Hashing It Out

Cointelegraph

Hashing It Out is Cointelegraph’s technical crypto podcast, covering innovations, emerging technology and important stories from the blockchain industry. It features interviews with thought leaders in the space, focusing on BTC, Ethereum, altcoins and new technological advancements in the cryptocurrency industry.

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Episodes

CEX vs. DEX in 2025: The future of trading feat. Armani Ferrante (Backpack)
4d ago
CEX vs. DEX in 2025: The future of trading feat. Armani Ferrante (Backpack)
In this episode of Hashing It Out, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw sits down with Armani Ferrante, CEO of Backpack, to discuss the evolution of centralized exchanges, Backpack’s innovative approach to trading and the role of compliance in crypto. From proof of reserves to Backpack’s new perpetual futures system, they dive into how exchanges can build trust in a post-FTX world.(00:00) – Intro and guest Introduction(01:12) – Crypto in 2025(06:02) – The birth of Backpack(09:51) – Lessons from FTX(15:04) – Proof of Reserves debate(22:05) – What makes Backpack unique?(27:32) – Traders’ reactions(29:04) – New blockchain integrations(31:22) – Solana’s future(35:50) – DEXs vs. centralized exchanges This episode of Hashing It Out is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted by  Elisha Owusu Akyaw, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up).Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow this episode’s host, Elisha Owusu Akyaw (GhCryptoGuy), on X at @ghcryptoguy.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Wearables and AI: The future of health data (feat. CUDIS)
30-01-2025
Wearables and AI: The future of health data (feat. CUDIS)
Wearable technology is evolving, and blockchain is playing a key role in reshaping how health data is owned and used. In this episode of Hashing It Out, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw speaks with Edison Chen, CEO of CUDIS, about the intersection of wearables, Web3 and AI. They dive into everything data privacy, blockchain’s role in securing health information and the future of user-controlled data in a decentralized world.(00:00) – Introduction(01:00) – Meet Edison Chen(03:00) – The wearables market(05:00) – Why CUDIS?(07:30) – Data ownership and privacy(10:00) – Security and AI(13:00) – Crypto incentives for wellness(16:00) – Solana vs. other blockchains(19:30) – Web3, AI and the future of wearables(22:30) – Final thoughts and what’s next This episode of Hashing It Out is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted by  Elisha OwusuAkyaw, produced by Savannah Fortis, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up).Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow this episode’s host, Elisha Owusu Akyaw (GhCryptoGuy), on X at @ghcryptoguy.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Decentralized AI and AI agents driving the Web3 2025 supercycle
16-01-2025
Decentralized AI and AI agents driving the Web3 2025 supercycle
In this episode of Hashing It Out, Elisha Owusu Akyaw sits down with Michael Heinrich, co-founder and CEO of 0G Labs, to explore the intersection of Web3 and AI in 2025. They hash out the hype of Web3 AI, the best applications, the pros and cons of AI agents and what goes into a decentralized AI operating system. [02:15] - AI simplifies Web3 user experiences[04:38] - Functionality of AI agents[05:17] - What is verifiable inference and why we need it[08:02] - Journey to Web3 AI development [12:02] - Urgency of decentralizing AI and preventing monopolization[14:50] - What makes a decentralized AI operating system?[18:55] - Challenges in AI alignment and blockchain's role[21:23] - Is an AI apocalypse possible?[23:49] - Working with a modular tech stack [27:11] - Use cases for decentralized AI in critical applications[32:50] - 2025 roadmap and the Web3 AI supercycle[36:00] - Web3: Two truths and a lieThis episode of Hashing It Out is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted by  Elisha Owusu Akyaw, produced by Savannah Fortis, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up).Follow this episode’s host, Elisha Owusu Akyaw (GhCryptoGuy), on X  @ghcryptoguy. Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
2025 and beyond: DePIN's role in the next crypto wave
19-12-2024
2025 and beyond: DePIN's role in the next crypto wave
Dive into the future of decentralized infrastructure with Elisha Owusu Akyaw and Fluence Labs CEO Tom Trowbridge on this episode of Hashing It Out. Discover how DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) disrupts centralized giants, enables real-world utility and shapes blockchain's next frontier. Tom unpacks the challenges, opportunities and innovations driving Fluence Labs and the broader DePIN ecosystem, offering a compelling vision for 2025 and beyond.(00:03) Introduction to Tom Trowbridge and DePIN(01:24) Tom’s Journey into Web3 and DePIN(03:26) What is DePIN? A Clear Definition(05:20) Is DePIN a Meme or a Game-Changer?(08:26) Why Fluence Labs? Tackling Centralization in the Cloud(11:53) How Decentralization Enhances Security and Scalability(13:42) Marketing DePIN: Product First, Crypto Second(19:27) Role of Tokens in DePIN Projects(23:28) DePIN Use Cases: What Excites Tom Most?(27:07) Lessons Learned from Building in DePIN(28:58) What’s Next for Fluence and DePIN in 2025?(30:32) Closing RemarksFollow Tom Trowbridge on X: @TheTomTrowThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Are NFTs dead? RARI Chain's Jana Bertram says they’re just evolving
05-12-2024
Are NFTs dead? RARI Chain's Jana Bertram says they’re just evolving
In this episode of Hashing It Out, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw chats with Jana Bertram, Head of Strategy at Rari Foundation, to explore the current state and future of nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Together they discuss the challenges and opportunities in the NFT space, including the impact of royalties, scalability, and adoption in real-world applications. Jana also reflects on her journey into Web3 and shares insights into how NFTs evolve beyond the speculative market to support diverse use cases such as digital identity and asset ownership. The conversation also examines other shifting dynamics of the NFT ecosystem and its broader implications for the blockchain industry.00:00 – Introduction01:34 – Are NFTs Really Dead?03:05 – Real-World Asset Tokenization06:21 – Jana’s Journey into Web309:26 – Rethinking Royalties in the NFT Space13:53 – Why Launch a Custom Chain?15:45 – Scalability and Affordability18:07 – Decentralization and Security19:22 – Barriers to NFT Growth21:05 – The Future of NFTs22:16 – Clarifying Rari Foundation and Rari Chain24:26 – What’s Next for Rari and NFTs?25:23 – Closing RemarksThis episode of Hashing It Out is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted by  Elisha Owusu AKyaw, produced by Savannah Fortis with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up).Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow this episode’s host, Elisha Owusu AKyaw (GhCryptoGuy), on X at @ghcryptoguy.Follow Jana on X at @yannauCheck out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Understanding the power of crypto cash-back rewards with Moso co-founder Blake Capozza
21-11-2024
Understanding the power of crypto cash-back rewards with Moso co-founder Blake Capozza
In this episode of Hashing It Out, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw chats with Blake Capozza, the co-founder of crypto rewards platform Moso, about revolutionizing the shopping experience through crypto cashback rewards. Learn more about how Web3 is changing the way people spend their money, how shops can incentivize customers via rewards and what this means for cryptocurrency adoption in the greater scheme. (00:03 - 00:20) Intro: crypto cashback and its potential(01:45 - 00:02:16) Blake's journey (3:00 - 03:46) The rise and fall of crypto cashback(03:51 - 04:18) Earning crypto while shopping(04:18 - 06:43) Enterprise and consumer perspectives(06:43 - 08:03) The crypto native advantage(08:03 - 09:56) User experience and chain abstraction(09:56 - 11:35) The challenges of onboarding (12:50 - 14:07) Navigating the regulatory landscape(14:22 - 19:21) The future of crypto cashbackThis episode of Hashing It Out is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted by  Elisha Owusu AKyaw, produced by Savannah Fortis with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up).Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow this episode’s host, Elisha Owusu AKyaw (GhCryptoGuy), on X at @ghcryptoguy.Follow Blake Capozza on X @lablakers24Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Data sovereignty in the age of blockchain with CESS co-founder
07-11-2024
Data sovereignty in the age of blockchain with CESS co-founder
In this episode of Hashing It Out, Elisha Owusu Akyaw and Nicholas Zaldastani, co-founder and chairman of CESS, discuss the evolution of Web3, focusing on data sovereignty, privacy and the role of decentralized storage. Zaldastani shares his journey from Oracle to founding CESS Network, emphasizing the importance of data security in the blockchain era. The conversation explores various use cases, including NFTs and AI, and how blockchain technology addresses data censorship and storage efficiency challenges. (0:00) Introduction(1:34) Data sovereignty and privacy(3:38) Nicholas Zaldastani’s journey and CESS’s vision(13:41) Decentralized storage approach(18:40) AI and data infrastructure(23:14) CESS network and node structure(26:40) Data censorship and Web3 adoption(30:17) DeOS: Decentralized Object Storage Service(34:09) Driving Web3 adoptionThis episode of Hashing It Out is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted by  Elisha Owusu AKyaw, produced by Savannah Fortis with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up).Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow this episode’s host, Elisha Owusu AKyaw (GhCryptoGuy), on X at @ghcryptoguy.Follow Nicholas on X at @Nicholas_CESS Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Using Web3 to incentivize a better life with Puffpaw CEO & VeChain comms lead
