Best We Are Open Co Op Podcasts (2025)

In this episode of Gaming the System, we continue our exploration of community gaming, focusing on the world of board game cafés. What makes these spaces so appealing, and what role can they play in bringing people together? Jem, Alex, and Matt share their personal experiences of cafés such as Dice Box and Wayfarers Rest and the Herefordshire Board…

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DoubleZero: Building a Faster, Safer & Censorship-Proof Internet with Austin Federa 34:07

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6d ago34:07

34:07

What if blockchain networks could process transactions hundreds of times faster than they do today? This fundamental question led Austin Federa to leave his position at the Solana Foundation and co-found Double Zero, a revolutionary project building what might be the future of the internet itself. Austin reveals the surprising limitations of our cu…

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DATs and Building the Preeminent Solana Treasury | Cosmo Jiang, General Partner at Pantera Capital 29:07

9d ago29:07

29:07

What happens when one of crypto’s most prestigious investment firms decides to go all-in on Solana? In this episode of The Index Podcast, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Cosmo Jiang, General Partner at Pantera Capital, to unpack their groundbreaking move into the Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) space with HSDT Helios—a $500 million Solana-focused vent…

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245 Gaming the System but together 24:26

13d ago24:26

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In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of gaming in person. From the thrill of collaborative board games like Pandemic Legacy to the immersive world of Warhammer 40K and the rise of welcoming board game cafés, we explore how playing together face-to-face builds connections, sparks conversation, and helps us find community. What We Ta…

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Optimism’s Superchain, DeFi Mullets, and Scaling Ethereum | Sam McIngvale, Head of Product at OP Labs 30:30

17d ago30:30

30:30

What does the future of Ethereum and blockchain really look like — a few massive chains, or thousands of specialized ones working together? This week, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Sam McIngvale, Head of Product at OP Labs, to explore the evolution of Optimism from an Ethereum scaling solution into the creator of an entire ecosystem powered by th…

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244 - Exploring Split Fiction Part 2: Unpacking Themes of Trauma and Grief 51:10

21d ago51:10

51:10

Split Fiction Story and Character Analysis | Deep Dive with Spoilers Join us for another episode as we continue our deep dive into the game 'Split Fiction'. This episode is heavily focused on the story and character development of protagonists Zoe and Mio. Expect spoilers ahead as we discuss the game's narrative themes, including mental health, tra…

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Open Source, Cross-Chain Security & ZK Proofs | Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs 33:28

24d ago33:28

33:28

The blockchain world is undergoing a fundamental shift. What once seemed possible—scaling Web3 to internet size with a single chain—is now recognized as unrealistic. The future belongs to specialized chains that excel at specific tasks while seamlessly communicating with one another. This week on The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Mark Boir…

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243 - Exploring Split Fiction Part 1: Co-Op Gaming Unpacked 46:57

28d ago46:57

46:57

Exploring Co-op Gaming with Split Fiction: Mechanics, Genres, and More! Join us in the first part of our Split Fiction series, where we dive into the latest release by Haylight Games. In this episode, we explore the co-op game mechanics, discuss the evolution of co-op as a genre, and share our firsthand experiences with Split Fiction. Discover why …

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242 - Gaming news - Is Roblox CEO on the rocks? BG3 turns two! 27:48

1M ago27:48

27:48

August’s gaming news gave us plenty to dig into, from serious questions around Roblox to a milestone celebration for Baldur’s Gate 3. In this episode of Gaming the System, we start with Roblox, where over 120,000 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of its CEO. Jem takes us inside the strange contradictions of the platform — from h…

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Jean Watson Final 25:35

1M ago25:35

25:35

Two years ago, I underwent open-heart surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. What stayed with me, beyond the procedure itself, was the extraordinary level of care I received—from the cardiac team, nurses, and support staff. It felt deeply human, attentive, and intentional. When I later circled back to thank them, many of those I spoke with cr…

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241 What we did in the Summer Holidays 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

We took a month off over the summer, so thought we'd catch up with each other and see what we've been playing! From epic samurai adventures in Ghost of Tsushima and the fluid, meditative landscapes of Sword of the Sea, to the punishing but rewarding battles of Expedition 33 (Clair Obscur). Jem headed to the beach with Dave the Diver and Coral Islan…

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AI, Deepfakes & Open Intelligence | Radha Dasari, Web3 Foundation 39:02

