for a post-quantum world. John and Stefano debate how close Q-Day really is, what’s being done (or not) to prevent chaos in the stablecoin and DeFi systems, and why this topic isn’t getting the attention it deserves. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Threat of Quantum Cryptography 05:03 Understanding Quantum Computing and Its Implications 10:04 The Race for Quantum Computing Technology 14:55 Use Cases and Applications of Quantum Computing 19:48 The Preparedness of Blockchain for Quantum Threats 28:32 The Quantum Threat to Cryptography 31:41 Market Perceptions and Quantum Computing 34:55 Valuations in Quantum Computing 35:43 Understanding Quantum Progress and Its Implications 39:08 The Future of Quantum Cryptography 41:38 Innovations in Quantum Cryptography 48:12 Preparing for Quantum Risks 51:41 Philosophical Implications of Quantum Mechanics RESOURCES John & Stefano on X: @LilicJohn & @StefanoGogioso Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast  Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt   Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin   Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd    Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440   Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    52 min
  3. The $500M Plan to Start a New Civilization with Praxis' Dryden Brown

    MAY 27

    The $500M Plan to Start a New Civilization with Praxis' Dryden Brown

    What if the future of civilization isn’t in fixing our current systems—but starting entirely new ones? Dryden Brown is the co-founder of Praxis, the ambitious project aiming to build a new city-state from the ground up—one that’s already backed by over $500 million in funding. Dryden shares his vision for a modern Atlantis: a society designed as a refuge from AI disruption and bureaucratic gridlock, born from the cracks COVID revealed in our existing cities. Together, Amanda and Dryden unpack what it actually takes to found a new nation. They dive into acceleration zones, AI’s seismic impact on the future of work, and the provocative question of whether heroism means elevating the elite or defending the powerless. At the heart of it all: the urgent need to build communities rooted in shared values, meaning, and resilience. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Founding a New Nation: The Vision Behind Praxis 03:00 Challenges of Nation-Building: Lessons from History 06:04 Acceleration Zones: Redefining Economic Development 08:47 Navigating Bureaucracy: The Role of Innovation 11:55 AI and the Future of Labor: A New Urban Landscape 15:02 Pursuing Meaning in a Post-Work Society 18:00 Sustaining a New Society: Resources and Defense 20:56 The Future of Praxis: Location and Strategic Partnerships 27:37 Building Durable Relationships in Project Development 30:09 Funding and Economic Heft for Praxis 32:42 Community Building and Member Engagement 38:05 Heroism in Modern Society 47:03 The Future of Praxis and Community Growth 51:20 Competition and Collaboration in New Ventures RESOURCES: Dryden on X: https://x.com/drydenwtbrown Praxis Nation on X: https://x.com/PraxisNation Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    48 min
  4. Why Washington Matters for Crypto

    MAY 21

    Why Washington Matters for Crypto

    Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside. Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer 03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges 06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington 09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics 12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying 15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying 18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space 20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence 29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations 35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto 43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence 49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana 51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and Washington RESOURCES: Kristin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDC Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440

    50 min
  5. How TradFi Views Crypto with VanEck’s Pranav Kanade

    MAY 13

    How TradFi Views Crypto with VanEck’s Pranav Kanade

    What do billion-dollar asset managers really think about your token? Pranav Kanade manages Digital Assets Alpha Fund, an actively managed crypto strategy at VanEck, one of the world’s largest asset managers with over $116B in assets under management. In this episode, Amanda and Pranav unpack how traditional finance approaches the space, how they evaluate projects, what good tokenomics actually look like, and why most founders misunderstand what institutional investors care about. They dive into Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and even a few DePIN projects and dig into why some play well with capital allocators while others don’t stand a chance. Pranav shares what makes a token investable, how he thinks about liquidity, governance, and incentives, and what’s still broken in the DeFi–TradFi bridge. This episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes for a crypto project to earn the attention of a firm like VanEck and reveals how institutions really view the space. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Pranav's Journey from TradFi to Crypto 03:04 Defining Good Crypto Investments 05:59 The Importance of Tokenomics 08:52 Buyback and Burn Mechanisms 12:10 The Impact of Financialization on Technology 15:01 Strategies for Token Generation Events 18:13 Building Trust in Crypto Projects 21:06 The Future of Multi-Token ETFs 24:08 Exciting Developments in Tokenized Equities 29:36 Tesla's Path to Robotaxis 31:59 The Role of Centralized Exchanges 32:54 User Experience in DeFi vs. TradFi 34:32 The Future of Crypto and TradFi Integration 38:01 The Ideal End State for Crypto 40:15 Predictions in the Crypto Market 41:45 AI Agents and Financial Transactions 44:28 AI and Crypto Crossover Opportunities 47:03 The Future of Stablecoins 49:50 The Power Law in Currencies 50:52 Quality of People in Crypto RESOURCES Pranav on X: @vaneckpk https://x.com/vaneckpk Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/45B9szUxVXEwfCDA6uRxwq?si=HT9XXqF9Q2CcM9hfLbmkVg Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    46 min
  6. The Real Future of AI with George Hotz

    MAY 7

    The Real Future of AI with George Hotz

    What happens when machines become more economically valuable than humans? This episode dives into the real future of AI—not a sudden singularity, but a steady shift that’s redefining how we work, govern, and live. Amanda is joined by George Hotz to explore why humans still matter in an AI-driven world, how value creation—not credentials—will shape the future, and what happens when intellectual property, the U.S. dollar, and even our attention become obsolete. Together, they challenge economic protectionism, advocate for high-skilled immigration, and explore emerging ideas like gold-backed digital currency and AI-enhanced hiring. From digital addiction to deregulation, this episode connects the dots between technology and the systems it’s disrupting. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 AI Spectrum: Understanding Perspectives 01:33 The Economic Competition of Machines 03:05 The Myth of the Singularity 05:04 Comparative Advantage and Human Value 08:22 Humans and Machines: A Symbiotic Relationship 10:01 Quality of Life in an AI World 11:12 Aligning Economically with AI's Rise 14:32 Intellectual Property and AI Abundance 17:36 AI Alignment: Capability vs. Intent 19:35 The Role of Government in AI Development 22:10 Global Dynamics: East vs. West in Technology 24:51 Cultural Expectations and Economic Cycles 30:07 The Inefficiency of Tariffs and Protectionism 31:21 Deregulation as a Path to Competitiveness 42:45 High-Skilled Immigration: A Solution for Growth 46:28 Addressing Financialization in America 54:38 The Future of the US Dollar 56:29 Exploring the Future of Currency and Governance 01:01:15 The Evolution of Compute Technology 01:10:41 Hiring Practices and AI in Programming 01:11:52 The Risks of Wireheading and Digital Addiction RESOURCES George on X: https://x.com/realGeorgeHotz  Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast  Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt   Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin   Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd    Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440   Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    1h 10m
  7. Urbit, Bitcoin, and the Limits of Democracy with Curtis Yarvin

    APR 29

    Urbit, Bitcoin, and the Limits of Democracy with Curtis Yarvin

    Curtis Yarvin—founder of Urbit, political philosopher and  blogger formerly known as Mencius Moldbug, the man who coined the term “red pill” is known for his influence on thinkers like Peter Thiel and JD Vance. In this episode, he offers a critical analysis of America’s political and economic landscape. He critiques the MAGA movement, exploring the limits of democracy and the rise of oligarchy, the roots of Trump’s tariffs in mercantilist thinking, and the administration’s “vibe governing”. The conversation transitions to cryptocurrency, examining Bitcoin’s evolution, government regulation, and how Urbit could reshape digital identity. Curtis reflects on Urbit’s role in creating autonomous economic identities and the challenges of achieving product-market fit in web3. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The State of America: A Critical Examination 07:59 Manufacturing and Economic Policy: A Mercantilist Perspective 18:14 Power Dynamics: Authority, Democracy, and Oligarchy 34:02 Vibe Governing: The Challenges of Modern Leadership 34:53 Mercantilism: Successes and Failures 40:41 The Future of Crypto and Bitcoin 49:18 Urbit: A New Paradigm for Digital Identity 01:08:30 The Vision for Autonomous Economic Identities RESOURCES Curtis on X: https://x.com/curtis_yarvin Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast  Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt   Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin   Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd    Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440   Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    1h 3m
  8. Aave, Ethereum, and how DeFi beats the banks with Stani Kulechov

