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January 8, 2026

Summary

First episode of 2026 and we’re setting the frame for what matters this year: AI is hitting escape velocity, “creation” is getting commoditized, and that changes everything from business models to the metaverse thesis.

We talk through the cultural shift (the 2025 existential turn), why low-sentiment periods are when you should be paying the most attention, and how social media incentives reward overreaction. Then we zoom out to the macro: metals ripping, Bitcoin lag dynamics, and what a “real” 2026 setup could look like.

On the crypto side, we dig into the creator coin debate and why the fan-to-investor switch breaks expectations, using the Nick Shirley Zora post as a live case study. Finally, we share our north star: a world where CoinGecko has an “NAT” tab, non-arbitrary tokens become a real market category, and miners distributing NAT becomes the moment the market can’t ignore.

265

Summary

The crypto industry is unraveling. We expose the broken incentives behind today’s crypto hype — and introduce a radically different approach to building real value on Bitcoin. From overpriced watches in Dubai, zero-revenue L2s raising millions, and retail once again left holding the bag. We break down the MOVE token collapse — a textbook case of insider market manipulation — and why it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

But there is another path $NAT — the first non-arbitrary token (NAT) on Bitcoin, built using the Digital Matter Theory (DMT) framework — a protocol built on Bitcoin that offers real sustainability, non-arbitrary value, and a way to reward miners without relying on extractive games. If you're tired of the noise and want to understand what building in Web3 should look like, this one's for you.

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264

Summary

We dive into how the worlds of decentralized technology, metaverse gaming, and artificial intelligence are colliding in ways nobody expected. We explore why AI might soon replace human coders not just in theory, but in practice—and how the tools being built today could let anyone "vibe code" their own game, app, or metaverse world without writing a single line themselves.

We also break down the growing tension between brands like @Pokemon and Web3 adoption, discussing why companies fear NFTs even as they experiment quietly with blockchain concepts. What happens when ownership meets corporate control? Can a true decentralized culture survive?

Along the way, we reflect on meme coin culture, the hype bubbles that shape markets, and why sometimes it’s the weirdest ideas that end up leading innovation.

It’s hilarious. It’s chaotic. But if you look closely, it’s also the blueprint for what’s coming next.

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263

Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Jake, one of the minds behind Agent Hussle—a top 5 DeFAI project reshaping the crypto landscape with AI-driven usability. Born during the early wave of AI-crypto innovation in late 2024, Agent Hussle has quickly outpaced many early contenders by building a loyal user base reporting real, tangible benefits.

Agent Hussle is a DeFi-focused AI agent designed to act on behalf of users, executing on-chain tasks through natural prompts. It’s built with contextual awareness of crypto tools, market signals—both social and on-chain—and aims to make intelligent predictions that help users stay ahead.

From launching meme coins at just the right moment to navigating complex DeFi strategies, Agent Hussle brings a new layer of smart automation to crypto. We explore Jake’s vision for the future of DeFAI, how the market can adapt, and why this could be the beginning of crypto’s fourth major onboarding wave.

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262

Summary

Six years ago, we launched our podcast with a strong focus on the emerging Ethereum ecosystem, which led us to uncover groundbreaking opportunities early on—DeFi, NFTs, the Metaverse, and more. Back then, Ethereum was widely regarded as the epicenter of innovation, attracting cypherpunks eager to experiment with smart contracts and drive a digital revolution.

Since then, that initial spark has faded, and with it, Ethereum’s dominance in the crypto market, reflected in the price of $ETH. In this episode, we breakdown the factors behind this shift and share our insights on how the 2025-2026 bull market could unfold beyond the era of tariff scares. We also discuss Bitcoin’s evolving role in the ecosystem and how it fits into the bigger picture.

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261

Summary

Global markets are in turmoil as major macro events trigger a widespread stock sell-off, fueled by uncertainty around Trump’s economic policies and global tariffs. In this episode, we break down how this economic turbulence could shape the crypto market narrative—especially Bitcoin’s chances of hitting its projected ATH above $120K this year.

We also explore key differences between this cycle and the last, particularly how the market is reacting to paid vs. free token launches. Which model delivers the best value for users, and which is more likely to dominate long-term adoption? This question has been central to our development objectives as we work to support the creator ecosystem on Bitcoin.

Additionally, we dive into the growing concerns around sustainable Bitcoin mining amid declining on-chain transactions. With $NAT emerging as a potential solution, we discuss how to raise awareness and contribute to solving these pressing challenges—both for Bitcoin’s long-term viability and the DMT ecosystem we aim to build.

Tune in for a deep dive into these critical topics and their impact on the future of crypto!

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