Proof of Culture

TheBlkChain

Proof of Culture is a podcast dedicated to exploring the people who are driving the culture of web three forward. Hosted by artist and curator Sian Morson, this podcast shines a light on the artists, innovators, and visionaries who bring life to the web three space. With a focus on cultural significance and the power of blockchain, each episode is minted as a digital asset, ensuring that these stories and contributions are immortalized. Join Sian on this cultural revolution and hear from guests like Betty of the Deadfellaz, AKA Stevey from Proof, Lady Phoenix, LOGIK, and Austin Hurwitz of Doodles. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Shira Lazar : Web3 and the Future of Content Creation
Mar 14 2024
Shira Lazar : Web3 and the Future of Content Creation
In this episode, Shira walks us through her origin story, beginning from her days aspiring to be like the broadcasting greats, to becoming a key figure in web3. Her journey from a traditional media hopeful, creating reels and knocking on agent's doors, to an entrepreneur and digital broadcaster is not just inspirational but also a masterclass in leveraging one's skills at the opportune time. Shira emphasizes the pivotal moments in web history, from the rise of digital media to the burgeoning NFT marketplace, where she has meticulously carved her niche. Resources Stay connected with us for more engaging and enlightening content from Proof of Culture. Shira on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/shiralazar What's Trending on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/whatstrending  Charities mentioned: Trans Tech and Outright International Be sure to follow Proof of Culture, The BlkChain and Sian on social media. Proof of Culture on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/proofofcult_pod Proof of Culture website - https://proofofculture.podbean.com/ Sian on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/sianmorson Sian on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sianmorson/ The BlkChain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblkchain/ The BlkChain on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/theblkchain Support our sponsor, Zora and mint all episodes free: Zora: https://zora.co/ Proof of Culture Collection page: https://zora.co/collect/zora:0x822fc92cfe5fcfee61c3a9d62f2df7416b6fa6e0
Natalie Crue: On Web 3, the Music Industry & Fostering Collective Ownership
Mar 7 2024
Natalie Crue: On Web 3, the Music Industry & Fostering Collective Ownership
In this episode of Proof of Culture, Sian sits down with Natalie, an early adopter and influencer in web3 to unpack her journey through the  landscape of blockchain, community building, and music. Natalie  shares her inception into the space and her experiences with pivotal figures and events that shape her perspective. Natalie recalls her introduction to social tokens and NFTs through her interactions with hip-hop artists entrenched in the global music scene, and her shift into web3 around 2018. She describes the early web3 space as diverse within her niche of musicians, emphasizing a more welcoming environment where sharing resources was a priority. The discussion pivots to Natalie's principles of community building, noting her refusal to adhere to gatekeeping and emphasizing the importance of providing open spaces for genuine inquiry and knowledge exchange. Key themes emerge as Natalie outlines her resistance to commodifying art and her advocacy for collective practices and ownership using blockchain technology. She criticizes existing systems, including the music industry, advocating for creating entirely new frameworks rather than attempting reform. Natalie passionately calls for utilizing web three technologies to enable artists to explore and express their creativity unfettered by traditional industry constraints. Key Takeaways Natalie's early involvement in web3 was through interactions with united communities surrounding global hip-hop.Gatekeeping and the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the space are ongoing issues Natalie actively challenges.She discusses the importance of building true communities in web three, focusing on reciprocal relationships and collective empowerment rather than consumerism.The episode examines the potential of web three to transform the music industry by providing a platform for artists to experiment and redefine their relationship with supporters.Natalie recounts the challenge faced during the organization of Metaverse Music Festival with other entities trying to co-opt the event and the name. Resources Stay connected with us for more engaging and enlightening content from Proof of Culture. Natalie on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NatalieCrue Be sure to follow Proof of Culture, The BlkChain and Sian on social media. Proof of Culture on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/proofofcult_pod Proof of Culture website - https://proofofculture.podbean.com/ Sian on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/sianmorson Sian on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sianmorson/ The BlkChain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblkchain/ The BlkChain on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/theblkchain Support our sponsor, Zora and mint all episodes free: Zora: https://zora.co/ Proof of Culture Collection page: https://zora.co/collect/zora:0x822fc92cfe5fcfee61c3a9d62f2df7416b6fa6e0
LOGIK: From Ferguson to Google and Beyond
Feb 29 2024
LOGIK: From Ferguson to Google and Beyond
LOGIK is an innovative and influential figure in web3, whose journey began in 2017 with investments in Bitcoin and Litecoin. Experiencing the challenges of the market firsthand, LOGIC's involvement with tech and internet culture dates back to 2005, when he started as a freelance website designer at the age of 15. His commitment to technology and creativity has led him to work at agencies such as Havas and Leo Burnett and eventually to Google as a creative director. A trailblazer from Ferguson, Missouri, LOGIK is on a mission to create his own version of Disney and is a vocal advocate for the empowering potential of web3. Episode Summary In this thought-provoking episode, LOGIK discusses his journey from the early days of the 2017 bear market to his current role in the space as a thought leader and artist. The conversation opens with insights into LOGIK's critical observations of racial and social disparities, which shaped his unique approach to life and work. Central to the discussion is his early start in tech, the lessons learned from bridging different communities, and his strategic moves into advertising and tech. LOGIK shares the stepping stones of his career — from landing a standout position at Havas to his audacious move to Google, all while nurturing his artistic aspirations. The episode takes us through a retrospective look at his groundbreaking projects, such as "The Plug," and the principles of perseverance and authenticity that underscore his work. It also touches on his experiences in Japan and how they shifted his global perspective, leading to the creation of the Chiba Center, aimed at teaching black and brown creators Japanese. LOGIK's journey through tech & design began at age 15, eventually leading to high-profile roles.An advocate for cultural empowerment, he passionately contributes to the web three landscape.His lived experiences offer a rich understanding of bridging cultures and fighting systemic barriers.Projects like "The Plug" blend creative expression with lessons in persistence and growth.LOGIK emphasizes education and global mindsets in web three’s potential for problem-solving. Key Takeaways: LOGIK's career path highlights the importance of staying true to one's vision despite systemic and cultural pressures.His web3 projects aim to challenge and change the conventional narratives around access and cultural influence.The Chiba Center initiative underlines LOGIK's commitment to bridging cultural gaps and empowering underrepresented communities.The differentiated subcultures within web3 provide varied opportunities and perspectives often overlooked in mainstream discourse.LOGIK's story is a testament to the resilience and transformative power of authenticity in both the digital and creative arenas. Resources: During the conversation, several references were made to LOGIK's journey and projects, including his work with Google and the Chiba Center, as well as the mention of his NFT project, "The Plug."  Tune in for the full episode and immerse yourself in LOGIK’s riveting insights and narratives. Stay connected for more enriching content from the series as we continue to explore the confluence of technology, creativity, and culture. LOGIK on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JulianGilliam LOGIK's website: https://www.juliangilliam.com/ Be sure to follow Proof of Culture, The BlkChain and Sian on social media. Proof of Culture on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/proofofcult_pod Proof of Culture website - Sian on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/sianmorson Sian on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sianmorson/ The BlkChain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblkchain/ The BlkChain on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/theblkchain   Support our sponsor, Zora. Mint all episodes of Proof of Culture: https://zora.co/collect/zora:0x822fc92cfe5fcfee61c3a9d62f2df7416b6fa6e0 Zora - https://zora.co/ Zora on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ourZORA Zora on IG - https://www.instagram.com/our.zora/
Betty of The Deadfellaz: The Transformative Power of NFTs
Feb 22 2024
Betty of The Deadfellaz: The Transformative Power of NFTs
Betty is the creative force behind the groundbreaking NFT project Deadfellaz. She has a rich background in digital art and creative services, and with her keen eye for detail, she has become a trailblazer in the NFT space. Along with her husband and partner Psych, Betty has successfully positioned Deadfellaz at the forefront of the NFT movement. Her commitment to diversity and inclusivity aligns with the ethos of TheBlkChain, leading to widespread recognition for fostering vibrant and inclusive communities. Betty is also known for her journey from running a creative production agency to diving deep into web three and NFTs, becoming an advocate for disruption and creativity in the digital art world. Episode Summary In this electrifying episode of Proof of Culture, host Sian Morson delves into the world of NFTs and cultural innovation with guest Betty, the mastermind behind the sensational Deadfellaz project. The conversation centers on Betty's transformative journey from a background in digital art and biomedicine to becoming a leader in the evolving landscape of web three and NFTs. Now catapulting Deadfellaz to the forefront of NFT culture, Betty shares her unique story, from the running her own creative agency to embracing the uncertainties of the blockchain revolution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listeners are invited into an insightful discussion that articulates the significance of cultural shifts and inclusive practices in the digital realm. Key Takeaways: Betty's interdisciplinary journey culminated in the creation of Deadfellaz, emphasizing the importance of finding one's passion and niche in creative industries.Community and culture are at the heart of Deadfellaz, challenging traditional norms and representing a diverse spectrum of identities within the NFT space.The bear market posed challenges that led many NFT projects, including Deadfellaz, to pivot towards sustainable business models focused on media, entertainment, culture, and community.The importance of lowering barriers to entry and increasing accessibility to web three technologies is underscored, driving further inclusivity and diversity within the space.Betty believes strongly in Asia, particularly Korea, as an imminent hotbed for digital innovation in web three, due to its forward-thinking and tech-integrative culture. Resources As we close another engaging session in the Proof of Culture podcast, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the full episode to experience the robust conversation with Betty. Don't miss out on other enriching content from the series that promises to broaden your horizons on the pivotal role of NFTs and culture in web three. Stay tuned for more episodes that fuse innovation, art, and community in the digital age. Betty on Twitter/x: https://twitter.com/betty_nft Deadfellaz Website: https://www.deadfellaz.io/ Deadfellaz on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/deadfellaz Culture Unchained Project: https://deadfellaz.medium.com/culture-on-chain-dfz-squad-to-visit-seoul-korea-blockchain-week-in-partnership-with-metamask-80e26b2367b Be sure to follow Proof of Culture, The BlkChain and Sian on social media. Proof of Culture on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/proofofcult_pod Proof of Culture website - https://proofofculture.podbean.com/ Sian on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/sianmorson Sian on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sianmorson/ The BlkChain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblkchain/ The BlkChain on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/theblkchain Support our sponsor, Zora. Zora - https://zora.co/ Zora on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ourZORA Zora on IG - https://www.instagram.com/our.zora/
Austin Hurwitz: Building a Timeless Brand in Web3
Feb 15 2024
Austin Hurwitz: Building a Timeless Brand in Web3
In this episode, Sian interviews Austin Hurwitz, the Head of Strategy and Business Development at Doodles. They discuss Austin’s journey into the web3 space, the potential of web3 in the music industry, and the unique aspects of the Doodles community. Austin shares insights on the importance of building a strong brand in web3, the impact of recent changes in creator royalties, and the vision for Doodles as a recognized and loved IP in the world. He also highlights the various initiatives Doodles has launched, such as the incubator and artist in residence program, to engage and reward the community. Key Takeaways • Web3 has the potential to solve many of the broken aspects of the music industry, such as licensing, royalties, and fan engagement. • The Doodles community is known for its creativity and positivity, and it plays a crucial role in spreading the brand’s mission and building awareness. • Doodles aims to be more than just an NFT project and is focused on becoming a timeless brand that reinvents the relationship between fans and brands. • The incubator and artist in residence program are initiatives by Doodles to support and elevate the community by providing funding and resources for their ideas and projects. • Building a sustainable business in web3 requires a focus on user experience and solving core needs for a mainstream audience. Resources Doodles website - https://web3.doodles.app/  Austin on Twitter - https://twitter.com/austin_hurwitz  Doodles on Twitter - https://twitter.com/doodles Be sure to follow Proof of Culture, The BlkChain and Sian on social media. Proof of Culture on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/proofofcult_pod  Proof of Culture website - https://proofofculture.podbean.com/ Sian on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/sianmorson  Sian on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sianmorson/  The BlkChain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblkchain/  The BlkChain on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/theblkchain Support our sponsor, Zora. Zora - https://zora.co/ Zora on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ourZORA Zora on IG - https://www.instagram.com/our.zora/
Lady Phoenix: The Promise and Challenges of Web3
Feb 4 2024
Lady Phoenix: The Promise and Challenges of Web3
In this episode, Sian speaks with Lady Ph0enix, a prominent figure in the web3 and NFT space. Lady Ph0enix shares her origin story and how she became involved in blockchain and NFTs. She discusses the importance of protecting artists’ work and the potential of web3 to revolutionize the art world. Lady Ph0enix also touches on the role of Black women in web3 and the need for financial literacy in the space. She emphasizes the power of unity and the importance of creating a culture of inclusion. This conversation is filled with insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology. Gain a deeper understanding of Lady Ph0enix’s journey by listening to the entire episode. Her story is not only a testament to the power of Web3 as a transformative space for artists but also reflects a broader narrative on cultural impact and the pivotal role of women in technology and society. This is the first of 9 episodes that promise to enlighten and inspire. Resources Lady Ph0enix on Twitter - https://twitter.com/yesladypheOnix Lady Ph0enix on Instagran - https://www.instagram.com/yesladypheonix/ YesUniverse on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Y3SUNIVERSE YesUnivers on IG - https://www.instagram.com/yesuniverse.art/ Breonna’s Garden on IG - https://www.instagram.com/breonnasgarden/ Breonna’s Garden website - https://breonnas.garden/ Be sure to follow Proof of Culture, The BlkChain and Sian on social media. Proof of Culture on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/proofofcult_pod Proof of Culture website - Sian on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/sianmorson Sian on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sianmorson/ The BlkChain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/theblkchain/ The BlkChain on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/theblkchain Support our sponsor, Zora. Zora - https://zora.co/ Zora on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ourZORA Zora on IG - https://www.instagram.com/our.zora/