Untangling Web3

Untangling Web3

By Jack Davies & Alec BurnsNewsTechnologyTech News
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Untangling Web3 episodes

  • #109 Untangling: The Anatomy of a Robot

    In this second installment of our three-part robotics series, we dissect the inner workings of robots and explore the components that bring them to life.

    While science fiction often romanticizes humanoid machines, this episode is firmly grounded in the real-world anatomy of robotics—how artificial intelligence (AI), mechanical parts, and software work together to build functional and increasingly autonomous machines.

    From sensors to actuators, we break down the building blocks of modern automation.

    Key highlights:

    • Brains, Controllers, and AI Integration: At the core of every robot is its “brain”—the controller that processes inputs from sensors and determines actions. We examine how hardware limitations have historically held robots back and how recent advances in miniaturized processors and edge computing are changing that. The team also compares the computational capacity of robots versus humans, highlighting how AI enables faster reaction times and specialized performance in specific, task-oriented domains.
    • Sensory Systems and Real-World Awareness: A robot’s ability to navigate its environment hinges on a blend of advanced sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, infrared, ultrasonic, gyroscopes, and more. These devices serve as robotic "eyes," "ears," and "skin," enabling high-precision perception. The episode dives into how robots not only perceive physical reality but also extend beyond human capability through internet-based data input—offering a new kind of digital "sense."
    • Muscles, Actuators, and Energy Constraints: The “muscles” of a robot—its actuators—convert processed commands into movement. While humans outperform robots in versatility, adaptability, and energy efficiency, machines shine in strength, speed, and precision. However, major challenges remain, particularly in energy usage and power systems, with robots still heavily reliant on limited battery life. The discussion compares robotic movement and endurance with biological efficiency, revealing both strengths and limits in today’s designs.

    Robots may seem like futuristic sci-fi marvels, but understanding their anatomy—from AI-driven minds to real-world sensors and actuators—makes them less mysterious and more tangible.

    While still far from matching the adaptability of humans, robots are becoming increasingly powerful thanks to rapid progress in robotics, AI, and mechanical engineering. As we build toward a more automated future, knowing how these systems work is key.

    Join us next time as we explore how these technologies are being used in the real world—and where they might take us in the decades ahead.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    44 min
  • #108 Untangling: The History of Robotics

    In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of robots, robotics, and their intersection with artificial intelligence (AI).

    From ancient mythology to cutting-edge tech, this episode explores how our visions of mechanical beings have transformed from mythical automatons to industrial arms, humanoid assistants, and autonomous drones.

    We trace this journey from Asimov’s science fiction to real-world innovation and ask: what happens when automation meets ambition?

    Key highlights:

    • The Origins of Robotics and Sci-Fi Inspirations: The episode kicks off by going way back—literally—to ancient Greek myths like Talos, imagined metal giants powered by magic, and traces that lineage through history to literary visions like Karel Čapek’s play “R.U.R.” (which coined the term “robot”) and the iconic writings of Isaac Asimov. Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics are highlighted as early governance frameworks that still influence today’s discussions about robotic ethics, AI control, and coexistence with machines.
    • Industrial Automation and the Rise of Robotic Arms: From Henry Ford’s assembly lines to the first robotic arm patents in the 1950s, the episode chronicles the practical evolution of robotics in manufacturing. We cover the leap from basic machine tools to robotic arms capable of precision and autonomy, used in everything from automotive assembly to pharmaceutical packing. Japan’s early dominance in this field, driven by labor shortages and technological innovation, illustrates how robots revolutionized modern production.
    • Modern Robotics, Humanoids, and the Role of AI: Fast-forward to today’s AI-enhanced robotics—this includes everything from Boston Dynamics’ quadrupeds to Tesla’s Optimus and autonomous drones. The conversation highlights how perception, feedback loops, and decision-making make modern robots fundamentally different from their predecessors. We also touch on real-world applications like healthcare robotics, military drones, and the promise (and risks) of placing humanoid robots into homes and public environments.

    The world of robotics is no longer confined to sci-fi or factory floors. As AI supercharges automation, robots are becoming more intelligent, mobile, and integrated into daily life—from hospitals and homes to warehouses and war zones.

    But as machines become more autonomous, questions of control, ethics, and purpose become increasingly urgent. Whether you dream of robotic butlers or fear the rise of machine overlords, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how far we’ve come—and where we might be headed next.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    44 min
  • #107 Untangling: Web3 for Sports with Tom Fleetham

    The global sports industry is worth over $500 billion, but cracks are beginning to show beneath the surface. Today’s sports ecosystem is dominated by aging fanbases, legacy monetization models, and an increasingly distracted younger generation.