10-10-2024
Using Web3 to incentivize a better life with Puffpaw CEO & VeChain comms lead
In this Hashing It Out episode, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw is joined by VeChain comms lead Jake Campton and Puffpaw CEO Reffo Tse for a roundtable discussion on how Web3 can incentivize positive lifestyle changes. They explore VeChain’s VeBetter platform, which tokenizes sustainable actions, and Puffpaw’s vape-to-earn initiative, using blockchain rewards to help users quit nicotine. Other talking points include Web3’s path to creating a real-world impact, the gamification of incentive programs and marketing incentives vs. effects of products.Timecodes:(00:00) - Introduction to the episode(01:45) - How Jack and Reffo entered the Web3 space(04:09) - VeChain and Puffpaw overview and incentivizing behavior with Web3(11:43) - Combining Web3 with other technologies(17:05) - Reactions from users and developers to VeChain and Puffpaw(24:27) - The value of controversial Web3 projects(28:30) - Sustainability in VeChain’s ecosystem(31:58) - Striking a balance in marketing Web3 projects(40:03) - Future of Web3 technologyThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Data, AI and the blockchain paradigm shift with Chainbase COO Chris Feng
12-09-2024
Data, AI and the blockchain paradigm shift with Chainbase COO Chris Feng
In this episode of Hashing It Out, your host, Elisha Owusu Akyaw, sits down with Chris Feng, co-founder and COO of Chainbase, to explore the fascinating intersection of data, AI and blockchain. Chris shares insights into how Chainbase is trying to change onchain data infrastructure and driving the next wave of innovation in Web3.Timestamps:(01:13) - Chris Feng’s journey into crypto(04:21) - Chainbase’s role in building a data infrastructure for blockchain(06:33) - Chainbase difference from data platforms like CoinMarketCap(07:53) - AI in blockchain and how Chainbase integrates AI(11:54) - Future of AI in blockchain(14:14) - Chainbase and developer community(17:52) - Blockchain data fragmentation and omnichannel network(20:08) - Crypto world model and its significance(22:18) - Challenges faced in building Chainbase(23:22) - Future of data aggregation in Web3 and new use cases(25:45) - What’s next for Chainbase: Developer onboarding and open-source AI modelThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Traveling across the multichain world with Keer Lau from Orbiter Finance
29-08-2024
Traveling across the multichain world with Keer Lau from Orbiter Finance
In this episode of Cointelegraph’s Hashing It Out podcast, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw dives deep into the world of cross-chain protocols and multichain ecosystems with Keer Lau, ecosystem growth lead at Orbiter Finance. Lau discusses how Orbiter is redefining interoperability, tackling liquidity fragmentation and building a seamless, secure future for Web3. Tune in to get an in-depth understanding of security concerns in cross-chain protocols, the future of rollups and layer-2 solutions and airdrop expectations and methodology in current market conditions. Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to the episode(03:45) - Overview of Orbiter Finance and its role as a cross-chain bridge(05:08) - Orbiter Finance’s pivot to an omni-chain ecosystem(06:41) - Security concerns in cross-chain platforms(09:35) - Challenges of liquidity fragmentation and how Orbiter Finance addresses them(12:43) - Future scalability with multiple rollups(14:26) - Omni-chain infrastructure development(17:42) - Improving user experience in multichain systems(19:34) - Market landscape and building in bear markets(21:17) - Airdrop expectations and challenges(23:23) - Decentralization and future plans for Orbiter FinanceThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Navigating Web3 hiring with Talent Protocol CEO Pedro Oliveira
15-08-2024
Navigating Web3 hiring with Talent Protocol CEO Pedro Oliveira
In this episode of Hashing It Out by Cointelegraph, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw dives into the world of Web3 talent with Pedro Oliveira, co-founder and CEO of Talent Protocol. Discover the current state of builders in Web3, the challenges of hiring in this evolving space, and how Talent Protocol is revolutionizing recruitment with onchain reputation systems. Learn about the integration of Proof of Humanity, builder scores, and the importance of decentralized social platforms in creating a transparent and efficient hiring ecosystem. Whether you’re a recruiter or a job seeker, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the future of Web3 hiring.Time stamps:(00:00) - Introduction to the episode(01:11) - Current state of talent in the Web3 space(04:57) - Pedro’s background and how he transitioned into the Web3 space(07:54) - The concept of onchain reputation, proof of humanity, and integration with Worldcoin and Coinbase(10:55) - Major challenges in recruiting within Web3(15:03) - Filtering and verification of real human profiles versus bots and fake resumes(17:17) - Current recruitment trends and the role of decentralized social platforms in hiring(20:24) - How companies and projects can attract builders, Optimism’s retro funding(27:22) - The future of hiring in Web3The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