2M ago39:02

39:02

What happens when a computer science PhD specializing in AI pivots to blockchain technology? For Radha Dasari, Lead Technical Advocate at the Web3 Foundation, it was a journey fueled by a mission to combat digital misinformation and bring fairness to the internet. In this eye-opening episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Radha to ex…

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240 Open World Games – Part 2: The Joy and the Job of Exploration 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

In this second half of our adventure into open-world games, Jem, Alex, and Matt pick up the conversation with a focus on accessibility, open worlds done wrong, and how to define that "Je ne sais quoi" when it works. We dig into overwhelm, especially for neurodiverse or time-poor gamers. Time to remember that good accessibility features aren’t about…

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Next-Level AI & Web3 Game Development | Dan Peng & Rick Johanson, Arbitrum Gaming Ventures 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

What happens when you combine addictive gameplay with blockchain technology? According to Rick Johanson and Dan Peng, Founding Partners at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, the answer isn't simply "add a token and hope for the best." Their refreshing approach prioritizes the core gameplay experience first, with blockchain features thoughtfully layered in o…

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Side Quest - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 First Impressions. 41:31

2M ago41:31

41:31

In this Side Quest episode of Gaming The System, Jem and Matt dive into their first impressions of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — the surprise hit that’s quickly becoming one of the year’s most talked-about games. From the moment-to-moment combat to the sweeping, surreal story, Jem and Matt share where they’re at in the game (up to the Forgotten Bat…

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239 Open World Games – Part 1: Freedom, Frustration, and Fox-Stroking 35:27

2M ago35:27

35:27

In this episode, Jem, Alex, and Matt take a deep dive into the sprawling landscapes of open-world games. From their first taste of exploration to the joys and pitfalls of the genre today. What makes a game “open world”? Are they genuinely free-roaming experiences or just clever marketing? An opportunity to lose ourselves for hundreds of hours, or a…

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AI Transparency: LayerLens & the Open Intelligence Stack | Archie Chaudhury 27:55

2M ago27:55

27:55

What happens when we can no longer trust the performance claims of AI model creators? That’s the challenge driving LayerLens, an innovative platform bringing transparency and practical evaluation to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. In this episode, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Archie Chaudhury, Co-founder of LayerLens, to explore how blockchai…

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238 Uncovering Creativity – Indie Highlights from Day of the Devs Part 2 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

Show Notes – Gaming the System Podcast: Day of the Devs – Part 2 In the second part of our deep dive into Day of the Devs, Alex, Jem, and Matt explore the imaginative and diverse world of indie gaming showcased at this vibrant event. The team reflects on the distinct charm and creativity that sets indie games apart from mainstream offerings, highli…

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Marinade Labs: Solana Hackathon to Billion-Dollar Staking Platform | Michael Repetny, Co-Founder 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

What if staking could be seamless, secure and DeFi-friendly? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya talks with Michael Repetny, Co-founder and CEO of Marinade Finance, the largest staking protocol on Solana with over $1.5 billion in crypto assets under management. Michael shares the remarkable journey behind Marinade—from a scrappy Solana h…

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237 Uncovering Creativity – Indie Highlights from Day of the Devs - Part 1 30:47

2M ago30:47

30:47

Dive into a refreshing exploration of indie gaming as hosts Alex, Jem, and Matt take a look at Day of the Devs—an indie-focused showcase brimming with creativity and community spirit. Moving beyond mainstream gaming events, this episode offers a thoughtful and enthusiastic look at unique games that push creative boundaries and foster genuine connec…

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236 - Antagonists — Part 2: Femme Fatales, Loose Cannons & Why Bad Villains Fail 28:32

3M ago28:32

28:32

Last week we challenged the myth that “antagonist = evil.” Now Matt, Jem & Alex put the spotlight on female antagonists—where they shine, where they’re fetishised, and why poorly-drawn foes can sink an otherwise great game. In this episode 2015-22 just 11 % of video-game antagonists were women Do you need at least one sentient antagonist? We discus…

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Superform Building the Future of On-Chain Wealth Management | Vikram Arun, Co-founder 28:22

3M ago28:22

28:22

What’s stopping DeFi from going mainstream—and how can better UX, infrastructure, and automation unlock its full potential? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya talks with Vikram Arun, Co-founder of Superform, about building the future of on-chain wealth management. After managing a $100B DeFi book at BlockTower, Vikram saw a clear proble…

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235 - Antagonists: Beyond the Obvious (Part 1) 30:19

