The Owl Explains Hootenanny

This episode explores the governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). We discuss how ownership concentration and whale voting can distort incentives and hinder platform growth. The conversation examines mechanisms to embed long-term incentives directly into DAO economic design. Guests: Jungsuk Han (Seoul National University), Jongsub Lee (Seoul National University; University of Florida), Tao Li (University of Florida) Paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4346581 🎧 Listen on 🟢https://open.spotify.com/episode/51xNyvfM35izUAIL2CJ4Vf 🟣 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ava-labs-x-cber-ep-11-decentralized-autonomous-organizations/id1706838957?i=1000737254323

Crypto says it’s for everyone — but who’s actually building the future? Michelle O’Connor, founder of The Digital Future, joins us to talk about inclusion, innovation, and why the next wave of Web3 depends on who’s in the room. From breaking down crypto’s insider language to creating real access for builders across different backgrounds and regions, Michelle shares how diverse voices are shaping the next era of Web3. Together, we explore what happens when the people designing the technology finally reflect the world it’s meant to serve. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Keith Bear, Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School, joins us to break down what digital money really looks like in a tokenized economy. From stablecoins to CBDCs, we explore what’s working, what’s missing, and what still needs to be reimagined.

Lord Chris Holmes explains how tokenization could reshape identity, finance, and trust across the UK and beyond. He breaks down what digital assets really are and why they matter for everyone, not just technologists. From refugee ID to football cards, this episode connects the dots between everyday life and emerging tech. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Is DeFi truly decentralized? Is it more than just finance? Join Yvette Valdez (Latham & Watkins), Diana Barrero Zalles (GBBC), Joe Cutler (Perkins Coie), and Lee Schneider (Ava Labs) as they discuss DeFi’s opportunities, risks, and more. Learn more in the GBBC's DeFi report: https://www.gbbc.io/uploads/reports/gsmi50/DeFi-Stand-Alone.pdf 🎧 Listen in Spotify and Apple Podcasts

This podcast provides a deep-dive on the Avalanche blockchain. The podcast discusses how Avalanche's blockchain can be used for tokenization of real-world assets. The podcast also explains the Avalanche consensus protocol and how this protocol is an important differentiator between Avalanche and other blockchains. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Dimitrios Psarrakis (Financial Economist and co-founder of Value Verse) provides expert insights on blockchain regulation and its implications for financial competitiveness in the EU. He explores the intersection of blockchain, AI, and financial innovation, emphasizing the importance of education and collaboration in shaping the future of finance.

Akash Gupta (GM at Ava Labs) shares how transformative crypto wallets can be—from identity verification to the integration of social elements. Gain insights into the decentralized future and the large role of crypto wallets in shaping a secure and user-friendly digital landscape.

Join Marina Markezic (EU Crypto Initiative) , Ron Hammond (Blockchain Association), Tommaso Astazi (Blockchain For Europe), and Cody Carbone (Digital Chamber) as they delve into the complexities of blockchain regulation and its impact on global policy. Explore how trade associations are shaping the future of technology governance.

Professor Carla Reyes (SMU) unpacks the interdisciplinary perspectives on smart contracts, highlighting the unique vantage points each group brings to the table. She explores the divergence between legal definitions of ‘contracts’ and their technical counterparts in smart contract technology, uncovering the potential impacts of this disparity on the regulation and understanding of these innovative digital agreements. Read her full paper here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4380724

In this episode of the Owl Explains podcast, your go-to source for cutting-edge discussions on the world of blockchain and Web3, Thomas Tindermans (Hill+Knowlton Strategies), Norma Krayem (Van Scoyoc Associates) and Scott Mason (Holland & Knight LLP) are diving deep into the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain policy, with moderator Emma Pike (Hill+Knowlton Strategies). Host: As blockchain technology continues to disrupt industries, revolutionize finance, and transform the way we interact with data, the importance of sound policy and regulation cannot be overstated. In this episode, we'll explore the current policy outlook for blockchain and beyond, shedding light on the regulatory developments that are shaping this dynamic ecosystem. Whether you're a blockchain enthusiast, a policymaker seeking insights, or simply curious about the future of blockchain, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned as we navigate the fascinating intersection of blockchain and policy in this ever-evolving digital era.