In this episode of Endgame, Ethereum Foundation Co-Executive Director Tomasz K. Stańczak joins Amanda to discuss how the organization behind Ethereum is changing.
Together they talk about why institutions on Wall Street are now asking for more decentralization, open source, and censorship resistance, and what it means for Ethereum to actively defend its values while staying credibly neutral. Tomasz also breaks down how the Foundation is preparing for AI, quantum, and agent-based finance, and the biggest risk he sees.
Tomasz argues that If Ethereum “wins,” the world will look like intermediaries quietly melting into the network, basic financial functions trending toward zero fees, and the systems that run money, institutions, and governments become open source by default.
Timestamps:
00:00 Ethereum Foundation’s Changing Direction
04:06 Reaching Institutions & Improving Communication
07:43 Decision-Making, Decentralization, and Innovation
12:32 Defending Core Ethereum Values
15:51 Technology vs. Culture: Can Ethereum Stay True to Its Vision?
18:36 Institutions Building Their Own Blockchains
20:10 Ethereum as a Global Consensus Layer
21:50 AI, Quantum, and the Future of Ethereum
23:22 Proof of Stake, Security, and Governance
24:35 Risks and Wins for Ethereum in 10 Years
26:19 The Path to Zero-Fees & Open Source Coordination
RESOURCES:
Follow Tomasz: https://x.com/tkstanczak
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
In this episode of Endgame, Milk Road’s Co-Owner and Head of Research, Kyle Reidhead, joins Amanda Cassatt to share his take on how crypto works today, across markets, media, and the broader tech cycle. Kyle outlines why he thinks crypto cycles follow global liquidity rather than the Bitcoin halving, and why he believes the surge in AI infrastructure spending could stretch this bull market longer than most assume.
He also describes his perspective on how information moves through the industry, from the early signals on X to why he prefers creators and analysts who hold crypto over those who don’t. This episode dives deep into Kyle’s own mental model of markets, media, and where he thinks the next phase of adoption will come from.
Timestamps:
0:00 The Milk Road Origin Story
5:00 Building a Fun Crypto Newsletter
10:00 Crypto Transparency & Accountability
15:00 Prediction Markets & Market Accountability
20:00 Bull Markets, AI, and Liquidity Cycles
25:00 AI Buildout & the Future of Tech Infrastructure
30:00 AI Usage Explosion & Computing Demands
40:00 Speculation on Space & the Future Beyond Earth
RESOURCES:
Follow Milk Road: https://x.com/MilkRoad
Follow Kyle: https://x.com/KyleReidhead
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@amandacassatt?utm_source=about-page
What happens when the American empire goes offline?
In this episode of Endgame, Amanda Cassatt sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to explore a world run by China and the internet.
Balaji outlines the forces driving that shift, from America’s unacknowledged debt spiral and split into “Blue, Red, and Tech America,” to an approaching reality check that will reveal how much value the West has already lost.
He argues the next global order won’t be decided by governments or currencies, but by code and that the ideals of liberty, capitalism, and equality before the law have already been backed up to the cloud.
Together, they map what comes after collapse: the transition from nation-states to network states.
Timestamps:
00:00 Reflections on the Network State's Predictions
09:12 The Global Competition for Tech Talent
17:48 The Trifurcation of America: Blue, Red, and Tech
29:57 Class Warfare and the Rise of Tech Resentment
31:57 The Complexities of Capitalism and Technology
34:57 Navigating the Disruption of AI
38:10 The Mark to Market Dilemma
41:30 The Shift of Economic Gravity
46:42 The Future of Global Power Dynamics
58:09 Restoring American Values in a Digital Age
RESOURCES:
Follow Balaji: @balajis https://x.com/balajis
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@amandacassatt?utm_source=about-page
What happens when Ethereum staking outperforms U.S. Treasuries?
In this episode of Endgame, Alluvial CEO Mara Schmiedt joins Amanda Cassatt to unpack how Ethereum staking evolved from a technical mechanism into the internet’s first native yield.
They examine why traditional finance is starting to experiment with onchain systems, how liquid staking tokens are collapsing the boundary between DeFi and TradFi, and what it means when the world’s most risk-averse capital begins earning yield from a decentralized protocol instead of a central bank.
Amanda and Mara compare staking to what search ads were to Google, a sustainable revenue engine for an entire ecosystem, and trace the macro implications of that idea. If protocol-native yield exists outside government debt and monetary policy, it redefines how value is created and who controls it.