The era of DePINs with Pavel Bains, CEO of Bluzelle
01-08-2024
The era of DePINs with Pavel Bains, CEO of Bluzelle
In this episode of Hashing It Out by Cointelegraph, host Owusu Akyaw interviews Pavel Bains, co-founder and CEO of Bluzelle, about decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs). They discuss what DePINs are, why there’s growing interest in them, and the role of storage in this ecosystem. Bains explains how Bluzelle is building a decentralized storage network on top of IPFS, offering better security and redundancy than traditional models. They also touch on the use of AI in managing data storage, the importance of incentives in the Web3 space, and the potential interaction between DePINs and DeFi.Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to the episode(02:21) - Analysis of the current crypto market, past trends, and prediction of future movements(07:57) - The concept of decentralized physical infrastructure networks(09:54) - Rise of DePINs, the reasons behind the hype(11:16) - Bluzelle’s use of IPFs and comparison with traditional storage models(15:55) - The importance of storage in the DePIN ecosystem(17:50) - Challenges in building decentralized storage solutions(19:59) - The role of AI in data storage, potential applications, and limitations of AI in this space(24:10) - The importance of providing incentives in Web3 space(27:30) - The interplay between DeFi and decentralized infrastructure(29:27) - Future of decentralized infrastructureThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
The future of Web3: Layer-2 challenges and enterprise adoption
20-06-2024
The future of Web3: Layer-2 challenges and enterprise adoption
In this episode of Cointelegraph’s Hashing it Out podcast, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw interviews Roy Hui, co-founder and CEO of LightLink, a layer-2 blockchain. Hui discusses the current state of the blockchain industry, the challenges faced by layer-2 solutions, and LightLink’s unique approach to addressing these challenges. Hui emphasizes LightLink’s focus on enterprise adoption and its mission to accelerate the global adoption of Web3 technologies. He also shares insights into LightLink’s partnerships with various brands and its efforts to attract developers and users to its platform.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to the episode(01:42) - Differences, challenges, and saturation of layer-1 and layer-2 blockchains(02:55) - Roy Hui’s journey into the Web3 space(04:29) - The evolution of blockchain technology and the significance of Ethereum(06:34) - The current state of the blockchain industry(09:16) - The origin of LightLink, economic model, gasless transactions, and how it addresses industry challenges(14:02) - The blockchain trilemma and layer-2 solutions(16:20) - Challenges and strategies for building sustainable layer-2 platforms and effective DApps(19:31) - How LightLink is attracting developers to build on their platform(21:26) - Enterprise adoption of Web3 technologies(24:57) - Developer challenges when building layer-2 networks for enterprises(25:56) - LightLink’s partnerships(26:33) - Strategy and challenges of conducting airdrops in 2024(28:20) - Web3 adoption in the APAC region(30:30) - LightLink’s plans for 2024The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Breaking down the real-world asset tokenization hype with Mantra Chain CEO John Mullin
04-04-2024
Breaking down the real-world asset tokenization hype with Mantra Chain CEO John Mullin
Hashing It Out host Elisha Owusu Akyaw welcomes John Mullin, the CEO of Mantra Chain, for a deep dive into real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. This episode breaks down the hype, explores the true potential for investors and discusses the challenges faced by the emerging technology. Mullin explains what tokenization means for Web3 adoption and its potential to increase institutional investments, as well as highlighting the state of regulations in the RWA space and what that means for Web3 projects. Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter): @CointelegraphFollow the host on X (Twitter): @ghcryptoguy, or connect with him on LinkedIn: Elisha (GhCryptoGuy)Cointelegraph’s website: cointelegraph.comThe views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.