Technological Tastemakers

By Funs Jacobs

Technological Tastemakers explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture. What does it mean to build something iconic when AI can build anything?

The answer lives in three forces: B... more

· Technology

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FAQs about Technological Tastemakers:

How many episodes does Technological Tastemakers have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.

Technological Tastemakers episodes:

April 16, 2026 The Creative Renaissance: Why Human Taste Is the Last Unfair Advantage in the Age of AI (Full Essay)
I just wrote the most important piece of my career. This episode is a full reading of my essay The Creative Renaissance: Why Human Taste Is the Last Unfair Advantage in the Age of AI.

Over the last 15 years, I've built brands across music, sports, gaming, and advertising. Most recently as Sr. Innovation Director at .Monks. This essay is everything I believe about where the world of brands, creativity, and technology is heading.

It covers how Apple, Gucci, and Supreme all lost their creative soul. Why AI has turned brand building into an optimization engine for mediocrity. The Sea of Sameness and why every brand is starting to look, sound, and feel the same. How AI agents are removing the biggest excuse creatives ever had. Why human connection and physical community will become the most valuable thing in business. And the framework I believe will define the next generation of iconic brands:

Built by Creatives.
Run by Agents.
Fueled by Culture.

This is not a doom story. This is a call to build.

In a world run by machines, the only thing left is human taste.

Read the full essay: www.funsjacobs.com

Follow the journey:Instagram: @funsjacobsInstagram: @technologicaltastemakersSubstack: Technological TastemakersWhatsApp Community: The Tastemakers Collective
...more
40min
December 11, 2025 52 Weeks. 52 Articles. My Biggest Learnings | Feature 52
Celebrating 52 Weeks of Insight: Reflections and Future Plans

In this special episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs marks the one-year milestone of his weekly newsletter with Episode 52, reflecting on the journey, learnings, and impact of consistent writing. He explores the challenges of finding new topics weekly, the frustration with social algorithms, and the spectrum of feedback. Funs also discusses how writing has changed his perspective on news, shares his plans to take a break in 2025, and hints at new directions for 2026. He invites listeners to a community meetup in Amsterdam and thanks all subscribers for their support.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:15 Reflecting on One Year of Writing
03:43 The Challenges of Weekly Writing
04:46 Personal Growth and Learnings
05:38 The Loneliness of Content Creation
06:40 Impact on Perspective and Content Evolution
08:23 The Newsletter's Central Role in Life
09:16 Accountability and Future Plans
11:31 Thank You and Signing Off

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]
...more
14min
December 04, 2025 The Most Important Company in the World | Feature 51
The Rise of Nvidia: From Gaming Giant to AI Powerhouse

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs dives into the incredible journey of Nvidia, a company that has evolved from a gaming chip manufacturer to a critical player in the AI industry. The discussion covers Nvidia's history, the challenges it faced, and how it managed to dominate multiple computing sectors, including gaming, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. Special focus is given to Nvidia's founder, Jensen Huang, and his vision for parallel computing. The episode also touches on the geopolitical implications of the technology race, the dependencies on key infrastructure players like TSMC and ASML, and the future outlook of AI computing. This comprehensive deep dive highlights the strategic moves and innovative culture that have made Nvidia indispensable in today's digital economy.

00:00 Introduction to the Band of Insiders Podcast
00:34 Unveiling the Focus: Nvidia's Impact on AI
02:32 The Humble Beginnings of Nvidia
06:37 Nvidia's Early Struggles and Breakthroughs
09:09 Nvidia's Role in the Cryptocurrency Boom
11:39 Nvidia's Pivotal Role in AI Development
15:01 The Triangle of AI Compute Infrastructure
20:24 The Future of Compute and Energy
21:21 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
Email: [email protected]
...more
23min
November 27, 2025 Goodbye Subscriptions? Meet x402 | Feature 50
The Future of Online Payments: How x402 Will Revolutionize the Digital Economy

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs discusses the emergence of the x402 payment protocol and its potential to revolutionize the internet. Jacobs explores how the historical absence of a native payment system in the web, termed 'the original sin of the internet,' led to the dominance of ad-based models and subscription services. With x402, agents can now make microtransactions directly within HTTP requests, enabling new business models and more honest economic exchanges. Jacobs outlines how this innovation will impact AI agents, digital services, and consumer behavior, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to this new paradigm. The episode concludes with a call to action for companies to start integrating per-use-value models and leveraging x402 to shape the future of the internet.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:09 The Rise of AI Agents and Predictions
02:10 The Original Sin of the Internet
05:12 The Return of HTTP 402 and x402 Protocol
08:37 How x402 Transforms AI Agent Capabilities
12:44 Rethinking Business Models in an x402 World
15:09 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
Email: [email protected]
...more
18min
November 20, 2025 If You Care About Freedom, You Should Care About This | Feature 49
Live from Buenos Aires: The Real Power of Ethereum and Blockchain

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs broadcasts live from Buenos Aires, Argentina, sharing his experiences at the Devconnect Conference. The podcast delves into the essence of Ethereum, detailing its decentralized platform and the vision of its creator, Vitalik Buterin. Funs explores the impact of blockchain technology on Argentina's economy, particularly in tackling hyperinflation and fostering crypto adoption. The episode also touches on the importance of privacy in the digital age and the role of zero-knowledge technology. Combining personal insights and industry knowledge, Funs offers a comprehensive look at the transformative potential of blockchain.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:48 Live from Buenos Aires: Devconnect Conference
02:32 Understanding Ethereum: A Deep Dive
05:32 Ethereum by the Numbers
07:13 Crypto Adoption in Argentina
10:24 My Personal Crypto Journey
13:14 The Importance of Privacy in Blockchain
16:56 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Disclaimer:
Nothing in this article is financial advice. Always do your own research and make decisions based on your own situation. For me, this space is about technology, freedom, and long-term impact. It goes far beyond investment.

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]
...more
20min
November 13, 2025 Brands Forgot About Gaming. Big Mistake | Feature 48
The State of Gaming in 2025: A Deep Dive into the Biggest Cultural Platform

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs explores the immense growth and cultural impact of the gaming industry in 2025. While AI dominates headlines, gaming quietly remains a major force, with nearly half the global population identifying as gamers. Funs delves into key statistics, player demographics, significant cultural moments, and the integration of AI in gaming. He emphasizes the importance for brands to engage with gaming not just as a marketing strategy but as a means to foster deep, interactive customer relationships. Jacobs also touches on major industry milestones, including record-breaking player counts and unprecedented mergers and acquisitions.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:00 The Evolution of Gaming
05:51 The Numbers: Gaming's Massive Growth
09:46 The Players: Who's Really Gaming?
11:56 Cultural Impact: Gaming in Pop Culture
14:17 Gaming and AI: The Future is Here
16:52 Brands and Gaming: A New Frontier
18:23 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
Email: [email protected]
...more
21min
November 06, 2025 A True Story That Proves AI Is Worth the Hype | Feature 47
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]
...more
14min
October 30, 2025 5 Ways To Find Your Next Great AI Hire | Feature 46
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]
...more
16min
October 23, 2025 We’re Closer to Mars Than You Think | Feature 45
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
...more
20min
October 16, 2025 How to Win the Social Agent Era | Feature 44
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
...more
17min

FAQs about Technological Tastemakers:

How many episodes does Technological Tastemakers have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.