E59: The Rise of Creative Founders in the Age of AI
ATX DAO OG and founding podcast host Nick Casares returns for a wide-ranging conversation about how generative AI is reshaping creativity, startups, and the future of work. Drawing from his experience in early-stage investing and product development, Nick breaks down how new tools are enabling solo founders and small teams to move faster than ever. The crew debates whether AI tools make us lazy or unlock new layers of human potential, and where the next billion-dollar ideas are likely to emerge.
From vibe coding to agentic systems, from the death of UI to the blurred lines between centralized and decentralized infrastructure, this episode covers the philosophical and practical shifts happening right now. If you’ve been wondering what happens when junior roles disappear, or how creative thinkers can win in a world dominated by machines, this one’s for you.
E58: How Texas Blockchain Is Shaping Crypto Talent
Sree Duggirala joins the ATX DAO Podcast to discuss how Texas Blockchain at UT Austin is training the next generation of crypto leaders. As an electrical and computer engineering major and club leader, Sree breaks down how the student organization has evolved from a research group into a powerhouse for blockchain education and real-world experience. From hands-on DeFi training to competitive hackathons and partnerships with Collab Currency, the club offers a unique launchpad for students to enter the Web3 workforce.
The conversation delves into topics such as student-led investment strategies, technical education tracks, and the broader impact of crypto cycles on university engagement. Sree also shares his personal journey into blockchain and what it takes to turn classroom curiosity into career opportunities. Whether you’re a student, founder, or protocol looking to connect with up-and-coming talent, this episode offers a firsthand look at how Texas Blockchain is building the future of Web3 in Austin.
E57: From Creative Tech to Community Building in Web3
Creative technologist and ATX DAO member Jenaro joins the podcast for a free-flowing roundtable on what it really takes to build in Web3. With over 25 years of experience across digital design, UX, and creative development, Jenaro shares his journey from early web projects to leading ATX DAO’s pitch competitions and branding efforts. The crew dives into how Web3 tooling is changing who gets to build, why Austin remains a hub for innovation, and what makes a DAO feel like a true community.
From reflections on post-FTX resilience to the behind-the-scenes effort of launching large-scale events, this episode blends storytelling, strategy, and startup humor. Jenaro also breaks down his first hackathon experience and the evolving role of AI in prototyping and creative work. If you’re interested in grassroots tech, collaborative culture, or just want to know what makes the ATX DAO ecosystem tick, this one’s for you.
E56: From Community Contributor to Launching Chains at Arbitrum: Vishnu Kumar’s Journey
Vishnu Kumar joins the ATX DAO Podcast to share his journey from early community contributor to helping teams launch custom chains at Arbitrum. With roots in Gitcoin’s public goods ecosystem and experience across DAOs like ATX DAO and Friends With Benefits, Vishnu brings a rare perspective on how community-first involvement can evolve into real infrastructure impact. He reflects on the lessons learned from DAO chaos, builder experimentation, and navigating the trade-offs of decentralized coordination.
Now leading strategy and go-to-market for Arbitrum Orbit, Vishnu offers a behind-the-scenes look at how and why teams are spinning up their own L2 chains. The episode covers everything from RaaS partners and modular stacks to the challenges of attracting liquidity and building sustainable ecosystems. Whether you’re a founder thinking about launching a rollup or just curious how culture contributors become infra operators, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about the future of crypto infrastructure.
E55: Creative Rights and the Future of IP with Camp Network
Nirav Murthy—co-founder of Camp Network—joins Luke and Ash to break down how Web3 is reshaping intellectual property for the AI era. Camp Network is building an autonomous IP layer that empowers creators to register, tokenize, and license their content on-chain. Whether it’s music, video, data, or agent-based applications, Nirav shares how Camp provides an on-chain framework for provenance, payment, and decentralized distribution. The discussion highlights how today’s licensing systems are outdated and how blockchain offers a faster, more transparent alternative.
The conversation dives into real-world applications—from decentralized music streaming and AI remix tools to data agents that let users monetize everything from tweets to Yelp reviews. Nirav also shares what makes Camp developer-friendly, how it avoids common blockchain UX pitfalls, and why true adoption depends on meeting users where they already are. If you’re curious about the future of creative rights, personal data ownership, or building in the Web3 IP economy, this episode is packed with insight.