Is the Web3 hype over, or is it just getting started? In this episode, we're joined by Web3 pioneer, investor, and thought leader Ethan Pierse for a deep dive into the current state and future of decentralized technologies.

Ethan pulls no punches, discussing why Web3 hasn't seen mass adoption, the problem with "recycled capital" , and why the future isn't about the technology itself, but the problems it solves. We explore the powerful convergence of AI and blockchain, how agentic AI will revolutionize e-commerce, and what it takes for a startup to succeed in today's market.

Whether you're a founder, investor, or just crypto-curious, this conversation is packed with unfiltered insights on building real value, the shifting landscape of venture capital, and the rise of the "solopreneur economy."

In this episode, we cover:

• The real reason Web3 has struggled with mass adoption.

  
  

• Why the future of NFTs is not what you think.

  
  

• How Agentic AI will drive the next wave of Web3 adoption and revolutionize e-commerce.

  
  

• The damage caused by grifters and bad actors in the crypto space.

  
  

• Investing strategies for the new economy with Borderless Ventures.

  
  

• The rise of the "Solopreneur Economy" and how small teams are building 7, 8, and 9-figure companies with AI.

  
  

• Why "Community" and "Product Management" are the new moats for startups, not technology.

  
  

Hosted by: Joe Benso & Michael Ros

Find our guest:

• Ethan Pierce: You can find Ethan and the pre-order for his book, "The Solopreneur Economy," by searching for "Ethan Pierse" (P-I-E-R-S-E) on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of Web3 Entertainment on this episode of the Tokened Podcast featuring Sander Görtjes , CEO of Hello Labs and the visionary behind the groundbreaking Web3 pitch show "Killer Whales." Discover how Sander is shaping a new entertainment ecosystem powered by blockchain, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.Explore how Web3 media can attract mass adoption, why real-world assets (RWAs) and DeFi solutions are crucial for future growth, and how NFTs can bring communities closer together.

🚀 Welcome to the Tokened Podcast: Exploring Web3, AI, & NFTs with Zeneca 🎧
Join hosts Joe Benso and Michael Ross for a deep dive into the evolving world of Web3, crypto, and technology with Zeneca—former pro poker player, founder of Zen Academy, and a leading voice in NFTs and blockchain education. In this episode, we unpack the intersection of AI and crypto, the resurgence of NFT seasons, and why stablecoins might be the unsung heroes of mass adoption. Whether you’re new to Web3 or a seasoned enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable takeaways.

🔍 Episode Highlights (Click to Jump In!)

• 🃏 Poker to Web3: Zeneca shares how risk management and emotional discipline from poker shaped his crypto journey.

• 📚 Building Zen Academy: The story behind creating a community-driven hub for NFT education and why “the best trade is no trade.”

•  🖼️ NFTs & Culture: Zeneca’s favorite projects (hint: Pudgy Penguins and CryptoPunks get love) and why Ethereum remains the heart of crypto art.

• 🤖 AI Meets Crypto: Can AI agents book your next vacation? A lively debate on the future of decentralized tech and AI’s role in content creation.

• 💡 NFTs 2.0: Hybrid models, utility, and why surviving the bear market matters.

•  🛠️ Evaluating Web3 Projects: Zeneca’s framework for spotting long-term potential (spoiler: community is king).

•  📈 Is NFT Season Back? Predictions on which collections could thrive—and why art might outlast PFPs.

• 💸 Stablecoins’ Quiet Revolution: Why instant, low-cost global payments are crypto’s killer app.

👋 Follow Zeneca

• Twitter: @Zeneca

• Newsletter: Zeneca.xyz

• Zen Academy & 333 Club: Join the Discord

💬 About the Tokened Podcast
A no-BS space for curious minds to explore Web3, AI, and tech’s future. No shilling, no jargon—just honest conversations with builders, creators, and innovators.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes and hit the bell to stay updated!
🌐 Follow us: @Tokened

#Web3 #NFTs #Crypto #AI #Blockchain #Podcast

In our inaugural episode, hosts Michael Ros and Joe Benso sit down with Alexandre Tsydenkov, the founder of NFT Paris, one of the world’s largest NFT conferences. Alexandre shares his journey from art collecting to Web3 entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a global event, and how the NFT space is evolving beyond speculation. We discuss market cycles, the intersection of AI and NFTs, and how traditional industries are adapting to this digital shift. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of NFTs, creativity, and innovation in Web3.