54 episodes

Web3 w/ Me is a discussion-style podcast about the ins and outs of Web3.0. From crypto to NFTs, DAOs to DeFi, we cover the abstract philosophical promises and the new business models enabled in this new decentralized world.

Web3 w/ Me Zach French

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 10 Ratings

Web3 w/ Me is a discussion-style podcast about the ins and outs of Web3.0. From crypto to NFTs, DAOs to DeFi, we cover the abstract philosophical promises and the new business models enabled in this new decentralized world.

    Creating Frictionless Experiences with Ryan Jones of Consensys

    Creating Frictionless Experiences with Ryan Jones of Consensys

    This week's guest is Ryan Jones, Director of Product Management at ConsenSys. Ryan got the web3 bug in November 2021 when he joined ConsenSys the iconic enterprise blockchain company operating Metamask and many other notable web3 brands. In this episode, Ryan talks to Zach about what it takes to scale product teams and how web3 is finally hitting a technological inflection point where mass adoption is inevitable.
    Get more from Ryan via his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjjones10/
    Chapters
    00:00 Ryan's Journey and Growing a Product Team: Ryan talks about his background and the experience of growing a product team from 0 to over 200 in multiple countries.
    09:41 Working at ConsenSys: Ryan discusses his current work at ConsenSys, a blockchain technology company and parent of MetaMask.
    19:21 Decentralized Identity and Digital Wallets: The importance of decentralized identity and the influence of digital wallets on our everyday lives are discussed.
    29:21 The Impact of NFTs: Ryan and Zach delve into the potential impact of NFTs when adopted by the masses, including in the realm of consumer interaction.
    39:41 Navigating through Chaos: Ryan describes his experience of providing direction and creating order in the dynamic and rapidly-evolving environment of ConsenSys.
    49:11 Looking Towards the Future: In the closing stages of the interview, Ryan talks about his vision for the future of Web 3.0, digital wallets, and the crypto space.
    Thanks for listening! Did you know you can also watch the show on YouTube? Just hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe!
    Web3 w/ Me - YouTube

    • 1 hr
    The Future of Social Connection with Jeff Kauffman Jr.

    The Future of Social Connection with Jeff Kauffman Jr.

    My guest today is Jeff Kauffman Jr., founder of Jump News and Parachute, two brands leading the way in marketing for web3. Jeff has a storied history in the marketing agency world, having worked on many massive brands including Chick-fil-a’s famous cow ads. He has used that experience to build Jump as the premium web3 marketing community for brand marketers, agency professionals, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about the space. We talk about the evolution of web3 and the Jump community, and most excitingly we discuss Jump News 2.0 and the future of content creation in web3.
    We Discuss...
    Web 3.0 and Connections: Jeff Kauffman suggests that the core of Web 3.0 is about creating deeper connections between people and decentralizing the internet.
    The Role of Social Tokens: Social tokens provide a novel way for communities to interact and form connections, offering more significant value representation than traditional likes or follows.
    Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Social Graphs: NFTs can create unique social graphs, offering valuable insights to brands and product builders, and fostering personalized experiences for users.
    Future of Tech Interaction: The future of how people interact with technology isn't necessarily a replication of existing platforms (like a Twitter clone) but might be a completely new approach leveraging the benefits of blockchain and Web 3.0.
    Accelerating the Industry with Jump News: Jeff envisions Jump News as a platform that will push the blockchain and crypto industry forward by attracting thought leaders and contributors who can provide high-level insights.
    Impact of AI on Web 3.0: AI technology is accelerating the need for Web 3.0, highlighting the importance of decentralization and personal ownership on the web.
    Distinction between AI and Web 3.0: Although often grouped together, AI and Web 3.0 are different. AI can exist without decentralization and user ownership, characteristics that are central to Web 3.0.
    Creation of Global Brands: The combination of AI and Web 3.0 technologies could lead to the creation of global brands, some of which might surpass current Fortune 500 companies in size and influence.
    Fast-paced Evolution of Brands: In the future, the scale and influence of brands could grow at an unprecedented rate, with top brands being created in a short period, thanks to the advancements in Web 3.0 and AI.
    Role of Community in Web 3.0: The future of Web 3.0 lies in the power of the community, with user-centric experiences becoming more important than ever.
    The Importance of Thought Leadership in Web 3.0: Jeff emphasizes the need for thought leaders in the blockchain space to accelerate innovation and push the industry forward.
    Web 3.0 and Real-World Change: The advancement of Web 3.0 is not just a digital phenomenon, but it also has the potential to create real-world changes, impacting products, services, and global brands.
    Thanks for listening! Did you know you can also watch the show on YouTube? Just hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe!
    Web3 w/ Me - YouTube

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Leading the Digital Renaissance

    Leading the Digital Renaissance

    My guest today is Adrian Pocobelli (https://twitter.com/pocobelli ), who has an amazing show on YouTube called Artist Journal where he dives deep into digital art and artists (https://www.youtube.com/@pocobelli ). He also hosts his show as spaces for Rug Radio, the iconic Web3-native media brand. His journey as an artist began on an iPhone 6s on apps he still uses today. In this episode, we dive into the differences between art culture in North America and Berlin, and go on many other tangents inside and outside of web3. Adrian is just the type of person we need in Web3 for it to truly thrive.
    We Discuss:
    The power of digital tools in expanding artistic capabilities, allowing creators to blend traditional art elements with digital features, resulting in a unique artistic expression.
    The challenges of digital art, especially its ephemeral nature and vulnerability to replication.
    Adrian's creative process demonstrates a fusion of traditional techniques and digital tools, highlighting the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing artistic landscape.
    Adrian discusses the transformative power of blockchain and NFTs in democratizing art distribution, breaking down barriers for artists and providing new platforms for showcasing their work.
    Inspiration, according to Adrian, can come from any corner of life, reinforcing the idea that creativity is not a confined concept but a holistic experience that integrates various life aspects.
    The emergence of Web3 has resulted in a more accessible and democratic art scene, changing the way we experience and interact with art, says Adrian.
    Adrian's optimistic outlook for the future of digital art underscores his belief in the long-term potential of the digital economy, emphasizing its role in enhancing art's visibility and sustainability.
    Adrian describes Web 3 as "youthful and optimistic," emphasizing the positive drive and innovative mindset of those engaged in this new digital landscape.
    Chapters
    0:00 Adrian’s Background
    10:49 Berlin vs North American Art Culture
    19:48 Adrian’s Web3 Inflection Point - Finance not Art
    26:01 Adrian's Experience with Community and Selling Art
    33:00 Art without Borders or Barriers to Entry
    41:30 Accessibility and UX in Web3 vs TradFi
    46:10 Adrian’s Show, Self-Awareness and Psychedelics
    59:55 The Future of Digital Art and Adrian's Role in It
    Thanks for listening! Did you know you can also watch the show on YouTube? Just hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe!
    Web3 w/ Me - YouTube

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Charting a New Digital Frontier

    Charting a New Digital Frontier

    My guest this week is Adam Sternbach (https://twitter.com/adamsternbach ), General Counsel of Tessera (https://twitter.com/tessera ). Adam has been on the frontlines of the legal side of web3 since 2021, but has been on a lifelong journey to make things better. After a brief career on the public side, he turned his sites to private practice and the startup world to make a bigger impact. He has one of the most comprehensive understandings of the current state of US regulation, and provides countless examples of how we as a community in web3 can educate lawmakers and others to help provide legitimacy to the space. 
    We Discuss: 
    The difference of making an impact on society through the public and private sector
    Tessera’s latest release - Escher - providing a single pane of glass for collectors and artists
    The future of State vs Federal regulation of digital assets, and why it is important to educate as to the nuances between different uses of the technology
    How web3 provides the individual with so much empowerment to make the world a better place and have upside in outcomes of the technology
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Adam and How to Make Things Happen
    09:51 Adam’s Web3 Background 2013-Now
    17:01 What is Tessera and Escher?
    21:40 Education: How to Make an Impact on Policy Makers
    32:22 Consumer Protection Outside Regulation
    37:00 Tribalism and the Moral High Ground
    48:25 Closing Questions - What is Web3? What is the future?
    Thanks for listening! Did you know you can also watch the show on YouTube? Just hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe!
    Web3 w/ Me - YouTube