From ETF staking models to custodians bridging into DeFi, this episode unpacks how crypto’s yield engine is threading its way into the heart of global finance and what that might reveal about where the real change is happening.
Timestamps:
00:01 – Amanda & Mara Introduce the Episode
00:12 – Mara’s Crypto Origin Story
03:32 – What is Staking & Why It Matters
10:04 – Non-Correlated Yield vs. TradFi
11:27 – LSTs Explained
19:15 – The Technology Behind Secure Staking
27:31 – Defining “Institutional” in Crypto
35:28 – Who’s Not Staking Yet?
40:03 – Staking & DeFi Convergence
43:52 – Vision for the Future of Open Finance
RESOURCES:
Follow Mara: https://x.com/MaraSchmiedt
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@amandacassatt?utm_source=about-page
Silicon Valley is building AI on the wrong assumptions, says Microsoft economist and researcher Glen Weyl.
Glen Weyl has spent his life at the intersection of tech and politics and sees a critical gap in tech driven by Bay Area culture, where the voices of religious and culturally grounded communities are almost entirely absent. He argues that this lack of perspective has shaped Silicon Valley’s AI culture, creating blind spots with enormous consequences.
Rather than viewing history through the "great man" lens, as driven by virtuosic leaders often acting unilaterally, Glen takes a systems view of what drives progress and his current work focuses on bringing religious conservatives into the conversation, balancing tech’s internal logic with the realities of the world it seeks to reshape.
This week on Endgame, Glen joins Amanda to explore a future where AI may replace capitalism with a 'Gaia'-like system. He draws on examples from India and Taiwan, where tech and religion are integrated to drive innovation, design public infrastructure, and create neutral protocols that produce hyper-competitive markets, offering a model for how Bay Area–driven tech could close its own gaps.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Future of Labor and Capital
05:18 Eschatology and AI Doomerism
11:09 The Role of Religion in Technology
17:01 Human Value in an AI-Driven World
22:57 Rethinking Value and Hierarchies
29:50 Global Perspectives on Innovation and Governance
31:45 The Role of Individuals vs. Collective Systems
37:09 Democracy in the Age of Information
43:42 Balancing Spirituality and Technological Advancement
50:59 Decentralization through Technology: The India Stack
55:38 Government Intervention and Economic Growth
RESOURCES:Follow Glen: https://x.com/glenweylSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
What if you could choose your child before they’re born?
Noor Siddiqui, founder of Orchid, joins Amanda Cassatt to explore one of the most profound frontiers in biotech: genetically screening and selecting embryos during IVF. At the intersection of science, ethics, and the human desire for legacy, this conversation asks how far we’re willing to go to optimize health, reduce suffering, and rethink what it means to become a parent.
They examine the promises and perils of “super babies,” a futuristic term quietly approaching reality. Once reserved for preventing rare genetic diseases, embryo testing is now exploring polygenic scoring, offering parents insight not only into potential health outcomes but also into cognitive traits such as IQ. With that insight comes questions about eugenics, equity, and where the line lies between informed choice and engineered outcomes.
Noor shares how the burden of genetic disease shapes families and why she believes informed embryo selection can empower rather than control. Amanda and Noor also discuss the fertility crisis, the economic and cultural shifts reshaping family planning, and what it would take to build a world where having a child doesn’t demand superhuman effort or superhuman genes.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Orchid and IVF Technology
02:57 Understanding Genetic Testing in Embryos
06:08 The Concept of 'Super Babies' and Genetic Blessings
09:03 Selection Pressure in Embryo Choices
12:02 The Burden of Genetic Diseases
14:43 Ethical Considerations in Genetic Selection
17:49 The Future of Reproductive Technology
20:49 Enhancements vs. Remediation in Genetic Technology
23:36 The Role of Cost in IVF Accessibility
26:32 The Future of Genetic Editing and CRISPR
29:40 Conclusion and Future Outlook
40:57 The Future of Reproductive Technology
44:21 The Global Fertility Crisis
48:40 Cultural Shifts in Parenthood
51:24 The Purpose of Life and Parenthood
55:53 Nature vs. Nurture in Child Development
59:47 Personal Aspirations and Family Planning
01:02:09 The Ethics of Genetic Selection
01:08:54 Existential Questions and Identity
Crypto began as a rebellion against banks, bailouts, and surveillance. But what happens when the same forces it tried to outrun start reshaping the industry from within?
