Bridging DeFi and TradFi: Niklas Kunkel on Chronicle Labs and the Future of Finance

Explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, cryptocurrency, and startup culture in our latest episode. We spoke with Shaw Walters, Founder of Eliza Labs, about the exciting possibilities and challenges of AI agents in digital worlds, the crypto ecosystem, and token launches. Discover how these technologies are shaping a fairer, more inclusive future for investing and why real products and vision matter more than hype. Chapters:00:00 Defiant introduction00:07 Episode summary00:54 Introduction to Shaw Walters and Eliza Labs02:27 AI agents in digital worlds10:56 Eliza as a framework for providing what GPT doesn’t11:25 Writing actions for AI agents14:10 Use cases for AI agents14:55 Moving from one-on-one to group settings16:33 Connecting Eliza to the crypto ecosystem19:20 Pros and cons of AI agents in financial services21:25 AI agents as an interface24:53 auto.fun and launching AI agents30:08 Fairer than fair token launch31:58 A new age of investing in startups32:32 The government does not trust you with your own money34:33 Crypto workarounds for investing in startups35:43 The Trump administration and our path to regulation36:57 Changing laws around investing in startups38:32 Decentralized AI and opening investment to the public39:30 What will bring AI agents back to the forefront?44:25 How to structure better launchpads for startups46:00 Crypto markets in their current state are casinos49:24 Jeffy Yu and Zerebro53:36 Why the crypto culture needs to change55:31 Real products and real vision58:00 Closing remarks

16 Maj 58min

This week, we spoke to Patrick Amadon about the complex intersections of digital privacy, surveillance, censorship, and the potential of decentralized AI. Amadon offers a critical perspective on some of the most pressing issues in technology, from the role of digital disobedience to the regulatory challenges surrounding cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.Key topics include: The potential of decentralized AI and Ethereum's pivotal role The impact of censorship on free speech in the digital era How AI and blockchain technology can empower individuals and artists Risks posed by centralized AI and the push for decentralization Strategies for protecting digital privacy and countering AI surveillance Amadon also examines how the framework for success in the digital age is shifting, emphasizing the importance of data ownership and financial independence. This conversation offers valuable insights for those interested in the evolving relationship between technology, freedom, and the pursuit of a decentralized future.Chapters:00:00 Defiant Intro00:07 Decentralized AI is a win for Ethereum01:30 Introduction to Patrick Amadon02:08 Digital disobedience and decentralized ecosystems04:10 Challenges in modern discourse07:40 “No Rioters” and threats to free speech 10:10 The place for disruption12:00 The paths to success are changing13:05 Crypto and data ownership13:32 Meaningful AI Legislation14:20 The race to AGI and why we need to beat China16:48 Regulating crypto and AI18:34 The failure of the stablecoin bill22:08 “Passive Observer” and the role of the public in geopolitical events27:50 Art as resistance to homogenizing the narrative30:10 When crypto starts making sense to normies30:55 The fight to decentralize AI33:25 The risks of centralized AI35:40 Our lack of digital security and privacy37:32 Why should AI belong to the people?38:00 AI’s effects on the job market41:25 How to get under the hood of AI45:00 AI lowers the barrier to entry for art, technology, and more46:30 AI and the arts49:20 The pros and cons of decentralization50:32 Decentralized infrastructure, currency, and economy52:15 The Pectra update54:35 The power of owning your own currency55:18 How will wallets as smart contracts affect artists?55:40 The NFT art space only works as it imagines a new art world58:00 Pectra and the future of meaningful technologies58:55 A digital renaissance01:00:58 Counter AI surveillance technology01:05:00 Why is digital privacy so important?01:12:15 VeilPNG and hiding data01:13:20 Closing remarks

