Bitcoin.com News Interviews

Austin Federa, Co-Founder of DoubleZero and former Head of Strategy at Solana Foundation, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil (@_dsencil) to discuss why the next leap in blockchain scalability won’t happen on today’s internet.In this episode, Federa reveals how DoubleZero is building a dedicated physical fiber network for crypto — infrastructure capable of supporting millions of transactions per second (TPS) for networks like Solana. He explains how latency, congestion, and centralized choke points in the existing internet are limiting blockchain performance — and how DoubleZero’s low-latency mesh could unleash a new generation of on-chain applications from finance to gaming.Federa also shares his journey from leading communications at Solana to co-founding DoubleZero, diving into lessons learned from Solana’s rapid growth and the broader challenge of scaling Web3 beyond today’s hardware and network bottlenecks.• Why Solana’s scalability is limited by today’s internet• How DoubleZero is building physical internet for crypto• What a million-TPS blockchain actually enables• Lessons from Solana’s rise and infrastructure challenges• The path toward a decentralized physical layer for Web3A must-listen for builders, network engineers, and crypto innovators exploring how infrastructure, latency, and hardware will determine the next era of blockchain scalability — and why the future of crypto might depend on rebuilding the internet itself.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Austin Federa – Co-Founder of DoubleZero🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | doublezero.network | @Austin_Federa | @_dsencil💡 In this episode:🎧

What if your gaming bonus didn’t just reward you once — but kept earning?In this episode of the Bitcoin.com News Podcast, Levon Hovsepyan of BetConstruct joins David Sencil (@_dsencil) to explore how NFTs are redefining loyalty, engagement, and rewards in the iGaming industry.Hovsepyan breaks down how BetConstruct is pioneering a new model where player bonuses become yield-bearing NFTs, creating real economic utility instead of one-off perks. By connecting Web3 assets to iGaming revenue streams, BetConstruct is bridging blockchain innovation with one of the world’s largest entertainment markets.From tokenized loyalty systems to NFT-based earnings models, this conversation reveals how Web3 is transforming gaming into an ownership-driven economy where every reward can generate ongoing value.• How BetConstruct is tokenizing iGaming loyalty programs• Turning player bonuses into yield-generating NFTs• The shift from speculation to real NFT utility• Web3 infrastructure powering the next phase of online gaming• Why NFTs could reshape the economics of player engagementA must-listen for Web3 builders, NFT innovators, and gaming entrepreneurs exploring how blockchain, rewards, and tokenized value are reshaping digital entertainment and user ownership.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Levon Hovsepyan – BetConstruct🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | betconstruct.com | @betconstruct | @_dsencil💡 In this episode:🎧

Adam Bergman, Founder and CEO of IRA Financial, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to explain how Americans can invest in Bitcoin and other crypto assets — completely tax-free — using self-directed retirement accounts.As a former tax attorney and one of the nation’s leading experts on self-directed IRAs, Bergman has helped more than 25,000 clients manage over $5 billion in assets, empowering investors to take control of their retirement savings through tax-advantaged structures. He breaks down how self-directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s allow individuals to legally invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, and alternative assets while preserving tax benefits traditionally limited to stocks and bonds.In this episode, Bergman discusses the regulatory landscape, the tax code opportunities that most investors overlook, and how crypto fits into a diversified retirement portfolio. He also shares insights from his nine books on tax-efficient investing, explaining why he believes Bitcoin belongs in every long-term wealth strategy.• How self-directed IRAs unlock crypto and Bitcoin investments tax-free• The difference between Traditional, Roth, and Solo 401(k) structures• Legal and IRS-compliant strategies for holding Bitcoin in retirement• Why diversification and self-custody are key to modern portfolio design• The future of crypto adoption in U.S. retirement planningA must-listen for investors, financial advisors, and crypto enthusiasts seeking practical, legal strategies to build wealth tax-free while gaining exposure to Bitcoin and digital assets.🎙️ Host: Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Adam Bergman – Founder & CEO of IRA Financial🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | irafinancial.com | YouTube: IRA Financial💡 In this episode:🎧

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil (@_dsencil) for an in-depth conversation on how coding, Bitcoin, and stablecoins intersect to drive financial freedom and global inclusion.From his early days as a developer to leading one of the most influential companies in crypto, Ardoino shares the story behind Tether’s evolution — and how USDT has become a lifeline for unbanked communities worldwide. He also breaks down the latest in stablecoin regulation, AI integration, and Bitcoin infrastructure investments, revealing how Tether is bridging digital assets with the real economy.This episode offers rare insight into Ardoino’s philosophy on open-source development, financial sovereignty, and why Bitcoin’s resilience remains the cornerstone of decentralized innovation.• How Paolo Ardoino’s coding roots shaped his crypto vision• The role of stablecoins in expanding global financial access• Bitcoin’s enduring strength and Tether’s investment in infrastructure• Why AI and blockchain are converging faster than ever• The path toward financial freedom through decentralizationA must-listen for developers, policymakers, and crypto enthusiasts who want to understand how Bitcoin, stablecoins, and open technology are laying the groundwork for a freer global financial system.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Paolo Ardoino – CEO of Tether🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | tether.to | @paoloardoino | @Tether_to💡 In this episode:🎧

Most NFTs are just pictures — but BetConstruct is doing something radically different.In this episode, Hayk Sargsyan (@betconstruct) joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil (@_dsencil) to explain how BetConstruct is transforming NFTs from speculative collectibles into real, yield-generating assets backed by revenue streams from its global gaming and technology ecosystem.Sargsyan breaks down how the company’s innovative NFT model links ownership to real-world business performance, allowing holders to share in the value created by BetConstruct’s network of brands and partners. The discussion explores how this approach could redefine NFT utility, drive mainstream adoption, and bridge the gap between Web3 assets and tangible economics.From on-chain revenue distribution to regulatory readiness and DeFi integration, this episode unpacks what it means to move beyond “digital art” toward NFTs with purpose, yield, and real-world value.• Why most NFTs fail to deliver lasting value• How BetConstruct ties NFTs to real business revenue• Building yield-bearing NFTs that function as productive assets• The roadmap for Web3 adoption across gaming and entertainment• How NFT-based ownership could change investment modelsA must-listen for NFT builders, DeFi innovators, and investors exploring how real-world revenue, tokenization, and blockchain transparency can transform NFTs into sustainable financial instruments.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Hayk Sargsyan – CEO of BetConstruct🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | betconstruct.com | @betconstruct | @_dsencil💡 In this episode:🎧

Michael Jerlis, Founder and CEO of EMCD, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to share how he built one of Eastern Europe’s largest mining and crypto investment ecosystems — and where he sees the future of Bitcoin mining heading next.Starting from humble beginnings in IT support, Jerlis has transformed EMCD from a regional mining pool into a full-scale crypto ecosystem ranked among the world’s top seven. Today, EMCD offers a multi-currency wallet, Coinhold for passive income, a P2P exchange, staking services, and even international payment infrastructure for miners and businesses.In this episode, Jerlis discusses the institutionalization of Bitcoin mining, EMCD’s global expansion into the U.S. and Ethiopia, and how transaction fees and Layer-2 innovation are reshaping mining economics. He also reveals EMCD’s vision to go beyond hash power — building a bridge between mining, payments, and investment infrastructure for the next era of decentralized finance.• How EMCD became one of the world’s top 7 mining pools• The evolution from mining-only to a full crypto ecosystem• Institutionalization of Bitcoin mining and the global expansion to the U.S. and Africa• The future of mining rewards, transaction fees, and sustainability• How EMCD is integrating wallets, staking, and payments into one platformA must-listen for miners, investors, and crypto entrepreneurs exploring how infrastructure, scalability, and innovation are shaping the next generation of Bitcoin mining and financial services.🎙️ Host: Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Michael Jerlis – Founder & CEO of EMCD🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | emcd.io | @emcd_io💡 In this episode:🎧

Fran Villalba Segarra, Founder and CEO of Internxt, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to discuss his mission to create a privacy-first, Web3-native digital ecosystem that puts users — not corporations — in control of their data.Internxt is one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech startups, valued at €40M+, serving over 1 million users, and growing 100% year-over-year. With a full suite of encrypted products — Drive, Mail, Send, Meet, Cleaner, VPN, and Antivirus — Internxt is redefining how people communicate, store data, and stay safe online.Segarra, a Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024) honoree, shares how a personal data-breach experience inspired him to build a zero-knowledge, post-quantum-encrypted cloud platform, designed so that Internxt cannot access, read, or sell user data. He also reveals how the company is accumulating a Bitcoin reserve by accepting crypto payments and mining BTC, underscoring Internxt’s belief in self-sovereignty, decentralization, and trustless design.From GDPR advantages to crypto integration and next-gen security standards, this episode dives deep into what a truly private internet looks like — and how Internxt is leading the charge to make it real.• How Internxt is building a post-quantum, zero-knowledge cloud ecosystem• The importance of privacy-first architecture in the Web3 era• Why GDPR gives EU tech companies an edge in data protection• Internxt’s crypto strategy: Bitcoin reserves, payments, and mining• Product roadmap: VPN, Mail, Cleaner, and the Google-suite alternativeA must-listen for privacy advocates, crypto builders, and tech entrepreneurs exploring how encryption, decentralization, and Bitcoin are reshaping the foundations of a safer, user-controlled digital world.🎙️ Host: Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Fran Villalba Segarra – Founder & CEO of Internxt🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | internxt.com | @Internxt | @franvillalbai💡 In this episode:🎧

“We’re building a new decentralized internet — and we want to connect with every deep protocol out there.”In this episode, Jason Brink (@BitBenderBrink), CEO of Datagram Network (@DatagramNetwork), joins Bitcoin.com’s Regina C. (@ReginaC3214) to discuss his bold vision for a collaborative, decentralized internet — one where blockchain ecosystems interconnect instead of competing for dominance.Brink shares how Datagram is rethinking the foundations of Web3 by enabling seamless protocol-level communication across blockchains, creating a multi-chain infrastructure where networks can share data, liquidity, and identity. The conversation explores how this interoperability-first approach could unlock the true potential of decentralization, bridging communities, protocols, and developers into a unified ecosystem.From the early days of crypto gaming to spearheading cross-chain architecture, Brink offers a compelling look at how collaboration, not isolation, will define the next era of blockchain evolution.• What a “decentralized internet” really means in practice• How Datagram is connecting deep protocols across blockchain ecosystems• Why collaboration beats competition in the next wave of Web3• Lessons from the evolution of crypto gaming and infrastructure• The future of multi-chain interoperability and network designA must-listen for developers, blockchain architects, and Web3 founders who believe the future of crypto isn’t about building walls — it’s about building bridges.🎙️ Host: Regina C. – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Jason Brink – CEO of Datagram Network🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | datagram.network | @DatagramNetwork | @BitBenderBrink💡 In this episode:🎧

What do fuel smugglers, banknote holograms, and crypto have in common? More than you might think.At the Harmony Meetup in Armenia, Joe Galloso, International Sales Director at Authentix, joins Bitcoin.com’s David Sencil (@_dsencil) to explore how anti-counterfeit technologies are evolving — from protecting national currencies to securing digital assets and tokenized systems.Galloso pulls back the curtain on how Authentix, a global leader in authentication and supply-chain integrity, is developing advanced banknote security features, holograms, and polymer protections — and how those same principles are being applied to crypto and physical blockchain assets.He also discusses how Fastex has built a physical crypto banknote embedded with real-world security tech — bridging the gap between tangible value and digital finance. From privacy and polymer notes to the rising demand for trusted physical assets, this episode connects the dots between cash, crypto, and authenticity in the digital age.• What fuel smuggling, cash, and crypto have in common• How anti-counterfeit technology protects both fiat and digital assets• The innovation behind Fastex’s physical crypto banknote• Why privacy and polymer banknotes are making a comeback• How trust, transparency, and authentication are converging in Web3A must-listen for blockchain innovators, fintech professionals, and security experts exploring how anti-counterfeit innovation is redefining trust and transparency across both physical and digital economies.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Joe Galloso – International Sales Director, Authentix🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | authentix.com | @Authentix_Inc | @_dsencil💡 In this episode:🎧

Web3 gaming won’t win by shouting “Web3.” It’ll win by being fun.In this episode, Domenik Maier, Founder of StrayShot and iBLOXX, joins Bitcoin.com’s Regina C (@ReginaC3214) to unpack how AAA-quality gameplay, seamless UX, and AI-powered development tools are setting a new standard for blockchain gaming.Maier shares how his team is bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 by focusing on entertainment first — not token speculation. From StrayShot’s fast-paced shooter mechanics to AI tools that streamline development, the conversation explores how immersive design and accessible onboarding are key to winning over mainstream players.The result? Games where players don’t even realize they’re using blockchain — they’re just having fun.• Why shouting “Web3” isn’t a winning strategy for game adoption• How AAA-quality design and UX drive real engagement• The role of AI in accelerating Web3 game development• What StrayShot and iBLOXX are building for the next generation of players• How seamless onboarding can bring millions into blockchain gamingA must-listen for developers, gamers, and investors who believe Web3 gaming succeeds when it feels invisible — where fun, quality, and ownership converge naturally.🎙️ Host: Regina C – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Domenik Maier – Founder of StrayShot & iBLOXX🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | strayshot.game | @StrayShotGame | @iBLOXXOfficial💡 In this episode:🎧