Welcome to "The Get Down" - butterscotch Media's gateway to inclusion in Web3, DeFi, Bitcoin. This is the only show exclusively focused on the largest adopters of crypto. Hear from diverse founders, executives, officials as they discuss the latest in policy, industry trends, market research. Tune in as host Ritzy P gets down with fascinating pioneers, change-makers, luminaries in the cryptoverse.
…
continue reading
The Barefoot Innovation podcast, hosted by the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR) CEO Jo Ann Barefoot, explores better solutions for financial consumers at the intersection of technology innovation and regulation.
…
continue reading

1
Inside the NCUA: New Chairman Kyle Hauptman on Fintech & Regulation
45:42
45:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:42In this episode, NCUA Chair Kyle Hauptman discusses tech's role in credit unions. He highlights NCUA's open approach to digital assets, AI/blockchain use cases and DOGE’s project to streamline the federal government.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Crypto Regulation, Blockchain Advocacy & Women in Leadership with Kristin Smith
29:13
29:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:13In this episode of The Get Down, we delve into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency policy and advocacy with Kristin Smith, a leading figure in the space. Cleve Mesidor, a longtime friend and collaborator of Kristin's, takes us on a journey through Kristin's impressive career, from her days on Capitol Hill to her pivotal roles as CEO of the Blockcha…
…
continue reading

1
Future of Blockchain: Legislation, Consumer Protection & Innovation with Congressman Darren Soto
30:02
30:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:02In this episode of The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor interviews Congressman Darren Soto of Florida. Congressman Soto discusses his inspiration for becoming a crypto champion in Congress, his legislative achievements including the National Defense Authorization Act amendments, his vision for a smart regulatory framework, and more! Be sure to sign up for o…
…
continue reading

1
AI for Managing Risk: Oscilar CEO Neha Narkhede
41:29
41:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:29Oscilar CEO Neha Narkhede discusses AI for risk management, focusing on fraud & financial crime detection. Learn how AI breaks data silos & improves security.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Winds of Change: Brett King and Nick Hughes from Necker Island
41:58
41:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:58Jo Ann sits down with her friend Brett King and M-Pesa founder Nick Hughes on this special crossover episode of Barefoot Innovation & Breaking Banks, recorded live at Virgin Unite’s “Change: Fintech Leaders Gathering” on Necker Island.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Bipartisan Progress in Blockchain Legislation with Former Congressman Wiley Nickel
30:29
30:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:29In this episode of The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor interviews former congressman Wiley Nickel, discussing his journey as a crypto advocate in Congress. They cover the importance of bipartisan efforts in shaping legislation around blockchain and cryptocurrency, the need for equitable consumer protectionand financial inclusion, the significance of stable…
…
continue reading

1
Live Episode - The Future of Earned Wage Access: Insights & Policy Considerations
1:00:25
1:00:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:25Explore the rise of Earned Wage Access (EWA). Experts discuss its benefits, risks, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Learn how EWA is reshaping financial services and consumer access to funds in this special live episode.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
GenAI for Finance: The Winners of AIR’s Call for Papers
1:01:39
1:01:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:39GenAI is revolutionizing finance! Hear from the winners of AIR's NextGenAI Call for Papers: Delicia Reynolds Hand, Dr. Henry Balani & Dr. Adrienne Heinrich. They discuss GenAI's impact on consumer protection, financial crime & ethical governance.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Web3 Policy & Education in Puerto Rico with Keiko Yoshino
27:29
27:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:29In this episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P. talks with Keiko Yoshino, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association. Keiko shares her journey into the world of blockchain and crypto, the founding of the association, her educational initiative CryptoCurious, and the importance of inclusivity in the crypto space. Keiko hig…
…
continue reading

1
Special Episode: Thoughts on Changes at the U.S. Financial Regulatory Agencies
5:22
5:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:22Jo Ann briefly discusses the changes underway at the U.S. financial regulatory agencies, including thoughts on the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and potential impacts on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Fighting Financial Crime: Sardine CEO Soups Ranjan
1:03:03
1:03:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:03Financial crime is surging. Hear Sardine CEO Soups Ranjan discuss AI-driven scams, deepfakes vs. KYC, and why traditional fraud controls fail. Listen and learn how to fight back. Watch this episode as a video here and check out the full show notes here.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Bridging the Gap: Making Web3 and DeFi Accessible for Spanish Speakers with Mónica Talán
36:28
36:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:28In this special Spanish-language episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P sits down with Mónica Talán, the founder of CryptoConexión, who shares her journey into the crypto space and the inspiration behind creating CryptoConexión - to provide accessible, Spanish-language content and resources to empower the Latino community to participate in the rap…
…
continue reading

