José Macedo and Pondering Durian: The Birth of Delphi Intelligence

José Macedo and Pondering Durian: The Birth of Delphi Intelligence

Join Tommy Shaughnessy as he hosts Pondering Durian (Lead at Delphi Intelligence) and José Macedo (Co-Founder at Delphi Labs & Founding Partner at Delphi Ventures) to introduce Delphi Intelligence — Delphi’s new open research initiative focused on artificial intelligence. Learn why Delphi is going deep into frontier models, robotics, reinforcement learning, and the intersection of crypto and AI, and how this initiative aims to uncover transformative opportunities across emerging tech.


Delphi Intelligence: https://www.delphiintelligence.io/



🎯 Key Highlights


▸ Why Delphi pivoted to AI after years in crypto research and investing.

▸ Inside Delphi Intelligence: free, high-quality research on AI, RL, robotics, and more.

▸ How the team blends deep research with deal sourcing — like early crypto days.

▸ The three phases of AI scale: pretraining, inference, and the RL renaissance.

▸ José and PD on decentralizing RL and building “The World’s RL Gym.”

▸ The case for open AI: modular design, public reasoning, and collaboration.

▸ How LLMs are learning to “think longer” — and what it means for training.

▸ Open-source vs. proprietary AI — and China’s growing lead in open models.

▸ Why José believes AGI may already be here with GPT-4o.

▸ Where early AI startups can still win — from robotics to edge hardware.

▸ Why this AI moment feels like crypto in 2017 — and why it’s still early.

▸ The team’s views on AI safety vs. acceleration, including visits to Anthropic.

▸ A geopolitical view: US vs. China in AI, talent flows, and capital differences.

▸ What the next “Mag 7” of AI could be — and why Big Tech might not lead.

▸ How Delphi plans to find early winners in AI, like they did in crypto.



💡 Subscribe for more crypto & AI insights! 🔔



🧠 Follow the Alpha


▸ Delphi Intelligence's Twitter: @delphi_intel

▸ PD's Twitter: @PonderingDurian

▸ José's Twitter: @ZeMariaMacedo



🔗 Connect with Delphi


🌐 Portal: https://delphidigital.io/

🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/delphi_digital

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/delphi-digital/



🎧 Listen on


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PR1RigLG2YN5Pelq6UY9?si=18ac7ccf36ab4753&nd=1&dlsi=50105fd66e6c4124

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-delphi-podcast/id1438148082

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Yy99ZlQIX9-PdG_xHj43Q



Timestamps


00:00 - Introduction to Delphi Intelligence

01:30 - Why AI Feels Like Crypto in 2017

03:30 - The AI Research Gap Delphi Aims to Fill

06:30 - Robotics Deep Dive: Humanoids vs. Specialization

10:00 - AI’s Impact on Traditional Tech Moats

14:30 - Can the Mag 7 Be Disrupted by AI Labs?

17:00 - Google, Meta, OpenAI, and the Race for Interface

21:00 - Crypto as a Hedge Against AI-Driven Inequality

24:00 - Safety vs. Acceleration: Anthropic vs. OpenAI

28:00 - China’s Open-Source AI Strategy

31:30 - Zero-to-One vs. One-to-X Innovation Models

35:00 - Open-Source Models: Strategic or Suicidal?

38:00 - Early-Stage Edge: Where Startups Can Win

42:00 - Verticalized AI Apps, Context Engineering, and GPTs

46:00 - US vs. China in Robotics: Software vs. Hardware

50:00 - The Role of Simulation, Sensors, and Real-World Feedback

53:00 - Delphi’s Dual Approach: Deep Research + Early Deal Flow

55:00 - The Vision for Delphi Intelligence 10 Years Out



Disclaimer


This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Ventures may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token.

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Soulbound Tokens: The Basis of a Decentralized Society w/ Glen Weyl

Soulbound Tokens: The Basis of a Decentralized Society w/ Glen Weyl

In this episode, we dive into Soulbound Tokens (SBTs) with Glen Weyl, Co-author of Decentralized Society: Finding Web3’s Soul. We discuss the definition of souls & SBTs, the concerns around SBTs, the range of its potential uses, and much more. Glen Weyl is a Political Economist and Principal Researcher at Microsoft, the Founder of RadicalxChange Foundation, and Co-author of Radical Markets. Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Glen’s background. (00:02:45) – Introduction to SBTs. (00:06:55) – The what and why of SBTs. (00:17:53) – Standardization of SBTs. (00:21:35) – Potential use-cases for SBTs. (00:32:54) – Unlocking the creator economy. (00:40:46) – What are souls? (00:43:09) – Concerns about SBTs. (00:46:26) – Countering malicious SBTs. (00:49:43) – Key recovery tools. Resources: Glen’s Twitter Decentralized Society: Finding Web3’s Soul Glen’s Website Vitalik on Soulbound Tokens More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

