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Blockchain Bit

Blockchain Bit

By Ana Paula Picasso

Blockchain Bit brings you informal chats with different people in the blockchain and crypto worlds.
Hosted by Ana Paula Picasso (Twitter @a_picasso)

For more info go to anapaulapicasso.com
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Pablo Escobar's hippos, wildlife conservation, decentralized governance and NFTs with Chris Truman and Benton Perret, co-founders of Pablo's Hippos

Blockchain BitApr 11, 2022

00:00
25:46
Brazil's Thriving Financial Sector: Fintech, Cryptocurrency and CBDC "Real Digital"

Brazil's Thriving Financial Sector: Fintech, Cryptocurrency and CBDC "Real Digital"

* This episode is a repost from my other podcast Emerging Markets Today

From unbanked to crypto users, this episode we talked about the thriving financial sector of Brazil! 💰

I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Stanley, the founder of the Brazil Crypto Report. We explored the fintech scene, the cryptocurrency sector, and even Brazil’s new digital currency (CBDC), the Real Digital.

Here are a couple of key takeaways from our conversation:

  • Fintech and Cryptocurrency Boom in Brazil: Aaron shared fascinating insights into the rapid growth of the fintech and cryptocurrency industries in Brazil. With a dynamic ecosystem and a strong focus on innovation, Brazil is becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
  • High-Level Use Cases: One interesting trend discussed was the shift towards higher-level use cases in Brazil’s cryptocurrency space. As the payments use case becomes more established, entrepreneurs are now exploring asset tokenization and other innovative applications. This opens up exciting opportunities for investors and developers in the country.
  • The Real Digital: The pilot project for the digital real kicked off in June and is expected to last for 18 months. This ambitious project sets Brazil apart as one of the most innovative countries in the development of CBDCs. The design of the digital real, with its focus on tokenization and wholesale use, adds value to the economy and has the potential to transform the entire financial system.

If you’re curious to learn more about Brazil’s financial sector and the cryptocurrency scene, make sure to tune in to this episode.

You can find it on all podcast platforms and don’t forget to subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter the Brazil Crypto Report on Substack!

Jul 17, 202333:35
A bittersweet goodbye to Blockchain Bit podcast...
Dec 09, 202201:44
Blockchain & AI - Part 2: The Dark Side of AI
Oct 04, 202231:47
Blockchain & AI - Part 1: a Match Made in Tech Heaven
Oct 04, 202219:34
Real Estate Tokenization - Part 2: The Future

Real Estate Tokenization - Part 2: The Future

This is the second (and final) part of the Real Estate Tokenization series!

And I invited 2 special guests to talk about the various aspects of Real Estate Tokenization: Claus Skaaning the co-founder of Danish company Digishares, that provides tokenization services ranging from Real estate to equity and funds and Josh Emison, co-founder of Sans Bank, an alternative lending and investment solution for property owners and everyday investors.

In this episode we talked about the different types of real estate tokenization, how tokenization opened opportunities for everyday investors and what they think about the future of real estate tokenization will look like.

Don’t forget to check the first part of the series here!

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Blockchain Bit is on Feedspot's list of 50 Best Blockchain Podcasts

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Sep 20, 202218:44
Real Estate Tokenization - Part 1: What's happening now!

Real Estate Tokenization - Part 1: What's happening now!

This is the first part of the Real Estate Tokenization series!

And I invited 2 special guests to talk about the various aspects of Real Estate Tokenization: Claus Skaaning the co-founder of Danish company Digishares, that provides tokenization services ranging from Real estate to equity and funds and Josh Emison, co-founder of Sans Bank, an alternative lending and investment solution for property owners and everyday investors.

In this episode we talked about how Real Estate Tokenization has become a new hot opportunity for investors, how regulation affects adoption and an overview of what’s happening in the US, EU and beyond.

The second part is already out - check it out here!

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Blockchain Bit is on Feedspot's list of 50 Best Blockchain Podcasts

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Sep 20, 202215:29
And I'm back...with new episodes and new format!
Sep 05, 202201:08
A brief update - Summer break ☀️
Jun 03, 202200:58
Monetizing Your Own Financial Data and the "DeFi Mullet" with Alan McDonald, founder of Unbanx

Monetizing Your Own Financial Data and the "DeFi Mullet" with Alan McDonald, founder of Unbanx

This episode is about owning our own financial data!

I spoke to Alan McDonald, founder of Unbanx, the world's first consumer banking data union. 