    • 56 min
    The Future of Trust

    The Future of Trust

    My guest this week is Jacob Robinson (https://twitter.com/JacobRobinsonJD ), host of the Law of Code Podcast (https://www.lawofcode.io/ ) where he talks to the top legal leaders in web3. Additionally, Jacob is an associate attorney at McCarthy Tétrault one of the most prominent law firms in Canada where he helps clients like crypto exchanges navigate the complex regulatory landscape. In these two roles, Jacob hopes to be a leader in stewarding policy forward and helping to legitimize the industry by enabling more effective formations of capital and business structures. If you want an update on how to build a sustainable business in Web3, this is a great episode. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed by Jacob Robinson in this episode are solely his own and do not constitute legal advice nor the opinion of McCarthy Tetrault. 
    Key takeaways:
    Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have the potential to change the way businesses are governed and organized, leading to more efficient formations of capital.
    Blockchain and cryptocurrency regulations can help legitimize the industry and provide a more secure environment for businesses and users.
    Web3 can improve trust, transparency, and efficiency in systems of record and public services, such as property transactions and divorce filings.
    Governments and regulators must balance fostering innovation and protecting consumers in the rapidly evolving Web3 landscape.
    The adoption of Web3 could lead to a more equitable and customer-centric internet, in which users have more control over their data and experience.
    How open conversations and collaborations help overcome regulatory challenges and promote the widespread adoption
    Chapters
    00:00 Jacob’s Take on Legal Landscape for Blockchain and Crypto
    12:31 DAOs and the future of business
    21:59 Navigating Regulatory Landscape to Foster Innovation
    32:26 Importance of Transparency, Trust, and Efficiency
    42:41 Regulation’s Impact on Adoption
    52:41 Closing Questions
    Thanks for listening! Did you know you can also watch the show on YouTube? Just hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe!
    Web3 w/ Me - YouTube

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Cooperative Economies and Web3

    Cooperative Economies and Web3

    My guest today is Simon Yi (https://twitter.com/da0uch ), founder of Myosin.xyz (https://twitter.com/Myosin_xyz ), a global network of marketers building marketing tools that accelerate the direct to community movement. Simon is what we would call an OG. He started as Head of Growth at Consensys Mesh in 2020 where helped grow staple brands like Chainlink and Filecoin. He is the most experienced growth marketer we’ve had on the show. While numbers are a massive part of Simon’s expertise, he doesn’t hesitate to do some deeper philosophical thinking about the unique value offered by blockchain.
    We Discuss...
    From the very start of the episode, we are talking numbers. Dunbar’s number. What is a healthy percentage of retention and activity in Discord.
    Myosin aims to create a reputation system for Web3, offering a new model for creators, brands, and communities to engage with their audiences and stakeholders.
    Reputation scores in Myosin are designed to be a combination of on-chain and off-chain factors, rewarding positive behavior and encouraging collaboration within communities.
    Tokenized online communities, such as Friend with Benefits (“FWB”) and DAOs, demonstrate the potential of Web3 to change the way people interact, collaborate, and generate value together.
    The adoption and growth of Web3 technology will depend on its ability to address real-world problems, such as copyright and attribution for artists and creators.
    FWB's partnership with a liquor brand showcases how blockchain and smart contracts can automate revenue sharing, providing a new way for brands to partner to provide unique experiences for communities and automate the terms.
    Localized Web3 communities, similar to Facebook groups or neighborhood-based groups, present a significant opportunity for innovation and growth in the space.
    Simon, the founder of Myosin, envisions Web3 succeeding through the formation of "network states," which are interest-based communities that transcend geographic borders.
    In the next six to twelve months, Myosin aims to mint its first on-chain reputation score, potentially unlocking a new phase of growth for the platform.
    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:24 The Idea Behind Myosin
    08:42 Web3's Impact on Creators
    13:51 Relevance of Reputation Scores
    19:03 Onboarding Artists and Creators
    25:26 Tokenizing Online Communities
    31:07 Web3's Adoption and Growth
    37:03 Social Tokens and the Future of Communities
    49:51 Brands Leveraging Blockchain Technologies
    53:20 Opportunities in Localized Web3 Communities
    Thanks for listening! Did you know you can also watch the show on YouTube? Just hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe!
    Web3 w/ Me - YouTube

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
10 Ratings

10 Ratings

Tried to watch the debate ,

Thoughtful host, underrated

Zach has an effective and thoughtful approach in his questioning, leading to important philosophical discussions with his guests.

LATHEJosh ,

My Favorite Podcast

Web3 w/ Me has bean in my weekly rotation for the past few months and its expanding my knowledge of blockchain innovation. Zach speaks with lesser known leaders who are buidling towards a variety of applications from the non-profit space to the fine art world. I am grateful to discover this gem of a podcast and would eagerly recommend it to anyone interested in Web3 innovation, exploration and education.

Long Alan Iced T ,

LFG Baby! Love Learning About Web3 from Zach & His Guests!

An amazing combination of simple analogies and insight into what web3 is and where it’s going, while also having great deep dives into the communities and current events within the space. Zach is an incredible interviewer too!

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