26 Heinä 202256min

Civitas: A Play and Earn Community-Driven 4X Strategy Game

Civitas: A Play and Earn Community-Driven 4X Strategy Game

In this episode, we sit down with Kent Byers, CPO of Civitas, a play & earn community-driven 4X strategy game. We dive into Civitas gameplay, Kent’s thoughts on Web3 gaming, critiques of crypto games, and much more! Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Kent’s background. (00:09:01) – What is Civitas? (00:12:07) – Views on Web3 gaming. (00:17:38) – Overview of gameplay. (00:29:44) – The Civitas team. (00:35:15) – Building enduring economies. (00:39:01) – Critiques of crypto games. (00:44:45) – SubDAOs and espionage. (00:50:20) – Civitas roadmap. (00:52:26) – Rapid fire questions. Social links: Kent’s Twitter Civitas Twitter Resources: Civitas Website Civitas Whitepaper Civitas Linktree More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

18 Heinä 20221h 5min

Killroy Was Here: Secret Network’s First Feature Film NFT w/ Kevin Smith

Killroy Was Here: Secret Network’s First Feature Film NFT w/ Kevin Smith

In this episode, Tommy Shaughnessy and Nick Steenstra host Kevin Smith (Director of Clerks, Dogma and Tusk) and Guy Zyskind (Co-founder of Secret Network) to discuss Kevin’s new film Killroy Was Here, the first feature film released as an NFT on Secret Network. We cover ownership rights for Killroy NFT holders, Hollywood coming to Web3, bringing up the next generation of filmmakers, and much more. Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Introduction / Kevin’s history in Web3. (00:04:47) – Secret Network’s Unique NFT mechanisms. (00:11:10) – How Web3 clicked for a traditional film director. (00:21:12) – Ownership and rights for Killroy NFT holders. (00:28:45) – Bringing up the next generation of filmmakers. (00:36:45) – On community funding and making Moose Jaws. (00:41:08) – Hollywood coming to Web3. (00:47:05) – Revenue and governance of Web3 films. (00:57:41) – Relating with the audience. (01:11:10) – Privacy with NFTs on Secret Network. (01:16:20) – Separation of funds and creativity. (01:20:14) – Advice for filmmakers starting in Web3. (01:22:12) – How to get a Killroy Was Here NFT. Social links: Kevin Smith's Twitter Guy Zyskind's Twitter Killroy Was Here Twitter Secret Network Twitter Resources: Killroy Was Here Website Secret Network Website Legendao Discord More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

12 Heinä 20221h 26min

Ethereum & Celestia: Designing Modular Stacks

Ethereum & Celestia: Designing Modular Stacks

In this episode, Jon Charbonneau hosts John Adler (Co-founder of Celestia) and Dankrad Feist (Researcher at the Ethereum Foundation) for a technical deep dive into designing modular blockchain stacks. The conversation is focused on understanding the subtle differences and design considerations between Celestia and Ethereum, covering fraud proofs versus KZG commitments, the importance of validator sets, Celestiums, and much more. Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Introduction. (00:01:57) – On Data Availability (DA) and settlement. (00:14:36) – Having a base asset that builds economic security from capturing fees. (00:22:00) – Thoughts on L2 settlement & recursive L3 rollups as a strategy. (00:29:10) – Celestia’s fraud proofs vs. Ethereum’s KZG commitments. (00:42:53) – Tendermint vs. Gasper – the importance of validator sets. (00:55:08) – Thoughts on Celestiums. (01:03:48) – Closing thoughts. Social links: Dankrad’s Twitter John’s Twitter Ethereum Foundation Twitter Celestia Twitter Resources: Ethereum Foundation Website Celestia Website Celestia Github Article on Fraud & DA Proofs Our Previous Interview with John Celestia on DISRUPTORS More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

