Internet Explorers

What happens when you combine Survivor, Squid Game, and Hunger Games…onchain?

Uncover the secrets behind Crypto: The Game's explosive success and its acquisition by Uniswap Labs. Dylan Abruscato, the game's creator, shares insights on building a viral onchain experience that's captivating cryptotwitter with a $150,000 (72 ETH) prize pool. Learn how CTG evolved from a bootstrapped side project to a cornerstone of Uniswap's marketing strategy, and explore the challenges of balancing innovation with sustainability in the ever-evolving Web3 landscape.

This episode also dives into the complexities of crypto media, the long-term vision for blockchain technology, and the exciting potential of AI-powered financial tools for individual investors.

This episode unpacks:

• Bear market tactics when ETH dips under $2K
• Meme hype colliding with deep crypto fundamentals
• Blockworks controversy over media integrity and venture bags
• Crypto: The Game - A blockchain survivor game sparking on-chain drama
• Uniswap's acquisition redefining crypto experiential marketing
• Innovation takes time, echoing the long nose of progress
• Speculative mania versus long-term crypto conviction
• On-chain voting chaos and NFT resurrection mechanics
• AI tools delivering hedge fund insights to individuals
• Mobile gaming apps revolutionizing interactive crypto experiences

Chapters: 00:00 — But first, Coffee (and Market Anxiety) 06:20 — Peak Crypto Nihilism: What Do You Believe In? 16:37 — Periodic Mania vs. Fundamentals in Crypto 24:30 — Should Everything Be a Coin? 29:56 — CTG Breakdown: The Survivor of Crypto 37:03 — Why Uniswap Acquired Crypto: The Game 46:36 — How 400 Players Are Battling for 150 ETH 52:32 — The Blockworks Controversy & Media Integrity 58:27 — The Long Nose of Innovation: Why Tech Takes Time

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

Can a gameshow make crypto fun and profitable at the same time?

This week on Internet Explorers, we sit down with Krish Jagirdar, co-founder of Rek Tech, the crypto game show where players compete for high-stakes prizes like Rolexes and rare NFTs. Krish shares how Internet Game evolved into Rek Tech and why experiential crypto products are capturing attention.

We also dive into Zora's memecoin experiment—is this the cleanest way to launch a token? Plus, Lore founder Thomas Scaria unveils a new on-chain hedge fund platform, aiming to bring trust and transparency to crypto investing. With crypto gaming, memecoins, and onchain finance all heating up, we explore what's actually working in crypto right now. Tune in for insights, bold takes, and the latest trends shaping the space.

This episode unpacks:

• The Game Show That Pays You to Play? Inside Rek Tech's Wild, Wild Crypto Experiment
• Zora Just Launched a Memecoin—Is This the Future of Crypto Tokens?
• On-Chain Hedge Funds Are Here—Will They Replace Traditional
• Is Crypto Gaming the Next Big Crypto Trend? Inside the Rek Tech Experiment
• The Ownership Economy Is Dead? Zora's Token Experiment Says Otherwise
• Forget Governance—Memecoins Are the Future of Crypto Tokens
• Crypto Games, Memecoins & On-Chain Investing—Where Crypto is Headed Next
• Jess and Josh dive into the broader trend of ephemeral on-chain experiences and what it takes to build long-term compounding value in crypto.

Chapters: 00:00 — Intro & Friday Vibes – Jess & Josh set the stage 02:09 — Crypto Gaming Trends: Crypto the Game & Experiential Tokens 03:39 — Introducing Krish Jagirdar: The Evolution from Internet Game to Rec Tech 08:09 — What Makes Rec Tech Different? Prize Pools, Memes & Community 13:24 — How to Play: Dream Pass, Daily Games & Season 1 Details 19:42 — The Rise of Ephemeral Crypto Games & Attention Economy 23:35 — Zora's Meme Coin Strategy: Smart Move or Legal Hurdle? 28:01 — Should TikTok Go On-Chain? Alexis Ohanian's Big Idea 34:07 — Fully Automated Firms: AI-Run Companies & the Future of Work 43:00 — On-Chain Funds with Thomas Scaria: Inside Lore's New Model 51:08 — The Future of Crypto Investing: On-Chain Funds & Tokenized Economies 58:44 — Final Thoughts & What's Next for Internet Explorers

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

What happens when AI replaces venture capitalists?

Tribute Labs' new project, ADIN, introduces an AI-driven investment DAO that evaluates deals, votes on funding, and predicts startup valuations—all without human bias. But can an algorithm really spot the next unicorn?

This episode unpacks:

• AI vs. VCs – Can machine learning replace investor intuition?
• Blackbird's Flynet launch – A blockchain-based restaurant loyalty network taking on Visa's 3% transaction tax.
• Zora's bold pivot – Every post is now a liquid token. A game-changer for creators or just speculation?
• Pump.fun's next move – Launching their own AMM to dominate the meme economy.
• The end of ideology in crypto? – Why execution and distribution are now more important than theory.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & The VC Vending Machine

05:32 – ADIN: Can AI Replace VCs?