Megan Knab, founder of Franklin, joins Amanda Cassatt on Endgame to examine where crypto may be drifting off course. She raises concerns about what happens when privacy disappears, how unbanking and financial exclusion play out in practice, and why stablecoins, if implemented incorrectly, could entrench the very systems crypto was meant to disrupt.
From Tornado Cash and the prosecution of developers, to the ethical standards builders should hold themselves to, the conversation circles back to what it means to take cypherpunk values seriously in 2025. For Megan, that extends beyond manifestos and protocols, it’s about how anyone involved in crypto can carry those values forward in practice, from the tools they use to the way they choose to build, transact, and communicate.
The lingering question: if crypto repeats the mistakes of legacy finance, what was the point of building it at all?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Coinbase Military Parade Controversy
03:02 The Origins of Cryptocurrency and Its Antithetical Nature to Government
05:39 The Dangers of Government Involvement in Crypto
08:49 The Unbanking Phenomenon and Its Implications
11:52 Corporate Compliance and the Erosion of Cypherpunk Values
14:51 Standards for Cryptocurrency Companies
17:34 The Role of Privacy in Financial Transactions
20:39 The Impact of Institutionalization on Crypto's Goals
27:47 The Cypherpunk Values and Their Evolution
31:33 Privacy Technology: Tornado Cash and Its Implications
39:59 Stable Coins: Bridging Traditional Finance and Crypto
45:36 The Future of Privacy in a Centralized World
➡️Like this episode? Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/endgame
It feels like crypto adoption is moving at lightning speed, but is anyone still "in it for the tech"?
Eddy Lazzarin, CTO of a16z crypto, joins Amanda Cassatt on Endgame to explore the growing influence of capital markets, and government and regulatory access, in the current landscape, as well as the specific breakthroughs he anticipates in AI and privacy that would make technology once again the driver of progress.
Touching on Tornado Cash, they discuss whether privacy technology has a future in an environment where governments are active players in the industry, the impact of the coming massive wave of asset tokenization, and how Eddy expects AI and crypto will actually converge and find product-market fit.
From his vantage point at the intersection of new technology and venture investing, Eddy reflects on what real innovation looks like when the narrative is shaped as much by capital as it is by code.
This conversation offers a window into how one of crypto’s most influential firms evaluates technology, risk, and opportunity.
➡️Talking Points:
00:00 Understanding the Role of CTO at A16Z
02:56 A16Z's Evolving Perspective on Venture Capital
05:56 The Impact of Regulation on Technology Innovation
08:46 Navigating the Intersection of Traditional Finance and Crypto
11:46 The Future of Corporate Integration with Blockchain
14:43 The Coexistence of Legacy Systems and New Technologies
17:43 The Role of AI in Bridging Old and New Systems
29:27 Trusting AI: Expanding Boundaries
32:31 The Privacy Paradigm: Current Challenges and Future Solutions
42:49 Navigating the Future: Privacy, Compliance, and User Experience
55:31 Envisioning the Future: A Non-Custodial Financial Ecosystem
➡️Show Links:
Follow Eddy: https://x.com/eddylazzarin
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
How decentralized AI will win, according to NEAR Founder Illia Polusukhin.
Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol, joins me on the latest episode of Endgame to challenge everything we think we know about AI.
In this episode, Illia explains:
- The dangers of AI being monopolized by corporate interests
- Why a user-owned, decentralized model is the way forward
- The role of blockchain and confidential computing in building a system that prioritizes privacy, transparency, and true user empowerment
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Future of AI and the Internet
02:57 The Dangers of Centralized AI
06:07 User-Owned AI and Decentralization
08:53 Challenges in AI Model Creation
11:57 Blockchain's Role in AI Infrastructure
14:57 Confidential Computing and User Privacy
17:52 Data Center Dynamics and AI Demand
21:00 Autonomous Agents and Their Potential
23:54 The Spectrum of AI: Abundance vs. Doom
26:53 The Future of Work and Automation
29:42 The Role of Crypto in AI Development
32:46 Real-World Applications of Blockchain and AI
35:38 The Path Forward for Decentralization
38:41 The Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity
41:51 The Vision for a Utopian Future
44:41 The Challenges Ahead for AI and Crypto
RESOURCES:
Follow Illia: https://x.com/ilblackdragon
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
What does crypto look like when you strip away the noise and just follow the data?
Fredrik Haga, co-founder of Dune, joins Amanda Cassatt for a conversation that cuts through the headlines and into the heart of what’s actually happening onchain. From the slow decline of NFTs to the real traction behind stablecoins and RWAs, Frederik offers an inside look into crypto’s shifting center of gravity and brings the data to prove it.
This episode moves charts as Frederik shares the personal cost of building a billion-dollar company in Norway and why a tax on unrealized gains forced him to leave the country he was building in. This is a conversation about what's really working in crypto and what's still getting in the way.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 On-Chain Metrics and Market Dynamics
03:03 The Rise and Fall of NFTs
05:55 Stablecoins and Real World Assets
08:54 Layer 2 Solutions and Their Impact
11:56 The Middle Class of Crypto
14:52 Mismatches Between Hype and Reality
17:53 AI and Crypto Intersections
20:54 The Founder’s Journey: Building Dune
23:41 Norway's Economic Challenges and Opportunities
29:40 Governance and Innovation in Crypto
RESOURCES:
Follow Fredrik Haga: https://x.com/hagaetc
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
Ethereum has always been the foundation for the next financial system.
Amanda Cassatt sits down with Grant Hummer, co-founder of Etherealize, to explore why Ethereum continues to be misunderstood, especially by institutions, and what it will take to change that.
They go deep on Ethereum’s cultural and economic DNA, from early narrative missteps to what makes ETH uniquely positioned to dominate tokenization and programmable finance. Grant explains why rollups matter, how proof-of-stake has changed the game, and what Ethereum’s endgame could look like if it wins.
Then they turn to Bitcoin. Grant lays out the case for why BTC, despite its mythology, faces real threats from its security model to the looming problem of quantum resistance. As Ethereum continues evolving while Bitcoin stands still, what happens next?
This episode makes one thing clear: Ethereum isn’t playing catch-up, it’s playing for keeps.
TIMECODES:
00:00 The Genesis of Etherealize
02:53 Bridging the Gap: Educating Wall Street on Ethereum
05:53 Understanding Ethereum's Value Metrics
09:11 The Role of Rollups in Ethereum's Ecosystem
11:56 The Bull Case for Ethereum: Digital Oil vs. Digital Gold
15:09 Ethereum's Future: Tokenization and Market Dynamics
18:07 The Battle for Developer Hearts and Minds
21:04 Navigating Regulatory Landscapes
23:59 The Shift to Proof of Stake: A New Era for Ethereum
27:00 Bitcoin vs. Ethereum: The Future of Digital Assets
29:59 The Road Ahead for Etherealize and Ethereum
RESOURCES:
Follow Grant: http://x.com/gphummer?lang=en
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
What if the real threat to humanity isn’t death, but the belief that life needs to mean something?
In this episode of Endgame, Amanda Cassatt and Bryan Johnson explore the architecture of a world where death is optional and meaning might be too. Rejecting first-principles thinking, the problem-solving method rooted in historical patterns and known truths, Bryan proposes zeroth-principles thinking: a framework that imagines human existence beyond inherited assumptions. In this future, meaning may vanish along with our drive for ambition, legacy, and identity.
They discuss why accomplishment might be nothing more than preparation for death, how attachment to power, wealth, and status could undermine our survival, and why it’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism. Bryan also explores a world beyond game theory, where humanity disables evolutionary instincts like competition and status-seeking, treating them as flaws in our biological code.
This is a philosophical autopsy of mortality, meaning, and the psychological machinery we’ve built around being human.
TIMESTAMPS:
02:56 Debating Life and Death: The Immortality Argument
06:06 The Case Against Immortality: Societal Implications
08:50 Wealth, Power, and the Future: A Generational Perspective
11:51 The Role of Legislation in a Changing Society
14:34 The Nature of Meaning: Life, Death, and Legacy
17:35 The Evolution of Human Behavior: Risk and Sacrifice
20:46 Post-Meaning: Redefining Existence in a New Era
23:46 The Future of Innovation: Aging and Stagnation
26:27 The Role of AI: Navigating Uncertainty and Change
29:26 The Dilemma of Existence: Freedom vs. Attachment
32:35 The Final Thoughts: Embracing Uncertainty and Change
Can a digitally native dollar outcompete the systems that built global finance?Sean Neville, Co-Founder of Circle and former President of Circle Financial, unpacks why stablecoins are not just a side note in crypto, they’re the financial infrastructure quietly reshaping global payments, remittances, and even central bank strategy.Together, Sean and Amanda explore how stablecoins are reshaping global finance, from reducing friction in traditional payment systems to creating programmable money with transparency and trust at the core. They dissect the promise of decentralization, the role of regulatory frameworks like the Genius Act, and how Circle’s long-term compliance strategy sets it apart from competitors like Tether. But the conversation doesn’t stop at crypto. Amanda and Sean dive deep into how AI-native institutions are already emerging, why AI agents may soon become primary economic actors, and what the financial world could look like when reliability matters more than cost.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Understanding Stablecoins08:04 Infrastructure and Governance in Stablecoins13:24 The Evolution of Payment Systems16:33 Regulatory Clarity and the Genius Act21:20 Market Dynamics: Circle vs. Tether25:42 The Rise of Stablecoins29:39 AI Native Financial Institutions34:34 The Future of AI in Finance45:59 Navigating the AI Spectrum: Doomers to Bloomers
Do you think UBI is inevitable in an AI-driven world?
