The Get Down: Beyond Bitcoin

In this episode of The Get Down, we delve into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency policy and advocacy with Kristin Smith, a leading figure in the space. Cleve Mesidor, a longtime friend and collaborator of Kristin's, takes us on a journey through Kristin's impressive career, from her days on Capitol Hill to her pivotal roles as CEO of the Blockchain Association and soon-to-be President of the Solana Policy Institute.  Join us as we explore Kristin's vision for a balanced regulatory framework, her thoughts on women's leadership in the crypto industry, and some behind-the-scenes stories from her impactful career shaping the future of blockchain technology.

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Kristin Smith is CEO of the Blockchain Association, the Washington DC-based trade association representing more than 100 of the industry’s leading companies. Kristin serves as a liaison between policymakers and the cryptocurrency industry to assist in the creation of legislation and regulation that promotes the growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the U.S. She is also a leading, public voice advocating for the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry through top-tier media interviews, op-eds and letters to the editor, and global speaking engagements. Kristin is a renowned voice for the industry, having been featured on Fortune’s 2020 40 under 40 list, CoinDesk’s 2021 50 people who defined the year in crypto, and CoinTelegraph’s 2022 top 100 Influencers in Crypto and Blockchain.

We discuss:

• The impressive growth of The Blockchain Association since its inception.
• The importance of collaboration among agencies for effective advocacy in Washington.
• How highlighting leading women role models in the industry can inspire younger women in tech and finance.
• How balancing regulation and innovation is essential for the crypto ecosystem.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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The Blockchain Association

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In this episode of The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor interviews Congressman Darren Soto of Florida. Congressman Soto discusses his inspiration for becoming a crypto champion in Congress, his legislative achievements including the National Defense Authorization Act amendments, his vision for a smart regulatory framework, and more!

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Darren Soto was elected to Congress in 2016, representing Florida's Ninth District, becoming the first Floridian of Puerto Rican descent in Congress. An accomplished lawyer and legislator, he previously served in the Florida House and Senate for nearly a decade, focusing on job creation, environmental protection, healthcare, and education. In Congress, on the Energy and Commerce and Agriculture Committees, he advocates for healthcare access, climate action, technology, and consumer protection.

We discuss:

• The current state of crypto policy and what's working (and what's not).
• Bipartisan efforts in advancing blockchain and cryptocurrency legislation.
• Consumer protection and risk mitigation in the crypto world.
• Financial inclusion and the potential for crypto to empower small businesses.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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In this episode of The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor interviews former congressman Wiley Nickel, discussing his journey as a crypto advocate in Congress. They cover the importance of bipartisan efforts in shaping legislation around blockchain and cryptocurrency, the need for equitable consumer protectionand financial inclusion, the significance of stablecoin legislation, and more. Also, Ritzy P. and Cleve discuss the critical role of bipartisanship in advancing crypto policy and Financial Literacy Month.

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Wiley Nickel was the US representative of the 13th District of North Carolina during the 118th Congress, serving a 50/50, toss up district in Raleigh and surrounding metro area. Wiley served on the Financial Services Committee and the Digital Assets subcommittee, and has been a champion for expanding the group for pro crypto Democrats. He led the way to secure support for 71 House Democrats on FIT21 and was a Democrat lead on the Congressional Review Act to overturn SAB121.

We discuss:

• The importance of bipartisanship in crypto policy.
• The future of stablecoin and crypto legislation.
• Why consumer protection must evolve to include financial inclusion.
• Why public engagement is essential for legislative change.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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In this episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P. talks with Keiko Yoshino, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association. Keiko shares her journey into the world of blockchain and crypto, the founding of the association, her educational initiative CryptoCurious, and the importance of inclusivity in the crypto space. Keiko highlights the impact of her work on the local community, the significance of education in blockchain, and her vision for future initiatives. And in All Things butterscotch, Cleve Mesidor shares recent highlights of butterscotch Media, including getting officially trademarked, and the importance of focusing national policy on risk mitigation.

