The Policy Layer

We aim to bridge the gap between the builders of Web3 and the people shaping the rules. On the our podcast, you’ll hear from policymakers, developers, academics, and others working at the edge of tech and regulation. We ask the questions everyone’s actually wondering and keep it easy to follow. This is The Policy Layer.

The Policy Layer Podcast

Our podcast feels like having a coffee with the people shaping the future of blockchain and crypto regulation throughout the world. We’re curious, we ask bold questions, and we keep the conversation clear and real.

Ava Labs x CBER

We're taking it up a notch with these episodes. They are longer and more technical. When a coffee chat is not enough to cover a subject, you need something to bring you back to your uni days. We are proud to partner with the Crypto and Blockchain Economic Research (CBER) Forum on this academic podcast series called Crafting the Crypto Economy podcast series. These feature deep dives into notable research subjects such as lending platform economics, DEX design, DAO governance, and much more.

ep13
Ava Labs x CBER
2025-11-19
85 minutes

Ava Labs x CBER Ep 13: Stablecoins and Digital Payments

This episode covers the digitization of payments and the rise of stablecoins. We discuss China’s CBDC project, the success of USD stablecoins, and the barriers to broader stablecoin adoption. We also examine how stablecoins could reshape the modern payment infrastructure. Guests: Lin William Cong (Cornell University), Simon Mayer (Carnegie Mellon University) Paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4063878 🟢https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wECfvSkePcU2sKyFayxDF 🟣 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ava-labs-x-cber-ep-13-stablecoins-and-digital-payments/id1706838957?i=1000737258244

Finance
ep12
Ava Labs x CBER
2025-11-19
69 minutes

Ava Labs x CBER Ep 12: Beyond the Foundation Model: DUNAs and BORGs

This episode examines the central role nonprofit foundations have played in supporting blockchain networks. We trace their original purpose, how these entities have become a point of friction for many projects, and how regulatory and policy shifts have opened the door to alternatives. We reference two emerging models: the Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association (DUNA) and the Cybernetic Organization (BORG). Guest: Miles Jennings (Head of Policy & General Counsel at a16z crypto) Paper: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/end-foundation-era-crypto/ 🟢https://open.spotify.com/episode/5N3j22vesfIZbjIFirgoa4 🟣 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ava-labs-x-cber-ep-12-beyond-the-foundation-model/id1706838957?i=1000737256761

Fundamentals

Our podcast is also available on