1
Regulation 2.0: The Dawn of Tech-Driven Financial Regulation
33:11
33:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:11In this episode, Jo Ann explores the potential for rapid change in financial regulation in 2025, likening it to other historical periods of sudden change. She argues that the convergence of six factors could lead to the emergence of "Regulation 2.0," a new paradigm of financial regulation enabled by technology.…
…
continue reading

1
Balancing Innovation and Consumer Protection in the Crypto Space with Debra Brookes
28:01
28:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:01In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Debra Brookes about her professional journey, detailing her entry into the crypto space and her experiences with regulatory frameworks like the BitLicense. She discusses her current role in developing a state-issued stable coin in Wyoming, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with r…
…
continue reading

1
Live Episode: AI — What's Fact? What's Fiction?
25:54
25:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:54Join Jo Ann Barefoot, Dr. Dave Castillo, Cat Tucker, and Dr. Michael Akinwumi as they explore the future of AI in finance — from the potential to pitfalls — live at the National Bankers Association 2024 Annual Conference.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Modernizing Models: Google’s Behnaz Kibria on MRM for GenAI
43:26
43:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:26Behnaz Kibria of Google talks about the fundamental principles that guide model risk management (MRM) frameworks and explores the unique issues emerging for financial institutions from GenAI.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Toward Open Finance: Jane Barratt on the New U.S. Data Rules
47:26
47:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:26Jane Barratt, Chief Advocacy Officer and Head of Global Public Policy at MX Technologies, Inc., discusses the impending game-changing regulations from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to implement Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Can You Have ‘AI on Your Side?’ Insights from Congressman Bill Foster
58:13
58:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:13Congressman and physicist Bill Foster returns to the podcast to talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and digital identity technologies, and how they present great potential and peril for consumers.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Leveraging Web3 for Cultural Preservation and Economic Sovereignty with Richard Ng and Jake Foreman
43:33
43:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:33In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Richard Ng and Jake Foreman about their journeys into the world of Web3 and the founding of IndigiDAO, an initiative aimed at empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). They discuss the core objectives of IndigiDAO, the impact of a significant grant…
…
continue reading

1
The Financial Regulators’ Odyssey: AIR’s Innovation Lead Nick Cook
1:13:49
1:13:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:49AIR’s Nick Cook discusses the “Financial Regulators’ Odyssey” — the journey that lies ahead for virtually every financial regulatory body in the world, in catching up their own technology and cultures to the age of digitized data and AI.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Demystifying Digital Money with Dr. Tonya M. Evans
41:30
41:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:30In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Dr. Tonya M. Evans, an attorney, academic, and founder, about the changing crypto landscape and her book, Digital Money Demystified. They discuss the importance of policy over politics, the need for inclusive policy making, and the challenges of pushing for change in the crypto industry. Dr. Evan…
…
continue reading

1
Live at DNC Chicago: butterscotch Media's Insider Convention Perspectives
23:40
23:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:40The Democratic Convention is in full swing and the crypto community is making its presence felt. On this episode of The Get Down, butterscotch Media’s own Cleve Mesidor and Ritzy P sit down live at the Chicago DNC to discuss the incredible events they have hosted and been part of in recent weeks, share their insider perspective straight from the co…
…
continue reading

1
The Evolving Impact of Fintechs: FTA CEO Penny Lee
47:03
47:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:03Penny Lee, President & CEO of the Financial Technology Association (FTA), discusses how fintechs are trying to change financial services, their evolving relationships with traditional institutions, and new challenges and opportunities.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Live at DNC Chicago: From Capitol Hill to Crypto with Amena Ross
16:24
16:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:24In this episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P sits down with Amena Ross at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Chicago to discuss her journey into the world of crypto, her insights on the evolving political landscape of digital assets and the immense potential to create economic spaces of empowerment and opportunities through digital assets,…
…
continue reading

