The Brave Technologist

Joseph Ng, Chief Strategy Officer of GeneGenius and author of The Hybrid Mind, discusses how institutions must redesign decision architectures as humans and intelligent machines operate together. His vision for the "hybrid mind" is one with supervised intelligence where humans set mission, values, and boundaries while AI participates in operational decisions. He also discusses his work at GeneGenius to transform raw genetic data into "biological intelligence" that can support precision medicine, early disease detection, and personalized treatments. Key Takeaways: His work in AI-driven genomics systems and data for early detection and better prediction in medical systems How governance—when designed correctly—can accelerate adoption rather than slowing innovation Why the biggest risk in AI isn't technical failure, but a lack of institutional readiness to govern it How human judgment is evolving in an AI-driven world, shifting from execution to supervision and interpretation Guest Bio: Joseph X Ng is a technology executive, AI governance strategist, and Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University. He is the author of The Hybrid Mind, which argues that institutions must redesign their decision architectures as humans and intelligent machines begin operating together. A former enterprise AI leader at BNY Mellon, Joseph now works on frontier applications of AI, including genomic intelligence through initiatives like GeneGenius. His work focuses on building trustworthy AI systems by embedding governance, transparency, and human supervision directly into the architecture of intelligent systems. And, for the record, he is a human from New York. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Anna Yuan, founder of Perena and former head of stablecoins at the Solana Foundation, discusses how Perena is designing new on-chain financial products, including USD*, a liquid yield token that earns continuously while remaining spendable. We also explore why trust remains one of crypto's biggest challenges, how decentralized and traditional finance are converging, and what role AI agents may play in the future of payments and financial automation. Key Takeaways: How Perena's USD* token allows users to earn continuous yield while still being able to spend their assets Why stablecoins could become a foundational layer for global financial coordination and programmable money Why people still don't trust blockchain, and what Web3 companies should do about it Why many financial services beyond payments remain largely untapped opportunities in crypto How agents and stablecoins will interact over time Guest Bio: Anna Yuan is the founder of Perena, a stablecoin fintech and asset manager. Perena's team embraces AI natively in their workflow, with all staff learning to code and design with AI tools. Anna built yield.bingo as a tutorial for new stablecoin users to earn yield. Previously she was the head of stablecoins at Solana Foundation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Elise Neel, Global Head of Strategy & Strategic Partnerships at Panasonic Go, shares lessons from leading innovation within large legacy companies and the cultural challenges of driving transformation. She explains how organizations should rethink AI governance and talent, and why roles like the CHRO may become central in the AI era. Key Takeaways: Why leaders must move from simply using AI tools to actively collaborating with them to drive meaningful transformation How access to AI is leveling the playing field, making critical thinking the key differentiator for talent Ways that non-technical professionals can quickly become powerful contributors with the right AI tools and training Why the CHRO role may become one of the most influential positions as organizations integrate AI agents into their workforce How AI could transform product ownership and customer support through intelligent systems that predict maintenance, optimize usage, and improve the overall customer experience Guest Bio: Elise Neel is the Global Head of Strategy & Strategic Partnerships for Panasonic Go, driving business transformation through AI to expand AI-enabled software, hardware, and solutions to 30% of Panasonic's sales by 2035. Previously, Elise was SVP of New Business Innovation at Verizon, where she built a portfolio of nine investment ventures spanning location technology, drones, robotics, and energy transformation while ushering in the 5G era. She also served as CEO of MapQuest and held leadership roles at PlaceIQ, comScore, and InsightExpress. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Bri Teresi, host of 'Free The Money' and a prominent crypto influencer, shares the biggest misunderstandings about cryptocurrency in mainstream media and consumer behavior, along with the biggest challenges faced by content creators today. Topics include: the risks of platform dependency and censorship; the importance of self-custody and owning one's own crypto keys; financial sovereignty and freedom from banks; and the need for better education in crypto to reduce scams and speculative investments. Key Takeaways: Emerging laws in California, and how they'll affect crypto asset custody Why we can't have a free society without cash and distributed systems The role of privacy coins and privacy tech in empowering users Creator horror stories: shadow banning, censorship, and deleted accounts How AI is transforming content creation, and the risks involved Gender dynamics and increasing female participation in crypto The potential of decentralized social media networks Guest Bio: Bri Teresi is the host of Free The Money, a show focused on finance, cryptocurrency, and personal liberties. As a model and golf influencer, Bri bridges lifestyle and financial education, making complex topics accessible to a wider audience. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Maggie Love, Founder and CEO of SheFi, discusses the critical role of the community in managing decentralized spaces and making crypto accessible and relatable for all. She delves into the importance of building technology that works for everyone (not just early insiders), and details the urgent mission she's on with SheFi: to ensure women aren't left behind in the next era of the Internet. Key Takeaways: SheFi's collaboration with Brave, including scholarships offered for their next cohort What real crypto onboarding should look like: education beyond buzzwords Why community is the missing layer in crypto adoption, and current friction points holding Web3 back How AI and crypto may collide at both the application and infrastructure layers What the future of the internet could look like for women+ builders if their mission succeeds What it takes to build technology that works for everyone (not just the early insiders) Guest Bio: Maggie Love is an educator, entrepreneur, and the founder of SheFi, a platform where women+ learn to navigate and shape the next era of the Internet, including crypto, AI, and digital ownership. She's passionate about turning buzzwords into real-world access and opportunity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Manoj Saxena, Founder and CEO of Trustwise, explains why agentic AI represents a major shift inside organizations: from AI as a tool to AI as an active participant. He addresses the operational challenges that organizations face today, including AI-to-AI interactions, opaque decision-making, regulatory pressure, and the growing need for continuous oversight as AI systems gain autonomy. Key Takeaways: The ways AI agents are already taking on roles once owned by humans How leaders should prepare for AI systems that negotiate, decide, and act independently The emerging risks of AI acting without visibility, guardrails, or accountability Why trust, safety, and governance must operate in real time, not retroactively The organizational and cultural implications of humans managing AI agents Guest Bio: Manoj Saxena is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Trustwise—an award-winning AI safety company focused on securing and governing agentic AI systems—and the Founder and Chairman of the Responsible AI Institute. Widely regarded as the "father of IBM Watson," Manoj is a pioneer of Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TAI) and a leading voice for ethical and responsible AI. He previously served as General Manager of IBM Watson and as Chairman of the Board at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. A serial entrepreneur with over $1.8B in exit value across multiple startups, Manoj is also a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin and a fellow contributor at University of Cambridge, where he teaches and advises on ethical AI and responsible leadership. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Kapil Gupta, former Enterprise AI Product & Platform Leader at Cigna, shares insights from more than two decades of turning cutting-edge technology into enterprise-ready products. He unpacks the difference between generative AI and agentic AI, and why governance, user choice, and thoughtful design matter just as much as innovation. Learn how enterprises can scale responsibly and why the best technology often feels invisible to the people using it. Key Takeaways: The tangible difference between generative AI and agent-based workflows Why adoption depends on fitting into existing workflows, rather than forcing behavior change The challenge of legacy systems and disconnected data How companies can innovate quickly without introducing unnecessary risk How pushing back, probing, and questioning AI can unlock more value Why listening to users matters more than building flashy features Guest Bio: Kapil Gupta is an executive product leader specializing in leveraging emerging technologies to solve complex business problems at scale. As a leader of AI product and platform teams at Cigna and previously at industry leaders like Capital One, Deloitte, and IBM, he has turned breakthrough innovations like Generative AI into practical enterprise solutions. Kapil is driven by a focus on crafting AI-driven product experiences that solve real problems and ensure high adoption, bridging the gap between sophisticated technology and business value. He balances high-level strategic vision with a passion for staying hands-on, often vibe coding prototypes to prove out new concepts. Kapil holds an MS in Computer Science and an MBA from NYU Stern. He shares his work at kapilgupta.me and lives in New York. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Chastity Murphy, former Senior Advisor at the U.S.Treasury and Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, shares her experiences working on digital money legislation, including the Stable Act. She reflects on the transition from cash to digital payments along with her current research developing offline, anonymous public interest payment systems. Key Takeaways: How early stablecoin legislation shaped our understanding of digital money, privacy, and consumer protection The gap between technologists and policymakers in understanding digital money Real-world risks of surveillance and data visibility in financial transactions The potential for new cryptographic capabilities like selective disclosure and zero-knowledge proofs Practical approaches for creating offline, anonymous, and interoperable digital payment systems that don't sacrifice usability Guest Bio: Chastity