The Brave Marketer

Elizabeth Hansson is the Michigan President of Stand With Crypto and Founder of the Detroit Blockchain Collective. In this episode she discusses the importance of grassroots activism in shaping digital asset policy, the challenges of educating lawmakers, and how community engagement is driving innovation and regulatory clarity. She also reflects on America's lag in cryptocurrency innovation and the critical need for market structure and state-level legislation.

Key Takeaways:

• How Stand With Crypto is helping to bridge the gap between lawmakers and the crypto industry

• Current regulatory gaps and need for clear frameworks to foster innovation and protect users in the digital asset space.

• Why educating policymakers about crypto is essential to dispel misconceptions and encourage informed decision-making (and how communities can help do this).

• The importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping clear regulatory frameworks that foster innovation.

• State-level initiatives that are addressing unique local needs and driving progress in digital asset adoption.

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Hansson is the Michigan President of Stand With Crypto and the founder of the Detroit Blockchain Collective. With a background in engineering and decentralized systems, she now works at the intersection of technology and policy, leading grassroots advocacy for digital assets across Michigan. Elizabeth has been instrumental in mobilizing communities, building coalitions, and advancing federal legislation to support innovation in the digital asset space.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and no w powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Jimmy Secretan, CTO of JustWin, explores the latest innovations in privacy-preserving neural networks, and explains how JustWin is leveraging AI to help small businesses win government contracts. He also explores the future directions of AI, and the impact of AI on user autonomy and privacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Technological advancements shaping the future of secure and ethical AI applications

• The significance of open-endedness in AI

• How to build while balancing both innovation and privacy

• Why AI solutions are a good fit for winning RFPs

• GPT-5 and predictions for its future impact

Guest Bio: Jimmy Secretan, CTO of JustWin, holds a Ph.D. from the Machine Learning Lab at the University of Central Florida, where he specialized in large-scale, privacy-safe neural networks. Having previously served as Chief Scientist at Korrelate, VP of Engineering of Sonobi, and CTO of Roadtrippers, Jimmy has architected privacy-safe AI/ML data pipelines, scaled infrastructure to hundreds of billions of requests per month to power predictive media planning, and led the creation of the AI-driven future of travel data. As VP of Ads and Premium Services at Brave, Jimmy helped launch Brave’s global private ad network; led the development of premium functionality for the Brave browser; and managed initiatives like Brave News and Brave Talk.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Austin Campbell, Managing Partner at Zero Knowledge Consulting, and Adam Zarazinski, CEO at Inca Digital, explore the Genius Bill and its potential to revolutionize the stablecoin landscape. They discuss the many changes with the current government, including regulations and compliance, along with how this new legislative proposal could drive innovation and widespread adoption of stablecoins.

Key Takeaways: 

• Why the Genius Bill matters, and its potential impact on stablecoin adoption

• New compliance experiments and why the traditional approach is dead

• The brain drain of crypto experts within banking

• The need for innovation and technological transformation in traditional finance

Guest Bio:

Austin Campbell is the managing partner and founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting, and an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. Previously, he ran the stablecoin platform and portfolio management at Paxos, and was the chief risk officer of Paxos National Trust. Austin has managed fixed income trading desks at JP Morgan and Citi covering >$100B of cash derivatives, and has been a portfolio manager and structurer at Stone Ridge, the parent of NYDIG. He holds a BS in Mathematics from CSU Chico, and an MBA from NYU Stern.

Adam Zarazinski is the CEO of Inca Digital, a fintech company that provides data and analytics on the digital asset ecosystem to government agencies and financial institutions using natural language processing and LLMs.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Ryan Rugg, Global Head of Digital Assets for Citibank’s Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS), discusses their approach to integrating Web 2.0 and 3.0. She shares insights on Citi Token Service, a new solution designed to provide 24/7 liquidity and borderless transactions, and explains how it simplifies user experience by obfuscating blockchain complexity.

Key Takeaways: 

• The future potential of digital assets and blockchain technology in transforming financial services and enabling faster, more efficient transactions globally

• The importance of regulatory compliance and collaboration with regulators to ensure responsible innovation

• The value of daily standups in driving agile development

• Mutual learning opportunities between traditional finance institutions and Web 3.0 projects

Guest Bio: Ryan Hugg is the Global Head of Digital Assets for Citibank’s Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS), helping clients streamline treasury, payments, and commerce. She recently led the launch of Citi Token Services, a blockchain-based solution enabling 24/7 liquidity transfers and integrating tokenized deposits and smart contracts into Citi’s global network.

Previously, Ryan led IBM’s Americas blockchain team, advising clients on tokenization, identity, and sustainability strategies. Her team helped launch New York’s Excelsior Pass, a digital health wallet used by millions, now serving as a model for other credential systems.