1
Congressional Action on Regulatory Technology: Congresswoman Erin Houchin
39:41
39:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:41It’s easy to underestimate the importance of system-building in public policy, but Rep. Erin Houchin's bipartisan FUTURES Act would require financial regulators to self-assess their own tech readiness to oversee the tech transformation underway.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Bridging the Wealth and Knowledge Gaps in Blockchain with Tiffany J. Smith
29:41
29:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:41In this episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P. sits down with Tiffany J. Smith to discuss the importance of understanding the intersection between old rules and new technologies in the regulatory and compliance space and the need to focus on financial inclusion rather than political affiliations. They also discuss the success of the inaugural Block…
…
continue reading

1
Modernizing Government Tech: Advancing Beyond Suptech with Sonny Hashmi
1:05:25
1:05:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:25The drive for modern financial regulation has transitioned rapidly to move beyond suptech. Sonny Hashmi, Head of Public Sector at Unqork, shares advice on how government leaders can transform their core technology infrastructure.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Representation and Community Building Through Music, Blockchain, and NFTs with Corey “Jayohcee” Jocko
31:30
31:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:30In this episode of The Get Down, host Ritzy P sits down with Corey “Jayohcee” Jocko to discuss how he has utilized blockchain and NFTs to showcase his art and music, and how it has provided new opportunities for indigenous artists. Corey also highlights the significance of archiving Indigenous culture and land rights on the blockchain, as well as t…
…
continue reading

1
Preparing for the Future of Work with Damu Winston
25:46
25:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:46This episode of The Get Down podcast is all about the future of work and life in the digital age! Special Guest Damu Winston, the global head of Web3 Innovation at Amazon, shares his career journey and insights on the future of work in the digital age. He emphasizes the importance of including marginalized communities, such as Black and Brown indiv…
…
continue reading

1
AI in Financial Services: AIR Senior Advisor Christopher Calabia
50:47
50:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:47Generative AI is revolutionizing the financial world across sectors. Christopher Calabia, Head of MIT’s Central Bank Digital Currency Program, weighs the pros and cons of this new technology while emphasizing regulatory and ethical frameworks.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Regulation and Innovation in Crypto with Joshua Rivera
34:42
34:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:42On this episode of The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor sits down with Joshua Rivera, Operating Partner and General Counsel at blockchain investment firm Blockchain Capital, to discuss blockchain startups, entrepreneurship, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Joshua shares his journey from lawyer to blockchain advocate and insights from his work investin…
…
continue reading

1
Creating Lasting Impact on Emerging Markets with Blockchain with Betsabe Botaitis
31:41
31:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:41This episode of The Get Down podcast features an insightful conversation on financial inclusion and the potential of emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. Special guest Betsabe Botaitis shares her unique career journey from traditional banking to entrepreneurship in FinTech and web3, and how her diverse experiences have fueled her passion f…
…
continue reading

1
Transformation by TechSprint: Closing the Credit Gap in South Africa
59:12
59:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:12Nthupang Magolego from the National Credit Regulator (NCR) of South Africa and Collen Masunda of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) join Jo Ann to discuss using a TechSprint model to tackle really hard problems in financial inclusion.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Indexing and its Role in Digital Assets with Schonda Fields
32:46
32:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:46NOTE: The views expressed are Schonda's own, not those of Coin Metrics. Her views are not investment advice. In this episode of The Get Down podcast, host Ritzy P discusses the importance of inclusivity and bipartisanship in crypto policymaking with Cleve Mesidor of Butterscotch Media. They are joined by special guest Shonda Fields of Coin Metrics,…
…
continue reading

1
Live at Consensus 2024 Austin: All Things butterscotch Media
23:18
23:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:18On this episode of the Butterscotch podcast, The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor and Ritzy P discuss their mission to amplify diverse voices in the emerging tech space. As the founder of Butterscotch Media and a former Obama administration staffer, Cleve shares her journey from politics into crypto and why decentralization was her calling. Ritzy P, founder…
…
continue reading

1
Exploring Crypto Policy and Regulation with Rashan Colbert
36:27
36:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:27In this special bonus episode of The Get Down, Cleve Mesidor interviews Rashan Colbert, Head of Policy at dYdX Trading, live at Consensus by CoinDesk. They discuss the current regulatory landscape of crypto and the challenges of achieving bipartisanship in the industry. He emphasizes the need for education and a shift in the narrative beyond just s…
…
continue reading