11 Heinä 20221h 7min

Navigating the Challenges of Crypto Regulation w/ SEC Commissioner Hestor Peirce

Navigating the Challenges of Crypto Regulation w/ SEC Commissioner Hestor Peirce

In this episode, Tommy Shaughnessy and Sarah Brennan, sit down with Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner of the SEC to dive into the crypto regulatory landscape. We discuss the role of the SEC, defining decentralization, Commissioner Peirce’s Token Safe Harbor proposal, and much more! Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Introduction and disclaimer. (00:01:00) – The role of the SEC in crypto regulation. (00:06:42) – Developers avoiding the United States. (00:11:17) – Thoughts on decentralization and technology. (00:16:26) – The Token Safe Harbor Proposal. (00:21:23) – Accredited investor laws & affecting change. (00:27:31) – Critiques of crypto / Defining decentralization. (00:38:06) – Motivation for being commissioner. (00:44:58) – Balancing the SEC Mandates. (00:50:48) – Other countries' regulations & global coordination. (00:57:59) – Closing. Resources: Commissioner Peirce’s Twitter Commissioner Peirce’s Biography Token Safe Harbor Proposal 2.0 More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

7 Heinä 202259min

The State of the NFT Market w/ Andy Chorlian

The State of the NFT Market w/ Andy Chorlian

In this 2-hour special, we sit down with Andy Chorlian, Co-founder and CEO of Fractional, a decentralized protocol that enables collective ownership and governance of one or more NFTs. We discuss all things NFT including Bored Ape Yacht Club’s (BAYC) airdrop strategy, governance with fractionalized NFTs, Nouns and CC0 NFTs, and much more. Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Introduction. (00:03:48) – Andy’s time at MakerDAO. (00:10:36) – Getting into NFTs through NBA Top Shot. (00:18:59) – Diving into Fractional. (00:32:54) – Governance with fractionalized NFTs. (00:37:29) – Nouns and CC0 NFTs. (00:49:53) – Traditional companies in Web3. (00:57:17) – Gaming NFTs. (01:06:47) – BAYC and token airdrops. (01:22:09) – Community building. (01:31:40) – Identities and Web3 Social. (01:42:23) – Effects of the bear market. (01:48:26) – Fractional V2. (01:53:27) – NFT market sentiment. Resources: Andy’s Twitter Fractional Twitter Fractional Discord Fractional Website More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

5 Heinä 20221h 56min

Is the Future of Blockchain Interoperability Optimistic? w/ Arjun & Anna

Is the Future of Blockchain Interoperability Optimistic? w/ Arjun & Anna

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Carroll (Protocol Lead at Nomad) and Arjun Bhuptani (Founder of Connext) to discuss the blockchain interoperability trilemma, bridge architectures, Nomad’s optimistic design, and much more. Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Introduction. (00:02:58) – The interoperability trilemma. (00:09:01) – Categories of bridge design architectures. (00:14:18) – Diving into Nomad. (00:31:17) – Optimistic interoperability vs optimistic rollups. (00:44:35) – The relationship between Connext and Nomad. (00:51:05) – Exciting cross-chain applications. (01:07:50) – Are bridges a zero sum market? (01:15:41) – The Ronin hack and security design. (01:23:44) – Closing thoughts. Social links: Arjun’s Twitter Anna’s Twitter Nomad Twitter Nomad Discord Connext Twitter Connext Discord Resources: Nomad Website Nomad Docs Connext Website Connext Docs The Interoperability Trilemma The Nomad Design Philosophy More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

28 Kesä 20221h 28min

How NFTs are Transforming Shopify and Commerce | Alex Danco

How NFTs are Transforming Shopify and Commerce | Alex Danco

Alex Danco is the Head of Blockchain at Shopify, a commerce platform that allows anyone to set up an online store and sell their products. We discuss Shopify’s shift into Web3, the importance of wallet UX for crypto adoption, the future of NFT-integrated commerce, and much more. Show Notes: (00:00:00) – Introduction. (00:08:15) – Shopify, wallets, and “Web3”. (00:15:06) – Commerce and ownership. (00:21:04) – NFTs and multiplayer commerce. (00:41:26) – Future channels for commerce. (00:47:10) – Building on Shopify. (00:51:18) – Wallets and adoption. (00:56:45) – Favorite merchants and closing. Social links: Alex’s Twitter Shopify Twitter Resources: Alex's Blog Alex's Newsletter Shopify Website Build on Shopify Article on websites More 📺 Watch Video Interviews 💬 Follow Delphi Podcast on Twitter ✅ Follow Delphi Digital on Twitter 🧠 Access Delphi's Research Disclosures: This podcast is strictly informational and educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any tokens or securities or to make any financial decisions. Do not trade or invest in any project, tokens, or securities based upon this podcast episode. The host and members at Delphi Digital may personally own tokens or art that are mentioned on the podcast. Our current show features paid sponsorships which may be featured at the start, middle, and/or the end of the episode. These sponsorships are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to use any product, service or token. Delphi’s transparency page can be viewed here.

14 Kesä 202259min