    APR 16

    Aave, Ethereum, and how DeFi beats the banks with Stani Kulechov

    Having access to a bank account is synonymous with human rights. Stani Kulechov is a pioneer in decentralized finance and blockchain technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Avara, the software development company behind DeFi protocol Aave, stablecoin GHO, SocialFi tech stack Lens Chain and Family, the Ethereum wallet.  In this episode, he joins Amanda to discuss the evolving dynamics between DeFi, traditional finance, and regulation. They explore Aave’s growth, the decentralization-versus-crentralization debate, and the evolving role of KYC in DeFi. Later, they dive into Ethereum’s technical roadmap in today’s shifting regulatory landscape, the impact of stablecoins, and the urgent need for innovation in crypto. Stani introduces Lens Chain, his latest venture in decentralized social media, and examines how web3 could reshape online interactions.  TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Understanding DeFi: Access and Opportunity 03:13 The Limitations of Traditional Finance 08:50 The Evolution and Future of DeFi 11:59 Aave's Unique Position in the DeFi Landscape 16:39 Building a Profitable DeFi Protocol 21:29 Decentralization vs. Centralization in Finance 24:02 The Future of KYC and Compliance in DeFi 30:26 Ethereum's Technical Roadmap and Community Dynamics 37:19 Expanding Aave Beyond Ethereum 40:20 The Role of Stablecoins in DeFi 45:09 Innovating Wallets for User Experience 47:08 Decentralized Social Media: The Lens Protocol 51:51 Navigating Politics and Regulation in Crypto RESOURCES: Stani on X: https://x.com@StaniKulechov  Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast  Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt   Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin   Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd    Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440   Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    48 min
  9. Privacy, and the Fight for Ethereum’s Soul with Ameen Soleimani

    APR 7

    Privacy, and the Fight for Ethereum’s Soul with Ameen Soleimani

    Is Ethereum staying true to its ideals? Ameen Soleimani—founder of SpankChain, summoner of MolochDAO, contributor to Tornado Cash, and now leading 0xbow—has spent years building tools that test the boundaries of decentralization and financial privacy. In this episode, he joins Amanda to explore Ethereum’s shifting values: what’s been preserved, what’s been sacrificed, and what’s at stake as the network grows. They discuss the political and ethical tensions behind privacy tools like Tornado Cash and how Ameen’s latest project, 0xbow, is rethinking privacy for a post-sanctions world. With Privacy Pools, users can prove their funds aren’t linked to illicit activity—offering a new path forward for compliant anonymity onchain. As regulators step in and institutional actors gain influence, this episode asks: Can Ethereum remain neutral? Can it scale without centralizing? And can privacy survive in the spotlight? A direct, unsentimental look at the future of Ethereum—and the values worth fighting for. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Ethereum's Direction and Ideological Shifts 05:06 Intellectual Honesty in Blockchain Evaluation 11:17 Privacy Tools and the Ethics of Hacking 18:01 Privacy in Financial Transactions and Tools 22:18 Institutional Influence on Blockchain Development 25:10 Balancing Ideals and Reality in Ethereum 28:07 The Role of Neutrality in Geopolitical Contracts 30:36 Decentralization: Ethereum vs. Other Blockchains 35:42 Cultural Capture: The Influence of Ideology 44:00 Paths Forward for Ethereum's Culture and Leadership RESOURCES:  Ameen on X: https://x.com/ameensol  0xbow: https://0xbow.io/ Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast  Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt   Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin   Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd    Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440   Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

    48 min
  10. Guilds, Gaming, and AI with YGG’s Gabby Dizon

    MAR 27

    Guilds, Gaming, and AI with YGG’s Gabby Dizon

    What if gaming guilds in the Philippines are already preparing for the future of work the rest of the world hasn’t seen coming?Gabby Dizon, Co-Founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG), shares how digital labor is evolving at the intersection of gaming, AI, and crypto. As automation threatens traditional jobs, guilds are becoming early experiments in agile, creative, globally distributed work. This episode explores how these communities are adapting—and what they reveal about where human labor will still matter in an AI-driven world.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Crypto Gaming Journey02:58 The Rise of Axie Infinity and Play-to-Earn06:03 The Emergence of Guilds in Gaming09:12 Building YGG: The Guild of Guilds12:06 The Impact of the Bull Market and Subsequent Crash14:46 Rebuilding and Teaching Digital Literacy18:03 The Future of Work in Web3 and BPO Comparison22:05 The Value Flow in Global Gaming Markets25:41 Sustainability in Web3 Gaming28:42 Human Input in AI and Gaming32:34 The Future of Work and Guilds39:05 Agility in Labor Markets40:45 Humanism in the Age of AIResources: Gabby on X: https://x.com/gabusch/ YGG on X: https://x.com/YieldGuild Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQProduced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

    46 min

About

The world is changing at an accelerating pace—Endgame is here to make sense of it. Hosted by Amanda Cassatt, founder of Serotonin, this podcast brings you conversations with the visionaries driving breakthrough technologies and shaping the future. Join Amanda as she unpacks the trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts defining our time. Where is this all going? Let’s figure it out together. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

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