15 Maj 1h 14min

In today’s episode with cypherpunk and artist Gus Grillasca, we explore the intricate crossroads of cryptocurrency and global economics. From the propaganda of inflation to Bitcoin Ordinals and the NFT controversy, this episode challenges conventional narratives and opens up new perspectives. Hear Gus' insights on navigating the Ethereum ecosystem, the financialization of Bitcoin, and privacy coins in the digital age.We also talk about the evolving role of crypto in Latin America, reflect on the surprising dynamics of meme coins, and uncover gaps in financial literacy that could shape the next chapter of blockchain adoption. Whether you’re captivated by the promise of stablecoins, intrigued by NFT permanence, or pondering crypto’s place in an unstable world, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and artistic freedom at its core.INFLARE: https://scarce.city/goods/inflare Fierro Viejo: https://superrare.com/artwork/eth/0xb932a70A57673d89f4acfFBE830E8ed7f75Fb9e0/34374 Chapters:00:00 Defiant Intro00:10 Inflation is bankers’ propaganda00:50 Introduction to Gus Grillasca01:38 Gus’ Journey into blockchain02:35 Banking challenges for travelors04:44 Rare Pepes, Ethereum NFTs, and Bitcoin Ordinals07:44 Changing views on the Ethereum ecosystem09:04 Bitcoin Ordinals, memes, and the NFT Controversy10:30 Bitcoin Ordinals and NFT permanence14:53 The controversy around updates to the Bitcoin protocol16:28 “INFLARE” and The Space by Art of Freedom17:25 Inflation as a monetary phenomenon21:06 Global inflation, purchasing power, and the role of crypto in an unstable world25:37 Is the financialization of Bitcoin good or bad for crypto?27:25 Bitcoin Reserve and the Digital Asset Stockpile30:36 Thoughts on $TRUMP and other meme coins34:45 Changing expectations of investing in NFT38:18 Crypto’s role in Latin America45:35 “Fierro Viejo,” NFTs and intellectual property50:00 A gap in financial literacy 53:18 Ethereum’s changing roadmap57:25 Privacy coins59:40 The need for privacy in the digital age01:03:05 Stablecoins, financial products, and exciting prospects in crypto 01:05:56 Final Thoughts

9 Maj 1h 6min

Are crypto ETFs set to reshape the investing landscape? Join us on The Defiant as we dive deep into the future of crypto assets, the evolving regulatory environment, and the rise of index-based investing. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, shares his expert insights on what these changes mean for investors and how crypto ETFs could revolutionize access to digital assets. Chapters:00:00 The Defiant Intro00:10 Why tariffs could be bullish for Bitcoin 00:41 Intro to Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise01:35 The impact of U.S. interest rates on crypto markets 04:00 Tariffs and their effects on crypto08:24 How USD fluctuations affect global crypto trends 10:15 Investor reactions to a weaker dollar11:58 Bitcoin as a hedge against volatility14:58 The role of traditional investors in driving Bitcoin’s price 20:54 Regulatory insights and which assets stand to gain 22:10 Crypto ETFs24:50 What sets Bitwise apart in the crowded ETF space 26:52 The rise (and slow start) of Ethereum ETFs29:00 How will ETH staking play into demand?30:21 How will an ETH staking fund be structured?32:30 Top crypto assets to watch for the next wave of ETFs 35:25 How index funds are influencing the future of crypto investing 36:50 Crypto native investors38:38 Index funds and the SEC40:11 Ethereum’s coming of age and shifting goals43:45 What can get 1000x users on Ethereum?46:28 Ethereum vs. Solana and the next big trends 48:31 Where and how different blockchains thrive51:30 Predictions for 202553:10 Closing Remarks

7 Maj 54min

Immerse yourself in the future of decentralized infrastructure in this exclusive interview with Amira Valliana from the Solana Foundation. Perfect for Web3 enthusiasts, this episode unpacks how onchain solutions are redefining physical networks, policy, and global collaboration.Chapters & Key Topics: 00:00 Introduction to decentralized infrastructure onchain 00:33 Podcast & guest welcome 03:16 Amira Valliana’s policy work at Solana Foundation 09:19 Shaping blockchain policy and its real-world impact 12:31 What is DePIN? (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) 15:25 Case Study spotlight: Geonet 18:19 Current tech limits for onchain assets 20:21 Experiments in tracking real-world objects via blockchain 22:00 Supply chain challenges and onchain opportunities 24:08 Using crypto to coordinate worldwide networks 25:38 Helium Network deep-dive 29:00 Future applications for Helium 31:05 Exploring Hivemapper 34:15 Bridging DePIN and AI innovation 38:27 Decentralized AI and infrastructure synergy 42:32 Macro trends (interest rates, tariffs, resources, and more) and their effect 45:43 What’s next for decentralized physical infrastructure?If you’re curious about DePIN, policy in Web3, or the next wave of decentralized AI, you’ll get actionable insights and real-world examples to fuel your curiosity. Subscribe and hit the bell for more interviews with leaders shaping the decentralized future!

24 Apr 50min

Lending and borrowing onchain has quickly become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing sectors in Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Among the leaders in this space is Maple Finance, a platform that has already facilitated over $800M in assets, showcasing the growing adoption and practicality of tokenized private credit for institutions. By bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems, Maple Finance is demonstrating how institutions can leverage blockchain technology for more efficient and transparent lending solutions.In an insightful conversation, Camila Russo sat down with Maple Finance’s CEO, Sid Powell, to delve into the potential of real-world assets (RWAs) within DeFi, the evolving role of stablecoins in this ecosystem, and strategies to unlock new lending markets onchain. Their discussion highlights the rapid innovations taking place in the DeFi space and sheds light on the future of decentralized credit markets.