Martin Köppelmann, co-founder of Gnosis, Gnosis Safe, and Circles, believes Universal Basic Income isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable. In a world where AI disrupts the job market, he says we won’t be able to rely on states or billionaires to deliver it.
In this episode, Martin and Amanda unpack what “basic” income should really mean. He argues UBI should be simple, universal, and free from government control, biometric scans, or eligibility checks and believes crypto offers a way for communities to create and distribute money themselves without needing permission from centralized powers.
Known for building trusted infrastructure in crypto, Martin has spent the last decade quietly obsessed with another question: how do we fund human dignity from the ground up? This is a conversation about post-AI economics, the limits of state welfare, and why issuing your own money might be the most radical and necessary act of all.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The Future of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
05:33 AI's Impact on Job Markets and UBI
09:06 The Mechanics of UBI Implementation
12:02 Defining Basic Needs for UBI
15:33 Funding UBI: Who Pays?
18:49 Preventing Inflation and Maintaining Purchasing Power
20:20 Managing Scope Creep in UBI Programs
23:13 Dependence on UBI and Societal Resilience
25:44 Crypto and UBI: A New Economic Model
30:40 Circles: A Community-Based Currency System
32:57 The Currency Debate: Martin Tokens vs US Dollar
38:00 Circles: A New Approach to Currency
42:35 WorldCoin vs Circles: A Comparison of UBI Approaches
46:54 Decentralized UBI: Empowering Individuals
48:22 Circles 2.0: New Features and Future Prospects
54:43 AI Doomsday: The Future of Humanity and AI
RESOURCES
Martin on X: https://x.com/koeppelmann @koeppelmann
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
Could quantum computers destroy Bitcoin?
John Lilic, early Ethereum adopter and crypto investor and Stefano Gogioso, quantum computing expert and Oxford lecturer, unpack one of the biggest threats on crypto’s horizon: Q-Day - the moment quantum computers become powerful enough to break the encryption behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the entire blockchain ecosystem.
Together with Amanda, they dive deep into what quantum cryptography actually means, why current encryption standards are dangerously outdated, and what crypto needs to do right now to prepare for a post-quantum world. John and Stefano debate how close Q-Day really is, what’s being done (or not) to prevent chaos in the stablecoin and DeFi systems, and why this topic isn’t getting the attention it deserves.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The Threat of Quantum Cryptography
05:03 Understanding Quantum Computing and Its Implications
10:04 The Race for Quantum Computing Technology
14:55 Use Cases and Applications of Quantum Computing
19:48 The Preparedness of Blockchain for Quantum Threats
28:32 The Quantum Threat to Cryptography
31:41 Market Perceptions and Quantum Computing
34:55 Valuations in Quantum Computing
35:43 Understanding Quantum Progress and Its Implications
39:08 The Future of Quantum Cryptography
41:38 Innovations in Quantum Cryptography
48:12 Preparing for Quantum Risks
51:41 Philosophical Implications of Quantum Mechanics
RESOURCES
John & Stefano on X: @LilicJohn & @StefanoGogioso
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
What if the future of civilization isn’t in fixing our current systems—but starting entirely new ones?Dryden Brown is the co-founder of Praxis, the ambitious project aiming to build a new city-state from the ground up—one that’s already backed by over $500 million in funding. Dryden shares his vision for a modern Atlantis: a society designed as a refuge from AI disruption and bureaucratic gridlock, born from the cracks COVID revealed in our existing cities.