We talked about why open banking opens new possibilities for using financial data, but we still don't know who owns our financial data and, most importantly, how we could monetize it - how blockchain and DeFi can help with that.

Also, we chatted about fintech innovation and what the "DeFi mullet" is: fintech at the front, decentralized finance at the back - Alan did this very "technical diagram" on Twitter here.

Blockchain Bit is on Feedspot's list of 50 Best Blockchain Podcasts

Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 


May 09, 202223:56
How Crypto Scams are becoming more ingenious with Jesse Anglen, founder of Rapid Innovation

How Crypto Scams are becoming more ingenious with Jesse Anglen, founder of Rapid Innovation

This episode is all about scams! As crypto and NFTs are evolving, so are the scams!

To talk about that, I invited Jesse Anglen, founder of Rapid Innovation. He made a YouTube video called "Common Crypto Scams and How to Avoid Them in 2022" that sheds a new light on how scammers are becoming more ingenious.

We talked about the "good old-fashioned" exit scams and Ponzi schemes, the recent NFT wash trading wave, bot accounts, gas fee manipulation, and "sacrificing" —  and other creative types of scams. I've learnt that there is no "free lunch" in the crypto world.

Rapid Innovation is a BlockChain / Web3 App Development company that help startups and entrepreneurs go from concept to launch

Check out their Website

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Blockchain Bit is on Feedspot's list of 50 Best Blockchain Podcasts

Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Apr 25, 202225:59
Pablo Escobar's hippos, wildlife conservation, decentralized governance and NFTs with Chris Truman and Benton Perret, co-founders of Pablo's Hippos
Apr 11, 202225:46
Building a Decentralized Cross-Border Payment System with Eric Osuorah, founder of AFOMA

Building a Decentralized Cross-Border Payment System with Eric Osuorah, founder of AFOMA

I invited Eric Osuorah, the founder of AFOMA, "the goodwill token". He wanted to empower artisans and small businesses in different African communities, so he started Sellitic - a more financial inclusive eCommerce marketplace using a crypto token called AFOMA.

He told me that these craftsmen and artists want to sell outside of their native countries, but the existing cross-border payment methods (PayPal and bank transfers) are prohibitively expensive, slow, and impractical for small businesses in emerging markets. Also, Eric told me about the difficulties in educating about crypto technology and its benefits, but he already has a strategy in place.

Check out Sellictic here

Check out AFOMA here

Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 



Mar 28, 202225:33
Crypto as a Service & Fintech Trends with Bruno Diniz, Fintech Advisor and Best-Selling Author

Crypto as a Service & Fintech Trends with Bruno Diniz, Fintech Advisor and Best-Selling Author

This episode will be about Crypto as a Service: the gap between traditional finance and crypto finance is closing! 

I invited fellow Brazilian Bruno Diniz, a fintech advisor, best-selling author and managing director of Spiralem, a consultancy focused on Fintech. 

We talked about what Crypto as a Service (CaaS) is, why Bruno thinks that CaaS will boom in 2022 and the coming years. Plus, we talked about embedded finance, regulations for crypto and fintech companies and some other fintech trends coming up (or evolving) in the next 12 months. 

Don't forget to follow Bruno Diniz on LinkedIn 

Bruno's article (in English): Crypto-as-a-Service and the new financial market infrastructure 

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Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online 

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Mar 14, 202230:29
[Football Series] The Evolution of Crypto Sponsorships with Matt House, Founder of SportQuake

[Football Series] The Evolution of Crypto Sponsorships with Matt House, Founder of SportQuake

Welcome to the third (and last) episode of the Blockchain + Football series! This episode is all about crypto sponsorships.

I invited Matt House, Founder of SportQuake and eSportQuake to talk about the wave of crypto sponsorships happening in the last 12 months and how they will evolve in the years to come.

Matt gave us an overview of the regulations, sponsorships, and advertising in Europe and US and in emerging markets like Brazil and Africa. He also told me about the crypto sport sponsorship trifecta, which includes football (which we already know), eSports, and Formula 1.

Follow SportQuake on LinkedIn and Twitter

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Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Feb 28, 202226:37
[Football Series] Fan tokens, exit scams and football scandals with Martin Calladine, football writer

[Football Series] Fan tokens, exit scams and football scandals with Martin Calladine, football writer

Welcome to the Blockchain + Football series! Here is my chat with football writer Martin Calladine, Author of football books The Ugly Game and The Lies and Fall of OWNaFC

We talked about fan tokens and why they might be doomed, the rise and fall of the infamous crowdfunding football app OWNaFC and why Martin decided to write a book about this scandal. If you are not familiar with this story, you are in for a wild ride! 

