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BeginBot takes us on a captivating journey through his eclectic world of collecting – from CryptoPunks to Pope memorabilia – while challenging conventional wisdom about what makes art valuable in the blockchain era.

As one of the early adopters in the crypto art scene, BeginBot shares how his programmer background and natural affinity for "weird subcultures" led him from CryptoKitties to BoardApe meetups, always following his intuitive sense of what resonated personally rather than chasing trends. His refreshing honesty cuts through typical crypto platitudes: "I love that people hate it," he admits about the contrarian nature of Web3 that continues to draw him in.

What makes this conversation exceptional is BeginBot's passionate defense of creative conflict. While many in the space avoid criticism to maintain harmony and value, he argues that the greatest art movements throughout history thrived on disagreement and provocative ideas. "No one wants to talk about the bad stuff," he laments, explaining how the lack of critical discourse ultimately weakens artistic evolution. His admiration for Death beef's entropy-based work – blockchain art that deliberately decays with each transaction – reveals his appreciation for conceptual depth over mere aesthetics.

Perhaps most fascinating is BeginBot's current exploration of AI-generated art that creates deeply personalized experiences. Rather than using technology to please everyone, he's interested in its potential to provoke powerful emotions specific to each viewer – even if that means discomfort. "I want to make them cry, scream," he explains, challenging the notion that art should primarily seek approval or financial gain.

Whether you're deep in the crypto art world or simply curious about collecting, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on finding meaning in what we choose to value. Subscribe now and join the conversation about what truly makes something worth collecting beyond its price tag.

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Ever wonder what goes through a collector's mind when they decide to purchase digital art? Funghibull pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of crypto art collecting in this candid conversation about connection, community, and the future of creative ownership.

Funghibull's journey begins like many others—with healthy skepticism. "What the hell is going on here?" was his first reaction to NFTs before recognizing their revolutionary potential. Through a friend's guidance, he made his first significant investment in CryptoPunks in late 2020, experiencing that initial "am I a genius?" moment before quickly recognizing it as fortunate timing and good connections.

What truly sets Funghibull apart is his philosophy on collecting: "Connect with people because you want to, not because you want something." In a space built around transactions, he emphasizes authentic relationships over opportunistic networking. This approach has guided his development of Schiller, which has exhibited approximately 800 artists at major events and evolved into a multifaceted platform supporting creators through media, exhibitions, and community building.

The conversation delves into the nuanced decision-making process behind collecting art—from the pieces that linger in his mind long after viewing to the balance between emotional resonance and financial pragmatism. Funghibull envisions a future where blockchain enables average people to collect art directly from creators, creating more equitable relationships while acknowledging the challenges this frictionless environment presents for artists.

Beyond collecting insights, Funghibull shares his "hot takes" on the space—collectors should stop telling artists what to do unprompted, while artists might benefit from remaining open to strategic guidance from business-minded collectors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the technology that makes this all possible, noting how artists who master both their craft and the underlying tech often find unique ways to express themselves.

Curious about the intersection of art, technology, and community? Listen now to gain perspective from someone actively building "permaculture in the space"—sustainable systems that nurture creativity and community for the long term.

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What does it mean to translate neurological perception into photographic art? Landscape photographer Jared Armijo takes us deep into his creative world where synesthesia—a condition where senses cross-connect—shapes the surreal, minimalist landscapes that have become his signature style.

Jared's artistic journey began in a family of painters where he emerged as the photographic outlier. His high school photography teacher spotted his innate talent for composition and color, giving him unprecedented access to experimental techniques from liquid light to oil painting on photographs. These early experiences formed the foundation for his desolate, otherworldly landscapes that communicate emotional narratives through peculiar color palettes.

Most fascinating is Jared's revelation about discovering childhood drawings that unconsciously expressed his synesthesia—amorphous shapes filled with careful gradients—created long before he understood his unique neurological wiring. This same perceptual gift now informs his distinctive photography, allowing viewers a glimpse into how he experiences the world.

Beyond aesthetics, our conversation explores Jared's practical approach to creative sustainability. His work in medical imaging, particularly during the pandemic and in a cancer hospital, has profoundly influenced his perspective on mortality, feeding directly into his ambitious new project "Death Is," which will blend Southwestern influences with themes of impermanence. We also discuss his candid feelings of displacement and considerations about life outside the United States, reflecting the restless spirit that animates much of his work.

Whether you're interested in experimental photography, the neuroscience of perception, or navigating the volatile world of NFTs (where Jared offers invaluable advice to newcomers), this episode offers unexpected insights from an artist whose work bridges inner experience and outer reality. How might we each translate our unique perceptions into meaningful expression? Listen and be inspired to see—and create—differently.

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Ben Roy takes us deep into the evolving landscape of digital art collecting, offering refreshingly nuanced perspectives that challenge conventional Web3 wisdom. Beginning with his early fascination with Decentraland in 2019, Ben shares his journey from Pokemon card collector to thoughtful NFT observer, revealing how his collecting philosophy centers more on artistic innovation than blockchain specifications.

The conversation explores what makes Web3 special – its relative meritocracy compared to traditional industries, offering greater opportunities for those willing to put in the work. Ben likens it to "playing in the European basketball league versus the NBA," where the less professionalized environment creates higher upside for dedicated participants. This accessibility represents one of the space's most promising aspects, potentially democratizing opportunities for creators and collectors alike.

We dive into Ben's vision for digital art's future, where collecting becomes normalized at accessible price points, with intuitive display options both online and physically. However, he candidly acknowledges the challenges posed by lingering expectations from the 2021 hype cycle, when astronomical returns created unrealistic financial standards that the space is still reconciling.

Most compelling is Ben's perspective on the untapped potential of community building through networked collections. Unlike traditional art collecting's solitary experience, digital art enables community formation among collectors who appreciate the same creator – a fundamental differentiator that could reshape artist-collector relationships. His thoughtful examination of supply considerations, pricing mechanisms, and the overemphasis on blockchain provenance provides collectors with frameworks for evaluating digital art beyond technical specifications.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that balances practical collecting wisdom with forward-thinking optimism about digital art's potential to build meaningful connections between artists and their audiences. Follow Ben's work on his Liquid Culture podcast and monthly newsletter, where he continues exploring the fascinating intersection of technology, ownership, and creative expression.

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Me Llamo Matt brings his unique perspective as an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the Me Llamo Art Foundation to an engaging conversation about the evolution of digital ownership. What begins with his personal journey from crypto skepticism to NFT advocacy opens the door to profound insights about value, patience, and human connection in the digital age.

Matt's storytelling shines when he discusses his dream of living on an Italian lake with an antique wooden boat, revealing how our digital-focused community still craves authentic experiences shared with loved ones. His advice to "take care of yourself before taking care of others" offers a refreshing counterbalance to the always-on nature of Web3, while his observation that "great leaders follow themselves" celebrates the independent thinking that drives innovation.

Drawing fascinating parallels between the evolution of music consumption, books, cash transactions, and now art ownership, Matt builds a compelling case for digital property as legitimate property. "Just wait," he encourages those skeptical about NFT display limitations, predicting that technological advances will soon make our early collections look "phenomenal" and historically significant.

The conversation takes an unexpectedly moving turn when Matt connects the Shawshank Redemption quote "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies" to the current state of Web3. In a market that tests patience, his passionate belief in hope as our guiding force resonates deeply with anyone who's weathered the ups and downs of emerging technologies.

From his early baseball card trading savvy to his surprising poker skills and the meaningful work of the Me Llamo Art Foundation, Matt exemplifies how traditional values of community, integrity, and strategic patience translate perfectly into the digital frontier. Connect with the foundation on Twitter @MellamoArt to support their mission of creating diverse and inclusive spaces for artists.

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Digital ownership through blockchain transcends the basic concept of "buying JPEGs" - it represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with digital assets and communities. In this riveting conversation with Shatt, we explore how his background in gaming provided the perfect foundation for understanding NFT value propositions from day one.

"Follow your passions even if others don't give a shit" stands as the guiding philosophy that helped Shatt navigate the complex world of digital collecting. Unlike many who chase influencer recommendations or trending projects, Shatt's approach centers on finding art that personally resonates - whether that's animated pieces that evoke emotional responses comparable to Pixar films or works that document the cultural evolution of Web3 itself.

The episode delves into the mechanisms of artist discovery in a space still lacking robust curation systems. From examining collections of established collectors to participating in curated drops like Click Create, Shatt shares practical wisdom for finding quality amid the noise. Particularly enlightening is his focus on artists who persist through bear markets - a signal of authentic artistic commitment versus opportunistic participation.

We witness a collector's evolution through Shatt's hilarious recounting of his first Bored Ape purchase - sitting on his front lawn afterward, beer in hand, wondering "I don't know what I just did. It's either really stupid or really smart." This candid moment perfectly captures the leap of faith many early adopters experienced.

Beyond collecting, the conversation explores how Discord voice chats create unprecedented access to knowledge sharing across experience levels, allowing newcomers to connect directly with experienced collectors and builders. This flattened social structure represents one of Web3's most transformative yet underappreciated aspects.

Join us for this deep dive into authentic collecting philosophy, artist appreciation, and community building that goes far beyond surface-level trends. Whether you're a seasoned collector or NFT-curious, Shatt's perspectives offer valuable guidance for navigating this evolving landscape with intention and authenticity.

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A serendipitous camera loan from his father changed everything for Ryan Koopmans, redirecting his path from architecture school to becoming an acclaimed lens-based artist whose work graces the pages of Vogue, GQ, and Architectural Digest. This fascinating twist of fate ultimately brought Koopmans full circle, as architecture became the primary subject of his photography for over a decade.

During our conversation, Koopmans reveals the profound impact NFTs have had on his perspective as a digital photographer. "What stood out most was the whole notion of digital ownership," he explains, describing the revolutionary concept of establishing "originals" for digital works—something previously impossible for digital photographers who lacked the equivalent of a film negative. This fundamental shift, combined with the royalty structure that supports artists beyond initial sales, transformed how Koopmans views his creative output and its place in the world.

Wisdom gleaned from years of artistic persistence permeates our discussion. "You gotta crawl before you ball," Koopmans shares, recounting advice from painter Nate Loman during his early days in New York. This philosophy of patience and embracing the grind resonates throughout his career journey—from grocery store produce manager to globally exhibited artist. His personal connection to peregrine falcons, which nest atop skyscrapers and represent "the perfect combination of form and function," perfectly mirrors his artistic approach to urban landscapes captured in his 2020 book "Vantage."

The future holds exciting developments for Koopmans, including an immersive photogrammetry project allowing viewers to virtually step inside his photographs, and a groundbreaking collaboration with the AI artist Botto. As we discuss the evolving relationship between NFT art and traditional institutions, his optimism for the space shines through, celebrating the community of artists, collectors and enthusiasts committed to pushing the boundaries of what art can be in the digital age.

Ready to experience more conversations with innovative creators? Subscribe to NorCal and Chill for weekly episodes exploring the intersection of art, technology, and the creative mindset.

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Pravijn takes us on a fascinating journey through his evolution in the NFT space, revealing the moment digital ownership finally "clicked" for him. As someone who had always been bothered by purchasing digital books, movies, and music without truly owning them, the blockchain's promise of verifiable ownership resonated deeply once he understood it.

Beyond just collecting, Pravijn shares how Web3 has given him something his previous tech career couldn't – genuine community. "I never really had a social community that much," he reflects, contrasting the forced interactions of traditional workplaces with the chosen connections of crypto communities. These relationships extend beyond digital interactions, culminating in real-world connections over "burgers and beers."

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Pravijn reveals his double life – maintaining complete separation between his Web3 identity and his "normie world" existence. When family and friends mention crypto, he playfully feigns ignorance: "Is that like Bitcoin? Is Minecraft an NFT?" This compartmentalization offers him freedom to explore his digital identity without the judgment often directed at crypto enthusiasts.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Pravijn's insight into language barriers within the NFT space. Despite the visual nature of digital art, he notes how our communities remain English-centric, potentially missing incredible artistic voices. "There are artists who won't join Twitter Spaces because they use language translators for all their tweets and DMs," he explains, highlighting an accessibility challenge that AI and translation tools might eventually overcome.

As a DECA advocate, Pravijn continues to build bridges within the space, whether through thoughtful art collection philosophies (where he argues editions deserve the same quality as one-of-ones) or through finding unexpected connections via memes, anime references, and literary quotes. His journey reminds us that in Web3, we're not just collecting assets – we're building new ways of connecting, creating, and defining ourselves.

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Welcome to a fascinating exploration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), where we delve into their evolution from niche collectibles to mainstream commodities shaping our culture and economy. In this episode, hosted by the ever-curious team, we are joined by Tony Herrera, a seasoned veteran in the NFT realm. As we discuss his journey and experiences from the early days of this digital frontier, listeners gain valuable insights into how perceptions of NFTs have changed over time, influencing the ways we understand value, creativity, and ownership in a digitally connected world.

We dive into the exciting potential of blending physical and digital art forms, examining how technological advancements have enabled artists and collectors to create rich, immersive experiences. Tony shares his ambitious vision for integrating innovative tools that enhance the relationship between physical and digital collectibles, paving the way for a new landscape of engagement through NFC technology. Furthermore, we shine a spotlight on social impact initiatives driven by the crypto community, emphasizing the critical need for inclusivity in this emerging Web3 space. As Tony articulates his commitment to helping underrepresented groups access and thrive in this landscape, we explore the profound societal implications of this digital revolution.

The episode culminates in visionary discussions about what the next five years hold for NFTs. Tony predicts that digital tokens will become an integral part of everyday transactions, allowing people to seamlessly engage with brands without traditional financial barriers. Through exciting projects like the TGN Arcade, we learn how gamification can play a pivotal role in enthusiastically onboarding users into the world of Web3. Make sure to tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of NFTs, their potential for innovation, and the promise of a more inclusive digital landscape. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts on the evolving world of NFTs!

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Join us for an insightful exploration with photographer Joey L., who takes us on a captivating journey through his artistic evolution. From an early passion for toy dinosaurs that ignited his creativity to becoming a renowned figure in the photography world, Joey shares the pivotal experiences that shaped his career. With clients such as Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, he illustrates the delicate balance between commercial success and personal expression in art.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of NFTs, hear Joey's candid thoughts on the emerging digital asset landscape, and understand the significance of fostering personal connections when creating impactful images. Through his storytelling, Joey emphasizes the importance of following one’s long-term vision in an ever-changing industry filled with rapid trends.

As he shares valuable advice for aspiring artists looking to enter the NFT space, listeners are encouraged to appreciate their journey while remaining true to themselves. Joey's humble yet inspiring perspective makes this episode a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about art and photography. Don't miss out—tune in to discover what it truly means to forge a unique path in the world of creativity and witness how the art community continues to evolve.

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