Together, Amanda and Dryden unpack what it actually takes to found a new nation. They dive into acceleration zones, AI’s seismic impact on the future of work, and the provocative question of whether heroism means elevating the elite or defending the powerless. At the heart of it all: the urgent need to build communities rooted in shared values, meaning, and resilience.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Founding a New Nation: The Vision Behind Praxis03:00 Challenges of Nation-Building: Lessons from History06:04 Acceleration Zones: Redefining Economic Development08:47 Navigating Bureaucracy: The Role of Innovation11:55 AI and the Future of Labor: A New Urban Landscape15:02 Pursuing Meaning in a Post-Work Society18:00 Sustaining a New Society: Resources and Defense20:56 The Future of Praxis: Location and Strategic Partnerships27:37 Building Durable Relationships in Project Development30:09 Funding and Economic Heft for Praxis32:42 Community Building and Member Engagement38:05 Heroism in Modern Society47:03 The Future of Praxis and Community Growth51:20 Competition and Collaboration in New VenturesRESOURCESDryden on X: https://x.com/drydenwtbrownPraxis Nation on X: https://x.com/PraxisNationSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ
Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside.Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and WashingtonRESOURCESKirstin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDCSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkdEndgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
What do billion-dollar asset managers really think about your token?
Pranav Kanade manages Digital Assets Alpha Fund, an actively managed crypto strategy at VanEck, one of the world’s largest asset managers with over $116B in assets under management. In this episode, Amanda and Pranav unpack how traditional finance approaches the space, how they evaluate projects, what good tokenomics actually look like, and why most founders misunderstand what institutional investors care about.
They dive into Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and even a few DePIN projects and dig into why some play well with capital allocators while others don’t stand a chance. Pranav shares what makes a token investable, how he thinks about liquidity, governance, and incentives, and what’s still broken in the DeFi–TradFi bridge.
This episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes for a crypto project to earn the attention of a firm like VanEck and reveals how institutions really view the space.
What happens when machines become more economically valuable than humans?
This episode dives into the real future of AI—not a sudden singularity, but a steady shift that’s redefining how we work, govern, and live. Amanda is joined by George Hotz to explore why humans still matter in an AI-driven world, how value creation—not credentials—will shape the future, and what happens when intellectual property, the U.S. dollar, and even our attention become obsolete.
Together, they challenge economic protectionism, advocate for high-skilled immigration, and explore emerging ideas like gold-backed digital currency and AI-enhanced hiring. From digital addiction to deregulation, this episode connects the dots between technology and the systems it’s disrupting.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 AI Spectrum: Understanding Perspectives
01:33 The Economic Competition of Machines
03:05 The Myth of the Singularity
05:04 Comparative Advantage and Human Value
08:22 Humans and Machines: A Symbiotic Relationship
10:01 Quality of Life in an AI World
11:12 Aligning Economically with AI's Rise
14:32 Intellectual Property and AI Abundance
17:36 AI Alignment: Capability vs. Intent
19:35 The Role of Government in AI Development
22:10 Global Dynamics: East vs. West in Technology
24:51 Cultural Expectations and Economic Cycles
30:07 The Inefficiency of Tariffs and Protectionism
31:21 Deregulation as a Path to Competitiveness
42:45 High-Skilled Immigration: A Solution for Growth
46:28 Addressing Financialization in America
54:38 The Future of the US Dollar
56:29 Exploring the Future of Currency and Governance
01:01:15 The Evolution of Compute Technology
01:10:41 Hiring Practices and AI in Programming
01:11:52 The Risks of Wireheading and Digital Addiction
RESOURCES
George on X: https://x.com/realGeorgeHotz
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
Curtis Yarvin—founder of Urbit, political philosopher and blogger formerly known as Mencius Moldbug, the man who coined the term “red pill” is known for his influence on thinkers like Peter Thiel and JD Vance. In this episode, he offers a critical analysis of America’s political and economic landscape. He critiques the MAGA movement, exploring the limits of democracy and the rise of oligarchy, the roots of Trump’s tariffs in mercantilist thinking, and the administration’s “vibe governing”.
The conversation transitions to cryptocurrency, examining Bitcoin’s evolution, government regulation, and how Urbit could reshape digital identity. Curtis reflects on Urbit’s role in creating autonomous economic identities and the challenges of achieving product-market fit in web3.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The State of America: A Critical Examination
07:59 Manufacturing and Economic Policy: A Mercantilist Perspective
18:14 Power Dynamics: Authority, Democracy, and Oligarchy
34:02 Vibe Governing: The Challenges of Modern Leadership
34:53 Mercantilism: Successes and Failures
40:41 The Future of Crypto and Bitcoin
49:18 Urbit: A New Paradigm for Digital Identity
01:08:30 The Vision for Autonomous Economic Identities
RESOURCES
Curtis on X: https://x.com/curtis_yarvin
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440