Also, why a lack of regulation may be the reason of future types of fan-based club ownerships (either with crypto or fiat) will face the same fate as OWNaFC. 

Buy Fit and Proper People: The Lies and Fall of OWNaFC here 

Buy The Ugly Game here 

And 

Watch Pelé's Goal on Brazil vs Italy World Cup Final 1970 here 

=================

Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 


Feb 14, 202235:25
[Football Series] Crypto Sponsorships & Team NFTs with Petrit Berisha, Head of CryptoMedia at Copa90

[Football Series] Crypto Sponsorships & Team NFTs with Petrit Berisha, Head of CryptoMedia at Copa90

Welcome to the first episode of Blockchain + Football series! To kickoff the series I invited Petrit Berisha, head of CryptoMedia at Copa90 and multi award winning podcast creator. 

He is "the person" to talk about all things football and sports. 

We talked about why crypto sponsorships in Football clubs are booming, why Petrit thinks the fan token model needs to change and evolve, and why some team NFTs received criticism.  

Petrit has just launched a new podcast about NFTs - Floorcast - Check it out here 

Also, you can subscribe to his newsletter Sporting Crypto here 

Follow Petrit Berisha on Twitter 

=================

Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online

Follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Jan 31, 202238:43
Why NFT projects die without community with Jun Loayza, founder of Metablox

Why NFT projects die without community with Jun Loayza, founder of Metablox

This episode is for anyone who is planning to create (or has already launched) a NFT, or who simply wants to learn more about community building.

I've got countless emails from various NFT projects saying that they launched the project but it had little traction, meaning no sales.

So, I invited Jun Loayza, founder of Metablox, a NFT project that allows you to own real world places as NFTs, powered by real life memories. 

Jun has a fantastic series of Medium blog posts about some of the strategies he used to build a thriving community for Metablox, including using Google Docs to publish their white paper with their community's help and some tips for keeping a Discord channel active and engaging.

Metablox Discord discord.gg/gEqZHj8ANt

And here is my Medium post  3 Don’ts if You Want to Launch your NFT Successfully

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Don't forget to check out Blockchain PR www.blockchainpr.online 

Don't forget to follow me: Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

Jan 17, 202231:23
The Potential of Blockchain for Healthcare Systems with Lito Michala, PhD at University of Glasgow

The Potential of Blockchain for Healthcare Systems with Lito Michala, PhD at University of Glasgow

Did you know that malaria kills over 400,000 people per year globally?

This episode will be about how a project in Uganda is reaching underserved areas where testing for malaria can be challenging and having the diagnosis early can be a matter of life or death. 

I invited Lito Michala, PhD and Lecturer at the University of Glasgow in the school of computing science focused on IoT - and she is involved in the project to talked about why they chose the blockchain technology to store and share the data of the malaria test results and the challenges for blockchain adoption in the healthcare system.

In the second part I selected some clips from my interview with Professor Jon Cooper and Julien Reboud from the Bioengineering school at the University of Glasgow – we talked about how the project came about – the technology behind the test – cleverly named origami testing and how smartphones are used as a power source providing electricity to process the test.

If you want to listen to this second part in full, just go to my other podcast Emerging Markets Today in this link.

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online



Jan 03, 202225:17
VR + Meditation + Tokenization = Improved Well-being, Chat with Tristan Gribbin, founder of Flow.is

VR + Meditation + Tokenization = Improved Well-being, Chat with Tristan Gribbin, founder of Flow.is

This episode will be a little different in that we will discuss technology, VR, meditation, as well as blockchain and NFTs.

Here's my interview with Tritan Gribbin, the founder of Flow.is, a mobile app and web portal that features native VR meditation and they are the first meditation company to use blockchain.

We discussed how we are living in a stress epidemic and how technology can help us avoid burnout, which can be very costly for both individuals and businesses.

We also talked about the boom of meditation apps, how Flow saw the opportunity to include VR  since its beginning, and why many VR meditation apps failed.

What it was like to start a business in Iceland, and her future plans for the app - creating value by tokenizing meditation minutes and turning these tokens into rewards.

Flow.is launched its first NFT on Rarible featuring art and Icelandic nature.

