E69: Scaling, Interop, and the Long Game for Polkadot
In this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, we sit down with John Goldschmidt, Head of Business Development at Magenta Labs, to explore the past, present, and future of Polkadot. John walks us through Polkadot’s origins with Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood, its unique layer-zero design, and innovations like agile core time and cross-consensus messaging that enable true interoperability and scalability across chains. From simplifying gas payments to solving real-world pain points in crypto adoption, John highlights how Polkadot is positioning itself for mass adoption.
The conversation dives into use cases ranging from gaming (Mythical Games, FIFA Rivals) to DePIN networks, and how initiatives like the upcoming Polkadot Hub and elastic scaling open new doors for developers and users alike. We also touch on Polkadot’s collaborative governance model, its active community culture, and the role of stablecoins in driving mainstream adoption. Whether you’re a builder, investor, or just crypto-curious, this episode offers valuable insights into why Polkadot remains one of the most ambitious projects in Web3.
E68: Making History Immutable with Bitcoin
In this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, Luke and Ash welcome Michael J. Kelly, better known as The Bitstorian. A professor of religious studies and founder of the first Bitcoin research lab on a U.S. campus, Michael bridges theology, history, and technology in surprising ways. From “render unto Caesar” as a prophecy for sound money to building miners that double as heated toilet seats, he shows how Bitcoin reshapes everything from faith to engineering.
The conversation dives into decentralizing mining, educating Gen Z on Bitcoin, and reimagining higher education through proof-of-work systems. Expect thought-provoking insights, humor, and bold ideas, including what it means to write history on-chain. Whether you’re crypto-curious or a longtime Bitcoiner, this episode will challenge how you think about money, meaning, and the future of innovation.
E67: From Idea to dApp - Building with ICP
On this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, we chat with Kyle Langham of DFINITY about the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) and its mission to become a decentralized “world computer.” Kyle explains how ICP lets developers host entire applications fully on chain including front end, back end, and data while integrating directly with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. We cover the role of canisters, subnets for scaling, and how ICP’s threshold signature technology brings smart contract functionality to Bitcoin.
The conversation also explores Caffeine AI, a new tool that allows anyone to build and launch apps on ICP using natural language prompts. Kyle shares how he created a Bitcoin-powered arcade game in under an hour and why low-code tools could reshape the future of DeFi, GameFi, and Web3 app development. If you are curious about blockchain interoperability, decentralized infrastructure, or the next wave of user-friendly Web3 tools, this episode is for you.
E66: What will it take to get Web3 Adoption?
Web3 adoption is one of the most talked-about challenges in blockchain, but what does it really mean? In this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, we dig into what drives real user adoption beyond hype and token incentives. From sticky product design and gaming loops to wallet abstraction, UI/UX friction, and multi-chain interoperability, the conversation explores how projects can move past “play-to-earn” and “social-fi” models toward genuine, mainstream usage.
We also break down why abstraction matters, how wallets are evolving, and what it will take for blockchains to feel as seamless as the internet itself.
E65: Startup Funding 101 for Crypto Builders
n this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, we explore the funding landscape for crypto startups. From deciding whether to bootstrap to securing grants, angel investors, venture capital, incubators, and accelerators, the conversation covers the main funding paths available in Web3. The hosts share stories from their own experience, including insights from hackathons and strategies for finding investors who align with your vision. This episode is designed for anyone building in crypto who wants clear and practical advice on how to approach early-stage funding.
Listeners will learn how to match funding choices to project goals, understand what investors look for, and plan for sustainable growth. The discussion explains how to allocate capital effectively, build strong relationships with advisors, and avoid common mistakes in the fundraising process. “Startup Funding 101 for Crypto Builders” provides straightforward guidance for founders, developers, and Web3 enthusiasts who want to succeed in the blockchain startup space.