14:37 – Blackbird's Flynet: Restaurants vs. Visa

23:49 – Zora Goes Full DeFi: Every Post is a Token

36:15 – Pump.fun's AMM: The Memecoin Casino Expands

42:41 – Ethereum Foundation's Communication and Ideological Debates

50:26 – Crypto's New Business Model: Show Me the Money

55:57 – The Future of AI in Investing: Hype or Inevitable?

1:02:07 – Final Thoughts & What's Next for Onchain Consumer Tech?

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

What if anyone could build a crypto app—without writing a single line of code?

In this episode of Internet Explorers, Jess Sloss and Josh Cornelius sit down with Brexton Pham, co-founder of Ohara, to explore how AI is revolutionizing app development and why software is becoming the next form of content.

Brexton lays out his bold vision: a world where non-technical creators generate crypto-native apps in seconds, memecoins replace traditional business models, and attention is the only currency that matters. But if software is free to create, what happens next? Ohara's answer might change how you think about crypto.

This episode unpacks:

• The No-Code Crypto Future – Why 99% of future apps won't be built by developers.
• Meme Coins as Monetization – The strongest incentives drive the most engagement. Can meme coins become a sustainable business model?* Rethinking Tokenization – Why most app tokens fail—and what actually works.
• Building on Base – Ohara's bet on Base and the EVM ecosystem for the next generation of crypto-native apps.
• Software as a Social Experience – What happens when building an app is as easy as making a TikTok?

Other topics explored:

• Are crypto-native app chains a game changer or just another layer of complexity?
• What happens when sports teams, brands, and internet culture go on-chain?
• Are airdrops still a viable strategy, or just exit liquidity for insiders?* An agent-only ecosystem sounds futuristic—but does it actually work?
• You Wouldn't Salt a Monkey…or would you?

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: The ByBit Hack You Slept Through

3:55 – Meet Brexton Pham & The Ohara Vision

4:56 – Software as Content & The Rise of Non-Technical Creators

9:29 – Attention-Based Monetization: Why Memecoins Are the Future

12:43 – Tokenizing Apps: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

16:36 – Remixing Apps & Forking Without the Drama

21:47 – Why Token Launches Fail & The Zero-Cost App Revolution

25:18 – AI's Role in Crypto App Generation

27:30 – App Chains: The Dream vs. The Reality

30:50 – Tokenizing Culture: What If the Lakers Launched a Coin?

38:21 – Kaito's Token Launch & The Airdrop Debate

54:30 – Dream Chain: A VIP Club for AI Agents?

59:56 – You Wouldn't Salt a Monkey

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

What if holding crypto actually made you money—without trading, staking, or flipping NFTs?

In this episode of Internet Explorers, co-hosts Jess Sloss, Josh Cornelius, and Peace Node sit down with Brian Flynn (CEO of Boost.xyz) to explore the rise of tokens designed to pay holders real value.

For years, crypto has been driven by speculation—but that might be changing. A new model is emerging, where tokens generate real revenue and share it with holders. But does it work? Will it replace traditional tokenomics? And what does it mean for the future of crypto?

This episode unpacks:

• What's Broken in Crypto? Why most tokens don't provide real value.
• How Tokens Can Actually Pay You – The mechanics behind revenue-generating tokens.
• Buy & Burn vs. Direct Payouts – Which model is better for holders?
• How Crypto Projects Are Changing – Why teams are rethinking token incentives.
• The Future of Passive Income in Crypto – Can this become a sustainable model?

Other topics explored:

• Big shifts in consumer crypto
• Should internet pictures have market caps?
• Slow Ventures investing in creators
• Should you bring traditional businesses onchain?
• OpenSea's attempts at a rising tide for $SEA

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: The Shift to Revenue Tokens

06:03 - Buy & Burn vs. Direct Payouts

14:27 - Why Crypto Is Moving Toward Fundamentals

19:56 - Token Models: Flexibility vs. Long-Term Value

25:08 - The Case for a Startup Token Launchpad

30:00 - Consumer Crypto: The Next Big Wave

36:02 - Should Internet Pictures Have Market Caps?

45:30 - Can OpenSea Make $SEA Go Up?

51:20 - Slow Ventures Investing Directly in Creators

55:28 - Bringing Traditional Businesses On-Chain

1:03:34 - Thank God the Creative Revolution is Here

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

How does ETH get its swagger back? According to Namik Muduroglu from MegaETH, the answer is forgetting memecoin nonsense, getting back to its "world computer" roots, and adopting a Bronze Age mentality.

Josh and guest host Nicholas dive deep into MegaETH's innovative architecture, which separates consensus from execution, and unlocks unparalleled performance. Namik shares insights on incubating killer apps to demonstrate the chain's potential and their unique community fundraising approach.

The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape, highlighting Solana as a key rival. Josh and Nicholas then keep you up to date with the big moments of the week, including Farcaster's Coinbase Wallet integration, Berachain updates, and all the new Clankers.

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: discussing MegaETH and blockchain innovation

5:06 – MegaETH: real-time blockchain with unique architecture

10:59 – Mega Mafia: incubating innovative blockchain applications

16:02 – MegaETH's community fundraising approach

24:34 – Retail in crypto: anything beyond financial gain?

40:49 – Exploring financial and social motivations

51:35 – New Clankers: AI-driven token launch platforms

56:45 – Digital art's potential to "save" Ethereum

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

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

Why is everyone launching tokens right now? From Trump's surprise drop to Dave Portnoy's musings on rugging to Vine's tokenized rebirth, Episode 64 of Internet Explorers tackles a hype cycle that gets faster every week. Jess Sloss and guest co-host Nicholas explore how platforms like Pump.Fun and Yapster are driving this explosion in token creation and discuss the risks and rewards of tokenizing everything.

This episode covers:

• Trump, Portnoy, and Vine Tokens: What these launches reveal about memecoin culture.

• Yapster's Meme Market: A breakdown of the app gamifying token creation.

• Pump.Fun Mechanics: Why attention is the new currency in tokenized economies.

• Tokens vs. Equity: How social capital and brand value are reshaping markets.

• Cheryl at the Crypto Ball: A firsthand look at crypto's political moment in Washington, D.C.

With insights on how tokens are capturing cultural value and sparking new experiments in ownership and identity, this episode dives into the mechanics and meaning behind the latest wave of token launches.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Why is Everyone Launching Tokens?
• 06:00 - Trump and Portnoy: Token Speculation
• 12:00 - Vine Token: The Memetic Economy
• 18:00 - Yapster and Meme Game Mechanics
• 24:00 - Tokens vs. Equity: Social Capital's Role
• 30:00 - Pump.Fun's Market Dynamics
• 36:00 - The Long-Term Play for Tokens
• 45:00 - Cheryl's Crypto Ball Highlights
• 51:00 - Risks of Tokenized Economies
• 57:00 - Closing Reflections on the Token Boom

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

What happens when founders no longer feel afraid to experiment? In Episode 63 of Internet Explorers, co-hosts Jess Sloss and Josh Cornelius dive into the growing tensions around a potential TikTok ban and what it reveals about platform centralization. Joined by Dan Sargent (Mintstars), then Matthew Fox (Clankermon), the conversation unpacks the return of crypto mega funding rounds, lessons from navigating creator economies, and the future of distributed app ecosystems.

This episode covers:

• TikTok Ban Looms: Why it could redefine online media power structures.
• Crypto's Comeback: Is 2025 the start of a new funding cycle?
• Creators and Crypto Rails: How Mintstars leverages crypto to challenge traditional platforms.
• On-Chain Entertainment: Clankermon's vision for mini-apps and the post-AGI world.
• The UX Barrier: Why adoption hinges on user-centric crypto interfaces.

From creator-first platforms to the latest innovations in crypto, this episode explores the key challenges and opportunities for builders shaping the next phase of the consumer internet.

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

What's the better bet for the future of crypto: Ethereum's infinite possibilities or Solana's hyper-optimized approach? In Episode 62 of Internet Explorers, co-hosts Jess Sloss and Josh Cornelius dive into the philosophical and practical debate shaping the next era of blockchain innovation.

This episode explores:

• Ethereum vs. Solana: Are we heading toward a decentralized NASDAQ or a broader trustless Internet?
• Rodeo's Rise: Why NFT creators are flocking to social-first platforms.
• AI in Markets: Unpacking "hallucination yield" and how LLMs could redefine crypto adoption.
• Crypto's UX Barrier: Why onboarding remains a pain point—and how platforms can fix it.
• Managed Agents and Networks: How agent marketplaces might reshape AI and DeFi intersections.

From crypto's ideological debates to the practical challenges of onboarding, this episode offers sharp insights for builders, investors, and explorers at the edge of the Internet. Whether you're team Ethereum, team Solana, or just curious, this conversation provides a deep dive into the forces shaping the decentralized future.

Chapters:

00:00 - Opening: Sentiment Shifts

06:00 - Ethereum vs. Solana Contracts

14:00 - Rodeo vs. Zora Explained

22:00 - AI's Role in Crypto Markets

30:00 - Crypto's UX Challenges

36:00 - The Agent Marketplace Future

44:00 - NFT Speculation: Next Steps

51:00 - Managed Networks and Agents

57:00 - Closing Reflections

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