AI and Medical Breakthroughs: The Inspiring Story of Every Cure

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs shares an inspiring story about the nonprofit organization Every Cure. Founded by Dr. David Fajgenbaum, Dr. Grant Mitchell, and Tracey Sikora, Every Cure leverages artificial intelligence to find new uses for existing medicines. The episode discusses the broader potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare by repurposing FDA-approved drugs to treat currently untreatable diseases. Funs delves into the personal journey of Dr. Fajgenbaum, who used AI to discover a life-saving drug for his own rare condition, and highlights several other success stories. This episode aims to spread positive, hopeful stories about the real-world impact of AI in critical industries like healthcare.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:54 The Promise and Frustration of AI

03:13 Introducing Every Cure: A Nonprofit Revolutionizing Medicine

03:45 Dr. David Fajgenbaum's Inspiring Journey

07:02 How Every Cure Utilizes AI

09:17 Real-World Impact and Success Stories

11:26 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: [email protected]

How to Hire AI-Native Talent for Your Business

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs delves into how businesses can find and hire AI-native employees. With a focus on the cultural revolution accompanying the technological advances of AI, Jacobs outlines five key strategies for identifying candidates who can effectively integrate AI into their workflows. He emphasizes the importance of context engineering, critical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to manage AI agents. Jacobs also shares insights from his career and offers practical tips for bringing the right talent into organizations looking to thrive in an AI-driven world.

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:46 Today's Topic: Finding AI Native Employees

01:35 Host's Background and Experience

03:12 The Importance of AI in Hiring

03:56 Five Ways to Identify AI Talent

04:15 1. Beyond Basic AI Usage

05:41 2. The Power of Context Engineering

07:46 3. Avoiding AI Dependency

09:33 4. Valuing Curiosity Over Credentials

11:08 5. Managing AI Agents

13:00 Summary and Closing Thoughts

13:49 Final Remarks and Call to Action

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: [email protected]

The Evolution of SpaceX: From Frustration to Interplanetary Dreams

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs explores the story of SpaceX, delving into the company's origins, milestones, and future ambitions. The episode highlights how SpaceX, born from Elon Musk's frustration with stagnant space exploration, revolutionized space travel with reusable rockets, groundbreaking technologies, and ambitious goals of making life multi-planetary. Key achievements such as the Falcon 1's orbit, the development of Dragon, and the launch of Starship Test Flight 11 are discussed, revealing the innovative spirit driving SpaceX and its impact on both space and Earth.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:39 Today's Topic: SpaceX and Mars

03:11 The Birth of SpaceX

07:33 SpaceX's Major Milestones

10:15 The Challenge of Reusability

12:21 Starship: The Future of Space Travel

13:32 The Latest Test Flight: Starship Test Flight 11

15:38 The Bigger Picture: Space Exploration and Earth

17:40 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Exploring the Future of Social Media with Ownable AI Characters

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs dives deep into the emerging trend of ownable AI characters in social media. Building on last week’s discussion about the evolution of social platforms, Jacobs explores how AI-generated content and AI characters are set to transform the social media landscape. He explains the mechanics behind social media algorithms, the shift from friend graphs to interest graphs, and the potential introduction of AI characters as nodes in these graphs. Jacobs discusses the current state and future possibilities of AI characters like the popular account @aixbt on Twitter and platforms like Character.AI. With insights into the business opportunities created by digital property rights and NFT technology, he highlights how creatives can turn AI characters into profitable ventures. Tune in to learn about the technology stack enabling ownable characters and what this means for the future of entertainment and social engagement.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:17 The Rise of Ownable AI Characters

02:10 Understanding Social Media Mechanics

04:40 AI Characters in Social Media

07:14 Early Success and Future Potential of AI Characters

09:31 Business Opportunities with AI Characters

14:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs delves into the ever-evolving landscape of social media, focusing on its transformative impact over the past 20 years and its future trajectory. Jacobs highlights notable trends, including the rise of AI-driven social apps, short-form content, and niche platforms. The episode covers several new applications launched by companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Roblox, exploring their functionalities and implications for brands and marketers. Jacobs offers practical advice for brands on navigating these new platforms and leveraging creators to maintain authentic connections. He concludes by discussing the potential role of AI characters and avatars in reshaping our digital interactions. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of social media and technology.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:39 The Evolution of Social Media

01:53 Global Social Media Platforms

04:00 The Rise of AI in Social Media

04:51 New Social Media Apps and Features

09:12 The Importance of Attention in Social Media

10:02 Short Form Content Dominance

11:20 AI's Impact on Social Media

13:49 Strategies for Brands on New Platforms

17:36 The Future of Social Media and AI Characters

18:07 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

The Re-Physicalization Movement: Embracing Tangible Experiences in a Digital AgeIn this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs discusses a significant counter-trend to the proliferation of AI and digital technology, termed 're-physicalization.' He begins by sharing his personal story and passion for film photography to illustrate the value of imperfect, tangible experiences over flawless digital ones. He talks about historical counter-movements such as the resurgence of vinyl records, the growing popularity of board games, and the enduring appeal of physical trading cards in the face of digital alternatives. Jacobs highlights the rise of 'third places,' community spaces designed for human interaction, and suggests that brands focus on creating meaningful physical touchpoints and fostering community. He concludes that while AI will optimize the efficiency of digital interactions, human connection and physical experiences will become increasingly valuable.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:27 The Re-Physicalization of Everything04:23 Counter Movements to Digital Trends08:53 The Rise of Third Places12:14 The Future of Physical and Digital Integration15:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

The Battle for Encryption: A History of Freedom Online

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs takes listeners on a deep dive into the cryptography wars, a pivotal two-decade struggle to secure online privacy through encryption. The episode covers the historical timeline from the early days of the internet to the modern digital landscape, highlighting key events and figures such as Phil Zimmerman and the Cypherpunks. Jacobs explains the crucial importance of encryption for secure communication, e-commerce, and digital trust. Additionally, the episode discusses historical government resistance, the birth of SSL, and ongoing debates over digital privacy and security. Ultimately, Jacobs emphasizes the enduring relevance of these battles as technologies like AI and blockchain continue to evolve.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:16 The Battle for Encryption: A History of Freedom Online

02:59 Understanding Cryptography: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption

04:35 The Birth of the Internet and Early Privacy Issues

06:23 The Cryptography Wars: Government vs Technologists

08:19 The Rise of Cypherpunks and PGP

12:17 The Clipper Chip Controversy

13:36 Netscape and the Birth of SSL

15:58 The Ongoing Battle for Digital Privacy

18:55 Conclusion and Future Episodes

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj

The AI Stack Explained: Seven Layers Driving Growth

In this episode of the Band of Insiders Podcast, Funs Jacobs provides an in-depth overview of the AI industry, breaking down the complex ecosystem into seven fundamental layers driving innovation and growth. The discussion covers the foundational role of chips, the critical infrastructure provided by hyperscalers, and the transformative potential of AI applications in various sectors. It also explores the impact of robotics, the importance of energy, the necessity of security, and the emerging role of financial and crypto rails. This comprehensive analysis aims to give listeners a broad perspective on the AI economy, highlighting that AI is not just a single entity but an interdependent stack of technologies and players. The episode concludes with a reminder that the insights provided are for understanding the industry better and not for specific investment advice.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:44 The AI Stack Explained

01:45 Investing in AI: A Broad Perspective

04:33 The Foundation Layer: Chips

07:40 Hyperscalers: The Compute Landlords

09:57 Applications: The Frontier Towns

12:45 Robotics: AI in the Physical World

14:40 Energy: The Oxygen Supply

16:24 Security: The Seatbelt

17:48 Financial Rails: The Money Layer

20:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj

AI and the Future of the Internet: Can Humanity Prevail?

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs explores the future of the internet amidst the rise of AI-generated content. Jacobs discusses the alarming possibility of the internet becoming overwhelmingly fake and examines the implications of advancements such as Meta's Tribe System, which predicts human brain activity, and AI tools that replace human-generated content. The episode delves into Worldcoin, a project co-founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania, which aims to implement 'Proof of Personhood' to ensure real human identity online. Jacobs argues for the importance of human-made content and explores how businesses and creators can protect themselves from AI-generated floods. He concludes by reflecting on the potential necessity of a global identification system to maintain human authenticity in the evolving digital landscape.

00:00 Introduction to the Band of Insiders Podcast

00:49 The Threat of a 99% Fake Internet

02:17 AI's Impact on User Generated Content

03:19 Meta's Tribe System and Brain Activity Prediction

05:27 The Rise of Worldcoin and Proof of Personhood

08:23 Worldcoin's Global Impact and Future Potential

12:03 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj

Stablecoins vs. CBDCs and Their Implications

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs delves into the future of money, examining stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Jacobs explains the concept of stablecoins, their different types, and why they are emerging as a significant financial instrument, especially following the recent passing of the Genius Act in the U.S. He contrasts stablecoins with the potential risks and control issues associated with CBDCs, highlighting three major concerns: total surveillance, programmable control, and the potential for a 'kill switch.' Jacobs concludes by emphasizing the importance of decentralization for financial freedom and the strategic geopolitical advantages for the U.S. in adopting stablecoins. The episode closes with a call for listener feedback and encourages likes, comments, and subscriptions.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:12 The Future of Money: Trust in Code vs. Control

01:11 Understanding Stablecoins

02:24 The Limitations of Current Digital Money

03:31 The 2008 Financial Crisis and the Birth of Bitcoin

04:55 Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Explained

06:52 Risks of CBDCs

08:41 The Rise of Stablecoins

09:51 The Genius Act and Its Implications

11:23 Closing Thoughts on the Future of Money

12:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

🚀 Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

💬 Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj