In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with JP Thor⁠⁠, the visionary founder behind ⁠⁠ThorChain. From his roots in remote Australia to his career as a fighter and bomber pilot, JP shares his remarkable journey into decentralized finance and the creation of ThorChain, a groundbreaking cross-chain liquidity protocol.

JP reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of building ThorChain, including his decision to remain pseudonymous as “Lina” during the project’s early days. Inspired by Norse mythology, ThorChain evolved with a unique mission to decentralize finance. Today, it’s transitioning to full community governance through a concept he calls “planned obsolescence.”

JP also shares insights into the future of decentralized finance, envisioning an ecosystem where bots and humans interact on a global scale, with ThorChain as a core protocol. We dive deep into his “Acell” philosophy on AI and accelerationism, exploring the future of crypto exchange and digital assets.

On the personal side, JP talks about his global helicopter expeditions, sharing stories from his travels through challenging terrains. We also explore his theory on the memetic power of Israel and how its geographical stability enabled it to become a hub of cultural and philosophical development.

If you’re into blockchain, crypto, or just love stories of resilience and innovation, tune in for an adventure-packed episode full of big ideas and future-thinking insights.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with ⁠Jake Brukhman⁠, founder and CEO of ⁠CoinFund⁠, to explore the evolution of crypto investing. Jake shares his journey from discovering Bitcoin in 2011 to launching one of the first crypto-native investment firms, CoinFund, in 2015. The conversation dives into CoinFund’s unique approach to long-term infrastructure investments, the role of governance in crypto VC, and Jake’s predictions on how blockchain and decentralized tech will gain mainstream adoption. They also discuss regulatory impacts on the industry, the potential convergence of AI and crypto, and CoinFund’s focus on deep-tech projects poised to shape the future of Web3, as well as [how could they not], the upcoming US elections and their impact on global crypto markets.

You can follow Jake on Twitter/X at: @jbrukh

You can learn more about CoinFund's ideal target companies going into this bull market, here: https://x.com/jbrukh/status/1848533323544482287

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Amanda Tuminelli, Chief Legal Officer at the DeFi Education Fund, to explore the critical legal battles shaping the future of decentralized finance.

Amanda shares her insights on the ongoing fight for fair crypto regulation, the DeFi Education Fund’s involvement in high-profile cases like Roman Storm's Tornado Cash prosecution, and their defense of DeFi developers in groundbreaking impact litigation.

They also dive into the Fund's efforts to hold regulators accountable, such as their challenge to the SEC's handling of airdrops and digital asset enforcement.

Whether you're a legal professional, a DeFi enthusiast, or just curious about the intersection of law and crypto, this episode is packed with invaluable knowledge.

Support the DeFi Education Fund's important work by donating here.
Connect with Amanda on Twitter: @AmandaTums

In this episode of ⁠Beyond the Code⁠, Yitzy sits down with ⁠Jason Schwartz⁠, tax partner and co-head of ⁠Fried Frank⁠’s Digital Assets and Blockchain Practice, for a lively discussion on crypto taxation, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), and the future of decentralization.

With deep expertise in tax issues related to digital assets, financial products, and funds, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in the crypto space.

Jason sheds light on the importance of understanding global tax challenges in a world where governments are increasingly focused on taxing digital assets. From structuring protocols to avoiding costly mistakes, Jason shares why staying ahead of these issues is crucial for long-term success in crypto projects.Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear real-world examples of Jason’s work with 501 Foundry, a pro bono initiative helping non-profits secure tax-exempt status, and how decentralized governance is reshaping industries like DeFi and digital art.

Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just curious about the intersection of tax and blockchain, this episode is full of relatable insights and practical advice from one of the top experts in the field.

Enjoy!

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Joseph Page, founder of the Web3-focused venture capital firm Strange Quark. Joseph shares his unique journey from his roots in Honduras to studying and competing in ping pong in Taiwan, and ultimately moving to Israel, where he became a key player in the crypto world. The conversation explores Joseph's experience investing in Solana, the rise of decentralized infrastructure projects, and his deep dive into AI-driven technology like BlockMesh, his latest investment focused on decentralized AI monitoring solutions. Joseph explains his approach to investments, his vision for the future of decentralized systems, and the real-world applications driving his thesis on decentralized physical and virtual infrastructure.

Listeners will also hear insights on how Joseph evaluates projects, his thoughts on Solana's growth, and the cultural differences between Solana and Ethereum builders. If you’re curious about the future of Web3, AI monitoring, or venture capital in blockchain, this is a must-listen episode.

You can reach out to Joseph on Telegram, at: @JoeStrangeQ

Over the next 8 weeks we are going to speak to several investors who are specifically looking to target emerging markets - Joseph is the first, but stay tuned for more. Let us know if there are questions you want to ask them, by emailing Yitzy, at: yitzy@hlawco.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Solana commercial source credit of Super Team's X account: https://x.com/SuperteamDAO/status/1775514557269877004

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy is joined by Moish Peltz, a partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman PLLC, co-host of the Block & Order podcast, and a true OG in the world of crypto law. Moish shares his fascinating journey from his early days in the IP and tech law sectors to becoming a key figure in the crypto space, diving deep into the concept of being a "crypto degen lawyer."

The conversation kicks off with Moish reminiscing about his early forays into Bitcoin mining in 2013, navigating the wild volatility of the market, and eventually finding his way into the NFT and DeFi spaces. He opens up about the trials and triumphs of being an early adopter, including the story of how he acquired his first Bored Ape and the impact it had on his career and life.

Yitzy and Moish discuss the evolution of the crypto legal landscape, the challenges of navigating regulation, and the importance of getting hands-on experience in the industry to truly understand it. They also explore the cultural phenomenon of "degen" behavior in crypto, why it's embraced by the community, and how it influences both legal practice and business strategies.

At [00:46:10], the conversation takes a political turn as Yitzy and Moish delve into the complex issue of crypto in U.S. politics. They discuss the divide between political parties on the subject, the challenges of creating effective regulation, and the implications for the future of the industry. This segment offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of policy and innovation in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.

In the latter part of the episode, the discussion shifts to the future of crypto law, the growing pains of the industry, and what lies ahead for digital assets, NFTs, and decentralized organizations (DAOs). Moish offers his insights on how lawyers can better support the crypto community and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in this fast-paced, ever-changing field.

Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just curious about the intersection of law and digital assets, this episode is packed with valuable insights, stories, and practical advice from one of the most respected voices in the industry.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Flavia Naves to explore her remarkable journey from Brazil to the US, culminating in her influential role on the Wyoming Stable Token Commission. Flavia shares her unique experiences, including her pivotal role as General Counsel at Circle, where she navigated the complexities of the USDC stablecoin and the challenges of the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. Join us as we delve into the future of stablecoins in Wyoming and the broader implications for blockchain technology and regulation. This episode offers valuable insights for tech entrepreneurs, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Early Career and Journey to the US:

   • Flavia’s decision to study in the US and her experience as an exchange student;
   • The challenges and opportunities of being a foreign-trained attorney in the US;

2. Professional Path and Pivot to Technology:

   • Transition from law clerk to in-house counsel;
   • Experiences in technology licensing and payments at companies like Intuit and Circle.

3. Navigating the World of Crypto and Stablecoins:

   • Introduction to Circle and the USDC stablecoin;
   • The importance of regulation and compliance in the crypto space;
   • Flavia’s experience during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis;

4. Wyoming Stable Token Commission:

   • The role of the commission and its goals;
   • Wyoming’s innovative approach to blockchain and digital assets;
   • The future of state-issued stablecoins and their potential impact.

Description:
In this special episode of Beyond the Code, host Yitzy welcomes back previous guests Brian L. Frye and Jason Gottlieb, along with new guest Jonathan Mann, to discuss their recent lawsuit against the SEC. Jonathan and Brian, both prominent artists in the NFT space, have teamed up with superstar securities lawyer, Morrison & Cohen's Jason Gottlieb, to challenge the SEC's actions against NFT projects like Stoner Cats and Impact Theory.

This episode delves into the legal and artistic implications of the SEC's enforcement actions, exploring what this means for the future of digital art and blockchain technology.

Subscribe & Follow:

• Subscribe to Beyond the Code on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Follow us on Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn for updates and more.