In this episode of The Optimism Show, Shane Mac, founder of XMTP, breaks down how the future of online identity might work — and why flexibility, not centralization, could win. He shares XMTP’s approach to universal identity, why user-owned identities could become cultural status symbols, and how messaging networks must adapt to a multi-identity world.

00:07 — How XMTP Thinks About Universal Identity

00:50 — Why XMTP Doesn’t Force a Single Namespace

01:36 — Importing and Using Any Identity

02:44 — Identities as New Social Status Symbols

03:30 — Community-Based Identity vs. Centralized Networks

04:15 — Building Flexible Foundations for the Future

🔗 Connect with Shane / XMTP

Website: https://xmtp.org

Twitter/X: https://x.com/shanemac

🎙️ Connect with Kris

Warpcast: https://warpcast.com/thekris

LinkedIn: / thekrispartner

💼 For sponsorships and collaborations:

Email: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER This episode does not constitute financial advice. Web3, DAOs, and decentralized tools carry risk. Always do your own research (DYOR).