16 Apr 57min

Explore the future of intellectual property on the blockchain in this insightful interview with Jason Zhao. Discover how Story Protocol is revolutionizing the way creators protect, share, and license their work. By bringing IP and copyright onchain, the protocol streamlines the process, ensures compliance with state and national laws, and secures rights in an innovative, transparent manner. Perfect for Web3 creators and blockchain developers ready to push boundaries and unlock new possibilities.Chapters00:00 - Intro: Jason Zhao, Co-founder and Chief Protocol Officer at Story Protocol 00:45 - How Story Protocol is revolutionizing IP management on blockchain 01:16 - Case study: Acquiring Justin Bieber's "Peaches" song rights 02:34 - The vision: Making IP as programmable as stablecoins 05:15 - Jason's background: From AI at DeepMind to blockchain 08:58 - Story's technical architecture: Custom Layer 1 blockchain 11:13 - Proof of Creativity Protocol explained 13:15 - Storing full IP rights and metadata (beyond NFTs) 18:47 - Legal framework and enforceable IP licenses 21:36 - Mainstream IP vs. native Story Protocol IP 24:07 - DeFi integration: Royalties and liquid IP markets 27:31 - How creators monetize their work on Story 29:50 - Tokenomics and the Big Bang staking event 33:51 - Roadmap: IP Portal and future upgrades 37:23 - David Goyer (Dark Knight trilogy) launching new IP on Story 38:28 - Fraud prevention and attestation services 45:02 - Staking mechanics and validator system 49:08 - Meme coins and IP-backed tokens 54:20 - The long-term vision: "HTTP for IP"✨ Check out our new website ✨https://thedefiant.io/🚀 Sign up to our newsletter 🚀https://thedefiant.io/go-premium#pric...🤑 Find DeFi investment opportunities & educational primers herehttps://thedefiant.io/promo?utm_sourc...✊ Follow The DefiantTwitter:  / defiantnews  Discord:  / discord   Instagram:  / thedefiant.io  Telegram: https://t.me/DefiantNews📬 Contact our Newsroomeditorial@thedefiant.io🤝 Sponsorships & Partnershipssponsors@thedefiant.io#TheDefiant​ #DeFi​ #Decentralized​ #Finance​ #Blockchain #Web3

1 Apr 54min

Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase, explores the company’s expanding role in decentralized finance (DeFi), highlighting the launch of Bitcoin-backed USDC loans through Morpho and Coinbase’s broader efforts to integrate DeFi solutions. He explains how Coinbase is working to connect centralized finance (CeFi) with DeFi by incorporating decentralized protocols while prioritizing security and regulatory compliance. Robinson also discusses the introduction of cbBTC as an alternative to WBTC, the company’s approach to multi-chain development, and its plans for further DeFi integrations. Additionally, he addresses ongoing debates about Ethereum Layer 2 networks and their impact on the main chain, emphasizing the importance of improved cross-chain interoperability. He also provides insights into Coinbase’s asset listing process, the role of meme coins in the crypto ecosystem, and the company’s broader mission to support a more open and accessible financial system.Chapters00:00 - Intro: Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase00:45 - Coinbase’s expanding role in DeFi01:16 - Bitcoin-backed USDC loans powered by Morpho02:34 - How Coinbase enables BTC holders to access liquidity05:15 - Risks involved in Bitcoin-backed loans08:58 - Liquidation risks and loan-to-value ratios11:13 - Early demand and adoption of the product13:15 - cbBTC vs. WBTC: Why Coinbase launched its own Bitcoin wrapper18:47 - How cbBTC is issued and traded21:36 - Coinbase’s approach to self-custody and wallets24:07 - The role of Coinbase Wallet in bridging CeFi and DeFi27:31 - Coinbase’s long-term DeFi strategy and future integrations29:50 - Will DeFi become a mainstream part of traditional finance?33:51 - Coinbase’s evolution from exchange to financial institution34:34 - The rise of Base: How Coinbase grew its Layer 238:28 - Are Layer 2s parasitic to Ethereum?49:08 - The role of meme coins in crypto and Coinbase’s listing process54:20 - The future of on-chain finance and economic freedom✨ Check out our new website ✨https://thedefiant.io/🚀 Sign up to our newsletter 🚀https://thedefiant.io/go-premium#pricing?utm_source=YT&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=signup🤑 Find DeFi investment opportunities & educational primers herehttps://thedefiant.io/promo?utm_source=YT&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alpha✊ Follow The DefiantTwitter: https://twitter.com/defiantnewsDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/3SdRdEs5ag Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefiant.io/Telegram: https://t.me/DefiantNews📬 Contact our Newsroomeditorial@thedefiant.io🤝 Sponsorships & Partnershipssponsors@thedefiant.io#TheDefiant​ #DeFi​ #Decentralized​ #Finance​ #Blockchain #Web3

24 Feb 58min