Michelle O’Connor is VP of Marketing and Community at Uphold, an “anything-to-anything” digital money platform, serving two million customers in more than forty countries, with access to fifty-five currencies, including commodities, digital assets and precious metals.  Michelle is passionate about building the future of inclusive finance through emerging technologies and was recently recognized in the list of ‘Most Inspirational Women in Tech 2019.

178: Uphold with Michelle O'Connor

The Blockchain Show is a weekly podcast that demystifies cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technology. 0x5279e7fd39c81a969b52cd97a6dac6df7cb90018

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In this landmark 250th episode, we dive deep into the realm of on-chain privacy, secure transactions, and the evolving landscape of crypto with Kieran from Railgun. The conversation starts by unraveling the concept of 'private POI' (Proof of Innocence), a powerful tool enabling users to engage with systems anonymously, preventing unauthorized access and abuse.  Kieran guides us through the intricate workings of 'private POI' and sheds light on how it aligns with Railgun's commitment to uncompromising on-chain privacy. Real-world instances of Railgun's application in both payroll and trading are shared, illustrating its capability to facilitate transactions without compromising user information. As the discussion unfolds, Kieran emphasizes the importance of privacy education and highlights the need for continuous contribution to, or benefit from, Railgun's evolving privacy features. The episode concludes with a glimpse into the future as Kieran outlines his ongoing efforts in researching and developing Railgun protocols. The focus remains on enhancing user experience and tool development, offering a promising look into the next chapter of Railgun's journey in shaping the future of decentralized privacy. This episode not only provides a deep dive into the technical aspects of 'private POI' and Railgun but also sets the stage for the future developments that will shape the narrative of decentralized privacy in the cryptocurrency industry.

250: Unlocking On-Chain Privacy - Exploring 'Private POI' and the Railgun Privacy System with Kieran Mesquita

Bracket Labs' founders, Michael Wasyl and Pelli Wang, take center stage to share their mission of democratizing decentralized finance (DeFi). Pelli, with a background in traditional finance and crypto incubation, and Michael, seasoned in financial analytics at Bloomberg, discuss their journey and the genesis of Bracket Labs. The duo unveils their ambitious plans for crypto volatility products, aiming to fill gaps in the market and make DeFi more accessible. They introduce Bracket X, a tool enabling leverage positions on blue-chip assets, and explore the concept and benefits of crypto perpetuals for extended leverage. The conversation delves into the challenges and potential of the crypto market, new product developments, and the necessity for better user experience and security features in DeFi. The team discusses regulatory concerns, emphasizing the delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring compliance. Michael details Bracket Labs' commitment to security, transparency, and their tech stack, highlighting future plans and developments, including the upcoming launch of Passage. The episode concludes with insights into courage, transparency, and the pivotal role of blockchain in shaping the future. Join us for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of DeFi with Bracket Labs' visionary founders.

249: Democratizing DeFi: The Bracket Labs Vision Unveiled with Pelli Wang and Michael Wasyl

In this episode, we have a captivating conversation with Hiram Vazquez, the founder and CEO of LALA. LALA is leading the charge in transforming the entertainment industry by redefining the fan experience through digital collectibles. Join us as we delve into the world of NFTs, exploring how LALA's innovative offerings set them apart in a rapidly evolving market. We uncover how LALA is rewriting the revenue model for the entertainment sector, and gain exclusive insights into their exciting projects. Hiram shares real-life examples of how fans can earn from their favorite movies and TV shows and discusses his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from venture capital to leading a groundbreaking digital collectibles platform. We also explore the challenges he's overcome, the future vision for LALA, and the evolving landscape of blockchain, NFTs, and the entertainment industry. Don't miss this episode to discover the endless possibilities of fan engagement and revenue sharing in entertainment with LALA's visionary CEO, Hiram Vazquez.

248: Revolutionizing Entertainment: The Power of Digital Collectibles with Hiram Vazquez

In this episode of "The Blockchain Show," we delve into the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency with an exceptional guest, Dr. Tonya M. Evans. Driven by her mission to transform the crypto-curious into the crypto-confident, Dr. Evans brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As a distinguished law professor, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, she has emerged as a trusted voice in the cryptocurrency landscape. Our conversation takes us on a journey through various facets of the crypto universe. Dr. Tonya M. Evans unravels common myths, offers practical insights for newcomers to the space, and discusses the legal and regulatory considerations essential for investors and businesses. With her unique perspective, she also shares her valuable experience, including an interview with Mark Wetjen, head of regulatory & policy strategy at FTX, conducted just days before its high-profile collapse. Furthermore, Dr. Evans sheds light on her advisory role to the United States government regarding intellectual property law issues related to NFTs and blockchain technology. Her wisdom and clarity serve as a guiding light in the ever-changing landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Don't miss this enlightening episode that aims to empower and educate both crypto-enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Episode Highlights: - Debunking common myths surrounding cryptocurrency. - Legal and regulatory considerations for investors and businesses. - Dr. Tonya M. Evans' advisory role to the U.S. government on NFTs and blockchain technology. - Empowering the crypto-curious to become crypto-confident. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Dr. Tonya M. Evans, a trailblazer in the crypto and blockchain space, as we navigate the intricate terrain of cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. Links mentioned in the episode:   Book: DigitalMoneyDemystified.com Podcast: TechIntersectPodcast.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tonyaevans 

247: Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency with Dr. Tonya M. Evans

In Episode 246 of The Blockchain Show, we sit down with Brad Chase, the Head of Liquidity Products at Ripple, a pioneering enterprise crypto solutions provider. Brad takes us on a journey through the intersection of machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and the crypto industry, shedding light on how Ripple leverages these cutting-edge technologies to build liquidity products that facilitate seamless transactions for hundreds of customers, amounting to billions of dollars. Brad shares insights into his pivotal role in developing Ripple's Liquidity Hub, a platform that enables businesses to access crypto liquidity on-demand through smart order routing from market makers, exchanges, and OTC desks across various crypto assets. Discover how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity services, elevating their capacity to cater to a rapidly growing market. Throughout the episode, Brad also offers his perspective on the institutional adoption of crypto and unveils Ripple's main priorities and exciting upcoming announcements. If you're intrigued by the transformative power of AI and its impact on the crypto landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Listeners interested in the future of liquidity solutions, AI-driven advancements in the crypto industry, and Ripple's strategic direction will find this conversation with Brad Chase highly informative and enlightening. Guest Speaker Profile: Brad Chase - As the Head of Liquidity Products at Ripple, Brad is at the forefront of driving innovation in the world of crypto liquidity. With a passion for machine learning and AI, he spearheads the development of groundbreaking liquidity solutions that empower businesses worldwide. Brad's expertise and leadership have been instrumental in establishing Ripple as a trailblazing enterprise crypto solutions provider.

178: Uphold with Michelle O'Connor

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