3M ago30:19

30:19

Antagonists aren’t just moustache-twirling masterminds—they’re the blizzard that buries you, the friend who calls your bluff, the code of honour that trips your hero. In the first half of our conversation, Matt, Jem, and Alex debunk the myth that antagonists are inherently evil and explore every flavour of narrative resistance, from tragic rivals t…

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234 Negotiation, Erosion, and Resistance - June News Round-Up (Part 2) 30:55

3M ago30:55

30:55

Gaming the System – June Gaming News (Part 2) This week, we dive into two simmering stories that might not make headlines, but could have lasting impacts on the gaming industry. From the tentative end to the year-long voice actor strike, to the steady erosion of corporate commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we’re asking: where do we go…

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DePINs, Crypto Rewards & AI Tooling | Jesse Adams, Co-founder of Uprock 28:27

3M ago28:27

28:27

How do you build a DePIN network with 2.7M+ devices, zero CAC, and data streams optimized for AI—without draining batteries or compromising user trust? In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya sits down with Jesse Adams, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Uprock, to unpack how they’re building the world’s first mobile-first DePIN for AI. Jesse’…

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Liz Stewart - Neighbours United & Deep Canvassing 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

In this episode of Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones, we sit down with Liz Stewart, a Defend Our Homes organizer with Neighbours United in British Columbia. Liz shares how deep canvassing, a powerful tool rooted in empathy and storytelling, is helping bridge divides in forestry towns where proposed biodiversity legislation is sparking debate. With cur…

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233 - Summer slowdown, sexbots and Switch 2 scrutiny - June News Round-Up (Part 1) 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

In this episode of Gaming the System, Jem, Alex, and Matt look at recent gaming news. Diving into one of the hottest stories in gaming this June: the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. But first, it’s time for a “what we’re playing” check-in—complete with chill puzzle games, board game obsessions, and Matt’s first ever game of Warhammer 40K. What we…

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Web3 Domains | Tokenizing Digital Assets with D3’s Co-founder, Michael Ho 28:22

3M ago28:22

28:22

Ever wondered what happens to those domain names gathering digital dust in your GoDaddy account? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Michael Ho, Co-founder of D3, to explore how blockchain technology is transforming the overlooked world of domain trading and ownership. The domain industry hasn’t changed much since the ’90s…

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232 - Disability in Games - Is To a T about living with disability? 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

In this second part of our disability discussion, Alex, Jem, and Matt dive into To a T. A quirky, cosy narrative game with a quietly powerful take on difference, access, and fitting in. It’s weird, whimsical, and worth talking about. Key Talking Points Is a game that explores life's challenges in T-pose an allegory for living with disability? Teena…

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Future of Crypto Wireless | Solana & Helium Mobile with Frank Mong, COO of Nova Labs 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

What if you could rebuild telecom from the ground up—open, decentralized, and powered by crypto? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya chats with Frank Mong, COO of Nova Labs, the team behind Helium Mobile—the decentralized wireless network now partnering with AT&T and Telefónica. Helium started with a bold idea: replace legacy cell towers…

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231 - Disability in Games: Beyond the Token Character 40:59

4M ago40:59

40:59

Alex, Jem, and Matt return to disability in games and examine how disabled people are represented (or not) across game worlds, narratives, and mechanics. As always, the conversation is grounded in lived experience, intersectional feminism, and an openness to complexity. Key Talking Points From wheelchairs to invisible conditions—disability is broad…

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SOON Stack | Build on Solana, Deploy Everywhere with CEO Joanna Zeng 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

What if you could bring Solana’s speed to every major blockchain—and onboard millions of new users with zero friction? In this new episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya welcomes back Joanna Zeng, Co-founder & CEO of SOON, for an exciting update on how her team is breaking down the walls between blockchain ecosystems and building the infrastructure…

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230 - Allyship in Action: Lessons from In-Game Allies - Part 02 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

Exploring Allies in Gaming: The Good, The Bad, and The Betrayals In this episode, the hosts delve deep into what makes a bad ally in gaming and real life. They discuss various instances from popular games like 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,' 'Spyro,' 'Pandemic Legacy,' and 'Baldur's Gate III,' highlighting how betrayal and inconsistent allies impact ga…

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Inside Coinbase’s Developer Tools: X402, AI Agents, and Crypto Payments with Nemil Dalal 35:30

4M ago35:30

35:30

The future of AI needs a new internet. Coinbase is laying the foundation. In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya talks with Nemil Dalal, Head of Coinbase’s Developer Platform, about how Coinbase is building crypto-native infrastructure to power the next generation of applications, starting with autonomous AI agents. Nemil shares his backgro…