    In this episode of Untangling Web3, Tom Fleetham joins to break down the real opportunities for Web3 in sports—beyond hype and speculation. With years of experience at the intersection of sports, technology, and blockchain, Tom examines how loyalty, digital ownership, and new models of engagement could reshape the fan experience.

    Key highlights:

    • The disconnect between global reach and monetization: Major sports clubs often boast global fanbases in the hundreds of millions, yet the vast majority of those fans generate little to no revenue for the clubs. Ticketing and merchandise are limited in geographic scope, leaving international fans with few meaningful ways to engage or contribute financially. Web3 offers a solution: blockchain-based digital assets and memberships that allow fans worldwide to participate, own, and benefit from their loyalty in tangible ways.
    • The long-term potential of tokenized ownership and governance: Tokenization can radically transform fan engagement by offering shared ownership models and governance rights. Tokenized assets, such as shares in a club or NFT-based voting rights, could unlock new revenue streams, deeper fan loyalty, and entirely new community-driven club models.
    • Opportunities for decentralized prediction markets and fan-led ecosystems Blockchain-powered prediction markets present a viable entry point for Web3 sports applications. These systems could allow fans to create their own betting pools or fantasy systems, fostering a sense of ownership and skill-based engagement. More radically, a non-league team could go fully on-chain, leveraging Web3 tools for everything from tokenized ticketing to DAO-based decision-making.

    Web3 offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rewire the sports industry from transactional relationships to participatory ecosystems.

    By enabling real fan ownership, decentralized decision-making, and global monetization through digital assets, blockchain can deliver more than hype—it can bring long-term value to clubs and communities alike. To realize this future, both sports organizations and builders must think beyond short-term gains and commit to creating products and experiences that resonate with fans for the long haul.

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    Learn more about Tom Fleetham and his podcast here:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyfleets/

    https://linktr.ee/fanzon3

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    49 min
  • #106 Untangling: The Path to Web3 Adoption with Anthony Day

    In this episode of Untangling Web3, we're joined by Anthony Day, Marketing Director at VeChain and creator of the Blockchain Won’t Save the World podcast.

    With a background in enterprise transformation and years of experience building real-world blockchain applications, Anthony brings deep insights into what’s blocking—and enabling—mainstream Web3 adoption.

    This conversation moves beyond hype to focus on value delivery, practical implementation, and what real users and businesses actually need from blockchain.

    Key highlights:

    • Community incentives are underutilized by enterprises: Many traditional companies lack the mental model or experience to effectively use open token-based systems. Web3-native mechanisms like shared economics and community-driven reward structures remain foreign. Success stories like VeBetterDAO demonstrate that onboarding large user bases to sustainable, real-world actions is not only possible—it’s replicable. But it requires a shift from centralized control to collaborative growth.
    • Enterprise integration requires meeting companies where they are: Web3 projects often frame their technology in ideological or overly technical terms. To resonate with business leaders, blockchain must be positioned as an enabler of clear business outcomes—cost savings, user engagement, compliance, loyalty, or sustainability. Decentralization is not a selling point by itself; it must be tied to tangible value.
    • Narratives need translation, not evangelism: Terminology like “decentralized”, “non-fungible”, or “programmable privacy” often alienates outsiders. Mass adoption depends on framing products in accessible terms. Instead of leading with protocol jargon, builders should explain what the tool does in real-world language. This isn’t dumbing things down—it’s communicating value.
    • Onboarding isn’t just technical—it’s cultural: Web3 isn’t failing because the tech doesn’t work. Failures are mostly due to poor planning, unclear value propositions, or incompatible mindsets. Success requires adapting growth strategies, messaging, and support systems to people who’ve never operated in open ecosystems before.

    Web3 adoption will not come from viral enlightenment or speculative hype. It will come from delivering measurable value to real users—through applications that are usable, rewards that matter, and infrastructure that scales.

    Clear regulation, practical incentives, and business-ready narratives are now within reach. For those building the next wave of Web3, the priority isn’t to convert the world to crypto—it’s to help the world do what it already does, better.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    1 hr 1 min
  • #105 Untangling: Worldcoin

    In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we dive headfirst into the controversial, ambitious, and wildly futuristic project known as Worldcoin.

