In 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 Blockchain Association and soon-to-be President of the Solana Policy Institute. Join us as we explore Kristin's vision for a balanced regulatory fram...

In 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 our newsletter, Chews! Darren Soto was elected to Congress in 2016, representing Florida's Ninth District, becoming the first Floridian of P...

In 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 stablecoin legislation, and more. Also, Ritzy P. and Cleve discuss the critical role of bipartisanship in advancing crypto policy and Financial Literacy ...

In 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 highlights the impact of her work on the local community, the significance of education in blockchain, and her vision for future initiatives. And in A...

In 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 rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance and emerging technologies. The conversation delves into  CryptoConexión's initiatives, such as the Age...

In 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 regulatory oversight. Debra also highlights the challenges faced by small players in the crypto market and offers insights on how they can navigate ...

In 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 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the milestones they have achieved. The conversation also highlights the importance of community...

In 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. Evans also shares her thoughts on the future of crypto regulation and the role of the SEC. Also, Cleve Mesidor shares her extensive political backgroun...

The 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 convention floor, and their hopeful outlook on the future of crypto, regardless of who ends up in the White House.Be sure to sign up for our newslett...

In 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, decentralization, and blockchain. Amena also shares her hopes of resetting the table so that everyone is welcome to join in on the conversation.Be...

In 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 Blockchain Brain Trust Retreat at Martha’s Vineyard and what the event will look like this year. Also, Cleve Mesidor talks about what the current ...

In 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 the potential for physical-digital hybrid experiences in the future... Also, Cleve Mesidor talks about butterscotch media’s focus on policy, not par...

This 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 individuals, in the conversation and opportunities of emerging technologies. Additionally, Ritzy P and Cleve Mesidor discuss bringing butterscotch Media...

On 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 investing in innovative crypto projects. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter, Chews! Joshua Rivera is the General Counsel of Blockchain Capital...

This 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 for impacting underserved communities. Plus, host Ritzy P and Cleve Mesidor discuss the direction of butterscotch Media now that the podcast has lau...

NOTE: 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, who shares her experience bridging traditional finance and digital assets.Be sure to sign up for our newsletter, Chews! Schonda Fields is the ...

On 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 of Ritzy Periwinkle, dives into her work promoting creative innovation, community impact, and inclusive metaverse experiences. She also previews he...

In 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 store of value. Rashan also delves into the role of DeFi and the need for a workable regulatory framework that aligns with the unique nature of...

In 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 recent conversation, Elena shared her journey of getting involved in digital currencies back in 2016 through a transformative college course. This spa...

Lule 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 the role of risk in investing and the need for retail investors to have a range of investment options. Lule encourages individuals to lean in...