A passionate advocate for diversity in leadership, she has led multiple initiatives to advance female representation, and mentors emerging leaders toward executive roles.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Marc Vanlerberghe is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at The Algorand Foundation. In this episode, Marc discusses how Algorand is driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology, decentralizing its network at record speed, and preparing for a future where billions of users—and AI agents—interact seamlessly on-chain. He also explains why a user-first approach is the key to scaling Web3 beyond speculation into real-world applications.

Key Takeaways:

• What makes Algorand different from other Layer 1s

• Agentic commerce and how could it reshape how we interact online

• Strategies for achieving mainstream adoption of crypto

• How Algorand is preparing for a post-quantum world

Guest Bio: Marc Vanlerberghe is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at The Algorand Foundation. Algorand has a goal of fostering partnerships that help contribute to the advancement of the overall blockchain industry, and to drive adoption of the Algorand blockchain. Since stepping into the role in early 2024, Marc has been leading the charge to elevate Algorand’s global brand and strategy.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Wendy O, cryptocurrency analyst and host of The O Show, discusses how one careless click can jeopardize your financial security. She shares practical advice for starting your journey in crypto, earning BAT, and protecting your wealth from digital risks.

Key Takeaways:

• The critical importance of privacy once you begin accumulating wealth in crypto

• Flaws with current accredited investor laws

• Actionable steps to protect your wealth and digital identity in a Web3 world

• Advice for women entering the crypto space

• The role of creators in the future of crypto adoption

Guest Bio: Wendy O is a cryptocurrency analyst and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. She is the host and founder of The O Show, an influential YouTube channel focused on Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology, with a global audience of more than 1 million followers. Wendy has been contributing to the crypto community through her content and analysis since 2017

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, discusses the SEC’s new approach to regulation under the Crypto Task Force. She details the commission's efforts to foster a healthy, regulated crypto market and the importance of cross-border cooperation in enforcement.

Key Takeaways: 

• How the SEC is providing input for lawmakers on new regulations, and taking feedback from businesses in the industry

• Shifting from an enforcement-focused mindset to providing regulatory clarity

• The importance of regulatory frameworks that protect investors while still allowing innovation

• Ways to collaborate with the U.S. Congress on legislation
  
  

Guest Bio: Hester M. Peirce was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and was sworn in on January 11, 2018.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Peirce was designated as the leader of the SEC's Crypto Task Force. Prior to joining the SEC, Commissioner Peirce conducted research on the regulation of financial markets, and was a Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Commissioner Peirce earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University, and her JD from Yale Law School.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Assaf Kipnis, AI safety (intel and investigation) at ElevenLabs, discusses the evolving landscape of online safety, the sophisticated tactics of threat actors, and the role of regulation in shaping tech company responses. He also discusses the need for accountability in both tech companies and regulatory bodies to enhance safety and security in the digital space.

Key Takeaways: 

• New tactics and scams threat actors are using, and the effectiveness of measures like age verification and red teaming

• Limitations faced by tech companies in combating online safety issues, and the challenges of maintaining online safety at scale

• The role of law enforcement and regulation in pressuring companies, platforms, and teams to improve online safety

Guest Bio:
Assaf Kipnis is an AI safety investigator with over a decade of experience at companies like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google. Now at ElevenLabs, he builds systems to uncover and respond to emerging threats in generative AI, focusing on the intersection of security, abuse prevention, and human impact.

Assaf is known for making sense of complex, messy problems, combining deep investigation with storytelling to drive action. He’s guided by values like curiosity, care, and doing the right thing, and is passionate about reclaiming technology as a force for good. He strives to create environments where people feel safe, seen, and valued.

Outside of work, he’s a parent, systems thinker, and mentor who believes the best solutions start with asking the right questions—and remembering to stay human.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte

 Tom Aulet, Co-Founder and CEO of Ergatta, discusses how they’re making workouts engaging and habit-forming by incorporating gaming elements and AI-driven personalization. He also delves into Ergatta's human-centric, iterative design process and the significant impact of their design choices

Key Takeaways: 

• Why game mechanics are more motivating than traditional workouts

• How they’re using AI to personalize the workout experience for users 

• Importance of privacy and scientific rigor in health tech

• Innovative design choices that make fitness fun and sustainable

Guest Bio: Tom Aulet is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ergatta, the leader in game-based connected fitness. With a background in tech and a passion for habit-forming design, Tom is pioneering a new category of workouts that motivate users through gameplay rather than traditional instruction. Tom is passionate about building technology that’s not just smart, but also human, combining data, personalization, and behavioral science to make fitness more engaging, effective, and sustainable. He’s especially interested in how gamification and AI intersect to drive long-term habit formation in digital health and wellness.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte