In this episode of the Com Laude podcast, Sophie Hey and Susan Payne discuss the key takeaways from the recent ICANN 82 meeting. They cover the progress on the next round of new gTLDs, recent developments in dot brand TLDs, the importance of domain name registration data accuracy, and the ongoing challenges of DNS abuse. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts within the ICANN community to address these critical issues and the implications for stakeholders.

In our 15th episode of the Com Laude Podcast, we take a deep dive into blockchain domains — where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they’re heading in 2025 and beyond.

• What exactly are blockchain domains, and how do they compare to traditional DNS?
• Key players like ENS, Unstoppable Domains, and Handshake—who’s leading the charge?
• How ICANN’s next round of new gTLDs could shape the Web3 landscape.
• The role of brands in this evolving space—defensive registrations or untapped opportunities?

Whether you’re a Web 3 enthusiast, brand manager, or domain industry expert, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

In part three of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we sit down with Cole Quinn, Principal Technical Programme Manager at Microsoft. Cole shares his experience managing Microsoft's eight dotBrand TLDs, including .MICROSOFT and .XBOX. We explore his role at Microsoft, the reasoning behind their decision to acquire these dotBrands, and the benefits and challenges of operating your own TLD. Cole also offers insights into use cases and valuable advice for future applicants.

In our 13th episode, we provide you with an overview of the Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:

With the next round of TLDs approaching, we have another new gTLD-related episode in store for you, covering ICANN's RSP pre-evaluation program.

Our host, Ashley Roberts, chats with a special guest, Kroopa Shah, Senior Director of Registry Support and Management at Identity Digital. They discussed the following topics:

In our 11th episode, we recap the Kigali Policy Forum, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:

In part two of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we met with Nisha Parkash, Head of Domain Management at Sky, to talk about the dot SKY TLD. In this episode, we discussed:

This time, we bring you a special episode, part of a series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications.

In this series, we will explore what has worked well for brands, why they decided to apply, how they chose which TLDs to apply for, and what lessons they have learned that could be used in the next round of applications.

In part one, our hosts Ashley Roberts and Stuart Fuller had a chat with Vivek Goyal, COO & Co-founder at LdotR. He shared his experience with applying for four TLDs, the difficulties he and his team encountered, and what potential applicants should be aware of if they want their own brand TLD.

In our eighth episode, we recap ICANN79 in Puerto Rico, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:

In our seventh episode, we recap ICANN78 in Hamburg, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: