In this episode, we sit down with Parzival, a visionary in Web3, crypto, and AI. From exploring the intersections of ARGs (Alternate Reality Games) and AI agents to building Project 89 over two decades, Percival’s story is nothing short of inspiring.

He shares insights into navigating creativity, decentralization, and the transformative potential of blockchain and AI technology.

Dive deep into lessons from his unique upbringing, challenges in academia, and work in the realms of media theory and disinformation. This episode is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom, futuristic visions, and the ethos of building tech that bridges humanity and innovation.

Find Parzival: https://x.com/whyarethis

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

In this episode, we delve into the transformative potential of Web3 with two visionaries at the forefront of blockchain innovation: Naveen and Ricky Ricardo. From their early experiences tinkering with technology to their ambitious work on Tari, this conversation reveals how passion, perseverance, and privacy come together to create a brighter digital future.

Tari is more than just a protocol—it’s a platform for tinkerers and creators. Designed to enable the development of never-before-seen applications, Tari combines high performance, seamless integration, and built-in privacy. This revolutionary private blockchain is empowering developers to unlock new business possibilities while delivering stunningly beautiful user experiences.

Drawing on deeply personal anecdotes, Naveen shares how the lessons he learned from his father’s entrepreneurial journey taught him to bet on people and persevere through challenges. Ricky Ricardo reflects on his upbringing in apartheid South Africa, where he developed a lifelong passion for tinkering, hacking, and building systems with integrity and purpose.

The discussion also dives into the first principles focus of Tari, emphasizing how meaningful confidentiality features can enable vast new use cases for businesses and individuals alike. From enabling decentralized digital assets to fostering a collaborative, community-driven ecosystem, Tari is redefining how privacy can drive innovation in Web3.

Whether you’re a blockchain enthusiast, a privacy advocate, or someone curious about the future of digital assets, this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire you to think differently about the intersection of privacy and technology.

Join us as we sit down with Doc from The Forge, an entrepreneur revolutionizing real estate investment using Web3 technology and blockchain. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and finance, Doc shares his journey from corporate America to spearheading innovative projects that bring accessibility to real estate investing.

We explore how tokenization allows fractional ownership of properties, opening the door for individuals without millions to participate in stable, high-return investments. Doc’s candid insights into overcoming challenges, balancing passion with practicality, and leveraging community-driven principles make this episode a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike.

Key topics include:

Whether you're curious about blockchain's real-world applications or seeking inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey, this episode delivers both practical insights and compelling storytelling.

Find Doc and The Forge Here:

https://x.com/Doc_Mukti

https://x.com/TheForgeDefi

https://theforgefi.xyz/

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis media network and Mikey G and Web3, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

We dive into the incredible journey of Digital—an inspiration who has gone from a single-room household in India to dominating national sports, starring on the big screen, and building impactful communities in Web3.

Digital’s story is packed with lessons for creators who want to make their mark. Learn how his curiosity and passion helped him defy societal expectations, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and build trust in a space often fraught with skepticism.

From his athletic discipline to his bold ventures in media and the transformative power of Web3, Digital lays out a roadmap for anyone looking to turn their creativity into impact.

If you’re hungry for inspiration and actionable insights to level up your Web3 game, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss this conversation packed with fire, grit, and the secrets to staying authentic while navigating the fast-moving world of Web3!

Find digital here: https://x.com/speak_SACH_in

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

In this deeply engaging episode, Shaw, an AI pioneer and creator of the Eliza framework, shares his extraordinary journey. Shaw’s story begins with a unique upbringing in a single-parent household surrounded by New Age culture, where his mother’s resilience and work ethic became foundational to his character. He dives into his early passion for music and technology, recounting his time as a musician in New York and how his love for logic and creativity ultimately steered him toward coding and game design.

Shaw reflects on formative moments, including his fascination with video games like Diablo II, which sparked his interest in community-building and digital interaction. These experiences shaped his approach to technology and influenced his work in AI and Web3. He discusses the lessons learned from his various career ventures, including heartaches such as losing control of his game engine project—stolen and sold for millions—and how these trials fueled his commitment to open-source collaboration and community trust.

The conversation highlights Shaw's vision for AI as a transformative force for humanity. He emphasizes AI’s potential to revolutionize how people work and connect, offering freedom to pursue meaningful endeavors. Shaw also explores the importance of decentralization and trust within the Web3 ecosystem, candidly addressing his past experiences with betrayal and the necessity of learning from red flags in partnerships.

Shaw concludes by detailing the success of Eliza, his AI framework that is reshaping how agents operate in social and blockchain environments. His determination and perseverance through failures have positioned him as a leader in the AI and Web3 space, advocating for responsible technology development that benefits society as a whole.

Find Shaw here: https://x.com/shawmakesmagic

Find ai16z here: https://x.com/ai16zeliza

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

Unlocking Fandom: Candy Digital’s Journey to Reinvent Collectibles

In this episode of The Web3 Journey with MikeyG, we dive deep into the innovative world of Candy Digital with co-founders Matt and Shane. Together, they share their mission to redefine fan engagement and collectibles through cutting-edge digital experiences.

The conversation touches on the evolution of Candy Digital, from its inception as a bold idea to becoming a multi-faceted platform that connects fans with their favorite sports, teams, and moments. Matt and Shane discuss their partnerships with Major League Baseball, NASCAR, and the Baseball Hall of Fame, offering fans interactive opportunities to showcase their passion and unlock exclusive in-real-life experiences.

Listeners will get an inside look at Candy’s groundbreaking Code Breakers game—a fusion of strategy, community, and competition that highlights their fan-first approach. From loyalty rewards to the intersection of digital and physical collectibles, the episode sheds light on how NFTs are transforming fandom into a deeper, more meaningful connection.

This episode is packed with insights, nostalgia, and the passion of founders who believe in using technology to bring fans closer to what they love. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a collector, or intrigued by the future of Web3, this conversation is a home run.

Lessons in Failure, Innovation, and the Birth of Candy Digital

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt from Candy Digital delves into his career journey, exploring the pivotal moments and lessons that propelled him into the Web3 space. From the high-stakes world of Wall Street trading to the innovative creation of a fractional sports memorabilia NFT company, Matt shares how his diverse experiences laid the foundation for Candy Digital’s success.

Listeners will gain insights into how failures became stepping stones to success, as Matt recounts learning from setbacks and applying those lessons to each new venture. He also highlights the role of mentorship, discipline, and the power of hard work in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit.

The episode dives into the early exploration of fan tokens, e-sports, and the game-changing rise of NFTs during the pandemic. Matt reflects on the cultural shift ignited by The Last Dance documentary and how it reignited interest in collectibles, ultimately inspiring Candy Digital’s innovative approach to fandom and digital ownership.

Whether you’re fascinated by Web3, entrepreneurship, or the art of turning challenges into opportunities, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital age.

Find Candy Digital here: https://x.com/CandyDigital

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

Exploring Creativity, Resilience, and Fandom with Candy Digital's Matt and Shane

In this episode, Matt and Shane from Candy Digital share their deeply personal and inspiring stories, revealing the moments that shaped their professional and creative paths. From childhood influences to pivotal life experiences, the duo discusses how their backgrounds in finance, tech, and pop culture laid the foundation for their current roles in re-imagining fandom and deepening fan engagement.

Matt recounts his journey as the youngest of seven, growing up in a competitive, close-knit family with a love for collectibles and pop culture. A life-altering neck injury at ten led him to immerse himself in fandom, memorizing sports stats, wrestling rankings, and TV trivia, which instilled a lifelong passion for collecting and creating. With a background in finance and a knack for bridging traditional and modern investments, Matt brings a unique perspective to Candy Digital's mission.

Shane offers a glimpse into his South African roots, growing up during apartheid and witnessing the country's transformation into a symbol of hope and opportunity. He shares how his parents’ unwavering support and his exposure to South Africa’s vibrant cultural melting pot of fashion, music, and design inspired his creative journey. From illustrating surfboard designs as a teenager to shaping marketing and trend forecasting, Shane's path exemplifies the power of creativity and determination.

Together, Matt and Shane reflect on their shared belief in the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the hard work it takes to build something meaningful. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity, fandom, and entrepreneurship in the Web3 space.

Find Candy Digital here: https://x.com/CandyDigital

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

Trailblazing Music in Web3

In this inspiring episode, Violetta Zironi shares her journey from discovering NFTs to becoming a trailblazer in the music NFT space. Encouraged by her mom's belief in innovation, she took a leap into Web3, dedicating herself to understanding the ecosystem. Within weeks, she launched her first NFT music collection, breaking free from traditional music industry constraints.

Violetta discusses the transformative power of NFTs, which allow for deeper artist-audience connections and greater creative freedom. Through interactive council meetings and community-driven feedback, she has built a loyal network of supporters who play a direct role in her artistic journey. Her successes include selling one-of-one NFTs, hosting over 3000 hours of Twitter Spaces, and partnering with platforms like OpenSea to expand her reach.

She closes the episode with a live acoustic performance of Moonshot, a song that symbolizes her journey and inspires others to dream big. With plans to release more music exclusively as NFTs and continue fostering meaningful connections, Violetta is reshaping the future of the music industry.

Find Violetta here: https://linktr.ee/violettazironi

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis

Violetta’s Journey: From X Factor Stardom to Independent Artist

In this compelling episode, Violetta recounts her meteoric rise from small-town Italy to the national stage as a finalist on X Factor. At just 18 years old, she captivated audiences with her ukulele performances and authentic artistry, earning third place and securing a record deal with a major label.

But behind the scenes, Violetta grappled with the harsh realities of the music industry, navigating predatory contracts, creative control struggles, and toxic environments. Despite the allure of fame, she stayed true to her vision, rejecting opportunities that compromised her integrity. This hard-earned independence led her to explore new creative avenues, from touring Europe and America to acting in Netflix productions.

This episode is a raw and inspiring look at Violetta’s resilience, her fight to maintain artistic freedom, and the values that guided her journey. It’s a story of determination, staying authentic, and embracing challenges—a must-listen for anyone passionate about music, entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers.

Find Violetta here: https://linktr.ee/violettazironi

About Midlife:

Welcome to Midlife Crysis, a podcast dedicated to rediscovering the power of genuine human connection. We go beyond surface-level interviews to have real, long-format conversations with founders who are shaping the future.

This podcast is all about understanding what make a founder tick—their passions, challenges, and the mindsets that drive them. We explore the entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

If you’re curious about what fuels successful founders and love hearing authentic stories about perseverance, resilience, and connection, you’ve come to the right place. Join us for deep conversations that uncover the heart of why people do what they do.

Subscribe to stay connected and hear more inspiring stories from founders who are making an impact.

Socials:

Twitter:

https://x.com/mikeygnft

https://x.com/mid_lifecrysis