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Keiko Yoshino, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association, is a crisis management attorney specializing in strategic communications and Government Affairs based in Puerto Rico. She helps startups and emerging tech companies navigate compliance and operations. Keiko is leading Web3 adoption through education, advocacy, and partnerships with government agencies and universities. She's also created CryptoCurious, an educational program making Web3 more accessible. Additionally, she spearheads Act 60 tax incentive education with the forthcoming guidebook on Puerto Rico's tax benefits.

We discuss:

• How CryptoCurious was created to educate and engage the local population.
• The importance of inclusivity in Web3 and DeFi.
• Closing the digital divide in Puerto Rico with the NTIA digital literacy grant.
• The future of CryptoCurious and accessible education on Web3.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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In this special Spanish-language episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P sits down with Mónica Talán, the founder of  CryptoConexión, who shares her journey into the crypto space and the inspiration behind creating  CryptoConexión - to provide accessible, Spanish-language content and resources to empower the Latino community to participate in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance and emerging technologies. The conversation delves into  CryptoConexión's initiatives, such as the Agent Camp bootcamp program, as well as Monica's insights on the vibrant crypto community in the United States and the transformative innovations happening across Latin America.

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With more than two decades of experience in strategic communications and public relations, Mónica Talán is a dynamic entrepreneur and award-winning leader in the field of communications and innovation. She is the founder of CryptoConexión, a Spanish-language platform that drives awareness and engagement about blockchain and AI. In addition, she launched TechTranslators.ai, dedicated to making technology accessible through technology workshops. Bringing together a diverse team of experts in technology, communications, marketing, and law, TechTranslators.ai works to demystify complex concepts like AI, Web3, blockchain, and AR/VR.

We discuss:

• Producing accessible crypto information in Spanish.
• The potential of blockchain technology in remittances.
• The explosion of innovation in Latin America, driven by emerging technologies.
• How political changes will affect Web3 and DeFi in the United States.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Debra Brookes about her professional journey, detailing her entry into the crypto space and her experiences with regulatory frameworks like the BitLicense. She discusses her current role in developing a state-issued stable coin in Wyoming, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with regulatory oversight. Debra also highlights the challenges faced by small players in the crypto market and offers insights on how they can navigate the complex landscape. 

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Debra Brookes is an attorney with over 20 years of experience, specializing in cryptocurrency compliance, sanctions enforcement, and  white-collar prosecutions. Deb recently joined the State of Wyoming’s  Stable Token Commission as its Chief Risk and Compliance Officer. Deb  previously worked with the NYS Department of Financial Services  (NYSDFS) where she held several positions, most notably Deputy Virtual Chief  and Head of Supervision, where she supervised over 30 licensed crypto companies. Before NYSDFS, Deb served as a federal prosecutor for the  U.S. Department of Justice through the competitive Attorney General's  Honors Program. 

We discuss:

• Challenges with the New York BitLicense process.
• How balancing innovation and regulation is crucial for safety.
• The Wyoming Stable Token Commission’s mission to produce the first state-issued stablecoin.
• Significant shifts in US crypto legislation in 2025.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA BROOKES:

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Wyoming Stable Token Commission

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In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Richard Ng and Jake Foreman about  their journeys into the world of Web3 and the founding of IndigiDAO, an initiative aimed at empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). They discuss the core objectives of IndigiDAO, the impact of a significant grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the milestones they have achieved. The conversation also highlights the importance of community, the role of government in supporting micro enterprises, and personal insights from both founders. 

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Richard Ng is a seasoned social impact leader with over a decade of experience driving innovation and growth in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors, and currently is the Program Manager and Co-Founder of IndigiDAO, an initiative supporting indigenous entrepreneurs to set up economic cooperatives to create a kinship economy. Richard's passion for creating positive social change is evident in his impactful work across a range of industries.

Henry Jake Foreman MCRP is a specialist in facilitation, development, and implementation of engaging learning experiences for students of all ages and has created a variety of curricula around education, health, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Karuna Colectiva, a social enterprise that delivers the principles of engagement, innovation, and application through mentorship, bicycling, and cooperative economics. He is also the Program Director of New Mexico Community Capital and manages the Financial & Business Basics course that is designed to help build a solid foundation to form and grow business ideas with a personal financial plan for success.