Watch Tristan's TEDTalk "Meditation rivals medication" here

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online

Dec 20, 202127:37
Intelligent Wines and Better Supply Chain with Blockchain - Chat with Oliver Oram, founder of Chainvine

Intelligent Wines and Better Supply Chain with Blockchain - Chat with Oliver Oram, founder of Chainvine

This episode is for you that is a wine lover - and also want to know how blockchain is improving the wine supply chain.

I invited Oliver Oram, the founder of Chainvine, a digital platform that uses blockchain to manage wine supply chain data across different industries.

We discussed how blockchain (in this case DLT) can help in many aspects of the wine supply chain, ranging from proof of provenance to sustainability,  minimizing paper trails and collecting more accurate data to avoid product waste.

We also talked about intelligent wines and what they mean, and how the commercial sector is embracing digital adoption and why compliance isn't just for high-end wines but all of them.

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online


Dec 06, 202129:29
How Blockchain Can Revolutionize International Trade and Supply Chain - Chat with Andrea Frosinini, trade finance advisor

How Blockchain Can Revolutionize International Trade and Supply Chain - Chat with Andrea Frosinini, trade finance advisor

In the episode I spoke with Andrea Frosinini, a trade finance advisor and he is also on the advisory board of TOTTA (Trans-Oceanic Trade Tech Alliance) and the Blockchain Supply Chain Association.

He is the intersection of blockchain, international trade, trade finance and my favorite subject - emerging markets.

We talked about how blockchain can revolutionize international trade and supply chain, making trade and trade finance more inclusive for businesses in developing countries.

Also, we discussed the challenges for changing the mindset of traditional financial institutions and why Andrea thinks that cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, will cause a bigger impact in emerging markets.

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn 

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online

Nov 22, 202132:31
Tokenization: from the Nordics to Emerging Markets - Chat with Claus Skaaning, co-founder of DigiShares

Tokenization: from the Nordics to Emerging Markets - Chat with Claus Skaaning, co-founder of DigiShares

Here is an episode for you that wants to know more about tokenization and digital assets

This is my chat with Claus Skaaning the co-founder of Danish company Digishares, that provides tokenization services ranging from Real state to equity and funds. We talked about how the Nordic countries a little behind in the global tokenization ecosystem and the reasons behind it. 

On the other hand, emerging economies  have a more promising outlook for tokenized assets, with governments supporting asset tokenization with friendlier regulation. 

Plus, we talked about the Blockchain ecosystem in the Nordics and why Claus thinks that despite few successful blockchain companies, Nordic blockchain startups are still very few and far apart. 

If you want to know more about Digishares click here 

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn  

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online

Nov 08, 202121:36
[Podcast Crossover] Blockchain Bit + BlockDrops: Talking Blockchain with a Brazilian Twist

[Podcast Crossover] Blockchain Bit + BlockDrops: Talking Blockchain with a Brazilian Twist

The first podcast crossover on Blockchain Bit!

Me and Mauricio Magaldi, host of the bilingual podcast BlockDrops, talked about all things blockchain but a Brazilian twist!

Mauricio called from Sao Paulo - my birth town - and we talked about blockchain beyond crypto, NFTs, uses for different blockchain applications for supply chain and much more. Plus, how Bitcoin could have helped Brazil in the early 1990's if existed back then.

We also talked about our podcasting journey and why we need more podcast in different languages other than English.

Make sure you follow BlockDrops here for your weekly blockchain news roundup.

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR

If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online



Sep 20, 202159:59
How to turn your Blockchain and Crypto Passion into a Career - Chat with Faris Oweis, Crypto Coach and Web3 Instigator of Instigation Protocol

How to turn your Blockchain and Crypto Passion into a Career - Chat with Faris Oweis, Crypto Coach and Web3 Instigator of Instigation Protocol

This episode is for everyone with a passion for blockchain and / or cryptocurrencies and wants to turn that passion into a career. 

Or if you already work for a blockchain company and want to plan you next career move.

I spoke to Faris Oweis, a crypto coach advising people to make the move into a blockchain company.

We talked about the high demand for developers and also, non-tech roles like marketing for blockchain companies. Talking about the future, Faris sees a increase demand for jobs within DeFi, NFTs, mobility and identity

Plus, Faris is a Web3 instigator from Instigation Protocol, a company that sits at the intersection of blockchain technology, innovation and movement making.