Murphy is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Manchester's Law & Technology Initiative, and one of the leading architects of privacy-preserving digital public money. A former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Treasury Department, she helped shape federal policy on central bank digital currency (CBDC) and digital payments, building on her earlier work as the first congressional staffer (under Rep. Rashida Tlaib) to draft stablecoin legislation. Her current research at Manchester's Digital Public Money Infrastructure (DPMI) project explores how cryptography and shield-law protections can make digital money safe for people—not platforms. The work prototypes use cases such as anonymous public-interest payments and privacy-secure disbursement systems for reproductive-health providers, disaster aid, and humanitarian relief. This work focuses on ensuring that the right to transact safely endures across political climates, crises, medical emergencies, and everyday use. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Evin McMullen, co-founder and CEO of Billions Network, explores how identity for agents is going to unlock the next era of the Internet. She shares outcomes from collaborations with regulatory bodies and major companies (like HSBC and TikTok), along with their use of Zero Knowledge Proofs in proving you're human without giving up privacy. Key Takeaways: How Billions Network plans to save the Internet, starting first with scaling trust (while balancing convenience and privacy) The critical importance of identity verification in an increasingly AI-dominated digital landscape, and the biggest challenges to solving for this The risks for humanity if we don't achieve decentralized identity before AI and agents becomes ubiquitous Guest Bio: Evin McMullen is the CEO and co-founder of Billions Network, the first universal human and AI network. Billions Network is pioneering a mobile-first identity layer that verifies both humans and AI agents—proving uniqueness, KYC/AML status, location, age, or even machine reputation, all while preserving user privacy. Evin's previous work includes early blockchain development for retail and enterprise, and serving as CEO and founder of the verifiable data platform Disco.xy. She is a cofounder of DAO Jones and inkDAO, and an advisor to Boys Club. She is a graduate of Yale University. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Charles Hoskinson is a co-founder of Ethereum, and the CEO and Founder of Input | Output (the company behind the Cardano blockchain). In this episode he shares his journey into the world of cryptocurrencies and his early influences. He also explains the conception and operational details of the Midnight Network (a privacy-focused, layer-two solution), and discusses his ambitious efforts in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Key Takeaways: Trillion dollar disruption ideas and a vision for how users will interact with the Internet in 2035 Why regulation is the single most exciting opportunity for DeFi Ways we can bring the world together in 2026 by working more cooperatively and combatting polarization How regenerative species force us to rethink how humans should approach longevity Cutting-edge research involving exosomes, electrical fields and hyperbarics Guest Bio: Charles Hoskinson is a co-founder of Ethereum, and the CEO & Founder of Input | Output (the company behind the Cardano blockchain). He also owns and operates a state-of-the-art healthcare clinic in rural Wyoming focused on anti-aging; is part of the group that de-extincted the dire wolf; and co-founded a lab that is genetically engineering bioluminescent plants. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Dave Chatterjee, Adjunct Associate Professor at Duke University, explains how scale, speed, and surprise are reshaping cyber threats and why many organizations remain dangerously reactive. He shares his Commitment-Preparedness-Discipline (CPD) framework along with ways that leaders can move beyond checkbox compliance by treating cybersecurity as a strategic business priority. Key Takeaways: The three underestimated AI risks that leaders often overlook, and how AI must be used to defend against AI-driven cyber threats Why deepfake attacks represent a systemic risk at both the individual and organizational levels Practical steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to fraud, impersonation, and data loss How better cybersecurity hygiene creates trust, resilience, and competitive advantage Guest Bio: Dave Chatterjee, Ph.D., is a leading authority on cybersecurity strategy, governance, and AI security. As the creator of the Commitment-Preparedness-Discipline (CPD) framework, he helps organizations worldwide build resilient, high-performance security cultures. His recent work explores the convergence of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and business resilience, addressing challenges such as AI exploitation, deepfake manipulation, and the secure integration of intelligent systems. Dr. Chatterjee is the author of "Cybersecurity Readiness: A Holistic and High-Performance Approach" and the cybercrime-themed novel "The DeepFake Conspiracy", which illustrates the emerging risks and ethical dilemmas at the intersection of AI and cyber defense. His thought leadership has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, Business Insider, California Management Review, Business Horizons, MIS Quarterly, and Journal of Management Information Systems. As host of the acclaimed Cybersecurity Readiness Podcast Series, he has engaged leading practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in discussions on topics such as agentic AI, post-quantum readiness, and AI-driven threat detection. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 firms and government agencies, Dr. Chatterjee delivers high-impact keynotes and moderates CXO panels worldwide, advancing dialogue on how to turn AI risk into organizational resilience. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Leah Price, Vice President of Tinman AI Platform at better.com, breaks down why traditional subscription-based pricing no longer works and how outcome-driven AI can unlock real value for enterprises. She also shares how embedded AI, avatars, and automation are transforming the mortgage experience for both lenders and borrowers, and what the future of AI-powered financial infrastructure could look like. Key Takeaways: How Tinman AI embeds generative AI across an entire mortgage tech stack The limitations of traditional ROI models in enterprise AI adoption, and Tinman's vision for outcome-based pricing How AI avatars and bots reduce borrower friction and improve trust What the future of mortgage lending could look like with AI as infrastructure Guest Bio: Leah Price serves as Vice President leading the Tinman® AI Platform at Better, the AI-powered homeownership company. Under her leadership, the Tinman AI Platform will be offered to lenders and brokers across the country as an API-accessible platform. Previously, Leah led the Office of Fintech and the Office of the Chief AI Officer at Federal Housing Finance Agency, leading initiatives in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. Earlier in her career, Leah held leadership roles at Figure Technologies and at Fannie Mae, where she was on the launch team of Day 1 Certainty® and other product innovations. She served as co-chair of MISMO's Emerging Technology Community of Practice, and was a Senior Advisor to MISMO. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Bhavesh Mehta and Mahesh Kumar—senior technology leaders at Uber and co-authors of the practical guide AI-First Leader—discuss the lessons learned from Nova Bridge's collapse, and share best practices for mitigating hidden risks that can derail ambitious AI projects. They also share specific ways that small businesses and Fortune 500 companies can embrace AI from a place of empowerment rather than fear. Key Takeaways: Ways to align C-suite leaders and engineering teams around a unified AI roadmap The most underestimated human factor that determines whether an AI transformation succeeds How overlooked vulnerabilities, insufficient oversight, and the rush to deploy led to unexpected fallout of the Nova Bridge Chat The unforeseen dangers lurking within AI systems Guest Bio: Bhavesh Mehta is a technology leader and co-author of AI-First Leader, a practical guide for executives navigating enterprise AI adoption. With over 20 years of experience across Cisco, Uber, and VMware, Bhavesh has architected large-scale conversational and generative AI systems that support millions of users daily. His work bridges deep technical design and executive strategy, helping organizations deploy AI responsibly and at scale. Mahesh Kumar is a seasoned product executive and co-author of AI-First Leader, a practical guide for executives navigating enterprise AI adoption. With over 20 years of experience across Uber, Veritas, and VMware, Mahesh has led the development of multi-billion-dollar product portfolios and enterprise AI strategies. Known for bridging deep technology with strategic vision, he helps organizations move from experimentation to large-scale AI transformation. His work focuses on responsible innovation, combining business storytelling with technical fluency to make AI both accessible and actionable for leaders. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Emad Mostaque, founder and CEO of Intelligent Internet, discusses his vision for an open and intelligent internet, along with the impact it can have on everyday users. He acknowledges the risks of AI surpassing human capabilities, but shares an optimistic view of where the true strength of a society lies. He also discusses the ways communities can withstand these disruptions and thrive in a changing world. Key Takeaways: What problems AI agents are ready to solve today, and when we can expect future unlocks The future of low-cost intellectual work, and how specialized AI agents can be designed to safely reduce cognitive friction The implications of AI on a nation's gross domestic product (GDP), and the importance of measuring community intelligence Advice for parents raising the next generation of users Guest Bio: Emad Mostaque is the founder of Intelligent Internet, and is dedicated to advancing distributed and accessible artificial intelligence systems. As founder of Stability AI, he influenced the widespread availability of generative AI tools for image, audio, and video, reaching over 300 million downloads. He contributes to the development of open source AI infrastructure, including as an advisor to Render Network. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Arjun Khemani, memetic warlord at Zcash, shares his journey from questioning conventional thinking to becoming an advocate for rational optimism and privacy in the digital age. He discusses the importance of fighting for freedom, why memes are powerful tools for spreading ideas, and why users should remain skeptical of authority. Key Takeaways: Why privacy is fundamental to freedom and how Zcash is helping us get closer to that ideal The role of shielded transactions in increasing your anonymity What's at stake if we don't transact privately, including broader implications for personal and financial autonomy How memes shape culture and technology, along with the dangers and opportunities they present The increasing need for independent and critical thinking in the digital world Guest Bio: Arjun Khemani is an author, podcaster, and memetic warlord, helping spread rationally optimistic memes to create a better world. He's currently working on the Zcash mission—a privacy-focused cryptocurrency which features an encrypted ledger using zero-knowledge proofs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Thorsten Jaeckel, Head of Product at 0x and Matcha, discusses the biggest hurdles facing DeFi adoption—including regulatory uncertainty, user experience challenges, security concerns, and the need for better education. Discover what it will take for decentralized finance to reach the masses and get a glimpse of the path forward for DeFi. Key Takeaways: How the rise of Layer 2 solutions are shaping (and complicating) the next phase of DeFi. What's holding back tokenized equities, and what it'll take to overcome regulatory hurdles. The significance of execution transparency in building user trust. The importance of creating DeFi products that feel as seamless as Web2 applications. How Matcha is making it easier for newcomers to start trading in DeFi. Guest Bio: Thorsten Jaeckel is the Head of Product at 0x and Matcha, where he leads product development for one of the top decentralized exchange aggregators in Web3. He's been building in crypto since 2017 and previously held product leadership roles at Coinbase and Square. Thorsten focuses on making DeFi more intuitive and trustworthy, with a particular interest in multi-chain UX and execution transparency. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Sean Hehir, CEO of BrainChip, discusses their innovative neuromorphic technology, which mimics the way the human brain processes information to enable smarter, more efficient edge computing. We explore the real-world impact of bringing AI directly to devices, from wearables to smart home products, and what this means for speed, privacy, and energy efficiency. Tune in to learn how BrainChip is paving the way for a new generation of intelligent electronics and what's next for brain-inspired artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways: How BrainChip is working across health tech, automotive, and consumer electronics to make brain-inspired AI a reality in the products we use every day. How BrainChip worked with Onsor Technologies to unveil AI-powered wearable glasses that predict epileptic seizures before they happen. Neuromorphic computing: what it is, why it's important, and how Brainchip is innovating in this area. Why energy efficiency is the hidden frontier we need in AI's next big leap. How Edge and Cloud AI are different and how they'll work together over time. Guest Bio: Sean Hehir is the CEO of BrainChip, the company behind Akida™, which is the world's first neuromorphic AI processor, mimicking how the human brain works to bring intelligence directly onto devices. After decades driving global partnerships at Microsoft, HP, and Cisco, he now leads BrainChip's push to move AI from the cloud to the edge—making it faster, safer, and dramatically more energy-efficient. Under Sean's leadership, BrainChip is powering breakthroughs across health tech, automotive, and consumer electronics, including AI-powered wearable glasses (built with Onsor Technologies) that can predict epileptic seizures before they happen. Sean is also a frequent industry speaker and serves on the board of the Silicon Valley Executive Network. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Jay Chrawnna, director of The Kus, dives into the subtle ways people are already using Web3 in everyday transactions (often without realizing it) and what this means for the future of consumer Web3. He explores how gaming projects like FIFA Rivals are redefining digital asset ownership, and highlights how entities like the Indonesian government are leveraging blockchain to improve transparency, efficiency, and mainstream accessibility. Key Takeaways: How the next wave of Web3 could be completely invisible to users. Why Polkadot may be the only platform capable of scaling Web3 at full potential. What "Consumer Web3" really means, and why it's about more than wallets and tokens. How blockchain is being used to reimagine institutions at a massive scale. Guest Bio: Jay Chrawnna is the director of The Kus, a media broadcaster for Polkadot. On the Space Monkeys Podcast and weekly Attempts at Governance liveshows, the DOT eco's top movers and doers drive discourse and shape the second age of Polkadot. Jay exclusively uses the Brave browser. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Juan Leon, Senior Investment Strategist at Bitwise Asset Management, unpacks the rapid institutional adoption of Bitcoin and Ethereum, fueled by ETFs, regulatory clarity, and the rise of tokenization. He shares key trends shaping the next phase of crypto, including the integration of traditional finance and DeFi, and how this evolution could redefine corporate treasuries and real-world asset investing. Key Takeaways How major financial institutions are embracing stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure What the surge in tokenization means for the $500T real-world asset opportunity How Ethereum treasuries could unlock new income streams for traditional investors Why the convergence of Wall Street and DeFi may be closer than ever Guest Bio: Juan Leon is the Senior Investment Strategist at Bitwise Asset Management, where over the past 4 years he has helped lead research, product strategy, fund management, and sales engagements. He is a CFA charter holder, and prior to Bitwise Juan was a Portfolio Manager of equities, fixed-income, and commodities at a global asset manager. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Jack Pertschuck, former Principal Engineer at Pinecone, discusses what vector databases are and why they matter for AI and search applications. He also discusses the challenges of communicating the value of this technology when the problem isn't widely understood. Key Takeaways: Advice for teams looking to adopt vector search technology The importance of hybrid and cascading retrieval methods The significance of context engineering and evaluation metrics in AI systems How Pinecone is democratizing vector database technology for AI and machine learning applications Guest Bio: Jack Pertschuk is a former Principal Engineer with Pinecone, the market leader in vector databases. As the company's founding engineer and lead for algorithms, applied research, and platform, Jack is responsible for the roadmap and execution across research and engineering for search index efficiency and accuracy. Prior to Pinecone, Jack was a founder of SidekickQA and creator of the NBoost open source neural ranking engine. He is an active member of the Rust and Information Retrieval research community, and is passionate about solving problems at the intersection of ML and systems. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Andrew Pelekis, CEO of Claynosaurz, shares how they're making digital ownership fun, accessible, and frictionless. He also discusses the role of community and fan engagement in the success of digital brands. Key Takeaways: What they've learned from prior cycles about bringing blockchain projects to mainstream communities How audience participation has changed, and what new revenue streams have become possible The challenge of protecting original IP and the new fan intelligence system they're building Evolving acceptance of crypto and the need for regulatory clarity Challenges and opportunities of integrating Web3 technologies into mainstream brand building Guest Bio: Andrew Pelekis is the CEO of Claynosaurz, a leading digital entertainment brand building expansive storytelling worlds through Web3, animation, and community-driven IP. He is also the creator of Nobody Sausage, a viral character phenomenon turned entertainment franchise that blends humor, art, and digital culture into a global fan experience. At Claynosaurz, Andrew is pioneering how blockchain and emerging technologies can transform the way audiences engage with stories, characters, and creators. With Nobody Sausage, he has shown how a playful, internet-native idea can evolve into a full-fledged entertainment property, capturing the imagination of millions worldwide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Liz Zaborowska, Founder & CEO of Bhava Communications and Spring Catalyst, explores the common fears and misconceptions that lead to resistance against AI adoption. She emphasizes the importance of proper training and support, ensuring that team members feel confident and secure in their use of AI tools. Key Takeaways: The business benefits of embracing AI, including practical strategies to overcome fears and successfully adopt artificial intelligence throughout your team How AI tools can complement, rather than replace, human creativity The ongoing importance of fact-checking in the digital age Principles of responsible AI use and the policies that support it Ways to maintain authenticity with AI-generated content Guest Bio: Liz Zaborowska is the founder and CEO of Spring Catalyst, where she helps teams optimize performance and navigate AI adoption. With over 20 years in technology and deep expertise in team dynamics, she empowers organizations to transform how they create, communicate, and collaborate in the AI era. Liz has worked with AI companies for more than a decade and served in an advisory capacity for the Responsible AI Institute. Liz is also the founder of Bhava Communications, an award-winning marketing, PR, and social media agency that has helped hundreds of enterprise and consumer technology companies stand out as category leaders. Prior to founding her own companies, she ran technical, product, and corporate marketing on the tech startup side. She studied biology and theater at Tufts University, bringing a unique perspective that combines scientific rigor with creative ideation to help businesses and individuals thrive in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Daniela Barbosa, General Manager of Decentralized Technologies at the Linux Foundation, and Executive Director at LF Decentralized Trust, discusses the most promising open-source projects they've supported so far, and how more builders can get involved. She also emphasizes the importance of community contributions and cross-sector partnerships to accelerate the adoption and impact of decentralized technologies. Key Takeaways: How LF Decentralized Trust fits within the Linux Foundation and why it matters Why open source collaboration is key to interoperable, secure trust frameworks Common misconceptions about open-source blockchain The role of open governance in driving enterprise and government adoption How open-source communities are shaping next-gen secure, privacy-first technologies Guest Bio: Daniela Barbosa serves as General Manager of Decentralized Technologies at the Linux Foundation, and Executive Director of LF Decentralized Trust. She has 20+ years of enterprise technology experience, including seven years driving the global, collaborative development of enterprise-grade blockchain and identity technologies at Hyperledger Foundation. She is a leading voice for the power of openly developed decentralized technologies to spur efficiency, privacy, and inclusivity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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