We discuss:

• IndigiDAO’s aims to support Indigenous entrepreneurs through a DAO structure.
• Community and collaboration as essentials for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Prioritizing assistive technologies in IndigiDAO's design and mission.
• The impact of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant on IndigiDAO's development.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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New Mexico Community Capital

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In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Dr. Tonya M. Evans, an attorney, academic, and founder, about the changing crypto landscape and her book, Digital Money Demystified. They discuss the importance of policy over politics, the need for inclusive policy making, and the challenges of pushing for change in the crypto industry. Dr. Evans also shares her thoughts on the future of crypto regulation and the role of the SEC. Also, Cleve Mesidor shares her extensive political background, including serving in the Obama administration, working in Congress, and running for city council in DC.

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Dr. Tonya M. Evans is a trailblazer in the intersection of law, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. As a distinguished professor at Penn State Dickinson Law, she's sculpted a niche in intellectual property and cutting-edge technologies. Her recent appointment to the Board of Directors at the renowned Digital Currency Group further solidifies her esteemed position in the tech realm. She is also acclaimed author of Digital Money Demystified: Go From Cash to Crypto Safely, Legally and Confidently, published by Broad Book Press, and host of a popular weekly podcast, Tech Intersect.

We discuss:

• Politics should be about public service and policies, not just politics for the sake of politics.
• Inclusive policymaking and rulemaking are crucial for the crypto industry to ensure diversity and representation.
• The current regulatory landscape for crypto is outdated and needs to be updated to reflect the changing technology.
• Crypto offers financial freedom and opportunities for marginalized communities, and it's important to educate oneself and make informed choices.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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The Democratic Convention is in full swing and the crypto community is making its presence felt. On this episode of The Get Down, butterscotch Media’s own Cleve Mesidor and Ritzy P sit down live at the Chicago DNC to discuss the incredible events they have hosted and been part of in recent weeks, share their insider perspective straight from the convention floor, and their hopeful outlook on the future of crypto, regardless of who ends up in the White House.

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We discuss:

• Recapping recent events we have been part of: Data on Crypto briefing at the DNC, our recent event through Hola Metaverso Alchemia, the panel at VeeCon, and the retreat at Martha’s Vineyard.
• The Harris-Walz proposed “Opportunity Economy” agenda presents potential for incorporating crypto and web3 innovation.
• Our political outlook on crypto policy and inclusion for 2025 and beyond.
• With our creator credentials at the DNC, butterscotch Media has been able to report on incredible conversations, make connections, and continue to amplify diverse crypto leaders.

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Ep 11: Bridging the Wealth and Knowledge Gaps in Blockchain with Tiffany J. Smith

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In this episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P sits down with Amena Ross at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Chicago to discuss her journey into the world of crypto, her insights on the evolving political landscape of digital assets and the immense potential to create economic spaces of empowerment and opportunities through digital assets, decentralization, and blockchain. Amena also shares her hopes of resetting the table so that everyone is welcome to join in on the conversation.

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Amena Ross is the Head of Global Policy at Cash App and Afterpay. Starting her professional path on Capitol Hill, she started as an Executive Assistant for a member of Congress from Houston, Texas, and worked her way up from there. Following that role, Amena did policy on Homeland Security, served as the Chief of Staff for Mr. Green, and eventually got into digital assets and crypto in her next job at SIFMA (Security Industry Financial Markets Association).

We discuss:

• Amena’s Capitol Hill experience equipped her with the adaptability and versatility to navigate the ever-changing crypto industry. 
• Serious data and well-crafted arguments focused on economic empowerment and financial inclusion will be crucial for crypto to be taken seriously by policymakers.
• True innovation happens when the people directly impacted are at the center of its creation. 
• Predictions for the Harris-Walz position on crypto and what to expect for the future of this ever-changing political landscape.
• The importance of staying in the know, doing your own research, and being open to new perspectives. 

Thanks for tuning in! To get the full scoop on creating a more inclusive Web3, DeFi, and Bitcoin space, make sure you catch every episode – we're packed with actionable tips and insights. If you found this episode valuable, spread the word and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite listening app – it helps us reach even more people who are passionate about building a better future for everyone in the crypto space.

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