What if the future of civilization isn’t in fixing our current systems—but starting entirely new ones?

Dryden Brown is the co-founder of Praxis, the ambitious project aiming to build a new city-state from the ground up—one that’s already backed by over $500 million in funding. Dryden shares his vision for a modern Atlantis: a society designed as a refuge from AI disruption and bureaucratic gridlock, born from the cracks COVID revealed in our existing cities.

Together, Amanda and Dryden unpack what it actually takes to found a new nation. They dive into acceleration zones, AI’s seismic impact on the future of work, and the provocative question of whether heroism means elevating the elite or defending the powerless. At the heart of it all: the urgent need to build communities rooted in shared values, meaning, and resilience.

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Founding a New Nation: The Vision Behind Praxis03:00 Challenges of Nation-Building: Lessons from History06:04 Acceleration Zones: Redefining Economic Development08:47 Navigating Bureaucracy: The Role of Innovation11:55 AI and the Future of Labor: A New Urban Landscape15:02 Pursuing Meaning in a Post-Work Society18:00 Sustaining a New Society: Resources and Defense20:56 The Future of Praxis: Location and Strategic Partnerships27:37 Building Durable Relationships in Project Development30:09 Funding and Economic Heft for Praxis32:42 Community Building and Member Engagement38:05 Heroism in Modern Society47:03 The Future of Praxis and Community Growth51:20 Competition and Collaboration in New VenturesRESOURCES:

Dryden on X: https://x.com/drydenwtbrownPraxis Nation on X: https://x.com/PraxisNationSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside.

Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power.

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and Washington

RESOURCES:

Kristin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDCSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkdEndgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440

What do billion-dollar asset managers really think about your token?

Pranav Kanade manages Digital Assets Alpha Fund, an actively managed crypto strategy at VanEck, one of the world’s largest asset managers with over $116B in assets under management. In this episode, Amanda and Pranav unpack how traditional finance approaches the space, how they evaluate projects, what good tokenomics actually look like, and why most founders misunderstand what institutional investors care about.

They dive into Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and even a few DePIN projects and dig into why some play well with capital allocators while others don’t stand a chance. Pranav shares what makes a token investable, how he thinks about liquidity, governance, and incentives, and what’s still broken in the DeFi–TradFi bridge.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes for a crypto project to earn the attention of a firm like VanEck and reveals how institutions really view the space.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Pranav's Journey from TradFi to Crypto

03:04 Defining Good Crypto Investments

05:59 The Importance of Tokenomics

08:52 Buyback and Burn Mechanisms

12:10 The Impact of Financialization on Technology

15:01 Strategies for Token Generation Events

18:13 Building Trust in Crypto Projects

21:06 The Future of Multi-Token ETFs

24:08 Exciting Developments in Tokenized Equities

29:36 Tesla's Path to Robotaxis

31:59 The Role of Centralized Exchanges

32:54 User Experience in DeFi vs. TradFi

34:32 The Future of Crypto and TradFi Integration

38:01 The Ideal End State for Crypto

40:15 Predictions in the Crypto Market

41:45 AI Agents and Financial Transactions

44:28 AI and Crypto Crossover Opportunities

47:03 The Future of Stablecoins

49:50 The Power Law in Currencies

50:52 Quality of People in Crypto

RESOURCESPranav on X: @vaneckpk https://x.com/vaneckpkSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/45B9szUxVXEwfCDA6uRxwq?si=HT9XXqF9Q2CcM9hfLbmkVg Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

What happens when machines become more economically valuable than humans?

This episode dives into the real future of AI—not a sudden singularity, but a steady shift that’s redefining how we work, govern, and live. Amanda is joined by George Hotz to explore why humans still matter in an AI-driven world, how value creation—not credentials—will shape the future, and what happens when intellectual property, the U.S. dollar, and even our attention become obsolete.

Together, they challenge economic protectionism, advocate for high-skilled immigration, and explore emerging ideas like gold-backed digital currency and AI-enhanced hiring. From digital addiction to deregulation, this episode connects the dots between technology and the systems it’s disrupting.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 AI Spectrum: Understanding Perspectives

01:33 The Economic Competition of Machines

03:05 The Myth of the Singularity

05:04 Comparative Advantage and Human Value

08:22 Humans and Machines: A Symbiotic Relationship

10:01 Quality of Life in an AI World

11:12 Aligning Economically with AI's Rise

14:32 Intellectual Property and AI Abundance

17:36 AI Alignment: Capability vs. Intent

19:35 The Role of Government in AI Development

22:10 Global Dynamics: East vs. West in Technology

24:51 Cultural Expectations and Economic Cycles

30:07 The Inefficiency of Tariffs and Protectionism

31:21 Deregulation as a Path to Competitiveness

42:45 High-Skilled Immigration: A Solution for Growth

46:28 Addressing Financialization in America

54:38 The Future of the US Dollar

56:29 Exploring the Future of Currency and Governance

01:01:15 The Evolution of Compute Technology

01:10:41 Hiring Practices and AI in Programming

01:11:52 The Risks of Wireheading and Digital Addiction

RESOURCES

George on X: https://x.com/realGeorgeHotz 

Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast 

Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  

Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  

Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   

Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  

Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Curtis Yarvin—founder of Urbit, political philosopher and  blogger formerly known as Mencius Moldbug, the man who coined the term “red pill” is known for his influence on thinkers like Peter Thiel and JD Vance. In this episode, he offers a critical analysis of America’s political and economic landscape. He critiques the MAGA movement, exploring the limits of democracy and the rise of oligarchy, the roots of Trump’s tariffs in mercantilist thinking, and the administration’s “vibe governing”.

The conversation transitions to cryptocurrency, examining Bitcoin’s evolution, government regulation, and how Urbit could reshape digital identity. Curtis reflects on Urbit’s role in creating autonomous economic identities and the challenges of achieving product-market fit in web3.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 The State of America: A Critical Examination

07:59 Manufacturing and Economic Policy: A Mercantilist Perspective

18:14 Power Dynamics: Authority, Democracy, and Oligarchy

34:02 Vibe Governing: The Challenges of Modern Leadership

34:53 Mercantilism: Successes and Failures

40:41 The Future of Crypto and Bitcoin

49:18 Urbit: A New Paradigm for Digital Identity

01:08:30 The Vision for Autonomous Economic Identities

RESOURCES

Curtis on X: https://x.com/curtis_yarvin

Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast 

Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  

Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  

Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   

Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  

Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Having access to a bank account is synonymous with human rights.

Stani Kulechov is a pioneer in decentralized finance and blockchain technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Avara, the software development company behind DeFi protocol Aave, stablecoin GHO, SocialFi tech stack Lens Chain and Family, the Ethereum wallet. 

In this episode, he joins Amanda to discuss the evolving dynamics between DeFi, traditional finance, and regulation. They explore Aave’s growth, the decentralization-versus-crentralization debate, and the evolving role of KYC in DeFi. Later, they dive into Ethereum’s technical roadmap in today’s shifting regulatory landscape, the impact of stablecoins, and the urgent need for innovation in crypto. Stani introduces Lens Chain, his latest venture in decentralized social media, and examines how web3 could reshape online interactions. 

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Understanding DeFi: Access and Opportunity

03:13 The Limitations of Traditional Finance

08:50 The Evolution and Future of DeFi

11:59 Aave's Unique Position in the DeFi Landscape

16:39 Building a Profitable DeFi Protocol

21:29 Decentralization vs. Centralization in Finance

24:02 The Future of KYC and Compliance in DeFi

30:26 Ethereum's Technical Roadmap and Community Dynamics

37:19 Expanding Aave Beyond Ethereum

40:20 The Role of Stablecoins in DeFi

45:09 Innovating Wallets for User Experience

47:08 Decentralized Social Media: The Lens Protocol

51:51 Navigating Politics and Regulation in Crypto

RESOURCES:

Stani on X: https://x.com@StaniKulechov 

Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast 

Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  

Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  

Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   

Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  

Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

Is Ethereum staying true to its ideals?
Ameen Soleimani—founder of SpankChain, summoner of MolochDAO, contributor to Tornado Cash, and now leading 0xbow—has spent years building tools that test the boundaries of decentralization and financial privacy. In this episode, he joins Amanda to explore Ethereum’s shifting values: what’s been preserved, what’s been sacrificed, and what’s at stake as the network grows.
They discuss the political and ethical tensions behind privacy tools like Tornado Cash and how Ameen’s latest project, 0xbow, is rethinking privacy for a post-sanctions world. With Privacy Pools, users can prove their funds aren’t linked to illicit activity—offering a new path forward for compliant anonymity onchain.
As regulators step in and institutional actors gain influence, this episode asks: Can Ethereum remain neutral? Can it scale without centralizing? And can privacy survive in the spotlight?
A direct, unsentimental look at the future of Ethereum—and the values worth fighting for.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Ethereum's Direction and Ideological Shifts

05:06 Intellectual Honesty in Blockchain Evaluation

11:17 Privacy Tools and the Ethics of Hacking

18:01 Privacy in Financial Transactions and Tools

22:18 Institutional Influence on Blockchain Development

25:10 Balancing Ideals and Reality in Ethereum

28:07 The Role of Neutrality in Geopolitical Contracts

30:36 Decentralization: Ethereum vs. Other Blockchains

35:42 Cultural Capture: The Influence of Ideology

44:00 Paths Forward for Ethereum's Culture and Leadership

RESOURCES: 

Ameen on X: https://x.com/ameensol 

0xbow: https://0xbow.io/

Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast 

Amanda on X:  https://x.com/amandacassatt  

Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin  

Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd   

Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440  

Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQ

What if gaming guilds in the Philippines are already preparing for the future of work the rest of the world hasn’t seen coming?Gabby Dizon, Co-Founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG), shares how digital labor is evolving at the intersection of gaming, AI, and crypto. As automation threatens traditional jobs, guilds are becoming early experiments in agile, creative, globally distributed work. This episode explores how these communities are adapting—and what they reveal about where human labor will still matter in an AI-driven world.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Crypto Gaming Journey02:58 The Rise of Axie Infinity and Play-to-Earn06:03 The Emergence of Guilds in Gaming09:12 Building YGG: The Guild of Guilds12:06 The Impact of the Bull Market and Subsequent Crash14:46 Rebuilding and Teaching Digital Literacy18:03 The Future of Work in Web3 and BPO Comparison22:05 The Value Flow in Global Gaming Markets25:41 Sustainability in Web3 Gaming28:42 Human Input in AI and Gaming32:34 The Future of Work and Guilds39:05 Agility in Labor Markets40:45 Humanism in the Age of AIResources: Gabby on X: https://x.com/gabusch/ YGG on X: https://x.com/YieldGuild Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440 Substack: https://substack.com/@UCInZsV3L1nDGoFjxoNUnPQQProduced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

The world is changing at an accelerating pace—Endgame is here to make sense of it. Hosted by Amanda Cassatt, founder of Serotonin, this podcast brings you conversations with the visionaries driving breakthrough technologies and shaping the future. Join Amanda as she unpacks the trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts defining our time. Where is this all going? Let’s figure it out together.

Subscribe:

Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt

Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin

Endgame on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast