Can you build lasting value with tokens and NFTs? What does it mean for memecoins, tokenized startups, and your bags?

In Episode 65 of Internet Explorers, co-hosts Jess Sloss, Josh Cornelius, and Peace Node chat with Austin Hurwitz, Head of Strategy & Business Development at Doodles, to explore how one of crypto’s most recognizable projects is evolving for the new meta.

This episode unpacks:

• The Token Singularity – Why every project is launching a token right now, and what it means for the market.
• Doodles’ Next Chapter – How the NFT project is evolving beyond collectibles into a full-stack media and creative studio.
• NFT Chains vs. Other Models – Why some projects (like Pudgy Penguins & Abstract) are launching their own chains while Doodles is taking a different approach.
• The Value of Crypto Communities – How co-creation and storytelling drive long-term engagement.
• Memecoins & Speculation – Trump, Portnoy, and the explosion of token launches—what’s real and what’s hype?
• $JELLYJELLY's Viral Token Play – How the launch of $JELLYJELLY perfectly highlights the pros AND cons of tokenized launches.
• Social Tokens & Reputation Markets – Are onchain social assets finally finding product-market fit? And why are we not learning from our mistakes?
• The Next Phase of Crypto Business Models – Why real value capture is becoming more critical than ever.

Chapters:

2:02 - Austin discusses NFT projects and trends

4:13 - Overview of Doodles' evolution and partnerships

8:54 - Doodles' crypto-native brand partnerships strategy

14:55 - Converting social capital into tangible value

20:46 - Impact of leadership change in Doodles

28:24 - Venmo co-founder launches startup token?

34:33 - Intentions behind viral marketing tactics

38:12 - Utility tokens and market trends discussion

48:26 - Tax implications for crypto in the U.S

53:38 - Emphasis on reinventing ideas in crypto innovation

 

Internet Explorers is a weekly rundown show where extremely online individuals broadly explore (romanticize, even) new consumer Internet experiences.

Join us⁠ live on Twitter/X, Fridays 10am PT / 1pm ET.

Seed Club Twitter: https://x.com/seedclubhq

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/internet-explorers/id1756599282

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iJk3xZoij7pVhlNbTP9qS?si=4cda0ac044dc4c6a

Pods.media: https://pods.media/internet-explorers