1
Building Inclusive Crypto Communities with Elena Giralt
31:13
31:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:13In this episode, Elena Giralt shares about being at the forefront of increasing diversity and inclusion in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry since the early days. As the founder of Blockchain Latinx and a senior product manager, she has played a pivotal role in empowering underrepresented communities through education and advocacy. In a re…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating the Future of Retail Investing with Lule Demmissie
35:23
35:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:23Lule Demmissie, the US CEO of eToro, discusses the transformation of the 21st century retail investor. She emphasizes the importance of democratizing finance and giving people access to capital markets. Lule highlights the changing profile of retail investors, who are now more diverse and perceive investing as accessible to them. She also discusses…
…
continue reading

1
The Evolution of NFTs and Artistic Innovation with Judy Mam
38:11
38:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:11Butterscotch Media's inaugural podcast episode "The Get Down" celebrated the 10th anniversary of pioneering digital art platform Data.Art. Founded in 2012 by writer Judy Mam and artist Beatrice Ramos, Data.Art has been pivotal in empowering artists through community, collaboration, and blockchain technology. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter, C…
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Get Down, the only podcast providing an inclusive and comprehensive view of Web3 and DeFi. I'm Cleve Mesidor, CEO and Managing Editor of butterscotch Media, a niche digital news studio exclusively covering diverse Blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem segments. We're here to fill the gap in media coverage, focusing on Black, Latino…
…
continue reading

1
Taming the Machine: AI Ethicist Nell Watson
58:53
58:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:53AI Ethicist Nell Watson and author of Taming the Machine describes the foundations we need to put in place to build legal, regulatory and ethical systems to channel fiercely powerful new AI technology away from the bad, and toward the good.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Community Banks: Darragh Buckley on a Tech-Enabled Future
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35Community banks face a tech revolution. Explore the challenges & opportunities with Increase CEO Darragh Buckley, who has a unique perspective and novel ideas. Hear his thoughts on how smaller banks can survive & thrive in a changing landscape.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Cutting Edge Consumer Finance: Upgrade CEO Renaud Laplanche
46:04
46:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:04Upgrade's visionary CEO, Renaud Laplanche, unpacks his pioneering thinking on consumer finance. He unveils 3 key financial consumer needs and explores the evolving landscape of fintechs — progress, challenges and what's next.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Women’s History Month: Jo Ann Joins Shelley Anderson to look back and forward
1:02:32
1:02:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:32To mark Women’s History Month, AIR’s Shelley Anderson interviews Barefoot Innovation host Jo Ann on her perspective about the progress, and lack thereof, on efforts to drive toward gender equality.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Fintech 2.0: Itai Damti and Alex Acree of Unit
1:01:43
1:01:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:43Itai Damti and Alex Acree delve into Unit's design as a "technology operating system" for bank-fintech partnerships, the legal framework they establish between partners, and their view that compliance must be built into these systems from the start.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Innovation in Africa: Bank of Ghana’s Kwame Oppong
58:51
58:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:51Kwame is the charismatic head of innovation at the Bank of Ghana. He shares advice for regulators on how to adapt to tech transformation and emphasizes collaboration to break down silos and foster innovationBy Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
How to Include Everyone: The Gates Foundation’s Michael Wiegand
52:50
52:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:50Michael talks about the global evolution of financial inclusion and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s ongoing efforts. Learn about digital financial inclusion, consumer protection, digital public infrastructure, and barriers to fair finance.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Presidential Assistant Elizabeth Kelly: White House Policy on AI
39:37
39:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:37Kelly serves on the White House National Economic Council and helped lead the executive order issued in 2023 on AI. She discusses what the order requires, the challenges it aims to address and the upside opportunity of the technology.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
Year-End Roundup from Digital Dollar Foundation Head Chris Giancarlo
58:57
58:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:57Former CFTC Chairman Christopher Giancarlo updates on the evolution of Central Bank Digital Currencies around the world and predicts where we’re headed.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading

1
How Minority-Backed Institutions Can Stay Competitive in Digital Age
35:14
35:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:14In this special episode recorded live at the Annual Conference of the National Bankers Association in Washington, D.C., Jo Ann speaks with three innovators working to help Minority Depository Institutions modernize their technology to continue serving communities of color.By Jo Ann Barefoot
…
continue reading