    Created by Tools for Humanity and co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Worldcoin combines digital identity, blockchain, and biometric scanning via the infamous “Orb” to tackle one of the most urgent problems of our AI age: proving you’re human in a world overrun by bots, agents, and deepfakes.

    But is this visionary solution as revolutionary as it sounds—or just dystopian science fiction?

    Key highlights:

    • Worldcoin’s Vision for Digital Identity in a Post-AI World: With AI-generated content dominating the web, Worldcoin sets out to answer a crucial question—how do we prove someone online is a real human? At its core, the project offers a blockchain-based digital identity called World ID, anchored in biometric iris scans captured via the sci-fi-looking Orb. This proof-of-personhood system aims to separate bots from people while ensuring privacy through zero-knowledge proofs and decentralized protocols.
    • The Role of the Orb and the Tokenomics Behind It: The Orb is the hardware gateway into Worldcoin's ecosystem. It scans users' irises to confirm uniqueness, creating a one-to-one digital credential tied to a real person. Once verified, users receive a World ID and are rewarded in the project’s native token, WORLD. This token not only incentivizes adoption but is positioned as a future vehicle for distributing universal basic income (UBI) in a world where AI displaces jobs. The podcast also covers the cryptographic privacy mechanisms involved, and the ethical dilemmas of onboarding users in developing countries through financial incentives.
    • Criticism, Controversies, and the Future of Identity Systems: Worldcoin’s bold approach hasn’t come without backlash. The episode unpacks controversies including accusations of “bio-data colonialism,” the lack of hardware audit transparency, and compliance concerns with GDPR and consent revocation. Alec and Jack also explore alternative decentralized identity models from the Web3 space, such as Proof of Humanity and Gitcoin Passport, questioning whether Worldcoin’s centralized rollout aligns with Web3 ideals or undermines them.

    Worldcoin presents a radical approach to solving the digital identity problem in the age of AI. With its Orb, crypto incentives, and biometric-backed Web3 identity, it’s undeniably innovative—but also deeply polarizing.

    As the line between humans and AI blurs, projects like Worldcoin may shape the future of how we verify identity, distribute value, and govern online interactions. Whether it becomes the "login with Google" of Web3 or fades under regulatory pressure, it's a project worth watching.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    43 min
  • #104 Untangling: How Your Internet Really Works with Tim Creswick

    In this episode of Untangling Web3, Tim Creswick, founder and CEO of Vorboss, explains the physical and technical infrastructure behind the internet—what it is, how it moves data, and why fibre networks are the foundation of modern connectivity.

    With a focus on metro fibre, subsea cables, and security vulnerabilities, Tim provides a high-resolution breakdown of how the internet really functions beneath the surface, and what Web3, AI, and future technologies need to scale.

    Key highlights:

    • Subsea Cables vs. Satellites: Most global internet traffic travels through undersea fibre optic cables, not satellites. While satellite systems like Starlink are impressive, they are capacity-limited and latency-prone compared to physical fibre. Deep sea cables—laid across oceans since the 1800s—enable ultra-high bandwidth and lower latency, critical for everything from global messaging to financial trading. Satellite systems are best used as edge solutions, not core infrastructure.
    • Why Fibre is Still the Gold Standard: Fibre provides massive bandwidth, low latency, and physical isolation. Fibre strands the width of human hair can transmit signals over hundreds of kilometres with very low signal loss. Unlike wireless radio, which is shared and lossy, fibre is point-to-point and can be upgraded by simply improving transceivers and optical encoding. Innovations in amplitude and frequency modulation continue to increase the data throughput without replacing the cable itself.
    • Security and Surveillance Risks: Bulk surveillance is a major vulnerability of existing infrastructure. State actors have intercepted fibre cables, tampered with hardware during shipping, and installed implants to siphon data. End-to-end encryption mitigates some of these risks, but metadata (who’s talking to whom and when) can still be weaponized. Even secure enclaves can be compromised if devices are intercepted before delivery. The weakest point is often not the cryptography, but the hardware or physical layer.

    The internet is not wireless magic—it is a massively coordinated physical system of cables, fibre, routers, and commercial agreements. As applications like Web3, AI, and real-time cloud computing grow, they place increasing strain on this infrastructure.

    Scalability, security, and sovereignty begin at the fibre level. To build a resilient digital future, developers, users, and policymakers must better understand the invisible systems that power our online world.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    1 hr 7 min
  • #103 Untangling: AI Agents

    In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we explore one of the most game-changing developments in modern Artificial Intelligence—the rise of AI agents.

    No longer just simple chatbots or assistants, these autonomous systems can reason, take action, and interact with tools and data in real-time. We also break down the buzz around Model Context Protocol (MCP), the newly emerging standard that’s revolutionizing how AI agents connect to the world.

    If you’re trying to understand where AI is headed next, this is the episode for you.

    Key highlights:

    • What Are AI Agents and Why Do They Matter? AI agents are more than just advanced chatbots. They combine reasoning, memory, and tool usage to autonomously carry out complex tasks. From managing customer support workflows to making purchasing decisions on your behalf, agents represent the next evolution of AI—shifting from simple input-output systems to dynamic, goal-oriented intelligence. The hosts break down what sets agents apart and how they’re transforming industries ranging from e-commerce to healthcare.
    • How Agents Work and the Role of MCP (Model Context Protocol): At the heart of every AI agent is a reasoning-and-action loop—taking an input, breaking it down into steps, and executing tasks using connected tools. The game-changer here is MCP, a new open protocol that acts like a universal USB-C for AI. Developed by Anthropic and quickly adopted by OpenAI, MCP enables seamless communication between agents, models, and external systems. This interoperability is critical for scaling AI use across businesses and consumer applications alike.
    • The Future of AI Agents: Integration, Specialization, and Robotics: As foundational AI models stabilize, the real innovation lies in the tools and platforms built on top. Startups and big tech alike are racing to create flexible agent frameworks that can be tailored to specific jobs—from customer service bots to autonomous research assistants. The discussion also explores how agents might evolve into robotic systems, bringing AI from digital workspaces into the physical world. Combined with MCP and rapid improvements in model performance, we’re on the cusp of a world where AI doesn’t just suggest ideas—it acts on them.

    AI agents are the next major leap in Artificial Intelligence, offering businesses and individuals scalable, intelligent systems that can think and act autonomously.

    With Model Context Protocol setting the standard for integration, and global players like OpenAI and DeepSeek leading innovation, we’re entering a new era of digital autonomy.

    Whether you’re building with AI, working alongside it, or simply trying to understand what’s next, AI agents are a trend you can’t afford to ignore.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    51 min
  • #102 Untangling: X-2-Earn Apps with Piero Bassa

    This episode of Untangling Web3 features Piero Bassa, senior software engineer at VeChain and founder of Mugshot, for an in-depth look at X-2-Earn models that use Web3 infrastructure to reward sustainable real-world behavior.

    With a background in building scalable decentralized systems, Piero outlines how DApps can enable new paradigms of user engagement by combining crypto incentives with everyday actions like choosing reusable items.

    Key highlights:

    • What makes a DApp different from traditional apps? DApps operate on blockchain infrastructure instead of centralized servers, which decentralizes control and gives users true ownership of data and digital assets. Smart contracts replace opaque backend logic, allowing users to trust that rules, incentives, and governance are transparent and immutable. This model removes reliance on single points of failure, enables permissionless participation, and shifts power away from centralized platforms like Facebook and Google.
    • The logic and value of X-2-Earn models X-2-Earn flips conventional engagement by turning user actions into valuable contributions. These models provide incentives for users to take actions like exercising, recycling, or drinking from reusable cups. By anchoring incentives to smart contracts and crypto rewards, X-2-Earn enables immediate, scalable compensation without intermediaries. It also ensures transparency in how and why rewards are distributed, building trust in the system’s fairness and intention.
    • The Mugshot use case: Rewarding reuse with Web3 Mugshot incentivizes sustainable behavior by rewarding users for uploading photos of themselves using reusable mugs instead of disposable cups. Through AI validation and smart contract logic, users receive tokenized rewards that can be redeemed for products like sustainable coffee. In under a year, Mugshot has reached nearly a million users, showing that simplicity and fun UX, combined with meaningful incentives, can drive mass adoption—even without complex onboarding or referral systems.

    X-2-Earn models powered by blockchain offer a new path for rewarding socially and environmentally beneficial actions. By combining transparency, composability, and tokenized incentives, apps like Mugshot are proving that Web3 can deliver real-world impact at scale.

    Rather than chasing speculative hype, the future of decentralized apps lies in utility, habit formation, and trustless engagement—empowering users and aligning incentives for a more sustainable digital ecosystem.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    52 min
  • #101 Untangling: The AI Battle Royale

    In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we break down the latest developments in the rapidly evolving world of AI, focusing on the rising competition between major players like OpenAI, Google's Gemini, and China's groundbreaking DeepSeek.

    With performance, cost, and openness on the line, this episode unpacks the global battle to dominate the future of artificial intelligence.

    Key highlights:

    • Origins and Missions of the Major Players: The episode begins by tracing the roots of leading AI companies. From OpenAI's nonprofit beginnings to its dominance with GPT-4.1, and Google's Gemini suite developed from DeepMind and Brain, we compare their approaches to safety, openness, and commercialization. The team also discusses Anthropic’s Claude and the unique positioning of models like Mistral and Cohere’s Command R, each targeting different market segments and use cases—from transparency to enterprise knowledge management.
    • The Rise of DeepSeek and the Global Shake-Up: The hosts unpack the massive impact of DeepSeek, China’s open-source AI contender that rocked global tech markets in early 2025. They explain why DeepSeek's performance-to-cost ratio, open accessibility, and groundbreaking efficiency innovations like batch tokenization sent shockwaves through Western tech stocks. With its free and highly capable models, DeepSeek challenges the dominance of U.S.-based platforms and marks a shift in global AI power dynamics.
    • Performance, Pricing, and Future Trends: Diving into technical metrics, the hosts compare context windows, output limits, and per-token costs of today’s top models. They highlight how GPT-4.1, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek serve different user needs—from coding and storytelling to academic research and cost-efficient startups. The episode also explores how integration strategies like Model Context Protocol (MCP) and services like AWS Bedrock are reshaping how AI is deployed and scaled in real-world applications.

    As the AI battle heats up between OpenAI, Gemini, DeepSeek, and others, users are the real winners—gaining access to faster, cheaper, and more specialized tools. But with geopolitical dynamics, training data transparency, and business models evolving fast, staying informed is key.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, developer, or tech enthusiast, this episode is your guide to navigating the increasingly competitive and globalized landscape of artificial intelligence.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    52 min
  • #100 Untangling: 100 Episodes of Web3

    Welcome to a very special milestone of the Untangling Web3 podcast – our 100th episode!

    In this celebratory edition, we take a step back to reflect on how far the podcast has come, the incredible evolution of Web3 and emerging tech during this journey, and the community that has grown around us.

    From humble beginnings with scratchy audio and no video to live events, high-profile guests, and over 175,000 YouTube subscribers, this episode is both a nostalgic trip and an optimistic look forward.

    Key highlights:

    • Podcast Growth and Milestones: Jack and Alec reflect on the early days of Untangling Web3 and how it grew from a side project into a thriving podcast with a global audience. They discuss significant moments including the first live event, guest highlights like Heather Flannery and King Willonius, and the podcast’s shift into broader tech conversations such as AI and quantum computing. From awkward first episodes to major speaking engagements and reaching 100K+ subscribers, it's been a wild and rewarding ride.
    • Industry Shifts and Emerging Trends: The episode revisits the major changes in the tech space since episode one, with a focus on the rise of AI, the steady evolution of crypto and blockchain, and growing concerns over privacy, data ownership, and social media monopolies. The hosts highlight how these themes have shaped discussions across the last 100 episodes and point to AI misinformation, stablecoins, and decentralized social platforms like BlueSky as key areas of focus moving forward.
    • The Future of the Podcast and Web3: Looking ahead, Alec and Jack share their excitement for the next 100 episodes, promising deeper dives into underexplored tech areas like robotics, drones, and self-sovereign identity. With the podcast now receiving inbound guest requests and growing industry recognition, they plan to continue building community, hosting live events, and pushing the boundaries of what a Web3-focused podcast can cover in an ever-changing tech world.

    Hitting 100 episodes is a major milestone, but for Alec and Jack, it's just the beginning. As the Web3, blockchain, and tech landscape continue to shift rapidly, Untangling Web3 remains committed to offering insightful, entertaining, and thought-provoking conversations.

    Whether you've been with them since episode one or just joined, thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next hundred—and beyond—as we continue to explore, review, and evolve with the tech shaping our future.

    --

    This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

    https://vebetterdao.org/

    --

    Learn more about Web3 at:

    https://untanglingweb3.com/

    --

    Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

    Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review.

    The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.

    47 min

About Untangling Web3

From the publisher's feed

The podcast that simplifies tomorrow's tech, today.

Untangling Web3 dives deep into the world of the next-generation Internet, exploring the groundbreaking technologies, projects, and ideas…