Don't forget to follow Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter and LinkedIn

This episode was brought to you by Blockchain PR

If you want to know how Blockchain PR can help your business grow just go to www.blockchainpr.online

Aug 24, 202131:55
How DeFi can unlock liquidity for businesses - Chat with Alejandro Gutierrez, COO of Defactor
Jul 22, 202134:43
Introducing Emerging Markets Today podcast
Jul 06, 202105:35
Cryptocurrencies for Microfinance and Positive Social Impact - Chat with Taynaah Reis, founder of MoedaSeeds
Jun 10, 202128:02
Is Silver Better than Gold? Stablecoins backed by precious metals - Chat with Nick Prouten, COO at LODE
Apr 07, 202125:02
Blockchain & the Future of Digital Marketing - Chat with Renato Zamagna, The Chain Blog
Mar 10, 202137:12
DLT, payments & the unbanked in Sub-Saharan Africa - Chat with Espen Kvelland, CEO of Wakandi
Feb 02, 202131:42
Why we don't hear about Finland in the Blockchain world - Chat with Anita Kalergis, aka the Kryptogranny
Dec 02, 202035:40
Welcome to Blockchain Bit: a newly revamped podcast!
Nov 10, 202002:28
 The FakeFluencer Documentary - Chat with Tom Gillespie, film producer and crypto trader
Aug 24, 202018:29
Full episode: The FakeFluencer Documentary - Chat with Tom Gillespie, film producer and crypto trader ** Plus special guest at the end **
Aug 17, 202029:42
How New Regulations Are Affecting Crypto Companies in Estonia and Finland - Chat with Jay Hamideh, Chief Legal Officer of Vinculum Growth Oy
Jun 26, 202027:04
Bitcoin Halving, What Happens Next? Chat with Wilfred Michael, editor of Coinfomania and Emi LaCapra, crypto blogger
May 12, 202045:21
Blockchain for Healthcare Supply Chain - chat with Marcin Rzetecki, Blockchain lead at Espeo and VP at Polish Blockchain Association
May 07, 202022:26
The Differences Between Public Blockchains - Chat with Konrad Rotkiewicz, CEO at Ulam Labs
Apr 19, 202027:27
Fighting (more) Fake News with Blockchain and AI - Chat with Sukesh Tedla, co-founder of Swedish startup Unbiased
Mar 26, 202027:18
Coronavirus in Italy and Bitcoin Prices Volatility - Chat with Emi LaCapra, Italian cryptocurrency blogger
Mar 12, 202027:02
Is the Hype Around Blockchain Dead? Chat with Ludvig Öberg, co-founder of Safello and Angelica Lips da Cruz, CEO of Innorbis
Mar 01, 202037:24
Digital Money & Financial Inclusion - chat with Morten Nielsen, co-founder of Danish startup ARYZE
Feb 16, 202043:17
What's coming for Decentralised Finance (DeFi) in 2020? Chat with Jens Frid, the lead for the DeFi track of Sthlm Fintech Week
Jan 27, 202035:12
Formal Verification and Smart Contracts - chat with developer Rikard Hjort
Jan 20, 202029:30
2019 in Review: Facebook Libra and 5G - Chat with Denys Malengreau, digital trends expert

2019 in Review: Facebook Libra and 5G - Chat with Denys Malengreau, digital trends expert

We are reviewing 2 of the most important news of 2019: The announcement of Facebook Libra coin, a cryptocurrency that claims that will bank the unbanked and the rolling out of 5G connections, with China leading the way.

Here is my chat with Denys Malengreau, a consultant, advisor and public speaker specialised in digital trends.

Dec 17, 201943:38
A tecnologia Blockchain e a inteligencia artificial contra a disseminação das fake news - Entrevista com Edilson Osorio Jr. da OriginalMy
Dec 06, 201924:24
An accelerator for promising Blockchain startups - chat with Future Block CEO Tzahi Kanza
Dec 05, 201922:57
Why you should start a podcast for your B2B business
Dec 02, 201909:03
Employchain App - Tinder for Jobs without Swiping - Chat with BlockchainX CEO Jan-Phillip Arps

Employchain App - Tinder for Jobs without Swiping - Chat with BlockchainX CEO Jan-Phillip Arps

A mobile app for students using a blockchain for more equality and transparency in labour markets.


Nov 13, 201955:41
Fighting Fake News with Blockchain and AI - chat with Unbiased founder Sukesh Tedla
Nov 13, 201924:22